I am not well aware that this Power Couple of Korean drama is back in the big screen after their famous drama - Stairway To Heaven, it's been 12 years since then. Temptation is a 2014 South Korean television series starring Kwon Sang-woo, Choi Ji-woo known as Cholo and Jodi in my country, Philippines. And now they are back! with co-star Lee Jung-jin and Park Ha-sun.
Temptation is a story about this married couple Cha Seok-hoon (Kwon Sang-woo) and Na Hong-joo (Park Ha-sun). Their marriage was put on test when Seok-hoon business went down and now facing multiple loans from bank and loan sharks. They flew to Hong Kong to find Seok-hoon business partner who took all their business money and later commit suicide because he loss the money. While in Hong Kong they accidentally meet Yoo Se-young (Choi Ji-woo) a hotel heiress. She is workaholic and a headstrong leader, no interest in love or marriage. Before coming to Hong Kong she was being diagnose with tumor. To her amusement of Seok-hoon and Hong-joo married life. She offer the Seok-hoon, an offer he can't resist because it would save his business problem, as long as he will stay for 3 days together with her. He was furious and confuse and told his wife about the offer. Na Hong-joo was very furious and begged Seok-hoon to leave, to go back to Korea and forget the offer. But the latter stayed, and everything turned up side down.
Even if nothing like "one night stand" happened between Se-young and Seok-hoon. It was merely purely business, Seok-hoon became her Secretary, helping Se-young with business related stuffs. While on the other hand Hong-joo was devastated just by the thought that her husband is with other woman. I feel for her, not because I'm married, but seriously. I think its normal to feel that way. Human nature! I was even thinking the script would head that way but turn out its not. Which unbelievable because if its in real life, for sure they would do the thing Hong-joo is thinking. Their marriage is unable to survive because of lack of trust, which they eventually got divorce. While Se-young finds herself genuinely falling for Seok-hoon as well as him and the only thing that keeping him not to follow his heart is because he is married, and somehow still love his wife. So he tried his best to keep the marriage but Hang-joo was too hurt and close-minded. Plus she find herself busy and attached to Roy (Jo Hwi-joon) the kid she encountered in Hong Kong. He is the son out of wedlock from Kang Min-woo (Lee Jung-jin) who is eyeing Hang-joo ever since they first meet in Hong Kong. But Min-woo is also married and has 4 children including Roy.
LESSON I'VE LEARNED FROM THIS DRAMA
There are numerous lesson I learned just by watching this drama.
- MONEY
Indeed money is the most evil thing in this world. Because of Se-young's money she instantly bought Seok-hoon moral and I can't blame him for doing so. Regardless of the circumstances, I know its wrong but in reality I think I would do the same, considering it would save myself and most especially my family - the people I love, Why not? Still, its wrong to manipulate someone just because you are above them.
- TRUST
The most expensive thing in the world is Trust. It can take years to earn and just a matter of seconds to lose. This is literally what happened to Seok-hoon and Hang-joo. They been married for so long, and yet with single mistake everything was loss. With Hang-joo's case, I can't help but pity on her. She feel neglected, not just as wife but as a person. She is helpless. But I've I were in her shoes I would understand my husband, talk things out. And move forward. You know in this world no one is perfect everyone make mistakes, just make sure your mistake is worth it. From open-minded point of view. I think what Seok-hoon did is forgivable.
- LOYALTY
Is very important in every relationship, like trust once this is broken its hard to fix. Seok-hoon action is quite admirable because even if Hang-joo is suspicious with his decision. He still remain loyal to Hang-joo even after Se-young told him that she was falling in love with him. He still choose her wife and marriage. The thing that Hang-joo is failing. She loss trust and loyalty to her marriage and relationship which leads to their divorce.
Aside from the main leads issues about loyalty, there is someone in this drama that really draws my attention and that is Lawyer Choi. Even if he was later scouted with Kang Min-woo's company his loyalty remain true and sincere with Se-young. Watch this drama and find out ;)
- POWER
Another evil thing in the world is power. Having this is scary especially if your using it in an evil way. Because of Hang-joo's desire to take revenge to Se-young and Seok-hoon she use Kang Min-woo's money and power to get back the duo. Even if she doesn't have feelings towards to Min-woo she still marries him. In return Min-woo will take revenge in her favor. Really bad! Bad moves! Bad example to young viewers!
- LOVE
I admire Se-young when she step back and respect Seok-hoon's decision. It really shows how she love him. Even after the divorce of Seok-hoon and Hang-joo she waited until Seok-hoon will sort things out and start anew. Please don't hate Se-young it wasn't her fault (I think) that Seok-hoon and Hang-joo broke-up. I thinked its more on Hang-joo faults because she is close minded. She never believe Seok-hoon even if he proves himself that he did nothing wrong. Still Hang-joo is so close minded. Because of her lack of trust their marriage failed. Which later she realized she is at fault of everything.
- MARRIAGE
I grew up knowing that marriage is a sacred thing, even if divorce and annulment is around the corner. In this drama it shows the other way around. Will maybe because Korea is one of the highest divorce rate in the world. Compared to Philippines who is very sensitive with that matter. My views with this, is that if marriage is worth saving, then save it! Don't just let go easily just because things are not okay. Marriage does not promise happiness all the times. Trials come in order to test your relationship to make it strong even strong.
- COMMUNICATION
Very important in every relationship. Seok-hoon and Hang-joo's married life is lack with communication. Right after what happened in Hong Kong Seok-hoon returned home and tried his best to explain Hang-joo what really happened while Hong Joo chooses to stew in her own feelings, feed her growing paranoia and run away instead of confronting what’s eating their relationship.
MY RATINGS: 3/10
As much as I love Kwon Sang-woo and Choi Ji-woo this drama has poor story line with horrible ending. The writer ruined their sweet couple image in Stairway To Heaven. Feels like this drama is another victim of the live shooting system that most Korean dramas utilize. Looks like this intentionally cut short. Maybe because of poor ratings? Because of that I am giving this drama 3/10 the lowest rating I've given so far. Not because it has poor story line. But because of it's message to it's viewers. This drama conveys the viewers, that if your RICH go ahead buy people to your heart content. Anytime! Anyhow! Because in reality people can be bought. Go for it! Who cares with morals!
So wrong! I get it writers are being paid to write a story to entertain people, but please don't forget to include the lesson your viewers will get from your story. If not for Kwon Sang-woo and Choi Ji-woo I may not have kept my attention until the end.
End Note:
In this drama I found out that Tina - Jenny's friend mother of Roy. Has the same name as mine - Maria Cordero - Daebak!!! She is a singer, actress, TV host and DJ from Macau ;)
End Note:
In this drama I found out that Tina - Jenny's friend mother of Roy. Has the same name as mine - Maria Cordero - Daebak!!! She is a singer, actress, TV host and DJ from Macau ;)
Have you been watching Temptation? What do you think about it? Share your thoughts and leave your comments below! Happy Drama Watching Everyone!!!
(PS. All picture grabbed from google credits to its owner)
