I seldom watch tragic melodramas cause I have a very low threshold when it comes to hearttwrenching tragedies and unspeakable loss of loved ones coupled by horrid antagonist that from the start you pray for their death. So I have to be truthful that for my sanity I skip parts that I couldn't stomach. usually I would have dropped the drama but the plot was too compelling. Ji sung and Jung Eum are so perfect for their role I can't imagine this drama will ever work or reach their emotional pinnacle without them.
Ji Sung really cements his ability as a fantastic actor with his role of President Jo Min Hyuk. His pain, frustration, anger, loss and even hatred was so palpable. You almost reach towards the screen either to comfort him or shake him. His expression and the way his eyes speaks when he looks at Yoo Jung was so multi facet. He really channels that looks of love and longing. Of wanting to be closer to her to keep her by his side and yet still tear himself away from her. Episode 12 to 14 has really memprable scenes of them
I never thought too much about Hwang Jung Eum. She really blew me away with her role as the pitiful but strong Yoo Jung. Yoo Jung really turns out to be a character I have to admire .. To survive those loss, abuse in the prison, self guilt and looks of disgust from others. Also I think she cried truckloads in this drama and made me reach for the tissues too.
If I have to be critical. I would say the ending scene of them was too short for my liking. For all the tribulations we witness them, I would have liked to be rewarded for more. Which is why after this drama I'm moving on to Kill me, Heal me, another drama of them together.
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First, I disagree with all comparisons to Innocent Man, which I enjoyed. The only similarity is that both main characters go to jail for a crime they didn't commit, sacrificing their aspirations so that the person they love can follow their dreams. Other than that, the stories and characters are completely different. Secret Love lacks all the excitement of most revenge after betrayal stories by waiting way too long to get to that part of the story. The majority of the episodes are about horrible things happening to the painfully passive main character Kang Yoo Jung, and watching her cry too much, and then smile like everything is ok. Kudos to Hwang Jung Eum for being able to switch emotions so well, but it didn't make me care at all about her poorly written character. She was way too much of a doormat for me to root for her.
I was also let down by the romance. To me, it just didn't make any sense. Why did these two fall in love? Pity? And where was the chemistry? Ok, maybe they had one or two cute moments, but that's it. I really wanted to like Ji Sung as Jo Min Hyuk, but his character's transformation felt really forced to me, and so did the romance. In fact, it felt so forced that they had the 'rapey'-est first kiss I ever saw in any K-Drama. Even though he was my favorite in the cast, It didn't change the creepy factor of his overall stalking, and aggressive behavior. I'm surprised this couple got so much praise, because I just don't get it.
Now on to the rest of the cast.. The bad guys Ahn Do Hoon, and Shin Se Yeon, were very boring. Both had a few good character moments, but most of their scenes were skippable. And the idea that Ahn Do Hoon & Kang Yoo Jung were ever really in love, never came across. They had zero chemistry, so it was hard to care about their relationship falling apart. The rest of the supporting cast were pretty good. I liked Kang Yoo Jung's prison buddies, and Ahn Do Hoon's parents. There were times when they were more interesting than the main characters. That's probably because the main characters did so much crying and feeling sorry for themselves, that it became annoying to watch after a while.
Overall I had a really hard time getting through the first episodes, and didn't start to have any interest until about episode 6. The director got some good artsy shots in, and the music wasn't bad, just a tad too melodramatic at times. Still, nothing could save the story that dragged, and the "secrets" that were pretty predictable. I had to force myself to finish this drama, just because I was curious to see if I would like it more by the end. The answer? No.
I know this drama has a lot of fans, and usually I'm a fan of this genre of drama, but maybe this much melodrama is just not my cup of tea. My advice? If you start watching, and you aren't loving it, move on to the next drama.
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The drama suffers from a inconsistent plot but what it lacks in that department it makes up in the other department-romance and addiction.
This drama is not to be looked over for the fact that this is one of the most addictive dramas i have watched in my life. I finished it in flat 1.5 days with few lunch breaks. The plot can be stupid and without any purpose whatsoever but i am a sucker for the kind of romance that this drama takes forward.
I have looked at Ji Sung only in Protect the Boss and he wasnt memorable there but here this man shines. He is the perfect guy to play the stalker-turned-friend-turned-lover. He is the type of guy you would abhor in real life because he is literally a hardcore stalker. ^_^ :D
Hwang Jung Eum shined in Can you hear My Heart and i have to give it to her that she has a very natural way of crying. She may not be the prettiest girl in town but she nails her role as the heroine.
The romance is the type where it hurts staying together and hurts more if staying apart. Its the classic Love-hate relationship and the ambiguous feelings of the heroine kept the relationship interesting.
It was deeply addictive because every second you wanted to know are they gonna start falling in love, now or when or if ever?
Lee Da Hee as Shin Se Yeon is your usual second lead girl but she is a little fresh in that she is always calm. Rarely if ever her calm breaks. However Shin Se Yeon could have been acted better.
I kinda hated Bae Soo Bin in 49 days and my hate solidified into disgust. The guy can't act for sure and his characters are the repetitive types.
It made use of the boring old cliches and tried recycling them. It doesnt bring anything fresh to my screen in terms of writing or plot developments. Many things were way over the top to be taken seriously and the melo does become very ridiculous in the starting episodes.
The best part of the series is that it starts very slowly and then builds on to a crescendo and it only falters in the last 2 episodes.
The one thing that made this an 8 in my book is how crazy one can be when it comes to love/hate/secrets. The protagonists are literally downright crazy. It was awesome seeing Min Hyuk being a crazy wacko guy. I love tragic/crazy/flawed leads a lot.
The music is pretty engaging and lends a nice touch to the whole "secret" that everyone is trying to hide.
Watch it for its addictive pace and the romance which slowly but nicely builds to a nice climax. Enjoy!!!
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I get bored easily while watching a drama and then i just drop it after an episode or two. I have seen 6 episodes of Secret Love and i didn't felt bored even for a second.
The story seems different from others. I haven't watched anything with similar plot yet. And i'm happy Secret Love is my first.
The actors are absolutely amazing. I'm really happy that Ji Sung and Hwang Jung Eum are the main leads in this. They look good together. And it's my first drama with Bae Su Bin and i don't have anything else to say than that he's a great actor.
The music they used in this drama is also really good. I love the OST and it really fits the drama. I have never actually felt like this. I usually have a hard time liking the music they use in dramas, but this is really really good!
I don't have anything else to say right now. I definitely recommend this to everyone. You won't regret watching this.
Right now it's just 10 points out of 10. And i don't think it's going to change.
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Don't doubt my ability to rate dramas by looking at my rating for this one because I gave it all high numbers. This drama is seriously the best melodrama out there. And I'm quite the judgmental rater, just so you know. Alongside A Love To Kill and I'm Sorry, I Love You, this drama hits the top of my favorites list and for many reasons. I've wanted to do a review on this drama for along time but held out because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to put to words my feelings about Secret. I believe it's one of the most well-done Korean dramas you will come across. Complete with action, romance, tragedy and even a (VERY TINY) sprinkle of comedy, this drama is filled completely with a well-written plot, characters, multiple plot-twists and a ton of drama.. the kind that makes you cry so hard you think you want to stop watching but then you realize you HAVE TO CONTINUE IT.
To be able to completely cover everything about this drama that made me happy.. or should I say sad, I'm going to need to cover every bit of it in full detail. I'll do my very best not to give spoilers and if I do there will be a warning sign above it. Read at your own risk.
Music
This drama is really emotional and it's hard to reach that level of emotions purely by acting. The drama OST really covers that. There are a few of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard in this drama. Not just songs along, but the background music blend in with the scene, the feeling and the character during the scene that's happening. The music and OST were chosen perfectly and fit every moment in an epic manner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGKPzE0UwBQ
Acting/plot/characters
The emotional level of this drama is so high up there it's impossible for me to explain in words that humans will understand. Because of the story-line and characters' development, the acting really has to be good for this story to work. And let me just say, it was. The actors covered all the emotional levels that each character went through, pain, sadness, love, hatred, rage.
The story-line follows a woman who takes the place of her lover for a crime she didn't commit and the man who lost his love due to a woman who was unrightfully put away. He practically falls for her while stalking her in hopes of making her life miserable. Now, while this plot is rather sick, it makes the story SOOOO good. The misunderstandings are dealt with quickly (unlike every other melodrama ever) which make it spectacular to enjoy. The main problem that follows the characters throughout this drama are the emotions the characters go through. It's practically a feast of emotions and it's so painful and sweet to see how each character deals with his/her feelings during the events that occur.
SQUEAL MOMENTS
Because it's a melo, I didn't expect to love this drama as much as I did. I was completely invested in every moment of it and cried, literally during every episode. However it wasn't bad crying where I was unhappy and irritated with the choices the characters made, but rather, so excited to see what would lead the main leads to each other. Our main couple, played by Ji Sung and Hwa JungEum, had so many scenes together which made me want to squeal with excitement and joy. There were also numerous moments in which I wanted to bang the screen of my computer until I saw cracks. But seeing how bad that would be, I kept my hands to myself like a good little girl.
Is this a love-hate relationship drama?
Um.. no. The term love-hate relationship usually applies to comedy dramas in which it takes over half of the drama for the characters to realize how they feel for each other. This drama sets their boundaries clear as crystal and right from the start. Because the story revolves around misunderstanding (the good type, I assure you), it is in a way a love-hate relationship because Ji Sung's characters falls for her WHILE THINKING he hates her, while trying (and succeeding) in making her life a living hell.. This is actually the most enjoyable part of their relationship (his hatred turning to love) and most of where my squeals came from.
Why should I watch this, It looks sad and too dramatic.
Secret is a drama for melodrama lovers, for sure, but you should also check it out if you aren't that into melos. It's good for so many reasons but it's hard to say what they are without giving spoilers. There are so many unexpected GOOD plot-twists in this drama and so many feels~
Whether you like or don't like melos, I'd give this drama a three-episode try and if you haven't changed your mind by then.. you're crazy ;)
I'd go on but the only words I can think of are, I LOVE THIS DRAMA!!
Give it a try and you'll see what I mean.
All in all.. definitely a 10, for the script, acting, music, theme, lighting, directing. Totally worth your time!!
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UPDATE BELOW:
5/21/2023 This is the third time watching this drama and it’s still as good as ever! From the revenge plot to the ensuing a love of intense feeling and deep affection during turbulent times, this drama is a sinful pleasure to watch. The entire main cast played their roles magnificently and the supporting cast did great also.
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The acting was superb on this drama, and even though the storyline was sad, it showcased the acting skills of not only the leads but all the actors. This drama has the ability to pull out various emotions from the audience. So, be prepared to cry, get angry and frustrated at times, feel the tension filled romance, and at some point even happiness.
I really look forward to seeing the two leads and another drama together even after their current drama. They are just a good on-screen couple and a joy to watch.
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This drama is just very well done from start to finish, it never drags and is well paced. Plot exposition, progression and resolution are excellently executed and move seamlessly from one point to the next. My only negative comment regarding plot progression is that the passage of time is not clearly delineated, it's not clear how much time passes throughout the drama especially in the final two episodes I wanted to know how much time passed between the time Jo Min Hyuk went to Armenia and the end of the drama. This doesn't take anything away from the drama, it's just something that niggled at me.The story is intriguing and very engaging, there's never a dull moment. There are so many aspects to this story:
1. the relationship between Kang Yoo Jung and Ahn Do Hoon which is the foundational plot point;
2. the relationship between Jo Min Hyuk and his pregnant girlfriend;
3. the Ahn family dynamic which is actually the breeding ground of Ahn Do Hoon's selfish, non accountable nature;
4. the dynamic of Kang Yoo Jun and her single father;
5. The dynamic of the Jo family which is multi - layered with suppressed resentments;
6. the hate to love relationship of Jo Min Hyuk and Kang Yoo Jung, a relationship whose progress is beautiful and swoon worthy;
7. The dynamic between Shin Seo Yeon and Jo Min Hyuk;
8. the dynamic between Shin Seo Yeon and Ahn Do Hoon;
8. The prison dynamic;
9. the prosecutor's office dynamic;
10. the corporate shenanigans;
I understand that this was a first script for the writer, it's unbelievable how well this story is constructed especially for a first time script writer. I will definitely look into other dramas from this writer.
I could add a few more plot points but these are the essentials, It seems like a lot but when you're watching it's not, it adds to the excitement and pace of the story.
The acting is excellent. Special mention must go to Bae Soo Bin, he played the reprehensible character of Ahn Do Hoon to perfection, his intensity and progression from a man who wants to do well in life to a man who will do anything to save himself is fascinating to see, like a trainwreck in slow motion.
Special mention must also go to the male lead Ji Sung playing Jo Min Hyuk, he delivered some swoon worthy bars to the female lead with such heartfelt sincerity that I was blown away; this is the first time I've watched a Ji Sung drama and I will definitely put his dramas on my ptw list.
The female lead's story played by Hwang Jung Eum is a tear jerker but ultimately hopeful and good; she is able to showcase the character's essential selflessness and goodness while still injecting some badass no nonsense when its required, I appreciated that she stood up for herself when it was necessary but didn't lose her inner core of gentle goodness in the process. I initially questioned her decision to handle the hit and run the way she did, but ultimately her character was consistent and this became the story the writer wanted to share.
The character of Shin Seo Yeon played by Lee Da Hee is sufficiently annoying and one dimensional, the character is not fleshed out enough for us to care about her motivations.
The rest of the supporting cast is great, especially Ahn Do Hoon mother, there's many a time I wished I could shake some sense into that woman!
The music is excellent and perfectly suited to the scenes where it is applied.
Overall rating 10 because it is so well scripted and acted, with minor to no plot holes.
Rewatch value is 10, I rarely rewatch dramas with suspense in them, but this one has such a wonderful OTP and supporting cast I will definitely revisit it at some point in the future.
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UNDERRATED GEM
Sometimes it pays to scroll through the list of Kdramas, where I’m sure are many gems. Attracting and mesmerizing me was “Secret Love.” A side note: You have to be careful here, there are several “Secret Love” shows, so it becomes confusing. Therefore, it’s important to know the main leads. For this review, it’s a Korean version, 2013, starring Ji Sung, whose wife is Lee Bo Young-love everything she does-marvelous actress, Hwang Jung Eum, Bae Soo Bin, and Lee Da Hee. Like a lot of shows, it’s about class, power, and business marriages. Each actor displayed believable characters and developed them in each episode. Outstanding though, was Ji Sung’s role as Jo Min Hyuk. I’ve seen a lot of K-dramas and other movies. By far, watching Jo Min evidence the transition from lauding his power to having fallen for Yoo-Jung, is the greatest I’ve ever seen. His body language and facial expressions gave recognition that their relationship had changed. Culminating with him kneeling, as if to say, I see you, we are equals-realizing that his focus on her was twofold. It is definitely one for rewatching!Esta resenha foi útil para você?
THE BEST!
I keep on re-watching this every few months. It became a ritual. No matter how many times I watch this I still feel the feelings I felt when I watched this for the first time.Almost did a grave mistake of dropping after 4 episodes when I first watched this. It was heavy and made me cry for days. I guess there were more tears left by then so I picked it up again to cry some more. It was one of the very few good decisions I made in my life. xD
The twisted fate of Min Hyeok and Yoo Jeong makes you hate, cry, love and appreciate life. This is certainly well-written. This touches places you don't know existed. Everything went wrong only to become right. It makes you cry rivers at first and by the end makes you jump with happiness.
Well, Ji Sung is an Oscar-worthy actor and there's no exaggeration. I became a super fan of Hwang Jung Eum after this (will never understand the hate she receives for her acting). She's a brilliant actress. Their chemistry is on fire. Hope they do dramas together continuously. Another actor who stood out the most in this is Bae Soo Bin. I remember him as the pretty and intelligent Sayong in Jumong. I had a hard time accepting his role at first. Now I'll have a hard time accepting him as the good guy thanks to his exceptional acting. Everyone portrayed well and last but not least Choi Woong is so loyal and cute. I better stop this here. xD
If story and acting is one eye then OST is another for this drama. So well-done. I keep listening to this every now and then. 'Incurable disease' by Navi ft. Kebee and 'Heights of Wind Storm' by Ji Sung are my favorites.
You might have already guessed this. Rewatch value is 100/10.
Once you fall in this 'Secret-hole' there's no out. You'll be forever craving for more.
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I have recognized that in drama, there are basically three kinds of Men among whom the Woman in the story must choose to fulfill the intent of the writer to make the play resonate. I've generically categorized them as: Boneheads (who wouldn't know a good Woman if she fell from scaffolding into his arms); Jackasses (whose manipulation, abuse and treachery against (usually) the Female Lead is entirely body-bag worthy); and, the Lucky Bastard (to whom, for whatever reason, the Woman chooses to give her whole heart; whether he's worthy of it or not).
This particular drama has the Female Lead straining the limits of her own Love and Fidelity to watch two Men, over the course of sixteen episodes evolve (and devolve) through the above categorized Male archetypes. One went from Bonehead to Jackass to Lucky Bastard; whereas the other went from Lucky Bastard to Bonehead to Jackass. As mentioned above, there a few examples of a less worthy Man to breathe free air in this day and age. In every sense of the word I do believe that we have encountered a hybrid species of Male drama characters: the Weenie. Dude is/was/and remained to be, throughout the course of the series, irredeemably a freaking Weenie. Whose suffering could have been ended really early in this drama (but, what's the fun in that?)
The storyline held until very late when surprise revelations and incongruous turns neither fleshed-out lingering questions or resolved underlying tensions between the characters which is why I couldn't give it a higher grade. It almost seemed as if the writers who began the series caught the flu all at the same time and new writers had to be flown in from another continent to complete filming on schedule. And, though there was a binding thread running through it all from beginning to end, that thread was inevitably undone by it's destined conclusion -- (you'll know what I mean when you watch) -- or not.
That aside, I recommend watching this drama at least once. Performances were tolerable, the music was phenomenal (situational and OST selections) and production value was very well done; befitting a much tighter script. OMO, My Personal Favorite: Jailhouse Unni with the Bette Davis Eyes kills every single frame she's in! Overall rating of 'Secret Love' is out of due respect for the main characters who accurately portrayed what it must truly be like to Love, lose and win; (because the Love losses and wins weren't ultimately charged to one's own account in the long run anyway)...
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