my ajumma notes

Time for another non-rom-com, all thanks to how well My Liberation Notes   worked on me.  I wanted to watch this because Nam Ji-hyun and Wi Ha-joon are in it, and also because of the Singapore connection.  It turned out to be another show that made me hold my breath , this time because of its fast pace and exciting twists.  It successfully married a bizarre premise (the Jeongran society’s unhinged ideology) with realistic topics such as family life and poverty.   when your mother has run off with your money Actors, roles, relationships I doubt playing In-kyung was all that difficult for Ji-hyun.  I think comic roles bring out her talent better but of course she is strong here as a feisty journalist (‘who conquers typhoons’!).  Kang Hoon, playing Jong-ho, who has liked In-kyung forever, also has a straightforward role and they are very much a typical K-drama couple.     Is Um Ki-joon destined to play creepy, murderous characters?!  Uhm Ji-won is sinister with her sweet voice and smile

I almost gave up at around episode 3 because it was tiring waiting for the father and Gu (Son Suk-ku) to say something.  I’m glad I stuck with it, though I think it was only around episode 7 that the two men opened their mouths more!   A mature script, with mature characters and actors, on mature matters, it makes the other shows I watch feel like they are fairy tales and somewhat silly!  I found it more character study than ‘drama’, well scripted, well performed, well filmed and well put together, supported by a gentle yet soulful soundtrack.  There were times when I was practically holding my breath because of its artistry.   Character study First, the characters I didn’t like.  That’s mainly father Yeom (Chun Ho-jin).  So grumpy the whole time and never conversing properly with his family, not even answering his wife’s straightforward questions.  His expectations and constant disapproval hold everyone back, so the siblings are stuck with their tedious daily commute between village a