Few Things I like about Secret Garden

I've finally completed Secret Garden! My late night shows for a few weeks that have been screwing up my sleeping patterns. This drama was a hit in S.Korea and similarly was a main topic among those who are studying Korean, except for me who was too lazy to follow the hype.
Until Xiu told me that it really is a must-watch...and wenjie who doesn't really watch dramas was saying that its one of the best Korean drama that he has ever watched.

So erm, I was bored and I started episode 1 and became hooked within 15min.

Not going to say what the drama is about, there's sypnosis out there on worldwideweb as well as recaps, but just going to say the few things I like about this show



1) The visual palette. ITS LOVELY. Note that I don't mean looking at the actors/actress here (yes they are good-looking, but most Korean stars are kinda good-looking anyway. no biggie)
These stills are just those that I can find. There were really many nice ones to look at, The snow resort, the big house itself that looks so chic, the walks among the woods etc Coupled with the soundtracks, they make the whole show looks poetic and there's a melancholic feeling of being confused over love evoked.

2) Hyun Bin and Ha-Jiwon. They are the lead and part of the script consist of them switching soul. Totally hilarious and I feel that their acting is really top-notch. Perfect in acting as each other. It was amazing looking at how gay Hyun Bin can act as while acting as his character with the girl lead's soul in him. (Means a girl's soul in a male body) They pin the details down carefully, not just the dialogues but mannerism.

Clear display of  having to take on the opposite lead's character mannerism

Example of how gay Hyun Bin can look while acting as a girl, as opposed to his usual image:

3) The witty dialogue as well as many classic moments. The most famous lines from the drama is by the character Joo Won (act by Hyun Bin) who is a president of a expensive department store (think owner of orchard ION) and he's a perfectionist in his work and does his best, besides being really rude. So his famous lines: 'Are you sure? Is this the best?' on top of him throwing the files on the table to his subordinates as well as his many other lines are just really memorable.

Same goes for the other characters in the cast.

4) The love stories, with happy endings. nuff said.

They have kids in the end! Even if the mother did not approve the relationship, disown his own son and ignore them for 5 years after they get married, she loves the grandkids. :)

& that's good imo, shows that the character has consistency and that nothing is easy in this world. Beside that, its still important to respect the elders and remember to bring the kids to visit the elders frequently even if the you are being treated coldly/harshly.

Btw Korean kids has to be the cutest thing ever (other than Japanese kids). Must be the language.

5) Lastly, there's a scene that I really like in the drama. Actually its the lines, said by the character Yoon Seul.

"Have you ever wanted to die because of a women?" "No." "Then let me tell you. Being unable to eat and sleep is the basic. Waking up in the middle of the night is a daily routine. Because the one you had loved had turned into someone else...also can't whine to each other, fear of being scolded by that person. So you cry by yourself. But what hurts the most is that the person actually simply doesn't miss me. Only like the way I am. Is like that person has forgot about me and simply be happy alone. All you want to do is die but you can't die either. Because you're scared you won't see that person again."

This drama has many lyrical lines like that, not all are as sad though.

So there, end of my review. This drama is the first love drama I watch since last year April. I'm glad I'm starting to watch Korean love drama again cos I feel really happy watching the show. =D

To recognize bits and pieces of Korean phrases and words shows that Korean lessons are paying off.

Show's over. The actor Hyun Bin just entered the Marines to serve National Service on Monday.
In the meantime if there's time, I would love to watch other dramas and movies starring him because he's really one charming talented actor. :)