Sang Doo Let's Go to School

Sang Doo Let's Go to School is a simple story which turned out as complicated but as enthralling as it can be. Well, aside from the visual sustenance that I get everytime Jeong Ji hoon as Cha Sang Doo will make faces, smile with his eyes closed, dance like Michael Jackson or act like a clown, I get all happy and alive. The storyline is very well thought of. It's not like one of our very own telenovelas wherein the script writers make the story too complicated just to be able to prolong the airing of the particular teleserye. Sang Doo is a gigolo. He has a daughter. His childhood is composed of not so good memories except for his first love, Chae Eun Hwan (Gong, Hyo Jin). He was sent to jail because of doing something for his first love.

On the other, Eun Hwan is poor. Her mother had a lot of debts that's why they have to vacate their home. Thus, the two lovers were separated. Ten years had passed they again meet. Eun Hwan is in a relationship with Kang Min Suk (Lee Dong Gun). They recognize each other but there are a lot conflicts that ensue (I can't mention them here but i guarantee you they are not that typical and overly used set-up in movies and TV series).

I just can't get enough of the story. I actually finished it for 2 days. If it weren't for my responsibilities and obligations, I could've finished it in one sitting. Unlike Stairway to Heaven wherein the drama is such a burden, in Sang Doo, there is balance. Rain is meant for comedic roles. The girl, Gong Hyo Jin, you may not like her at first. Compared to Song Hye Kyo (Jessie in Full House), her beauty is not exceptional and striking (i actually don't like her) but her character is what touched me the most. I can see the child in me through her especially when she cries. Speaking of child, the child in the series is also important in the story. This is different for my encounter in Korean series/movies. Maybe I am not that well-learned or informed in Korean dramas and movies but the involvement of the child (Cha Bori) in the story delved into my whole being.

Morality-wise, there is reparation. Thus, the so-called "Robin Hood complex" demeanor of Sang Doo was remunerated through Sang Doo's fate. But the most important of course is the focus on "love". Maybe I just wrongfully assumed it all. Because knowing Rain's character in Full House, it's just not so right for him to have roles such as this poignant TV series, to end up the way Korean drama usually ends.

All in all, I so much like it. I wanna watch it again. I will watch it again. I can't compare it to Full House for they are both incomparable. But I must say, this is one great series. I wrongfully assumed it all. i remember when I bought the series, I complained not having the soundtrack and other freebies mentioned in the package and the seller told me that because Sang Doo is not that popular and not in demand, she didn't prepare much for the package. To overlook the whole "then do not include it in the ad" thing, I practically expected that Sang Doo will be a comedic series. So I warn you all, be emotionally prepared. Just like what I said in my blog entry in my main blog, have some tissue papers around. Just in case.