This show is tremendously endearing. It is well written and such fun to watch. Miss Korea, if you didn't already know, is a drama about a 25 year old Ji Young and her aim to be Miss Korea '97 to elevate herself out of a future of despair. It is about Hyung Joon, the CEO (I think) of the ailing ViVi Cosmetics and his colleagues in a bid to save their company and hard work from shutting, wants to make Miss Korea so she can endorse their cosmetics back into the prime market. And the loan shark henchman with a dented heart of gold. It is of Madame Ma of Queen Beauty Salon, trying to earn what she sees as her rightful place as the producer of Miss Korea(s) which had been stolen by Madame Jang or Yang, who is also a desperate woman.
None of the characters are there for show. The pageant queens are beautiful ladies in any culture. Ji Young's family of male relatives; Grandpa, Dad aka Mom, Uncle and Brother are just wonderful to watch. I usually skip all the family crap, but this time I can't skip even when they are being a pain. The cast are really good actors. They draw one into their world, and you are moved by the plight of Ji Young, and Hyung Joon. They are the heroes, they must prevail! Even with that thought, Madame Ma at first comes off as a cold fish, but as time goes on, we see whilst she is kind hearted and funny, she is a very focused and determined business woman and she does not let anything get in her way, not even pain. But she is a fair woman. And the hilarious Madame Yang, former protege/frenemy, if that. If someone decides to do a live action little mermaid, the actress who plays Madame Yang/Jang would be perfect for Ursula, she has all the facial expressions down to a pat.
The soulful gangster who is trying to get his money by fair means or foul, if it means keeping his debtor alive.
The story is undercut by the South Korean financial crisis of the late nineties which heightens the undercurrent of desperation that they are all going through. Even though they are all scrambling for wealth, their story is told in a way that makes them all sympathetic, except for Bada cosmetics boss and the presidential hopeful dude, they're baddies through and through.
I hope you take a chance to watch it if you haven't already, and lets get swept up together in cheering Ji Young as she wins Miss Korea! Although I hope she won't do it with 'lion-hair', that do is madness.
Comments
Post a Comment
Dear reader, please don't be alarmed your comment doesn't appear right away. Comments are moderated. Your comment will appear within twenty four hours.