Noon-eui yeo-wang

For Hyun Bin fans eager to see an early series with him, this heavy going melodrama delivers more than an eyeful of him. He plays a math genius turned boxer. The main problem with the story is that the ridiculous premise of him giving up everything because his silly friend committed suicide after losing a math competition and it is some how his fault. Please the friend didn't even place 3rd so how was it his responsibility. Another major fault is the young girl he falls for. The casting is ridiculous. Hyun Bin looked too grown up then to play a 17 year old. And they cast this tiny girl who looked like she was 8 or 9. Icky! Anyway when she grows up the pretty actress Sung Yu Ri takes over and she plays a haughty princess type who is just too annoying to be endearing. So they overcome their obstacles after many long episodes. It's fun as his genius comes to light but some of the math he spews sounds like garbage. One good thing is the secondary leads aren't irritating in fact the doctor guy is quite nice. The end is obvious from the beginning terminal illness cliche. But it's so irritating the way she didn't want to tell him she was sick. Anyway at least her passing was swift. Completely unmoving story. Didn't shed a tear for a tear jerker. Shows that even if you have the best cast if the story sucks it's just hopeless. Thank goodness Hyun Bin got CLOY because his earlier works like this and Secret Garden quite painful.

This was one of the most emotional dramas I've watched. From its cinematic opening scenes (beautifully shot) to its ending it packed an emotional punch. It's theme music is equally beautiful Both leads were wonderful and supporting actors really good. Hyun Bin was very sensitive in his acting and created a compelling character whose life was upended by a tragedy. Very believable, very moving portrayal of grief and guilt. His character's relationship with his mother is very well drawn. His versatility and sincerity as an actor is evident even at this early stage in his career. Will definitely watch it again.

THE SNOW QUEEN (2006-2007)

Friendship. Fate. Love. Family. Decisions.

Binnie played a math genius here with a loyal soul and a pure heart. This 24 y.o. cutee made my lacrimal glands so active. I cried buckets! Whew! This drama is genuinely heart breaking. Hats off to Hyun Bin (Han Tae-woong) and Sung Yu-ri (Kim Bo-ra). I felt every inch of your emotions! It just hits me to the core.

"Because of you, I started to dream again. To love, and be loved... Dreaming of living normally, living very normally." I remembered Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok in these lines! (CLOY sepanx after 4mos).

I give it a 9.5/10. ❣

One beautiful reminder from Tae-woong: "Even if you want to dodge your problems, don't close your eyes. Don't run away. And... Live on. It's better to live."

Stay safe. I pray you're all healthy, family and friends! 💞

#HyunBin #TheSnowQueen