*I intended to focus on Princess Hours only, but in the end I ended up reviewing both Kdramas because of the similarities*I knew it! I knew it! Time and time again I was always right! I shouldn't have tried to watch this show! Well, because now I'm still addicted to it eventhough I finished the whole series already. Drats. I'm still stuck in the palace. I can't get out. I have to get out! I feel as if I'm one of those servants that keeps saying "De, mama" (is that right? I dunnot the spelling!).
I did not want to watch the show initially because they were high school students. Okay the characters are, but the actors and actresses are not. Wahahahaha! Yipee! Well for your information the actress who played Shin Chae-Kyong (Janelle in the Phil. dubbed version) was born on Oct. 3, 1984. While the actor who played Lee Shin (Gian) was born on May 16, 1982. Also, would you believe the actor who played Lee Yool (Troy) was born on the year 1980! he does not look like someone with that age! i mean I'm sure they were at least 2 years younger when they shot the series, but still! He loks so young!!! Anyway, as for Min, she was born on the year 1981. Yehey, at least I'm younger than them! LOL!
Okay, okay, enough with the age! At least after watching it I knew I still can relate with it.
The series has so many similarities with Full House, which is another Korean soap. First of all, I both love them. Hehe! Next, both the lead actors were not my type at first (Rain and Lee Shin), but the longer I looked at them, the more I realized that they are really good looking. take note, both of them also have very small eyes that seems unattractive at first glance only. But when they smile...yey! Hehe!
Next, let me focus on the pesonalities of the lead characters. I'll go first with the lead female characters of both shows. janelle of Princess Hours and Jessie of Full House are both lovely caharcters that are perky, funny, clumsy and seem immature. Both of them are also unloved at first by their object of affection (Huhu!). But because of their sweetness, they eventually won their hearts.
Then let me compare similarities between Prince Gian of Princess Hours and Justin of Full House. Both are very popular with the girls (duh, one is aprince and the other is an actor). They are also coldhearted, haughty and loves to tease their partners (Janelle and Jessie). Both also have problems with a girl they really want initially (lorraine for Justi and Monique for Gian). Both of them also has a problem with their father. Justin wants to prove that he can really be independent while Prince Gian wants to show that he really has potential to be the next emperor for South Korea.
Next focus would be on Monique of Princess Hours and Lorraine of Full House. Both characters are lovely, sophisticated and talented. The exact opposite of the other female lead characters. Both also love the lead actors (Prince Gian and Justin) but they have problems with them. Monique does not want to get married with Prince Gian because being a princess would hinder her dream to become an international ballerina. As for Lorraine, actually she was really in-love w/ Luigi (their friend) initially. It was too late when she realized her love for Justin.
Lastly, let me discuss regarding the 2nd lead actors for both shows, Prince Troy and Luigi. These guys both possess ideal characteristics that any woman would swoon for. Both are sweet, gentle, caring, sophisticated, rich, handsome etc! But unfortunately the woman they love have eyes for someone else. To think that particular guy is portrayed as the opposite of their sweet personality! It seems that the sweet guys don't get the girl? Not actually, but maybe because it is cuter to watch a haughty guy being changed into a sweet guy because of the love of a woman. Ayiiii!!!! Yeah, you may feel sorry for Prince Troy and Luigi but that's how the story goes.
I'm finished with the character comparisons. Let me now move to the plot comparison. Okay, I may have revealed some already in my character description. Both shows have a forced marriage involved. The Full House couple must comply with a contract (that was made due to the confusion made regarding the ownership of FULL HOUSE). As for the Royal Couple of Princess Hours, they were victims of an arranged marriage planned by their grandfathers. At first, both disliked each other, but as the story moved on, they eventually realized their feelings for each other. Of course, you can't miss out the frequent bickerings between the couples. Both shows also have the "Love Square" conflict. The issue of divorce was also brought up for both couples. But of course it did not push through anyway. Different setting, sifferent characters but same love story that will truly leave a mark on you. Plus, both have a very nice soundtrack that will make you want to play it again and again.
