The Legendary Witch

Title:	The Legendary Witch
Alternate Title(s):	N/A
Genre(s):	Melodrama, Romantic Comedy, Crime, Suspense
Episodes	40
Network:	MBC
Year Produced:	2014
Available to Watch On:	viki, dramafans.org

Summary: Moon Soo In (Han Ji Hye) was happily married to the eldest son of the wealthy Ma family, owners of the Shinwha Group conglomerate. When her husband unexpectedly dies, the family frames her for embezzlement of company funds and sends her to jail for two years. It is there that she meets three women (Ko Du Shim, On Hyun Kyung, and Ha Yeon Soo) that change her life for the better and the man that will help her love again (Ha Seok Jin). After the women are released from prison, they support one another and gradually build new lives and find new love. But they all have strange ties to the Ma family making it difficult to forget the past until all the wrongs have been righted and the sins exposed.

RATING

♥♥♥½

Recommendation: Let's start off this recommendation with an acknowledgment that the first four episodes of this series are painfully dull and difficult to watch. However, if you can get past that hurdle the series recovers and quickly achieves "watchable" status. So much so, that this became a weekly staple in my k-drama viewing schedule for the last few months. This underdog tale does a nice job depicting the transformation of a group of women from victims in survival mode to competent and self-assured women capable of mastering their destinies. Han Ji Hye played it safe in the role of Moon Soo In and her performance was just okay. Undoubtedly, she was cast for her star power but the real strength of the series is the chemistry between the broader ensemble cast and the overall journey of the series. While the additional 4 episodes did not necessarily serve The Legendary Witch well, it did not hurt the undeniable charm that this show cast over its audience either. This is a must watch among the end-of-year dramas that closed out 2014 and took us into 2015.

Triangle

Title:	Triangle
Alternate Title(s):	N/A
Genre(s):	Melodrama, Crime
Episodes	26
Network:	MBC
Year Produced:	2014
Available to Watch On:	DramaFever, viki, dramafans.org

Summary: As children, the Jang brothers are separated after the tragic death of their father. Despite the eldest brother's efforts to care for and protect his siblings, they are torn apart and each set down a path that takes them in very different directions. Jang Dong Soo (Lee Beom Soo), the eldest, becomes a police detective while continuing to look for his missing brothers. Jang Dong Chul (Kim Jae Joong), the middle brother, finds himself homeless and begging on the streets, losing all his childhood memories in the process. He ultimately becomes a street thug. Jang Dong Woo (Im Siwan), the youngest brother, is adopted as a baby and raised by a wealthy CEO to be his heir. The three brothers cross paths as adults when they are drawn into the corporate and social politics surrounding the Dae Jung Casino and its relationship to the death of their father.

RATING:

♥♥♥½

"Look, Dong Woo, we need to have a talk ....."

Recommendation: Triangle is a thoughtfully produced k-drama with an excellent cast and clear path from start to finish. There isn't anything that can be called out as a major flaw in the series but it does lack that special something that might have bumped up its rating just a little higher. Kim Jae Joong shines in the role of Jang Dong Chul / Heo Young Dal and it feels like he found the sweet-spot with this character, having to be neither too good nor too bad. Likewise, Im Siwan is believable as the spoiled rich boy that has everything except his adopted father's love. There's not much to say about Lee Beom Soo - he's a pro and it shows in every role that he touches. It would have been nice for all three brothers to be together in more than just a few scenes but it rarely materializes. Onecould theorize it is a foreshadowing of things to come at the end. Overall, this is solid k-drama that is worth the investment of time. You won't regret it, particularly for fans of crime, melodrama, and Kim Jae Joong's abs.

First Look: March / April K-Drama Premieres

Angry Mom
Tag Line: My Mom Kicks Butt!
Thoughts: I love this k-drama! It is fun while tackling a serious topic. Kim Hee Seon is the front woman for this series in the role of Jo Gang Ja, a woman whose daughter is being bullied at school. Unable to find a resolution through the school and police, she decides to go undercover as a high school student and find the students responsible for beating up her daughter. Remarkably, she doesn't look that much out of place among the younger cast. Ji Hyun Woo plays the part of her homeroom teacher, taking on a much different persona than we last saw in Trot Lovers. I give him credit for branching out and showing some range but he doesn't seem quite comfortable in the skin of Park No A. Some might disagree but he is a competent actor and within the next episode or two he'll most likely hit his stride and figure out to own this role. This series might seem simple at first glance but a lot of foundational plot points have been laid down and I think we'll see this story grow more complex and interesting across its 16 episode run.

Bluebird's House (aka House of Bluebird)
Tag Line: Wild Chives Re-Packaged
Thoughts: This one feels oddly similar to Wild Chives and Soybean Soup given that it involves the unique connections between three very different families as the basis of the plot. The primary story focuses on the younger generation as they work through the challenges of growing up, finding jobs, and handling romantic relationships. The elder generation will likely be the source of the younger generations heartache as sins of the past are slowly revealed (and or continue to be concealed at all costs). Lee Jun Hyuk headlines the series alongside Lee Sang Yeob as the eldest sons of the Kim and Jang families respectively. The veteran cast includes well-known names like Choi Myoung Gil, Cheon Ho Jin, and Lee Hye Sook. The start of this k-drama is a little slow but there are some immediately relatable characters and the foundation for what’s to come is strong. I’m not in love with it but I think I’ll stick around for more.

Divorce Lawyer in Love
Tag Line: I hate you. I ...love you?
Thoughts: This romantic comedy is an exploration of love, marriage, and the lawyers that can help you bring it all to an end. The first two episodes have been an interesting clash of personalities and philosophies with Lawyer Ko Cheok Hee (Cho Yeo Jeong) ready to help anyone that wants a divorce and Lawyer So Jung Woo (Yeon Woo Jin) wanting it to be a measure of last resort. Together, they strike just the right balance as something between allies and enemies. Shim Hyung Tak is a supporting character in another role as a lawyer, though this character is less inclined to actually practice the law. But he does take his shirt off. Overall, I have high hopes for this romcom. I enjoyed Yeon Woo Jin in Marriage, Not Dating and I think this is a great follow-up project to cement his place as a leading man. Tune in! I will be.

Falling in Love with Soon Jung
Tag Line: New Heart Turns into New Love
Thoughts: This isn't exactly a new story. A man with a sick heart and sick soul receives more than be bargains for when he gets a heart transplant - some of its former owner's soul. Jung Kyoung Ho leads this series as Kang Min Ho, also known as James Kang. He's out for revenge against the Uncle that stole away his father's company but his heart is failing and time is running out. Jung Kyoung Ho is fascinating to watch on-screen because of the intensity he brings to his role. He is a nice contrast to the level headed Kim Soon Jung, played by Kim so Yeon. Jin Goo seems short changed in his role as the heart donor so I am curious how he will be incorporated after the death of his character. There is no denying this is an overdone plot that could easily feel derivative of other works. But, I found the first two episodes fast-paced and exciting. It never felt stale. I am looking forward to what is next and how this old tale receives a new heart of its own.

Heard it Through the Grapevine
Tag Line: Baby Mama & Baby Daddy & Baby Family Drama
Thoughts:  Lee Joon headlines this melodramatic look at unplanned teen pregnancies. Drunk on hormones and away from their parents, Seo Bom (Ko Ah Sung) and Han In Sang (Lee Joon) take their relationship a step further than either of them planned. They agree to separate afterwards with a promise to reunite after the college entrance exams but Han In Sang is unable to locate Seo Bom at any point after that. He eventually uncovers her current address only to discover she is 2 weeks away from giving birth to their child. Chaos ensues... The first two episodes have been somewhat standard fare for the topic and genre. No surprises. Lee Joon is convincing as an oppressed teen with depression and self-confidence issues, wilting in the shadow of his successful father. At best, this will be a comedic romp through the trials of unplanned parenthood and crossing the bridge between lower and upper class. At worst, it will be a draggy soap opera that focuses heavily on a tragic love overcoming obstacles. I'll let it pass with an "okay" ...for now.

Hwajung (Splendid Politics)
Tag Line: The king is dead. Long live the king.
Thoughts: This historical drama centers around the ascension of Prince Gwanghae (Cha Seung Won) to the throne of Joseon and Princess Jeongmyeong's (Lee Yeon Hee) desire for revenge against him. The first two episodes have been fast paced and full of political intrigue. But one of our main characters is still a child and most of us are probably waiting for the story to fast forward. If the description of the series reads true, the Princess will be fleeing from the palace and disguising herself as a man. Let's be honest, here. The disguise-yourself-as-a-man thing is a bit overdone. Most of the time, the actresses looking nothing like a man and then the audience ends up questioning the intelligence of the people around them. Still, I like Cha Seung Won and I'm willing to watch anything with his name attached to it. I'll yellow light this one until the direction of the plot becomes clearer.

Missing Noir M
Tag Line: Former FBI Agent with a Dark Past
Thoughts: I have said it before but the crime/mystery genre isn't my favorite. That being said, I have really enjoyed the series so far. The story follows former FBI Agent James Gil (Kim Kang Woo), who has returned to South Korea after resigning from his post. Being well-known for his intelligence, he's immediately called upon to help the police solve a difficult case. Kang Ha Neul guest stars as a seemingly crazy inmate in the first two episodes and it sets a nice tone. While it clearly bears all the hallmark traits of an OCN drama, there's something slick about it that I like. Park Hee Soon and Jo Bo Ah around out the Scooby gang.

My Unfortunate Boyfriend
Tag Line: No Min Woo's Abs
Thoughts: I really want to like this one because I like No Min Woo. He's a talented actor with a knack for picking interesting projects. But this one feels like a dud. This series has a similar premise as Ho Goo's Love, an innocent guy falls for a not-so-innocent girl. But the characterization of the leading man is completely different. Ho Goo is emotionally aware and chooses to be a good person. Mr. Unfortunate is an emotionally stunted adult that acts like a 10 year old boy. I find it hard to imagine how this character functions as an adult, much less falls in love with a woman. And, as much as I like seeing a toned six pack, I found all the shirtless No Min Woo moments way over the top. I know, right? The other characters are nothing special and there isn't anything that happens in the first two episodes that is intriguing. Maybe this will get better but it certainly is off to a rocky start. Thumbs down for me.

Who Are You: School 2015 
Tag Line: The Prince & The Pauper - K-Drama Style
Thoughts: I understand that the "School" series has some precedence with tackling important issues facing the school system and students in South Korea. For that, I can appreciate it.  In fact, I just finished watching School 2013 recently and I was impressed with it. This season the series is covering the topic-du-jour of school bullying. Kim So Hyun plays Kim Eun Bi, a young woman being bullied at school because of her poor background. She's also playing the role of Ko Eun Byeol, a young woman at a respected high-school that goes missing during a class trip. Despite the rather dramatic plot turns that makes this feel more like a mystery than an exploration of educational systems, I found myself engaged with the story and the characters. School 2015 might lack the star power of Kim Woo Bin, Lee Jung Suk, and Daniel Choi but I think it will still leave a memorable impression when it is all said and done.

Sensory Couple
Tag Line: He can't feel pain. She sees smells. Perfect Couple.
Thoughts: I briefly forgot that Park Yoo Chun is a great comedic actor. Sensory Couple (aka The Girl Who Sees Smells) has been a great re-introduction to his broad range of talent. Taking on the role of Choi Moo Gak, he is a young man struggling with the death of his younger sister, Choi Eun Seol, at the hands of a serial murder known as the Bar Code Killer. He quits his job and joins the police force hoping he can find the killer himself. Another young woman, also named Choi Eun Seol (Shin Se Kyung), escapes death at the hands of the same serial killer but loses her memory in the process. When she regains consciousness, she discovers that she has the ability to see smells. Their combined forces might just be the thing needed to capture a killer. I am not a big fan of Shin Se Kyung, in general, but she's tolerable opposite Park Yoo Chun. And, I've enjoyed the first two episodes. I smell success in the air - provided this series can stay the course and avoids relying the trappings of a superhuman ability as a replacement for a solid plot and good acting.

Super Daddy Yeol
Tag Line: Bachelor -> Daddy Boot Camp
Thoughts: I'll admit that I wasn't Lee Yu Ri's biggest fan coming out of Jang Bo Ri is Here (review pending). She consistently committed the crime of overacting and only seemed capable of dialing her performance down to a 1 or up to a 10 while missing all the nuances in-between. That being said, I am pleasantly surprised by her performance thus far in Super Daddy Yeol. She's showing much greater range in the role of Cha Mi Rae and has great on-screen chemistry with her leading man, Lee Dong Gun. This time around she's tackling the role of a single mother that has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has one year left to find a suitable father to care for her daughter when she's gone. Out of options and short on time, she happens to cross paths with her first love Han Yeol, who has remained single since their painful break-up 10 years ago. Lee Dong Gun is convincing as an emotionally scarred former pro-baseball player that has been reduced to coaching for the team for whom he once played. Bonus, he dances in his underwear. This is a great series to welcome in the change of seasons with a lot of laughs, tears, and heart.

Unkind Women
Tag Line: Women Only!
Thoughts: The first episode of this series, quite frankly, is underwhelming. The story centers around a family consisting of only women - three generations of them. The men have died, run off, etc... And, each member is struggling with a personal issue that is hindering her quality of life. Blah. Blah. Blah. It was hard to care. I finally sat through the second episode and it started to come together, even intriguing me. The women in the family started to feel more understandable and the story took some interesting turns. On top of that, I got to see more of two of my favorite male actors: Song Jae Rim and Kim Ji Suk. The female cast is nicely dine and features some powerhouse talent. I think I'll give this one a go.

Coming Soon:

• Let's Eat 2 (2 episodes to watch)
• As a side note, I'm struggling to bring myself to watch this one given the absence of Lee Soo Kyung. =( 
• Queen's Flower
• The Producers (May 10th)

Wild Chives & Soybean Soup

Title:	Wild Chives & Soybean Soup: 12 Year Reunion
Alternate Title(s):	N/A
Genre(s):	Melodrama, Romantic Comedy
Episodes	26
Network:	JTBC
Year Produced:	2014
Available to Watch On:	DramaFever, Hulu, dramafans.org

Summary: Wild Chives & Soybean Soup is a k-drama that has several intertwined stories that all revolve around three families: Yoo, Jang, and Joo. The primary story begins in 2002 with high school students Yoo Joon Soo (Lee Won Geun/Nam Gung Min) and Jang Gook (Yoon So Hee/Lee So Yeon), who fall in love and conceive a child after a night of drinking and celebrating a World Cup win. The families quickly object to their relationship and they are ultimately torn apart. Jang Gook, unable to cope, flees to the US to heal her broken heart. The show then fast forwards 12 years and the couple is reunited by a strange twist of fate. Other key narratives involve friendship, parent-child relationships, one-sided love, marriage, and divorce.

RATING:

♥♥♥

Sad. I wish it had more episodes.

Recommendation: It is a little difficult to review this k-drama because it was just starting to hit its stride when the series was canceled. Consequently, the ending is rushed and somewhat disappointing with many of the major plots being resolved inadequately or not at all. I think it is worth a watch but with an understanding that you'll be left with more questions than answers. While I personally feel that family themed dramas don't translate well into 50 episode arcs, I thought this one might be moderately successful. I was obviously wrong as the viewers didn't tune in for it. Still, the teen and adult cast are all strong actors and I wish them the best on their next projects.

Doctor Stranger

Title:	Doctor Stranger
Alternate Title(s):	N/A
Genre(s):	Medical Drama, Political Drama
Episodes	20
Network:	SBS
Year Produced:	2014
Available to Watch On:	DramaFever, viki, Hulu, dramafans.org

Summary: Doctor Stranger is an epic tale of true love conquering insurmountable obstacles. Park Hoon (Lee Jong Suk) is abducted as a child in order to force his father, a gifted heart surgeon, to perform surgery on the North Korean leader. The understanding is that they'd be returned to South Korea when the surgery is completed successfully. But a corrupt South Korean politician arranges for their execution instead. The North Korean government fakes the execution and the two become stranded in a foreign country without the means to return home. It is there that Park Hoon meets his first and only love, Song Jae Hee (Jin Se Yeon), and the two grow-up together with dreams of becoming doctors. But Park Hoon is placed into a brutal medical program where he is forced to experiment on living people - often taking their lives in the process. Meanwhile, Song Jae Hee is placed into a labor camp with her father. Fate plays a cruel trick on the star crossed lovers as they struggle to reunite and free themselves from the political machinations of the people that destroyed their lives.

RATING:

♥♥½
Dr. Stranger - Just Strange. 

Recommendation: The first two episodes of this k-drama are thrilling. They move fast and take the audience on a globe trotting adventure through South Korea, North Korea (at least a set that looks like it), and Hungary. It is exciting! I even believed, very briefly, that the prospects for this to be a "k-drama of 2014" were very good. Then, the show fast forwards a few years and permanently relocates to South Korea where it all falls apart. It feels a little bit like a k-drama written by committee: one person wanted it to be a medical drama, someone else wanted it to a suspenseful espionage thriller, and another person wanted an epic romance. Unable to make a decision, they added everything into the series. Perhaps if Dr. Stranger had focused heavily on one or the other the outcome might have been more satisfying. Even the relationship between Park Hoon and Song Jae Hee feels awkward and forced at times, the chemistry lacking. Eventually, I began to wonder if they knew what their characters were doing or thinking: "Am I a spy? Am I a doctor? Do I want to kill you or love you? I don't know!" At the very least, the surgeries were nicely choreographed and tense. I was reasonably sold on Lee Jong Suk and Park Hae Jin as talented surgeons. That's something, I suppose.

Big Man

Title:	Big Man
Alternate Title(s):	N/A
Genre(s):	Crime & Mystery
Episodes	16
Network:	KBS2
Year Produced:	2014
Available to Watch On:	DramaFever, viki, Hulu, dramafans.org

Summary: Big Man is a South Korean drama directed by Ji Yeong Su. A tale of lies and betryal, this k-drama follows Kim Ji Hyeok (Kang Ji Hwan) as he is intentionally misled by the wealthy Kang family, owners of the Hyunsung conglomerate, to believe he is their missing son. The reason for their manipulation is that they botched the attempt to steal Kim Ji Hyeok's heart for their sick son, Kang Dong Seok (Daniel Choi). When the family's evil intentions are revealed, Kim Ji Hyeok must go head to head with Kang Dong Seok in a high stakes battle of corporate espionage and black market dealings where the winner takes it all.

RATING:
♥♥

Big Man = Big Disappointment

Recommendation: There's no denying that I'm a fan of Kang Ji Hwan. The more of his work that I see the more I like him. But... Big Man is a disappointment. As one of the series that I was most anticipating in 2014, I hate giving it the proverbial thumb down. Kang Ji Hwan and Daniel Choi are each power house actors in their own right. And, together, they should have been a big win for this k-drama. But the characters are unlikable and most of them have few to no redeeming qualities. Even Kim Ji Hyeok, our hero, is loud, obnoxious, and just plain over-the-top, making him hard to love. It's either bad acting, bad direction, or bad writing - take your pick because all of them are suspects. That's not to say there aren't "moments" in the series that are genuine and strike the right balance between entertainment and suspended reality. The overall experience, though, is like being in a bad relationship. You think it will get better if you stick around just a little bit longer. Here's my warning: It doesn't.

First Look: January-February Premieres

Blood
Tag line: He's a vampire. He's a doctor. What's up with that?
Thoughts: The first word that comes to mind is... Twilight. I'm sorry, Mr. Director. But if you have a vampire running through the woods and killing a deer the comparison is inevitable. The good vs. bad vampires and the moody film quality aren't helping either. That being said, I confess that I enjoyed the first two episodes (and that I read the Twilight series). The premise of this k-drama is that a virus has infected people and turned them into vampires. Now, a secret battle is being waged between those looking for a cure and those that would use their supernatural powers for evil. One man stands at the center... Park Ji Sang. This role is played by Ahn Jae Hyeon and I found him believably vampirish. Ku Hye Sun, however, felt wrong for the role of Ji Sang's love interest. She's one of my least favorite actresses so I'll be watching with a critical eye.

Family is Coming
Tag Line: A Battle Royale for Billions ($$$)
Thoughts: I had put off watching this one despite the presence of Park Won Sook, arguably one of the most diverse character actors in k-dramaland, and Jin Yi Han (Empress Ki, My Secret Hotel). Frankly speaking, the premise sounded a bit cheesy and uninspired. It goes like this: A wealthy woman returns to the family she abandoned 50 years earlier in order to select the person that will inherit all the money she has earned while living abroad. Naturally, there are schemes-a-plenty as family members vie to inherit billions of won. After working my way through the first four episodes, I was mildly surprised. The series is lighthearted and enjoyable. It's more comedy than drama with the right amount of goofiness. Jin Yi Han takes on the role of the family's eldest son, who is something of a disappointment to them all. He's chosen to put the pursuit of his dream before financial security. Throw in a fake lawyer and an adopted son and the madhouse is complete. Happy viewing.

Fool's Love (aka Ho Goo's Love)
Tag Line: We kissed. She had a baby.
Thoughts: This is one of the more fun romantic comedies to hit the scene as we work our way through the winter season. Choi Woo Sik is adorable as Kang Ho Goo, a shy and lonely young man that is struggling to find success in his life. Thus far, he's failed at nearly everything including his love life. He randomly comes across a young woman he knows from high school (Uee), who also happens to be a national celebrity because of her status on the national swimming team, and they spend a fateful night together. As they part, they agree to meet several months later on Christmas day. Coming off the travesty that is Golden Rainbow, I am glad to see Uee take on a project like this. She felt like a completely different person as Do Do Hee and I enjoyed the on-screen chemistry with Choi Woo Sik. I am really excited to see how this series progresses!

Healer
Tag Line: Hottie in a Hoodie
Thoughts: While technically, the first broadcast was in December, I've decided to list it in January. This k-drama is fun and just a little bit addicting - in large part because of its leading man, Ji Chang Wook. There's no denying that he oozes charisma and has great presence on the screen. But the story is good and he's surrounded by a cast of talented actors that includes Park Min Young and Yoo Ji Tae. The basic premise of this action/thriller is that a young man works as a night courier called "Healer" - a person that will take any job spying, stealing, etc... as long as no one is physically hurt. When a job goes bad, he is framed for murder. The circumstances grow more bizarre as he investigates those responsible for the false charges and realizes they may have been involved in the death of his father. There's a little romance, mystery, and abs. Something for everyone.

Heart to Heart
Tag Line: Psychiatrist goes Psycho, Treats Patients Anyway
Thoughts: This particular k-drama is undeniably the product of TvN, following in the footsteps of similar romantic comedies such as Marriage, Not Dating and Flower Boy Next Door. The first episode starts with a bang and introduces us to a band of quirky characters: the shut-in, the police officer, and psychiatrist. Through a twist of fate, they all come together when the psychiatrist, played by Chung Jung Myung, is accused of stabbing his patient with a pen. The shut-in, portrayed by Choi Gong Hee, happens to witness the tail end of the event when she goes to his office seeking treatment - hoping to overcome her psychological issues to pursue a relationship with the police officer, played by Lee Jae Yoon. While this k-drama is...interesting..., I have trouble finding other words to describe it. It's lacking the cute factor of other TvN RomComs and the characters aren't immediately likeable - just weird. But I'm not giving up...yet. I think there is potential here.

Kill Me, Heal Me
Tag Line: WTF?!
Thoughts: This must be the season of weird in k-dramaland. My tag line summarizes my initial impression of the first two episodes. This series is so over-the-top-ridiculous that I have no idea if it is intentional or just bad directing/writing. The story, thus far, is about a young man that has developed multiple personalities after several traumatic events in his childhood. The strongest of these personalities is attempting to stage a coup and take charge permanently. This isn't a serious look at mental illness and when there is a shift from one personality to the other it is accompanied by silly special affects - such as a colorful flash in the eyes or the sudden appearance of tattoos that weren't there previously. Despite all this, the cast is fairly seasoned and talented with people like Hwang Jung Eum and Park Seo Joon. I'll keep watching if only because this is a bit like passing by a major accident and not being able to look away.

Maids
Tag Line: Riches to Rags
Thoughts:  After the first two episodes, I am intrigued by the premise. A woman of nobility during the Joseon era finds herself forced into slavery after her father is convicted of treason. She must learn to accept her new position in life while letting go of a love from her past. Starring Jung Yoo Mi and Oh Ji Ho, I have a lot of high hopes for the production. 
 

My Heart Twinkle Twinkle
Tag Line: Modern Re-telling of Beauty & the Beast
Thoughts: I could be entirely wrong about this series as only the first two episodes have aired. But it bears a lot of similarity to the fairy tale Beauty & The Beast. Let's recap the series to date: A cold and heartless young man is ruthlessly running his kingdom of chicken restaurants. He's surrounded by luxury but takes no joy in it. A father in town is struggling to support his family while his eldest daughter has taken on the burden of managing her sisters in the absence of a mother. When disaster strikes, the father seeks out the beastly young man to strike a bargain. I'm right, aren't I? Either way, Bae Soo Bin headlines this series with other popular actors such as Jang Shin Young, Lee Pil Mo, and Nam Bo Ra. So far, I'm hopeful for this series and I expect good things. But 50 episode runs are difficult to navigate. I'll know by episode 20 if this is a winner or loser. Still, I recommend this as a watch.

Seonam Girl's High School Investigators
Tag Line: Move over Babysitters Club. Hello, Detectives!
Thoughts: Surprisingly good. This k-drama only airs one episode a week so it requires a bit of patience if you are used to a weekly dose of two episodes. But its refreshingly funny and just quirky enough to make the wait worthwhile. Jin Jee Hee headlines this drama as An Chae Yool, a smart high school student with mommy issues. An Chae Yool has just transferred into Seonam Girl's High School at the urging of her grade-obsessed mother in hopes of boosting her GPA. But on her very first day she's attacked by the "biting man" and consequently wooed by the High School Investigators club to help them solve the mystery. From test-stealing to  bullying, the amateur detectives solve it all. This cast of off-the-wall characters will keep you guessing and laughing at the same time. It's a must watch for the winter season of new releases.

Shine or Go Crazy
Tag Line: Bad-Luck-Guy seeking Good-Luck-Girl
Thoughts: Loosely based on history, this k-drama is a mix of fact and fiction. Starring Jang Hyuk, the series explores the life of Prince Wang So, who is prophesied to bring bloodshed to the royal family at the time of his birth. When the prediction proves true, he is cast out of the palace as a young boy. He grows up in isolation on a mountain until he is eventually called back by his father, the emperor, to help him lead the country into the future. Wang So is reluctant to accept the offer but after a botched assassination attempt on his father he finds himself on the hunt for the attackers. It eventually leads him to a woman named Shin Yool (Oh Yeon So), who is one of two women destined to reverse his unlucky fate. The first two episodes have been fun with a lot of action. It certainly leaves the audience wanting to know more. Jang Hyuk adds the necessary flare to this drama with his big laugh but the rest of the cast is equally solid. This is a series that I'm looking forward to watching.

Spy
Tag Line: Son Spy vs. Mom Spy vs. Girlfriend Spy?
Thoughts: This k-drama headlines, the always handsome, Kim Jae Joong as a covert agent for the South Korean intelligence agency. By day, he's a special agent and by night he's the eldest son of a perfectly normal family - or so he thinks. But, as it turns out, his mother is a former spy for North Korea living under an assumed identity. Doh! Thus far, my instincts tell me that his girlfriend is a spy for North Korea, as well. But it is still TBD. Considering this is an action/suspense genre k-drama, I found myself just a little bored and checking the timer for how many minutes were left in the episode. Again, my gut instinct tells me that once we get through the plot set-up and character expositions that it will be non-stop action from episode to episode. It just isn't there...yet.