October 1, 2007

First Shop of Coffee Prince (MBC)

I can't believe it. Teddy and I finished watching the entire Korean drama, 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (17 episodes in all!) over a grand total of 3 days. It was, quite literally, insane. To achieve such a marathon feat, we were basically running a small-scale plant using the following resources: one PC, one laptop, and the full range of Just-In-Time factory assembly methods we have at our disposal (alright, I will leave out the details at this point).

Says something about the power of Korean dramas, doesn't it? I don't think I was ever so maddeningly obsessed by other diversions. Well, I hope not. It's not healthy lah.

But I have to say, it was worth it. :) Coffee Prince is the sweetest romance I have watched on TV as far as I can remember. Sure, there were times when it became inexplicably meandering; I even lost track of the plot towards the last second episode (but I'm inclined to blame that on the inhuman screening hours we put ourselves through). In the end, the whole thing hinges on the exceptional chemistry and quality of the cast, which is really bordering on the equivalent of a soccer dream team. Yes, the actors were that wonderful.

Then again, I'm probably biased. In my eyes, Yoon Eun Hye is always a gem. As Coffee Prince's heroine, Go Eun Chan, she truly shines. Just look at that cute, innocent face. This girl can't act evil in a million years. But of course, I could be wrong - her acting has improved by leaps and bounds since her debut in Goong (Princess Hours). See how I sneak in praises of my idol whenever possible? Haha.


Anyway the leading man (Gong Yoo) is a delight to watch too. Frankly, I never expected that much from this guy. I thought he was just a heartthrob - with a fantastic body. But he really got into the role and brought the cafe owner, Choi Han Kyul, to life, complete with his arrogance and boyish charm. I can just imagine all the teenage girls out there swooning over him.

Watching them, I can't help but feel the South Korean media industry is brimming with talent, almost unfairly so. Even their most typical 偶像派 is able to act so convincingly and sensitively. I don't mean to be blunt, but the top Singapore Star Award winners (whoever they are, cos I stopped caring years ago) can only eat their dust. How, in a million years, can any audience choose to go back to the bad old days after having their drama sensitivities teased this much?

To all non-Kdrama lovers, I can only offer, try a sip of this delightful brew. This is an easy, tender series to fall in love with. It doesn't demand much, and it has the magic to rekindle the embers of youthful romances in all of us. It reminded me, deep down inside, of what it's like to be very young and very passionate again. Both in life and in relationships. I relish that.

8 comments:

Ronnie Ng said...

Hi Guys!

I'd like to introduce you to my debut light novel which will be available at all major bookstores in Singapore from this November. Make it part of your X'mas shopping items!

Story Synopsis:

Over fifty years ago, 60,000 people were killed during the 'Jeju Massacre' on Jeju island, South Korea, when the South Korean Army attempted to brutally suppress an armed insurrection by the people of Jeju.

The bodies of the victims - civilians,rebels, and soldiers alike - were sealed in a volcanic cave on Mount Halla to rest, or so it was hoped, in peace for all eternity.

However, decades later, some of these bodies were mysteriously resurrected as vampires and they are now doomed to roam the streets of Jeju seeking living human prey and continuing the battles that they once fought in life. Thus, the bitter feud between two mortal factions - The Regiments (former soldiers) and The Guerrillas (formal rebels) - has now become immortal.

Today, fifty years later, we meet Han Mirae, a young Korean girl who is caught in a love triangle between Jackie Chang, a swashbuckling vampire hunter from Singapore, and Shin Taewoo, a powerful vampire of the Guerrillas. And, we meet Lee Hyunsuk, the opal-eyed vampire of the Regiments, who abducts Mirae in order to set a trap to kill the other two.

Can Taewoo or Jackie save the girl in time? And who is Mirae's real love?

http://ronnieng.blogspot.com

An irresistible combination of adventure and romance with a supernatural twist, this "Korean Vampires" book series will surely keep you turning through the pages and stay riveted til the end.

Anonymous said...

I love this drama too.My second favourite after Capital scandal:)

Tess said...

Dropping by to say Hiyee! Nice bloggie u have. Do tag back alrighty? Have a great weekend! =)

Teddy said...

Evolna - Yup, Coffee Prince is good. Saw some episodes of Capital Scandal. Loved it, but did not manage to see the whole series. :(

Queenie - Hope yo had a great weekend too!

Anonymous said...

i absolutely loved coffee prince! not only were yoon eun hye and gong yoo outstanding in their portrayal of go eun chan and choi han kyul, the chemistry amongst the supporting cast really added to the whole storyline.

yoon eun hye's acting has improved from her appearance in goong, and i can't wait to watch her in her next drama. love her to bits :)

Teddy said...

Yup, the good chemistry among the supporting cast really made the difference in this series.

Not sure if you are aware of this little known fact. According to video clips and media reports, Yoon Eun Hye is one of the most hardworking actresses around. She strives to improve in every new drama she's in. Btw, you should watch The Man in the Vineyard which she also starred in. She has already shown much improvement in this series after Goong.

Simon @ Hellohallyu

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the additional info, teddy. Actually, I've recently turned into a little Yoon Eun Hye fan *blush* *blush*.

I actually only discovered her through watching Coffee Prince. After that, I then caught up with Goong. Before finally watching The Man in the Vineyard, and her appearances in X-man (a variety show)! Talk about going in circles!! I really like how she applies herself to her craft, and her down-to-earth and bubbly personality.

Teddy said...

It's not easy to find artistes who are so serious about their 'art' nowadays. YEH is really a rare talent in today's superficial celebrity circles.

Keep fighting YEH! AJA!