The Best, Must-See K-Dramas #1

So, thanks to the wonderful Psy*, liking Korean things has become ever so slightly less nerdy** for us American TV addicts. And, thanks to Netflix & Hulu, it's becoming easier and easier to access the awesomeness.

*Can someone enlighten me as to how that guy stays chubs while doing that dance all the time?! That galloping with arms extended thing is no joke, people.
**The first reaction I usually get is, "You watch shows with subtitles?" --perplexed look--


Compared to the Korean drama fandom (even excluding native Koreans) I am by no means an expert, but as this blog seems to be based on my giving out advice without prompting or superior knowledge, let the recommendations begin!


(Summaries from Asianwiki.com & my brain)

1. Big

18-year-old Kang Kunk Joon's spirit suddenly finds itself in the body of 30-year-old Seo Yoon Jae (Gong Yoo) . Seo-Yoon-Jae is a successful doctor and engaged to high school teacher Gil Da-Ran (Lee Min-Jung). Gil Da-Ran just so happened to be the teacher of 18-year-old Kang Kung Joon (who's now in her hubby-to-be's body). More problems ensue when questions begin to surface that make Gil Da-Ran doubt Seo Yoon Jae's love and appreciate Kang Kung-Joon's sincerity. Kpop star, Suzy from Miss A, drops in to play the high school girl obsessed with Kang Kung Joon.

Things you might like about this drama:
1. FANTASTIC SOUNDTRACK (Please keep reading.. I just really love good music)
2. Gong Yoo can make you swoon and laugh.
3. Magic in the real world that doesn't seem overdone (which is the trademark of...)
4. HONG SISTER DRAMA(s). The Hong sisters are like the Poehler-Fey team of Kdramas.
5. Big brings up an interesting question, "what do you really need to have a successful relationship?" & "How far would you go for it?"
6. It's available on YouTube for free. Search "Big sub eng ep 1." (also available in ESP)

Things you might hate:
1. The last couple of episodes provide no dénouement and only a little catharsis. It's as if the Hong sisters completely ran out of money and motivation. Or maybe their periods synced up. (little 30 Rock humor for ya!)
2. Hong sisters always have a superfluous female nemesis that stays around for too long.
3. Mary Kay Letourneau ish...ness...but not really.

Plot sounds too weird for you? Give it a chance anyway. I don't usually dig sci-fi nor fantasy, but the Hong Sisters must have prayed to Korean Jesus cuz they've got the magic touch.