Love by Design Taiwan review

Drama name: Love by Design
Country: Taiwan
Year: July- Nov 2016

I came across this drama on the drama website as it was being uploaded. Checked out the synopsis and I thought it was pretty interesting, something that I could relate to being in my thirties. This drama is a remake of the Korean version, "Baby-faced beauty" which was aired back in 2011. I did not watch that version so I can't compare them fully. My colleague did show me a bit of it and I will do a small comparison snippet as you can read later on. 

So, what's this drama about?

Lee Shu Fen is a 34 year old lady who has been working as a head seamstress (something like that) in a clothing factory for the past 14 years. One day she gets fired to make way for a younger, prettier employee.  Devastated, Shu Fen tries very hard to get a new job but to no avail as she is over 30. :( (Yes, that is the sad reality which is very true) 

Meanwhile, her younger sister Lee Shu Zhen is 25 years old and aspires to be a model/ actress. She goes to auditions and does part-time modelling. Her agency gets her a placement as a model/ intern in a fashion house label named The Style. Shu Zhen didn't go and Shu Fen decided to take her sister's place in order to earn some money. 

Shu Fen gets thrown in the job once she arrived there. Although there were some doubts about her looks, she managed to fake her way through because she had a baby face. (Look young) She meets two guys, one is the CEO of The Style and the other is Song Chong Ji, an employee from the purchasing department. Shu Fen had a run-in with Song Chong Ji at a club earlier, where she was trying to get the dress from him which her sister stole from a potential job. (She didn't get that job thanks to her sister... -_-)

After that 1 week of internship was over, she was offered to work as a junior designer at The Style. Shu Fen grabbed the opportunity and used her sister's identity card for registration. 

The story goes on with Shu Fen trying to hide her real identity (and age) from everyone while pursuing her dreams of being a fashion designer. 

Overall thoughts?

It was rather strange watching a Taiwanese drama with the usual Korean storyline. I'm talking about the standard rom-coms with a rich, handsome and young chaebol, rich guy poor girl relationship, the second-lead syndrome, some talent show in-between with team building, hiking and etc. However, I think this version was a pretty good remake with a Taiwanese twist to it.

Best parts of the drama?

Being a fashion drama you can expect a lot of nice trendy stuff to look at in this drama. :D The introduction to the CEO of The Style was so stylish... haha! He looks so handsome, reminds me of a Hong Kong actor named Sammy Sum. (You can Google him up) 

The introduction of Song Chong Ji (They made a pun with his name that is supposed to sound like Song Joong Ki) was really cool too. I think both actors are handsome and cool with their respective swag... :D 

Now, the small comparison part I was talking about earlier: It happens in Episode one where Song Chong Ji is bringing the pearl that the design team left behind. They followed the Korean version closely but I think their version was way better and funnier! :D 

Korean version:

Taiwanese version:

Korean version:

Taiwanese version:

Okay, now back to the drama... :D The Style's building exterior and interior is really nice:

I especially love the design team's work area. There is a feature display wall that doubles up as a storage area. I think it's actually chicken coop and they used it so creatively there. Wow!

The CEO's house interior is a mix of classical and urban glamour which fits his style... ;D

Being a fashion design drama, there are quite a few nice pieces of clothing featured in it. I really like Song Chong Ji's temporary cape made by Shu Fen, the white jacket design and the red dress based on the movie star's character...

The cafe which Shu Fen worked after her secret was exposed. It's funny because the exterior reminds me of a club here back in the 2000s named The Emporium... I didn't like this part because I felt it could be totally omitted in the story, they just brought in the cafe boss to fill up the episodes I guess... 

Notable scenes:

The raining bus scene where Song Chong Ji writes on the glass that he loves Shu Fen... Oh so romantic! 

The piano session with the CEO... Ooh, yes I have a soft spot for handsome guys playing the piano! XD 

The CEO confesses his love to Shu Fen... You'll defo get the second lead syndrome here!! 

Shu Fen confesses her love to Song Chong Ji... I know right?! Everyone is confessing to everyone hahah!! It's a beautiful kiss with the backdrop of the Taipei 101 tower.. very nice!

Conclusion

Shu Fen and Song Chong Ji ended up together after battling the hurdles with their age gap, family problems and also the backstabbing at The Style. Shu Fen became design director of The Style and she married Song Chong Ji. Hurrah! The ending scene was quite ridiculous but it's all part of the comedy... Seriously how can the whole entourage be at your wedding hotel room??! 

I enjoyed this drama a lot. It is a light hearted story, something along the lines of She Was Pretty. One thing to note about Taiwanese dramas is that the cast have great chemistry and it makes the story flow really well. I really liked the rest of the design team, they were supporting characters but they made the story work. I look forward to more Taiwanese dramas in the future. 

Seven First Kisses Episode 8 review

Episode 8 (Bonus episode): Lee Min Ho- " Last gift"

Now Lotte has assumed that you have watched the six different endings already before you watch this bonus episode... -_-" Yeah, I know... I came to know of it through the comments and you definitely need to watch those endings first before watching this Lee Min Ho episode. 

The story doesn't continue from episode 7 where seraphim Choi Ji Woo asked Soo Jin to pick only one guy. Soo Jin is once again back at the information desk, but she is in good spirits. Her colleagues think she's being a bit loony because age is catching up on her. What?! Seriously, those two ahjummas are waaayy older than Soo Jin! Grr! 

Maybe Soo Jin keeps thinking that the cards have not ended, plus the angel also promised her that it was not over yet so she was still expecting something. Suddenly, a handsome man strolls up to the information desk... Yes, it's Lee Min Ho! Soo Jin couldn't contain her excitement and gushes out his name. Looking confused, Min Ho asked Soo Jin if he knew her... 

Haha, we all know Lee Min Ho is a model... ;D But here he is a travel writer. Anyways this is the part where you'd definitely cringe! Owh, poor Soo Jin thinks it's another handsome guy for her and she begins to flirt with him. Omo.... so embarrassing! 

She even offers to give him her number! My dear Soo Jin!! Hahah!! Min Ho gets a bit irritated and tells Soo Jin that she has the wrong idea. He was there to ask about the Lotte shopping. Some paid advertising here by Lotte Duty Free, promoting their store and services that they offer... 

Soo Jin finally realises that he really is a travel writer and not another "love" card that the angel planned. She looks again at the book and feels so embarrassed. She starts to read the book and finishes it after ending her shift. 

Just then someone called her. She turns around to find that it's Lee Min Ho. He walks up to Soo Jin and she takes the opportunity to apologise for her behaviour earlier. 

Min Ho says it's alright and Soo Jin went on to talk about his book. The journey of searching of something that she'll love rather than searching for something/ someone to love her.... 

He is impressed that she got the meaning of that part as many readers don't get it. Soo Jin then asks him why did he call her... 

Min Ho brings out a card... Yes, it's a bonus card! :D He said that she dropped it. Soo Jin takes the card and flips it around, it lights up with Lee Min Ho's face on it. Soo Jin smiles... 

The story ends with both parties smiling at each other. It's an open sort of ending, but it does hint that Soo Jin will end up with Min Ho. 

Concluding thoughts

This drama series had so much hype before it aired. With its super star studded cast, everyone was expecting something big from it. For me, somehow it fell flat in the last two episodes. Taking into consideration the following:

1) Lotte Duty Free brief- i.e. Promote their store, services and apps
2) The busy schedule of all the celebrities
3) Writing a creative storyline to meet the brief

I must commend the team who came up with this because it's not really easy to weave the story and people together. I guess maybe they had more planned but Lee Min Ho was still filming the Legend of the deep blue sea made it hard for them to continue it.

Lotte must have spent a fortune on this production. I wonder if they really did reach their ROI (Return of Investment) for this. I guess their target audience would mainly be foreigners since it's their duty free shop. To be honest, I can barely remember what they were actually advertising. Some apps and their shipping service (?) or something like that! :D However, I think they were successful in branding "Lotte". I went "Lotte!!!" when I saw a chocolate bar in my local supermarket. Yes, I bought the item... :D

Err, the chocolate wasn't really that tasty imo... XD Okay, we've reached the end of this webdrama! If Lotte ever decides to make another blockbuster hopefully it will be better.... without the misleading title... It should be called Seven almost kisses!

Seven First Kisses Episode 7 review

Episode 7: Lee Jong Suk-"How to fall in love with a celebrity"

We're on the last of the six cards and to be honest, this episode was the most let down for me. I was looking forward to Lee Jong Suk (right after W ended) but I felt this was lacking in so many parts. For starters, the previous five guys already have a background connection with Soo Jin. They already knew her prior to the meeting and they have feelings for her. But Jong Suk didn't have any of those, it was just as he is, a celebrity shooting a TV commercial with a normal person. 

Soo Jin being star-struck couldn't believe her eyes that she would be starring in a commercial with Jong Suk. 

The director asks her if she was nervous and if she was, they could replace her with someone else. Jong Suk tells the director to give Soo Jin a chance. It is pretty interesting to see how directors seem to take nicely to celebrities, I wonder if in real life they really do give a lot of leverage because they are famous people... 

The shooting begins and Soo Jin fumbles a lot. The director is exasperated yelling cut cut!! Haha, poor Soo Jin. I guess anyone would be nervous being their first time in front of a camera crew...

Soo Jin keeps apologising and the director wants to replace her. Jong Suk suggests the director to take a break and he turns to Soo Jin asking her if they could talk for a second. 

Jong Suk takes Soo Jin aside and treats her to a cup of coffee. Meanwhile thoughts ran wild in Soo Jin's mind and she psyches herself up to not act foolishly in front of Jong Suk. She crosses her legs and says thank you in English for the coffee. 

Mildly amused, Jong Suk asks Soo Jin if she was in character already. He suggests her to get to know him better so she won't be too nervous. Soo Jin's thoughts continued as she wished that she could date him in real life. I know luv! A lot of girls wish that too! Haha! 

Soo Jin braves up and decides to give Jong Suk her number. I think he was rather surprised but still amused. He must really enjoyed acting this episode, he can play his usual cheeky charming self... :D 

The duo goes back to the set and slays it. Hurrah! Even the director was so happy... 

So happy that he suggest to include the initially omitted scene... Yes, the kissing scene! Omo! Soo Jin starts to panic a bit and asks Jong Suk if the kiss would be a fake kiss... Jong Suk's reply was pretty straight forward, a kiss while acting is just a kiss. Hmm, is that how he treats those steamy kisses in W??!! I wonder...Haha! 

Cameras rolling... Action! The kiss scene act 1! Jong Suk drops the bombshell when he says it's not a fake kiss... Hoho... :D 

Hmm, alas Soo Jin goes back to reality when they were about to kiss... Soo Jin stares at Jong Suk's card. Then one of her two other colleagues asked for a swap of shift days so she can go on a date with her boyfriend. What?! How is that possible she has a bf and our cutesy Soo Jin has none?! :( Boo... Soo Jin retorts that in fact she has six boyfriends! 

Poor Soo Jin goes off to cry in the corner... Aww... I feel so sad for her there... But then suddenly someone taps on her shoulder... Why yes, it's the seraphim! Choi Ji Woo... 

She tells Soo Jin it's not over yet. Soo Jin needs to pick one of the six celebrities and she will send her back to the moment where they were about to kiss. But she can only choose one... Ottoke!  

Lee Jong Suk ending

Was it a real kiss?! Well, almost! ;D When Jong Suk leaned in for the kiss, the director yelled cut!! Haha!! It was a good take and everyone congratulates them for a job well done. It was a cute moment when Soo Jin insists that they haven't kissed yet and Jong Suk asked her if she was looking forward to it... XD

It ends with Jong Suk leaving the set and as he was leaving, he looked back at Soo Jin and motioned that he will be calling her. Aww, that would be nice!

I read some comments that said this episode is the most realistic. I do agree as I am doing this review and re-watching it again. In fact, Soo Jin could actually pick Jong Suk because she is herself here (as a Lotte employee) and Jong Suk is himself as well. This would probably work out as he has her number and then can go out on a date sometime. :D

I think Lotte should have included an episode with all the various endings together right after this Jong Suk episode. The story doesn't flow from this episode to the next with the bonus card of Lee Min Ho. Especially with the question posed by Choi Ji Woo to Soo Jin that she can only pick one guy. They could have made Soo Jin ponder on who to choose and then flash all the various endings. I guess Lotte expected people to view the various endings on their YouTube channel rather than another 10 minute episode.

With that said, let's see what the bonus card (and also the last episode) holds for Soo Jin...