lifesgoodkim Reviews (4)

Squid Game (2021–2025)

Season 2: Better than I expected.

[10/10 · 28 December 2024]

It's often difficult for a Season 2 to live up to the expectations set by a hugely successful Season 1. That's why I started Squid Game Season 2 with low expectations. But wow, what a surprise! It seamlessly builds on the original series while delivering creative storytelling and outstanding ideas in each episode. The production quality is excellent, making it visually satisfying as well.

I really appreciate how the series features a stellar cast of Korea's renowned actors while also skillfully incorporating fresh faces. It does an excellent job of subtly weaving in themes like democracy, capitalism, and shamanism-issues that are currently significant not only in Korean society but also globally-without overdoing it.

Highly recommended!

Pachinko (2022– )

A little cliche, but beautifully filmed

[8/10 · 9 October 2022]

First of all, I am a Korean. I've heard a lot about what Japanese people did to Korean people during the colonial era while I was growing up. That is very sad and making us Koreans furious. Because we Koreans heard a lot about similar stories, and the storyline follows actual historical events, this show feels a little cliche in my opinion. But, I think the cinematography is one of the best I've ever seen to describe the era. It is beautifully done and seems very real. Also the show's strategy to show events not by chronically, but by weaving related events through 3,4 generations is brilliant and is making the show interesting. Overall, it is worthwhile to watch, and to the people who didn't know the history between Japan and Korea, this will be a great show to understand the history and the emotions Koreans(or other countries which were impacted by Japan during the war) have.

Although I believe we Koreans need to overcome this emotions about Japan and Japanese people, Japan also needs to admit its wrong doings in the past and truthfully express their apologies.

Tehran (2020– )

"Things don't go as planned"

[8/10 · 8 October 2022]

This show is low budget, but cleverly made. I think the motto of the show is "Things don't go as planned" and every episode shows it. Sometimes it is annoying, but you will realize that is the point. In my opinion, Season 2 is better than Season 1 due to the better storyline.

Most of the Hollywood spy thrillers are too violent or not realistic, but this one is showing us that well-written spy thrillers can be entertaining without such violence or a big budget. Glenn Close was a great addition to Season 2. I hope we will be able to see her again in next seasons.

Anyway, it is a great show and I really enjoyed it.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Extraordinary!

[10/10 · 18 August 2022]

This is a great example how TV dramas should be made. I was hooked to the show with a couple of episodes. The director and the writer are very smart because they are not overdoing things and still getting things greatly done. The lead actress is extraordinarily talented for sure! I didn't know her before this show and now she is my favorite actress! Well done!