My Lovely Sam-Soon Review by Sanjuro
February 24, 2006The Skinny:
A single, tough-talking pastry chef deals with the perils of love and life in My Lovely Sam-Soon, the most popular Korean TV drama of 2005. Thanks to an ample dosage of humor and charming performances from its cast members, particularly leading actress Kim Seon-Ah and newcomer Daniel Henney, this is one K-drama that lives up to the hype.
Review:
If you absolutely must watch a soap opera, what kind of protagonist would you prefer? An angelic, beautiful, and wholly-unrealistic do-gooder or someone who’s a little rougher around the edges? If the latter is your preference, then you’ll be very pleased with the K-drama phenomenon My Lovely Sam-Soon. The show’s title character is a refreshing departure from the types of heroines traditionally depicted in Korean television drama. Rather than subject viewers to another gorgeous, and thus, inaccessible Cinderella-type waiting for her Prince Charming, the people behind My Lovely Sam-Soon have instead given audiences a character they can relate to: everywoman Kim Sam-Soon.
Hyeon Bin comforts Kim Seon-Ah in My Lovely Sam-Soon
Actress Kim Seon-Ah gained fifteen pounds to play the role of the mouthy, plain-looking, and slightly overweight (read: normal!) pastry chef who just so happens to be pushing thirty. She comes from a lower class background and doesn’t have a college degree, but she doesn’t let other people’s prejudices get in the way of her dreams and goals. The only thing that she really has a problem with is her name, which she hopes to legally change to “Kim Hee-Jin” if her mother will allow it.
After losing both her job and her boyfriend on Christmas Eve, Sam-Soon crosses paths with Hyeon Jin-Heon (Hyeon Bin), the twenty-seven year old owner of the French restaurant “Bon Appetit”. Of course, the two immediately despise each other, but a confluence of events impels Jin-Heon to hire Sam-Soon as his pastry chef. Sam-Soon is initially hesitant to work for Jin-Heon, but realizing she needs the money, our heroine decides to accept the position. Her only condition is to be called “Kim Hee-Jin,” a request which inexplicably upsets Jin-Heon, but after some consideration, he goes along with her demands. Then, in a move that could only happen in a soap opera, Jin-Heon hires Sam-Soon to pose as his girlfriend so his meddling mother will stop setting him up on blind dates. Can you see how this is going to get a little complicated?
But that’s not even the half of it. It seems there’s more to Jin-Heon than meets the eye. Apparently, there’s some tragedy in his past that left him with an injured leg, killed off his brother and sister-in-law, and left his cute-as-a-button niece Mi-Joo (Seo Ji-Hee) completely speechless for three years. Even worse, in the aftermath of this mystery event, Jin-Heon’s longtime girlfriend (Jeong Ryeo-Won) left for America with no explanation. And wouldn’t you know it? Just as Sam-Soon begins to develop feelings for her prickly boss, Jin-Heon’s ex re-enters the picture. Her name? Yoo Hee-Jin. What are her intentions toward Jin-Heon? And what about the handsome Dr. Henry Kim (Daniel Henney), who’s arriving from America just to see her? Not surprisingly, more misunderstandings than a season-full of Three’s Company episodes ensue with plenty of humorous and not-so-humorous results.
To say anymore about the story would not only spoil the fun, but also require a discussion too large for the space provided. My Lovely Sam-Soon is a soap opera after all, so while the plot points divulged here may seem numerous, it’s only the tip of the iceberg in this complications-aplenty K-Drama. Kim Seon-Ah is the heart and soul of the series, and does a fine job in her role as Sam-Soon. Her character’s straight-talking, take-no-crap persona is a joy to watch, and makes for many highly comical situations. Her character’s propensity to daydream often takes the show in a different direction. Whether it’s Kim Seon-Ah humorously channeling Michelle Pfieffer in The Fabulous Baker Boys or just imagining what she (and the audience) would like to do in a certain situation, these little digressions are highly welcome moments. Her co-star Hyeon Bin does what he can with a character who isn’t very likeable. For the purposes of the plot, it seems Jin-Heon is supposed to be an infuriating jerk. But perhaps that’s something viewers of K-dramas like to see, i.e. watching someone like Sam-Soon melt this guy’s icy exterior. Whatever the case, thankfully, once the show gives Jin-Heon some leeway to actually lighten up, he becomes an infinitely more interesting character.
The other “couple” in the series work as interesting foils for the main characters. No doubt in an effort to contrast sharply with the “overweight” Sam-Soon, the actress portraying Hee-Jin is rail thin, which itself becomes a plot point as the story develops. Jeong Ryeo-Won plays the “other woman,” but her character seems to act purely on the whims of the screenwriters - one moment she’s the sweetest girl in the world, and the next, she’s a conniving shrew. Interestingly enough, although she has good chemistry with Hyeon-Bin, she has even more with co-star Daniel Henney. Since his character cannot speak Korean, she communicates with him in Australian-accented English (which isn’t explained, by the way). Of course, it would make sense for these two to pair off immediately, but who says soap operas make any sense? In any case, the biggest surprise of the series is acting newcomer Henney. Although his English-only line readings occasionally come across a little stilted, the model-turned-actor delivers a performance that is surprisingly naturalistic at times. Along with the “bull in a china shop” nature of Kim Sam-Soon, the directness of Henney’s character helps puncture the often overstuffed melodrama that tends to accumulate as the series goes on. It’s a shame the writers didn’t devise more scenes for Kim Seon Ah and Daniel Henney to play off one another, as their few interactions in the series make for definite comedy gold.
Despite its positive strides with its lead character, My Lovely Sam-Soon isn’t without its problems. Whether it’s the numerous scenes of people breaking down in histrionics, the occasionally moronic motivations of certain characters, or the heavy reliance on an Idiot Plot that could be easily resolved with a five minute conversation or even a ten second outburst, it’s clear that the show does occasionally lapse into the contrivances of the soap opera world. I mean, just how many scenes do we have to watch of Jin-Heon upsetting Sam-Soon, only to have him chase after her to apologize? Too many to mention here. But to its credit, the show’s creators expertly test the patience of the viewer. Just when you think the show is going to milk a particular problem for the length of the entire series, the issue is quickly resolved. Of course, it’s not done without raising a new problem, thus hooking the viewer once again.
And the show is rather addictive. My Lovely Sam-Soon definitely transcends borders. Although issues of class, weight, age, and marital status matter in just about every culture, the “in-your-face” way in which it is dealt with in My Lovely Sam-Soon> will be an eye-opener for many viewers. Thankfully, the viewers have the ballsy Kim Sam-Soon to cheer for as she strikes back with her sharp tongue and acid wit. Considering its unconventionally charming leading character, it’s no wonder that the show became the most watched drama of 2005. Thanks to its comic sensibilities and strong performances from its cast, My Lovely Sam-Soon is one K-Drama well-deserving of praise.
Source: Pan Asia Film Review
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CYRUS!!! UR SO CUTE!! I LUV U! MWAH..
Comment by KAKAY_CUTE11 — February 25, 2006 @ 8:27 am
wow..ganda ni sam soon..bagay na bagay sila ni fafa cyrus!!!!
Comment by lady_lukaret — February 25, 2006 @ 10:26 am
ang ganda ng kim sam soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ang cute2 ni cyrus!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by xnna — February 25, 2006 @ 4:43 pm
ang cute ni cyrus…..crush na kta at ang ganda kim sam soon
Comment by ruffe mae — February 27, 2006 @ 1:19 pm
my name is kim sam soon is far different from other koreanovelas i watched, maybe becoz, i can relate with kim sam soon’s role and character, but above all, its simplicity just matched not just my taste but other people as well. MNIKSS is great and marvelous, congratulations to Kim Sun-Ah and Hyeon Bin!
Comment by ester of the Philippines — February 27, 2006 @ 2:46 pm
hmm.. do u know the book that they used in the drama, a book that Sam soon reccommanded to Henry.. not the children book…
Comment by Faith — February 28, 2006 @ 1:30 am
nice and very funny!!! i already love it especially Hyun Bin!!!
Comment by josalyn — February 28, 2006 @ 5:45 pm
A very funny and interesting show! Definitely a big hit here in the Philippines.
A show that I can’t dare to miss. Every episode talagang inaabangan ko anticipating that it’ll surely make me laugh na and it does! Sobrang nakakatawa na nakakawala ng problema. Parang therapy (haha)! I hope they’ll get a chance to visit us here in the Philippines. kim sam soon.. the best!
Comment by frecylyn P. — February 28, 2006 @ 10:38 pm
It’s is very interesting and wonderful KOrea Novela i ever watch.
It will help you to relieve all your tension and stress from work when you start watching it. Because from the very beginning of the show you will start laughing. Hope to see all the star of My NAme is Kim Sam Soon especially Cyrus (Hyun Bin) he is very handsome. Dont dare to miss this KOrea Novela!!!!!!!!
Comment by Hazel — March 1, 2006 @ 12:43 pm
cge na bagay cla ni sam soon, pero mas bagay kami ni cyrus..hhaha
Comment by memei — March 1, 2006 @ 12:59 pm
i really enjoyed watching it!! It’s really fun!!
Comment by jen — March 1, 2006 @ 7:17 pm
hmmm……… its so fantastic……!!!!!!!!!!!!!1i’m enjoying to watch the koreanovela!!!!!!! i love cyrus(hyeon bin)
Comment by ahyreesh!>>>> — March 2, 2006 @ 4:22 pm
ang ganda talaga nakakakilig
Comment by icy_blue — March 4, 2006 @ 12:45 pm
i have never been a soap opera fanatic branding them as predictable and overly sappy. probably there has been that notion that soap operas just basically have the same plot, only having different casts play the part.
but when, i saw kim sam soon being advertised, i was definitely curious on what this has to offer. true enough, it has given soap operas a fresh look.
though, the plot may not be that new, the characters has definitely made the show a remarkable twist.
for one, it has taken away that notion of putting a seemingly-perfect female character. kim sam soon has portrayed a more realistic character that any woman could truly relate to. she has flaws and insecurities like all women has and she showed that strength and at times, weakness.
apart from this, the show has a lot of humor in it. the kind of humor that just erases all that stress you had the whole day.
Comment by nicelee — March 4, 2006 @ 6:44 pm
ang gwapo talaga ng asawa kong si Cyrus..grabe talaga! nyahahaha!
Sam soon idol…hehehehe!
Comment by L.A. — March 4, 2006 @ 8:47 pm
Kim Sam Soon has its way of de stressing me after a day’s work… a must see telenovela even for people who dont watch TV. Hope Filipino’s could create something like this… to lighthen up people’s mood… 2 thumbs up Kim Sam Soon… Love it!!!
Comment by anjikiks — March 4, 2006 @ 9:56 pm
The best Korean drama ever!!! I am fond of korean dramas… actually of any telenovelas. However, that fondness created some sort of “sawa effect” to me. They have been almost always predictable. Sure there are scenes in some of them that are just downright exhilirating but after that, wow, a set down. Then a series of predictable scenes follows. What a whollop… But, since im fond of them, i make do and watch them still. Its better than doing nothing all day… Don’t get me wrong, I do hold a job but after all the days work is done, its back to telenovelas… Anyway, when My name is kim sam soon is being advertised less than a month before, it made me double curious… sort of got my attention. I somehow support the same body framework as that of sam soon so i tought, this is interesting…
So there I was, on the first day of its airing, glued down on the couch complete with all the my ACCESSORIES so to speak (accessories meaning 2 bags of chips, a lito of coke, 3 lemon square chocolate cupcakes, a glass or rather, a tumbler of very cold water, a pack of cigarettes, a lighter and my ever loyal ashtray. I just have to have them with me as I hate to ever miss a scene.) waiting for it to finally start. and when it did, it was all laughter for me.
When the first episode was over, i realized I was holding my bladder. I didn’t want to get up kasi just to pee.
So when I was back to normal again, not that I was ever normal (hahaha), I just smiled and told my yaya, “Ya, same time, same channel ha? and of course, SAME ACCESSORIES!”
Kim Sam Soon Rocks!!!
Comment by kacci — March 5, 2006 @ 4:03 pm
ang ganda talaga ng kim sam soon!!!! ang pogi talaga ni cyrus!!! sana kami na lang ang magkatuluyan!!!
Comment by kheane cruz — March 6, 2006 @ 12:57 pm
ang gwapo tlga ni Cyrus Crush na crush ko tlaga xa grabe na to…..
Ang cute ni Sam Soon ang ganda tlaga ng Show na ito sana lagi nnyong panoorin masisiyahan tlaga kayong lahat nkaka-excite tlaga xa
panuorin nyo…..
da best tlaga
sana pumunta nman ang cast ng MNIKSS d2 sa Philippines
para makita ko na si Hyun Bin At si Kim Sunnah
GANDA TLAGA DA BEST…….
Comment by Paulyn Ann — March 6, 2006 @ 7:08 pm
sa totoo lang mas maganda si kim sun ah kung mas mataba sya kasi ang cute cute nya!!!!!!!!!! and I agree..ANG GWAPO GWAPO nga ni CYRUS!!! love ko na rin tuloy sya!!! bagay silang dalwa..kim sun ah and hyun bin!!!
Comment by heart — March 7, 2006 @ 11:31 am
cyrus..ur absulotely handsome…bagay kau ni kim sam soon
Comment by bridge — March 9, 2006 @ 2:30 pm
Gosh……..!>….ang gwapo ni CYRUS
Sana pumunta ka s PhiliPpInes…..
Ang CUTE mo!!!!!!!!
Ang Ganda pa ng Story…….sana mangyari
rin skin ung makakila2
ng cute na guy na
ka2ld ni CYRUs!!!!!!!!…..
Comment by karen — March 10, 2006 @ 7:20 pm
di ako masyadong watch ng mga korea novela, but this time na addict ako kay kim so cute and talented, and I love to baked too….sana kayo in the end ang makatuluyan…ni cyrus ang ganda ng kimsam soon
Comment by chona — March 11, 2006 @ 12:24 pm
hay,..grabe ka2inlove c cyrus,..en cute nmn sam soon eh khit chuuby cya,..carry nmn bda,..hay i love this korean drama tlga soooo muchh,..
Comment by bell — March 13, 2006 @ 2:18 pm
FANTABULOUS AND IT MAKES ME HYPER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by AMMME — March 13, 2006 @ 2:55 pm
oh my gosh! cyrus is so so handsome! wish i could see him personally!!! keep it up sam-soon!
i really love to watch it!
i want to see kim sam soon loosing her weight and finding cyrus going crazy for her!
Comment by laurencegay — March 14, 2006 @ 10:55 am
well……was chance na kau gurlzzz!!! kasi kame na ni Cyrus!!!nyahahahah
(well…in my dreams!!)
Comment by christine — March 20, 2006 @ 7:15 pm
the story was so great..ka-kainlove…
Comment by NYLLE — March 22, 2006 @ 12:13 pm
hi 2 all character of my name is kim sam soon…..more power….great acting…good performances……its very romantic koreanovela….you are great…sam soon and cyrus…more power…..love you all….hope you arrived here in the phillippines…i wish i see you here……………..
Comment by kathlyn — March 25, 2006 @ 2:59 pm
your so cute cyrus…………sam soon although you are chubby…you are great in acting….you are cute too
Comment by kathlyn — March 25, 2006 @ 3:00 pm
iBanG-iBa uNg stOriE nIa sA iBang sOap. tsAka unG mGa biDa, ANG KU-CUTE! 2lAd nI HyUn bIn, hE’s rEallY hAndSomE
Comment by AnnE — March 25, 2006 @ 3:33 pm
punta naman kayo sa pilipinas!!!!!
Comment by shiela — March 25, 2006 @ 3:42 pm
Da best KDrama i’ve ever seen!!!Wala na sigurong tatalo pa!!! Sana i-rewind bg GMA& during saturdays and sundays para mapanood ko… Huwag weekdays dahil hindi kaya ng sked..From Bohol pa ako…:)
Comment by Chocol8 cake — March 27, 2006 @ 3:11 pm
In malaysia, the telenovela is still in the very beginning. Ha ha ha.. a funny character of sam soon. though she is not ‘ the typical korean heroin’ she is the best. Already glued on tv. cant wait to see the next episode.
actually how many episode?? help me guys.
sam soon is a dreamer. she did something that she already knew the outcome of her decision ( when she chose latte rather than brew coffee)
c ya guys
Comment by haizdarr — March 29, 2006 @ 5:32 pm
In malaysia, the telenovela is still in the very beginning. Ha ha ha.. a funny character of sam soon. though she is not ‘ the typical korean heroin’ she is the best. Already glued on tv. cant wait to see the next episode.
actually how many episode?? help me guys.
sam soon is a dreamer. she did something that she already knew the outcome of her decision ( when she chose latte rather than brew coffee)
c ya guys
Comment by haizdarr — March 29, 2006 @ 5:34 pm
ang gwapo gwapo mo cyrus….bagay tau!!
Comment by kaye — March 31, 2006 @ 2:46 pm
hay………..what else i can say….yan ang the best ever n korea novela, ang cute ng mga cast,at ang cute din ng story,ang galing ni kim sam soon,ang galing nya mag bake,c cyrus nman ang galing magyabang…pero khit ganun bagay p rin cla………kakainlove tlga.
Comment by jaimielyn — April 2, 2006 @ 1:17 pm
cute ni cyrus papable. kung bagay cla ni sam soon mas bagay kami hundred percent !!!!!!!
walang halong biro pero pagbibigyan ko si sam soon kc nand2 me pinas.
Comment by janina russel valencia — April 2, 2006 @ 3:25 pm
Hi,haizdar. you were same with me. In Malaysia this drama is still on the beginning. I really like Kim Sun Ah she was great although her weight is 50
I Love You Kim Sun Ah and Hyun Bin
Comment by Anis — April 3, 2006 @ 5:26 pm
ang cute ni cyrus !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! nyahhahahahhahahha!!!!!
Comment by mimi — April 4, 2006 @ 2:49 pm
hi..im from malaysia…..kim sun ah u r so cute….
hmmm..bila nak bertemu peminat di malaysia ni…
mesti ramai yang ingin sangat berjumpa dengan artis secomel samsoon dan semacho samshik…..
love u all..
Comment by shaqilla — April 5, 2006 @ 3:37 am
Kim Sam soon is very addictive, specially the casting because one reason why i keep on watching kss is cyrus hyun(jin-hyeon)played by hyun bin..
keep up the good work..
==do you have some bictures of hyun bin please send it to my e- mail ad..:lia_3315@yahoo.com=
Comment by liana — April 7, 2006 @ 11:17 am
this drama veli good..n their food also look like veli delicious
Comment by siu ni — April 10, 2006 @ 2:26 pm
Well, what ca I say…. Hyun Bin RULES…………
Comment by Mary — April 15, 2006 @ 7:35 am
chayuk .. korean soaps!!!my lovely sam soon rocks!!
Comment by season10 — April 16, 2006 @ 4:41 pm
the bst tlaga ang MNIKSS….
MNIKSS rulzzzzzzz…..
papalicious tlaga c papa cyrus!
kakaloka ever!
feeling ko na rin ako c sam soon kc im chubby & cute! hahaha!
wish ko lng sna pumunta ang whole cast here in PHILIPPINES…
Plz giv me a pic of papa cyrus, send nyo sa email add ko…
sheenj_143@yahoo.com
tnx in advnce..
By d way im sheen of General Santos City…
love yah! (”,)
Comment by sheen — April 17, 2006 @ 11:08 am
sana rewind nyo MNIKSS during saturday and sunday…….
tnx tlaga…
Ilove you papalicious papa cyrus!!
Comment by sheen — April 17, 2006 @ 11:11 am
the movie was very nice and the chracters are very good and i love 2 watch this movie and its very romantic comedy movie. my name is kim sam soon u r the best and no.1 for me thats all
Comment by rose — April 19, 2006 @ 12:16 pm
I would say this is so far the only korean drama i really enjoyed, its leading heroin really stood out not only in this drama but among all korean soap operas characters I have ever watched. I am not a fan of any soap opera, but I am somehow willing to spend my time watching this Kim Sam Soon. I wish there will be more Korean dramas with different story lines rather than the ever boring sad and tearful scenes.
Comment by esme, malaysia — April 20, 2006 @ 8:48 am
very nice korea novela! i really like it! everytime i watch Kim Sam Soon, I always feel so in love. i like Cyrus very much, I want to see you in person. I love You Cyruz!!!
Comment by bev — May 9, 2006 @ 10:21 am
The show is so funny! I laughed non-stop, even when my mum banns me from watching it, I sort of “disobey” but she just joins in. So what can I say? The movie made my mum a much nicer woman
Comment by Meg — September 3, 2006 @ 12:57 pm
esta novela es realmente bella se las recomiendo
Comment by maricela — June 20, 2007 @ 8:33 am
WE NEED MORE SAM SOON! PLEASE MAKE A SECOND SEASON FOR US!!!
Comment by Alicia — June 29, 2007 @ 1:17 am
hi..alam mo cyruz ang cute mo bagay kau ni kim sam soon…….
Comment by armaine — January 1, 2008 @ 3:18 pm