duhleenuh 485 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 It ended last week and I waited practically the whole airing for someone to make a thread about it, if not an official one. I won't talk too much about what actually goes on in the drama, in case there are people who are still watching or want to see it. Anyway, I think I can confidently say that it's the best drama I've seen thus far. I actually avoided the show initially, because the thought of it glorifying/revolving around an affair kind of grossed me out. But two weeks in, and I saw a few people praising the cinematography, music, and storyline, so I gave it a shot. It doesn't take very long to realize that it's about much more than the "affair", as it's named. The writer does a good job of making the viewer not feel disgusted with the protagonist, Oh Hye Won, for "cheating": Her attempts to resist, her almost nonexistent romance with her husband, and the fact that she missed out on young adulthood for the sake of working towards luxuries. I think what I liked about it the most was that it was kind of subdued in comparison to most other dramas. And because of that, it felt more real because even the most crucial moments in life don't have to be as showy and bombastic as other dramas make them, in order to be significant. It feels like the conventional drama has to practically yell at you to let you know that the moment was important, while Secret Love Affair calmly utters it. The ending still managed to make me cry like a walrus, though. The drama seems to be underrated, as there wasn't very much buzz about it, and I guess I can understand why it would bore the average drama viewer. But if you're looking for a different kind of drama with a beautiful (vocal-less, thank god) soundtrack, great visuals, and a bit of character study, I'd recommend it. Hell, I'd recommend it if you weren't looking for those things. Can't guarantee you'd like it though. If anyone has seen it, what do you think? And if you started it but got bored, why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evenastoppedclock321 1,712 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Ahhhhh, I actually scrolled past everything in your post because I haven't watched it but I've heard lots of good stuff about it and I've been meaning to check it out. Would you recommend it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duhleenuh 485 Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 Ahhhhh, I actually scrolled past everything in your post because I haven't watched it but I've heard lots of good stuff about it and I've been meaning to check it out. Would you recommend it? Lol, I actually avoided saying much of anything at all about it because I didn't want there to be spoilers in the OP, so you can read it. :> I'd recommend it! I graze over why I would in the first post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzzzzzzz 2,781 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 It ended last week and I waited practically the whole airing for someone to make a thread about it, if not an official one. I won't talk too much about what actually goes on in the drama, in case there are people who are still watching or want to see it. Anyway, I think I can confidently say that it's the best drama I've seen thus far. I actually avoided the show initially, because the thought of it glorifying/revolving around an affair kind of grossed me out. But two weeks in, and I saw a few people praising the cinematography, music, and storyline, so I gave it a shot. It doesn't take very long to realize that it's about much more than the "affair", as it's named. The writer does a good job of making the viewer not feel disgusted with the protagonist, Oh Hye Won, for "cheating": Her attempts to resist, her almost nonexistent romance with her husband, and the fact that she missed out on young adulthood for the sake of working towards luxuries. I think what I liked about it the most was that it was kind of subdued in comparison to most other dramas. And because of that, it felt more real because even the most crucial moments in life don't have to be as showy and bombastic as other dramas make them, in order to be significant. It feels like the conventional drama has to practically yell at you to let you know that the moment was important, while Secret Love Affair calmly utters it. The ending still managed to make me cry like a walrus, though. The drama seems to be underrated, as there wasn't very much buzz about it, and I guess I can understand why it would bore the average drama viewer. But if you're looking for a different kind of drama with a beautiful (vocal-less, thank god) soundtrack, great visuals, and a a bit of character study, I'd recommend it. Hell, I'd recommend it if you weren't looking for those things. Can't guarantee you'd like it though. If anyone has seen it, what do you think? And if you started it but got bored, why? This drama has one of the best ratings on JTBC, a cable show, ever. It was on nate and naver top searches everyday, even the days the show didn air. It was pretty buzzing in korea, just not internationally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evenastoppedclock321 1,712 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Lol, I actually avoided saying much of anything at all about it because I didn't want there to be spoilers in the OP, so you can read it. :> I'd recommend it! I graze over why I would in the first post. Ah, okay -- I wasn't sure what it might or might not say, and when I saw something about the protagonist I scrolled down immediately. But yes, I've been hearing only admiration/praise for the production and execution of something like this, and how the drama doesn't just talk about the affair but about society and all as a whole. I think I'll check this out thanks for reinforcing that feeling, haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duhleenuh 485 Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 This drama has one of the best ratings on JTBC, a cable show, ever. It was on nate and naver top searches everyday, even the days the show didn air. It was pretty buzzing in korea, just not internationally. Really? I'm glad to hear that! It's a great piece of work and it still kind of surprises me that it doesn't have the same international acclaim. I don't know why, but I thought that it would have been more appreciated outside of Korea rather than inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzzzzzzz 2,781 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Really? I'm glad to hear that! It's a great piece of work and it still kind of surprises me that it doesn't have the same international acclaim. I don't know why, but I thought that it would have been more appreciated outside of Korea rather than inside. because its about an affair...ain sucking up them little teeny boopers and ajummahs looking for some alien loving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duhleenuh 485 Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 because its about an affair...ain sucking up them little teeny boopers and ajummahs looking for some alien loving Lololol. That's what I was resentfully thinking as I stalked the TV subforum for a thread about the show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistress of the Dark 3 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I loved it! I was a lil disappointed in the love scene. I was hoping that they would show a bit more cause those ELLE photos were hot. I felt kind of cheated over that but other than that, it was very deep. And no I wasn't expecting a graphic sex scene, just a sensual tasteful one. This was an adult drama and it had a subject matter that was too real for teens and some adults. I'm glad OP you gave in and watched it instead of judging it on what you orignially thought it was. Too many people are judging based on the age and adultery factor and not watching to see the overall story. I hope they both get awards for their perfomances cause they deserve it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dillah 1,569 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Excellent write-up. Like most, initially, the synopsis made one pause. But the Elle Shoots were oozing with so much chemistry, I decided to give it a chance. Like you said, it was a calm and subdued drama. Even the way it was shot was not too bright, and things unfolded at a mellow pace. The soundtrack was beautiful and the acting was stellar across the board. It isn't the kind of drama that grabs international audiences, and even its success in SK was unexpected. I am glad others watched it and weren't upset at the ending. I felt the ending was in line with the drama, life is not a bed of roses, well at least not all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defsuzyB 61 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 this drama is beautiful. but its so frustrating, you know, those upper-class trash........ my heart hurts a lot when hyewon and sunjae cried because of their situation.... one of the best drama! the ending though.......gave me 2 different tears lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pelusa 743 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 It was a great drama and I'm happy it got so much praise in Korea. Hope they win awards for it A Wife's Credentials by the same team is also great and has some of the same actors in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangbangtang 133 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 because its about an affair...ain sucking up them little teeny boopers and ajummahs looking for some alien loving Bwahahaha, alien love is the ultimate dream for teen girls, lol... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkilene 5,738 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Yeah I thought the show was buzzing. But it's such a quiet and slow show, I know that it might be a stretch for people who watch popular romcom shows or melodramas. But I really really enjoyed the show. I thought the end was perfectly fine, which I feel is kind of unpopular, but I don't know what people were expecting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnt21 702 Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 i loved it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kr4M 627 Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 I loved this drama which is really surprising since I really don't like dramas about premarital affairs.. The cast is so great, both Kim hee ae and Yoo Ah In is amazing and their chemistry is just intense.. Seriously definitely one of my fave this year.. And another one is the music.. ahhh soo good everything is so good in dark/subdued ways.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duhleenuh 485 Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 I loved it! I was a lil disappointed in the love scene. I was hoping that they would show a bit more cause those ELLE photos were hot. I felt kind of cheated over that but other than that, it was very deep. And no I wasn't expecting a graphic sex scene, just a sensual tasteful one. This was an adult drama and it had a subject matter that was too real for teens and some adults. I'm glad OP you gave in and watched it instead of judging it on what you orignially thought it was. Too many people are judging based on the age and adultery factor and not watching to see the overall story. I hope they both get awards for their perfomances cause they deserve it. Really? I actually really liked the love scene. I guess I just don't think that the simulation is necessary, but that's just me. Excellent write-up. Like most, initially, the synopsis made one pause. But the Elle Shoots were oozing with so much chemistry, I decided to give it a chance. Like you said, it was a calm and subdued drama. Even the way it was shot was not too bright, and things unfolded at a mellow pace. The soundtrack was beautiful and the acting was stellar across the board. It isn't the kind of drama that grabs international audiences, and even its success in SK was unexpected. I am glad others watched it and weren't upset at the ending. I felt the ending was in line with the drama, life is not a bed of roses, well at least not all the time. Yeah I thought the show was buzzing. But it's such a quiet and slow show, I know that it might be a stretch for people who watch popular romcom shows or melodramas. But I really really enjoyed the show. I thought the end was perfectly fine, which I feel is kind of unpopular, but I don't know what people were expecting I also liked the ending. For some reason, I was kind of stuck in typical K-drama land, so I was expecting something appeasingly happy, or illogically tragic for the ending. But the writer kept their cool and proceeded in the most sensible way, so it was satifying. I also admired how it gave us hope and showed us that their love was more than just a fleeting episode of passion. It was a great drama and I'm happy it got so much praise in Korea. Hope they win awards for it A Wife's Credentials by the same team is also great and has some of the same actors in it. Yeah! I was actually looking into the writer of the drama as I was about midway through it because I was enjoying the writing so much. So I've been considering picking up A Wife's Credentials. I too hope that they get some awards because this drama ought to be an example for other writers and producers of a direction that dramas should be taking these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daraninja 1 Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I watched the two eps and I loved it till now! It seems so different from the dramas I chose to watch till now so it's like a breath of fresh air to me. It looks very artistic and mature. I can't wait to watch more eps! Yoo Ah In is so hot btw>< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistress of the Dark 3 Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Really? I actually really liked the love scene. I guess I just don't think that the simulation is necessary, but that's just me. It depends. I thought the making out scene behind the stage was hot. I was like this was what they could have showed for their first time then cut away from the actual thing. But I see that the sexual and passionate aspect of the realtionship wasn't the main focus and that's fine but the perv in me wanted a bit more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlerunaway 35 Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 Wow this really looks interesting but I really want to stray off shows that focuses on infidelity. trust issues But if someone could do a summary or something on a spoiler, gimme gimme please!!!! I want to know if it's gonna be worth it for me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duhleenuh 485 Posted June 13, 2014 Author Share Posted June 13, 2014 Wow this really looks interesting but I really want to stray off shows that focuses on infidelity. trust issues But if someone could do a summary or something on a spoiler, gimme gimme please!!!! I want to know if it's gonna be worth it for me Well, before the affair even starts, you realize that everyone involved suffers from some sort of trust struggle with another person. Everyone tries to get things done underhandedly and tries to keep up appearances, which is all really new to Seon Jae (the character that the female protagonist is in an affair with) and it startles him because he doesn't like seeing Hye Won in those kinds of circumstances. The story itself shows so much more than the affair, as the viewer gets to know the people in Hye Won's everyday life and how they are willing to sacrifice her when the time is right. The affair actually turns out to be anything but a secret, because everyone's suspicious. While the love between Hye Won and Seon Jae can be touching at times, I thought that the character study of the story was even more interesting. The characters were written with depth, some with more depth than others: Seon Jae's innocence but desire to show his competence and manliness, Hye Won's entrapment in her own goals, Hye Won's husband's lack of integrity but his possessiveness and obsession with image/status, and the voids in the lives of those she works for. (I'm trying to convey as much as I can without actually giving anything away, lol.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mighty 108 Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 The cinematography of this drama was just amazing. I love how every scenes shows love and suspense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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