Tuesday, March 27, 2018

BTS MV "Boy in Luv" hits 200 million views.

The music video 'Boy in Luv' by global group BTS has topped 200 million views within 4 years of been released on YouTube. According to Big Hit Entertainment on 27th March, BTS's second mini-album "Skool Luv Affair" was released in 2014 with the title song "Boy in Luv", has surpassed 200 million YouTube views at 8:33 pm.

                          "인터내셔널 슈퍼스타"…방탄소년단 'AMA'서 꿈의 무대 펼쳤다

원더케이(1theK) website uploaded Boy in Luv MV to the YouTube account. Combined together with Big Hit Entertainment official YouTube account, the views have gone over 279.38 million.

BTS's Boy In Luv is a very distinguished unique charm song that combines intense rock sound and rough hip-hop drums. It contains a pure and upbeat confession of a decent teenager who will not give up even if he does not know his feelings and will run to the end. 

BTS has achieved 300 million views for two music videos including 'DNA' and 'FIRE' for the first time under Korean music group category. In addition to Boy In  Luv, BTS's 2 million views music videos include Blood, Sweat and Tears, Not Today, Save Me, Mic-Drop..etc. In total BTS has 8 music videos with 2 million views. 

In addition to that, BTS other MV include Danger, Spring Day, I Need You and Hormone War have broken another record of 1 million views. 


TVXQ to hold national concert.

Duo group TVXQ is confirmed to hold national concert from May 5-6th 2018. It has been after 2 years and 9 months, the group members have gone for military services and now they are ready to meet their fans again.

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The concert will be held at Seoul Jamsil Sports Complex. Concert - Circle - # Welcome '(CONCERT -CIRCLE- # welcome). Their very last concert held was in June 2015.


Fans can view various music and stage of TVXQ including songs recorded in the 8th album "New Chapter # 1: The Chance of Love" released on 28th. 

Tickets will be available at 4 pm on April 4th at the online booking site. Family seats for families and disabled seats are available from 10 am on the same day.


BoA guides 4 butlers in Master in the House.

Yook Sung Jae is the first to arrive as a primary school. Excited as usual he easily mispronounced the see-saw he sat as a swing! Came Se Hyung, followed by Sang Yun and Seung Gi. Again Se Hyung is one step behind dressed in thick white colour parka when cold winter is already over. PD gives them the daily work chart of their new Master. Mental work, office...etc gave them a hint that Master is not an average office worker. A phone call to veteran actor Yoo Hae Jin gave further hints that the Master is single, has high mileage and holds a high position, earning number one titles too. Seung Gi thought the Master must be elderly but Sang Yun straight away knew who the Master was. They arrived at the Master's house and Seung Jae still hasn't got any clue on the Master's identity. 

They visited the house- few floors up to the attic until they reached the second floor where Master was sitting at the balcony with back facing them. They were nervous but not too surprised that singer Kwon BoA is their new Master. At the tender age of 14, she started singing, earning number one spot in Korea and Japan music chart, travelled everywhere holding concerts and the youngest artist to win Dae-Sang at the age of 16. She even hosted KPOP Star and recently in Produce 101:Season 2. Of course her current success came with a lot of difficulties. Se Hyung is delighted to have a Master at a similar age as they have been meeting several veteran singers and actors. Then they drove BoA to SM Entertainment where it's part of her daily work schedule. She is one of the Executive Directors in SM; her responsibilities include guiding and mentoring current trainees and idols in the company.
She conducted a counselling session with Se Hyung portraying as one of a struggling trainee envious of his team members and decided to split up. BoA harshly tells him the reality how good is he to go on his own as solo artist. Uh-oh...!

                     

After touring around the building, they arrived at a dance studio where rookie group NCT 127 were practising their choreography. The four butlers marvelled at the 18-members performance in unison. NCT were cracking up when the butlers introduced themselves. BoA also practised her upcoming new single One Shot, Two Shots choreography. Once again the butlers went "oo-ah" upon seeing her performance. Everyone laughed when Se Hyung mentioned BoA danced to an extent that he thought her hips were dislocated! Haha! She's still flexible at that age and it's time for them to show her their dance moves.

Seung Gi who isn't a good dancer goes first with a random song from Red Velvet. He wasn't that bad as he heard the song so many times in army. Next up was Se Hyung who surprised everyone with his swag dance moves. Even the backup dancers and choreographer were impressed with him. Sang Yun looked desperate, frozen and all tensed up. Seung Gi pointed out Sang Yun's stubble starts to grow too!  Sung Jae is next to show off his b-boying skills and break dance moves under EXID's Up and Down impressing all. No doubt he's an idol singer so this is a piece of cake for him. Last but not least is Sang Yun who was supposed to show off flashy moves of Sunmi's Gashina but he looked as if he was some drunkard man at a karaoke! They were quite embarrassed with his old man moves, nevertheless BoA praised him and told him to be more confident. All he needs is more practice and confidence. Oh-well what can we expect? Sang Yun's an actor, not an idol star.

There will be a test in the next episode where BoA will judge who is the best dancer.
First of all they have to master the key point of BoA's new single One Shot, Two Shot.
She showed them step by step however Sang Yun struggled more than anyone else.
He felt his legs aren't moving simultaneously as his upper body. BoA was very patient and slowly coached him through until he memorised the movements. For the interim test, she chose Sung Jae as the best dancer but in her heart, Sang Yun has given her the best impression despite being sloppy in dancing.

The funniest caption came up with 'Produce All Butlers' instead of Produce 101 program. This new team named Sabu-Way (sounds like Subway) is a new idol group produced by BoA. The best dancer in the final test will take the centre position of the group. Who will that be? 

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Battle of pride continues at Master in the House.

The second part of Master In the House featuring Winter Olympics speed skating champion, Lee Seung Hun continues where the master brought them to the skating rink. After monitoring the four butlers skating across the rink, Se Hyung suggested Team Racing. First skater has to be good to start off with ace Sung Jae speeding up easily on the track. Seung Gi is determined not to lose out to the ace while Se Hyung and Sang Yun struggled at the bottom. 
However Sang Yun was clumsy as usual after been pushed behind by Seung Gi, he stumbled and fell down twice on the track. Teamwork was good where they quickly brought him up. 

              /사진=SBS '집사부일체' 방송 캡쳐

They tried the second time after monitoring their performance to go 2 laps within 4 minutes. If they win, Master Lee needs to buy them night snacks. Butlers struggled and won the game at 3 mins 52 secs. Also Lee suggested a little game of curling using their helmets on the rink. Winner gets to share the same room with Master and even wears the gold medal for a day. Everyone's eyes were aiming at the gold medal. Sung Jae was leading the game until Se Hyung rolled his helmet and pushed Sang Yun's helmet right to the first line. The disappointment on Se Hyung's face while Sang Yun jumps with joy! Master Lee orders midnight snacks for everyone and had a good phone chat with his wife. Everyone gathered at the kitchen to enjoy spicy rice cakes, cheesy pizza, pig trotters, soft drinks, fritters...etc. Master Lee can't remember the last time he had snacks as he was busy training for the past few years. Weight and health are very important for national athletes. However right now it doesn't matter as Master Lee just started pigging out and the rest were chomping down the food happily. 

They were rather shocked when Master Lee suggested a leg race where he will skate using one foot and the rest have the advantage of 4 skaters. 5 laps in total with 4 rookies vs. 1 Olympic champion. Their pride was dashed out when Lee proudly says he will still with 1-foot race against four of them. Night came so everyone prepared for bed. Seung Gi laughs wondering the Master will suffer entire night with Sang Yun loves talking. Indeed Lee is about to doze off when Sang Yun kept chatting away even though they are lying on bed. Before the alarm rang, Lee woke up sharp at 7.00 a.m. Somehow Sang Yun woke up too and send a text message to the three snoozing away in the other room. Lee and Sang Yun headed to the short skate rink to warm up. Sang Yun happens to be Lee's first student in life so he taught him the cornering skills at the rink. Sung Jae woke up with the sunlight rays shining through the window. He was surprised to see the text message Sang Yun send an hour ago! The three were flabbergasted to know Sang Yun left them to train quietly with Master Lee. Seung Gi just surrendered as he didn't feel like waking up. Master Lee told them to quickly head down to the rink for training.



Dragging their feet, Se Hyung promised to teach Sang Yun a lesson for betraying them. Sang Yun just smiled sneakily as he doesn't want to wear the blue tight costume worn by speed skaters in the competition. Now the competition begins with butlers vs. Master Lee in 1-leg speed skating. Seung Gi is the first to start off but Lee just bypassed him almost half of the track in one-foot skating without using the other one! The entire rink had their exclamations of "oooh-aah... what's that?" seeing the huge gap of Lee and themselves. As Lee starts to tire down with Sung Jae at the last skater, still he won them over 0.05 seconds. Apparently in the 1-leg skating, Lee is always the best in training. Hah! Talk about winning a gold medallist! Ha-ha!
Final race is individual race so the loser has to wear the skimpy tight costume worn by Lee.
Lee gave his predictions that Sung Jae will be first and last is Seung Gi! OMG...Seung Gi is devastated with the prediction. He is more determined to take the 2nd spot. The race started with Seung Gi heading first and slowly Sung Jae picked up the rhythm edging the three easily to the finish line. No doubt ace Sung Jae is great in skating. The battle of the three begins as Se Hyung overtook the two from outer lane. Sang Yun struggling even though he's been taught the cornering skills. However at the last 10m, Se Hyung slipped and fell on his tummy leaving the other two bypassing to the finish line! 

Seung Gi advises him that it should be an honour to wear the costume worn by Master Lee and even autographed. The three got dressed warmly while waiting at the running track for Se Hyung to arrive. They laughed at him as Se Hyung walked awkwardly as if he was ashamed of his body covered with a thick parka jacket. Everyone laughed as Se Hyung described the feeling of his bum been pulled to the back so tightly that he couldn't stand straight. Master Lee admitted it's difficult to wear the skin tight fitting costume and skaters tend to bend down when they see photographers around the rink. After all it's not too decent for photos snapped by media especially in the front! Ha ha! They lay on the running track while remembering the moments when they were young- passion for their dream. Lee promises to continue his dream to Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. If he wins another medal, he will return to the series again.
Good luck to Lee Seung Hun and we thank him for his precious time with the 4 butlers.





Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Lee Yu Bi x Lee Jun Hyuk in med-drama.

A different style of drama has emerged- hospital without doctors....

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On the afternoon of 20th March, tvN has launched its latest drama entitled "A Poem a Day" which had its press conference and presentation at Times Square in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

At one stage, a lady Woo Bo Young dreamt being a poet who then becomes a physical therapist with her surroundings of poetry. There are two interesting points in the drama.
First of all, it is a hospital drama where for the first time; the main characters are not medical doctors but a physiotherapist, a radiologist, an apprentice, and a 'Comedical staff' (a medical worker providing medical services outside the medical practice).

Main leads Woo Bo Young played by Lee Yu Bi, Ye Je Wook played by Lee Jun Hyuk, Lee Chae Young, Kim Jae Bum, Jang Dong Yun and Park Sun Ho are among the casts.

PD Han Sang Jae has mentioned this drama doesn't revolve doctors. It is slightly different.
It is not necessary to always have a doctor in a medical drama. So he made this drama focusing at the daily lives of the physical therapists who are responsible for the health of the patients. Physical therapy and radiotherapy information and patient's emotional state are the main points. The nurse is not the main character but has the skeleton of the hospital drama. In fact, when PD Han met directly those chem medical staff, they have longer time to respond to the patient than the doctors. Patients do not even know the doctor and there are many complaints. This drama is scheduled for a total of 16 episodes.

Lee Yu Bi decided to take the challenge because she is interested in poetry. It is a light hearted comedy too. When she started reading the scripts, she expressed her gratitude that she will do her best in the main lead.

It will be aired after the series "Cross" finishes on 26th March at 9.30 p.m.










New casts for Dangerous Outside the Blanket

Wanna One's Kang Daniel, EXO's Xiumin and rookie singer Jung Se Woon have been confirmed for the permanent cast in the new variety show Dangerous Outside the Blanket

On 19th March, Jung Se Woon has participated in Dangerous Outside the Blanket filming.
The series revolves about celebrities doing the out of extraordinary in the same house of room mates. It is definitely out of the comfort zone for Jung so he has decided to join the crew.
As a result the program has a more solid line up. During the pilot season, actor Lee Sang Woo, HIGHLIGHT's Jun Hyung, singer Park Jae Jung along with Kang Daniel and Xiumin were part of the cast. And now they have decided to make it a regular series.

There is no doubt with added casts, the series is bound to exert more laughter and new charm.
The debut date for the Dangerous Outside the Blanket will be on 5th April 2018.






Monday, March 19, 2018

EXO successfully wraps up Bangkok concert.

Hallyu group EXO has definitely warmed up the nights in the city of Bangkok.

On March 19th SM Entertainment said, "EXO has successfully hosted EXO PLANET # 4 - The EℓyXiOn - in BANGKOK (Exo Planet # 4 - Deaconion - in Bangkok) at Impact Arena, Bangkok.'

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The showcase was held in Bangkok for about a year and six months after the third solo concert in September 2016.


Concert tickets went on sale on early February were sold out for all three performances within five minutes! EXO did the opening stage with 'The Eve' in this performance, is a hit song such as 'Growl', 'Call Me Baby', 'Lotto' 'Ko Ko Bop', 'Power' 'Tender Love', What You Do?

The album included songs including "Touch It," "Boomerang," and an ending song, "Angel,"  went on for about three hours. The press conference before the start of the 17th March concert included the broadcasting of Thai Channel 3's famous Morning Show 'Rueng Lao Chao Nee', channel 7, channel 9, 'Thai Rat', ' Daily News', 'TrueID' (True ID), and 'Kka Pook'



Wanna One debuts after 8 months...Golden Age begins.

Leader Yoon Ji Sung has said, "Even though it's been only 8 months since we debuted in the industry, but there are still a lot for us to show to the audience. We have released an album and do our best we can."

The project boy group Wanna One has been formed via mNet's Produce 101: Season 2 and has released a new album entitled '0 + 1 = 1' at 6 pm on the 19th March.


At the press conference held at the hotel in Sangam-dong, 11 members of the group said, "The Golden Age is starting. Member Lee Dae Hwi said, "Last year I stood boldly on stage, now I wanted to show how I've matured musically and outwardly this year."

This album titled I PROMISE YOU, is a promise that Wanna One will make this year a golden age. The theme tracks for the electro trap genre-  "Boomerang," as well as a special theme track, "Promise Me" (I.P.U.), including seven songs are featured in the album.

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In less than a year after their debut, Wanna One has been showing monstrous power of a rookie boy band. Their debut album, '1X1 = 1' and repackage '1-1 = 0', sold more than 1.4 million copies and swept new awards at various music awards. This album has an order of 700,000 copies. Thanks to their huge popularity, they are gradually getting rid of it. Ong Seung Woo said before his debut, he doesn't know how to express his charms and feelings but now he knows fan services. Main vocalist Kim Jae Hwan wanted to sing songs coolly from the time he was a trainee. He is now delighted to be able to perform great songs and stage with the rest of the members.

Wanna One members are from various agencies. By the end of the year, they would go on separate ways but high probability the max of extended period of two years. As a result, fans were voicing out that the members should extended their activities. Dae Hwi mentioned at this time is the most important. Boomerang is the new title song and he's working harder to perform at his best. He doesn't want to think of the end as yet.

With a strong base consisting of female fans, Wanna One seems to be reciprocating back the love given to them via this album. The title song 'Boomerang' reminds us of the main scene that actor Kwon Sang Woo threw a boomerang in the drama 'Stairway to Heaven' (2003) and said the famous phrase- love will return. 

Kang Daniel promised his fans that he will put all his love for them. 

Wanna One will participate in UNESCO's Girls Education Campaign 'Wanna One X Girls Education' during this period  and will donate a total of KRW$ 100 million won.













Hyori's Bed & Breakfast: S2 ratings increased.

When actor Park Bo Gum appeared in the recent episodes of Hyori's Home Stay Season 2, the viewers ratings exceeded 10%.

According to Nielsen Korea, the ratings on the 19th March under JTBC entertainment program 'Hyori's Min Bak 2' (directed by Jeon Hyun Min, Ma Gun Young)  recorded the average nationwide audience ratings of 10.8%. This is the first time that 'Hyori's Home Stay Season 2' has recorded double-digit ratings since its first broadcast on April 4th 2017. Even in the first season of last summer, only once that it has exceeded 10% of audience ratings (10.0% of 9 times).

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Park Bo Gum arrived at Hyori and  Lee Sang Soon's villa in Jeju-do during the winter season and will be working as a part time worker along with Girls' Generation Im YoonA. The bed and breakfast villa accepts public guests and even treats them to snacks, food and warming home stay for their short holiday at Jeju-do.

Bo Gum was seen helping around with housework, chatting easily to guests, chaffeuring guests to destinations and running errands to buy groceries at the local market...etc.
Female guests were rather excited to see the handsome part time worker at their home stay.









Sunday, March 18, 2018

Shall We Live Together takes over from My Golden Life weekend drama.

It has been a pleasant start for Shall We Live Together for KBS weekend drama.
First episode recorded 23.3% viewers ratings where it took over the spot of the famous My Golden Life drama.

According to Nielsen Korea on 18th March, "Shall We Live Together", which was broadcast the previous day recorded a nationwide audience rating of 23.3%. It is 3.6% higher than the 19.7% recorded in the previous drama 'My Golden Life' when it was first aired and slowly climbed up to 40%.

Shall We Live Together is about a shoemaker Park Hyo Seob who has 4 children. His second daughter Park Yoo Ha (played by Han Ji Hye) who has lived as a chaebol's daughter in law decided to divorce her husband after the family wanted to send her five year old daughter abroad. 





Thursday, March 15, 2018

Xiumin, Max Changmin, Mark appear in Life Bar.

The Road of SM- EXO's Xiumin, TVXQ's Max Changmin and NCT's Mark were guests in the variety show Life Bar hosted by emcee Shin Dong Yub.

In the most recent episode featuring the "Visual Party" of SM, co-hosts Super Junior's Kim Hee Chul was rather tensed up. Max Changmin made Hee Chul laughed by admitting he was good looking when he debuted in the music industry. 

        

NCT's Mark has became an adult this year and had his first shot of alcohol. He got to finally taste makgeolli (rice wine) and beer this year. He reckons rice wine has better taste! True!

Between the conversation, there's EXO Xiumin who came out with a secret reason why he actually entered SM is due to TVXQ. Huh? He noted that Changmin is his favourite while NCT Mark is his favourite junior. When he first Changmin in the company, he just came to a pause mode. With Xiumin's fans on edge of war with Changmin left him speechless and shocked.
Changmin added EXO is not a global leader group. He is proud to have a friend whose dream became a singer came true. 

Xiumin later on added Changmin has a strong personality on and off stage. He is charismatic and very warm hearted person. TVXQ is still very active in Japan. Their recent performance in Japan especially in Tokyo Dome was filled with fans. EXO was recently featured in the closing ceremony of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. It was an honour and glory for Xiumin.
The tense was there but the cold wind was no joke to the members. It was freezing.

Everyone was enthusiastic about the gorgeous pelvic dance created by Xiumin entitled '으른댄스' (Eu Run dance) which became a hot topic for EXO fans.

Meanwhile Mark, Changmin and Kim Hee Chul showed off their figure in the Eu Run dance.







Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jong Suk in new drama.

Actress Shin Hye Sun (29) will be meeting actor Lee Jong Suk (29) after 6 years as their last drama they starred together was in School 2013. At that time, Shin was quite a newbie and wasn't in the main lead while Lee was already gaining lots of fame and attention.
Now Shin is one of the hottest actresses after her weekend famous drama My Golden Life has broken record of 40% viewers ratings. 

Now the two are collaborating together in SBS single play drama entitled 사의 찬미 written by Jo Soo Jin and directed by Park Soo Jin. The title is literally translated as Praise of the Company (??).

Praise of the Company is a famous late soprano singer Yoon Shim Duk. The late Yoon was born in Pyeongyang 1924 and became a school teacher at Wonju. When she was in Japan studying music, she fell in love with an English Lit. and drama student Kim Woo Jin who was already a married man. The two lovebirds somehow cannot be together so they boarded the ship and jumped off - drowned. Yoon died at the young age of 29.

Her life story was made into drama and musical. It was a coincidence that Shin happened to hear about the tragic love story between Yoon and Kim on the radio. This is a good opportunity for her play that beautiful role in her life.

The special drama re-examines the cross stared lovers Kim and Yoon in that era. Shin Hye Sun will be playing as the late Yoon Shim Duk while Lee Jong Suk will play the role of Kim. The two part mini special episode will start filming next month but airing date and time have yet to be determined. 






Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Master in the House trains with Olympic hero Lee Seung Hun.

Yook Sung Jae was the first to arrive at the spot with PD telling him to board the bus which is waiting in front of the filming location. He somehow didn't feel too right but saw Lee Sang Yun arriving too. He noticed that Sang Yun doesn't dress up anymore as he couldn't care less on his appearance after episode 2. Next thing they knew someone humming is none other than Yang Se Hyung followed by Lee Seung Gi. PD tells them their new Master is a hero in the recent 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Given their Master's dairy written when he was 10 years old, Sang Yun started to analyse that it's a man, in early twenties and very matured thinking. 

What they didn't expect is the daily schedule of their Master shocked them seeing 3/4 of his routine is high intensity training! They can never forget what they went through with baseball player Lee Dae Ho at the hard core gym training! The bus arrives at the stop where their master is dressed in black track suit showing off two medals- gold and silver he won at the winter Olympics. Their eyes grew big when he turned around - he's the speed skater Lee Seung Hun became the national hero for winning two medals. Everyone was in awe inspecting the medals. Now back to work, Se Hyung pointed out his daily schedule is too much for them. Lee decided to tone down various segments since it's off season for training. High intensity becomes low intensity with Sung Jae suggesting there should be NO intensity training.
The four butlers started talking to Lee on his dream when he was 10 years old, how he went through the hard training at Taerung Training Centre and winning the medals up to today.
Lee suggested to have snack time at night since he craves for it. They clapped with joy.

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The bus arrived at Taerung Training Centre where butlers were happily snapping photos within the campus ground and admired the main banner stating- "I am a Korean, representing the country". This gives a full sense of duty for all athletes training all these years to work harder. As they were shown around the dormitory where they will be spending a night with their master. They passed the hallway of athletes rooms and Lee brought them to his own room. Se Hyung joked if Taerung is some Prison Break as scenery outside the dorm is just pure nature and wild animals. Lee admitted some athletes tried to escape because training was too difficult to endure and they wanted to give up. Four butlers changed to track suits and headed to the cafeteria to fill their grumbling tummies. They were amazed with the amount and variety of delicious food served for the athletes and staffs. From Korean food to Western, Chinese and Japanese- it was like a buffet heaven for the butlers. As they started filing their plates, Sung Jae noted Lee's plate was half the amount of what they have taken. Lee admitted at first, it was hard to resist the food but soon they got used to it as they have to burn up the amount they have eaten. Uh-oh! As speed skaters, they have to maintain their weight. Sang Yun went for second serving while the rest were surprised with the amount he has taken. Lee said the amount Sang Yun is eating are meant for heavy weight lifters! 

After dinner, it is light training where they go to Wolgye Hall (gym) to jog around. They saw the rope climb and Lee shook his head saying where skaters do not use it. Phew! But their warm up is starting to get vigorous after few crouching and jumps. Lee demonstrated basic warm up where he was light as a feather. Now we know why one shouldn't eat so much because it's too difficult to jump and run with full stomach! Seung Gi and Sang Yun struggled with one leg jump however Sung Jae did well in the corner belt training. Corner belt training is done with one person dragging another person's weight on one side - that's the rhythm they have to do when they corner skate at a fast speed with body weight on another side. Somehow the tug and pull belt training between Se Hyung and Sung Jae became a joke where Seung Gi lamented the two looked like idiots! That gave Master Lee a good laugh. With the basic warm ups were even torturous for the butlers. 

It was 8 p.m, so Lee brought them to the skating rink.It was so big that they were amazed with the size. While preparing their gear, they admired Lee's skates which he used in the Olympics. It is custom made and the blades make a clicking sound on ice. Lee decided to warm up first and goes for a round the rink. The butlers just admired the posture, speed and gust of wind when he passes them. Average male skaters speed at 60 km p/h- it's like driving a car! Sung Jae praised that Lee looks like a dove flying on ice while Sang Yun cracked up. Master Lee decided to test them for a one round. The strong determination in everyone's' eyes scared Se Hyung. On the mark...go! Se Hyung and Seung Gi started off strongly. Somehow Sang Yun was out of the picture...he was staggering along with Master following him behind. Commentator saw Sung Jae slowly picked up the rhythm where he just passed Seung Gi and Se Hyung in a blink of an eye. Seung Gi is determined not to lose. Se Hyung struggled behind while Sang Yun is purely learning skating with Master behind.

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Sung Jae smiled happily as he reaching the finishing line while Seung Gi blew his chance when he tumbled over with Se Hyung also falling over. Hah! While this is not the end of it...
Second episode will feature Master Lee training the butlers harder to skate better with determination not to lose. 

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

So Ji Sub, Park Shin Hye, PD Na in new variety show.

Actor So Ji Sub (41) and actress Park Shin Hye (28) have confirmed joining PD Na Young Suk in the new variety show entitled 'Small House In the Forest- 숲 속의 작은 집'

According to the two actors, Salt Entertainment agency has confirmed both are starring in the new documentary show which features new artistic 'Small house in the forest 'by cable channel tvN and are they are currently filming it. 

Under the concept of 'voluntary isolated documentary', this program will draw people who will be living in a remote mountain where no one lives, through So Ji Sub and Park Shin Hye. This work is attracting lots of attention because it is a new concept show by PD Na Young Suk.

The two celebrities have demonstrated self-sufficiency in the mountains where electricity is not available. This program will be filmed on Jeju Island very soon. 'Small house in the forest' will be broadcast after 'Yoon's Restaurant Season 2'. The exact timing of the broadcast has not been decided.

So Ji Sub has mentioned that everyone is going to dream of a time when he will be away alone from all of them. He wants to make a program that has that healing and comfort concept just by having a simple meal and relaxing time in a small house in Jeju Island. He was rather touched and wished he could forget the frivolous daily life for a while for pure relaxation.



Monday, March 12, 2018

My Golden Life ends with 45% viewer ratings.

KBS weekend drama My Golden Life has concluded with 45% audience ratings.

According to Nielsen Korea, the average audience rating was 45.1% for the finale.
In Daegu itself, it scored 48.7%  while in Seoul and metropolitan area recorded 42.3% and 44.3% respectively. The highest audience rating was at 44.6%.

My Golden Life is about a hardworking woman, Seo Ji An who tries to get away from poverty and sees an opportunity to rise to elevated family when she was mistaken as a chaebol's long lost daughter. For the final episode, Seo Tae Soo (Cheon Ho Jin) passed away from stomach cancer while Choi Do Kyung (Park Shi Hoo) promised to wait for Seo Ji An (Shin Hye Sun).
The rest of the family members have their own careers and family living happily. 

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My Golden Life was first aired on last September with first episode at 19.7% and has steadily rise with great expectations from viewers as the story unfolds more secrets. Since then the drama has broke the record at 40% ratings since December remaining one of the highest weekend dramas. The new drama Shall We Live Together to be aired from March 17th  will replace My Golden Life. Starring Yoo Dong Gun, Jang Mi Hee, Han Ji Hye, Lee Sang Woo, Park Sun Young, Yeo Hwi Hyeon, Geum Rae Rok...etc 

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Lee Seung Gi opens up in his works roles.

Vertical, horizontal, open mind...

These are the words to describe singer/actor Lee Seung Gi (31) after his discharge from military.
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Last year after his discharge on 31st October, around in December he was offered the role as the main lead 'Oh Gong' (Monkey King) for the fantasy genre drama 'Hwa Yoo Gi (Korean Odyssey)'.  Not long he was also one of the permanent cast for the entertainment program 'Master In the House'. His most recent work is the film 'The Princess and the Matchmaker' which is currently airing on local cinemas.

He hasn't rested for even half a day after he's been discharged from army. However for this year he will try to take some time off to recuperate.

On 8th March, we meet up with Lee Seung Gi personally. He has a vibrant personality, filled with jokes and even mentioned Yang Se Hyung might say something when he sees the interview. In the previous episodes of Master In the House, the other three casts were getting tired of his continuous stories in the army. 

Lee said military has definitely changed him...as in a lot! Even though he's now in his thirties, he only looks as if he was still in his twenties. It may be due to his face has changed a lot before going to army. However his performances in dramas, entertainment was something he has done all his years. 

'I was already an entertainer when I was at a young age. I had everything at my side. When I needed something, someone will fill it up for me. But when I was in the army, I have to do everything on my own. Laundry, cleaning up- I have to do everything by myself as it was my first time doing so. But I felt I could do this on my own. I do have the same confidence as others.' 

In the past he has been surrounded with comedian Lee Soo Geun, MC Kang Ho Dong and PD Na Young Suk. This time Seung Gi is taking the road alone. There are no other comedians or seniors in Master In the House program except for comedian Yang Se Hyung. In the absence of Kang Ho Dong and PD Na, Seung Gi is challenging himself as a main emcee in the program. This may also be another aspect of the confidence he has brought through his military life. It'd probably more stable to have his elder hyungs along with him. He has been agonising a while whether he will last long in Master In the House whereby he might not be able to meet everyone's expectations. He has tried very hard and learnt many things along the way. There was not much time to prepare for Master In the House, he's glad many people liked the show.

He had his fun times with Kang Ho Dong and PD Na. If there is a good opportunity arises, he will not hesitate to join them again for variety shows. There has been a controversial issue regarding this status whether he's a singer or actor or entertainer- probably due to his active participation in various fields. He reassured nothing has changed at all.

He hasn't been doing as much as he wants to. Possibility of releasing an album this year.
During his twenties period, he had so much trouble but now is not a problem for him.

" I think I'm just an entertainer. Whether it's singer Lee Seung Gi, actor Lee Seung Gi or entertainer Lee Seung Gi; I just want to try out different things under my name so that I won't be that awkward. But I am thinking whether which name to suit me better. You can't say it's just Celebrity Lee Seung Gi." He laughed... 

It has been 15 years since he debuted and it's time to let go. Seung Gi wants to try out everything he wants. It could be a drama, movie, variety or music show. I am sure his fans would love to see him enjoying his work.

'I am heading to my 30's now. I'm going to do my best to minimise the troubles I had in my 20's.
Seung Gi is not bothered at all what character he is now.













Wednesday, March 7, 2018

MNet "0+1=1" Wanna One come-back show.

MNet's group Wanna One is preparing for their come back. 

On 6th February, MNet official has confirmed the boys are preparing for their come back show.
Wanna One will be releasing their second mini album entitled  0+1=1(I PROMISE YOU) on 19th March 2018.

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Lineage M and special movie have been released.

'0 + 1 = 1' has surpassed 700,000 pre-orders and 'Promise', which was released on the sound source website on the 5th of last month, is sweeping the top of the six music charts.


Grand Prince drama tugged a few heart strings.

CSTV has released its latest drama- The Grand Prince 대군 - 사랑을 그리다 starring Yoon Shi Yoon, Jin Se Yeon, Ju Sang Wook, Son Byung Ho, Ryu Hyo Young, Son Ji Hyun and Yang Mi Kyung

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The Joseon dynasty in shocked when its sickly King dies abruptly and leaves his throne to the little Crown Prince who is too young to rule. The Queen Dowager becomes a ruling regent with two Grand Princes assisting until the Crown Prince takes over the throne. We go back the childhood days when Prince Lee Kang (Ju Sang Wook) insists of seeing his parents in the palace. He was strictly forbidden to come near the palace however his younger brother Lee Hwi (Yoon Shi Yoon) pleads for him to visit the Queen Mother (Yang Mi Kyung). Kang is a typical cold, petty and ambitious unlike Hwi who is kind, patient and considerate. 

As the two Princes grew older, Kang is into hunting and preying on the throne with the help of his evil uncle Prince Yang An. Hwi spends most his time in poetry and painting as he isn't interested in the political affairs. Every women out there finds him so attractive and knows he's one the most eligible bachelors. He knows very well that ministers are stabbing his back if he attends the sessions and he ensures he covers the mistakes done by Kang to avoid further conflicts behind the palace doors. 

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Sung Ja Hyun (Jin Se Yeon) is from a noble family couldn't care less about marriages. She was forced to attend bride classes but ended up in a trading house for paint. She then bumps into Hwi who saves her from being conned. Hwi made sarcastic remarks on her being ignorant about paintings. On a polo day held by the Royal Family, Kang ensures that Hwi doesn't win the event by injuring his horse. Kang's fiancee Yoon Na Gyeom (Ryu Hyo Young) attends the event with other noble families' daughters. Hwi knows he has to pretend to lose while Eunuch Gi Taek felt it was unfair for Kang to win everything. Hwi returns to his changing room only to discover Ja Hyun is hiding behind his clothes fearing her brother is looking for her. Both were equally surprised to see each other again...only in a very different environment!

And of course we know both Grand Princes are in love with one woman. Kang will not back down easily as he will take everything away from Hwi. Even the first episode shows how strong willed Ja Hyun in not giving up her love for Hwi. She refused to marry Kang while telling her mother she'll become a nun in a monastery as Hwi returns to her side. 

I am pretty pleased to see Yoon Shi Yoon in drama-land...somehow sageuk suits him especially he portrays his emotions so well. We do missed his dorky Da Bong role in The Best Hit series but I loved to see him in hanboks. First time seeing Ju Sang Wook in a baddie role... do I see a similarity of the story line Queen for Seven Days with Grand Prince? Mmm...yes- two men for one woman. The female leads are quite strong in this series... 


Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Olympic hero Lee Seung Hun in Master in the House.

An official of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on the 6th February, "The cast of SBS 'Master In the House' have met up with national athlete Lee Seung Hun at Gangnam, Seoul on the 5th Feb. 

In the "Master in the House" broadcast on the last four days, a notice that suggests the identity of the new man to appear on the 11th Feb has somehow attracted lots of attention. The video featured a caption titled "The moment when the heart beats just before departure has changed," and the appearance of the Korean national athletes who have participated in the recent 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games. 

Speed ​​skating Lee Sang Hwa, short track Im Hyo Jun, female curling team, speed skating Lee Seung Hun, skeleton Yoon Seung Bin have all appeared in the teaser and the title was '20180311 National Athletes Are Coming.'

In the end, the identity of the new Master was revealed to be Lee Seung Hun. Lee has walked away with a gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Speed ​​Skating Men's at the Masters Stadium at Gangneung Speed ​​Skating Stadium on the 24th Feb. The event was the first to be established and he became the main star gold medal ceremony. Lee also won a silver medal in the men's team. 

After the Olympics, the competition to get heroes back and forth is rather fierce and Lee Seung Hun is the first to meet the butlers in Master in the House. 

Master In House butlers became friends with Yoo Yoon Jung.

With their new female Master for the first time, the four butlers were preparing special dinner for Yoo Yoon Jung. Though BTOB's dormitory might be smaller than her Pyeongchang-dong house, but it has proven comfy for she sat watching news while the four men prepared their dishes.

Se Hyung vs. Seung Gi in a fierce cooking competition at the kitchen stove. Se Hyung @ G.Ramsay and Seung Gi @ J.Oliver goes on with their personal cam explaining their specialities. Se Hyung starts marinating the 5 pieces of steak with salt, pepper, olive oil while grilling the fresh asparagus and mushrooms with butter. Sung Jae giggles when the typical Seung Gi tries to make his clam heads Aglio e olio pasta spark out some fire (as what we see in cooking programs) but failed miserably. Instead he was scooping some fire into the pan! 
Sang Yun watches closely as his hoobaes started plating up for their Master. 

               SBS '집사부일체' 방송 캡처

Se Hyung's plating up looked like in a restaurant. Seung Gi's pasta somehow looked good but Yoo lamented it was too salty! The expression on Sung Jae and Se Hyung's face were priceless after eating a scoop of pasta. However Sang Yun enjoyed every bit...Seung Gi added he wanted it more 'Italian' but in real fact he was adding too much salt and Parmesan cheese in the pasta! Se Hyung's steaks were overcooked instead of medium rare. Final verdict? Yoo admits Se Hyung's steaks are better than the pasta. Seung Gi felt defeated as it's either rubber steak or salty pasta! Which would you prefer? After filling their tummies, Se Hyung suggested that they should start a scenario and try out their acting skills in front of a veteran actress for her to judge. The three actors start to feel anxious on acting in front of Yoo. 


Scenario 1: A man breaks up with his gf at the cafe and there was no turning back.
Sang Yun volunteers to be first and his acting skills were superb where his anger was there when he broke up with the girl. Seung Gi gets pressured since Sang Yun did so well. He starts kicking and talking to a soft toy in anger but quickly broke into laughter when he looked at Se Hyung. In fact Seung Gi had three takes since it was mostly NG. Next up was Se Hyung who started splashing water in the bathroom. He brought an umbrella and his entire head was all wet as if he was in the rain. Aww...  everyone started laughing but his take was not bad. Last up was Sung Jae who so nervous. All he did was dialling everyone and looking dejected. Yoo asked if he will call more people when he breaks up in a relationship? He explained that he felt everyone was living well except for him when he breaks up in loneliness. 
Acting lessons ended, so Yoo was getting ready for bed. The four butlers continued their nonsensical games in the living room. Splashing water on open eyes was somehow impossible. 
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However Sang Yun has proven he's a tough cookie. He hardly blinked in front of the camera when Sung Jae splashed water on his face. Soon it was Seung Gi vs. Se Hyung in the final showdown who will have to sleep in front of Yoo's bedroom before she wakes up. Yoo opens the door and said, 'Guys...'. The four of them gulped in anxiety wondering if she would tell them off, when she was asking for a new towel. Phew! Yoo reads her book and even writes a journal on meeting these four butlers. Se Hyung pays the penalty to sleep in front of her bedroom while the other three slept soundly in the other room. Next morning the alarm rang, everyone got up but Yoo was still sound asleep. Se Hyung started choosing a wake up and started singing at the front door. Their Master quickly woke up while the butlers prepared hand dripped black coffee, bread with jam and apple for breakfast. Yoo honestly told Se Hyung that he's bad in singing. LOL! Since Yoo has arranged for them to go and meet her 'friend', the butlers headed off to another room with paper to write their disagreement on Yoo. She mentioned in order to be friends with her, they need to list down her unsatisfactory points and say it out. Sang Yun started writing to a point where Se Hyung wonders if it's going to be an essay. He must be bottling up a lot that he wrote non stop and the papers might not be enough!

Everyone got changed and headed to a beautiful hanok house who happens to be Yoo's friend- a designer Tae-Oh. His hanok house has been renovated so well that it even has a basement with antiques and drawings. Se Hyung asks for a price where everyone stopped him from doing so. Everyone admired the place as it was decorated so nicely. He even served them tteokguk (rice cake soup) for the New Year. Everyone enjoyed their meals. At last Seung Gi has to break the weird conversation by presenting her the list of what they have written. He was a bit hesitant but started with Yoo's behaviour. She has mentioned before she wasn't concerned about her looks, but the morning itself she had BB cream and sunnies to look good. She started to get agitated and they laughed if she was angry with them. Seung Gi also pointed out she criticised on whatever they do when she asked they have to be themselves. Yoo admitted she was rather inconsistent in her views. Ha ha!

Now the four butlers have to point out their own unsatisfactory behaviour to each other. Se Hyung and Seung Gi were attacking each other on their attitude/fashion...etc. Seung Gi wishes their elder Hyung would speak more. Sang Yun tries to talk but the two are not listening. He complained to Yoo that is the main point. Whenever he talks, the two are just bickering with each other. Sung Jae pointed out poor Sang Yun is bottled up so he kept venting out to him at night even though he's so sleepy. So Sang Yun promised he will not talk to them during bed time. AH.... Se Hyung chuckled that Sang Yun is annoyed with them.
And so their overnight with Yoo Yoon Jung has ended with sweet memories... 


Next Master is a national hero in the Pyeongchang Olympics 2018- which athlete will be the four butlers new Master? 

Monday, March 5, 2018

Radio Romance Epi 9-10

With two men fighting over one woman it's quite intense... PD Lee Kang admitted he liked  Song Geu Rim at the hospital. As he jokingly he mentioned he also liked his DJ. Suho looks a bit pissed off and walked off. Later on, Suho flung off the blanket given by Lee Kang and passed Geu Rim the pink pillow which Jason got for him. Suho consoled his little fan girl, Eun Jung at the hospital.The two were bickering about their first love.

CEO Nam continued to pressure Suho to star in new dramas which he said No. His good for nothing father kept pestering CEO Nam to get a role for his lover, Da Seul. At last she couldn't tolerate any longer but to throw a fit at him in the elevator. Suho just ignored his father been bashed by CEO Nam. It is not an unusual sight for him. He tells his father to stop the nonsense after what CEO Nam has gone through. 

                     

The radio program was aired at the hospital conference room with visitors from the wards and guests. Eun Jung spoke about her first love- who happens to be her father! Her father is a delivery man busy working to pay her hospital bills that he hasn't got time to visit her at all.
When she asked Suho how much she envied his family background, he just looked blank and admitted he can't remember when was the last time he had a proper conversation with his parents. Geu Rim starts to feel for Suho since he didn't look happy when the topic of family arises. Suho joins the radio team for dinner, drinks and even played silly games. He got drunk easily and starts mumbling to Geu Rim not to pour drinks to other men.

CEO Nam asked Jason to report Suho's activities to her. Jason was somehow given the scholarship to medical school by JH Entertainment. Jason has a gut feeling that CEO Nam is cruel to extent where she will take everything away from Suho including his friends and he's getting tired over this nonsense. Next morning Suho finds himself crawling out of Lee Kang's room. He looked pissed off and wanted to buy the building but only to realise it is owned by Kang! Suho further complains to Jason that Geu Rim doesn't answer his calls and quickly heads off to pick up her mother from the hospital. It turns out Lee Kang came to also pick up the mother. Geu Rim's mother sat in Suho's car telling him that he has a warm heart after hearing him on the radio program.

Tae Ri's radio show was a flop after she started cursing and shouting at the listeners who commented on her ugly behaviour. Even the manager and driver hissed behind her back stating she will never achieve anything. CEO Nam, her hubby and Da Seul were having dinner at a lavish place. Suho decided to take Geu Rim out for a nice dinner only for her to see the ugly part of his family secrets. The disappointed look on Suho's face makes her feel guilty and pitiful towards him. She embraced him and understood what he was going through without him saying anything. Suho asked why she likes hugging him since they were young. She blamed on her naughty hands. CEO Nam informs the radio station that JH Ent. are withdrawing all the stars unless they release Suho from the daily radio program. She added that Suho will be busy filming new drama overseas. The top management panicked and summoned Lee Kang and Geu Rim on confirming with their DJ's status. Kang reassured that Suho isn't irresponsible and obviously he has not said anything about it. 


Suho has no idea about CEO Nam's tricks. He insisted to carry on with the radio program. He even gives a new car for Geu Rim to drive to work. She was too pre-occupied with work that she didn't have time to see the presents he bought for her. Awww.... He was annoyed and lamented if she is so busy, at least she should appreciate and see what he has done for her. Geu Rim re-wrote the script with Kang reviewing it. The words clearly rang in their heads- when you hug someone, you want to embrace their sadness...etc. A fan called in for her birthday and requested Suho to say "I Love You" to her. He was in doubts but he managed to stumble out the words when he looked at Geu Rim. 

                                        

Geu Rim decided to go on a date with Suho after the program. However it was called off because Kang called for work overtime. Suho's face falls knowing she will give her excuses again...instead she suggested to go on a date the following evening. His face lightens up happily. CEO Nam warns Suho to take up the drama by showing him photos taken when he kissed Geu Rim at the school field. Someone must be spying on them so she needs to control the media. Suho is very reluctant to do however for the sake of Geu Rim. Kang misunderstood that he is stabbing them at the back to take up new drama instead of the radio program. 

Tae Ri is devastated that she won't be in any dramas with Suho. Her reputation and fame has hit rock bottom. She started crying and asking Manager Kim for help. She merely wanted the recording of Suho stating CEO Nam is not his biological mother. Geu Rim panics upon reading online of Suho taking up new dramas as he attended the press conference. She send many text messages to him but he didn't reply any. She starts wondering if Suho will leave their program for good. At night, Geu Rim's heart is wavering whether to trust his words. Suho came and hugged her asking to believe him. With that, he pops a kiss on her. 



Sunday, March 4, 2018

The Princess & Matchmaker movie chemistry...

Lee Seung Gi, Shim Eun Kyung as leads in the movie 'Princess and the Matchmaker 
'궁합' (directed by Hong Chang Pyo) has been first in the movies for four consecutive weeks.

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It was a battle between Little Forrest starring Kim Tae Ri and Ryu Jun Yeol versus Princess and the Matchmaker. Princess and the Matchmaker is a comedy film with Seo Do Yun (played by Lee) as Joseon Dynasty's best reporter. Princess Song Hwa (played by Shin) is reluctant to marry the person arranged by her family. She then ran out of palace to find her true love.
Also starring is Kim Sang Kyung, Yeon Woo Jin, CN BLUE's Kang Min Hyuk, Choi Woo Shik and SHINee's Choi Min Ho. 

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Ah the battle between all the good looking 'flower boys' in this entire film. It's definitely Kang Min Hyuk's first challenge in a sageuk film while the rest of the casts have been in period costume movies and dramas. Yeon Woo Jin, Min Ho, Woo Shik are familiar faces in sageuk dramas. 
As for Seung Gi, he might be in the modern fantasy drama Korean Odyssey but he's pretty suitable in the hanbok and hat. But honestly, I would prefer the female lead to be someone else than Shim Eun Kyung. Her acting skills were not at the best and it'd be better if it was Han Hyo Joo, Moon Chae Won or Park Min Young as the Princess. 




Lee Da Hae returns to drama land in Good Witch

Actress Lee Da Hae marks her return to drama land in the new drama Good Witch 착한마녀전.

Lee plays the role of pair of twins- Cha Sun Hee and Cha Do Hee. The two girls lived a great family life until their father who is a cop was killed on duty and they have to live through poverty.
The pair of twin have complete split personalities. Sun Hee is hardworking, polite and helpful. Do Hee is the opposite and very ambitious. She moved out from the house and even became a stewardess at Donghae Airlines and a face model for the company. Being an elder sister Sun Hee works very hard to support her family and gave up her dream to become an air stewardess too. Sun Hee married the unemployed Bong Chun Dae (played by Bae Soo Bin) and has a smart little daughter, Han Seo. 

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Do Hee continues her streak of success in the airline company only to be haunted by some man and eventually broke down. She collapsed and had to be hospitalised. Sun Hee had no choice but to resume her twin's identity at work. She was a bit clumsy and kind towards everyone. Her attitude somehow didn't fit her arrogant usual character, so Sun Hee had to learn to tell people off. Since she has to fly around, she was hardly at home resulting her mother in law and husband being suspicious with her new behaviour. 

Sun Hee encounters the first officer pilot Song Woo Jin (played by Ryu Shi Young). Woo Jin is against any female relationships and refused to get married. His parents are worried for his health being and attitude. Donghae Airlines started receiving bad remarks when the CEO's daughter Oh Tae Ri (played by Yoon Se Ah) started abusing workers on board. CEO Oh had no choice but to get his playboy son Oh Tae Yang (played by Ahn Woo Yeon) to restore the company's image. Sun Hee discovers that she has to sign a contract of 'share-house' with some stewardess, including Woo Jin and Tae Yang in the house. It was an exciting moment for Tae Yang since he is fond of Sun Hee. However it was hell breaks loose for Woo Jin who doesn't like living together with females esp. after a bad encounter with Sun Hee on board.

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Good Witch reminded me of those days when Lee Da Hae played her character Yoo Rin in My Girl series. My Girl and Good Witch are under SBS production. They are both comical in every way. Sun Hee is sweet and innocent so nobody could hate her even when she makes silly mistakes. Do Hee was a perfectionist, cold and selfish in her own ways. What is intriguing is Do Hee's secret and will Sun Hee's family break apart when Woo Jin falls for her? I think she's better off with someone else than her good for nothing husband lazing at home.