It had been an unusual 4 episodes. Usually, I lose interest in a drama after reading a recap, if I don't first watch the episode. That's why I try to give a drama a fighting chance by watching the first 2 episodes before seeking any reviews. My ideal plan is to watch the English-subbed episode first, then read recaps next. But it is really hard to be patient for the subtitles, especially when I'm faced with the awesomeness of javabeans and girlfriday over at dramabeans.com. It's not their fault that my self-control would fail me. I would succumb and read the recaps and find myself losing the will to actually sit and watch the subbed videos later. By this time, the drama is already lost to me.
The Moon that Embraces the Sun (aka Moon-Sun in my brain) has been different. Now, who's to tell that I will be able to sustain this interest for the entire length of the drama well into March? But I'm willing to take on a new obsession, though. So, Moon-Sun it is.
Unlike other Moon-Sun watchers (and there's lots of them in Korea where the ratings are in the 20% range, which blew away its drama competitors in the same time slot), my interest in it does not relate to a Jung Il Woo obsession (although he's quite lovely and an empathetic actor), or to a Kim Soo Hyun admiration (he has gone and slain this noona, ensuring my membership in the ICOMYM club**) or even to a fusion-sageuk bias (this is the first time I watched more than 1 episode of a Korean period drama). I can't tell for sure why I'm this obsessed. Is it the gorgeous costuming? Like a scholar, I pored over the fashion and cultural posts over at thetalkingcupboard.wordpress.com. Is it due to the moon and sun metaphors and names? I admit, I do like them beautiful and evocative character names.
Is it the loving and almost too perfect portrayal of the Heo family? Could be since I also have a fondness for the actress playing Lady Shin. I've seen her in only 1 other drama (Dandelion Family), but I like her loving motherly vibe.
Was it the relationship forged by the secret love letters? I am partial to stories where people write passionate and witty love letters. Or does my interest lie in the intricate relationships among the characters? I count four connections possibly fraught with angst: the main Prince Hwon <3 Yeon Woo paring, the rival Prince Yang Myung <3 Yeon Woo pairing, the Princess Min Hwa <3 Literature Scholar Yeom <3 Servant Seol triangle, and the hinted-at Military Scholar Woon <3 Yeon Woo unrequited love. And I haven't even mentioned the bromances between the princely half brothers and among the scholars, or the daddy issues of the princes.
Perhaps that's it. I've found that I really do care about these relationships and about the characters' futures. I want to know if they will find their happiness, against the cruel backdrop of a brutal and cutthroat Joseon imperial palace. A lot of this emotional investment is due to the delicate balance that has been wrought in the directing, writing and acting, thus far. It's beautiful and precarious because in the coming days, the hand-off from the child actors to the adult cast is upon us. It can make or break my loyalty. (Sorry! But truthfully, in Kdrama watching, my loyalty is cheap.)
I adore the young actors. Almost all of them are experienced actors in sageukland, and they're gorgeous to boot. They really sold me on their performances, and I can actually see myself watching them continue to play the characters for an unforeseen amount of episodes. I mean, there's still a lot of drama to mine in young, thwarted love, and class divisions. But this is not the first sageuk nor the first drama to examine these issues. In fact, the story so far is so firmly in sageuk territory, that it could be any king's story.
The real drama and unique storytelling are promised in the coming episodes, when Yeon Woo gets ill and wrestled from Prince Hwon to survive as a shaman in the mountains. When we get them back together is the exciting unknown.
I am still apprehensive but hopeful though. As I've mentioned, I love the child actors to bits, and I have no small amount of confidence in Jung Il Woo's and Kim Soo Hyun's acting chops. To Han Ga In, I will give a lot of leeway because the poor noona already has been battling the prejudice against her being older than both leading men. So if the directing, acting and writing can smoothly transition to the adult years, I just might still be obsessed when the spring flowers bloom. My bittersweet anticipation of the coming episodes and my relentless scouring of the internet for BTS (behind-the-scenes videos) and the English translation of the novel (thank you Blue at belectricground.com) show my true colors as a Kdrama addict. And for that, I refuse to go to rehab.
Notes: **ICOMYM means Inappropriate Crushes on Much Younger Men
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Sunday, January 01, 2012
December Letters: Anni
Dear Anni,
Recently, I googled you and JP. You have a Facebook fan page! Someone loves your love story, as I do. I feel really blessed to have met up with you both 4 years ago. You both are wonderful and perfect together! I actually feel a sense of possessiveness and loyalty to your love story, so you better not mess that marriage up. Just kidding! I'm fond of you, and I wished that I had made coming back home for the wedding happen.
Long ago, my sister mentioned that I'm such a bad influence, that I talk people into decisions that they wouldn't have made. I had laughed, but it got me questioning: Did I talk (pressure?) you into choosing PhilSci? Or am I giving myself too much credit? You'd probably say yes to the latter.
Out of the few who took the entrance exams, only the two of us entered EVC. Cres Ann went to Diliman; Caesar and Julie Ann stayed in LIDE. Our shared path of boarding houses, rooms, closets, classes, meals brought us to the level of sisters, I think. We argued, fought and had cold wars. I even wrote diary entries about you. But we would go home together and come back from Isabel together. We forgot those arguments as quickly as they arose.
I was really blessed to have you during the high school years. You have been a support, an encouragement and sister to me. Remember the story we wrote when your brother was born? I don't have a copy of it anymore, but the story of many Antonio messed me up when my mother asked me how many siblings you have. She laughed and said, "You could be a better friend." (It's 5, right?)
As this new chapter of your life unfolds, I pray for you and JP, just like I do for Faith and my future brother-in-law, B-Jay: May God be central in your marriages. May you be intentional in the way you love and serve each other. May you be blessed with children who will be a treasure just like you had been to your parents. May the marriages be lengthy, fruitful and a testament to God's providence. I look forward to seeing and eating in your beautiful kitchen.
Love--
Recently, I googled you and JP. You have a Facebook fan page! Someone loves your love story, as I do. I feel really blessed to have met up with you both 4 years ago. You both are wonderful and perfect together! I actually feel a sense of possessiveness and loyalty to your love story, so you better not mess that marriage up. Just kidding! I'm fond of you, and I wished that I had made coming back home for the wedding happen.
Long ago, my sister mentioned that I'm such a bad influence, that I talk people into decisions that they wouldn't have made. I had laughed, but it got me questioning: Did I talk (pressure?) you into choosing PhilSci? Or am I giving myself too much credit? You'd probably say yes to the latter.
Out of the few who took the entrance exams, only the two of us entered EVC. Cres Ann went to Diliman; Caesar and Julie Ann stayed in LIDE. Our shared path of boarding houses, rooms, closets, classes, meals brought us to the level of sisters, I think. We argued, fought and had cold wars. I even wrote diary entries about you. But we would go home together and come back from Isabel together. We forgot those arguments as quickly as they arose.
I was really blessed to have you during the high school years. You have been a support, an encouragement and sister to me. Remember the story we wrote when your brother was born? I don't have a copy of it anymore, but the story of many Antonio messed me up when my mother asked me how many siblings you have. She laughed and said, "You could be a better friend." (It's 5, right?)
As this new chapter of your life unfolds, I pray for you and JP, just like I do for Faith and my future brother-in-law, B-Jay: May God be central in your marriages. May you be intentional in the way you love and serve each other. May you be blessed with children who will be a treasure just like you had been to your parents. May the marriages be lengthy, fruitful and a testament to God's providence. I look forward to seeing and eating in your beautiful kitchen.
Love--
December Letters: B-Jay
Dear B-Jay 제부,
Yay! I have a Kuya! I remember in elementary school how I had wanted a Kuya. Not just because I wanted to refuse my duties as an eldest child, but because I had seen some pretty good Kuyas to my friends and classmates.
God knows what He was doing. Fritzie, Fergus and I would be gaining by your marriage to Faith.
Thank you for already looking out for me. Thank you for being my advocate in the situation I had found myself in. For being good to Faith and to our family. For your tireless service to God in the worship team every Sunday. For trusting my advice on your new writing project. I hope I didn't scare you off or discourage you with my critiques. I was blessed by your approach to the songs; it was the right attitude to sit at the foot of Jesus.
The next year will bring new challenges. Will it be more of the same? Will it be too big of an adjustment? WE don't know, but God has equipped you and Faiht to handle it.
God bless you and keep you. May God lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. May God make His grace to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen.
Yay! I have a Kuya! I remember in elementary school how I had wanted a Kuya. Not just because I wanted to refuse my duties as an eldest child, but because I had seen some pretty good Kuyas to my friends and classmates.
God knows what He was doing. Fritzie, Fergus and I would be gaining by your marriage to Faith.
Thank you for already looking out for me. Thank you for being my advocate in the situation I had found myself in. For being good to Faith and to our family. For your tireless service to God in the worship team every Sunday. For trusting my advice on your new writing project. I hope I didn't scare you off or discourage you with my critiques. I was blessed by your approach to the songs; it was the right attitude to sit at the foot of Jesus.
The next year will bring new challenges. Will it be more of the same? Will it be too big of an adjustment? WE don't know, but God has equipped you and Faiht to handle it.
God bless you and keep you. May God lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. May God make His grace to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. Amen.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
December Letters: Jenny
Dear Jenny,
On Christmas, when everyone else had gone home, I was dancing around in Dinah's downstairs living room. Fritzie and I didn't want to go home, and we were dancing up a storm as an excuse. I was doing this weird dance that I saw the S**tkingz do (I know, I shouldn't have attempted their genius), and I fell on my left ankle.
I heard and felt it. I rolled onto my back. When normally, I'd sit and complain about it, I praised the Lord that it wasn't worse. Your freak accident is still fresh on my mind. Every time I remember it, I feel really bad. I feel sorry because it happened on my watch.
Sorry, my friend, that a broken leg is now part of your body. I can't even imagine what you go through everyday with the cast on, and the days being so cold. Still, God is turning that into something good, I believe.
Stay healthy and warm, my dear. We look forward to your coming back to your many ministries in full health.
Love--
On Christmas, when everyone else had gone home, I was dancing around in Dinah's downstairs living room. Fritzie and I didn't want to go home, and we were dancing up a storm as an excuse. I was doing this weird dance that I saw the S**tkingz do (I know, I shouldn't have attempted their genius), and I fell on my left ankle.
I heard and felt it. I rolled onto my back. When normally, I'd sit and complain about it, I praised the Lord that it wasn't worse. Your freak accident is still fresh on my mind. Every time I remember it, I feel really bad. I feel sorry because it happened on my watch.
Sorry, my friend, that a broken leg is now part of your body. I can't even imagine what you go through everyday with the cast on, and the days being so cold. Still, God is turning that into something good, I believe.
Stay healthy and warm, my dear. We look forward to your coming back to your many ministries in full health.
Love--
December Letters: Mandy
Dear Mandy,
Today, you are on the same country as me. Finally. Never had I felt this country's vastness and been sad for it until now. You're so near, yet so far.
I wish you'd scold me for being bad at correspondence. I need some sense shaken into me. I don't think I responded to your last letter. Have our prayers been answered already? I don't know. I can't even pray for you in detail anymore because I don't know if our last prayer requests have been replaced with new ones.
Patient and dear Mandy, I don't deserve a friend as good as you. I thank God for you, and hope that you haven't given up on me yet.
So, tell me about your first trip to the U.S. How were the flight delays and airline changes on the way here? How is meeting the rest of your in-laws? Is Prince treating you well? He better be treating you like a queen!
I hope you forgive this person who haven't written to you in a long while. I have no excuse.
Love---
Today, you are on the same country as me. Finally. Never had I felt this country's vastness and been sad for it until now. You're so near, yet so far.
I wish you'd scold me for being bad at correspondence. I need some sense shaken into me. I don't think I responded to your last letter. Have our prayers been answered already? I don't know. I can't even pray for you in detail anymore because I don't know if our last prayer requests have been replaced with new ones.
Patient and dear Mandy, I don't deserve a friend as good as you. I thank God for you, and hope that you haven't given up on me yet.
So, tell me about your first trip to the U.S. How were the flight delays and airline changes on the way here? How is meeting the rest of your in-laws? Is Prince treating you well? He better be treating you like a queen!
I hope you forgive this person who haven't written to you in a long while. I have no excuse.
Love---
December Letters: Jesus
Dear Jesus,
Lord. Savior. Redeemer. Healer. Immanuel. Prince of Peace. My Hope. My Joy. My Rock. My Treasure.
You, O Lord, are all these and more. This year, You have been merciful to me, when I have been showing lack of courage, faith, understanding and resolve. Thank You Lord!
I look back at the past year, and I can only express awe at what You've done and praise for who You are. Thank You for the wisdom You've given to your servants whose books I've read this year: C.S. Lewis, Rob Bell, Voddie Baucham, Jr., John Stott and Oswald Chambers. Thank You for the truth that the other writers I encountered were able to explain. All truth is Your truth.
Thank You for healing me Lord. For the continued good health, even if the mystery is not yet solved, I praise Your goodness. Thank You for the challenges and new information on the work to which You are calling all your saints. I haven't known about the incredible evil against which Your people are battling. But You are the victor, and You are our hope and beacon as we help people understand Your heart on the issues of justice and holy living.
Thank You for my family. We are not perfect, but Your power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Lord, may each of us count the cost and choose to follow You wholeheartedly. Holy Spirit, work in their hearts and soften them. Look kindly upon us.
This next year, people have already been talking about the end of the world. How terrifying it would be for those who continually resist You. How glorious it would be when You return just like You had promised. I long to see You Lord, but I trust in the plans You have for me. Amen.
Lord. Savior. Redeemer. Healer. Immanuel. Prince of Peace. My Hope. My Joy. My Rock. My Treasure.
You, O Lord, are all these and more. This year, You have been merciful to me, when I have been showing lack of courage, faith, understanding and resolve. Thank You Lord!
I look back at the past year, and I can only express awe at what You've done and praise for who You are. Thank You for the wisdom You've given to your servants whose books I've read this year: C.S. Lewis, Rob Bell, Voddie Baucham, Jr., John Stott and Oswald Chambers. Thank You for the truth that the other writers I encountered were able to explain. All truth is Your truth.
Thank You for healing me Lord. For the continued good health, even if the mystery is not yet solved, I praise Your goodness. Thank You for the challenges and new information on the work to which You are calling all your saints. I haven't known about the incredible evil against which Your people are battling. But You are the victor, and You are our hope and beacon as we help people understand Your heart on the issues of justice and holy living.
Thank You for my family. We are not perfect, but Your power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Lord, may each of us count the cost and choose to follow You wholeheartedly. Holy Spirit, work in their hearts and soften them. Look kindly upon us.
This next year, people have already been talking about the end of the world. How terrifying it would be for those who continually resist You. How glorious it would be when You return just like You had promised. I long to see You Lord, but I trust in the plans You have for me. Amen.
December Letters: Issa
Dear Issa,
Year 2008 will always held a special place in my heart, thanks to you. It was the year when what we'd been planning finally came about. I finally made my way over the ocean to see you in your bukid. It was timely because if I had postponed it any longer, 2011 would have come too quickly and found you leaving Japan permanently.
It really feels just like yesterday when I made my way to Shinagawa station and waited excitedly for you. I still talk about that trip. I still brag about all the train, bus, taxi, and rickshaw rides we took that week. I even talk about the onsen with fondness. Imagine that!
You really gave me a priceless gift that time. Those experiences rooted in a specific time and place cannot be repeated nor imitated. Even if I go back and retrace our steps, it wouldn't be the same; I would only be making another trip--separate, distinct and probably equally satisfying.
I long for you to visit me here. I can't promise that I'd be half as good a host as you. I cannot equal your good and generous heart. But I'd love to open my home to you soon.
Sorry, I couldn't Skype before Annie's wedding. I thank you for the pictures of the newlyweds. It made me miss you guys even more.
I'll see you again soon---
Year 2008 will always held a special place in my heart, thanks to you. It was the year when what we'd been planning finally came about. I finally made my way over the ocean to see you in your bukid. It was timely because if I had postponed it any longer, 2011 would have come too quickly and found you leaving Japan permanently.
It really feels just like yesterday when I made my way to Shinagawa station and waited excitedly for you. I still talk about that trip. I still brag about all the train, bus, taxi, and rickshaw rides we took that week. I even talk about the onsen with fondness. Imagine that!
You really gave me a priceless gift that time. Those experiences rooted in a specific time and place cannot be repeated nor imitated. Even if I go back and retrace our steps, it wouldn't be the same; I would only be making another trip--separate, distinct and probably equally satisfying.
I long for you to visit me here. I can't promise that I'd be half as good a host as you. I cannot equal your good and generous heart. But I'd love to open my home to you soon.
Sorry, I couldn't Skype before Annie's wedding. I thank you for the pictures of the newlyweds. It made me miss you guys even more.
I'll see you again soon---
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