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Kolorful Palette: Reach out and touch someone [Angel Eyes]

I’ve come to the realization that I’m in a bit of a drama slump right now. Or maybe it’s dramaland itself that’s in a slump? Whatever the reason, none of the current dramas have really sunk their claws into me. Angel Eyes has its flaws (okay…many flaws) but at least it has that pretty soft lighting that I’m such a sucker for. I didn’t think I was going to make it through Episode 3, but I actually found myself enjoying the show a lot more by the end of Episode 6.

The back-to-back plot contrivances and drama cliches were very difficult to stomach initially. The male protagonist grows up to be a genius doctor who puts all other doctors to shame? The female lead is feisty and judo-throws people who annoy her? They can’t be together because of circumstances regarding their parents? How original. Those things don’t honestly bother me much though, since they’re easy to forget on a scene-to-scene basis. What bothers me is the forced drama and emotion within the scenes. I don’t think any sane grown-up would laugh with joy for no reason while washing a vehicle at work, but I guess it’s convenient if your first love is watching you after not seeing your face for 12 years. I also don’t think that any one of the many obstacles standing in the path of the OTP is strong enough to realistically keep them from trying to be together, so it’s hard for me to feel a lot of empathy while they pine away. In general, it feels like the characters are constantly changing for the sake of generating story, and that’s not how real people work.

All that being said, this drama does have moments that feel honest and poignant, and I find myself feeling surprisingly emotional at times. I do still miss the younger cast, but I’m thankful that we’re getting some new flashbacks that include them, along with scenes like the one above. I like that the leads haven’t really connected as adults yet, and are still more invested in their memories than they are in the present versions of each other. The fact that they’ve changed gives their story somewhere to go (outside of dodging plot contrivances). I’m hoping the story will be more about them falling in love again and less about boo-hooing when they learn of the various connections between their parents.

The greatest tragedy so far is that Dong-joo picked up a Seoul accent as an adult, but I’m hopeful he’ll revert to his country accent when he’s with Soo-wan. At least we have Seungri’s odd pidgin-tongue to listen to in the meantime. His part is small, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Another tragedy is that Kim Ji-seok (as Ji-woon) is once again playing the perfect second lead that you can’t help but root for. I felt bad enough for him in I Need Romance 2012, and in Angel Eyes he’s such a good friend to the competition that I feel even worse. Can someone please give this guy a lead role?

I already mentioned the pretty lighting (which reminds me a little of Yoon Seok-ho’s Endless Love dramas) but the scoring has its moments too, and it’s probably been largely responsible for the scenes I’ve appreciated without me even realizing it. Bust out a cello and it doesn’t really matter what’s happening! I will have all the feels.

The only drama that really hooked me recently was God’s Gift, and we all know how that turned out. The ending was so soul-crushing (primarily due to its lame execution) that I think I’m going to have trouble feeling committed to a drama for quite some time. This has happened before, and I know that one great drama is all I need to be cured. I’m counting on you summer dramas!

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I was waiting for someone to recap this but guess it's not gonna happen. And I loved that scene. It was so touching. I miss the younger couple too

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Agree...younger couple much better in delivering their emotion. I crying with kim ha naeul in sad scene.

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I kind of agree with you regarding the flaws of this drama. It's just so typical and I don't mean that in a bad way. Strangely though, I am still stuck watching it and getting drawn to it. Might be that I'm just waiting for "You're All Surrounded"... But well, let's hope that this doesn't get any worse...

I really miss the younger cast as well. Kang Haneul and Nam Jihyun did a heart wrenchingly amazing job with the characters.

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No matter how much I try, I cannot seem to like Goo Hyesun's take on Soowan. She just tends to overdo it with the tough manly thing. Nam Jihyun built a great foundation of the character, but GHS went ahead and stomp her tough little feet all over it.

Lee Sangyoon fared only a wee bit better with Dongjoo. I can see the bashful and cheeky Dongjoo, but it was overshadowed a lot in the last few eps by so many bitter brooding moments.

Until now, I'm hanging on for dynamic already set by Kang Haneul and Nam Jihyun. If things don't get better, mehh, another drama to drop..

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I love your art, but I disagree with one of your comments! I always giggle coquettishly while I scrub my Hyndai. (Because you never know who might be watching.)

I also pose as I take out the trash. . .blow kisses when I pick up the dog poo, and basically, pretend like I'm always "on camera."

And I'm very sane. : )

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I miss Kang Ha Neul too. He's definitely the one who made me fall in love with this drama but, I like Lee Sang Yoon. He is seriously sexy!

And i hated Goo Hye Sun with a passion as Jan Di. But she IS talented. That girl writes books, paints and directs her own films. I think melodrama is her forte. I like her in this drama.

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Agreed that the couple right now is more invested in their memories of each other than anything else. I mean this whole jealousy tug of war thing between the love triangle isn't supposed to happen until at least ep 10, when viewers have had a chance to become invested in the characters and the couple itself. Instead, we haven't even had time to get to know the adult dongju and suwan before they start throwing themselves at each other.

I was having continual issues with the script, who was the writer for this? what other things has she written?

PS though, glad to see Goo Hye Sun has been able to improve her acting chops while she was away. Really gets into her character. Lee Sang Yoon on the other hand... not really feeling him. Love his eye crinkles and all, but doesn't seem to have very varied facial expressions...

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I am actually enjoying this drama very much and look forward to new episodes. unlike so many people who hated her as Jan Di, I just always liked her acting. it's a nice heart felt drama. I just can't wait for Gong hyo shin's drama and also you're all surrounded. thank you for that colorful pallets

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Did you see the director's cut version in the special ?
That execution was much better !
I am still pissed off that they decided to kill him which they have never explained satisfactorily, and which doesn't make sense at all but the director's cut actually lingered on the each of the moments that felt rushed.
The baddies getting arrested and being pulled away , soo hyun looking at the lake wishfully and sad rather than just the smile that infuriated so many of us, and the ending story going on just for a little longer !
Extra 5 mts of the footage made it little better !

Yet still ! What's done is done ! ?

And am in the same drama slump! Watching first two episodes of all dramas, just for sake of watching !

Hoping for the premieres this week to be better !,

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I keep planning on getting back to 'Angel Eyes', but I'm stuck with the impression, after five episodes, that it should have been over with after three episodes.

There just isn't any plausible plot to keep the drama going. He came back after twelve years, the girl he was sweet on is marrying a decent guy. He tells her, they agree that they once had feelings for each other, they get on with their lives. End of story.

The murder-for-body-parts plot gets made into a 90 minute Lifetime movie.

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Maybe I am slow, but I am still not getting why they cannot be together--other than the fact that they have not seen each other in 12 years and may be completely different people by now (heaven knows, I don't even like the clothes I wore 12 years ago). I do not get the whole parent thing at all.

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How GHS acts so unnatural, is beyond believe, but at least not as cringe worthy as her as Jandi (if you want to call it an improvement, so be it). I hoped all the child actors would stay whether Nam Ji-hyun or Kang Haneul (OMG he's so mesmerizing here!), but okay I'm gonna let go that hope. The reenact of the childhood first love coming back again sure induces knee jerk scorn reflex on me (I can't help it). Then I reached the end of episode six, arggg I want to watch the next episode!! Why is that happening to me?? I want to drop this show! Noo, I want to watch the next episode! But I hate that first love drama trope combined with organ transplantation issue! But I feel like to watch the next episode! =_=

There are reasons why I become K drama addict...

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I agree with a lot of what you said, and with most of the comments.

I got all emotionally invested in episodes 1 & 2, but subsequent episodes have been somewhat of a let down. Not "bad", but not exactly riveting either.

But I also like a lot of the scenes - this seems like one of those cases where the parts are better than the whole, or perhaps where the melo part does not fit well with the rom parts.

And I also have this dark premonition that it is going to veer soon into real melodrama territory - the spurned guys' mother has been making ugly noises on the sidelines already, and I fear that she will turn into the typical harpy (rejected) MIL that we know all too well.

As far as "..that’s not how real people work.." goes, it is too bad that almost no show or movie anywhere in the world does a good job on that front, though k-dramas are often go too far.

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Still enjoying although not as much as the first two episodes where the childhood portion shined.

The second lead here is another endearing one without being annoying (yet). It's too early to judge, but i really love the fact that he's super likable, not just annoyingly- clingy nice.
I give credit to Kim Ji Suk who makes this typical stock character shine. When will he get a lead role?
His budding bromance with our male lead is really too cute. Hopefully the writer doesn't make him annoying, much like other shows where they start off cute and then quickly become irritating with their cock-blocking ways for the sake of keeping the OTP apart.

His mom, started off decent, even nice, unlike typical evil mother in laws. But then you hear the ominous bgm play and you know the writers are teasing you with the idea that she'll go evil too.

Jung Hwa-shii, we miss you. K-drama mom of the year.

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So far I've seen episode 3, tonight's episode 4. I never could abide Goo Hye Sun, but I'm giving this one a chance for the sake of the rest of the cast members. I was so disappointed to see her name in the credits.
The minute she starts over-acting or the senseless and irritating gigling she's known for, I'm outta here. It won't be the first time I've done that because of her horrible acting. People here are saying she's improved and so I'll give it a shot. I really hope it's true.

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"I’m hoping the story will be more about them falling in love again and less about boo-hooing when they learn of the various connections between their parents."

Exactly my point. I am hoping REALLY hoping for this too! As far as the younger actors... well maybe I am the only one who doesn't miss them very much. I'm not one to jump on the Kim Ha Neul wagon because maybe for the fact that I was more impressed with the younger Joo Wan than him.

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Drama beans you should have recapped this drama. it is just so good to be ignored.PLEASE reconsider recapping it. Thank you

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Angel Eyes is everyone guilty pleasure. We all know how bad it is, how cliche, how cheesy, how unreal, how almost the whole show is a flaw, but most of us, knowing this fact, is enjoying this show more than what we expected.

But that aside, I genuinely think that the first and second episode of Angel Eyes is really, really beautiful and sweet. Both Kang Ha Neul and Nam Ji Hyun made it work, along with the sweet and nice script.

I confess, it was them, the teenager, the past that made me stuck with this drama. I'm not sure will the drama works the same for me without the amazingly done teenager part, and even until now, every time the flashback scene my heart is fluttering and I can't help but to wish more of Kang Ha Neul and Nam Ji Hyun.

I never really like Kang Ha Neul, not that I hate him, is that he just doesn't appeal to me. But he was MY everything in this drama. I could watch him over and over again, with his chemistry with Nam Ji Hyun.

The first and two episode alone could be my top favorite teenager drama. CAN'T SOMEONE DO SOMETHING WITH KANG HANEUL AND NAM JI HYUN IN BITTERSWEET ROMANTIC PROJECT. I AM DYING. I AM SCREAMING IN SOMEONE ELSE'S BLOG.

The adult hasn't done many things to me. I don't know Lee Sang Yoon before, but he is this sweet that he grabs my heart (in safe portion) quickly. Goo Hye Sun is fine here. Never like her in BOF, NEVER EVEN THINK OF LIKING BOF, NEVER EVEN BOTHER TO TRY.

Hye Sun and Ji Suk is ridiculously off chemistry (for me), both are fine alone, but together.. no.

In conclusion, the teenager part is my EVERYTHING, and i hope people talk more about it so i can shout along. and despite all the ridiculous flaw this drama presents, i enjoy it by far.

once again, KANG HA NEUL AND NAM JI HYUN EVERYONE.

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I have only myself to blame. Going in, I knew who the writer-nim was and I figured I would alternate between sobbing pitifully at the melo and wanting to use the punching bag in the garage to vent frustration, which is exactly what has happened. Several of us on the Soompi boards want to fly over to Korea and shake some sense into one or more of the characters, although I suspect we really need to get to writer-nim.

Loved the 1st 2 episodes! Kang Ha-neul stole the show!
Now I am hooked and it's too late. Yeah, there are some super-size flaws, but there are some good moments too.

I need a break from the off-the-charts intensity that is Secret Love Affair, and this drama works for me.

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just leaving another comment because it's really frustrating me how people are so determined to talk crap about ghs. i think she's doing a fantastic job. she doesn't come across as if she's being overshadowed by other's acting ability in the drama and she's personally been able to pull an emotional response from me a few times. i watched her in bof. everyone was terrible in that drama, not just her. but people seem to have made up their mind about her already and refuse to acknowledge that she is doing a pretty damn good job here.

i know a crap actress when i see one. i wouldn't even be able to watch her on the screen if that was the case. fair enough if you actually don't think she can act but be fair and don't let your first impression of her from years ago cloud a clear judgment when you are watching her.

that is all.

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The first 2 episodes is nothing short of magical, and that I believe is what has gotten most of us hooked into the show, barring existing GHS or LYS fans. I myself had little expectations and have completely written off this show before, seeing as how generic and painfully bland the synopsis was. But coupled with the astounding acting and chemistry between KHN and NJH, and the genesis of what must be the standard of every K-drama mom out there, Jung-hwa ssi (seriously, enough with the evil mother in laws, it's time to revolutionize the 'Angel Mom' tropes), garnished with a magnificent OST, and you have a winning formula.

True enough, the first 2 episodes was the highlight of the show, so far, and with the departure of the teenager counterparts together with angel-mom, the hype has silently fizzled from thereon. The chemistry between the teenager leads did not somehow translate fully into the adult counter parts, yet. However, individually, both GHS and LSY are performing good, and unsurprisingly, KHN and NJH had something special which is hard to follow. Nonetheless, it's an alright transition, as far as character execution is concerned.

GHS has always been heavily criticized as a chronic over-actor, which I concur, the Jandi days were just all sorts of unnatural that it came across funny more than annoying to me, to be honest. And she has properly redeemed herself on this one. It's the most natural acting I've ever witnessed from her--nothing award-winning, but definitely a vast improvement, and she deserve every praise that she receives for it.

Plot-wise, the biggest contrivance within the show is how PDJ has agreed not to let SW know about the donor of her eyes, which is his/their mom. I don't expect this card to be played until to the latest part of the show, as a last hoorah to milk the melodrama out of the show. But to those who have watched ep 7, it seems that there will be some subversion on the horizon. PDJ has decided not to run away anymore and has record-breaking shed the noble idiot trope. With one obstacle (stupid contrivance) out of the way, the only thing that SW's dad can hold onto right now is SW's relationship with JW, which to be honest, is all but discarded in a record-breaking manner just as well. Trust me, just watch ep 7. So there is definitely a very good chance that the "eye-reveal" will not be the greatest pitfall of the OTP's relationship after all, that is, if they keep with this pace of subverting tropes. And the reveal could very well happen right within halfway through, which have both benefits and consequences to it, I suppose. If they do keep with this pace, as I'm saying, then I'm kind of worried of what additional conflicts can the writer cook up to sustain the show for 10 more episodes. But that is neither here nor there for now. I'm still enjoying the show as it is.

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Agreed on all your astute points. It certainly does push and pull upon your heart, despite yourself!

I've had Maria Mena's 'secrets' on replay since episode 6! Wonderful song and very apt.

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I agree with you, this drama has every drama cliche known to man in it (which is irritating), but the surrounding and the lightening is amazing and draws you right in. I hope the story doesn't end up being draggy and painful.

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actually angel eyes is a drama since a loooooooooooong time, that hooked me up...maybe because of the young cast, i really miss them as well....but of course kdrama wouldnt be kdrama, if there werent so many clichees and typical storytelling. but i like it next to big man and a new leaf :)

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GHJ eyes is my problem. I always feel she has those dead eyes on, no feelings ... she can do good crying scenes and show some feeling through her face but her eyes... bothers me, I never feel she is being sincere, I always see the actress trying hard but not the character itself.

She improved? Yes. She is better than other actresses out there? Yes. But I can't feel her acting and feelings; that is too bad.

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ok i have to get this out and since this post is for angle eyes, what better place? Does anyone else agree with me that the older versions have 0 to no chemistry? Little soo wan and dong joo have SO MUCH DAMN BEAUTIFUL CHEMISTRY...and then time jump and...ugh. I just dont feel it. Im so sad. T___T I was so hooked on the show until they grew up and...yeah. I found myself skipping parts through episode 6.

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I was extremely excited to watch this series at first, tried to watch the first 4 episodes, and then stopped. I couldn't continue any further because it was just getting a bit boring. The typical girl can't recognize boy for certain reasons, crying, drama, girl is with another guy ... etc. I think I'll skip this one, sorry.

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THANKS for recapping!

>>>I’ve come to the realization that I’m in a bit of a drama slump right now. Or maybe it’s dramaland itself that’s in a slump? Whatever the reason, none of the current dramas have really sunk their claws into me.

You and many other Kdrama viewers, me included.

Regression? Retro?
Angel Eyes has all the cliches of the dramas of yore - tragedies, sinisters interfering parents, the deep dark skeletons, the possible I will be a noble idiot so you will never know the secret that must not be told ...

The first 2 episodes were well acted, nevermind the plot. The easygoing magic of that wonderful family, the natural chemistry between Dong-joo Jr, his mom and his sister all flowed so beautifully.

Kang Ha-neul was amazing. Was left wondering why he couldn't be play the part of the adult Dong-joo as well.

Surprisingly, Gu Hye-sun has improved (in my bks anyway). I was initially going to stay away when I saw Gu Hye-sun.
Would ditch those outfits though, esp those unflattering baggy pink jackets. Accordian-pleat long skirts, and white clunk shoes/runners? Long hair suits her, though that style (the bangs, the curls) are messy.

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I am a Filipina and got hooked on Kdrama because of Gu Hye Sun whom I first watched in BOF which I liked very much. Although, GHS is not that perfect as an actress, but then, she possesses a charism that just makes one like her. After BOF I tried watching her other dramas (both before and after BOF). As a a fan of hers, I really get affected with negative reviews about her acting. I do believe though that she has a lot to show granted that she'll be given a good script and handled by an excellent director.
At present, all that I can say is that I always look forward to every episode of her latest drama - Angel Eyes. Her acting is great (although, she still has flaws but they're minimal) and so are the rest of the cast of AE. Good luck and God bless...

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was hoping someone will do a recap for this drama since imo it's not that bad

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This drama had a lovely plot, but it lost it. The young actors were delightful because their relationship was natural, spontaneous and realistic. Now, after 10 years missing terribly each other, at 28 and 30 years old... not even a kiss? It's ridiculous. The scenes feel restrained and stiff. It should be a much shorter drama, and they are milking it. As things are discovered, the characters don't explain nor question the logical facts... I guess, so they can fill the next episodes and give them to us one by one. It's really unnerving.

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It's understandable that some people might say that the young characters have such SO DAMN BEAUTIFUL CHEMISTRY. and that's so damn true. They're obviously teenagers experiencing love with the people around them who cared the most. I myself were moved to tears because of their performance.
I did hesitate to watch the upcoming episodes of the drama but I'm glad I did watch them. I love the acting of the whole cast. . It's a melodrama but personally I think there's more to it. It's almost "complete" There's the love/romance, tragic flashbacks, painful heartaches, funny TEDDY and etc.
Angel Eyes is definitely worth watching.

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It's always a good idea to look for old dramas that you might have missed when current dramas fail to interest you. I'd like to suggest "Shut Up Family" and "Unexpected You". Both have awesome romances and family comedies, and are moving too. I just finished watching 90 Days, Time to Love. You might enjoy that too. It's a really well-made tearjerker with the kind of soft lighting you like. I think it handles the first love subject extremely well. Check it out~~~

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"Another tragedy is that Kim Ji-seok (as Ji-woon) is once again playing the perfect second lead that you can’t help but root for."

Totally second that! I wonder why no one gives him the lead in rom-coms??!!!

I'm still thinking whether I should still watch though...it is not that exciting and the plot is pretty standard.

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Am I the only who didn't join the Kim Ha Neul's bandwagon? Everyone keeps talking about him.

I wasn't AS impressed with him nor was I disappointed in him either. For some reason, I actually found some of his scenes a little irritating and cheesy, but that's just critical me.

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had the exact same feeling this wkend. Why am I still watching this cliche drama? I'm already watching another daily drama wt the same plot devices. this one isn't any better.

KHN & NJH & mom nailed it earlier. Then the adults arrived. GHS has improved, yet not enough. Yes she made me cry a couple of times, but I don't feel like she means biz to send the guy away. she didn't look awkward enough at dinner. She's still seemed compliant face & it's not hard to put KJS in his place (ie. Xman days), so it's dumb that she just sat there & let him do all the talking. then cry afterwards? Young NJH likely would have walked out. A couple of weeks ago SW was hugging him & over his shoulders.. so there's lacking of a true breakoff, via her actions/countenance.

I'm leaning towards dropping this one if it takes forever for the father fiasco to unfold. who cares that he's an emotional basket case? what's the point of the old detective & female cop.. so slow!

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I agree, GHS has improved. Her crying scene was well done, but too long. Meanwhile, her long lost, first love, just stands there & offers no comfort. I found that strange. Back to my opinion on why GHS seems to struggle in all of her dramas. (This will make her fans angry, but I'm willing to take the flack for my opinion.) I don't think she's attracted to men in her real life and therefore, when the role require GHS to act passionately in love, she struggles. She has never convinced me she's leading lady material.

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Is it possible there is more to the father's guilt? Story line keeps going back to solving the hit and run. Perhaps the father, under the influence, drove the car that hit Dong-Joo's mother.

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I love Teddy.

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I'm so late to this. I didn't even look at the synopsis for this. One look and I thought "contrived romance". I've been watching KDrama so long that anything in the title or pre-release stills that pronounce it to be filled to the brim with romance always makes me hesitate. Touche why I wanted until it was complete so I could marathon it and cut through what ever BS I don't want to see.

Anyway, I'm only just finished episode 1, without having read anything on the story other than knowing the chick is blind & the lead supposed to cure her [reminding me of At First Sight w/Val Kilmer & Mira Sorvino] and it was surprisingly good.

I wanted to post something about it because, not being a Korean speaker [I took Japanese in high school & college] I'm always at a loss when I watch the dramas and everyone reviews that someone's acting is wooden when it didn't appear to me to so much. Yes, I do see bad acting but I guess for me, without knowing dialect, accents, etc. and just going off of expression and inflection bad acting doesn't translate on me as much. ....SO... when I was watching Kang Haneul at first it didn't dawn on me who he was. I kept tilting my head *scratching* "why does this kid look so familiar"? Then I got it: AH! Yes. The rich singer guitarist dude from Monstar. ;) That "accent" made him come off different for me... and then I realized, I just noticed and figured out a different dialect. Pretty proud of myself having never learned one lick of Korean. hahaha... Anyway, I also came to the conclusion that the fact that I could figure it out either means Kang Haneul was over acting it or did so well I could see. I don't know which one it was but the episode was nice.

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...my love from the star is the best in my opinion. An

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