Kolorful Palette: Trucking along [Pride and Prejudice]
by Fanderay
I’m starting to wonder if there will ever be a week where a new drama doesn’t premiere, but thankfully I love checking out new dramas, even if it does mean getting a little behind on pretty much every other drama that I’m watching. My biggest problem lately is that all the new shows have had very strong beginnings, and that makes it way too difficult to know which to stick with. Pride and Prejudice is no exception.
Initially I was going to skip this one, especially once I realized how little it has to do with Jane Austen’s novel. I found it borderline offensive to copy the title of one of the world’s most beloved novels for a drama that doesn’t even have a Mr. Darcy, but I think I’ve come to terms with that. I also found it difficult to muster much enthusiasm for another legal drama, but I figured I should at least check it out when I saw it shoot to the top of the ratings chart. Thankfully Pride and Prejudice has a variety of story arcs to keep things interesting, and I wasn’t remotely bored.
For those who don’t know, Pride and Prejudice is about a team of prosecutors who fight against injustice, corruption, oppression, and authority (of course with a focus on protecting the weak and poor). Thankfully the team members aren’t as annoyingly self-righteous as they sound, and it seems like there’s a lot more to the the characters than meets the eye. Our main man is Gu Dong-chi (Choi Jin-hyuk), an experienced prosecutor with a bit of a playboy vibe (although I don’t think he actually is one). Five years ago he had a relationship with Han Yeol-moo (Baek Jin-hee) who has now joined the team as a newbie prosecutor-in-training. The love triangle is completed by the team’s young investigator, Kang Soo (Lee Tae-hwan), who could certainly take up a career in male modeling if the whole investigator thing doesn’t work out. He and Dong-chi are roommates and good buddies, so I’m expecting the situation to get awkward at some point.
At first Dong-chi and Yeol-moo seem like jaded lovers, but there’s definitely more to the story. I won’t spoil too much, but it seems like Yeol-moo found out that Dong-chi was working a case related to a death in her family, and assumed he swept it under the rug since it wasn’t resolved. He thinks that she just abruptly left for no reason, so he’s felt wronged all these years. As a result they’re both out to make each other’s lives miserable, but it’s a lot of fun to watch. The two of them are great together, and I think their characters are what inspire this drama’s title (if anything does). Dong-chi’s pride was injured by Yeol-moo leaving, and that’s what makes him lash out. Yeol-moo is incredibly prejudiced against prosecutors in general, and presumes they have corrupt motivations whenever it’s even a slight possibility. Has she not seen the way Dong-chi’s eyes crinkle when he smiles? I think smiley crow’s feet are a pretty accurate indicator of whether or not someone is evil.
The great thing about prosecutors in Korean dramas is that they get to do so much more than just prosecute. The fact that they get to completely oversee crime investigations and order around the police certainly makes for more exciting TV. It also helps that the cases in Pride and Prejudice essentially just act as a backdrop for the characters’ stories (although the cases themselves are fairly interesting in their own right). Besides the compelling plot of the leads, it seems like there is some mystery surrounding their team leader, savvy and efficient prosecutor Moon Hee-man (Choi Min-soo). He’s got some sort of history with Kang Soo’s criminal friend/father-figure, but I have no idea what that is just yet.
The scene I drew is of Dong-chi reflecting on his first meeting with Yeol-moo. She pretty much just jumped in his car and forced him to help her run away. She left a toy truck in his car and he almost returned it, but instead he stuck it in his pocket and stole it. Somehow despite his thievery of a childhood toy, Dong-chi managed to make the whole thing seem sweet (I guess it’s easy to relate to the impulsiveness of infatuation). This shot of him playing with the truck doesn’t just show that he can’t help but think about Yeol-moo, but also acts as an interesting visual link between their more serious connections. I’m pretty sure Dong-chi has no idea that the truck is related to a case, never mind one that involves his love interest. I wonder how long that misconception will last? I don’t want the two of them to start getting along too soon.
Overall I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice far more than I expected, and I’m happy to see Choi Jin-hyuk in a leading role again (which is where I think he belongs). Even though this show falls into the legal category it doesn’t feel overly legal-ish, and probably most people who like typical Korean romantic dramas would have a good time watching it. If you want to know more, Google wisely! Shockingly it turns out that “Pride and Prejudice” is a pretty popular search term.
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- Baek Jin-hee cast opposite Choi Jin-hyuk in Pride and Prejudice
- Choi Jin-hyuk up to play legal whiz in Pride and Prejudice
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- Daniel Choi offered leading role in Pride and Prejudice
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1 happymess
November 2, 2014 at 3:17 AM
Thanks! I'm enjoying this a lot so far! Nice to see it get some focus since it likely won't be getting recapped :)
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2 Xxvxx
November 2, 2014 at 3:18 AM
Thanks so much for this post! I've recently started on Pride and Prejudice too and I fell in love with it. I am amazed at how much chemistry Baek Jinhee and Choi Jinhyuk have! I read somewhere else that the document has something to do with her brother's death.. Hoping to see more of the rest of their dates~
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3 minitwin
November 2, 2014 at 3:19 AM
Sorry this is the first time I'm commenting on one of your posts! I've been a fan for a while now. :)
I'm completely loving Pride and Prejudice but the paper is driving me crazy. I started yelling at my screen "What is that!"...it was pretty pitiful.
So now I've found mutiple places that say it was a death certificate relating to her brother, but all that does is make me wonder why she was running away with that huge bag.
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riarallahssi
November 2, 2014 at 5:35 AM
Oh so that's what it was. Thanks for mentioning. I'm absolutely enlightened.
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Because of Reasons
November 2, 2014 at 6:08 AM
The subs I saw said it was a report card, which seemed to make sense to me because it had numbers on it, like 100, 99.5, etc., which could be grades/test scores. I don't think death certificates have that kind of thing on them. Anyway, any confusion will get cleared up eventually...
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harukogirl
November 2, 2014 at 9:41 AM
It's not a death certificate! haha. It's def. something to do with grades (I taught school in Japan, and I recognized the format immediately)
Someone on soompi translated part of it as being an SAT- like test, and more interesting, it has CJH's name on it, NOT the brother's. Speculation seems to be that she found her half at the scene of her brother's crime?
Guess we'll find out eventually ^^;;
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minitwin
November 2, 2014 at 12:09 PM
YOU ARE MY FAVORITE THANK YOU FOR TELLING ME!!
I thought the numbers thing was weird. Wow I'm gullible -_-
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kanz
November 2, 2014 at 2:35 PM
Ah, thank you! It drives me nuts this past week when I watched the show because I don't understand anything, beside Gu Dong Chi name written on it.
Hopefully it will cleared up soon or it has connection to bigger case.
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growingbeautifully
November 2, 2014 at 3:46 PM
Wait, you mean the torn paper had Koo Dong Chi's name on it??? All I caught looked like a date, "1999 20 12".
If that paper belonged to KDC, and they met in the Winter of 2009, it was a paper that was around 10 years' old.... when KDC would have been in high school (13-17 years of age)?
Why would that torn bit from so long ago still be with him in 2009 and I believe still was in his book in 2014?
Another question, does anyone know, ... why did she borrow 5,700 won from him? Thanks in advance!
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4 ujsid
November 2, 2014 at 4:16 AM
I checked out the first 2 epis of P&P mainly because of my love for his hotness CJH, and I am happy to say I actually liked it. This drama kinda gave me some Jdrama feel I dunno.
CJH's character is love for me, he is so incredibly cute in the flashbacks ? I hope this whole "misunderstanding" gets resolved fast!
Also the 2nd lead guy! How the hell did I overlook him in High School Savvy!!! He is hot!
Baek Jin Hee is as cute as always but her character is such a stiff lol. I SO loved her scene with Ace when she went to *SPOILER* rat on someone *SPOILER*.
Last but not the least, lets just talk about how strangely attractive Choi Min Soo is here!! Ahjushi feelssss ?
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5 sugarpunch
November 2, 2014 at 4:59 AM
Wow, what a coincidence this post got published at this time. I just watched two episodes of this back to back and I'm liking the premise.
Love the editing of scenes as well! The show keeps you on the edge of your seat for both the criminal cases and the prosecutors' personal lives.
Can't wait for more:)
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riarallahssi
November 2, 2014 at 5:30 AM
Hahaha! I just watched the two episodes back to back as well. I enjoyed both episodes. I can't say it wasn't a bit draggy (there's a bit of stiffness and some boring, sometimes confusing tones used in explaining the legal cases) but so far i'm enjoying it. I'm especially enjoying the chemistry with the love triangle and the romantic leads. Initially, the drama has a slight hint of melo to it. I wish there'd be more banters and arguments with the leads since that's quite fun to watch. I also wish the female lead would toughen up a bit. So far, she's projected as a nurturing, kind, feminine damsel that's always in distress and needs -and has- a rescuing knight in the male lead, and even the second lead.
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growingbeautifully
November 2, 2014 at 4:00 PM
Yes, definitely we need more fun conversations and more meaningful explanations between the 2 leads.
What struck me about Yeol Moo is how she flips from angry/unfriendly to smiling sweetly even with her eyes, in a split second. The guys are going to get confused by all these mixed signals.
Underneath that weak damsel and kissing-up-to-the-boss exterior is a tough cookie out to get revenge and to prove herself, but she may not be wise enough yet to know how to take on the job and the guy(s).
I wonder if by openly declaring revenge on Dong Chi and by showing that she is into 'appearances' she is showing her hand too much. I'll respect the guys (Dong Chi and Kang Soo and boss Hee Man) a lot if they do not use this to their advantage and at her expense.
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6 cool
November 2, 2014 at 5:21 AM
Me too..really enjoy the 2 episodes.. hope more and more interesting story to go.. FIGTHING Choi Jin Hyuk!!.. :-) and i'm curious too about Lee Tae Hwan..Fighting everyone ;-)
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riarallahssi
November 2, 2014 at 5:32 AM
Ah I saw Lee Tae Hwan in High School King of Savvy this year too. I actually feel happy to see him sporting a healthy and strong role. It's only his second drama and he's doing mighty well. I feel proud. :D I pretty much enjoy the visuals in this drama. hahahaha
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7 rinoak
November 2, 2014 at 6:40 AM
Amen to this entire post, I totally agree with you on all points. Surprisingly, since I didn't think I would like the show either.
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8 owl 🦉 🫰
November 2, 2014 at 7:08 AM
I'm not sure why, but I think Choi Jin-hyuk is hard to draw. You're painting is even more amazing to me because of that. Although I did plenty of it, I am now over crabbing about the name of the show. And like medical dramas, prosecutor dramas always put me off initially, but somehow this has drawn me from the blunt director on down to our lead newbie. Kang Soo is quite the model with handcuffs, don't you think? Thanks, Fanderay - I think this drama is a keeper, too.
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9 jusash
November 2, 2014 at 7:13 AM
Thanks for posting!
Yes, loads of new dramas out, but many I jump right off after a couple of episodes. Whether or not I like the actors. Lee Dong Wook and Ironman would be one of these. Modern Farmer was another.
Unfair perhaps, but I have been along one too many new drama journeys recently which had strange swerves and eventual destinations. Or predictably WT?! bland. Secret Hotel. My Lovely Girl.
Will be along on this ride for its entirety. Hope it maintains the delivery standard with the promising potential so far.
Won't take much since (1) always biasedly smitten with CJH's voice, and the man himself anyway (2) everything from OTP to plots totally captivated already, 2 episodes in. (3) had to a double take on seeing their quirky chief but what pleasant surprise to see Choi Min-soo here.
Ep 3 couldn't come any sooner for me. Already wanting to see/know more, which is a great feel!
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10 Anvesha
November 2, 2014 at 10:02 AM
I was a little disappointed initially too. I mean when every drama has some Mr. Darcy mixture, the actual drama with the title doesn't have one. But I got over it.. I just hope this isn't another drama that fizzles at the end.
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11 OdessaJones
November 2, 2014 at 10:29 AM
Such a great choice for an illustration! Thanks, too, for some useful info on what those Korean documents were. I figured it must be a case related to her in some way, but I'm glad my guess wasn't far off, since dramas have surprised me before! Why can't subbers occasionally give the written word a little love?
I also was *this* close to skipping P&P because of my irritation with the title. But I really loved Choi Jin-Hyuk as a heavy in Heirs. I could happily listen to him read the phone book. So I gave it a chance, and the first ten minutes sucked me in. The two leads look like they shouldn't go together, but the opening dialogue set up so many questions and unresolved emotions. Can't wait for episode 3.
Some of my favorite shows had mediocre first episodes, though, so if the first episodes are good, I worry that just means the bad bits are still to come. Only other thing I'm still watching right now is Blademan (so awesome after the first couple episodes!), so I hope P&P stays good. Fighting!
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12 Pearl~ai88
November 2, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Awwww, so sweet! :3 maybe I'll check this out.
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13 kanz
November 2, 2014 at 2:43 PM
Episodes 3 comes soon!!
I watched ep 2 last Saturday and I was totally captivating with the plot, OTP, and the characters. I also love Choi Min Soo and Son Chang Min here. They play their characters really good. Like a boss!
I always have soft spot for Choi Jin Hyuk since Gu Family Book and watch every drama he's in ever since. Now let's hope the male lead character here is not an ass and actually good and competent prosecutor.
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14 Fun-Lugha
November 2, 2014 at 8:24 PM
First I've been wondering who the 'new' actor ahjussi is cuz he is so unrecognizably clean & smart lols Secondly am with everyone else, how the hell did I not see the sheer hotness that is LTH in Savvy?!! A travesty this is ;)
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15 August
November 2, 2014 at 9:44 PM
Thanks Fanderay. Jane Austen's novel Pride & Predjudice is one of my favorite books.
I'm beyond thankful for the fabulous job screenwriter Lee Hyun-Joo did on School 2013. I've been waiting for this drama and I have to say episodes 1 & 2 of Pride & Predjudice did not disappoint. Now I get why its called Pride & Prejudice and it seems befitting. I'm utterly hooked so much so that I watched episode 2 raw without subs.
The leads Choi Jin-Hyuk & Baek Jin-Hee totally delivered on the chemistry, witty banter, and rapport. Couldn't help but notice the sparks flying with just eye glances or silence in their scenes.
A nice point of distinction to see all of the main characters successfully competent and actively engaged in their work. What a relief to have smart characters actually utilizing their brains and not have to worry about or deal with them not being receptive to or listening to their hunches/intuition. Of course, I have to mention the fan-service of washboard abs from not just one but both male leads.
The weekend never seems to get here fast enough or last long enough. Now that P&P is airing on Mondays & Tuesdays, I can barely wait to watch the next episode.
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16 divyrus
November 3, 2014 at 1:28 AM
That is only lovely painting Fanderay !
I have gone on a drama hiatus for last 3 months and now am back and confused on what to watch ! I was hoping there is gonna be a whole list or dramas on must catch up list, but am disappointed that there is no one drama that is too good now.
I checked out cantabile and liking it so far, checked out my lovely girl and slept off.
Any suggestions anybody ? The one drama to not miss! To catch up as soon as possible !?
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jusash
November 3, 2014 at 6:53 AM
Well you seem to be on the right one. :P
This is not my CJH-voice biasedness speaking - judging from reading all the other comments/feedback on P & P here.
Cantabile didn't work for me. But then again, some dramas don't grip me until ep 8 or later. Inversely, I umped off My Lovely Girl a week ago -stayed faithfully up until ep 7 or 8 on that one. And I had a stupid reason for staying on - L reminds me of Kim Bum.
Will check in on finale, but that's about it.
My last 'favorite' if I had to choose of all the new offerings was Surplus Princess, but even then - my heart was in a different OTP camp even as my head was understanding why the sudden switcheroo. :)
And if you're really behind and just want something to watch ... the best of older season offerings was Marriage without Dating and Witch's Romance (for me).
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divyrus
November 3, 2014 at 7:35 AM
Thanks Jusash!
The current offerings do seem little less impressive ! And yep, my last one was marriage not dating, that's the one thing I finished in the batch of dramas of that time.
I have heard good about surplus princess everywhere, let me try that or pride and prejudice tonight ! May the better first two episodes win :D
Thanks for your suggestion !
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divyrus
November 3, 2014 at 7:38 AM
And out of curiosity, how exactly is Iron man going really ?
I could see comments ranging from bizarre to wacko ones initially, how exactly its going on now ?
I can't seem to get a grasp on the overall opinion of the drama from recaps and comments elsewhere !
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August
November 3, 2014 at 10:40 AM
Only judging Iron Man (aka Blade Man) by the first few episodes doesn't do it justice. It's the type of drama where people have to watch for themselves and make up their own mind. Because truthfully it's hard to tell what a person's reaction will be and if they really get what the drama is trying to do...what its intent really is.
Iron Man is a drama that can best be described as a hodgepodge of so many things - unique and different in its own right. Moments are fluid, beautiful to watch, and emotionally stirring. The main cast of characters are layered and far from one dimensional.
Visually, there's always something that draws your attention whether its in the background or the forefront of a scene. For example: the camera will often contrast the architecturally modern house, stairs, bedroom, etc. by starkly juxtaposing it with standard images normally in a kdrama (the small standard 1-2 room apartment, office scenes, coffee shop scenes, outside views of hills to climb up or down, street scenes, running or walking past small businesses, skyscrapers, riding in a car, time spent in the countryside, etc.)
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OdessaJones
November 3, 2014 at 1:55 PM
I second everything August said. I picked up Iron Man a few weeks ago and I love it. But I actually started with episode 2 because I heard such poor responses to ep 1. The tone came together for me around episode 3, when the male lead and a five year old are having a totally surreal conversation about someone who has gone to visit another star.
I love the way Iron Man creates totally bizarre moments, and treats them as if they're completely normal. (And it takes normal K-drama stuff and turns them odd.)
The tone feels like pure fairy tale, which is a little different than a comic book tone (though it's based on a manhwa). There's a feeling of mystery to the supernatural stuff--it isn't all explained away with some logical explanation. Visually and musically, it often reminds me of Tim Burton's movies. But Tim Burton is sometimes all image, no heart, and there's a lot of heart in Iron Man.
If you're curious about it but not sure, you might try starting with episode 2. Watch as far as the conversation about the stars at the start of episode 3. At that point, you'll have a feel for the style of the series and you can ask yourself: is this so weird it's boring and I hate it, or is this is so weird I need to know what the heck is going to happen to these weirdos? Take in episode 1 via recap and don't look back.
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17 Nivy
November 3, 2014 at 5:30 AM
New here and curious, is that a painting or a vector image? If it's the former, wow. o_o
I enjoyed the first two episodes, as well. I thought I would get bored because prosecutors, but it was okay. Or maybe I was just waiting for another abs scene. Lol.
So jealous of BJH's skin. So flawless. Do they drink magic water in Korea or what?
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18 Miko
November 3, 2014 at 6:26 AM
Everything about this drama makes me smile. I was in the edge of my seat in each episode! First off, seeing Choi Min Soo just had me grinning. I love his accent, his brusque nature and that hair! He's such a great actor. He had good chemistry with the other prosecutors.
I hope I'm not speaking too soon but Choi Jin Hyuk works as the lead in this type of drama. I can relate to him better when he's not completely focused on romance. I won't say too much but the cast works well together for me. And of course, I'm a sucker for stuff like this. Gives me a Law&Order/Castle vibe... I'm addicted already.
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19 VforVintageVera
November 3, 2014 at 9:34 PM
Gorgeous painting, Fanderay! I love that you chose the toy truck scene to draw.
And AMEN, I never want to see Choi Jin Hyuk in a supporting role again, especially if it's going to under-utilize his talents as offensively as Fated to Love You did. I think Heirs under-utilized his talents too, but at least he got to play someone different, a cold chaebol's son who has a soft heart. I can work with that because he did good with what little material he had AND at least his character was someone CJH had never played before. Plus the drama was super high profile and garnered him acting acclaims, so who am I to complain? Anyone else surprised here that he's gotten more wins/nominations playing Kim Won than Wol Ryung? It baffles my mind, but hell, we'll take any recognition CJH gets.
But I NEVER want to see CJH acting as the 2nd lead who doesn't get the girl. EVER. AGAIN. We've already got that with the abomination that was I Need Romance. Like, I'll never understand how his character didn't get the girl. I STILL don't get it. Just thinking about it pisses me off. And we saw him not get the girl in Panda and Hedgehog, but I actually think he dodged a bullet there since Panda was cray-cray bipolar and seriously, if Dochi wanted to deal with that mess of a girl, I'm glad Won Il escaped that trainwreck. She was so annoying and useless, couldn't earn money to save her life, got her car+phone stolen, hired a shitty baker, etc. but I digress.
CJH is waaay too talented to be playing 2nd leads that are neighborhood oppas who get their heart broken and only appear in the drama for like 5 minutes max just to comfort the main chick. Just NO. Anybody can do that. It doesn't take 7 years of acting skills to do that. Any noobie idol actor could probably do that. CJH is better than that. Acting-wise, he was so shafted in Fated to Love You, it offends and pisses me off whenever I think about it as well.
If he's ever going to play a supporting role again, I'm okay with that, but as long as it has something with meat on it. Something that'll let him play a character he's never played before or a villain or someone awesome like Wol Ryung. At least in the Divine Move, we saw a different side of CJH, the smooth, charismatic, but very dastardly right hand man. He got a cool action scene, beat up some people, etc. I can deal with that. Even if it was tough to see his character (because it's played by CJH) get his deserved comeuppance.
And need I mention Wol Ryung? Probably the BEST non-main character EVER in a k-drama. His character was written so brilliantly, that we could have all watched a Wol Ryung centric drama and loved it more than the actual melodramatic stink fest that was Gu Family Pamphlet. But then again, it's rare for a character like Wol Ryung to steal so much thunder from the main cast, but I attribute that to also the actor's charisma and talent as well.
So I hope that if CJH ever does consider a side role, it better be...
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20 Aneleh
November 5, 2014 at 12:17 PM
Yet another wonderful work of art :) And I'm not just talking about Choi Jin Hyuk, LOL
But seriously, I do love your artworks a lot and I admire your skills in digital painting. On that note, I hope you see this comment because I also have a question for you, Fanderay: what kind of tablet do you use? I know you've mentioned that it's a Wacom, but what model exactly is it?
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21 tita balanjiu
November 5, 2014 at 8:10 PM
Hi everyone... such interesting drama...I think what is in the big bag was her brother's things she was trying to stash it away because of her mother 's suffering from losing her mind of all the reminders of the brother things.
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22 luvcjh
December 6, 2014 at 11:32 PM
The female lead is FREAKING annoying I cannot stand her. I'm giving her 2 more episodes to improve and if she doesn't I'm outta here.
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