tvN's FLOWER BOY SERIES: thoughtful and endearing

         Though I loved the Korean "Boys Over Flowers" when it came out, I recognize now that other than it's flashy, money-laden story-line amidst a recession and its adorable cast, it wasn't the amazing drama I thought it was. Highly popular with a great following and some particularly memorable scenes, Boys Over Flowers is great fun to watch, but doesn't hit me as realistic or relatable. At least, not in the same way that I have been following tvN's "Flower Boy Ramyun Shop" and my newest favorite, "Shut Up! Flower Boy Band."

Korean "Boys Over Flowers": My first introduction to the F4

Upon hearing the drama titles, I seriously came in thinking, "It'll be an easy, predictable storyline, easy eye-candy," but I actually came out more touched than I imagined. First of all, both dramas were highly thoughtful and well-written; there are plays on words, consistent, reasonable jokes, and there are very few extraneous scenes/lines. The side characters are not used as just props to further the leads' storylines, but their personalities are also explored, enough so that everyone ends up learning something. Then you have the cast themselves, who, some despite acting for the first time, are endearing and believable.

 tvN's "Flower Boy Ramen Shop": I craved ramen every time I watched this drama :/

The F4 of "Flower Boy Ramen Shop"

Just looking at the cover picture for "Flower Boy Ramyun Shop" and you would assume that there will be pretty boys and fun scenarios. What I didn't expect was the serious laughter, or the pure spunk. You have Yang Eun Bi, a spunky ex-volleyball player studying to be a teacher. She obtains an intern position at a ritzy high school, where one finds out about Cha Chi Soo, a.k.a. "Chwa." She had asked him on a date and mistook him to be several years older than her, but it turns out, he's actually the son of a conglomerate corporation, AND a high schooler. Then her father passes away, leaves her his home, and his highly prized ramen shop... or so she thinks. Turns out, her dad had actually given his shop over a man he had raised since young, and he had also given that young man his daughter for marriage. Distraught about not having a place to live, Eun Bi decides to become living partners with this young man... and then Chi Soo starts realizing he has feelings for "Intern" and proposes to move in with her and said 'fiance'... hi-jinks and highly squeal-able moments are unpredictable in this drama, as the storyline actually presents a fresh and heart-warming story about doing what society expects, over doing what makes one happy.

"Shut Up! Flower Boy Band"

           Following "Flower Boy Ramen Shop" in tvN's Flower Boy franchise is "Shut Up! Flower Boy Band." I was only originally interested in this drama because I heard Korean boy band's Myungsoo/L from Infinite was casted as one of the band members, but then I saw the posters of the handsome cast and then started to really anticipate its release. Though the tacky and blunt title made me want to roll my eyes, I was extremely glad that I stay tuned, because it turned out to be my favorite K-drama thus far. SUFBB turned out to be edgy, intense, hot, heart-trending and heart-warming all at the same time. If you don't know what happens at the end of Episode 2, I'm telling you that that this is a SPOILER.

You have a high school band comprising of six members, known to the community as crazy, delinquent fighters with amazing stage presence (in the few illegal concerts that they throw). In the first two episodes, one learns about the band members, their broken families and see their interactions within the community. Just as I start thinking there's way too many members in the band, tragedy strikes, and the charismatic band leader dies. I won't actually reveal how, but it's outrageous and tear-inducing. Then his best friend is forced into the leadership position and the band/friendship picks itself together to "get his (last) song out into the world." They enter a competition, and are also being prompted to change schools. Through the competition, they find themselves at an opportunity for fame, and though their popularity skyrockets, their friendship starts shattering. This drama was very unpredictable, always having me at the edge of my seat, wondering what happens next. When you think this group of highly handsome friends have reached rock bottom, think again, because the director intends to show the true angst of being a downtrodden teenager, and he presents it well.

The Eye-Candy band lying on the pavement after a fight.

The remaining five members of Eye-Candy

I absolutely love the cast, because not only are they lookers, but they are quite decent actors as well. Considering that most of the cast comprised of youthful rookie actors, that says a lot about the sincerity inputted. They weren't afraid to cry, and because I saw the special Behind the Scenes episode, I discovered that some of those tears were actually in reflection to the actors' reality.

My only cast issues with this drama are with two female characters, Jo Bo Ah and Kim Yerim. Though I account for the fact that both are debuting actresses, their acting was too weak in comparison to the boys. Yes, Bo Ah was supposed to play the rich-but-nice girl princess type, but her emotions weren't conveyed as strongly or sincerely as I liked. I got the, "Yes, I know I'm pretty and cute" doe-eyed vibe from the actress, but I would've preferred it if she acted more unconscious and even indifferent about how others viewed her. Still, she gradually grew on me when situations got rough, and I guess her pretty looks and girl-next-door personality does seem to fit the character. Then you have Kim Yerim, who has a very different, sophisticated and almost eerie voice that I actually enjoyed hearing in the drama. However, other then performing musically, she doesn't know what to do with her hands. They are often awkward and held listlessly to her side, as if she lacks confidence off stage.

The boys having a serious discussion about their futures.

Though the drama had romance, the central story is actually about the boys and their friendship with each other. The soundtrack is also commendable, with songs catchy to the point of being played repeatedly on my iTunes. The tracks are as follows: "Not in Love" was hypnotic, "Jaywalking" was brassy and addicting, "Wake Up" has an alluring intro and awesome guitar riffs, "Love U Like U" was cute and awkward, and "How Come" was reflective. The songs are reminiscent of being young, needing to be free to love, fail, and given second chances. Every episode was valuable, every scene integral, and the cinematography was beautifully hazy and enigmatic. It emphasized how being a teenager is not different from living in a haze, floating through what seems unimportant and falling hardest at the rough patches. It's also the age where anything is possible, so long as you take time to discover who you are and want you want.

The Power of Bromance