Full House 풀하우스 Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The 2004 Korean drama, starring Rain Bi as Lee Young-Jae and Song Hye-Gyo as Han Ji-Eun, based off the manhwa Full House by Won Soo-Yeon.



Brief synopsis: Han Ji-Eun is a wanna-be writer and Lee Young-Jae is a popular actor, and the two of them have nothing to do each other until they're sitting next to each other on a plane to China. They have a few unpleasant encounters, but Young-Jae still helps the struggling Ji-Eun out of the goodness of his heart. When Ji-Eun returns from China, however, she finds out that her house has been sold, to none other than the same Lee Young-Jae! The two of them reach a less-than-favorable agreement, but how long can they last out each other?



"Full House" is one of the benchmark Korean dramas of the Hallyu wave. It set the standard for Korean romantic comedies for the next several years. It's a must-see for many reasons!



This drama was evidently Rain's and Song Hye-Gyo's first lead roles in such a big hit drama, and the two of them rocked it! It's no wonder "Full House" maintained first place ratings during its entire run.



"Full House" almost oozes with talent. Just imagine trying to contain yeasty dough left under the sun in a film canister- that's like KBS trying to contain the talent and skill in "Full House." It just doesn't work! It's not just Rain and Song Hye-Gyo. There were several secondary characters that eventually went on to bigger roles and the manhwa artist surely gained even more popularity. Full House remains something of a hot-shot success for everyone involved, including the director who went on to direct other Hallyu benchmark dramas Coffee Prince and Heartstrings.



The overall theme of this drama is contract-marriage-turns-real, so the plot is a little predictable. If we can be honest with each other, many elements and plot events of benchmark Hallyu dramas are predictable, but that doesn't mean we love them less!



It was very easy to get emotionally attached to this one. I don't think I've screamed in exasperation for a drama since a while ago. Exasperation, anticipation, hope, internal anguish, you can bet I felt it all. And if you're impressionable anything like I am, you might too.



Arguably, the film quality wasn't very good, but I didn't care.



Kudos for a good one! 5/5 stars!