Korean Drama: Tom is Tempting Me Again (LOL!)

It’s been awhile since I wrote about the manic focus I had on the series “Jumong”, which was introduced to me by my friend Tom at church. For those who don’t remember, Tom is the President of a company called Ya Entertainment, and their mission is to bring Korean Drama to the United States and do so in a way that is both high quality and very accessible to the average American viewer, though the average American viewer will have to be comfortable reading subtitles, as that’s the only translation provided. Personally, I prefer it this way, because I can then hear the nuances of the original actors in their native Korean, and enjoy the performances that they did, rather than try to listen to a dubbed version.

Since Jumong ran its course (and then ran through several of my co-workers; quite a feat when you consider that this is an 82 hour franchise!), I have been jonesing for some new stuff to see, but I felt really awkward saying to Tom “Hey man, can you hook me up with another series?” without sounding like a cheapskate, but at the same time, not want to invest a lot of money on a series I may or may not be totally into. Fortunately, Tom and Ya Entertainment have given some thought to folks like us, and so Tom handed me a couple of “sampler disks” for two shows they are currently producing to gauge my opinion. Oh Tom, you are so kind, and at the same time, you are so cruel (LOL!).

So what are these two new shows?


The first one is called “The Grand Chef” and it is a modern drama that takes place in Seoul, at what is considered the premier restaurant in South Korea. The owner and head of the restaurant is the grandson of the man who was the Chef to the Last Korean Emperor prior to 1910. The story revolves around three of the chef’s in the restaurant and, in the first three episodes, focuses on the idea that the owner and master will make a competition to see who will succeed him. Will it be his eldest son and, as many would consider, his rightful heir? Would it go to a young and ambitious man who has worked his way up to being a director of the restaurant without family ties? Or would it go to the adopted son of a family friend who, up until this time, hasn’t shown much desire to really be involved at the high level of the restaurant? For those thinking “hey, this set up sounds familiar”, you would not be amiss in thinking that… when I have described this series to others, the comment back is “Wow, it sounds like “Jumong” with food!”… and in many ways, that’s exactly how it seems. I cannot help but draw parallels between The Grand Chef and Jumong, especially since Won Ki-joon is playing the role of the “middle” of the three, the same position and type of role that he played as Prince Yeongpo in Jumong (and while many of his facial features and associated elements will immediately remind viewers familiar with Jumong of Yeongpo, he is a much more assured and self-confident character, and much more proficient in what he does than Yeongpo was). The three episodes that I saw were high quality, engaging storytelling, and made me care about all of the characters. In short, I want to see more of this one.


By contrast, “The King and I” is a story that takes place in Korea’s Josun Dynasty (or the equivalent of our middle ages and colonial period). It is the story of court eunuchs, and their interaction with the throne and the government. They were confidantes, political power players, and witnesses to history, and in many ways quietly shaped that history. The story is based on Chuh-sun, described as the Josun Dynasty's most famous eunuch. From what I have read, this is the first series to actually be dedicated to this subject and this group of men and the sacrifices they made to serve the royal court. One of the treats of seeing this program's first episodes is to see Jeon Kwang Yeol (King Geumwha in “Jumong”) play the role of Jo Chi-gyeom, the head of the eunuchs. We see the court intrigues, the development of a triangle that spans generations, and the ultimate struggle that sets the stage to tell the story of these less well known figures of Korean history. One thing to be aware of... this program tells it like it is, and make no mistake, you understand very quickly what it means to be a eunuch, and what the process is. Though it doesn’t show it graphically, it absolutely makes it very clear the process, and the methods used at the time, and the reference and example made when the eunuchs carry the porcelain jars, and what they actually contain inside, definitely leaves a mental image that will not be quickly forgotten. Any time we want to think that we have made sacrifices for our goals and dreams, watch this series and you may think twice about that! Again, it was only three episodes, but wow, what an incredible three episodes it was… and yes, I want to see more of this one.

So again, thank you Tom, for introducing these shows to me… and curse you, Tom, for introducing these shows to me (LOL!). Your marketing worked, I’m hooked, and I want to see both all the way through now.

My Jumong Journey is At Its End

81 episodes, 81 hours, and an absolutely unforgettable ride. Gorgeous from start to finish. Really, there's nothing more to be said other than that.

When Tom introduced me to this series, I had no idea it would have as big an impact on me that it has. It is a wonderfully epic tale, and one that is totally worth watching. I feel as though I have a greater appreciation for the history of the land whose movies I enjoy so much. In addition, I also have a feeling of greater appreciation for the television series that are made in Korea (as I said previously, I've really only paid attention to Korean movies. This was my first experience with a full fledged national K- Drama).

I wonder what I will do with myself now that it's all over, but seeing as I have a house that's changing color, a Labor Day Weekend Pow Wow to attend and other areas of my life that need some focus, as well as a wife and kids that probably would love to spend some additional time with me, I'm sure I can think of something (LOL!).

To fans of the "Korean Wave", check out this series. While you are at it, show some love for Ya Entertainment and drop them a line saying "thank you" for bringing programs like this state-side.

And the Jumong Obsession Keeps Growing

Volume 3, covering episodes 41-61.

Intrigue and plot twists and swordplay, oh my!

What more do you need to know... I have it, I'm watching it, taking breaks for the bathroom and eating, and I'm ignoring everything else in my life that is not scheduled or urgent.

Have I expressed enough yet just how much I'm digging this series (LOL!)?

Jumong Fever Still Has a Hold On Me

This volume covers Episodes 21-40. I received it in the mail last Thursday. I'm already up to Episode 37.

For those who are curious as to what this whole series is about, the story as told (actual history and the drama as portrayed vary a little) takes place around 80 B.C., during the period of the Han Dynasty in China, and their expansion and military conquests in the areas known today as North & South Korea and Manchuria. It is the story of Jumong, son of Haemosu, a military hero to the Ancient Josun migrant population (the Kingdom/Empire the Han brought to a close) who is captured and believed killed. Haemosu's best friend and comrade, Prince Kumwa, takes in Haemosu's love, Lady Yuhwa and her new son, Jumong. Kumwa becomes King and raises Jumong in the royal court of Puyo (one of the contested lands under threat by the Han Dynasty) as his own son. The story revolves around Jumong coming of age and fulfilling his destiny, changing from a spoiled and cowardly noble into a legendary hero, one who would ultimately unite tribes, repel the Han, and establish the kingdom of Goguryeo (from which we get the Anglicized word "Korea" today).

The story is geting really good now. Lots of crazy twists and turns at this stage, and an even greater desire to jump headfirst into Volume 3 (which I now need to get, and hadn't anticipated needing this quickly... I've really got to slow down my consumption of this!).


I think this is the point where I confess to the world that I should probably seek psychatric help (LOL!).

Jumong Is My Twilight (LOL!)

My introduction to this series comes courtesy of my friend Tom at church. Tom served a mission in Korea when he was younger, and subsequently, he is fluent in Korean to this day. He is president of a company that does localization (i.e. translates into English) for Korean movies and television shows and distributes them in the United States. Being a fan of the "Korean Wave" myself, I kept asking him if he had worked on particular titles (usually movies, since most of the Korean titles I'm familiar with are theatrical releases). After half a dozen or so I'd mentioned I'd seen, with Tom shaking his head and saying "nope, we didn't do that one", he came to church a couple of weeks ago with a gorgeous box set of a series, saying "*THIS* is one I worked on. Let me know what you think."

What do I think? Well, frankly, I think this is *INCREDIBLE*! From the packaging, to the guide book, to the DVD production, to the translation, to the story, it's fantastic. However, Tom... you now owe me my life back, because it feels like every waking moment for the past two weeks that I've not been involved in work or scouts has involved me sitting with my little portable DVD player watching this thing. Seriously, when you are walking down the street from BART to your place of work early in the morning balancing a DVD player in your hand, walking into the elevator at work balancing said same DVD player, walking out of work towards BART balancing said DVD player, walking back to your car from BART balancing said DVD player... these are signs of serious neurosis... or signs of an incredibly well done series. Hey, when a show is able to draw in more than 50% of a country's viewing audience, that's a pretty good indication that there's some serious quality going on here.

For those of you not into period stories from other lands, or if you don't like epic dramas based on legendary characters, this may not do much for you. As for me, I've already put in my order for season two and am waiting impatiently for it to arrive. Now, what am I going to do with my time until it gets here... oh, sure, I suppose I could mow the grass I haven't touched in two weeks... or fix some things in the backyard... or clean up the garage... or spend some quality time with my family... but really, where's the fun in that (LOL!)? I'm kidding, gang, don't throw things at me, please.

Seriously, this is good stuff. Even if you have *zero* interest in ancient Korean history, the scenery, costume design and story is wonderful. The acting is excellent, in that classically subdued Korean manner (Korean cinema and television just doesn't rise to the level of histrionics you see in American or Japanese cinema) and the story ideas are very inventive (one of the great hallmarks of Korean cinema; they come up with some of the wildest stuff).

There are four seasons in total, and I can honestly see me lining up one after the other until it's all finished.

Seriously, Tom, thanks for introducing me to this, but really... you owe me my life back (LOL!).