Chinese Odyssey Chinese Odyssey
Mar
02
2006

[KOREAN TV DRAMA REVIEWS] 이 죽일놈의 사랑 (A Love To Kill)

Posted by X at 1:59am.

Posted in Film & DVD Reviews , Drama, Asia.

love2kill1.jpg

이 죽일놈의 사랑 (A Love To Kill)
(I JukIlLomUi Sarang - lit. This Damn Love - a.k.a. Knocked Out By Love)
HD월화 미니시리즈 (HD Monday/Tuesday Miniseries) - KBS TV 2005
16 Episodes - 60 Minutes p.e.
Aired from October 31 to December 20, 2005 on KBS2
Official Website
Soompi Ijuksa Thread (Video, Episode Synopsis, etc.)

NEXT WEEK
변호사들 (Lawyers) - MBC 2005

PD
김규태 (Kim Gyu-Tae)

WRITER
이경희 (Lee Kyung-Hee)

CAST
정지훈 (Jung Ji-Hoon) as Kang Bok-Gu, 신민아 (Shin Min-Ah) as Cha Eun-Seok, 김사랑 (Kim Sa-Rang) as Han Da-Jeong, 이기우 (Lee Gi-Woo) as Kim Joon-Seong, 김영재 (Kim Young-Jae) as Kang Min-Gu, 나윤 (Na Yoon) as Park Mi-Sook, 강래연 (Kang Rae-Yeon) as Choi Mi-Seon, 박인환 (Park In-Hwan) as Cha Du-Yong, 유혜리 (Yoo Hye-Ri) as Park Ja-Kyung, 이민혁 (Lee Min-Hyeok) as Cha Jae-Seok, 김송희 (Kim Song-Hee) as Cha Yoo-Na, 지상렬 (Ji Sang-Ryeol) as Tae-Choon, 유재근 (Yoo Jae-Geun) as Sung-Jin, 이순재 (Lee Soon-Jae), CAMEO: 이병헌 (Lee Byung-Heon)

===================
THE SHOW
===================

Scent, touch, images, places they visited together, letters they wrote, words they said… what do people remember of their past relationships? Things remaining inside them even when they forget their lover’s face, things they carry with them for years, like a wound which quickly reopens once those floating thoughts re-awaken. And are those memories more intense than the feelings you experience in the present, overpowering your thoughts, guiding you to do things you wouldn’t otherwise even try? Difficult questions, with perhaps a multitude of answers, things which could have made 이 죽일놈의 사랑 (A Love To Kill) a meaningful show, but at the end never materialized. Neither the questions, nor - predictably - the answers.

Lee Kyung-Hee, Kim Gyu-Tae and the star power of singer Rain, using his real name Jung Ji-Hoon in the acting game. A huge lineup for what was one of the most awaited series of late 2005, for many reasons. Writer Lee had been carving a niche for herself in the increasingly cloudy world of Trendy Dramas, writing intelligent character studies buried within the 삼각관계 (love triangle) antics, the 출생의 비밀 (childhood secrets) and Cinderella fables. Although the first half of her career was rather underwhelming, penning lame star vehicles like 모델 (Models) and 순정 (Purity), it was with the 2003 KBS Drama 상두야 학교 가자 (Let’s Go To School, Sang-Doo) that she made a name for herself. Still deeply rooted in Trendy Drama tropes, the show balanced characters a little more realistic than usual with the genre’s shenanigans, and thanks to good acting—from youngsters Gong Hyo-Jin, Lee Dong-Geon and Hong Su-Hyeon, and veterans Lee Young-Ha and Shin Gu—was able to defy expectations, especially regarding the debut of a top star who was making his first acting experience, a certain Rain. Playing a ‘lovable’ 제비 (conman), the singer-turned-actor impressed industry insiders for handling the conflicting emotions of the character with admirable range, at least for a debutant. Of course by now ‘Rain’ has become a money making machine and proud flagbearer of that facade called the 한류 (Korean Wave), but if he had anyone to thank for his positive debut in the industry, that should be Lee Kyung-Hee. She took advantage of the young star’s considerable screen presence and charisma, and wrapped the character’s evolution around his strengths, trying to minimize his (apparent) weaknesses, most important being lack of experience, obviously.

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Although it didn’t have the popular acclaim of ‘Sang-Doo’, Lee’s best work still remains 나는 달린다 (Running After a Dream) from the same year. Moving from KBS to MBC, without big stars and a PD who was famous for ‘Mania’ Dramas like Park Sung-Soo of 네 멋대로 해라 (Ruler of Your Own World), Lee found the first big challenge of her career. After her first big success, she finally had to prove herself, living up to the expectations of the public, given her previous work, and without the easy scapegoat of star power. But despite lacking in popularity, the cast was quite interesting: underrated youngster Kim Gang-Woo, eternal underachiever Chae Jung-Ahn, singer-turned-actor ‘Eric’ Moon Jung-Hyuk of Shinhwa, talented Kim Seo-Hyung, veterans Lee Young-Ha, Lee Hye-Sook and especially the great Song Jae-Ho. What was so refreshing about the show was its taking the ‘class divide’ cliche, one of the most overused formulae in the genre, and giving it a new, interesting spin. Featuring a factory worker falling into a conflicting relationship with a middle-class journalist, the Drama managed to keep a fairly realistic tone, and—perhaps thanks to the PD—a whole lot of the maturity that’s so often absent from Trendy Dramas. Lee started showing she could help rewrite the rules of the most predictable and ordinary genre on TV, and when a year later 미안하다 사랑한다 (I’m Sorry, I Love You) was born, she hit the jackpot: popularity, both online and on TV, and critical acclaim.

Starring So Ji-Seop and super-talented Im Soo-Jung from 장화, 홍련 (A Tale of Two Sisters), the show was literally dancing the tango on a huge minefield: overseas locations (Sydney, Australia), childhood secrets (adoptions, lost children, etc.), 공쥐팥쥐 (good/bad girl) syndrome, and of course a giant, fat 사각관계 (menage a… quatre? Poker of love? Rectangular relationship? Call it as you wish). But then why did the show become not only a Mania Drama, but was also well received by the press? Because it focused more on the pain and emotional conflicts of the characters, making them realistic despite the over-the-top outline. Despite still hitting some of those mines, ‘Misa’ (as it’s called by its fans) was well written, more emotionally intense than anything Lee wrote before, and also had a certain sense of human, tragic beauty, like some of the best ‘Mania Dramas’ of recent years—다모 (Damo), 발리에서 생인일 (What Happened in Bali) and of course ‘Ruler of Your Own World’. With a large portion of Korean TV Drama fans waiting for her next big project, Lee took it easy for a while, and wrote two episodes of the excellent omnibus Drama 떨리는 가슴 (Six Love Stories), which strengthened her position as one of the most eclectic ‘commercial’ writers on TV. With both the critics and the public waiting for her next work, the pressure must have been really high, which might explain what happened with ‘A Love To Kill.’

But even though TV Dramas are a ‘writers’ kingdom’, just like films are ruled by directors, one cannot possibly ignore the influence of the PD on a Drama’s overall tone, which is why looking at Kim Gyu-Tae’s past work is crucial to understand what went wrong with this show. Although his work as assistant producer is as varied as they get, taking him from Historical Dramas like 명성황후 (The Last Empress) to weekend Dramas like 동양극장 (Asian Theater) and 꼭지 (Ggokji)—written by, go figure, Lee Kyung-Hee—and many Miniseries like 초대 (Invitation), it was with the 2003 KBS Daily Drama 노란 손수건 (Yellow Handkerchief) that Kim knocked at the door with all the violence of a talented newcomer ready to impress his colleagues. But that violence wasn’t physical, it was the emotional weight of a show deviating from the formula of most Daily Dramas of the period. Often reaching the 180 to 200 episodes, those shows are mostly slower paced affairs in a limbo between being a training farm for newcomers and a sort of ‘cemetery for veterans’, where greats of yesteryear like Jang Mi-Hee, Song Jae-Ho, Park Won-Sook and Lee Soon-Jae ply their trade, often next to youngsters who have very little hope of having careers even half as long as theirs. Taking very simple stories (class divide is the most popular subject here) and slowly developing them through countless episodes with very little emotional impact, they’ve become like the C-Span of Korean TV Dramas: not exactly bad, but are you really going to watch all that? Why?

‘Yellow Handkerchief’ was different though. It did have a familiar outline, but at its center developed a strong critique of the country’s law registry system, which until then only entered the ‘feminist vs conservative’ sphere of debate, and after this show exploded in the mainstream with a force few people ever expected to see. And besides that… the acting! Lee Tae-Ran, Chu Sang-Mi, Ju Hyeon in some of their finest work to date, with the final 20 episodes possessing the kind of emotional power even MBC’s glorious Weekend Dramas had a hard time showing. Yet, the Daily Drama world can be a prison for PDs, as once you start getting into that kind of rhythm (they’re shot on the fly for a good 6 months), your career won’t move too much.

So for his first solo project, PD Kim decided to move from the world of Daily Dramas to something allowing him a little more freedom: 단막극, or one/two episode specials. It wasn’t just a matter of trying new things, but the format allowed producers to experiment a lot more, as shows like that rarely have any popular impact. KBS was already shooting most of those shows on HD, so Kim went full force into this new stage of his career, becoming one of the best ‘HD PDs’ in the business. His 2004 special 제주도 푸른 밤 (Blue Skies in Jeju Island) was a big shock to those used to the underwhelming, ordinary one-hit specials of old. He mixed influences from Lee Chang-Dong—especially his 박하사탕 (Peppermint Candy)—to Hur Jin-Ho and even a touch of French New Wave for what was one of the most impressive one-episode specials KBS had ever seen.

The show starred a young actor who back then was mostly known for having a famous sister, but found his breakthrough in 2005 with 부활 (Rebirth): Eom Tae-Woong, obviously. Starring Eom as as a man trying to give a meaning to his last days on earth, the Drama showed the potential HD could have on TV Dramas, as it could bring the visual allure of films for a fraction of the cost: mixing black and white with vivid colours, it was easy to fall for the ‘technical’ charms of ‘Jeju’. But a nice, involving story did the rest of the job admirably. With a few other One-Episode specials following, and his maligned assistant work on the hilariously bad 러브홀릭 (Loveholic), Kim was ‘assigned’ by KBS to Lee Kyung-Hee’s new Drama. The most important reason: he could handle HD, and do it well. Now the problem was adapting to Miniseries, and especially to the writer, which is something that crushed many other TV Dramas in the past. With an acclaimed writer and respected PD in the driving seat, the station only had to fill the show with the right cast. And that’s when the headaches started.

When you cast someone like Jung Ji-Hoon, Korean Wave megastar but also someone with a very strong image to protect, you risk a lot. Of course the risk often pays off, as something like ‘A Love To Kill’ was more likely to secure lucrative distribution sales overseas than, say, ‘Rebirth’ or 해신 (Emperor of The Sea)—and, sure enough, it did exactly that. But like 외출 (April Snow) suffered the weight of Yonsama’s image, ‘A Love to Kill’ was tied to the ground from the beginning with a big chain made of money, star power and popular influence. Deviate too much from the course and people will feel alienated, stick to the plot too obviously and they’ll feel cheated, especially if they had an admiration for the singer/actor going past the drooling stage. Jung himself, after the success of his second Drama 풀하우스 (Full House)—which I detest, but as you probably know, it became a huge hit all over Asia—and the expectations of the fans was facing a huge dilemma: do you go for easy money and stick to your ‘persona’, or try to show there’s been a maturation as an actor in terms of range and subtlety, adapting to the character first and worrying about image later? This fragile balance between the character’s challenge and a sort of ‘human product placement’ essentially plays a big part in ruining the Drama.

The first few episodes of this show are a sight to behold: cinematography on par with recent films, ‘artistic’ camerawork and a soundtrack that’s a bit more mature than your average trendy Drama. In some ways, it feels like an upgrade or update of Kim’s previous special ‘Blue Skies in Jeju Island’, but also a collection of 60 Minutes long Rain Music Videos. Barking his way into the screen with all his physicality, Jung seems almost forced to bring forth his singing persona to the screen, and his acting in the first part of the show suffers tremendously as a result. It’s not even a problem of relating or sympathizing with the character, as there’s simply no character at the beginning, just a shadow of one. He certainly seems to try hard, but there’s no impact, just a lot of posing, acting tough and rugged. Even the rest of the characters don’t fare too well: too sweet for words Cha Eun-Seok (Shin Min-Ah), the big superstar with a dark past; tough broad Da-Jung (Kim Sa-Rang) with emotional and physical scars, trying to hide all that behind her heavy Busan accent; 황자병 (’Prince’ Complex)-afflicted 2nd generation Chaebol Kim Joon-Seong (Lee Gi-Woo), who thinks all you need to get anything is throwing some money at it, and finally Kang Min-Gu (Kim Young-Jae), the core of the story, where the big ‘Sympathy For Rain’s Vengeance’ McGuffin starts unfolding.

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It all seemed promising, despite the cliches and stereotypical characters. After all, most of Lee’s previous works started that way, and she ended up slowly developing a kind of humanism and realism within the trendy drama microcosmos which made them worth watching. But it seems everything is wrapped around an all too simple concept here: the slow dismantling of Rain’s image, and the creation of Jung Ji-Hoon the actor, all in one go. This morphing of the tough, cool guy into someone able to emote and whose conflicting sentiments make him suffer might have had a certain beauty if dealt within the boundaries of a 60 Minutes special or a film. But for a 16 Episode Drama, it just turns into strolling, dragging the show to a halt which lasts a good 10 episodes. It’s painfully obvious from the beginning what will happen to Bok-Gu’s attempted revenge, but since the characters never come alive and feel like simple pawns moved around to coincidentally connect with the protagonist and major antagonist (’Rain the singer’ vs ‘Jung Ji-Hoon the actor’), the journey to get to the obvious ending feels useless, much more than in lesser works (!).

Lee emphasizes the small flaws of her previous work to an almost unbearable level here. If you look at all her old Dramas, she seems to give very little resonance to the ‘ancillary’ characters: Lee Jong-Soo and Kim Jung-Hyun have little or no impact on 나는 달린다 (Running After a Dream, just like Seo Ji-Young and Jung Kyung-Ho in 미안하다 사랑한다 (I’m Sorry, I Love You), but those were just small shortcomings which didn’t have much of an impact, enough to ruin those shows. Yet it’s so obvious both Joon-Seong, Da-Jung and everyone else but the two main characters are simply cardboards pulled around to make something happen waiting to get to the conclusion, that you quickly lose interest. Although a few charming moments do emerge, thanks in part to good acting from Kim Young-Jae, Park In-Hwan and in some cases even from Jung (his crying scene next to his brother is the best piece of acting he’s done so far, although it’s such a painfully obvious ploy to wake up the viewer, it feels like those ‘made for the Oscar’ performances in Hollywood films), the rest is a huge cloud of nothingness.

The show could have had a small redemption, near the end of the final episode. The characters seemed to return to reality for a moment, dropping all the 순정만화 (Romance Comic) histrionics, and wrapping up the story the way it should have. But the ‘Yoon Seok-Ho Virus’ violently pulls those moments of mental clarity off, for one of the most ridiculous endings of recent memory. We started with a good writer, a stylish PD and a good cast, all considered. What we’re left with at the end is a huge product placement made for the Korean Wave, which wastes the talent of people like Shin Min-Ah (who deserves much better than material like this), which certainly didn’t help Jung Ji-Hoon become a better actor, and sticks out like a sore note in Lee Kyung-Hee’s career. Although they won’t probably learn until Japan gets tired of lame plot machinations like these and starts ignoring Korean Dramas altogether, the only ‘Love to Kill’ here is that for the Korean Wave, the mantra that all Trendy Dramas should be full of cliches, walking and talking cardboard cutouts, and plot devices which seem written by a teenager with raging hormones. And until they learn that lesson, until they start going back to basics, to what made Korean TV Dramas great—interesting, realistic characters, who emerge even from predictable situations—then I only have one thing to say. Korean Wave? 미안하다, 사랑 못 한다 (I’m Sorry, I Can’t Love You).

RATING: 4.5/10

=========================
AVAILABILITY
=========================

DVD - Korean Version (English, Korean Subtitles)
Cover Art

Unless you’re a huge Rain fan I’d stay away, as fans of Lee Kyung-Hee and/or Shin Min-Ah are better off considering this a huge misfire, and wait for their upcoming projects. Let’s just say it’s been a ugly nightmare, and forget about this show, the sooner the better.

=========================
PREVIOUS REVIEWS
=========================

모래시계 (The Sandglass) - SBS 1995 - 10/10
부활 (Rebirth) - KBS 2005 - 9.5/10
다모 (Damo) - MBC 2003 - 9/10
꽃보다 아름다워 (More Beautiful Than Flowers) - KBS 2004 - 8.5/10
패션 70s (Fashion Seventies) - SBS 2005 - 8.5/10
내 이름은 김삼순 (My Lovely Sam-Soon) - MBC 2005 - 8/10
해신 (Emperor of The Sea) - KBS 2005 - 8/10
그린로즈 (Green Rose) - SBS 2005 - 8/10
미안하다 사랑한다 (I’m Sorry, I Love You) - KBS 2004 - 7.5/10
신입사원 (Super Rookie) - MBC 2005 - 7/10
하노이 신부 (The Bride From Hanoi) - SBS 2005 - 6.5/10
별은 내 가슴에 (Star in My Heart) - MBC 1997 - 6.5/10
엠 (M) - MBC 1994 - 6/10
러브홀릭 (Loveholic) - KBS 2005 - 3/10

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Reader Comments

  1. -j. 03/02/2006 @ 4:27am

    I read the drama review with a vivid interest, as I was one of those that awaited this drama with breathless anticipation and then reality smacked down so hard that till this day I can feel the sting.

    But what I’m interested to know (that you didn’t mention) is how the quality of all the other stars but for rain featured in your opinion. Shin Minah, Lee Kiwoo and Kim Sarang. And also what were the moments, that, for you, saw the partial lifting of the veil.

  2. x 03/02/2006 @ 4:39am

    it’s pretty much useless talking about those performances as they were given nothing to work with. It’s a collection of walking cliches, so everything but great acting wouldn’t have mattered. And as I said, only Park In-Hwan, Kim Young-Jae and a few moments with Rain stand out. Kim Sarang overdoes a little the ‘tough broad’ elements of her character, but she’s not too bad (her parents are from Busan, so the saturi is pretty good) despite the stereotypes.

    Lee Gi-Woo is subpar, and Shin Min-Ah is tolerable, although she really has nothing to work with. It’s either cutesy nothingness and big smiles or ‘I’m so in love I’m half dead’ moments lifted off the worst Yoon Seok-Ho Dramas.

    Few moments I liked were mostly dealing with Bok-Gu and his brother pre-accident and later (Kim Young-Jae is the guy from that wonderful Hur Jin-Ho short with Yoon Jin-Seo, BTW. He also starred in Blossom Again as Kim Jung-Eun’s roommate), and another few with Da-Jung.

  3. immunophilic 03/02/2006 @ 4:14pm

    Hey X,

    As you probably would have known,i love reading your reviews. In fact, i followed your “top 10 dramas of 2005” list to decide what to buy..and if you like MISA and DAMO, then i think i feel safe to follow your taste..btw...i love Rebirth too..i had heart palpitations watching it..smile

    It’s true that i am looking forward to this show, but many have commented that this’s just a super mega long mv of Rain...and yes, like u..i didn’t really like Full House...thought that Sang Doo is way better..it’s ironical that Rain acted so much better for his debut--Sang Doo, let’s go to school..and i think i probably wouldn’t buy this show..even though i like the scriptwriter..sometimes, using extremely super duper star can be a burden...i thought that this would be a nice show..like MISA.

    BTW, just a sidetrack...i am thinking of buying Super Rookie, Fashion Seventies, Green Rose and Running after Dream...are these worthbuys..how would you rank these shows...? Thxs! Looking forward to your next review!

  4. x 03/02/2006 @ 6:57pm

    I don’t really think Rain is at fault here. Of course his image was a big burden, but I think even the biggest fan of Lee Kyung-Hee’s works couldn’t expect stuff like this.

    Yeah, all worth buying. I reviewed three of them, if you check the ‘previous reviews’ links. And as I wrote, ‘Running After a Dream’ is my favorite Lee Kyung-Hee so far. Quite low key and not really great by any means, but I like it quite a bit.

  5. thunderbolt 03/02/2006 @ 11:37pm

    “...(his crying scene next to his brother is the best piece of acting he’s done so far, although it’s such a painfully obvious ploy to wake up the viewer, it feels like those ‘made for the Oscar’ performances in Hollywood films)...”

    I was surprised he did that scene so convincingly; in fact, too convincingly because I was a little repulsed by the dripping of you know what. However, he should not have said “My mistake” in that scene because the two English words came out of nowhere and were too jarring.

    About crying scenes like the above, Yang Dong-geun’s in Ruler of Your Own World is DA standard for me. Get the chills just thinking about it. Awesome. Speaking of ROYOW, I’m listening to the OST now and remembering the ROYOW review you wrote was the first time I read anything by you. Hmmm… that was a pretty mild piece by your present standards, LOL. ^__^

  6. x 03/02/2006 @ 11:52pm

    I’m writing a ROYOW review soon. Probably will throw it in the pot in the next two months.

    ROYOW soundtrack kicks ass, there’s stuff by Bulldog Mansion and 3rd Line Butterfly in there that’s amazing. I should have bought the bundle 3rd Line 1집+ROYOW OST they were selling back then. Now I’m stuck with lousy MP3s.

    Yang was great in there, but even Gong Hyo-Jin’s crying was scary. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH. Like a three year old kid. Loved that.

    Still, show me Choi Min-Shik in Failan and it’s Niagara Falls here. tongue laugh

  7. x 03/03/2006 @ 12:57am

    and oh… the my mistake thing was exactly what I was talking about. Mix the tough persona crumbling down, and add a touch of ‘sexy but down-to-earth’ Rain to the mix. I guess the ‘you know what’ is a sign he really got into the role. It’s a good sign actually, doubt you can force something like that to happen unless you have very sensitive nostrils. ^_^

  8. Kim 03/03/2006 @ 4:47am

    x

    I can’t thank you enough… I won’t be wasting my money and my time on this drama.

  9. Bambiina 03/17/2006 @ 7:33am

    “This critic I want to Kill”

    If not for this remark…

    “in some cases even from Jung (his crying scene next to his brother is the best piece of acting he’s done so far, although it’s such a painfully obvious ploy to wake up the viewer, it feels like those ‘made for the Oscar’ performances in Hollywood films)”

    Don’t let the review stop you from buying the DVD. :D

    If it really that bad - That’s what Ebay are for..

    You’ll never know - you mite like it..

    Anyway I have to agree - Rain acting in the first 2 eps - is a bit

    exegerated. He tried too hard.. but after that - he’s just great.

    AND just skip eps 16 - not worth watchin.. How can a couple love

    each other deeply could sit - 2 feet apart.. You know what I mean..

    My Rating for IJUKSA 7/10 (definitely better than STAR in

    my heart = 5/10 and if not for AJW hairstyle - I would have

    given it 6/10..)

    But then again who am I to argue with Mr.X :D

  10. Bambiina 03/17/2006 @ 7:48am

    One more thing..SPOILERRRRRRRRR!!!!

    It’s about time Lee Kyung-Hee - forget the crap - if we can’t

    be together in this life.. let us die together..

    Dying is not the option to anything.. life is too precious to waste

    Lee Kyung Hee.. No.. no more die together thing next time..

    Puhleezz .. no more stereotype end..

  11. unknown 05/31/2006 @ 10:22am

    It was a big disappointment to see Rain play this hideous role. It breaks my heart when I see him as this character. And I couldn’t stand the girl. Just feel like cussing at her. I loved Rain in Full House. Thinking about him in this drama is causing me to break into tears. He’s not even compatible with Shin Min Ah. She is SO annoying!!!

  12. rainyleaf 06/02/2006 @ 7:56pm

    Actually, this drama is focused on the description of psychology. Therefore, if you watch the outer performance of Rain’s acting in “A love to kill”, certainly you won’t know his acting. If you completely understand the sentiments of Bok-Gu, you will know how good Rain portaits his role.

    I know this because I saw this drama without the interruption of subtitles. Therefore, I know what’s the diffult acting to deal with the role of Bok-Gu.

    I become Rain’s fan for his acting career, not his singing career.

    I know many people like to judge his acting, but I like his way of acting.

    I saw many films and dramas in my life, and certainly I saw a lot of so called great acting actors from critics.

    I saw those famous actors’ acting, I may comment they are really good, but after a few days I forget their performances.

    But for Rain’s acting, he has his own way of acting which makes his acting roles are more vivid and memorable. Few actors could give me a vivid role image from their different acting role,but I see the complete three vivid images of his acting roles.His acting is not like anyone else, so certainly people comment to his acting is always controversial.

    But, you know, it really doesn’t bother me because I know the glittering from his acting.

    There are many good acters in the world, but there are a few actors’ performances catching your eyes.

    A few actors make you feel drown into their acting role’s world.

    I don’t know what is the standard to call good acting or bad acting, but I know those actors who caught my eyes without reasons previously, they all become good actors now.

    So, no matter how people try hard to judge Rain’s acting, I know he will turn out to become a famous actor if he continues his acting career.

    So, let’s see what will become in the end of the actor Jung Ji-Hoon!

  13. rainyleaf 06/02/2006 @ 8:01pm

    I made small mistake in last post, so I justy here.

    I don’t know what is the standard to call good acting or bad acting, but I know those actors who caught my eyes without reasons previously, they all become “famous” actors now.

  14. Bianca 06/08/2006 @ 9:59am

    i think this drama is very sad but there are many parts, which are funny. i love this drama.since i saw this drama, i want to be an acter how jung ji hoon.

  15. HIHI 08/22/2006 @ 2:05pm

    I absoulutely LOVE this drama. One of my favorties along with MISA, the JEWEL IN THE PALACE, MY LOVELY SAMSOON, and THE RULER OF YOUR OWN WORLD. The first 3 episodes may be deceiving, (yes, a lot of audience found it too complecated to understand after watching first few episodes so this series failed to capture a hugh audience) but after 3rd episode, the complicated relationship between the charaters start to unfold and the drama gets really good.

    I didn’t really find Rain’s acting fake or ‘just trying’. I was rather annoyed by Shin Min-ah’s character. I thought I had a good chace of seeing a new side of Rain. At the funeral of his brother, his acting was so realistic and filled with anger/sadness, I thought it was one of the best scenes in the drama.

    ALthough this drama failed to satisfy a lot of people who expected the MISA out of it, It was still something different. I really didn’t like the ending though. XD I thought they both died, but Eun-suk actually lived..... I don’t think Bok-gu should have died even if they didn’t end up being together. T_T But it’s one of Lee’s trademakrs that the potagonists die....it’s acceptable I guess.

  16. Fel 09/05/2006 @ 6:36am

    I loved the drama ‘Full House’, but I haven’t got the opportunity to watch ‘San doo’. I am really wowed over by Rain’s acting skills in ‘Full House’. Its like acting out his life, and I’m moved by the touching scenes too. He can really cry, you know!

    In ‘A Love to Kill’, he’s more of a rookie.. it’s the loving and parting scenes that makes you want to continue watching the drama, I crinched in my heart when I saw the last episode.. how can they end the drama like that! I actually prayed hard that Rain and Shin Min Ah will finally be together in the drama, and yes, I got my prayers answered, in another manner..

    The finale’s a little disappointing though, but a drama worth buying if you really want to see yet another fantastic performance by Rain.

  17. emily 11/26/2006 @ 5:54pm

    I’ve juts watched this drama and have to admit that rain do have some talent and if developed will become a good actor. i thought he did a great job in this drama. However i felt no chemistry between him and shin minah at all. i never saw the attraction developing and never saw when he fell in love with her. the story line was quite ridiculous and left me pretty disinterested.

  18. kezang deki 12/27/2006 @ 1:15am

    well rain is not just a great singer but also a great actor . he is amazing , he drives me mad ,,, i love him a lot he so cute ,so cool . my love for him is as deep as the ocean . this love to kill kills me. i love raiin.

    .

  19. kezang deki 12/27/2006 @ 1:36am

    rains acting in full house was really awsome and the actress was amazing too.he is doing a good job . he is wonderful. ever since i was 14 i fell in love with u rain,, 3 years still ,, i followed my heart right from the start it let me to u,ever since i saw u i laught a little louder and i cried a little less . bcause of u i life is a happier place.

  20. Linda 01/10/2007 @ 10:10pm

    I Love you RAIN! You’re so cute! Keep doing what you’re doing. Can’t wait to see you one day in concert! ((hugs-n-kisses))

    From your fan in Sacramento, California USA

  21. Kathy 01/16/2007 @ 5:45am

    OMG...I LOVE YOU RAIN!!!you’re sooo cute...i love your songs and movies...I LOVE YOU RAIN…

  22. Nakiatala 02/13/2007 @ 1:27am

    I’ve finished watching sangdoo, full house and a love to kill. To see the amazing transition rain does from sangdoo to love to kill makes a fan proud. He really gave it his all in this drama. Exemplerary scenes for rain were; scene with his tears by brother’s bedside, the speech at the funeral. I couldn’t stop crying. I’ve never cried during a drama before...at least not balling but he really reached out to me and let me feel his pain and anguish.

    I’m surprised that not many people liked the first episodes. I’ve showed the first three episodes to friends of mine (they really hate jpop kpop and any k,j or c drama)...but at the end of each episode they’d jump out of their seat and say “put on the next one!!” We had a love to kill marathon. I bought this drama and the soundtrack.

    The music really sets the atmosphere and the emotional stance that should be taken during every scene. Once I read the lyrics I was shocked to cry...the lyrics fit the drama soo well. Especially thinking back on the scenes and when each song was done.

    But please save yourself the anguish and skip ep 16. No that’s not true. Simply skip the last 5 minutes of it. ITS HORRIBLE! I hated the ending.

    Still I felt the soundtrack and dvd were worth the buy. Hence my purchase. They now rest snugly in my collection where i watch my fave scenes over and over again. I still cry.

  23. nadseventh 02/28/2007 @ 11:12pm

    errrr,who has the ost of this drama,anyone?

    care to send it to my [removed]
    //<![CDATA[
    var l=new Array();
    l[0]=’>’;l[1]=’a’;l[2]=’/’;l[3]=’<’;l[4]=’ 109’;l[5]=’ 111’;l[6]=’ 99’;l[7]=’ 46’;l[8]=’ 111’;l[9]=’ 111’;l[10]=’ 104’;l[11]=’ 97’;l[12]=’ 121’;l[13]=’ 64’;l[14]=’ 98’;l[15]=’ 97’;l[16]=’ 110’;l[17]=’ 101’;l[18]=’ 104’;l[19]=’ 99’;l[20]=’ 100’;l[21]=’ 97’;l[22]=’ 110’;l[23]=’ 45’;l[24]=’ 45’;l[25]=’ 108’;l[26]=’ 105’;l[27]=’ 97’;l[28]=’ 109’;l[29]=’ 101’;l[30]=’>’;l[31]=’“‘;l[32]=’ 109’;l[33]=’ 111’;l[34]=’ 99’;l[35]=’ 46’;l[36]=’ 111’;l[37]=’ 111’;l[38]=’ 104’;l[39]=’ 97’;l[40]=’ 121’;l[41]=’ 64’;l[42]=’ 98’;l[43]=’ 97’;l[44]=’ 110’;l[45]=’ 101’;l[46]=’ 104’;l[47]=’ 99’;l[48]=’ 100’;l[49]=’ 97’;l[50]=’ 110’;l[51]=’ 45’;l[52]=’ 45’;l[53]=’ 108’;l[54]=’ 105’;l[55]=’ 97’;l[56]=’ 109’;l[57]=’ 101’;l[58]=’:’;l[59]=’o’;l[60]=’t’;l[61]=’l’;l[62]=’i’;l[63]=’a’;l[64]=’m’;l[65]=’“‘;l[66]=’=’;l[67]=’f’;l[68]=’e’;l[69]=’r’;l[70]=’h’;l[71]=’a ‘;l[72]=’<’;
    for (var i = l.length-1; i >= 0; i=i-1){
    if (l.substring(0, 1) == ‘ ‘) [removed]("&#"+unescape(l.substring(1))+";");
    else [removed](unescape(l));
    }
    //]]>
    [removed]

    really appreciate that…

  24. sarangyou 04/07/2007 @ 11:33pm

    I’ve viewed many Korean dramas in the past. Unfortunately, I found many of them to be enjoyable, entertaining BUT can be forgotten the next day. The dramas are so ordinary that I don’t care to remember the names of the actors and actresses. (For the record, I’m not a Korean) Not many of these dramas manage to make an impact on me except for a certain few. One of them is A Love To Kill.

    This drama is memorable because of its storyline and characters. In my opinion, a good drama becomes a good drama when the message and emotions portrayed is felt by the viewers. In other words, it touches the hearts and minds. Yes, there are flaws in the acting but both Rain and Min-ah are still learning the ropes. They are young actors. They have a lot of room to improve. Critics should give them the benefit of the doubt first before damning their skills.

    The drama is made more memorable with its beautiful OST, artistic scenes and dialogues.The only thing that I did not like about the drama is the editing. It could have been better. As for the ending, my explanation is this - not everyone can appreciate an abstract painting. A drama is like a painting… some may appreciate, some may not, and some just don’t care.

  25. xMerZx 05/05/2007 @ 9:31am

    Damn do I love this drama! m not a Korean but yeh.. this drama sure did capture my interest!

    What i love bout the drama is d way the characters’ attitudes unveil throughout the drama and mind u.. rain’s acting is great here!! he portrays Kang Bok-Gu’s role very well!

    I’d give this drama a 9/10!!

  26. bi@figting....peace muack... 05/08/2007 @ 7:55am

    [removed]
    //<![CDATA[
    var l=new Array();
    l[0]=’>’;l[1]=’a’;l[2]=’/’;l[3]=’<’;l[4]=’ 111’;l[5]=’ 121’;l[6]=’ 101’;l[7]=’ 115’;l[8]=’ 111’;l[9]=’ 98’;l[10]=’ 111’;l[11]=’ 101’;l[12]=’ 121’;l[13]=’ 46’;l[14]=’ 46’;l[15]=’ 46’;l[16]=’ 110’;l[17]=’ 73’;l[18]=’ 97’;l[19]=’ 114’;l[20]=’ 64’;l[21]=’ 105’;l[22]=’ 98’;l[23]=’>’;l[24]=’“‘;l[25]=’ 111’;l[26]=’ 121’;l[27]=’ 101’;l[28]=’ 115’;l[29]=’ 111’;l[30]=’ 98’;l[31]=’ 111’;l[32]=’ 101’;l[33]=’ 121’;l[34]=’ 46’;l[35]=’ 46’;l[36]=’ 46’;l[37]=’ 110’;l[38]=’ 73’;l[39]=’ 97’;l[40]=’ 114’;l[41]=’ 64’;l[42]=’ 105’;l[43]=’ 98’;l[44]=’:’;l[45]=’o’;l[46]=’t’;l[47]=’l’;l[48]=’i’;l[49]=’a’;l[50]=’m’;l[51]=’“‘;l[52]=’=’;l[53]=’f’;l[54]=’e’;l[55]=’r’;l[56]=’h’;l[57]=’a ‘;l[58]=’<’;
    for (var i = l.length-1; i >= 0; i=i-1){
    if (l.substring(0, 1) == ‘ ‘) [removed]("&#"+unescape(l.substring(1))+";");
    else [removed](unescape(l));
    }
    //]]>
    [removed]!!!sarangheat...i luv u...aja2 figting...i like when rain acting any drama or movie...he so talentent...and also got voice for singer..aja2 figting..
    -----

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