Whenever I start a drama knowing that it's an adaptation from another country, I'm always a bit skeptical. Especially when the other country's version is so good. In this case, I'm sure everyone knows that Liar Game was originally a Japanese drama, that was originally a manga. Whether u've seen the Japanese version or read the manga, I can honestly say that I enjoyed this Korean version very much. Oh man, did this kdrama hold it's own.
I can't help to compare the two versions against one another. Anyone who says they don't for any drama that has another version is a big ol' liar. Of course I had some problems with this version. I didn't mind the reality aspect of the drama at all, in fact i loved it. But I did have a problem with Da Jung. It's impossible to not compare her with Japanese version's Nao. In the Japanese version, the whole big deal with Nao is that she's just too honest for her own good. Too trusting. In the Korean version, Da Jung's whole thing is that she's just too kind. I thought this was incredibly stupid. Who's even heard of such a thing. And since when is being too kind a bad thing? I just didn't get it and thought it was completely stupid. Also, with Nao, even though she was completely naive and very stupid, the girl was genuine. I felt her sincerity in all her actions. She felt one of a kind. Da Jung does not feel unique at all. My problem is that there's nothing special about Da Jung that all these ppl are going out of their way to help her. What makes her so likable? She's not dislikable, but she's just there quite frankly, and I just didn't feel anything special with her other than her being the main character.
Also, the whole reasoning Da Jung has for sticking with the game is so stupid. I still don't even know why she just didn't get out when she had the chance. With Nao I understood and ttly respected her decision, but with Da Jung I'm just shaking my head.
I know it seems like I'm complaining a lot about this drama, but thats really the only big issue I have with Korean Liar Game. As I stated before, I loved the reality show aspect of it. Very original. I also love that the loan shark guy had Da Jung's back. And my favorite character of all, Ha Woo Jin. Loved him! I definitely love Japanese Akiyama more, but Woo Jin held his own. He was ttly likable, had swag, and I ttly ship him and Da Jung lol.
I also loved the ending. I think it was excellent, and this version definitely feels like more of a psychological thriller especially towards the end. It was especially creepy. I didn't like the games in this version. I loved the roulette game and the poker game in Liar Game 2, but this version definitely washed them down. Still Korean Liar Game definitely holds it's own against the japanese version. I just happen to personally prefer jdramas over kdramas. Anyways, since I just finished this drama, I want to write my review before I forgot my initial feelings. I'd say it's worth a watch. Definitely entertaining.
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