Scent of A Woman

When I first started watching Scent of A Woman, it was with my usual attitude toward the beginning episodes of most Korean dramas. The first episode is usually designed to introduce the characters so the acting is over-the-top, but critical elements are present to introduce the main plot. By the second episode, Scent of A Woman was starting to display signs of underlying seriousness, after all, cancer is a devastating illness. There are also the undercurrents of sexual harassment of the women in the office and a company that has been abusing its employees for some time. The executive characterizations are typical–there is the spoiled heiress and the arranged marriage element also.

What has sparked my interest in this drama is the rawness of the actress Lee Yoon Jae’s portrayal of the main female character. Her style of acting here is real and believable, and she is presented as a normal woman living with her unfulfilled dreams. The emphasis on honorifics that exist in the Korean culture are addressed in her relationship with her former school friend become Doctor. Her manners are deplorable but realistic.

She deserves love, but in her anger against the cancer she strikes out at all around her, and she seeks love by deception. On Holiday, Lee Yoon Jae meets the company Director portrayed by Kang Ji Wook, and their relationship with all of its pathos is what this drama is all about.

I’m looking forward to Episode Five because I have not seen Junsu act, except in his musicals on stage, for some time. I am curious as to how much he has improved over those early films with DBSK. I believe that he will do a wonderful job. I am liking this drama more as it progresses–so if you looked at the first episode and concluded that it was trivial-think again and watch this poignant story of a woman fighting for life, love, and dignity.

Credit: Momma Cha @jyjfantalk