Lie to Me—the Drama I Adored Until I Realized There Are Better Dramas Out There

  Wow. What a long title. It's true, though. I watched this drama early on in my life as a kdrama addict. At that point I didn't really analyze much about the dramas I watched, but just let myself get caught up in the Need to Know that happens with dramas. Looking back, I'm not sure I would even finish this drama now. Except I probably would. Because it's drama crack.

  So how is this drama so great? Intellectually, it isn't. It's kinda bad. But it stars Kang Ji Hwan and Yoon Eun Hye. And, really, that was the most amazing thing to happen to Lie to Me. The premise was okay, if contrived, but the writing wasn't really that great, and the story meandered woefully, especially after the halfway point. Also, the (4!) second leads were mostly forgettable, although other characters weren't. I really loved Manager Park and Secretary Park, as well as Gong Ah Jung's dad and his rival in love, the sweetly pining Hwang Suk Bong. I think the actors for these roles all realized their characters were written as mostly scenery, but decided to make them the best supporting characters possible. With nuances. And they did a pretty good job of it. 

  (I guess one of the second leads wasn't so bad—So Ran was memorable for her utter obnoxiousness and manipulative. . . ity. She's also the major catalyst for the plot, so there's that. In watching History of the Salaryman, I realize that Hong Soo Hyun really is a better actress than evidenced in Lie to Me, but she probably needs a good script/director in order to do so.)

  That leaves us with Kang Ji Hwan and Yoon Eun Hye. They really make this show. They had amazing chemistry and went all out in this drama. Those actors are superb in their ability to make this story so watchable, and it's this talent that makes you keep going even when the plot seems to lose it's way. Plus, Ki Joon is just so charming and likeable, especially when he smiles or bursts out laughing. So, without rambling more, I present the highlights:

  Gong Ah Jung's crazy antics:

Spilling tomato juice, then playing dead.

The swan boats.

Incognito

Say what, now?

And the sweet and tender moments:

Under the cherry blossoms.

Staring at the dinner party.

I love how he kisses her because he just can't help himself. Even in front of everyone. Also, I'm ashamed to admit how many times I watched this part. Let's just say it was around 3 times. Yeah, 3 is a good number.

Who could forget the Coke fight?

Or the Coke kisses?

No dates for you!

I'm on your phone.

Waiting to hijack Ah Jung's trip to Jejudo.

I just love parent-boyfriend drinking competitions!

  So, in going back through this drama to grab screenshots, I was definitely reminded why I loved this drama to begin with. It has its faults, especially in the second half, but it's a fun ride. There's plenty of comedy throughout, and the relationship between Ki Joon and Gong Ah Jung is sweet and all the right kind of crazy for me to have enjoyed watching it. It may not be the best drama, but it's great if you're in the mood for something light and a bit neurotic.