Film/Television

Playful Kiss disappoints

130

Written by Kimberley On September 1, 2010

After being hyped up to be the show that should topple the ratings in MBC’s favor, “Playful Kiss” has proven to be a let-down.

Last night’s premiere presented a dismal start of 3.5% viewership, even lower than numbers from other running drama “Road No. 1″, placing it in last place in the ratings race. In comparison, KBS’ “Bread, Love and Dreams” managed another win, snagging a new high of 44% and “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho” which is on the up-and-up ended with a solid hold of 11.4% for the same time slot.

Learning from past experience (thanks BOF), I’ve been leveling my hopes on this one. Keeping away from trailers and such, news like this seems to enforce one thing – as much as the fans like and want Kim Hyun Joong to lead an idol drama, you can’t squeeze those acting juices out of him. No offense to the Double S leader though, he’s hilarious as a 4D person but he couldn’t cut it for me as a sidekick and I highly doubt he’ll cut it as a lead.

Nevertheless, there’s hope! The supporting cast could very well lift the drama and forerunner BOF did premiere on a considerably low-note and very quickly picked up the pace. We could see a starting underdog go neck-and-neck eventually in popularity with MGIAG and recently premiered “Sungkyunkwan Scandal”.

For those who’ve managed to catch the first episode, shoot your comments below!

cr: mydaily

TAGS: Kim Hyun-joong

Sara

Watching him act is unbearable.

Pyra

LOL. Sad. Lol.
jeez

He underacted she overdid it no balance but
He is gorgeous .Zhishu role doesnt need acting.the girl very yoonhyeish and too much overacting..

THE DIRECTOR NEEDS TO GET OUT OF GOONG DAYS PLEASE

Wow

Gorgeous?
VOMIT.
nanei2

@jeez
The director just needs to pick better actresses! Most of his leads are underwhelming!

jmay1105

*sigh* feel the same way~

Ashley

The first episode was cute, but it cracked me up that Hyun Joong didn’t talk very much. They know his strength is his looks and nothing else. The girl carried the first episode, and may carry the entire drama if that boy doesn’t learn to emote and soon.

Nick

LOL really? I watched it briefly and stopped, so I couln’t noticed.
Vicky

He’s suppose to be quite and cold etc. Even in the anime, at first, he doesn’t speak much.

Cinta

Yes, Vicky… i would suggest to watch the anime before you jump into conlusion. I think both of them is doing very well base on the character.

here47

Saw the first episode with subs. its like watching yamato nadeshiko shichihenge live action. you watch either for the eye-candy or the lulzy.

i watched iswak and its sequel and KHJ is no Joe Cheng.He still needs them acting workshops. He’s totally not the Irie-kun of the manga. He’s not good at acting subtly. Half of the time I get this feeling that he wanted to laugh out loud at how ridiculous his lines were or that he can’t take his role seriously.

HJ is good looking though and I stared at him most of the time instead of paying attention to the story line. And their version of Jiro is too over the top. I get that they’re probably copying off the manga but its just hard not to compare.

the lead girl is adorable though. i like her take on the character more than ariel’s. ariel was good in acting and she was funny but the way the taiwanese version of Kotoko was portrayed annoyed me at times.

maybe it will pick up though. and the ratings will probably go up once baker king finishes. i mean, it can’t go any lower right? seunggi’s drama seems like a better alternative so far though. he may not be the eye-candy khj is but he can act.

reimin

Jiro Wang as the second male lead is fantastic. It was like seeing Ikuta Toma in Hana Kimi Japan Version. But of course, Toma is way over and beyond with his acting skills.
I have no problems with idols as lead actors/actresses. A lot of TW idols do good, and even more a lot of Japan idols are really really good actors.But somehow, it just isn’t working in Korea. Which goes to show why only a few idols/ singers get to lead in dramas.
I wasnt too keen on KHJ in BOF. And in here, he’s doing the sulky thing again. Which he really can’t portray well. I hope he improves s i really like the story of the manga.

bubbles

hahahahahahahaha!!!

*shoulda stuck with the people with the green balloons*
thestray

I wacthed the first episode last night and it cracked me up. It was kinda fun, but in a too much sugar kind of way. It was truly a manga come to real life with the over acting to match. I’m not sure how well it is going to go but I will probably still watch it from time to time just for kicks.

Angel

Yeah, it reminded me too much of like, Hanna Montana, iCarly…. the preteen sitcoms? The acting and the humor really is hard to get used to watching when the people are real. Lol.

Coraline

Hey, don’t knock iCarly. iCarly rocks! XD

I’m secretly a fan of a couple of those preteen shows. For instance, I think Wizards of Waverly Place is waaay funnier than a “grownup” sitcom like Two and a Half Men.

And yeah, Miley totally hams it up, but that’s her personality in a real life as well, lol. (Although, I’m not the biggest Hannah Montana fan.)

maldita

Sucks for them to be up against stiff competition. Even “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho” isn’t doing that well either, even with all the love it’s getting.

And I really can’t stand KHJ’s acting. He may be a riot in variety shows, but I only got through BOF because I ignored him and chose to focus on Lee Minho. I really don’t think dramas should cast idols in their lead roles. Most do well as parts of the cast (like what Heechul has done for years), but hardly any of them can carry a whole drama by themselves. As much as I loved Yunho, his drama was hardly good, and Yoochun’s drama isn’t off to good start either. Siwon is probably an exception, because “Oh My Lady” totally exceeded everyone’s expectations and he practically carried that drama.

Nick

Yunho’s story plot was the worst ever though, even the best actor would fail. I felt like “what? is that reasonable?” for the whole story. Yoochun’s drama did better than playful kiss, probably because the period drama always do a bit better, so I think the rate will go up for the rest no matter what. I certainly don’t see the chemistry between the leads.
The 8 group may have something up their sleeves. They usually a pro on making funny drama. I don’t think I will continue watching this one though.

yoochun94

i’ve said b4, it’s disappointing to watch our leader kiss with another women after Jandi..
olivia

It’s hard for me not to compare his acting with Joe Cheng. He was the classic Naoki. (Not that I even like Joe Cheng, but HJ just wasn’t made to act.) I couldn’t get past 4 episodes of BOF because of HJ’s acting. Argh, I hoping he’ll improve more quickly…
Majicatt

I dont think KHJ can act either, but I feel badly for him. He’s got so many people having high expectations of his performance in this drama and only 3.5% of the entire viewing audience watched the premiere? I should shaddup because I didn’t watch it either – had to watch my Baker King!

Michelle

high expectations? we all knew his performance was going to be a flop.

…

i saw about half an hour of the drama and i kinda like the girl…she’s not as dumb as xiang qin…at least she has a talent :)
i don’t really like the guy that likes her (better: i don’t think he looks good and that annoys me)
jiro was so adorable but this guy’s a bit weird…when he and his followers took out their combs i expected a song from grease in the background…
debs

The second male actor looks like a Japanese delinquent from the 80′s, it’s one thing to be influenced by the manga, but they seriously need to get with the 21st century.
KHJ…. People are giving Joe Cheng too little credit. Acting indifferent and cold is NOT acting wooden. Subtle acting is much harder than acting out actual open emotions. HJ seemed like he was about to burst out laughing at all the wrong times. :(

krezia

Agree. But are people really? Cuz that’s sad if it’s true. Yeah, HKJ is usually deemed more handsome in these sites, but it’s Joe who got Irie Naoki down pat. To think that Joe Cheng is as quirky and as 4D like KHJ is in real life.

amy

the first drama i watched with joe cheng in it was “the rose” he played a gay guy.
my god it was convincing.

orangegrl

OMG I LOVE KIM HYUN JOONG<3 but he doesnt talk a lot in the drama…
Munny

somehow, without knowing why, it just hurts to see him kissing another girl. Not being obsessed but yeah… it hurts!!

Lisa

That’s….quite pathetic.

DramaCrazy

I personally am not enjoying this drama so far. The main leads aren’t living up to my exceptions; the drama for me is already dragging. Sad, I enjoyed It Started With a Kiss so much and the cast was amazing. I really don’t think this drama can even compare with ISWAK. Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin were able to become the characters when playing the roles.
krezia

You know we kid and agree about Taiwanese dramas for being absurd, but you hafta give them props for choosing actors that have GREAT CHEMISTRY together. Something these K adaptations tend to forget because they focus so much on being eye-candy, it’s almost insulting already.

like fcuk, we don’t really need a guy who has a bajillion screaming fan girls and had the label of “one of the hottest idols” to get drawn into a drama for the long haul. Actually, HKJ did okay-ish. It would have been awesome I guess, if Joe Cheng’s Zhi Shu didn’t exist lol. Girl was okay too but put them together, you can’t even see them falling in love like really. Draggy plotlines like Itazura should have amazing chemistry because that’s what pushes the drama.

amy

it’ unfortunate that all the wrong taiwanese dramas for you to generalise like that :(

:)

Episode 1 sucked, but episode 2 was a lot better. If they continue like this the show will do well for sure. HJ can’t act wooden (and there are definitely too many of those fantasy daydreams which practically screams ‘im desperate to be funny’ , but sadly falls flat.)
moewth

…omg i love kjh so much…but he doesn’t talk that much..i LOOOVE IT WHEN

jamie

he’s not supposed to its part of the characters personality.

eight

i like the japanese version. the japanese male lead who did that was really handsome and could act well.

anyway, KHJ character is supposed to be 1 who doesn’t like to speak unneccessary.

taiwan ISWAK was ok, but i agreed with 1 of you that the taiwan version makes the female lead looks stupid, to the extent that i felt the female lead was really acting stupid (when she is personally not one) and not natural and the director/scriptwriter thinks that viewers are stupid too. if not for that, the taiwan version is quite a good one.
chuchu

I actually like the Korean version better (and no I’m not Korean) than the Taiwanese version. Ariel Lin became sicking after a while and all I wanted to do was scream. She was TOO stupid and she cried alot. It’s clear the Korean version is not going to follow the Taiwanese version. In the Korean version, the girl is more goofy than stupid. KHJ’s character is not as cold and he is not a total jerk. KHJ’s acting has improved alot over the BOF drama. There is also good chemistry between the female and male leads. The 2nd episode is better than the 1st episode and yes the ratings picked up a bit. During the reruns over the weekend, the ratings double. My guess is that people are choosing to watch the Baker King during the week and Playful Kiss during the weekend. This is KHJ’s second drama. When you are doing a new job for the first time, you’re not perfect either. People give the guy a break with the negative comments.

Cinta

Chuhu.. Absolutely agree with you. KHJ acting is improving and this drama is all about funny funny.. people are expecting so much because there are watching so many version and in their fantasy..hehehehe guess… anyway I’m sure the rating will pick-up for the next episodes..
Angel

I totally agree with you, too. He even said something about acting classes that he is going to, which gave me the implication that he hadnt before, or at least hadnt had serious training. He was streamlined for singing, not acting. I wonder if he even wanted to start acting so much; the companies seem to use their stars as much as possible.

http://kooleanmerchandise.multiply.com Eryne Ang

Poor KHJ.
kdfan

Actually I haven’t watched it but looking through comments from the audience first. I’m too busy with Baker King and of cos my real life. Maybe I have a fear of watching KHJ not acting up to scratch, hence, don’t want to get disappointed. Other than looks, he was robotic and stiff in Boys over Flowers. So it looks like I’m not missing anything.
http://keunsukkie07.blogspot.com psycho_j

well i guess the korean version of ISWAK is much better than others.i hope it will also a big hit after group8 last drama boys over flowers.

i like jung so min and kim hyun joong.
Cinta

I like this drama even though a lot of negative feed back from viewers, I still think this version is a lot more better than others. Both lead actor & actors is wonderful.
I’m looking forward for next episode. I guess you can judged by watching just one episode only. Keep watching and I’m sure you will like it.
jamie

I think everyone needs to watch the anime or something because saying that he is under acting makes you look really stupid. HyunJoong is actually doing a really good job. He’s acting just like the anime character. He is supposed to be cold, emotionless and quite in the beginning… so you should all shut up and know what your talking about before you criticize!
Personally i think they are both doing way better than the Taiwanese one, and i wasn’t expecting that to happen. If any of you watch the Taiwanese one than you will see Joe Cheng acting the same way as HyunJoong. Except i think HyunJoong is doing a better job.
KuKuKaChoo

well i just finished watching the first four episodes of this drama. honestly, the first episode i was about to give up on this drama…i was like “what the hell is up with all this imagination scenes?”…but as i came to the third and fourth episode, I have to say i have fallen for the drama. it’s actually really good, despite what others think. and plus, i like the little brother in this drama than the one in taiwanese version. that one really irked the shit out of me while the one in the korean version was friggin adorable.
alys

i think the dramas really good
Olivia

Lol it looks good to me
I mean int the first or second episode we got to see hyun Jung SLAMMED in te face by a pillow
Idk bout u but it was pretty satisfying seeing him get violated by a sack of feathers XD
madzgo

I’m really disappointed that a lot of people in Korea (specially the young ones) are missing this very sweet teen drama. The leads are getting better in their acting and the story is realistic, heart-warming and so fun to watch.
Jung Su Mi is superb as Oh Ha Ni and Kim Hyung Joon has improved a lot in his acting as Baek Sung Jo.
sunkiss

Love it!! Whole fam loves it. So far we have watched up to episode 8. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE REST..:)
Val

I love this show. Naoki, as potrayed by KHJ, is supposed to be cold and arrogant in the comics. In this aspect, i feel KHJ is doing great overall. His acting has really improved since BOF. Can’t wait to watch episode 9 this week….
Colleen

I think the reason why the drama is so bad it’s because Kim Hyung Joong needs to take on a more mature role. He has done the high school thing already. He should be smart like Lee Min Ho and go for another role and approach on his acting. Sad to say but he needs to work on his facial expressions.
Jenn

Actually, I like the show. Granted, the first episode was unusual, but by the end of the 2nd, you know why the characters are the way they are. As for the over-acting and under-acting you all mention, it’s become clear it’s the personality of the characters themselves. It’s innocent and very day dream-ish. If you remember how you were when you were a kid – and if you can remember how to be a kid -, then you will appreciate it. I’m seeing a story line that allows the viewer to grow up with the characters. It’s not like any other show I’ve seen. I honestly feel it’s wonderful family programming geared for teens and preteens a like. I just watched episode 7 on Hulu – No sex, no violence, no cursing, no mouthing off to elders…. The stations here in the US should take a hint.
http://strangevision.wordpress.com/ Carmi

I agree, it’s such a disappointment. Although I’ve only seen up to the 3rd episode so far, so hopefully it’ll get better.
I don’t know if it’s because I keep comparing it to ISWAK, but I got frustrated at so many scenes. I dunno, I just don’t get the same excitement I did when I watched ISWAK.
As for KHJ, I think he’s doing an alright job. He’s not exactly the best actor, but I like how he’s playing his character. Although I may be biased because I’m a huge fan of his, lol.
http://www.wordpress.com/sabrinarm sabrina

KIm hyun joong to me to be honest did a great job at his character!
I guess its becauses im a huge fan of his…lol.
Amanda

I agree with the first few comments. I’m incredibly disappointed by the series. Kim Hyun Joong’s my favourite korean gasoo, and I’m a dedicated triple s, but even I think his acting is apalling. Compared to ISWAK, the series is a huge letdown. I can’t help but compare the two while I’m watch Playful Kiss – honestly, for me(drama wise)I would rather it be someone more experienced, and fit to the whole high-school thing playing Seung Jo, even though Kim Hyun Joong’s improving – but still, for the kpop fan’s he’s an ideal choice, seeing how large his fanbase is. I understand why Playful Kiss has low ratings, but then again, so did ISWAK. Just my two cents worth. :)

Alice

ABSOLUTE AGREE.
I find the girl annoying and if you look at ISWAK, all the three main leads (Ariel Lin, Joe Cheng and Jiro Wang) are highly experienced. Where as in Playful Kiss, Hyun Joong and So Min have only acted in one other drama/movie, excluding Hyun Joong’s appearance on We Got Married, which I doubt counts anyway. I can’t say anything about Taesung’s inexperience and he portrays his role rather well. But HIS HAIR. It’s incredibly stupid, and overdramatic. especially with the whole crowd of guys behind him with combs that just seem like a failed ‘Grease’ parody.

kelly

i believe kim hyun joong has put in a lot of effort in this drama. it was reported that he has less than 2 to 3 hours of sleep during some of the shooting.

not many are born geniuses and no one is born with the know-how. so, fans out there, be patient and continue to give your support. he will be there one day…
JC

If you guys don´t like it, then don´t watch it. I´ve seen the taiwanese version, I do believe Joe Cheng owns the role. And I agree to that point. But I think that as fans we should try at least to respect their work, these people are under a lot of pressure, and nobody is forcing us to watch the drama. Kim Hyun Joong is fine with me, give him a chance to do his version of the character.
2T

KHJ’s acting is not as good as the others but it is not the only reason that the drama didn’t do well.
Firstly, KHJ didn’t have much lines on this drama. The writer didn’t give him much lines to say. And his lines weren’t remarkable. HJ’s character should have a chance to show his personality on this drama.
And also the director didn’t focus on HJ’s character much, he should work on the relationship between the main leads. They should appear together more often.
Although HJ’s character was supposed to be cold and quiet, the camera should focus on him a little more such as when he was thinking quietly, or when he looked at Ha Ni, so that it would help to build up the chemistry between the 2 main characters.
Please!!! director and writer, you two should fix this, and the cameraman please let choose a better position for a better shot.
HJ’s appearances per ep weren’t much, so how could he have a chance to prove himself?
I agree that HJ needs to work on his acting, especially his facial expression. However you all should remember that KHJ is a singer originally. It takes time to get better at something, so just give him a chance.
artz

me.. just have fun n enjoy the show. it’s entertainment right? : ) plus.. we want to see HJ act better? then support him.. he’ll get better then!! so far 2 drama.. a long way to go man..fighting HJ!!
Anything, Anyone

It’s really really really nice. I think his acting improve a lot. I am not his fan, so I am not being biased. Totally hate him in BOF, but Seriously, He improved in this show. And I think they are more suitable for the role (Then Ariel and Joe, I find Ariel actings cute but sometimes it seems like you can see she IS ACTING STUPID). Oh-Ha-Ni is annoying (because of how she goes around stalking him and have no pride at all) BUT, that’s what the character should be. I think she did a wonderful job bringing out the character. As for Hyun Joong, (those who hates him, well maybe think he is really really ugly, everyone has their opinion anyway..) but I think he has a wonderful smile which is needed for this role. To me, Joe isn’t that handsome (when the character should be extreme handsome looking), and he is too monotone in the taiwan version. In the Korea one, like the anime, you will see more of the “IQ 200 Genius” emotions. I admit it can never beat the anime version, like duh, because Animes are perfect looking and the acting is drawn out. Everyone, give PK a chance, though some parts are boring, but the chemistry between them is really good.
Anything, Anyone

than*** ,Ariel’s acting is Cute***
sdjhisaouw¨9

Yeah, Please give PK a chance, I can see that both of the leads really puts in hard work in it. They must be damn depress to see their hard work all gone to waste. If you notice, Hyun Joong looks really tired… Please support PK!!
jmcho3

the drama has now improved a lot. beginning of it was really dull. but now, it is getting more and more exciting.
R3B2

kim hyung joongs acting is extemely good…i loved him in BOF and i i Love him in playful kiss. hyung joongs character is humourous and keeps me on the egde of my seat. the first few episodes showed the relationship between the two lead characters which was great and now it is geting far more interesting…cant wait to see episode 11 its not out yet in london…its going to be great!!!
xensai

the character of baek seung jo is like that. its based on the real plot. he was only portraying his character. so dont question his acting capabilities. we must support the drama in order for them to do the sequel or the second part just like in taiwan version. there you will see the different baek seung jo, a sweet and lovable baekseung jo!
a2

the only character that exceeded my expectation was baek seung jo’s mom… like in ISWAK, both of them were adorable.
DRAMAADDICT.

It was ohkkk. I watched the first episode last week though xP because since im not korean i didn’t hear about it.. but the girl Ha Ni is adorable!! hahahah funnnnyyy x) and seung jo is hot <3 <3 hahaha. the first 10 minutes was kinda stupid though. It didn't seem serious compared to the taiwanese dramas i've watched but after you get over the first 10 minutes it actually starts to get better. (:
lisa

the first ep wasn’t that bad, it wasn’t great but it was watchable. it would have been better had they cut the dream bits. the story really gets going in episode two (or it did for me), i’ve seen thru ep10 and i must say that i’m really enjoying it. it’s refreshing to watch a kdrama that isn’t completely over-the-top crazy dramatic. it’s different but very enjoyable. also, it is very similiar to the anime, which i liked, so no complaints from me. i’d say give it time and you won’t be dissapointed.
CubaRicanGirl

WOW COMPLAINTS? .. ABOUT WHAT? .. HIS ACTING?… WELL I GUESS I DO GOT TO ADMIT HIS ACTING WAS BAD AT THE BEGINNING,BUT IT GETS WAY BETTER..IM NOT AT EPISODE 12 AND WAITING FOR THE NEXT ONES TO BE PUT UP AT VIIKII.. WED/THURS.. I ADORE THE KDRAMA.. HAVENT SEEN THE TAIWANESE VERSON.. I CANT STAND HOW THEY SPEAK.. I TRIED WATCH AN DRAMA CALLED “ROMANTIC PRINCESS” WHAT A GREAT DRAMA.. BUT GOOOSSHHHH THE VOICES AND HOW THEY PERNOUNCE STUFF JUST DRIVES ME CRAZY.. ANYWAYS I WOULD GIVE PLAYFUL KISS A 10/10 OR 5 STARS.. ITS JUST THAT GOOD AND ADDITCING =)
CubaRicanGirl

WHHOOPS I MEANT IM AT EPISODE 12**… SORRY AND MEANT I TRIED WATCHING*