Drama Offers Hot Trends, Aromatic Tale

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Tracing the unlikely romance between a tomboy (Yun Eun-hye) and a modern-day Prince Charming
(Gong Yoo), the stylishly comical TV drama “Coffee Prince” has all the right formulae for addiction
. including coffee. / Courtesy of MBC

Pretty boys, cross-dressing and clandestine romances consistently had viewers _ especially young women in their 20s and 30s _ craving for more servings of the MBC TV series "Coffee Prince." The 17-episode drama came to a close Monday, and a special behind-the-scenes feature was aired Tuesday.

Tracing the unlikely romance between a tomboy (Yun Eun-hye) and a modern-day prince charming (Gong Yoo), "Coffee Prince'' has all the typical ingredients of a Korean drama. Yet, delightfully reminiscent of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and provoking sensitivity like "sunjeong manhwa," or girl's comics, "Coffee Prince" has all the right formulae for addiction _ including coffee.

Never Never Land

The world of "Coffee Prince" is far from real, and its fantastic, cartoon-like quality is undoubtedly its biggest selling point. Colorful characters in comic circumstances keep things light: Adorable Little Prince and Peter Pan types reign here, and even the adult characters refuse to grow up. Tasteful incorporation of after effects, or computer graphic images like thought bubbles, and other cartoon-like images distanced the drama from the mundane.

Eun-chan is a hardworking 23-year-old struggling to make ends meet, supporting her childish mother and troublemaking younger sister. A series of mishaps with Han-gyeol, an easy-going, wealthy playboy, lands her a job at a cafe.

Although Coffee Prince only hires male employees, this is no problem for the tomboy, who despite having a pretty face, is armed with taekwondo kicks, monstrous appetite and stamina and a wardrobe full of boxy clothes that hide every hint of a curve. Her short hair and husky voice also mask her femininity.

Pretty Boys & Hushed Eroticism

Not surprisingly, Eun-chan and Han-gyeol become fatally attracted to each other. In this "coming of age" love story, Han-gyeol, a 29-year-old Casanova, transcends the boundaries of his sexuality to love a "boy," while Eun-chan blossoms into a grown woman beneath her boyish appearance.

"Coffee Prince" kept viewers on their toes as Eun-chan comes close to being found out that she's a girl, while Han-gyeol constantly suppresses his desire to kiss her. The heart fluttering kiss scenes between the two evoke the eroticism of "yaoi manga," or Japanese cartoons that feature homosexual liaisons between beautiful men, heightening the fantastic nature of the drama.

Three other adorable Coffee Princes or characters ranging from cute to sexy delight female viewers.

While elements of fantasy mesmerize viewers, the realistic dialogue and characters' frank attitude toward dating and other love troubles are completely relatable. The drama's two other main characters, Han-seong and Yu-ju, learn to settle down after dating on and off for 10 years, and their wisdom guide the inexperienced lovebirds, Eun-chan and Han-gyeol.

"I like you. I don't care whether you're a guy or an alien. I'm fed up trying to hide my feelings. Let's give this a try!" exclaims Han-gyeol as he finally professes his love. Such openness is well in sync with the uninhibited attitude of the younger generation toward love and sex.

Trendspotter & Trendsetter

Hit dramas here have often showcased new social trends from fashion items to dating styles. Korea has recently seen a new rise of specialty coffee shops distinguishing themselves from mega-chains like Starbucks found at almost every street corner.

Coffee Prince, the cafe that gives the series its name, embodies this trend. Viewers get a peak into the aromatic world of baristas (coffee gurus) and hand-roasted drip coffee. Unique interior spaces are all the rage, as shops parlaying an edgy style are sprouting up all over Seoul, and the chic decoration of the cafe is eye-catching.

TV series in recent years have lacked the stronghold of fashionistas like actress Kim Hee-sun, who institutionalized fashion items through her dramas in the late 1990s. But "Coffee Prince" has been dubbed a "walking fashion magazine spread" for leading man Gong Yoo. The model-turned-actor struts a clean-cut, "metrosexual" or "dandy European" style, sporting slim-fit collar shirts with the long sleeves folded and paired with neat slacks and stylish walking shoes.

The trend-spotting drama also has viewers rediscover different corners of Seoul, like a peaceful jogging track tucked away in the north part of town, a peaceful coffee spot in Hongdae and a romantic rooftop studio near Mount Namsan.

"Coffee Prince" has served its last cup of coffee here, but it has certainly left a dark coffee stain in the hearts of many. Fans of Korean drama in Japan, Taiwan and other South Asian countries can look forward to seeing the series soon, as it has already been exported to numerous countries, according to MBC.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2...8/201_9222.html

The Final Review: Farewell My Coffee Prince!

From all over the globe everyone has been cheering as to how Yoon Eun Hye and Gong Yoo's recent drama was well made. I joined the Coffee Prince Crusade since the beginning of the drama and from my personal point of view I would say that the Casts and Production of the drama has truly made a difference. Unlike any other Korean drama that we normally watch, Coffee Prince doesn’t have the character villain, where there will be a third or fourth character in a relationship and try to destroy the main couple. With Coffee Prince, they tackled more on the developing of a relationship between two people and also their relationship with their peers. Each character in the drama was well acknowledged by the viewers. They’ve performed their character well even to those with the smallest part. Each was recognized and was loved by everyone. I’ve seen Gong Yoo’s other films and I would have to say that he’s a really a good actor but wasn’t really credited enough. Here at Coffee Prince people have been praising him and eagerly waiting for his next project but unfortunately he’ll be away for two years for his military service. That’s right, just like Song Seung Heon at the peak of his career he went to serve his military career.

Last night’s final episode have left a lot of viewers in amazement. Some were a little bit disappointed as to how the drama ended but many still compromised and value the ending as exceptional. Yoon Eun Hye’s performance was something that every viewer has expected. Her acting skills were recognized by a lot of viewers during Goong and yet she showed more… more than everyone has expected. I for one was astonished as to how both YEH and GY did in the drama. They’ve truly brought Han Gyul and Eun Chan’s character into life.

FAREWELL MY COFFEE PRINCE!

CREDIT: babiplucki

Coffee Prince: The Final Cup (Long Preview)

(The Final Cup - Long Preview)

VIDEO CREDIT: tuesdhei / rebby @ soompi / iMBC

HK puts on his pants: Did you sleep well?
EC nods
HK: it's already morning
EC: Oh no, I'm going to get beaten to death by my mum, i didn't tell her i was staying out for the night
HK: I'll go with you to tell your mum
EC inside the blanket: No, i'll go myself. Where are my clothes.
HK: They've fallen over here, I'll pick it up for you
EC: It's okay, i'll pick it up myself (Picks up clothes while inside the blanket) I feel embarassed, Can you go somewhere else?
HK kneels down: I'm just looking at what's mine, what's wrong with that? (picks up pillow) When did this fall down here?
EC: wait a moment
HK picks up EC and puts her onto the bed: You change clothes, I'll go...


EC's mum is getting breakfast ready: EC's not coming down?
ES: After doing morning exercises, she went off to work
EC mum: Without eating breakfast? I didn't hear her going out
ES: Maybe she was afraid to wake you up, so she was careful? Seemed like she needed to make a morning delivery.
EC Mum: Where did she go, without eating breakfast?
ES: Wait a moment (mumbles to self) I'm really going crazy

EC: EUNSAE!
ES: Have you gone crazy? You were with Sajangnim Ajusshi last night, weren't you? Asking you is pointless. Listen, i said that after you did morning exercises you went back to the store, So don't come home and go straight to work.
EC: I understand, Thanks
ES: You owe me a big one, you know?
EC: i'm hanging up
ES: had the nerve to [get into trouble type of thing] before me...

HK: Home, right? Need to give your sister more pocket money>
EC: What pocket money? It'll spoil her.

YJ: cleaned the bathroom in the morning, what else did i do? That's right, also prepared soup for when my husband comes back. No, i have to go back to the studio in a moment. I have things i need to do, ajusshi is going overboard. For HS's child, can't work hard, can't see friends. I'm working towards that and you're still like this. It's alright! (and then she goes into pain)
YJ on IV drip (because all kdramas need a few IV drip scenes XD)
HS: sleep for a while longer

At the store
EC is cleaning
HK: Hey, why are you always cleaning? Is it because you're leaving that you're going things so half-assly. You can't be like that, you should clean until it's squeaky clean
EC: okay i understand, squeaky clean
HK: Don't wipe where it's already been wiped. See here, You need to wipe the corner as well.
EC: I've already wiped there
HK: you need to be more careful, you need to wipe there
EC: I understand, need to continue wiping down there
HK: Here's alright, i'll wipe. The places that aren't easy to wipe, should be left to you. You have strength.
EC: Don't you have anything to do? (i.e. are you really that bored?)
HK: Don't have anything to do? Are you looking down on sajangnim? Just continue doing what i've told you to do. There, by the door, it's accumulated alot of dust,
EC: i understand
HK: Here, like this. Where are you going? Not there. Ai...what is this? Open it up and take a look?
EC: They're shoes...
HK: Come try it on
EC: Can't, they're the customers...
HK: Baristas need to stand for long periods of time, so these shoes will definitely be comfortable
EC Did sajangnim hide these? How did you now how big my feet were?
HK: the size of one hand/ it's one hand long
EC tries on the shows: you really move people's hearts

Fr kholysea

credits: as above and kdocn; yinsyung@soompi

BACK TO COFFEE PRINCE'S PAGE

Coffee Prince: Fifteenth Cup's Preview

A short preview for tomorrow's episode - August 20, 2007

MBC, 9:55pm Korean Time

CREDIT: tuesdhei

Episode Recap will be posted the next day

SPOILER: Spicing It Up for Fifteenth Cup

Seems like our Coffee Prince lead couple are working real hard to make this drama the best one in history.

Can't wait for tonight's episode?...

Here are some spicy snapshots to get you more excited for "Coffee Prince's Fifteenth Cup"

Scenes that you will definitely be looking forward to...

Scenes that everyone's been waiting for...

Scenes that will make you fall in love head over heels with...

Want more excitement?...

Seems like somebody's going to propose...

Had enough excitement?

An engagement ring or a couple's ring?...
hmmm....
let's just wait and see...

Watch the Preview HERE for Fifteenth Cup

Gong Yoo: "Leaving to serve his Military Service after Coffee Prince"

Westerners say that death and taxes are the only things in life that can't be avoided.

For Korean males, the aphorism can be modified to death, taxes and military service. Actor Gong Yoo is slated for conscription this October, joining the ranks of men, famous and unknown, who have served their country.

According to the Office of Military Manpower Administration, Gong, 28, will serve at a station in Uijeongbu-dong, Gyeonggi, starting Oct. 9. He will undergo the six weeks of bootcamp required for new conscripts.

He said previously that he would enter service after completing his current mini-series in which he costars with singer-turned-actress Yoon Eun-hye.
However, his label, sidusHQ, said Gong hasn't formally received an enlistment warrant but it was likely he would serve later this year.

The star, whose real name is Gong Ji-cheol, rose to stardom after his debut in KBS's teen series, "Hakgyo 4". Most recently, he has earned rave reviews as an acerbic but charmingly rich single man in the Korean mini-series, "Coffee Prince Branch No. 1" ("Coffee Prince"). His character falls in love with a female waiter masquerading as a man.

By Renee Park

Source : joongangdaily.joins.c... ( English Korean )


A post from a fan in Asian Fanatic's Forum:

Ladies … seems like "Coffee Prince" is Gong Yoo’s last project because the guy is apparently enlisted for his military service …. *cry my heart out* The news have it, “he was supposed to be enlisted in May 2007 but due to the shooting of this drama, his agency had requested for a delay of his enlisting until late August 2007. So this drama will probably be GY’s last drama.”

For this matter a Japanese website offered his lucky fans to watch the Coffee Prince’s Final Episode together with Gong Yoo by joining the touring party. This activity is planned by Sidus HQ, the original schedule was set up from August 20, 2007 (Monday) - August 22 (Wednesday), however, due to the possibility of extension of the drama, the touring party may change to August 22 - 29 (predetermined).

A number of 300 people (from the Japanese Group) + Fan Club members from South Korea will watch the final episode together with Gong Yoo. HERE IS THE JAPANESE WEBSITE


Source: Dabin9307@soompi + soompi / Asian Fanatics
Credit: ShenYue@shenyuepop.com

Coffee Prince @ The Set - July 31, 2007

I met up with YEH on the 31st of July, at the set of her drama "Coffee Prince".The first thing I heard from the set was YEH shouting out "hey! we've finished early today! Lets go eat!!"Through this drama YEH has become South Korea's token tomboy, and it was evident even outside the set that she was still in the character of EunChan, as she was walking like her character with confident strides to greet me.

Reporter: How do you feel about being praised for your acting by the producers and viewers, with comments such as "the level of acting has improved", "YEH has become a smart/sharp actress".

YEH: Oh my... im just thankful that they are watching me favourably. Honestly, its not like this drama is making me out to be beautiful. But thankfully, people are finding "eunchan" adorable, and in turn im receiving the love being reflected off this adorable character.

Reporter: How did you feel when you were presented with the role of "eunchan", of which you had to play a girl disguised as a guy?

YEH: It would be true in saying i did feel a bit burdened by this role. But in so saying, ive been able to present "eunchan" well, with much help and encouragement from the director and my fellow actors (smiles)You know, before we got into the official shooting of this drama, the staff members and I did a lot of research in terms of how guys act and talk even to the minute details. But ofcourse we didnt forget the fact that both "eunchan" and I are female. And of course the viewers also know that both "eunchan" and I are females, so I really tried hard to combine both the manliness and feminineness into the character of "eunchan". And it seems the fans are viewing it in a favorable way.

YEH made her debut as a singer when she joined the then-famous girl group Baby VOX in 1999 when she was only in middle school.And only 2 years after making her appearance in drama's she has already made a name for herself as an actress.YEH has now been recognised for her ability to thoroughly analyze and breakdown her characters and for this has been included in the list of well sought after actresses.

Reporter: This drama has been televised up to episode 10, so far which scene has been the most memorable to you? are you able to pick out a favourite scene?

YEH: Even with the number of episodes that have so far been televised, viewers have said that there have been many memorable scenes. But ill tell you now, there will be many many even more memorable scenes coming up, and from episode 11 and onwards, there will be many sad scenes.

Reporter: Ending remarks

YEH: Once again, i want to thank the viewers for tuning in to "Coffee Prince" despite it being the holiday period. And it would be grateful if you would please continue to love both "Eunchan" and I.

When I asked for a picture, it was again evident that YEH was still in her character. Just before this interview, YEH had finished shooting a scene where she was crying, so her eyes were red and puffy and her face was without any makeup. When I asked, at first she thought "how can i looking like this", but after briefly contemplating, with a big "eunchan-like" smile she asked that we "take her picture well" and striked an "eunchan-like" pose.

source: star@mtstarnews.com

credit for eng. translation: smr05 of soompi