Lee Wan

Drama Details
Title: Pool Ha-woo-seu
Episodes: 16
Broadcasted by: KBS
Broadcast year: 2004-07-14 to 2004-09-02

Drama Review
A naive, cheerful albeit, somewhat of a recluse writer, Ji Eun (Song Hye Gyo) is swindled out of everything she owns. Not by strangers, but her best friends! Stranded in another country, she is determined to get home, only to find that all which is precious to her has been sold. In an attempt to get her possessions back, she has "sell her soul."

A story about love and heartbreak, sadness and self-preservation. In spite of it all, Ji Eun manages to be humorous and endearing - even when her heart is breaking. Adorable and sweet, Full House is full of great acting and enjoyable characters and brings to life a wonderful story of endearing relationships which compensate its replica episodes. Most notable is the gorgeous Song Hye Gyo and her unwavering performance as the charismatic Han Ji-eun. Also, the story provides surprisingly likeable characters with each having a crafted purpose to contribute to building the plot. Although the latter episodes begin to tie down the drama with repeated cause-and-affect situations, fans of Song Hye Gyo will not be disappointed with her presentation in Full House.

Adding a fresh character to her works, Song Hye Gyo takes front-and-center stage with her performance as Han Ji-eun. Effortlessly, she is able to put aside her renowned performances of old with an adorable giggle and a vibrant smile that even shines through her eyes. She brings realism to the character showing Ji-eun’s phpiration and determination, her laughter and happiness, her foolishness and regret. Undoubtedly, Song Hye Gyo plays this role naturally opposite attractive Bi or Jung Ji-hoon and his fitting performance as Lee Young-jae. Of course, both stars are fortunate to play a part in a drama with well written characters.

The drama is flavored with different types of likeable characters that similarly push the story forward with their foolish actions. First, Ji-eun and Young-jae thoughtlessly enter into a contract marriage even though they obviously loathe each other. Meanwhile, sly-fox Hye-won desperately tries to sustain Young-jae’s companionship despite his marriage. Then, deciding to get involved because of the way Young-jae treats his wife, Min-hyuk knowingly risks their friendships and challenges Young-jae's love for Ji-eun. Finally, the top tier of this foolish cake is the surprisingly enjoyable friends of Ji-eun, Dong-wook and Hee-jin. These two continuously give the plot momentum with their hasty chatter and clever lies. All in all, the characters’ irrational personalities are balanced with decency and purpose.

Towards the end, the drama slow downs and the foolish love-war relationship between Ji-eun and Young-jae is redundant. Whether she is apologizing for upsetting him and doing the housework to makeup for her actions or he is, the same set up and execution is used for several episodes and begins to get old.

Still, Full House ranks as a must see drama. Song Hye Gyo is a sure hit while the story’s characters are easily revered despite their faults. With a little tolerance for excessiveness, viewers can walk away from Full House with hearts full of contentment.

The music of Full House enhances the audience’s love for its characters. Songs like Why’s 'Unh Myung (translated to 'Fate', track one), Byul’s (Star) I think I (track 4), and even Lee Jung Hee’s 'Geh Deh Ji Geum' (not featured on OST) beautifully express Young-jae’s and Ji-eun’s inner struggles. Sung with strong conviction from Young-jae’s position, Unh Myung has tender lyrics, “Like a fool, I’m regretting this late…I wished that it wouldn’t be you.” (KBFD translations) On the other hand, 'Geh Deh Ji Geum' and 'I think I', speaks of the Ji-eun’s overwhelming feelings. It is lovely music for a lovely drama.