Drama Hangout: Memory
by HeadsNo2
Memory is another drama we got a chance to weigh in on, but not one we could cover in its entirety. Having premiered on tvN to fill the slot previously held by Signal, Memory is so far holding its own ratings-wise, and while it doesn’t seem poised to be the kind of runaway hit that its predecessor was, it should still be considered a moderate success.
Starring Lee Sung-min as a cold, uncaring, and downright heartless lawyer whose life changes when he’s diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the show explores the very human aspect of what it means to have all your memories slowly slip away, and how that changes the protagonist inflicted with the disease.
Along with an ex-wife in Park Jin-hee, who shares the trauma of losing a child with him, and a current long-suffering wife in Kim Ji-soo, he’ll presumably come around to realize just how much he’s taken for granted and how much he’s sacrificed for a job that he can’t take with him.
It’s not the sort of show I have the emotional wherewithal to endure, which is why we’re opening it up for a Drama Hangout. And while I’m not quite sure how much hanging out there is to be done over a drama that’s about the wretched and inescapable pain of mortality, if there are words to be said about it, it’s up to you guys to say them now. Have fun!
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Tags: Drama Hangout, Memory
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1 Tori
April 8, 2016 at 3:58 PM
can anyone tell me if this drama is worth watching? because I really do adore Lee SungMin and Junho but if I'm going to have my heart ripped out of my body while I'm watching this, I need to know that there's a worthwhile reason and not just because this drama is sad for the sake of being sad and not able to deliver in terms of the writing and everything else
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marmari
April 8, 2016 at 4:17 PM
Watch this show. I really didn't want to be tortured and was very hesitant to even try this.
It ain't slapstick comedy but I don't think that's what you're looking for anyway. I completely love it.
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news
April 8, 2016 at 6:02 PM
It's not without faults (like Junho's love line), but there's bits of humor as the story develops.
If anything, Junho's catwalk will entertain you. I simply can't contain giggles every single time he takes more than five steps.
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john
April 9, 2016 at 5:28 AM
news ~
I shook my head when So-Hee suffered a footware mishap and fell into Junho's arms.*
That aside, I love how they're both concerned about LSM's behavior/health.
* I would want several NG's of that scene if I were Junho.
Looking forward to seeing this week's episodes.
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news
April 9, 2016 at 11:52 AM
Lol, yes, that was a silly scene and oh so creative in the name of skinship and humor, but I do like So-Hee and Junho in these roles (minus the romance even though they look cute together..but in a different drama).
I don't think I'll finish this drama. The acting and cast are perfect (even though LSM yells a little too much--still love him), but the editing and tone (i.e. drama, mystery, humor) in episode 7 are uneven and I'm not keen on the over the top emotional scenes; they're a bit self indulgent for my taste.
It's interesting to see this drama right after Signal (yes, I'm comparing them), which did all of the above so flawlessly.
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2 Kiara
April 8, 2016 at 4:14 PM
Lee Sung-min is awesome! That is all.
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3 marmari
April 8, 2016 at 4:15 PM
I started watching this peeking through one eye and holding my breath for the rain of pain to come. But here's the thing, Memory is not maudlin at all.
Lee Sung-Min blows me away as the imperfect, inscrutable, cutthroat and humane lawyer. I hated him at first and now love him more and more with each episode. I love watching his hoobae Lee Joon Ho in action with him and their chemistry is fabulous. They crack me up.
It isn't all Alzheimer's all the time here. BUT there is real depth and feeling--from the pain of losing a child to dealing with an ex-spouse to struggling with how to take responsibility for the things we've done. I find it gripping and can't wait to see what happens next from episode to episode. Ah, this really is my favorite show right now. A real diamond.
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4 Cheetah
April 8, 2016 at 6:22 PM
I love this show!
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5 kellie
April 8, 2016 at 6:27 PM
It's my favorite right now too, mainly for Lee Sung-min. Another great performance from him. There are downsides to Memory -- the female characters are forced to agonize a bit too much -- but it's well done. Some surprisingly crisp acting from idol star Lee Jun-ho.
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6 Ina Brooks
April 8, 2016 at 7:31 PM
This is one of my favorite drama right now. The storyline is great and the acting is outstanding.
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7 almond
April 8, 2016 at 9:53 PM
Loving this drama so far. All the actors are doing an amazing job, it's rare to see such good acting across the board. LSM is an acting god, no surprise there, but Junho is holding his own in their bromance which is a nice surprise. Really loving KJS and LKW in this too. Also that kid playing his son, damn. That child is going places.
I understand how it might be a little hard to swallow in the beginning though, since LSM's character isn't exactly easy to sympathise with right off the bat. But he's completely selling the transition into a better man, and I'm falling for it hook, line, and sinker. I'm not familiar with the director and writer's other works, but heard that they were mostly thrillers. You can feel it in this drama too. It's a heavy drama, but it feels like it's going to end with an equally heavy pay-off too. Definitely worth the watch.
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8 coffea
April 9, 2016 at 5:55 AM
Memory has great directing, storyline, and acting. It's my favorite drama right now. Unfortunately, not many people watch it.
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cutesoprano
April 9, 2016 at 7:24 PM
Totally agree..! The show is good, but not many watching it based on the low rating.. huhuhu..
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sunnyl
April 18, 2016 at 9:30 AM
Now not so low rating. I was not thrilled at first, but show is getting more interesting (Our lawyer got into the action.)
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timi
April 17, 2016 at 8:28 AM
Same here ! And it's getting better and better.
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9 Tinyahjumma
April 9, 2016 at 2:56 PM
How much actual lawyering scenes are there? Are there any court scenes? My tolerance for legal shows is extremely low, but I adore Lee Sung Min.
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10 cutesoprano
April 9, 2016 at 7:23 PM
The story is not like usual typical kdrama.. i love the way the casts acting their character.. i should say TVN has something in their sleeve.. most of their action n thriller drama are very good and worth to watch.. 1st : signal -- totally love it..!
2nd : pied piper -- fast pace story and really unpredictable.. really full of thriller although less than signal..
3rd : memory -- totally worth to watch..!
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sunnyl
April 10, 2016 at 9:58 AM
I enjoy Pied piper too. I wasn't thrilled about Memory, but ep 8 was good and looks like it will get better now that more people know about his condition.
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11 MAC
April 10, 2016 at 5:05 AM
I was hesitant to watch this -- the topic is painful. But LSM made me give it a try. And I'm hooked. It's a beautiful story of humanity -- one can put one's self in most of the situations of the actors.
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12 mutantreptile
April 10, 2016 at 7:00 AM
I'm really liking this fictional portrayal of Alzheimer's so far. Alzheimer's runs in my family, (grandfather, father, aunt and uncle) and now I help my mother take care of my stepfather who is also afflicted with it. I had a hard time watching Bubblegum which focused on how the disease affected the lives of the family. It hit too close to home. I watched one episode of Remember and decided I couldn't deal with it. Memory focuses more on the person with Alzheimer's who at least finds out early enough what's happening to him, and for me, it makes it more watchable.
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13 August
April 10, 2016 at 9:08 PM
A quality drama I look forward to and enjoy watching. The subject matter - memory loss and cognitive decline - deserves more attention. Hopefully more and more people will come around to Memory and choose not to avoid it simply because it shines a light on the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer's disease and how it impacts family, work, one's health, and the personal toll/strain and sacrifices of caregivers.
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14 timi
April 17, 2016 at 8:41 AM
Memory is a very good drama and it's getting better with each episode. After the first episodes, I feared this drama would be really depressing but I am pleasantly surprised by the way the subject is treated. It is touching, sometimes sad but there's always something really heartwarming at the same time.
I love the characters development in this drama and the way the relationships evolve. Kudos to Lee Sung Min, he's really a great actor !!
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15 sunnyl
April 23, 2016 at 6:21 PM
This drama is getting better and better! Now more people know about his illness and he is getting closer to find the real culprit for his son's death. And ep 12- OMG Lee Sung-min's acting!
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teo
April 27, 2016 at 4:10 PM
I couldn't agree more! Lee Sung-Min is providing a stellar performance!
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16 gadsnan
May 1, 2016 at 9:31 PM
I have followed this website for 3 years and have never commented ( even as much as I loved Healer ) but I have to say I think you " dropped the ball " in not following this drama after just 1 episode. Lee Sung Min is fabulous in his role. Yes, his character is obnoxious and unlikable in the beginning, but the change in him transforms him into an "underdog" that I think even the most hard hearted could root for. I was surprised to see that Lee Joon Ho was a member of 2PM. Like most, I can be leery of " idol actors/actresses" but think he is doing a great job. The role of the secretary that is being played by Yoon So Hee is wonderful too! I love how much she cares about Park Tae Suk
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17 gadsnan
May 1, 2016 at 9:38 PM
PS the chemistry between the characters , " Jung Jin ( the assistant lawyer) and Bong Sun Hwa" ( secretary) has been really great too!!!
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18 sunnyl
May 6, 2016 at 7:42 PM
wow ep15 - another great episode! Love Lee Joon Ho (Jung Jin) - he really does the great job here.
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19 sunnyl
May 7, 2016 at 9:33 AM
Just watched the last ep.
Loved it!!!! Such powerful performance by Lee Sung-min.
I loved its tight plot, and great acting all around.
Rather than cryingfest with his illness which made me reluctant about starting the show, it had heart-warming and winning story. Also loved the open ending on positive note (like Marriage contract).
I will put Pied Piper and Memory right under Signal. (interestingly Both PP and Memory got better in later half).
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20 Orangesoda
May 7, 2016 at 7:37 PM
Real dumb of me but I didn't even realize I was watching the last episode- I was literally so surprised when I realized it had finished. Don't know how I exactly feel about the ending, it was Kind of an open ending and sort of bittersweet?? Anyways, I liked it, feels good to actually finish a drama haha
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21 lunatic4kd
May 17, 2016 at 3:51 AM
Wow - this caught me by surprise and I'm SO glad I decided to watch it. The first reason was, of course, Lee Sung-min. After Misaeng, he can do no wrong in my eyes. Then, after Signal quickly became my favorite drama next to Misaeng (after 170 watched!) I vowed to always watch every drama produced on TvN. Memory is astonishing in very way. It's so so so good!!!!!!!! It's intense and it doesn't let go of the intensity. In fact, the attempt at comedic relief through the obnoxious young curly haired worker at the law firm only makes me annoyed when he appears. I don't need comedic relief from the intensity!!!!! Give me the pathos. My whole spirit feels elevated by the brilliance of this drama.
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ajummabunny
March 30, 2019 at 11:59 AM
If you haven't seen it yet, watch Golden Time. His Misaeng turn is endearing, but Golden Time has all the things that Doctor Kim with Han Suk Kyu should have and great Every Single Day OST.
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22 Ajusshi
May 10, 2017 at 10:42 AM
I watched the first episode and was in two minds about it. I wanted to see something new with Yoon so-hee so gave it a chance. Now I'm on the last episode. This drama has really won me over because of its wonderful warmth and human kindness and understanding in the face of vile and dreadful Chaebols doing their worst. The lead's wife and children are just so believable and they stand by him. The work situation is so rewarding the Secretary Bong and Junior are so loyal and their chemistry together ( for they clearly have a mutual crush) is somehow very contenting. I found this compelling viewing.
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