2010 had been a memorable year for me because I started this blog . Dramas and movies have been giving a big influence in my life because basically I love stories and writing is more than just a hobby for me…I can say that writing IS my life. Korean drama in particular has been my number 1 TV entertainment ever since I was still an innocent girl . But I have to admit that “Cinderella’s Sister” was my turning point for two reasons: 1. Moon Geun Yeong’s character, Gu Eun Jo, touched my heart in a complicated way (that I found hard to explain) just like my favourite antagonist-female-leading characters: the ambitious Scarlett O’Hara from the classic “Gone with the Wind” (by Margaret Mitchell) and the avengious Lu Yi Ping from “Yan Yu Meng Meng” or “Romance in the Rain” (by Qiong Yao). 2. This drama was aired during the “complicated” moment of my life. I just came home and watched “Cinderella’s Sister” and a thought just popped up in my head: “Why don’t I start writing something about Korean drama? Why don’t I start it with “Cinderella’s Sister” ?” So I called my bestfriends, asked them to help me, then I sat in front of my laptop and started writing.

Therefore, “Cinderella’s Sister”, despite my disappointment of the drama in the end, is my most memorable drama of 2010.

Gu Eun Jo was memorable because of her strong character and just as the explanation I said earlier.

However, besides “Cinderella’s Sister”, I had some other “Memorable” categories from 2010 dramas:

1. Favourite Come Back: actress Chae Rim in “Oh! My Lady”

I always like Chae Rim ever since “All About Eve.” Though this drama reminded me so much of her 2007’s “Dalja’s Spring”, I just love her come back as Yoo Kae Hwa. It could be Kang Ji Hwan in “Coffee House”, but I like Chae Rim more

2. Favourite Gang: the quartet in “SungKyunKwan Scandal”

I really love this drama, the famous quartet are definitely my favourite gang! Better than “Boys Before Flower”. My biggest regret was of course because I didn’t manage to write about it. All the cute nicknames, the love triangle, the unforgetable Gu Yeong Ha, the secret missions, the JYJ’s soundtrack….everything!

3. Favourite Buzzwords: “Na Bu Tae Hee yah Bu Tae Hee..!” [so sorry for Gu Yeong Ha… ;)]

4. Most Amusing Drama(s): I can’t decide between “Secret Agent Miss Oh” and “Secret Garden”

These two dramas never failed to make me laugh…as simple as that.

5. Disturbingly Most Favourite Male Character: Kim Joo Won from “Secret Garden”

I thought it was gonna be Han Do Hoon, but Kim Joo Won character is really…really…I’m speechless

6. Most Lovable Small Screen Actor: Lee Seung Gi

7. Most Lovable Small Screen Actress: Moon Geun Yeong

8. The “Whoaa” Drama: “Baker King, Kim Tak Gu”

I wasn’t interested at all in this drama at first, but it turned out to be quite interesting. However, what made me made a “whoaa” of this drama was its rating that hit 50% something! That’s very much something considering the tough competition in Korean drama industry.

9. The Most Played Drama OST:

I think it should be Cinderella’s Sister’s “The Calling Out”. I dunno why, I just love to listen to it.

10. The Most Disappointing Drama: “Marry Me, Mary!”

I’m still working on the last three episodes. Sorry for being so late. It’s because I was so reluctant to watch them…but I keep on going, no worry.

[image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]

There’s something a little annoying for me when reading Seo Woo’s statement about her acting in Cinderella’s Sister, based on interviews with Harper’s Bazaar. Seo Woo said that her acting as Hyeo Son is the worst acting, yet her most worked on character. Although not a Cinderella’s Sisters lover, I have a little objection for her statement. I think, the statement sounded more like a complaint of a person who had lost in a game or a kind of denial of her disability to put her acting equal with Moon Geun Yeong and Cheon Jeong Myeong.

Well, maybe she has a further explanation for her statements…and we can read the overall interview on the Harper’s Bazaar July edition.

Seo Woo, too bad…pretty face, but lack of gratitude.

[–Rizz: Oh, c’mon! She’s just a newbie while MGY and CJM have been acting a lot longer than her. Heck, MGY’s acting skill is on the top ranking! You still have a very long way to go, young girl. And I don’t think you’re that bad. You made quite an impressive acting in your debut. Go and see many Cinderella’s Sister’s forums and you’ll find that there’re so many people like your acting. If you think you weren’t challenged enough in the drama, what do you call Taecyon’s role as Jung Woo?? Don’t let many CS’s fans down by your lame statements.]

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Yesung – 너 아니면 안돼 (It Has to Be You)

오늘도 내 기 억을 따라헤매다

O-neul-do nae gi-eok-eul dda-ra-he-mae-da

이 길 끝 에서 서성이는 나

I gil ggeut-e-seo seo-seong-i-neun na

다신 볼 수 도 없는 니 가 나를 붙 잡아

Da-shin bol su-do eobs-neun ni-ga na-reul but-jab-a

나는 또 이 길을 묻는다

Na-neun ddo i gil-eul mud-neun-da

널 보고 싶 다고

Neol bo-go ship-da-go

또 안고 싶 다고

Ddo an-go ship-da-go

저 하늘보며 기 도하는 날

Jeo ha-neul-bo-myeo gi-do-ha-neun nal

니가 아니면 안 돼

Ni-ga a-ni-myeon an-dwae

너 없인 난 안돼

Neo eobs-in nan an-dwae

나 이렇게 하 루 한달을 또 일년을

Na i-reoh-ge ha-ru han-dal-eul ddo il-nyeon-eul

나 아파도 좋 아

Na a-pa-do joh-a

내 맘 다 쳐도 좋아 난

Nae mam da-chyeo-do joh-a nan

그래 난 너 하나만 사랑하니까

Geu-rae nan neo ha-na-man sa-rang-ha-ni-gga

나 두 번 다시는

Na-do beon da-shi-neun

보 낼 수 없다고

Bo-nael su eobs-da-go

나 너를 잊 고 살순 없 다고

Na neo-reul it-go sal-sun eobs-da-go

니가 아니면 안 돼

Ni-ga a-ni-myeon an-dwae

너 없인 난 안돼

Neo eobs-in nan an-dwae

나 이렇게 하 루 한달을 또 일년을

Na i-reoh-ge ha-ru han-dal-eul ddo il-nyeon-eul

나 아파도 좋 아

Na a-pa-do joh-a

내 맘 다 쳐도 좋아 난

Nae mam da-chyeo-do joh-a nan

그 래 난 너 하나만 사랑하니까

Geu-rae nan neo ha-na-man sa-rang-ha-ni-gga

내 멍든 가 슴이

Nae meong-deun ga-seum-i

널 찾아오라고

Neol cha-ja-o-ra-go

소 리쳐 부 른다

So ri-chyeo bu-reun-da

넌 어딨는거니

Neon eo-ditt-neun-geo-ni

나의 목소리 들 리지 않니

Na-eui mok-so-ri deul-li-ji anh-ni

나 에게는

Na e-ge-neun

나 다시 살 아도

Na da-shi sal-a-do

몇 번을 태 어나도

Myeot beon-eul tae-eo-na-do

하루도 니가 없 이 살 수 없는 나

Ha-ru-do ni-ga eobs-i sal su eobs-neun na

내가 지켜줄 사 람

Nae-ga ji-kyeo-jul sa-ram

내가 사랑할 사 람 난

Nae-ga sa-rang-hal sa-ram nan

그래 난 너 하나면 충분하니까

Geu-rae nan neo ha-na-myeon chung-bun-ha-ni-gga

너 하나만 사 랑하니까

Neo ha-na-man sa-rang-ha-ni-gga

Translation

Today, i wander in my memory
I’m pasing around on the end of this way
You’re still holding me tightly, even though i can’t see you any more
I’m losing my way again
I’m praying to the sky i want see you and hold you more
that i want to see you and hold you more
It can’t be if it’s not you
i can’t be without you
it’s okay if i’m hurt for a day and a year like this
it’s fine even if my heart’s hurts
yes because i’m just in love with you
i cannot send you away one more time
i can’t live without you
it can’t be if it’s not you
i can’t be without you
it’s okay if i’m hurt for a day and a year like this
it’s fine even if my heart’s hurts
yes because i’m just in love with you
my bruised heart
is screaming to me to find you
where are you?
can’t you hear my voice?
to me…
if i live my life again
if i’m born over and over again
i can’t live without you for a day
You’re the one i will keep
you’re the one i will love
i’m…yes because i’m happy enough if i could be with you

[text & translation source]

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Moon Geun Young really caught our attention since her impressive acting in the drama “Autum’s Tale” and movie “My Little Bride.” She’s even entitled as Korean Younger Sister. I was also very impressed by her promising acting in the drama “Painter of the wind” where she played as a disguised man. She did so crazy well being a the legendary painter, Shin Yoon Bok. And in her recent world wide hits drama, “Cinderella’s Sister”, Moon Geun Young not only impressed us with her acting as usual, but also woke us up that the Korean Younger Sister is no longer a “little sister.” She finally had her first on screen kiss in that drama! She’s a grown up adult now. 23 years old and yet she’s still as cute as she has always been.

Profile

• Name: 문근영 / Moon Geun Young (Mun Kun Yeong)
• Birthdate: May 6th 1987
• Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea
• Height: 162cm
• Blood type: B

TV Shows

• Cinderella’s Sister (KBS2, 2010)
• The Painter of the Wind (SBS, 2008)
• Wife (KBS, 2003)
• Empress Myung Sung (KBS2, 2001)
• Life is Beautiful (KBS2, 2001)
• Medical Center (SBS, 2000, cameo)
• Autumn Tale (KBS2, 2000)
• Potato (KBS, 1999)

Movies

• Love Me Not / I Don’t Need Love (2006)
• Innocent Steps (2005)
• My Little Bride (2004)
• A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
• Lover’s Concerto (2002)
• On the Way (2001)

Recognitions

• 2009 Seoul International Drama Awards: Most Popular Actress (The Painter of the Wind)
• 2009 45th Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Leading Actress The Painter of the Wind
• 2008 SBS Drama Awards: Daesang Award (The Painter of the Wind)
• 2008 SBS Drama Awards: Best Couple Award with Moon Chae Won (The Painter of the Wind)

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Gi Hoon was investigated by the police in relation to Hong Joo scandal. That left Eun Jo explained everything to Hyo Sun. After finding out the truth, Hyo Sun was deeply broken hearted. Eun Jo then thought that she couldn’t be in love with Gi Hoon. Jung Woo’s leaving then gave her the idea of how easy it was actually to leave the house. After picking up Gi Hoon’s phone call, she packed her bag then left a letter in Gi Hoon’s room, saying simple words in Spanish. “Please take care of Hyo Sun.”

I terribly wished she had left for Ushuaia or at least somewhere farther than…the city?! I mean, after disappointing the viewers by giving a cheesy ending for the business like-hell-conflict (I think as a creative writer, the idea of using a suddenly-dying-of-cancer-who-wish-to-die-in-clean-hands former staff of Gi Jung was too uncreative), I was expecting something more climatic in Eun Jo-Gi Hoon-Hyo Sun relationship. But eventually, they gave us just another anti-climatic. No, you cannot buy me by throwing another kissing scene at another bushes area.

I also disagree with putting Eun Jo and Hyo Sun’s developed sister-loving relationship as the closing. They hug each other for the first time in their lives together, with the spirit of the late father looked very proud of his girls. I’m not saying it was another cheesy scene, but I just felt something was wrong with it. Feels like it was not really suitable for the closing.

Therefore, unsurprisingly, i don’t have any favorite scenes nor lines, not even any expression in this episode.

For my own closing, I think this drama actually had a lot of potential to be more interestingly smart and touching story telling. Most of the audience agreed that the first 4 episode were the best of all. Very interesting, entertaining, and curiosity driving. Too bad the story was significantly affected by the ‘conflict’ behind the scenes. Too bad it had altered from a wonderful story into a full of frustration one. Well, I understand that in a drama/movie production everyone involved does have a credit, but i think in this case they have to be very grateful to have such great actors and actresses. I think their wonderful acting was the thing that had saved this drama from being a total failure.

Eun Jo wanted to talk to Hyo Sun about something (related to Gi Hoon’s matters), but finally didn’t say anything.

Hyo Sun’s uncle handed Eun Jo a note Jung Woo had left for her. And those are the words.

Eun Jo ran for Jung Woo and found him in the nearby bus shelter. She wanted to take him back home. But Jung Woo finally said goodbye.

This is after Eun Jo had left the house and Gi Hoon looked for her. After some tries, Gi Hoon found Eun Jo’s working in a particular lab somewhere in the city (i guess). Eun Jo was just out of the lab when she saw Gi Hoon was already standing across the street. But Eun Jo just left.

After the ‘street heart throbbing’ incident, this is the moment when Gi Hoon finally said the word, “사랑해” (“I Love You”)

Another hugs and…KISS

Happy ending for everyone

The very first sisters’ sincere hug, with father’s spirit gave his blessing

• When Eun Jo was leaning on the big wine jar, peacefully listening to the sound of bubbles, while Gi Hoon treating her wounded leg. I think I could feel the peace as well.

• The “Eun Jo Ya” heartbreaking screaming of Eun Jo when Gi Hoon left her on episode 4. Yeah, this scene will stick in everyone’s mind for a very long time.

• The first Eun Jo’s sincere smile, thanks to Jung Woo’s silly dance.

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• The “Daddy, I’m sorry, it was my fault” (another) heartbreaking wept of Eun Jo in front of her late father’s picture on episode 10.

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• When Gi hoon, after doing thousands of bowing at temple, dropped down in front of Eun Jo and she helped him. They talked a little nicely for the first time after all those sharp lines Eun Jo gave Gi Hoon from episode 5 to 10. They just sat there, side by side, in front of the gate and speaking in gentle voice among the dropping tears.

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• The first full of emotion real physical contact between Eun Jo and Gi Hoon in the woods at night. Despite the fact that it ended with Eun Jo’s (another) disappointing line “Would you think about Hyo Sun’s declaration again?”, it was a good development in their relationship.

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• When Kang Sook backriding Hyo Sun after all the physically and emotionally exhausting fights. I think viewers could feel the tension between them. I could imagine how uncomfortable that situation for both of them. Both actresses really showed us their level. Awesome!

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• Despite the fact that Jun Soo’s dancing was inappropriate for his age, I think the scene was so funny. Jun Soo’s dance and Eun Jo’s bewildered drove me a laugh.

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• When Eun Jo Slept on Gi Hoon’s shoulder and that man made his cute smile

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• The birthday date Eun Jo and Jung Woo, especially when Jung Woo was planning to put a finger of cream on Eun Jo’s nose but drew it back because of Eun Jo’s scary stare at him like saying “don’t even dare!”. That’s hilarious.

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• The dream-like 80 minutes date of Eun Jo and Gi Hoon. I called this the most romantic scenes of all episodes.  Love to see Gi Hoon’s  cheerful smiles and enthusiasting talks and Eun Jo’s big smiles.

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• The first kiss. It was historical!

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The eating scene was actually drove a smile on my face. First thing is they ate on a mat just next to their car, which means they’re in the middle of the road between bushes. I mean, couldn’t they do it somewhere more approriate?
well, in my country, that counts as an unfamiliar way to eat out side. Second thing is,Gi Hoon talked alot while eating spiritfuly. For me the way he combined the talkings and eatings was funny. The next thing is actually very touching.
He asked Eun Jo to give them 80 minutes to forget the present hustle-bustle life. He said no matter what, he’s gonna act like it was 8 years ago. Like he had never left and they had never separated. 80 minutes for 8 years, means 10 minutes for one year.

While eating, the 1st 10 minutes Gi Hoon treated Eun Jo like he was still his tutor. Eun Jo was smiling at his silliness, but agreed to play along. Yeah, that wounded girl finally know how to sincerely smile in front of the man she loves.

Around the first nine minutes of the show, you’ll find Gi Hoon as very talkative. He talked and talked and talked. While Eun Jo just smiled and occasionally talked back. Gi Hoon pretended like they had been a couple all these years.
Every  10 minutes each year passed. Eun Jo graduated from highschool and went to the same uni with Gi Hoon. Gi Hoon was complaining about goys that always hung around her.

The riding bike scene was ROMANTIC, but it’s romantic in Eun Jo and Gi Hoon’s way, if you know what i mean. This couple is full of complication, right? But seeing them on the riding with Eun Jo leaning onto Gi Hoon’s back, it felt so peaceful.

They were riding to a gas station, while Gi Hoon kept on the 80 minutes scenerio all along. When they finally back to the car, Gi Hoon was talking about marriage. He said he had the brain, the look, and a good sense of humor. He had no money, but would try to earn some. Eun Jo thought she should make him wait before she said ‘yes’.

The 80 minutes scenerio was pretty touching actually. Hadn’t Gi Hoon said it in a very relaxe and casual way, i could’ve broken into tears instead of big smiles. Ohh, if only life hadn’t been so tough for them….

There was a Jun Su-is-missing incident that brought the whole house in panic. I hate that Hyo Sun couldn’t stop crying, but i think i understood why she did so. The positive result of the incident was Kang Sook heard the news and decided to go back home. Her relationship with Hyo Sun was heading into positive direction. However i found the missing incident was totally cheesy and almost none sense. I mean, how could no one see Jun Su under that very open table??!

Gi Hoon threathened his big bro and gave him tomorrow as the deadline. But when the next morning came, someone else had blown the wisthle first. Hong Gi Joong was finally arrested, as well as President Hong. Gi Hoon broke with tears. He did love his father anyway. and i thought i was tricked by my own eyes when i saw Hong Aboji drop a tear!
but i wasn’t, he really did. that iceberg did cry. he was touched when Gi Hoon said he would be a devoted son if he left everything all behind.

Gi Hoon was crying along the way. Eun Jo drove them somewhere quiet and gave him sometime alone in the car. That man wept like a kid. Well he WAS crying as a kid who felt terribly sorry for what happen to his own father,and probably brother. But Eun Jo couldn’t stand just do nothing for him in this situation. So she opened the door and consoled Gi Hoon. This time, it’s her turn, after all these years that it’s always the reverse. Eun Jo took Gi Hoon’s hand and lead him gently to get out of the car. She hugged him tight. They hug for a very looooong time.

It was a very nice speech she made. She said Daddy once told her ‘You can lean on me’. That time even when she couldn’t really lean on him, she felt so relief. Then she said to Gi Hoon: “Lean on me. You can lean on me.”

Gi Hoon drew back and gave her a kiss on the forehead. And FINALLY…he did it: a real KISS.
They finally kissed.

[image source]

Eun Jo held the ceremony for yeast that used to held by Dae Sung. This scene was quite touching since it hovered from the time when it’s held by Dae Sung and the time when it’s held Eun Jo.

The Kang Sook and Hyo Sun matters needed the smart Eun Jo to interfere. Eun Jo needed once again to “slap awake” Hyo Sun through her sharp lines, while Eun Jo reminded her mother that during that hard situation, if Kang Sook didn’t get any kinder to Hyo Sun, they both would probably be dumped from the house without any single cent.

While Eun Jo-Hyo Sun’s relationship was heading to a brighter future, Eun Jo-Gi Hoon’s was still as gloomy as it always had been since Episode 5. However, they got a bit warmer to each other.

The business conflict was not over yet, the crisis was still hot in the air. After ‘escorting’ Eun Jo to the lab, Gi Hoon saw his father’s car heading to the university, then he ran to stop it. When he managed to talk to his dad, he found out that his father intended to meet Eun Jo at the uni lab to tell her everything, including Gi Hoon’s participation. Gi Hoon said he wouldn’t let him do it, instead he’d do it himself.

So, that night, going home drunk, Gi Hoon banged on the door to confess everything to Eun Jo.

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“Even that time, when I saw ‘ajuhsshi’ (uncle) dying in front of me, I just thought about myself. I want to be released from the greatest sin.” Gi Hoon begged Dae Sung not to die, because if he did,that made Gi Hoon the ‘murderer’ (from Gi Hoon’s point of view). “But I will take it. I will make redemption. I will take care of the two lovely girls whom i’ve taken their dad away from.” Then in his flash back, Dae Sung in his last breaths said to Gi Hoon, “It’s…okay.” Gi Hoon continued to narrate, “He said ‘it’s okay.’ How could it be okay?”

After making the thousands of bows, the exhausted Gi Hoon stood out side the gate when Eun Jo went outside. The scene was almost the same as the one in Episode 3.

Eun Jo narrated, “He’s back. He’s smiling.”

But the situation was so much different from the one in Episode 3. Gi Hoon did called for Eun Jo to come and Eun Jo was about to go back inside when Gi Hoon made a move and fell. Eun Jo ran to help him, held his shoulders, but soon took them back. They ended up sat side to side (on face to face position) and Gi Hoon said that he couldn’t go to her anymore, but if she let him, he’d take care of she and Hyo Sun very well as if he made thousands of bows under their feet everyday.

Eun Jo, confused with his speech but (I think) was touched in the same time (her eyes were teary) said that she didn’t know why he couldn’t go to her anymore since she never asked him to, but she wouldn’t ask. And if he could take care of Hyo Sun very well, she’d let him. She wanted to be warmer to Hyo Sun in a hope she’d be forgiven some day.

So both people thought they were the worst sinner on earth. They thought they’re the one who caused Dae Sung’s death and if they could make amend to Hyo Sun, they’d be forgiven. Hmmm… okay, let’s see where it goes from there.

I like it that Hyo Sun’s character slowly but sure grown up. She’s no longer the full-of-hatred sister to Eun Jo. Their relationship was heading to a new direction,  a positive one. I was about to get tired of their evil stares to each other, and I was saved by the mourning bell.

I couldn’t even believe that I was so glad to see Gi Hoon’s boyish disturbing smile again! Yeah, a little part of the old Gi Hoon was finally back. And I think it’s good for everyone in that drama.

Kang Sook was then showed her true face to Hyo Sun. She was no longer the loving step mother. With Dae Sung passed away, she was then free to be the wicked step mother. But frankly, I sense something else in her ill-treated to Hyo Sun. I think I could sense some true deeper emotion from the lost of Dae Sung for her, but let’s just see…

Kang Sook ill-treated Hyo Sun had broken the two girl’s hearts. Hyo Sun felt more lonely with the lost of mother’s love. Eun Jo told her to wake up and grow up. She’s facing the real Kang Sook and therefore she had to stand firmly on her position and be tough or the wicked step-mother would kick her out of the house. Eun Jo tried to persuade her mom to be warmer to Hyo Sun. She said they needed to make redemption to Dae Sung by treating Hyo Sun better. But Kang Sook refuse and Eun Jo just ended up very frustrated. She ran into Gi Hoon while walking in sobs. And when Gi Hoon asked what had happened, Eun Jo said she couldn’t take her mom’s action anymore and (Dae Sung’s) forgiveness was too much to ask…..and then she asked Gi Hoon to run away with her.

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