While “Vincenzo” has ended its run for some time, the many thought-provoking quotes still linger on in our minds.

We have compiled 40 of our favourite quotes from this Netflix Hit that gives us a timely wake-up call for some self-reflection to re-look into what’s important to us.

Share some of your favourite quotes with us too! Read More →

“简单亦是快乐”就是<<偶然成为社长>>想传递的主题。身为都市人,我们往往为了五斗米折腰,却忘了放慢脚步, 看看身边美丽的风景,多关心身旁的人、事、物。

原以为看着两位社长, 车太铉和赵寅成,的”10日乡村超市营业日志”,会觉得有点单调乏味。殊不知,在那再也平凡不过的日常里,被乡民间的互动,热心协助两位新手社长打理超市,和各自努力生活的模样而打动,让人体会了在都市里缺乏的浓浓人情味。搭配寅成和太铉oppa拿手的松蟹拉面和烤鳟鱼,简直是让人暖心又暖胃,甚至有眼眶泛泪的时刻。

华川商会是个散发浓浓的温暖的乡村情,人情味的地方。村民都可以赊账,向社长拿免费铜版买咖啡。他们知道货物在哪里,价格是多少。

就像寅成说的: “村子所有人都是社长。大家都同心协力在爱护这间店。”

这除了是让顾客们歇息片刻的地方,更是在冬天里传递温暖的感情交流站。虽然华川的小镇像冰天雪地寒冷般,却充满了炽热的人情味。这是我们所谓的”Kampong Spirit”。

究竟是环境会改变人,还是人会因环境而改变呢?
是都市改变了人们,所以我们都习惯了冷漠与市侩?
这些最原始的情感,感受。。。都到哪儿去了呢?

两位社长从一切不熟悉时的手忙脚乱到之后的驾轻就熟和乡民们打成一片,势必给顾客们带来些新菜色,还出海钓鱼,请驻唱来表达对大家的感激,都令人印象深刻。他们不惜成本,到处寻找最好的食材,以低价格出售,为的是让村民们吃得开心。

在忙碌一天过后,都会和工读生们畅饮一番,聊天说笑,来慰劳自己。
“Work Hard, Play Hard”, 不就是犒赏自己的最佳方式吗?

经营一间简朴的乡村杂货店的收获是,人会变得格外豁达开朗,凡事不会那么斤斤计较。正因那浓浓的人情味和和谐的气氛,他们学会了乐于助人,守望相助的重要性。最重要的大家都开心,而不是营润。

两位社长完全没偶像包袱,凡事亲力亲为,虚心向学,必要时也会寻求协助。犯错时,勇于承认错误,接受批评,也尽力弥补过错,尽量不砸原来社长的招牌。

他们很快地融入民情,也和乡民们打成一片。他们不忘把每日的菜单变得丰富一些,让乡民能尝试更多菜肴。这份出自内心的真诚,让电视荧幕前的我们,都深深感受到。

车太炫是家喻户晓的主持人,幽默风趣,也给观众很舒服,踏实的感觉。他那及具有”魔性”和感染力的笑声, 不必特别制造效果,就综艺感十足。他个性随和,亲民, 乐于助人,也不介意虚心向村民寻求帮助, 给人的感觉就是”好好先生”和”邻家大叔”,很温暖,靠普。

寅成 Oppa 一向给人高冷的感觉,但私下很亲民,也很会”撩”,是位冷面笑将。虽属慢热型,但观察能力强,心思细腻,很会照顾人。

观众也会好奇身为多年好友的两人私下的互动,和如何分担合作,克服这10天对身心灵的挑战。

两人原以为只是管理小型的杂货店,结果到达华川之后,才赫然发现是华川小镇上唯一的”超市+餐酒馆”,每日有络绎不绝的人流。

原本的社长奶奶度假10天,留了封信作为交接,把每天需做的事情记录下来,也分享经营之道。从奶奶的字里行间,大家不难发现她是个和蔼可亲的长辈,很有爱心,责任感和服务精神。

不管在任何工作岗位上,我们都需要抱着感激和愉快的心情,少些抱怨,才会开心地工作。

经营小小的”杂货店”兼”食阁”,是很考验记性,体力,耐力的。他们没松懈,各自朝各自的领域钻研,商讨如何为乡民提供更完善的服务。他们不清楚店里卖哪些商品,商品的摆设排列或价格,更不知有多少存货,该向哪些供应商批货,连该批多少货也一律毫无头绪。

太炫 oppa 和供应商接洽打交道,也努力熟悉店里的所有大小事宜。他会和顾客们嘘寒问暖,也贴心地为小朋友准备蜂蜜糖饼和比萨。

寅成 oppa 主要负责厨房工作。他拜托渔夫好友买新鲜的海产,还向餐饮业老板娘讨教哪些菜肴符合居民的口味。这螃蟹泡面竟成了寅成 oppa 的招牌菜,还大卖150碗之多!

忐忑不安的寅成会关注顾客吃食物时的表情,询问意见和需要加强的地方。

“做料理给人吃,是一件很愉快的事。虽然很辛苦。。。”

为了给顾客们最好的,还自告奋勇出海捕鱼。对于会晕船的他,这是极限挑战,要克服身心灵的不适与受海浪折腾的煎熬。他觉得到华川后,自己失去了”野性”。原本是生活理所当然的一部分,但发现自己没钱就什么都做不了,有点像”井底之蛙”。

万事起头难,两位社长的第一天简直是”天下大乱”。印象深刻的是有一次太炫oppa 把能量饮料的价格标错,让顾客付了2倍的价格。基于信任,顾客也不疑由他。在恍然大悟之后,便急忙贴告示,希望所有买该饮料的顾客前来退款。

就像社长在最后一晚时,感慨地表示:”人生可能出错,不可能事事都按照计划走。”

计划永远赶不上变化,所以我们都需要懂得变通。

节目里的工读生都是社长们动用人脉请来助阵的。工读生当中有大家喜爱的朴宝英,南柱赫,尹施允,曹宝儿,等。

实习生们用创意准备新颖的料理,展现诚意出海捕鱼,准备新鲜的生鱼片,重新编排价格表,还把带来当花纹保暖背心的”乡村制服”,当成最夯服装来卖。

“最佳工读生”奖项应颁给尹敬浩。他重新帮社长编排了所有货品的价格,还卖力地打了2天工,连劈柴等杂务都一手包办。架上的物品需要补上时,他机灵地用手机拍下,再到货仓取货。

演艺人员的烦恼就是知名度和怕被定型的问题,能否得到奖项的肯定,观众是否会把他们遗忘,等。知名度是把双刃剑。身为公众人物一定担心没知名度,但知名度过高也是种困扰。就算想突破自己,但如果观众不喜欢,即便再执着,那也只是贪念而已。

两位社长也以过来人的经验,和后辈们分享自己的经历,鼓励他们不要放弃。

所谓”人生如戏,戏如人生”。

在这么简朴的乡村里,在这里工作或居住的人们,都有各自精彩的故事。

他们当中有失去记忆的阿姨, 农业社长和中医师,来自韩国各地,远离家乡的修路工程师, 飘洋过海到韩国工作的外来劳工。身为人父的太炫感同身受,了解他们错过了孩子的成长阶段是既痛心皆无奈的心情。

两位社长的不少”暖男事迹”当中,令小编印象最深刻的就是带小朋友到春川的医院去处理针眼。在两位社长的陪伴下,原本故作坚强的小男孩开始有点慌张,但太炫 oppa也在旁握着他的手,鼓励着他。

就连老板娘饲养的狗狗”小黑”也特别友善。它是华川商会的的万人迷,相信是老板娘的最佳伙伴。

从村民们的反应就看得出两位社长的受欢迎程度。村民都对他们特别亲切,热情,宽容,还伸出援手,带食物慰劳他们,帮他们照顾温室的花朵,赠送画像。

社长奶奶在历经丧偶之痛后,仍坚持继续经营杂货店。或许想打发时间,找个精神寄托,但大多应是为了像家人般的村民们。这除了是她的店,也是村民们的歇息和交流站。这么多年建立的友谊和信赖,不是说能放就放。

最后一晚营业接待的最后一位客人,就是原来的社长奶奶。那段真的令人觉得既感动又心疼。他们真切地体会到奶奶的辛劳,也很佩服她。

老板娘的一句:”工作到很晚,一定很累吧?” 竟然让社长们溃堤。

奶奶也把螃蟹拉面和两位社长分着吃。美食的分享,能温暖人心。这是”Sharing is Caring”的典范.

借以别人的身分生活10天,给予他们何为简单就是幸福的领悟。除了体验如何经营一间店的酸甜苦辣,了解经商非易事外,他们体会了简单的生活和快乐,融入民情,制造了很多珍贵且美好的回忆。

这节目教会我们的事:

– 是观众的喜爱, 而不是奖项, 定义一位演员的成功
– 歌手不一定要有多大的舞台,而是会欣赏他们才艺的人
– 你的态度决定你将乐观或悲观地面对这世界
– 人与人之间是一种礼尚往来
– 不懂不要装懂,而是要问
– 犯了错误,就要承认错误,及时更正

谢谢用心的幕前幕后制作团队,让我们再次感受到暧暧的人情味。

在疫情严峻的情况下,能放慢脚步,好好地感受平凡日常的美好,真的很疗愈。

多些称赞和鼓励,少些批评,能让人得到更大的动力。大家不妨多将心比心,设身处地地为别人着想。
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It was more than the hilarious plot of a free-spirited modern age chef trapped in Queen Cheorin’s body wreaking havoc in the Joseon era, that earned “Mr Queen” its position as the 5th highest rated drama in TVN history.

The rom-com factor that made us chuckle, cast’s endearing & stellar performance, awesome teamwork & chemistry, cliffhangers at end of each episode, fusion of modern thinking in the olden days, infusion of KPOP, K-Beauty, KFood, giving new meaning to modern day phrases like “No Touch” & “Anti-Fan”, improvising food cuisines in Joseon Dynasty, scheming and plotting against one another, a King with a Hyde & Jekyll personality, & the struggle between a homosexual vs heterosexual love line, were the many reasons that whisked me through the 20 episodes.

Mr Queen’s theme boils down to freedom.

The freedom to break away from the shackles of society norms & standards, be who we really are, do what we have always wanted, love whoever we want and to express how we truly feel.

Bong Hwan’s adventure allowed us to experience life in Joseon with a modern filter. His quick wits, great survival instincts and adaptability allowed him to pull through the biggest ordeals.

“Mr Queen” broaches on a bold but taboo topic on homosexuality, bisexuality & gender identity crisis. While this pushes the boundaries in South Korea’s conservative society, it did not deter the ratings from escalating steadily.

What we learnt:
– Love transcends time & gender
– 在宫里,没有任何人是真正的好人或坏人,只有立场和利益的不同
– The “truth” is based on what people choose to believe in
– Never lose the most important person – yourself

Director Yoon strikes a balance where Shin Hye Sun’s responsible for the wackier, light-hearted moments while Kim Jung Hyun on the serious & melodramatic parts.

Was it Bong Hwan in So Yong’s body or was So Yong hiding in the subconscious state all along?

When she’s Bong Hwan, she’s a spitfire and pompous with a total disregard regarding palace protocols. So Yong’s more composed, graceful & shy around Cheoljong, while So Bong’s a contradicting embodiment of good vs evil, rough vs gentle, rash vs composed.

Kim Jung Hyun’s lauded for portraying his multi-faceted character with much depth. The intricate portrayal of his facial and eye expressions, vocal tone, body language, aids in delivering Cheoljong’s complicated & intense emotions. On the surface, he’s a lazy, timid, lecherous puppet king , while the real CJ’s ambitious, capable, prudent, witty, has plans for the greater good.

It was gratifying to watch them 同台飙戏。Their ad lib improvisations made scenes more enjoyable for the viewers. Tension building up in the initial episodes when both were double guessing , wary of each others’ intentions, pitting against each other were served like a bowl of piping hot jjamppong.

The right person will love you for being you.

From his 中殿词典, abiding by his queen’s “No Touch” rule and the crossed eye portrait, Cheoljong never failed to show his affection in the most subtle ways.

Kim Hyun Jung & Shin Hye Sun made this “No Touch” couple much more endearing.

Na In Woo’s supporting role created ripples in viewers’ hearts. Byeong In’s the tall, handsome, 深情专一 堂哥, who’s a skilled swordsman & shrewd strategist with a never give up attitude. He’s a sorrowful character with a twisted love obsession. Only Byeong In noticed the change in So Yong. He’s the only one who truly understood her.

The penned up emotions, rage, jealousy, unwavering devotion and sheer possessiveness were so well executed. Not to mention the several breathtaking fighting scenes with Cheoljong were impressive.

We often regret what we didn’t fight for, but he put up a good fight for the love of his life.

The pretty, intelligent, composed Hwa Jin is definitely Queen material. When So Bong usurped her “throne” in Cheoljong’s heart, that’s when she turned to the dark side. Love, hate and jealousy can drive people to behave in irrational and destructive ways. The palace can turn someone into a monster as they lose themselves in the pursuit for more wants.

The supporting roles instilled so much vibrancy, fun and laughter. They are proof that friendship exists in the palace.

It’s more than an “employer-employee” relationship between So Bong, Court Lady Choi & Hong Yeon. They are her best friends and support.

Court Lady Choi & Royal Chef’s budding romance, Hong Byeolgam & Kim Hwan’s friendship, love triangle between Kim Hwan, Hong Byeolgam & Hong Yeon were some of our favourite “ships”.

From the scheming & merciless Kim Jae Geun, domineering Grand Empress Dowager who had a weakness for good food & beauty products, superstitious Queen Dowager Jo who plotted her revenge by preying on the weak minds, to the corrupted officials, you wished you could grind them all.

Does Cheoljong only lovesBong Hwan or both Bong Hwan & So Yong?

This is an open-ended question that’s up to viewers’ discretion.Read More →

Everyone has their secrets.

We only allow others to see what we want them to see. Similarly, we choose to believe in what we want to see.

How far would you go to keep your darkest secrets under wraps?

When your seemingly “perfect” world crumbles, how would you embrace your whole new world?

“Flower of Evil” isn’t just any other ordinary, intriguing crime-thriller. The suspense, exciting goose-chase, mind games & hints dropped along every episode, gave us a chance to ignite our inner detective traits in unraveling the mystery behind the series of murders.

The intensity of the evoked contradictory feelings threatens to mess with your cognitive resonance and brings you on an oddly satisfying emotional roller-coaster ride.

We probably have some “psychopathic” traits in us too, since we are all embodiment of good and evil. It’s how we allow that “seed of evil” to grow in us, that determines if it eventually flourishes into a flower of evil or good.

Kudos to the well-paced, not-too-predictable storyline & superb cast performance.

Lee Joon Gi never fails to throw surprises with his versatile & exemplary acting, while Moon Chae Won exceeds expectations with her portrayal of the struggles of facing a whole new reality. Kim Ji Hoon will shook you with his awesome acting too.

“Flower of Evil” is undeniably one of the best KDramas in 2020. A successful drama isn’t just one that possesses the above attributes, but also the ability to keep viewers pondering if they can make a difference.

The essence of love, trust, perception, how our personal experiences make us prejudiced or even discriminate others, justice, truth, parents’ influence on kids, peer pressure, societal influence, etc are some of the topics that viewers would reflect on.

Everyone deserves a 2nd chance in life.

We are all guilty of having preconceptions. We exercise our judgement based on hearsay. Sometimes, we already condemn someone without even giving them a chance. We should all learn to 放下成见,多用心和理智去感受. There can never be a clear distinction between good and evil.

This drama has brought to light that the society still lacks empathy for people with mental illnesses and victims of bullying.

Has it ever occurred to you that sometimes what people want is not the truth, but what they assume to be the “truth” or whether it has 话题性?

You can instantaneously imagine the intensity of the confusion, excitement, when a suspected serial killer on the run & a detective is a married couple.

Opposite forces attract, yet repel when one tries to mask his past while the other desires to unearth everything he has hidden. It’s a compelling force that pulls viewers into the lead couple’s turmoil and biggest challenges in life.

JG & MCW’s chemistry as a married couple in “Flower of Evil” is convincing. Their acting isn’t overboard or under whelming, especially when it comes to their individual struggles when the trust fell apart.

It’s easy to stereotype the children of a murderer to be the same as he is, on the basis that they have the same blood running in them. We repeatedly condemn someone as “incorrigible” because we refused to give them a chance, but there are also times when we would “readily forgive” another and find excuses for all the wrongs they did.

Children are not shadows of their parents. We can be who we want to be.

Joon Gi deserves a Best Actor Award for his impressive multi-faceted role! He’s worth the 3-year wait on screen. His broad acting spectrum is never limited by his pretty boy looks.

JG is like an ever peeling onion, always having something more to showcase & for viewers to discover. His eyes are so expressive that you can feel his emotions with every look or slight twitch. The unfeeling, nonchalant look in his eyes would creep you out at times.

It’s at a level whereby he could incorporate his character within himself. Be it emotional or action scenes, Joon Gi did all that almost flawlessly.

As much as she is a righteous cop, Ji Won was pulled into “irrational” thinking in order to protect the man she loves. MCW has portrayed her role with just the right temperament, striking a balance being an outstanding detective, yet doesn’t seem too gullible even when she has a pure heart.

Kim Ji Hoon’s a great looker who’s so competent in his role that it sends chills down your spines despite his limited screen time. The deranged looks, sinister smiles, big eyes staring into space & hysterical laughter, contemplating his next steps in setting traps to lure his prey, were so innately displayed.

The Baek Parents are an excellent example of how 盲目的宠溺会毁了孩子的一生。

This drama has given me much reflection moments about love, kinship & how we should learn to cast our preconceptions aside.

Spend more time and effort to understand the people you love. What we should do is not to change them but embrace them for who they are.

That said, I simply cannot wait for Lee Joon Gi’s next project!
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