But Kdrama--the romance, the story-lines, the actors, the exotic locale (to me at least)--it's irresistible. Thanks to Netflix, I've fallen head over heels.
However, as my one loyal reader keeps reminding me (thanks, Awesome!), my addiction has caused me not only to neglect the housework, but blogging as well. And, while I started this post about my favorite dramas three months ago, the list grew so quickly that I gave it up. So here I am with a [very] abbreviated list of my favorite dramas.
1. Heartstrings (aka You've Fallen for Me)
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
A talented young rock guitarist at a performing arts university, Lee Shin seems much more cold and aloof than he really is. This is partially because he is constantly bombarded with disgustingly adoring fans of his band, The Stupid, and also because his sole passion is music. This all changes, albeit gradually, when he meets Lee Gyu Won, a Korean traditional music major, who not only doesn't scream and swoon when he's around, but who thinks his music is soulless and boring. Their clash leads to a music battle to see which genre will win, rock or classical. A lot of music, conflict, and cuteness ensue, all in the setting of a university campus.
This drama is my all-time favorite. I watched it 3 times in a row, then bought the DVDs and watched it again. The initial allure was definitely the actors. Jung Yong Hwa and Park Shin Hye are my favorite Korean actors to date, and I loved them both in You're Beautiful, where they were adorable together, but didn't end up as a couple (which basically broke my heart). Seeing them again in this drama, where they fall in love, was very sweet and satisfying.
I also loved the music. Both leads perform several songs, and some of the other actors sing and play as well. This series was my first introduction to Korean traditional music. I had no idea it was so beautiful! There are also some fusion pieces with Korean instruments and electric guitars, which were strangely enchanting.
Since this drama, I've watched many, many others, several of which I would totally own. However, Heartstrings continues to be my absolute favorite. It's a little akin to my favorite comfort food. Even the intro music makes me smile and get warm fuzzies.
2. You Are Beautiful
from koreandrama.org
A nun-in-training, Go Mi Nyu pretends to be a boy to temporarily take her twin brother's place in an uber-famous boy band. Drama happens as all three fellow bandmates begin to discover she's really a girl and consequently fall in love with her.
As I've mentioned before, this was my first Korean drama, and will always hold that special place in my heart. It was definitely my favorite actors that made this series pop for me, along with the love story. The show is probably not recommended for a first-time viewer, because it is incredibly cheesy and over the top. Still, it was a lot of fun, and it remains the only Kdrama, other than Heartstrings, that I have watched more than once.
3. Dream High
from FanPop.com
Dream High is about a group of misfits who join a snooty performing arts high school in the hopes of becoming the next big star. Only one student will be chosen. As they develop their musical ability, they experience some of the bullying and prejudice that can be rampant in high school, especially because they are all so darn talented that it threatens several of the other students. This show is packed with music, dancing, and surprising friendships, as the students discover themselves and, for several, love.
I love voices, and this show had the most great singers. I frequently look up some of the songs on YouTube because I like them so much. This show also had a love triangle among the lead actors where, surprisingly, I would have been equally happy where either guy ended up with the girl. That is a pretty unusual occurrence in Kdrama-land.
So there you have it: a few Korean dramas that I love.
