Park Shin Hye & Hyun Bin Offered Lead Role in SBS Healing Drama

On January 17, industry representatives reported that the actress has been cast as the female lead of upcoming SBS drama “Yeowoo Gaksibyeol” (romanized title). In response, her agency revealed that she has received the offer, but her appearance is not yet confirmed. She is currently waiting for the script.

“Yeowoo Gaksibyeol” is a melodrama that tells the story of a man and woman who meet in Seoul and help each other heal their pains as they experience music, food, and people. Park Shin Hye has been cast as the female lead Seo Hye Won, who was left alone in the world at the age of 18 when her father passed away while trying to save someone.

The drama is written by Kang Eun Kyung, the writer of “Romantic Doctor Kim” and “Gu Family Book.” It will be directed by Shin Woo Chul, who previously led “Secret Garden,” “A Gentleman’s Dignity,” and “Gu Family Book.”

“Yeowoo Gaksibyeol” is expected to air in the second half of 2018 via SBS.

I would like to see Hyun Bin on screen! It's been quite long after the mild disappointment in Hyde, Jekly & I few years ago with Han Ji Min. It's not because he is not good, but I guess the storyline and the writing makes it hard to hit the games. But now, it's a good time to hit the screen again after the successful of Secret Garden and gain the international recognition again with Secret Garden PD as well. I hope this drama would be the best choice for Hyun Bin's comeback.

Considering the pairing with Park Shin Hye, it's gonna be worth waiting for. You know, Park Shin Hye was recognized for her acting skill in Doctors and it's gonna be awesome if they both could make it.

Meanwhile, I was also thinking about Hyun Bin co-star Ha Ji Won from Secret Garden. She seriously need to work again with Kim Eun Sook or at least choose a good project & pairing to gain the recognition again. It's been quite a while, start from the disappoinment in the remake of In Time With You (not because of her character, but because of Lee Jin Wook) and this time, Hospital Ship is way too long maybe, even though Ha Ji Won stands out amazingly. Maybe it's just the Korean reception is not that good, or timing factor in airing makes it hard. It's hard nowadays to achieve high rating, unless a weekend drama like My Golden Life. Park Si Hoo is really lucky. LOL.

Escapism Vs Realism Korean Drama

Secret Garden, You From Another Star, Moonlight Drawn By Clouds, Legend of the Blue Sea, etc were my gateway drug, and dramas became my sweet escape. I loved the epic scale of the romance because it was so far away from the world I knew. A 400-year-old alien gives up everything to be with the glamorous Hallyu star who lives next door? Yes, please. A comic book character steps outside of the world he knows to be with the daughter of the man who drew him? Sign me up! A gorgeous prince is willing to risk his throne and his life to date the girl he thinks is actually a male eunuch? *jumps around excitedly* Or even a perfectly normal thug who happens to sacrifice himself to protect the identity of his mermaid? *Ohemgee*

You’re seeing the painfully obvious pattern here, right? The dramas I was falling for all involved heroes who were willing to give up what was most important to them in life, for the sake of love. It was that intense level of sacrifice that drew me in, because it stood in such stark contrast to my dating life. That’s what made me realize that the men I had been seeing weren’t making any compromises for my sake. I was always trying to fit in around the edges of the lives they wanted for themselves, and that wasn’t enough.

It was a huge wakeup call—these flights of fantasy brought me crashing down to earth in a very real way. It wasn’t that I needed a man who would give up his country, or his family, or his creativity for me. He didn’t need to be as handsome as Kim Soo Hyun, Hyun Bin, Park Bo Gum, or even Lee Min Ho. I just wanted someone to try and make me happy as much as I tried to make him happy. Like how Kang Min Hyuk portrays his character in Hospital Ship a.k.a Dr. Kwak Hyun. Dramas helped me understand that it’s okay to ask for more, to believe you are worth more.

Hospital Ship Depth Review

Hospital Ship is 2017 MBC Medical Drama which tells a story about young doctors that provide medical care to the locals who live in rural villages via hospital ship that sails around the little islands. The main lead is Dr. Song Eun Jae (played by Ha Ji Won), Dr. Kwak Hyun (played by CNBLUE's Kang Min Hyuk) and Dr. Kim Jae Geol (played by Lee Seo Won). 

Ha Ji Won plays as a skilled surgeon who somehow loses her reputation and takes a job aboard the hospital ship, which provides care to under-served island communities. She’s cold but competent doctor who could use a gentler bedside manner, while her younger colleague, played by Kang Min Hyuk (Entertainer), is the opposite, warm and compassionate. Lee Seo Won (Liar and His Lover) is her opposite in a different way, playing a doctor of Oriental medicine. I like both guys well enough though I can’t help but think Ha Ji Won is way out of their league as an actor; still, she’s certainly the center of the show, so maybe she’s all we really need.

The first two episode tells a story of how capable & amazing Dr. Song is. She works for big hospital, Seoul Hankook Hospital and her dreams is to become the youngest female chief of surgery and that's why even though she did a great job in operating many patients, she just stayed silent when the professor took her credit. Song Eun Jae comes from Geoje Island, which is far from any hospital or pharmacy. Her mom bragged about her genius daughter who become a surgeon in a big hospital. So, she always sent Eun Jae some patients and it was always free of charge, which of course be a burden to Eun Jae who wants to become a Chief Surgeon.

One day, Eun Jae's mom had some indigestion and she was told to visit Hospital Ship - a ship that visit some island to treat patient. One of doctors who settled there is Dr. Kwak Hyun (played by Kang Min Hyuk). He volunteered to be part of the hospital ship as a military duty - which is surprisingly unheard of (who wants to work in hospital ship? it's very excluded place). Kwak Hyun's Dad is actually a famous doctor who volunteered himself as Doctor Without Borders which eventually after coming back from war zone are, he suffered from Dementia - which make it harder for Hyun to focus on his job as a doctor. As a result, Hyun lost his patient and that became a traumatic event for him. That's why he volunteered as one of the doctor for Hospital Ship.

Eun Jae's Mom visited him, and Dr. Kwak Hyun told her to get a check up on her heart at bigger hospital. Eun Jae's Mom keeps bragging about her daugther being a doctor too at a big hospital in Seoul. She then showed Eun Jae's picture to Dr. Kwak, and it happened that Dr. Kwak is interested as well, promising to introduce him to Eun Jae. The next day, Eun Jae's Mom visited Seoul Hankook Hospital, telling her that she has another patient, which is herself. But before explaining to her, Eun Jae cuts her Mom's phone call and in the end her Mom went back to Geoje Island.

But then, suddenly, the next day, Eun Jae received a call, her aunt claimed that Eun Jae's Mom is dying. Eun Jae is strong enough, but when she realized that the last patient he Mom was going to send to her was herself, she broke down. It took a toll on her, she can't even cry when her Mom died because of her late response. Regret hold her till she can't even free herself and it was Kwak Hyun who helped her through that tough moment.

They both actually helped each other much. Eun Jae always brings Hyun's dementia Dad to his side, acknowledging Hyun as his Son - which eventually make Hyun falls for her. Yet, the same for Eun Jae, she knows that the doctor who told handles her Mom before her death was Hyun. She can imagine how warm-hearted Hyun is towards her Mom and it was more than just a grateful feeling towadrs him, but it's love. She understands how precious and warm-hearted this guy is, but she is too afraid of losing him - and that's why she pushes him away, claiming that she only wants him to stay as colleagues. She even mentioned that because Hyun didn't follow up on her Mom's condition and that's why she died in the end. However, it was just an excuse to make Hyun let her go, she understands that Hyun has done his best on the diagnosis - she just needs someone to be blamed because she also blamed herself.

Things going on usually - even though Hyun likes Eun Jae so much, Eun Jae keeps pushing him away. But when Hyun's ex-girlfriend appeared in front of her, she gets jealous, but keep her composure just right. She stays calm and cool which I really admired from her. And that's what pester Hyun, asking her explaination, "What am I to you? Don't you need any explaination?" but even though she keeps pushing him away, it's Hyun's patience who opens her heart, "Between us, it's not a wall, but a door. When you are ready, just open the door. I'll be standing right in front of you." Awwwww.

And when Hyun's rival ask him what's his positioning for woman, he's a healthy man and he's so calm when he found out the woman he likes only want him to stay as colleagues. Is he trying to hold on? But Hyun said that "I am not holding on, just let things go the way it goes. At least that person is not uncomfortable with me around."

But what if nothing changes forever? "That'd be good too. If she's not the one, there will be a different path. Relax, time will solve all matters." and that's when I love his character so much, for being so mature and understanding towards Eun Jae's pride. When you like someone, just be consistent enough. If he/she's not the one, then you get another one, isn't it? Let things go the way it should go. Wise enough, man. You can't force fate to happen, anyway.

I love how the story unfold. The romance is not too deep and there is less drama. One thing I wish is that, Hyun being brave enough to pursue Eun Jae a bit more. Don't just stay there and let fate take charges. Though I love how simple his thought is, but as a guy, he should do more. And I would wish Eun Jae to admit her own feeling and just be happy to love back. Guys, you both should get TOGETHER soon!

I would say that we are not going to see romantic scene soon enough, because, remember that this is a medical drama. As a doctor, you live for the patient and that's what you should do. You have the oath to serve any sick people and this is what awesome about medical drama. We had lots of chances to see many cases, interesting isn't it?

Ha Ji Won really shines here as Dr. Song Eun Jae. It disappoints me actually to see the casting. How could they recruit a much younger actor to star together with Ha Ji Won. I wish it's not Lee Seo Won, but someone older than him haha. He's still so young, can't you believe it. And....I wonder why the advertisement for Hospital Ship is super low? Where are you guys??

Why Medical Drama Is So Addicting?

I am wondering as well why medical drama is so addicting, at least to me. I am not a doctor - never in my thought that I would want to be a doctor as well. I've been studying Science back then since Junior High School, not my cup of tea but I did quite well in Biology. Ever since knowing how long it takes to become a doctor, I never wanted to be a doctor. 

However, it amazes me when a doctor becomes a real doctor. To save patients and to give back to society. I've been following many stories about medical world, either from webtoon, comics like God Hand, Teru until real dramas about surgery. It's kinda scary to see how much blood in surgery filming but well, I end up liking how much thrill it gives. 

It all started from Obstetrics and Gynecology Doctor (starring Jang Seo Hee, Ko Joo Won, Seo Ji Suk and Song Joong Ki). The main lead, Dr. Seo Hae Young is a tough and strict woman who happens to steal the hearts of men. Besides the story is based on case by case, thus enabling us to get a better understanding about hospital world. Starting from the diseases, problems and also heartfelt situations about baby. 

After that it starts again with Brain, Doctor Strange (which turns out as action drama instead -.-), Yong Pal (though not focus on surgery), Dr. Jin (too historical & traditional), Good Doctor, Romantic Doctor Kim (woww), Doctor, Descendant of the Sun, and last but not least the one I like the most, Hospital Ship (starring Ha Ji Won & Kang Min Hyuk)

Why medical drama is soo addicting? 

Personally for me, 

1. I like how the story does not focus only on romance. 

2. The female lead personality is not the same like any other k-drama. A female doctor usually has rough, tough, confident and rational way of thinking. 

3. The male lead would come off as someone who will support you all the way - usually a smart one.

And I think....I've been falling for Kang Min Hyuk in Hospital Ship.
He's not that handsome like Yang Se Jong or Kim Jae Wook on Temperature of Love, but the vibe, he has a warm and fluttering eyes which makes anyone melts within a second.

October Favorites: Three Major Lead Actor Crush

Autumn starts and I would say, so many good dramas & stories lining up for me. It's such a good thing that we starts the winter season with "Temperature of Love", "Hospital Ship" and "While You Were Sleeping". In fact, I am quite worried, I would not have dramas lining up after the end of those episodes. Hopefully we can catch some of the good ones later on. So, who's your October fave list? For me, it's these three people. I just can't sleep because they keep appearing in my dream!

1. Yang Se Jong from Temperature of Love as On Jung Sun

Been following him since Romantic Doctor Kim, and I would say, as a newcomer in acting industry, he's pretty decent. Having handsome face, innocent and baby face look, and also good acting skill, he's truly blessed. Yang Se Jong is still so young, born in 1992 (the same age as me) and his acting could melt your heart. Be careful of his smile! 

His character in Temperature of Love is pretty much straightfoward towards love and that's his charm. I love how he can be so direct that he likes Hyun Soo (played by Seo Hyun Jin) so much, even without knowing her deeply, he can ask her to date him - not because she's pretty and he just ask around. He is sure of his own feeling. Besides, he's gentleman enough not to mention how he kissed Hyun Soo. 

2. Kim Jae Wook from Temperature of Love as Park Jung Woo

I always thought that he has some feminime side of him, specially when he walks. Well, maybe because he's a model turned actor - so there's something different when he walks. I ever searched about him online whether he's gay or not. But we never know. It's just that this time around, I love how Kim Jae Wook portrayed his character really well. Sometimes he sounds cheesy but that's what I want! He reminds me a lot of Calvin Chen. Having the same age around, mature, stable life and what he needs now is just love. If Hyun Soo is not going to give you one, I'll give you one of mine! Haha.

But for me, it's really hard to decide whether I should choose Jung Sun or Jung Woo. Both are charming, very much. It's just based on your cup of taste then ~

3. Kang Min Hyuk from Hospital Ship as Dr. Kwak Hyun 

I bet, he's not that comparable with the two above, but if you happen to watch Hospital Ship, I bet, you would fall for him for just no reason. Dr. Kwak Hyun has a warm personality and smiles a lot. He may not be the perfect person you would look for. He has family issues, and dealing with Dementia's Dad is not easy, at least for him. Besides, he has some traumatic event which make him unable to work with his left hand. But because of Dr. Song Eun Jae (played by Ha Ji Won), he made it and was very thankful for her existence in the midst of his life chaos. 

The saddest thing is that, when he starts to open his heart towards Eun Jae, it's Eun Jae's turn not to waste her time on such trivial thing called love. She might be afraid of love, but I think it's Hyun, the one who must convince her to be brave enough to open the door. One thing I am quite impressed is how persistence he is, even though Eun Jae has been really cold toward him, he still doesn't want to give up and cares for her more than just a colleague. I wish they would be true to their own feeling soon and let me have Dr. Hyun as well in real life! 

Who's your fave so far?

Hospital Ship To Court CNBLUE's Kang Min Hyuk Alongside Ha Ji Won

I’m so excited for Ha Ji Won’s (The Time I’ve Loved You) return to dramas that I almost felt a visceral tug of happiness seeing her in this first teaser for Hospital Ship. She plays an experienced surgeon who ends up having to leave her job due to public ruination. She lands on a hospital ship that journeys to remote access islands to provide medical care, and relearns how to become an empathetic doctor.

It’s hinted in the teaser that being a physician aboard the hospital ship perhaps isn’t the most coveted assignment. Ha Ji- Wn’s voiceover begins, “It was everyday work, more familiar than breathing,” as we see her scrubbing up for a surgery. In contrast to her voluntary presence on the ship, Kang Min Hyuk’s (Entertainer) character is a military doctor assigned to the ship. Relaxing on the deck in a lounge chair, he tells his two friends, “If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it.”

He’s the warm, compassionate internist whose personality and attitude toward care is completely opposite from Ha Ji Won’s results-oriented, cold efficiency. He asks why she came onboard the hospital ship, and another voice speculates that she chose the hospital ship so that one day she could recover her status and return to her place in society.

She says that on the hospital ship, Kang Min Hyuk is the only one who can keep up with her quick hands in surgery. So already, there’s a good rapport there. The text onscreen says: “The adventure log of youthful doctors working toward becoming real doctors, toward living real lives. Prescribing with sincerity.”

At the end, however, we see Ha Ji Won tormented with self-guilt: Defensively, she asks what the patients were doing until they died under her hands. Is she referring to her earlier downfall or will there be another tragic case when she’s in the islands? I can’t wait for this drama to be here already.

MBC’s Wednesday-Thursday drama Hospital Ship will begin airing on August 30, following the end of Man Who Dies to Live.