First things first, I'm happy because my favorite Korean actress and girl crush :) won the Excellent Actress in the recently concluded Korea Drama Awards


Kim Tae Hee was recognized for her role in her latest drama series, Yong-Pal 

While I'm happy for Kim Tae Hee part of me was wishing that I could understand her speech. :p Can someone translate? :)

I know little about Kim Tae Hee. Only the online news articles and threads of random opinions about her acting served as my my limited sources of information. As much as I admire her, I wouldn't deny that there have been weak points on her acting skills. She has a few scenes in some drama series that lacked the emotion. Perhaps the proper words would be, she could have done it better. I often read opinions comparing her to Song Hye-Kyo. While I have nothing against Song Hye-Kyo (she's another great Korean actress), Kim Tae Hee has become more appealing. Probably because she has evolved to different roles. I watched her over Winter Sonata and was surprised that she can make a great villain too. She's more than the protagonist who is often oppressed and as they say, the easiest way to get an acting award. Hahaha

Unfortunately, Kim Tae Hee was also criticized for her movies that didn't earn. I watched one of her movies and conditioned myself that her acting was not probably good. Much to my surprise, I felt that she did a good job. My self theory is that Kim Tae Hee is one of those actresses, who excels best and preferred better in drama series. Oh, I learned that she has a lot of brand endorsements too. From beauty products, mobile phones, food related commodities, electronic related items to a popular brand of an Asian car. She has even graced a number of covers for magazines. One thing she haven't tried though is swimsuits. ;) With her very proportional and slim built, I think she can make a great endorser too. This time I hope a Filipino brand can give her an offer. But I guess this is far from reality because she's not highly popular among Filipinos. But given the opportunity, I believe she will be perfect. The Philippines will make an ideal place for the photo shoot because of the endless summer, which makes it never too late to take any swimwear for a spin. 

But sometimes, these endorsements cause some people to criticize further Kim Tae Hee. As some mean netizens would say, she's nothing but a pretty face... THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE TO CONTRADICT. :)  I think she has been continuously improving over time. Her acting skills is getting better every time she is launched in a new drama series. It's just that people patronise her more in drama series. No offense meant to the writer of her movies and the promotions team, I have a feeling that this is where the problem arises. 

Aside from her acting skills, I'm more interested  Kim Tae Hee's real attitude and personality. My fellow Filipinos are surely aware of some local celebrities who seem to have everything except for.... a good attitude :p I hope Kim Tae Hee is not like celebrity M in the local scene. And I know that it might be impossible, but I hope to see and meet her one day. If not, maybe a fan sign or a twitter mention can do. :P 

I think I talked so much about Kim Tae Hee. Truth is, the reason why I made this post is to "honour" (such a exaggerated word hahaha) or express my admiration to the men who served supporting roles in different drama series. I don't know but more often than not, my attention is drawn to the "underrated" or the "men behind the leading man."  

Sources: 1 and 2

Jun Jin as Moo-young in Forbidden Love Nine Tailed Fox - I feel bad for Moo-young during the entire series. His character was sad and suffering. He was another guy who has the unrequited and hidden love for Shi-yeon (Kim Tae Hee). He was always the "nice guy" and often sacrificed for the sake of Shi-yeon. I also learned from Rose that Jun Jin is actually a musician, a member of the longest running boy band in South Korea.

Sources :  1 and 2

Lee Sang-yeob as Prince Dongpyeong in Jang Ok Jung and Lawyer Park in The Innocent Man- In both drama series, Lee Sang-yeob was depicted as another guy who always saved the day for the lead female character. He was someone who work behind the scenes, does the dirty job and whose efforts are often not valued. 


Sources: 1 and 2 
Sung Hyuk from Bride of the Century - How I wish he was paired with Kim Tae Hee. I discovered Sung Hyuk from the current drama series I'm watching. (Thanks to Nina of Pretty Daze.) Another smart and reliable man behind the triumphs and lowest points of the lead actress. I'm not yet done with the series but I'm excited to know how his character will transition. He's too good and handsome to be left sad. :p

Writing this post made me realised my that I have yet to fulfil my dream of visiting the Land of the Morning Calm. A friend once suggested that I should start writing academic papers again and submit it for presentation. (Hello Coleen!)  Hopefully, I will find a conference in South Korea. I would love the idea only if I'm still conditioned to venture to writing for academic publication again. Ever since I transferred to Corporate Planning, much of the researches I prepare are not meant for publication.....one that relates sensitive information about the company. While the idea is good, I'm half-hearted combining work with pleasure. When I visit South Korea, I hope everything will be all about pleasure and wishful thinking, to see Kim Tae Hee or any of the celebrities I admire.

Photos used in this post are not owned by the author.