Oppa

These Korean actors are not drop dead gorgeous to be truthful, but there are something about them that makes their character on screen alive, that makes you forget that it's not truly their character, they are just acting for godsake...but you just can't help falling in love with them.

Here's a list of my "oppa" and I believe its gonna grow over time....

Name: 조현재 / Jo Hyun Jae (Jo Hyeon Jae)
Profession: Actor
Birthdate: 1980-May-09
Height: 181cm
Weight: 65kg
Star sign: Taurus
Blood type: A
Education: Myungji University, Dangook University

Drama

Ballad Of Suh Dong (SBS, 2005) - here's where I fall in love with him
Only You (SBS, 2005) - he's gorgeous, hate the female lead
Nine Tailed Fox (KBS, 2004) - lurve it!
Shining Days (SBS, 2004) - watched!
Star's Echo (MBC/Fuji TV, 2004) - watched!
First Love (SBS, 2003) - wanna watch!
Love Letter (MBC, 2003) - not impressive :(
Daemang (SBS, 2002) - wanna watch!
That's Good (SBS, 2001)
Father and Son (SBS, 2001)
Kaist (SBS, 1999)

Movies
G.P. 506 (2007) - watched!
Joy of Love (2004, short internet film)
Untold Scandal (2003) - ltd!

Screen Name: Gong Yoo (공유)
Birth Name: Gong Ji Cheol (공지철)
Birth Date: July 10, 1979
Western & Eastern Sign: Cancerian Sheep
Status: Single
Birth Place: South Korea
Height: 184 cm or 6'2
Weight: 74 kg
Blood Type: A
Hobbies: Watching movies, playing basketball, and exercising
Expertise:English speaking, singing, basketball
Favorite Music: R&B and Hip-Hop
Family: One older sister; he's the youngest in the family

Talent Agency: SidusHQ

Drama

The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (MBC, 2007) - lovable
One Fine Day (MBC, 2006)
Hello My Teacher (SBS, 2005)
Screen (SBS, 2003)
20 Years (SBS, 2003)
Hard Love (KBS, 2002)
When Ever (KBS, 2002)
School 4 (KBS, 2001)

Movie

Ryu ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon(2007) - wanna watch!
She's On Duty (2005) - cute!
S Diary (2004)
Superstar Mr. Gam / Mr. Gam's Victory (2004)
Spy Girl (2004)
My Tutor Friend (2003)

Name: 지진희 / Ji Jin Hee
Profession: Actor
Birthdate: 1971-June-24
Birthplace: South Korea
Height: 178cm
Weight: 71kg
Star sign: Cancer
Blood type: B
Family: Wife Lee Su Yon (since 2004)
Talent agency: SidusHQ

Drama

Cain and Abel (SBS, 2008) - wanna watch!
The 100th Bride (2005)
Spring Day (SBS, 2005) - Love him here
Miss Kim Makes 1 Million (SBS, 2004) - irritating
Dae Jang Geum (MBC, 2003) - fall in love with him here
Love Letter (MBC, 2003) - hate and pity him here
Passing Rain (MBC/Fuji TV, 2002)
Four Sisters (MBC, 2001

Movies

Su (2006)
Perhaps Love (2005)
If You Were Me (2003)
H (2002)

Name: 송일국 / Song Il Gook (Song Il Guk)
Profession: Actor, model
Birthdate: 1971-Oct-1
Height: 185cm
Weight: 80kg
Blood type: A
Star sign: Libra Family: Mother is actress Kim Eul Dong and sister is Song Song Yi
Education: Cheongju University
Hobbies: Golf, swimming, skiing, mountain biking and swordsmanship Talent agency: Barunson Entertainment

Drama

The Lobbyist (SBS, 2007)
The Book of Three Han (MBC, 2006) - compelling
Sea God (KBS, 2004) - riveting
Terms of Endearment (KBS, 2004)
Water flower Village (MBC 2004)
Desert Spring (MBC, 2003)
Bodyguard (KBS, 2003)
Royal Story (KBS2 2003)
Hard Love (KBS2 2002)
Album of Love (KBS1, 2001)
All About Eve (MBC, 2001,cameo ) - don't notice him

Movies
The Art of Seduction (2005) - not playboyishly enuff
Red Eye (2004)

Name: 주진모 / Joo Jin Mo (Ju Jin-mo)
Real name: 박진태 / Park Jin Tae
Profession: Actor
Birthdate: 1974-Aug-11
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Height: 180cm
Weight: 70kg
Star sign: Leo
Blood type: O
Family: 3 older sisters

Drama

Queen of the Game (SBS, 2006) - yeppeun!
Bicheonmu (2005) - wanna watch!
Fashion 70's (SBS, 2005) - dashing!
Punch (SBS, 2003)
Turn Your Angry Face (KBS, 2000)
Sad Temptation (KBS, 1999)

Movie
Love / Sarang (2007)
200 Pounds Beauty (2006) - a hunk!
Sorry Apple (2005)
3-Iron (2004)
Liar (2004)
Bighouse Dotcom (2004)
The Trigger (2001)
Wanee & Junah (2001)
Musa: The Warrior (2001) - hmmm...will rewatch again
Real Fiction (2000)
Happy End (1999)
Dance Dance (1999) - still green ^_^
Park vs Park (1997)
Farewell My Darling (1996)

Name: 오만석 / Oh Man Seok (Oh Man Suk)
Nickname: Man-zzang (meaning "Man the Best")
Profession: Actor
Birthdate: 1975-Jan-30
Height: 175cm
Weight: 64kg
Star sign: Aquarius
Blood type: B
Family: Daughter

Drama
The King and I (SBS, 2007) - wanna watch!
Surgeon Bong Dal Hee (SBS, 2007, guest star ep13&14)
Hyena (tvN, 2006)
The Vineyard Man (KBS2, 2006) - funny & endearing!

Movie

Our Town (2007)
Soo (2006)
Bi-sang (2006)
A Cruel Attendance (2006)
Liar (2004)

Name: 오지호 / Oh Ji Ho
Profession: Actor and model
Birthdate: 1976-Apr-14
Height: 183cm
Weight: 75kg
Star sign: Aries

Drama

Get Karl! Oh Soo Jung (SBS, 2007)
Couple of Fantasy (MBC, 2006) - endearing!
Thanks Life (KBS, 2006)
Autumn Shower (MBC, 2005) - make up your mind!
Super Rookie (MBC, 2005)
Second Proposal (KBS, 2004)
Confession (MBC, 2002)
Cool (KBS, 2001)

Movies

My Wife is a Gangster 3 (2006) - funny!
Love Trilogy (2004)
Silver Knife (2003)
I Love You (2001)
La Belle (2000)
Kka (1998)

Thought of the day

A day of boredom at the office, and while waiting for the clock to tick to 4.30pm I was browsing some personality quizzes and this quiz at tickle.com caught my eyes...so what the heck i try it out...and the result....

"siti, you're single because you don't want to settle..... You, more than others, have a fairy tale fantasy of how things should be. Ever since you were a kid, you've probably dreamed of the perfect wedding, coming home to a white picket fence, dog, and 2.2 kids (how does that work, anyway?). When someone asks what you're looking for, you don't skip a beat: You're likely to have a handy checklist that details your perfect partner. Hair and eye color, height, religion, education, career, interests, the list goes on.

While it's great to have standards — Hey, you shouldn't have to settle, after all — there's one slight glitch in your master plan: No one has made the grade in real life — at least not yet. Next time you're out with someone, keep yourself from mentally checking that list, and give love — and others — a chance. That special someone who you've written off may be perfect for you after all..."

Well... I do admit, hehe I have high expectation and who wouldn't? After all those hundreds thrashy novels I read, it makes you take a step back when approach by real man. Some of them may meet the minimum requirements but when you get to know them closer and better, it's kinda dissapointing to found them just human and have flaws. Haha..even Superman has flaws, tapi would you wanna risk your spending your lifetime with a person who bores you, don't share the same interest and have personality that irks you? if you do, I salute you! You are so courageous...

Fudge! And all these Korean drama nudge my expectations a notch higher everytime... Here comes a life of solitude...

Coffee Prince

Go Eun-Chan (Yoon Eun-Hye) as the head of her family had to work 3-4 jobs a day to support them while Choi Han-Keol (Gong Yoo) being the heir apparent of a large company just didn't have anything better to do but have a good time. Circumstances brought them together, as he thought Eun Chan to be a boy, he hired her to pose as his gay lover to foiled his grandmother's match-making dates. Unhindered to mold her aimless-grandson, she told him to triple the profits of a dilapidated coffee house in 3 months or she takes away his privileges.

After some persuasion from Eun Chan -who desperately needed a job-Han Keol decided to take up the challenge. Apart from Eun Chan (who had to continue her masquerade since he only hired males), Han Keol also hired some helpers that enliven the coffee shops (and the drama) with their own live story and antics; the aloof No Sun-Ki (Kim Jae Wook), the smug-playboy Jin Ha-Rim (Kim Dong Wook) and the brawny-dunce Hwang Min Yeop (Lee-Un).

Working everyday together brought Han Keol and Eun Chan together, to the point where Han Keol was very agonized to think that he was attracted to a boy and in danger of falling for him. He tried to fired her but in the end rehired her back. So when Eun Chan finally confess her secret, he felt very betrayed.

Never heard of Gong Yoo before, but now I'm gonna watch out for every past drama/movie he's been in. There's something about his secretive smiles, the way his eyes teared up, the way he try to appear non-caring, the way he say Mul-la for "don't know"and the way he wakes up Eun Chan with a phone call and serenade a love song.....sigh!

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My favourite moment was after Eun Chan's confession and this is what he have to say "I need someone who trust me, and even though the whole world laugh at me and call me an imbecile. I need someone who can tell me, Choi Han Keol just haven't the oppurtunity to prove himself; Choi Han Keol does what he puts his mind to; Choi Han Keol just havent found his way yet, but when he do, he'll be able to make something out of himself. I need someone who can trust me like that, not someone like you who deceives me even while we're in love. Who is afraid of being abandoned"

The way he delivers the line, make me root for him, whereas before I was like "Dude, get off your high horse! So she deceives you...big deal! Who has never told a lie in this life? She has her reasons - but now she comes clean..so get over it lah!" Hahaha.....

But really...does this really happen in real life? Its comprehensible for Eun Chan to fall in love with her boss, who is tall, handsome, rich and to top it off have soft heart underneath the gruff exterior. But for him to fall for a person who he think is a boy, but who is too pretty to be a boy, but won't be beautiful as a girl??? Won't any real man just think of a person as a bestfriend or a little brother if they are very fond of the person of the same gender?

There's talk about making the sequel for this drama but if it was without Gong Yoo's shy-goofy smiles, it wouldn't be worth watching. Gong Yoo will be serving his 2 yrs military service this coming Jan 14 :( I hope he won't be harass even more just because he's an actor and all. Sigh! Two years is a long wait for another drama from him...........

p/s: I had this love-hate relationship with Korean Dramas that I really really like, that make me wants to rush out and buy another boxset- immediately!, as soon as the shops open!, as soon as I get off from work!. To date, the drama that makes me restless and dissatisfied with life are Seo Dong Yo, The Vineyard Man, Jumong, Emperor of The Sea & this Coffee Prince...FUDGE!

p/p/s: I take back my earlier statement bout Yoon Eun Hye won't be beautiful as a girl. She might not be a dashing beauty- but with the right hair style, make-up - she's quite pretty. I don't drink coffee, but hmmm...maybe I should give it another try? Nah......

9 End 2 Outs

Who say that a guy and a gal can't be just friends? Meet Byun Hyung Tae (Lee Jung Jin) and Hong Nan Hee (Soo Ae), two steadfast loyal bestfriends. They had been friends for as long as they can remember in their 30 years. Hyung Tae works at a successful advertising agency, hitting on any beautiful females that pass by - the ultimate romeo-casanova-kind-of-guy. While Nan Hee works at small publishing company as an editor; it is just a stepping stone towards attaing her long life goal - to be a published author.

They make a pact that by the time Nan Hee celebrate her 30th birthday, and they are still single and no other prospect to marry, they would marry each other. However, when the time comes, they laugh it off....

Circumstances, make them share a house together. Eventhough, they have their similarities, they still get on each other nerves, living in such close quarters. Not enough though, to ruin their solid friendship. Hyung Tae was there through the ups and downs of Nan Hee's romantic liasion with a 22 years old baseball athlete, and when the affair ended -help her go on with her life and continue with her writing. Just like Nan Hee was there before, when Hyung Tae's great-love walk out of his life. She was there to pick up the pieces, and prod him to stand up again.

Spoiler Alert!!!!!!!!

Fudge! It turns out that they were each other first love! They keep it hidden, buried it so deep inside for fear it would ruin their friendship. They would rather remain as friends, and forever be part of each other life. Because the thought of life without the other....even thinking of it couldn't be beared.

A weekend getaway craziness, unleash the hidden feelings, making them want to take the risk that their friendship could become something more. But the return of their second love, makes them take a step back. What if it doesn't work? Then the friendship that they treasured so much would come to a stop...they would be wary of each other presence and sooner or later drifted apart. Would they rather take a chance again with their 'second love'?

For me, I would not even consider giving the 'second love' another chance. She walk out on him, for godsake. And him, who does he think he was giving her ultimatum...and now he want her back- forget the previous ultimatum? Huh! Bleh Blah.......

Oh yeah, Im Yoon Ah (You Are My Destiny) debuted her acting career in this drama I think, here she was this pesky teenagers who had a crush on Nan Hee's young-baseball-player- boyfriend

p/s: I have a new resolution for the incoming 2008, I would replace 'damn/darn/shit' with 'fudge'. Wakaka...so cute when DW said it....

HoRRoRscope

ARIES MARCH 21 – APRIL 20
Nothing seems to ruffle you more than a lack of discipline, disloyalty and decorum. But Arians are also known to go into a rage very easily when challenged. Those of you who have been on the receiving end of the Aries temper know that if not calmed down they can even get violent. But one thing is certain if the opponent remains calm and does not react to their outburst, Arians cool down very fast. They are also the first to apologies, which makes them easier to forgive.

TAURUS APRIL 21 – MAY 20
You are generally quiet (100% yes!) and have control over your emotions (errrr...). It is difficult to predict what will upset you (is it?) , so when you do lose your cool, people don’t know how to react (as far as I remember I only lost it once, and I even surprised myself!) . Your temper is like that of a raging bull (nah...) , and anyone trying to pacify you will be the first one to get a verbal bashing ( I do prefer to be left alone when I'm in a bad mood, so that I won't have to regret what I said or did - and apologize for it. I hate apologizing!). You generally get upset when you are cornered or when people accuse you of doing something wrong (helow! wouldn't anyone?). You also hate being reminded about mistakes you’ve made in the past (oh yeah! I may not have a perfect memory, but you don't have to remind me everytime!). You also have the potential to be terribly vindictive if rubbed the wrong way (hehe...vengeance is SWEET).

GEMINI MAY 21 – June 29
You are recognized by your cheerful disposition and your jovial nature is easily susceptible to anger. In fact, you are the best person to have around when there is an ugly scene at a party you can bring the warring factions together quite diplomatically. But when you lose cool, you yell and scream and will not listen to reason. You must have the last word in a wordy duel. Your capacity to argue aggressively is matched only by your seductive charm.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21
Considering how charming, caring and kind you are, you dislike unpleasant scenes, much less creating one yourself. You have great tolerance and rarely get provoked into losing your temper. If someone is unreasonable or trying to create trouble, you are more likely to walk away quietly. But that does not mean you do not have a temper. When angry, in your effort to control your emotions, you tremble, your hands get sweaty and sometimes you fumble for words. Tears roll down your eyes easily and the opponent is touched by your innocence and will seek an apology immediately.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21
If anyone has total control over their emotions, it is you. But then, you can be described as stiff, cold and uncaring. You are known to lack spontaneity but you really don’t care about opinions. You don’t like to create scenes and will never accept invitations to a party where you suspect the presence of an unruly lot. But your very presence seems challenging to some and they take vicarious pleasure in your disquiet. When angry you can use critical language. A dressing down can humiliate your opponent, causing a strain between both of you forever.

VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21
Most of you are gentle and have full control over your emotions but those of you given to temper tantrums can certainly get violent. When see things with rage, you yell and shout and tend to break things lying close at hand. You can even harm yourself by banging your hands on a glass top table or wall. You should never get into any argument, for you are a sore loser. You feel that others are trying to persecute you and don’t quite respect your opinions. When hurt, you can also hold grudges forever.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22
Did someone say that you are the charmers of the zodiac? Well, it’s true. Few have ever seen you ruffled or angry. You are very conscious of your image, and you believe that anger distorts your face and personality. You also think you are above things like anger. But wait before you get into self-congratulatory mood. Your family or those very close to you know you better. You have an unmatched temper amongst all the zodiac signs, and what makes it worse is your capacity to justify it.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21
Of course you don’t lose your cool. But your very demeanour (manner) projects haughtiness (arrogance, pride), pride and grand disdain (disregard) for lesser mortals (human). Others are often found saying that anger sits on your nose and you are raring to give your piece mind to the first person that try to be funny with you. You are selective in the choice of your friends, and have a low tolerance for the superfluous (extra) types. Your tongue-lashing (attack) is generally in a soft hissing tone for when you scream, your voice tends to get shrill and loud and you do hate drawing attention to yourself! When upset, you are angrier with yourself for having shown weakness, for the last thing that Scorpio wants to show is being out of control.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20
You are insensible and generally have no complete control over your emotions. You do get angry quickly and others marvel at your anger levels even when provoked. Actually, you get tongue-tied when angry and you will remove your anger waiting for the other person to calm down. Then you will reason with your opponent and convince the other person in a very gentle manner that the whole thing was just his mistake. You’re also likely to totally sever ties with someone when you’re upset with them.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 19
Few will believe that a hardcore practical and materialistic person like you is capable of sensitivity and genuine emotions. You project a hard exterior but are actually very sensitive, a trait you successfully hide from others. You can see thing with anger but will not betray your feelings. But then, there are times that even you cannot control your temper. Under such circumstances you can shout and scream, more with frustration at the situation than with anger at any particular person. Your outbursts can shock others and can make them feel guilty too.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18
You are noble and kind and dislike losing control over your emotions. It is very rare for you to get angry. You are also the pacifier in situations that involve arguments. It is always your endeavor to be perfect and socially correct in your behavior and attitude, but if misunderstood and slighted you can give in to an angry outburst. You will shout and scream and then walk out from the scene. You cannot easily forget the situation and will be bitter about it for a long time.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20
The only thing that can be said about you dreamers is that you appear even more attractive when angry. You are very sensitive to others’ feelings, so you rarely hurt them. But when others tend to hurt you, then things take a nasty turn. You will yell and use harsh words and feel inclined to shake everything and everyone up. Your creative imagination is at its best when angry, and you tend to get pretty dramatic. When upset, you refuse to listen to reason and wish to be left alone. But once you calm down, you repent your tantrums and seek forgiveness. SO nobody can be upset with you for too long.

Dawson's Creek

I remember watching this series in Malaysian TV2 yearsssss ago - when I was still a teenager. I stayed up late and waited patiently since it aired around 11pm, and feel frustrated if for some unknown reason the station didn't aired the show for the night. I watched until the middle of season 3 then, when the storyline just got interesting; Pacey falling in love with Joey.

So anyway, I started buying the series DVD since June 2007, then because of Season 2 was so boring....I lost momentum and turn to Korean dramas again. I finally finished watching Season 2 in late August and buying a new season episodes everytime I finished watching the current one. Then tadaa....yesterday, 4th November, I finally watched the entire series.....and this is what I have to say about it.

Yes, I'm satisfied that Joey chose Pacey in the end - but the thing is he never stop loving her, and she admits she knows all along whom she loves, it's just she's afraid of making a commitment, thats why she's keep running away- running away from Pacey and every other guy she had relationship with. So if they are still in love with each other, wow! what inner strength they have for the 3 seasons to watch the person they are in love with falling in love with someone else - or at least having a relationship with another person - and still can show that person their best friend's face. And I still don't like the idea that one person can love more than one person simultaneously...call me romantic, dreamer, whatever, its just not....'romantic' (wakaka....)

And whats so special of this Joey character anyway, that guys fall in love with her left and right.... to me Jen has more character, or maybe she's so wise that its not idealfor men to chase after her? Maybe I'm biased also since Katie Holmes that played Joey end up and marrying Tom Cruise, euww! of all Hollywood actors...Tom Cruise??? Got to remember "Love is Blind" thats why we fall, not rise up to Love ^_^

Apart from Joshua Jackson natural talent in acting I have to applaud Kerr Smith also, in the series he's so beautiful, kind-hearted, funny and unfortunately - as in real life - so gay. And that Meredith Monroe, she is so beautiful in the season finale, how could she agree to 'uglyized' herself to make herself look like a teenager in the 3 seasons she was in.

My favourite scene that make a very lasting impression even years after I seen it for the first time was in Season 3, Weekend In The Country episode. "You know you love someone when you can spend the entire night, sitting by the fire, watching them sleep" thats what Grams has said to them and at the ending of the show, Pacey was sitting by the fire, watching Joey sleep. That was the first inkling of Pacey feeling for Joey in the show...

The dialogues that I like are so many.... mostly i remembered from the series finale...

Joey: Dreams aren't perfect Dawson... They come true, not free

------------------------

Jen: ... Be sure to make mistakes. Make a lot of them, because there's no better way to learn and to grow, all right? And, um, I want you to spend a lot of time at the ocean, because the ocean forces you to dream, and I insist that you, my girl, be a dreamer... And remember, to love is to live.

------------------------

Jen: I think they overestimate it, too. I mean, as much as you want to, you can't rely on someone else to make you feel alive. It's an inside job.

--------------------------

Then there is this scene in Season 3, Secrets and Lies between Pacey and Andie

Andie: I slept with another guy six months ago! I knew it was wrong when I did it. I keep trying to tell you this and make you understand it. How many times do I have to say it?
Pacey: Andie, If you wanted to sleep with him, if even just for a second, then maybe it wasn't wrong.
Andie: It was...
Pacey: Maybe. Maybe that was just your heart's way of telling you that I'm not the one. 'Cause that's what my heart's telling me right now... it's telling me that you're not the one.

Darn! this has become a long post. I was supposed to do something else when I switched on my PC.... ..

Hana Yori Dongo 1 and 2

Another referral from someone Blog or something I read over the internet (like Facebook Groups or something) Hana Yori Dongo - the Japanese version of Taiwan's Meteor Garden

The story revolved around a bunch of rich kids (who call themselves F4) -with more money than they know what to do with and Makino Tsukushi, a poor girl studying at rich private highschool. Her family, had to pinch their expenses to send her studying in that school, and so proud of it that Makino didnt have the heart to tell them that she didnt like being there. For years she played it safe and stayed out of touble, out of the radar of F4 but the arrival of a new girl at school brings trouble. To cut the story short, Makino stands up for herself and fight the leader of F4, Damyougi Tsukasa (punch him to be exact) - which never happen before. He falls in love with her but she was attracted to the silent and brooding member of the group, Hanazawa Rui, but he was at first still in love with some former love (thus the brooding).

In the sequel Rui later he realised he start to have feelings for Makino also, but it was too late, Makino is already given her heart to Tsukasa. When Tsukasa's mother start to interfere with the relationship again and force him to an arranged engagement with another rich girl to save their company, Rui thinks he have another chance to win Makino's heart. But alas, Makino only love the spoiled, quick-tempered Tsukasa and regards Rui as a very good friend only. Just when you think, finally they would be able to be together, Tsukasa go and fall down a small hill, and have amnesia about Makino only. Sigh! Can their love strong enough to overcome all obstacles?


Spoiler: It took me 3 weeks to finish this series, due to in the end I know she will choose Tsukasa . If I were her, Hanazawa Rui seems to be the logical, rational, safe and BETTER man to be with.....

Casts:
Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi
Matsumoto Jun as Domyoji Tsukasa
Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui
Matsuda Shota as Nishikado Sojiro
Abe Tsuyoshi as Mimasaka Akira

I would recommend others to stick with the Taiwan's version ^-^