Kolorful Palette: Wishing you a cozy Christmas [Healer]
by Fanderay
Isn’t it so great when a drama hits its stride? After a somewhat scattered premiere week I was actually rather surprised by how quickly all the characters and plotlines in Healer came together, and I found myself fully engrossed this time around with no voice niggling in the back of my mind about missed potential.
Last week I was primarily hoping that Healer would fix its abruptness and smooth out its storytelling and tone. My hopes have certainly been fulfilled, but beyond that, the plot seems to be hinting at a depth I didn’t expect. Somehow I didn’t predict Jung-hoo’s history with Young-shin, but I think there might be more to it than some romantic destiny. What happened to Jung-hoo’s father? Did he meet some dark demise along with Young-shin’s dad?
I also presumed that Moon-ho’s search for Young-shin was motivated by anger towards his brother’s wrongdoings. I had no idea that he felt a sense of personal guilt, and I like the complexity that adds. Even seemingly unrelated plot-threads seem like they’ll eventually tie into the big family mess. It can’t be a coincidence that Young-shin is harboring an actress who was abused in relation to a politician, and I think the big picture is going to end up going far beyond family and offer up some large scale intrigue that will have our main character working together.
I mentioned last week week that I thought this was the best role I’ve seen Park Min-young in, and now I’m completely certain I feel that way. She’s an actress that I always think I really like, but then when I watch her I’m ultimately disappointed by her characters. I don’t if Young-shin is just better written or if Min-young is just growing as an actor, but I love her in this, and she stands out as one of the most likable heroines this year. Half the time I only end up interested in female leads because of their relationship with the male lead, so it’s refreshing that Young-shin is so compelling in her own right. Not that her interactions with Jung-hoo are hurting!
I felt like I had to draw this scene because it seemed so cozy and perfect for Christmas. When Young-shin first mentioned that she couldn’t sleep with someone else in the room I’m pretty sure I audibly “ugh”‘d because it was such an obvious romance set-up, but then once I saw these two actually snuggled up together I just turned into a big sap and thought it was adorable. Somehow it’s even cuter with the two of them not having any romantic interest in each other yet. I think Jung-hoo is still too in shock over Young-shin’s crazy (to him) personality, and Young-shin of course has no idea what Jung-hoo is actually like.
So far I’m not sure which of Jung-hoo’s personas I enjoy more: badass night courier, or adorkable junior journalist. I’m pretty sure I have a massive grin on my face every time he plays the part of awkward hoobae, but I’m pretty curious how that will affect the development of his relationship with Young-shin. Will he gradually show more of his real self to her, or will there just be one big dramatic reveal? I honestly half-expected it tonight when he had the opportunity to protect her from SS thugs, but it was so much better and true to character that he faked cowardice and saved her later. Jung-hoo is not someone to fall head over heels overnight, and I like that this is playing out slow. Jung-hoo just wouldn’t be Jun-hoo if he so easily lost his pragmatism.
This drama’s improvement feels a little like a surprise Christmas present, and I’m feeling pretty optimistic that it’s only going to get better. I already have a post-Holidays Misaeng marathon planned, but it’s nice to have a weekly adventure to look forward to as well. In the meantime, Merry Christmas everyone!
RELATED POSTS
- Healer: Episode 4
- Healer: Episode 3
- Kolorful Palette: Waiting for the train [Healer]
- Healer: Episode 2
- Healer: Episode 1
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- No mission too impossible for the Healer
- Reporters and buried secrets drive action thriller Healer
- Ji Chang-wook leaps across skyscraper rooftops for Healer
- Healer’s cast lineup and first script reading
Tags: Healer, Kolorful Palette
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1 Quiet Thought
December 21, 2014 at 12:25 PM
Park Min Young is not a great actress, but she is a distinctive and strong actress, with a strong voice, when the script gives her something to be strong about.
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Ivana
December 21, 2014 at 12:57 PM
Totally agree!! Couldn't have said it better!
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pearl3101
December 21, 2014 at 5:38 PM
Exactly.... I initially dint like her much in her earlier roles. But from ANL, i kindof started liking her. But I totally love her in this.The OTP's chemistry is so adorable. After a long time, I find myself waiting impatiently for the next episodes to air...
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2 kadesha
December 21, 2014 at 1:12 PM
Oh my!!!yu just nailed this post...I love min young nd I totally feel this is the best she has offered so far.Is a chrismas present indeed.
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3 jubilaya
December 21, 2014 at 1:44 PM
Perfectly drawn, perfectly said. Also, I was hoping you would pick this!! I was going to wait until this show was a bit further along to watch, but I'm glad I didn't. There are so many intriguing threads to this show!! Some sad, some funny, plenty mysterious, I'm loving it all. My God, could American network television study at the altar of K-dramas. I started my Misaeng marathon yesterday and look forward to your musings. Have a great holiday season!!!
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Christina Olds
January 5, 2015 at 6:43 PM
So well said! I gave up my cable TV and all American shows two weeks after seeing my first drama. Pasta, in October 2013. I'm not looking back!
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4 palakshi
December 21, 2014 at 2:15 PM
M nly watchin dis cuz of jcw...as I hav waited so long fr him to do such a gud drama...n fcrse..d stry seems awsum till nw..n I luv his both personas...n hezz so handsome n hot hehe
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misaeng
December 21, 2014 at 5:40 PM
What language is this comment written in? Need an English translation.
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nomad
December 21, 2014 at 5:50 PM
I'm trying to decipher:
Am only watching this cause of JCW…as I have waited so long for him to do such a good drama…and of course, the story seems awesome until now…and I love his both personas…and he's so handsome and hot hehe
Wow…! I really had to think those words through…I must be getting old...
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Ivoire
December 21, 2014 at 9:17 PM
My comment below was to misaeng, and to @ nomad, thank your for your efforts (and you succeeded, I would add).
And about this, "Wow…! I really had to think those words through…I must be getting old…" You and me both ("the getting old part" especially), you and me both.
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Ivoire
December 21, 2014 at 9:12 PM
I thought exactly the same, when I tried to read it... and realized that I was taking a little bit of time to decipher it.
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Rachel
August 29, 2015 at 12:52 AM
Brilliant.
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patinalee
December 21, 2014 at 11:01 PM
Lest we forget, from the site's Commenting Policy:
"Spelling, plz. If u rite like dis, ur commt wll git delet’d. also, lee minoz will nevur luv u back. u duns want dat, do u?",
Further reading: http://www.dramabeans.com/about/commenting-policy/
Ta and happy holidays! :-)
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palakshi
December 22, 2014 at 10:22 AM
sorry guys..didn't know about such rule.
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5 Blossom
December 21, 2014 at 2:24 PM
I completely agree. Young shin is so realistic and likeable character. I am in love with her. bravo Park Min Young
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6 growingbeautifully
December 21, 2014 at 3:26 PM
Thanks for another lovely piece of work, Fanderay!
Healer captivated me from the beginning with the quirkiness of its main characters and with more characters nursing mysteries waiting to be revealed. My laugh-out-loud scene was in an earlier episode when Young Shin kicked her pants onto Jung Hoo's face: her total obliviousness and his reaction. :) Gotta look for it again!
Have a happy and cosy Christmas too!
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7 Omomo
December 21, 2014 at 5:05 PM
So glad to see you aboard on this one too! You have no idea how engrossed I am with this show. I've been promoting it to every k-drama fan that I know of irl like some kind of Healer ambassador. Haha. Things are going to get so interesting from this point onwards. I think we're on for a ride with this show! *fingers crossed*
I've only watched Min Young in SKKS and CH, but so far, this is my fave role of hers as well. She is just nailing it as the adorable and quirky reporter.
Thank you for the lovely painting! Happy holidays, Fanderay and everyone!
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8 Chandler
December 21, 2014 at 5:20 PM
Omg, Fanderay, the moment Kim Mi-kyung's character said to Healer "For you, no glasses are a disguise!", I immediately thought of you. Yay, they listened to your concerns!
So glad to see you enjoying the drama more and more. And I LOVE this artwork. Hands-down, one of my favorites so far.
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9 Firdhiye
December 21, 2014 at 7:10 PM
Im also so surprised by how quickly Healer hit it stride, worked out the tone issues. My fav character is by far Park Bong Soo the dorky journalist. I get so good Clark Kent ala Christopher Reeves from him in that he is faking, hiding his real Healer persona. I smiled when he acted like coward and faked cried out.
Im also surprised by the depth of the story, how well the mystery is holding up. Of course all the 3 leads are so good here.
P.S PMY looked bad before imo because she just like Park Shin Hye and many other young actress gets the weaker female heroine that are too often candy roles. PMY role in City Hunter was so lame, weak heroine....
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10 Quiet Thought
December 21, 2014 at 7:13 PM
I would add that, along with everything else, Park Min Young does the best "duck walk" of any actress out there. Her head was so steady I thought she was on rollers. Just another skill you need to do comedy.
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kadesha
December 21, 2014 at 10:59 PM
yur comment gat me lol..yu one funny person.
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11 dramabliss
December 21, 2014 at 11:46 PM
Just like most comments here, I have become engrossed with Healer - the tone and context has been laid out well and am eagerly waiting for the pieces to fall into place, piece by breath-stopping piece.
Fanderay, I love the scene you chose to paint, most of all because it harks back to the time when they were toddlers and sleeping together on the floor just like that (of which a photo was taken by Jung Hoo's mom). It hints at the sub-conscious at work, she trusting him in her most vulnerable state.
Also, this is my first time to get introduced to Kim Ji Tae. With his looks and talent and philantrhopic work, he has become my current fixation. I am so looking forward to when the three leads will realize how intertwined their lives are.
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Omomo
December 22, 2014 at 2:43 AM
I think you meant Yoo Ji Tae, but yeah, point taken. He's a beautiful and talented man, isn't he?
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dramabliss
December 22, 2014 at 4:11 PM
Oops, Yoo Ji Tae it is. Thanks, Omomo.
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12 Shuerei
December 22, 2014 at 1:19 AM
I really love dramabeans and I like your reviews on healer's characters. I thought park min young was pretty good in sungkyungkwan and city hunter. Now I agree this is probably her best role. She's quirky and reminds me of some manga characters. Ji chang wook is hot. :-) I am really investing in this healer show. The pairing works. I like the restraint on the romance dept for now. Moon Ho is complex yet endearing. Merry Christmas to all.
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13 jastinnne
December 22, 2014 at 12:07 PM
I can't wait for your recap ep.5, it was so strong, all the cast shows such amazing power of play...
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14 Hello
December 22, 2014 at 4:08 PM
You really formulated how I also feel about Park Min-young. I mean I never disliked her as an actress - I think she's fair enough and I like her in most of her dramas so far - but she never made a big impression on me.
And no bashing here, but even in City Hunter - a drama that I really reaally enjoyed watching - I couldn't help but feel that her character could have been better.
That being said, I don't know whether her acting skills have grown or if her character in Healer is indeed one of the best written female characters of the year.
I just love her vulnerable bravery, her unabashed craziness and her uninhibited moments.
But it's not just her personality, it's also the fact that she's clearly becoming the pivotal element of the plot so far - she's the main connection between almost every players, and it's a refreshing change from your typical "sidekick" girl or "main female love interest" : she's not just assisting the "hero" in his "quest" or something, she is the heroine and somehow Jung Ho's her cool/mysterious/adorable/dork sidekick XD
Can't wait for episode 5 recap' : damn that smile at the end was just...I don't have words to describe it... it was just the most adorable smirk ever!
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15 didi_tenshi!
December 29, 2014 at 9:35 PM
This drama is one heck of a show I've seen so far. It makes me tingly on my toes while waiting for the next episode to air and watch YoungShin/BoongSoo or Youngshin/Healer interactions.. The fan girl in me just squeals in delight whenever I see them together on screen.. Geez. JCW is a refreshing sight to me and it just so heartwarming to see another male lead coming up with a strong impact on me. *woot woot* Btw, I'm liking the whole thing though, no.. I'm actually loving it! Haha. Except for the Kim Moon Shik guy.. He's getting on my nerves like I just want to strangle him this instant. Lol ..
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16 whit imma
February 2, 2015 at 4:51 AM
i really don't know why i have a soft spot for park min young but i have always loved her drama's though i must agree with you that this drama gives her her own independence and room to shine.i love this forum.
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