You have no idea the happiness I feel, as a Jang Hyuk fan, to be able to watch a drama with him, live, and to be enjoying it
One of the exciting aspects of watching live is to be able to interact with others, spazz, speculate, dissect, fangirl, drool, anticipate next episodes together, etc! There are many places where one can do that Soompi and Dramabeans being among the most popular. However, since this is a remake of a very popular taiwanese drama of the same name, it is IMPOSSIBLE to avoid spoilers and comparisons to the original taiwanese version. People do their best to use spoiler tags but there is always someone who forgets and throws a big BOMB to those who are watching this version first lol. So here is the idea we came up with for those who would like to share this experience without spoilers and comparisons.
We will open up a post per episode, so we can discuss it in the comments, and there will be only one rule : NO COMPARISONS or SPOILERS please
You can talk about anything regarding the episode on the title and about any actor.
Well, since I’m already here I’ll give you my thoughts on ep1 :p
The first episode was an introduction to our leads:
Lee Gun: He is the first one we meet, and he makes quite the entrance! Jang Hyuk channels his inner diva/stripper/Jack Sparrow to provide us a scene for the ages! I was stunned, startled, paralyzed. I wash’t sure I was liking it! but “even without knowing” like he said “I burst out a hearty laugh” muahahahhahaha.
I mean, seriously, what is going on here?
Like a boss!
This eccentric, loud and quick tempered chaebol is as colorful and vibrant as his clothes. He is a crazy pervert one minute, a major wimp the next, a dashing prince/fairy godmother/gambler later, a drill sergeant always yelling “Do it meticulously, meticulously!” He is EVERYTHING! lol but the most important thing is, behind all the quirks and the crazy laugh, Lee Gun has a soul and we met him early on.
BTW! he reminded me of someone 😀
On episode 1 I was not entirely convinced this exciting creature I couldn’t take my eyes off was not a cartoon, and it worried me, because while fascinating, a character like that could be hard to connect with. But all the fears disappeared on episode 2 (which we’ll get to in a different post) He is not conventional in any way, but does feel real. I’ve read polarized opinions on his interpretation and his look. Yes, it is purposely over the top, but I’m glad the writers, director and Jang Hyuk decided to play the character this way. I think a classic approach would’ve been boring.
Mi Young: Then we met Mi Young, an office worker who can’t say No, so she is known as “Post-it girl”. She is supposed to be the classic female lead I tend to not like, but Jang Nara makes her so adorable and relatable. She is mousy and meek but I feel protective of her. Instead of seeing her as a hopeless weak girl, I want to take the place of her best friend and help her boost her self esteem.
Look at her trying to say “No” lol
She might be shy, but she is so self aware! She also shows signs of inner strength, especially on ep2 (we’ll get to that) so the character already feels three dimensional. I knew Jang Nara had charm but she has also shown skills. She become the character, she IS MI Young. It is easy to root for her and I just want to see her grow. Again kudos to the writers, PD and actress for their work
Se Ra: On episode 1 we also met Se Ra, not your conventional second female lead. The ballerina that Lee Gun sees as an angelic creature is actually sassy and tomboyish! There is quite a contrast between his idilic image of her and reality. She pursues her dream of being a ballerina which great dedication and passion thus neglecting her boyfriend but I have the feeling that Lee Gun admires her because of that passion.
Daniel: We don’t know much about the second male lead, but if the characterization of the first three leads is a sign, he will probably be another interesting character
So yes Fated to love you, started out as a true rom com with a lot of slapstick ridiculous humor and it made me laugh out loud more than once. For us Jang Hyuk fans there were some moments that felt like references, like the shampoo Ad which seemed very similar to what he did the only time he participated on Running Man, or the most obvious one, of using Chuno background music when Lee Gun was fighting the “fierce” rotweiler (what would Lee Daegil say? lol)
But besides the laughs and some crazy moments where we definitely have to suspend our disbelief (Mi Young drinking the spiked water from the fountain) it is providing with adorable characters who already have depth.
The blogosphere is buzzing with first impressions of this drama, so I’ll point to some of the reviews I’ve read so far and that don’t include comparisons with the taiwanese version.
Stuck on Hyuk 
Pingback: Fated to love you (Mon avis) – Le Carnet de Saejin
There is a familiar and happy feel when you watched this again. Like “comfort” food. I still laughed and picking up different scenes/lines which i may have missed earlier. This is a new classic.
I’m so in love with drama. Like full blown obsession after only two episodes. I went into episode 1 with very low expectations and was really only watching because of the phenomenal casting. Now my expectations are so high I’m worried I’ll be disappointed as the show progresses.
How cute was Geon when he was talking with his grandma? That little moment between them after he made his grand speech to the elders (while subtly shaming them for pestering Grandma) when he turns to her and asks if he was cool? That was it. Point of no return. Everything else after just confirmed my love for him.
Mi Young is just delightful. I mean on paper she’s the typical doormat female lead, constantly being put down and taken advantage of, but she’s not dumb. Like you mentioned she’s very self aware and knows she should say no but can’t bring herself to because she just wants SO MUCH to believe the best about everyone and can’t stand to see anyone embarrassed or upset when she can do any little thing to prevent that. Jang Nara is playing her with a amazing subtlety. You can see tantalizing hints of spunk and backbone underneath the cheerful sweetness. It’s more apparent in episode 2, but it’s here as well when she gets huffy with Geon for yelling at her about the ring and not saying thank you for getting it back.
We didn’t see much of Sera (and even less of Daniel) this episode but I adore the fact that the first time she sees him (after presumably being apart for some time) she put him a headlock to get him to tell her what he and Director Tak were up to. Her outspokenness and thuggish tendencies are in direct contrast to the way Geon described her to the shop girl. It’ll be interesting to see how his idea of her and the reality of her clash in upcoming episodes. I’m really hoping the writers can resist making her the typical hateful scheming second lead.
Phew, I guess I had a lot to say. But seriously, how will I last until tomorrow? It’s so far way and I need to know what happens 😀
I agree with everything you say here, including the fear. But something gives me hope. These writers seem to know what they are doing. I always trusted on the Jjangs to give their all, I feel I can trust the rest of the cast as well, but as we know, a bad script can ruin the best actor’s efforts. Here the PD and writers have started on the right foot. Let’s hope they keep it up! Regarding Se Ra and Geon, yes, he certainly has “idealized” her, but I wonder too, if that sassiness and apparent strength, is not precisely what made him fall in love with her. I would love that to be the case, cause it would make me like Geon more I think. I don’t know, it would mean that he is not looking for a “perfectly behaved and submissive” woman but on the contrary? I guess we’ll see 🙂 I cross my fingers!
Maybe Geon was originally attracted by Sera’s sassiness but it was telling to me that when he describes her he says she makes him feel at peace and like he’s wrapped in mother’s arms. Dancing Sera may be peaceful and serene but real life Sera is decidedly not. I don’t think he wants obedience or submissiveness from her exactly but rather someone who will put their marriage and partnership before her own ambitions. Which is not something Sera is prepared to do right now. I love that about her but I think it does make her and Geon basically incompatible. He’s just loved her so long that he can’t see it yet.
Maybe his mom was really sassy lol! kidding, I see your point 🙂 I can’t wait to watch ep3!!!!!!
This episode is really recommended to all people who is currently under depression *minus the one who already watched the T-version*
LOL. AFan’s comments are like drive-bys–drives in, drops a bomb, and speeds away kekeke
I don’t even know what she meant! LOL
She means is hilarious and good for anyone in desperate need for a laugh, right AF? XD
All the good points already wrote by all of you here. I have nothing else to share. So I thought, why don’t I just make my presence known. BTW, eps 3 is tonight 😀
TONIIIGHT TONIIIGT
CAN I JOIN IN? I think the best way to enjoy this drama is to consider it as a separate entity, a drama to be appreciated on its own. I can do comparisons too, but it’s tiresome. Also, it’s pretty obvious from the beginning that Geon and Mi Young are very different people from their TW counterparts. And I JUST WANT TO SQUEE ALL ABOUT THESE TWO PRECIOUS BABIES. I love them so much and we’re only two episodes in.
Of course! welcome and squee away 😀
Reblogged this on obsessive compulsive (k)drama-watching disorder and commented:
A SPOILER & COMPARISON FREE-ZONE! Because we didn’t watch the T-version and it’s tiresome to read and be spoiled by people who have. We love everybody, but if your only POV is to compare this to the version that we haven’t seen, then we can’t converse with you!! And we want to have conversations!! Coz we want to obsess inclusively!!
Thank you thank you thank you! Spoilery free haven. Would you believe this is the first time watching Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara? I am aware that he normally does macho roles so I am loving the meta on his ‘fighting’ scenes. Am more invested in ep 2. So will comment more there! Thank you again!!!!
A Jang Hyuk virgin in the house!! I predict Webfoot is going to fall hard ;P
Lol I hope so. I’ve been wondering what would be my own reaction to Lee Gun if this was my first Jang Hyuk drama. I mean Lee Gun is WEIRD! He looks so weird too! Would I even see the sex appeal? or the attractiveness I see is because I find Jang Hyuk himself super sexy based on his other characters?
He’s definitely flamboyant and eccentric, but that’s not off-putting to me. Quite the opposite–I luff him! Coz he’s humanised and he has different shades. I’m quite certain I’d still find him a sexy beast ;P.
JangHyuk.Virgin. MUAHAHAHA!
Ok, I fell. Happy? 🙂
I am happy
Yes, very. Lemme guess, you must be in withdrawal & revising ep 1 again ^_^
I have many fave moments frm the first two eps, but one of them, when you can see the crazy ass skill in Jang Hyuk’s acting, is when he sees MY for the first time after the make-over, and he’s stunned, but you can see him trying to err Geon it off for lack of a better word, and he does a subtle thing with his lip, it’s like he’s trying desperately to sneer, but he can’t. It’s really subtle, and I found it hilarious, and sweet at the same time.
And that whole dog fiasco was hysterical! His inner monologue…”She’s …FAST!” cracked me up. I’d like to think of him being subconsciously admiring of her frm then.
OOPSSSSS Damn I broke the rule of no spoilers! SHIT I thought it was ep 1 & 2. HALP. Delete me!!
Awwww but but! oh just this once! Ok let’s shut up! Ill open the other post ASAP
Im running with gifs and stuff from ep2 cause that’s the ep I really want to discuss!
Gosh I’m watching that scene right now! It’s my favorite scene of his! It’s such a cliche that scene but it is one cliche I usually enjoy, and they both did such a great job with their expressions. I totally see chemistry! He fell for her, he is falling. He might not know it but he totally is! Andddddd now we are kind of talking about ep2 on this post lol! I dont think it matters that much hehe
And I love the OST in that scene, when they are arriving at the casino. They used it before, but it makes me think of british dramas. It reminds me if Downton Abbey. I know! random but despite Lee Geon’s “gangster” look there ehehe I feel this vibe of elegance. Not so much because of their clothes but their demeanor.
Yes! Yunno, if there’s one let down so far is that I’m not really feeling the songs in the OST, which is a shame coz I FREAKIN LOVE the instrumentals!! All of them! Just the songs are …meh. But watever, minor quibble.
No me neither, I was referring to an instrumental. I rarely go for the songs in dramas 🙂
Reblogged this on kdramadreamer and commented:
Drama Fan is someone you would want to sit with and discuss Dramas with over coffee. Check out her spoiler free review on the Korean Version of “Fated to Love You” episode 1. She’s also included a link to other spoiler free “Fated to Love You” reviews for those that are looking for more.
Fantastic Post! You seriously made me laugh out loud with all your gifs . I really like how you included a bunch of other reviews. I’ve read all the ones included and they are really good. This is a drama I want to keep talking about. I’m also really excited because this is MY FIRST LIVE JANG HYUK DRAMA! How cool is that? You know how much I adore him, so it’s such a joy to wait for a new episode and wonder how he’s going to react next. I’m really happy too that I’m not only enjoying him, but I’m also enjoying watching the whole cast AND I’m enjoying the story.
Yes!!! It’s quite the experience! I’m happy and nervous! My biggest fear is how douchey will he be? I want to continue loving him (and shhhhhh let’s not mention the original) I feel the writers are doing their own thing here so my speculation is based on what Geon has shown already. But I think I’ll talk more about that on the ep2 post 🙂
Well, if he turns out to be douchey at least we know he has a heart so we are more likely to understand and forgive him. I think this drama will have a lot to bring and will have some differences compared to the original. I love your idea of not comparing. We can compare after the drama is done. I’m staying away from forums where people are comparing. Nothing wrong with it; I just want to focus on what I’m watching now without feeling discouraged by negative comments. WordPress has some very positive reviews. I don’t agree with every review, but we can’t all think the same either.