When I first came across Asian dramas a few years back, I was pretty amazed to find out that there are so many shows where the lead girl pretends to be a guy. And some of these dramas even have remakes. I couldn't understand why this was such a popular trope...especially when they all have the same story line? Girl gets caught up in some situation and has to disguise herself as a boy...she meets a couple of guys, becomes friends and they fall for her.
Initially, the concept didn't capture my interest and I stayed away from these dramas for a long time. But later on, I ended up watching most of these shows one by one...and I was surprised as to how much I enjoyed them. The best thing was that despite having the same basic plot line...these dramas managed to be unique and entertaining.
You're beautiful - This was my second 'girl disguised as guy' drama ( first was Hana Kimi J-version ) and my reason for watching this drama was JKS. I saw Love Rain, liked his acting and wanted to see another drama of him and found it hilarious. I know many people had second lead syndrome, but I had first and third lead syndrome here. PSH was too cutesy for my liking...but maybe that was the idea š...so it still worked.
Coffee Prince - So I had seen Goong, and found YEH a decent actress. But I didn't see what the big deal was about her, until I saw Coffee Prince. It was nice drama but what really made it work for me YEH's effortless acting. She really managed to pull off the mannerisms of a boy and I could actually believe that she could get mistaken for a guy at first glance. Liked both the male lead characters too.
Sungkyunkwan Scandal - After watching YRB and CF, I didn't expect to like this one too...but ended up liking it as well. I loved how light and breezy this one was...loved the Jalgeum Quartet...especially Yeorim and Goel-oh. The Innocent Man was my first SJK drama and I was so surprised to see him in this character. And I had major second lead syndrome here. I was so distracted by YAI, that I couldn't even focus on anything else when he was onscreen.š YC's character was boring. I adore PMY and she was very much likable here too.
Hana Kami J-Version ( 2007 ) - My first Asian gender bender. There are some things only J-dramas can pull off...the same things would actually look weird or cringe worthy in k-dramas. This drama had me in fits. It had the craziest and funniest characters. I loved all the guys so much, I wanted them all to be my friends. And after making me laugh so hard...I couldn't believe that this drama made me cry buckets in the end.š
To The Beautiful You (Hana Kimi K version) - I couldn't watch it. Gave up after two episodes. It just wasn't as interesting or a fun as the J version. I couldn't tell any of the guys apart ( I know Minho and Lee Hyun Woo)...but they couldn't really capture Sano and Nakatsu. Sulli was just too pretty to be a guy...and too girly to even be a tomboy.
Secret Garden - I am not really an SC fan. I liked some things, hated some things...so this drama doesn't really have my heart. But the leads switch bodies, so it qualifies as a gender bender and one of the things I liked about this show was how awesome Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin were, when Joo Won and Ra Im switched bodies.
What's your favorite gender bender? I know Hana Kimi has a T-version and You're beautiful has J and T versions, but I didn't watch any of those. I have heard about Painter of the wind, a sageuk drama. Any other good gender bender dramas that I missed?
UPDT
Forgot to add Bromance earlier. How was it?
Not watching Come back Mister since it's ongoing, but it also has some gender bending themes, I think.
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