karened - Livejournal

At matsuzy's suggestion, I bought the Hong Gil Dong dvd. I didn't really pay any interest in it when it aired on cabletv because I don't particularly like Korean period dramas (Dae Jang Geum anyone?). Besides, at that time, I didn't know JGS was in it - insert the prior reason for not paying attention to the commercials. When I got to know that, I still didn't have the motivation to watch for he wasn't the lead.
But aniwaes, I decided to give it a try and found it reasonably worthed the watch. Although the ending (in terms of coupling) was predictable, I still enjoyed the process. Ignoring the ridiculous modern elements woven into the period drama, the way too much Gil Dong - Yi Nok scenes that I sometimes just skipped through, it could be said to be engaging. At certain points where it starts to feel slightly draggy, the plot would develop in another direction to keep me interested.
Aniwaes, this is a spam post for me to fangirl over my JGS who acted as the prince Chang Hwe.
Many disliked the ending, but I quite liked it...there wasn't clear evidence pointing to the death of Gil Dong and Yi Nok, so perhaps they had managed to survive and left for China. Or maybe Chang Hwe had given secret orders to save them and send them away after the aristocrats are satisfied with the staged confrontation. There is evidence that Chang Hwe didn't turn all bad though. The young boy and Gil Dong's master's conversation pointed to the fact that social classes didn't stop anyone from doing things, at least for education, which we know is the gate to many possibilities. The point about not being able to attend school due to poverty is something to be dealt with of course, but back in those days, ridding barriers from social classes is a big deal already. I was so worried my poor Chang Hwe would turn bad after struggling so long to do the right thing within the constraints forced by his position. PHEW! I don't agree with Gil Dong though. He's too idealistic. Like what Chang Hwe said, there has to be a compromise, a step by step plan to achieve their ideal world. Gil Dong wanted a change to big, too fast...I don't see what's the point of dying for your dream. Will that help to move towards the dream? Wouldn't it be better if he had stayed to guide the new king towards that dream? Isn't that more practical? I guess the screenwriters just wanted a dramatic ending, though I have to say that that final battle scene was amazing, from picture composition to the dialogue, to the music.
Here's the pic spam of my pretty boy! He's like Lee Jun Ki, but he doesn't evoke the 'omg girl!' feeling in me...pretty as he is, he still shows masculinity. Lee Jun Ki's features are really sharp, and really pretty...Some people said his acting was lacking, and he only showed a blank face without any inner emotions for most of the drama. Well, I have no issue with that....in fact I felt that he carried his character well with this sad/depressed aura throughout. *shrugs* But I'm no expert. I found HJL's Jihoo good too. X)

Have you seen such a pretty face? (yes of course hehe, but...)

( More of Jang Geun Suk under the cut )