My Korean Drama Obession

This is part of the reason why I like Netflix so much - you're tempted to try things you normally wouldn't at a video store due to the per video pricing. Netflix has this feature where they suggest movies you might like based on prior ratings you've submitted.

The first movie I took a chance on was "Save the Last Dance for Me?" which is about a rich heir who loses his memory as a result of being injured in a robbery. Then he gets taken in by a father and his daughter who allow him to help out with the running of their inn until he is able to remember who he is. The daughter and heir fall in love and end up getting engaged. The heir ends up bumping his head again and remembering who he is - but forgets about the father/daughter at the inn. He returns to his old life while she goes searches for him. She ends up taking a job in Seoul where the heir works hoping he'll remember her, etc. There's this big love triangle that ensues and there is a lot of romance, action and suspense. It's hard to describe the entire plot without writing "a book" about it. But trust me - it's very engaging and leaves you waiting by the mail box for the next DVD.

The next bit of fodder for my addition came in the form of "Princess Hours" which imagines what it would be like if modern day Korea had a monarchy the way they do presently in the UK. I discovered this through Netflix's recommendation vehicle also. I've come to find out that this tv series was a raging hit all over Asia a year or so ago. And they were even considering a second season, despite the fact Korean shows rarely (if ever) have a second season. Apparently they are not like Americans who want to keep a show going as long as possible. They're dramas (aka k-dramas) are more like mini-series in that way. This show is packed with humor, romance and suspense. The main story is really about this girl who participates in an arranged marriage which her grandfather and the then King agreed upon. She did this to save her family who was deeply in debt. The crowned prince ends up being this kid Shin who she happens to not get along with in school. As the romance blossoms - Shin's ex and his cousin Yul seek to break the relationship up as Shin's ex wants him back and Yul has fallen for the newly anointed crown princess. A lot of scenarios ensue and it's just a really great story!

The drama I am watching now is called "Stained Glass", so far I have only seen disc 1 of 6. The story is about these 3 kids who meet in an orphanage when they were kids. One of the boys gets taken down stream in a river and is presumed dead. But, in fact, was discovered by a Japanese couple as he lay lifeless near the river. Being that the kid doesn't remember his name or where he lives (though remembers his friends) the Japanese couple take him in and raise him as their own. The girl and other boy grow up as close friends. But it is obvious that the boy wants a romance with the female lead. The girl unknowingly meets the boy who had been taken down the river as kids. A death she mourns even as an adult. It certainly seems they are setting things up for their to be a romance between them. And, of course, I am sure there'll be a love triangle. I really like it and can't wait for the next DVD.

I don't know if I am doing these shows justice. But if you like drama/romance then you will love these. Just give them a shot! There are only a handful of these Korean dramas on Netflix. It's going to suck once I've reached the last of them. :(