Nae ireumeun Kim Sam-soon (2005) User Reviews

Comical at its best.

[dy158 · 9/10 · 26 June 2006]

My mother had actually watched umpteen times of this on the DVD she had bought. It almost incur the 'wrath' and became the joke of the family of her likeness towards to this drama/comedy. I am starting to really embrace the Korean wave and after seeing how much my mother loves it, I watched it too.

I had heard that this is somehow like a Korean version of sorts to 'Bridget Jones's Diary'. I had never watched that movie though.

Sam-soon is a single 30-year-old. Though her plump appearance may turned some down, she always take things in her stride. Being a baker has always been what she wanted to do and she did even went Le Cordo Bleu (fyi...it's one of the most famous cooking schools in the world) in France to realise her ambition.

At the beginning of the series, she realised her boyfriend had been seeing someone else and so she broke up with him. Imagine it happened on Christmas Eve. But, that is the start of the meeting with a hotelier's son who actually owned a restaurant on his own who needed a baker for his restaurant. With even the ex-boyfriend trying to get her back, it's kind of exciting and a little comical at times. Also even with the girlfriend of the hotelier's son coming back for a holiday from her studies in America, everything became almost so complicated.

I have to frankly admit, the guy playing the ex-boyfriend is actually kind of handsome as well, other than the hotelier's son. Okay, this is just me.

If you can find out that there's subtitles involved and/or dubbing included if your local TV station is showing, it's good if you are not so much aware of the Korean language. Given the DVD where I watched it from has Mandarin subtitles and dubbing as well, I can catch what is happening.

Really. Comical at its best. I don't know how many times I had laughed when watching. No wonder my mother is right about it...

One of the better KTV melodramas out there!

[cremea · 8/10 · 11 November 2012]

My Lovely Sam-Soon aka Kim Sam-Soon.

Yay!...I see other people have already reviewed this show sufficiently enough, and fairly accurately in my opinion (except for that tool from India). Not much for me to add here, so I won't waste much time other than a few comments below.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

This show is really good overall for this genre, and, it features a nice mix of typical KTV melodrama fare combined with an otherwise straightforward adult drama. You do get your hunky doctor, beauty with cancer, various love angles, etc...But the main focus is on the life of the lead character; she's an overweight (by KTV drama standards), single, down on her luck, woman who's quickly approaching middle age.

I really like how this show portrays the main character as neither pitiable or without merit. Instead, she's quite "normal", well grounded, and really charming. This is an unusual and refreshing choice to be the focal point and main love interest of a KTV melodrama (as opposed to the status quo of some super thin young beauty who needs to be saved by, or take advantage of, some good looking rich dude).

Lead actress is terrific, and, she's deserves a lot of credit for taking this role on; she is actually a super thin beauty in real life who put on a lot of weight just to play the part, and, she absolutely nails this role!... The rest of the main cast is quite good too overall, and, I particularly enjoyed the performances of some of the secondary characters; the lead character's older sister being chief among them.

Bottom Line: 8 out of 10 stars!...I loved it!...VERY WELL RECOMMENDED!

Great Story Translates Well Across Cultures

[janqb · 8/10 · 18 March 2006]

*** CONTAINS SPOILERS *** What a surprise to come across a Korean melodrama that is so heart-warming and a female character that is as endearing and lovable as Kim Sam Soon. Although by no means fat, ugly or plain by American standards (what kinds of insane standards of beauty are Korean women living by?!?), Sam Soon is not particularly striking and sits on the low end of the totem pole in relation to the hordes of pretty, skinny young things that surround her in the drama. Many of Sam Soon's problems are universal ones that women face, such as poor self-image, lack of confidence, unfaithful boyfriends, and a gnawing fear of one's biological clock ticking away. How she triumphs is through determination and a recognition that she can make it on her own, boyfriend or no boyfriend (this is evidenced in her decision to open up her own pastry shop with her sister later in the story).

The script is well-paced and well-written with clever dialogue (some in Korean that unfortunately fly past those of us who don't speak the language) and even more clever scenarios that I promise will have you rolling around laughing. Sam Soon's character is no dainty princess; like a bull in a china shop, she bowls over anyone--man or woman--that stands in her path. She triumphs over prettier and younger women not by wits or a makeover, but by mostly by brute strength.

I can't help feeling uneasy about how Sam Soon and other female characters are too much at the mercy of their men. When Sam Soon's love interest tries to seduce her, conveniently "forgetting" that he is already in a committed relationship, Sam Soon's reason for refusing him is that she wanted to lose 10 - 20 lbs first. Perhaps this was a superficial explanation obscuring the complex undercurrent of meanings that flows through their conversations (ie, the real reason is not her weight but the fact that he is already in a relationship but she doesn't want to confront him about it). However, if Sam Soon's comment was meant literally, then I am frustrated by the writer's decision to present such a flaccid model of womanhood.

Overall, this melodrama is very entertaining, well-acted, has great dialogue, and funny scenes that translate well across cultures. You can watch a grainy, low-res version of the entire series at YouTube.com by typing in "My Name is Kim Sam Soon eps 1".

Something different, something familiar...

[hokensongirl · 10/10 · 16 November 2006]

How do you know if the series is doing well? For "My Lovely Samsoon", critics did not have to look far with the increase of inquiries on pastry-chefs, bakeries finding themselves running out of stock exponentially faster and even bookstores selling the German children's book "MOMO" caught off guard. When the locations of filming also because guided tour-sites, there was little left to wonder.

Such was the craze that swept South Korea and eventually many other Southeast Asian countries with the release of this koreanovella.

I was not a fan prior to watching "My lovely Samsoon". In fact, I was quite the skeptic. Knowing how Asia's film/series industry cater to unrealistic love stories I was actually getting ready to thrash this series to pieces.

Yet it was such a wonderful surprise as I finished the 16 episodes and now re-watching every single one for the umpteenth times! I don't want to bore you with big words and exaggerations.

Realistic dialogs, direct yet layered storytelling and cinematography, superb acting are only some of the delightful quirks and twists one will find this series.

I don't understand a word of Korean but it didn't matter.

Enjoy! ;-)

As Good As A K-TV Series Will Ever Get

[Xiayu · 9/10 · 3 March 2006]

My Name is Kim Samsoon (sometimes called My Lovely Samsoon) is original, funny, clever and a genuine breakthrough TV series.

Allegedly fat, old and plain (that is, she's not skinny, coming up 30, and she doesn't wear make-up and skin-tight clothes), Samsoon is a pastry chef who stumbles into a job by slamming a home-made mango mousse in the face of her future employer, owner of a Western-style cuisine restaurant. Through this unlikely event, she becomes an indispensable member of his staff, and eventually a beloved part of his life. On paper it looks like a cookie-cutter K-Comedrama. This couldn't be further from the truth.

To enumerate the twists and turns of the series is almost doing it a disservice. For instance: there's a potentially terminal illness; a car accident resulting in two deaths and two traumatised survivors; a 'love contract' that would never happen in real life; and past love affairs that ended miserably and continue to affect the present. All these ideas have been explored before, but never in quite the way they are tackled here.

The series has a lot to say about the role of Korean women, male-female dynamics and control, class, money, obedience and tradition, self-worth, and the value society places on physical beauty and a feminine ideal to which a woman like Samsoon could never and would never conform. But it's all handled with tremendous humour and intelligence, and frequently with genuine pathos.

Played with zest and conviction by lead actress Kim Seon-a, Samsoon, third daughter of a grist-mill owner, has had only a basic formal education. She has a tart mouth and a temper, ready to use her fists when wronged, but she's multi-dimensional, quick-witted, ready to defend herself and others, gentle and compassionate, and capable of great depth and loyalty. She's believable because she's occasionally annoying, sometimes immature, and often hopelessly sentimental.

The role of the rich, fussy, arrogant restaurant Boss (Hyeon Jin-heon) is played by Hyeon Bin with an iciness that's underscored by sadness. The reasons for his thoughtless behaviour start to become more clear when we see his relationship with his sometimes shrewish mother, whom he almost exclusively refers to, with great sarcasm, by her job title. It's a tricky role, because we as an audience are also supposed to grow to love him, as Samsoon eventually does, but it's no easy task: the script calls upon this character to say and do some truly cruel things, but it is balanced by the demonstration of his obvious love for his niece, and the gradual revelation that his heart had been completely broken, and not just once.

Of course, it's not perfect. Some of the other roles are a little underwritten, particularly those of 'love rival' Yoo Hee Jin (played by Jeong Ryeo-won), and that of Henry Kim (Daniel Henney), the Korean-American doctor who appears unexpectedly and further fans the flames. There are a few too many contrivances, but overall this sixteen episode series is uniformly well-acted, especially by some of the minor characters like Samsoon's mother. Kim Seon-a's comic-timing is frequently incredible, and she's a pleasure to watch, as is the entire series.

Highly recommended.

One note: The English subtitles are indifferent and occasionally incompetent, but if you can read Chinese or speak Korean, this won't be a problem. Ultimately, it's unlikely to spoil your enjoyment.

That's Why I'm So Great Effort To Support "My Lovely Kam Samsoon"

[lolettayam · 10/10 · 2 June 2006]

Dear All,

My friends always asked me : "Why do you so like the drama "My Lovely Kam Samsoon" the most ?

A 30 yrs. woman parted with her boyfriend, lost the job & a series unfortunate can be found in her. Who is she ? She's Kam Samsoon, a fat & looks not pretty woman, what's going on of her ? Did she shocked her mind in addition, be retreated ? Absolutely, not, she faced to the hard time and sick of the tick, hate of the bully.

When she met Jin Heon and begins a new Chapter, He's a cool man and has a kind-hearted and a handsome, rich young gentleman. They've different background, however they're going together as Samsoon is a natural and frank girl. Samsoon has an optimist and so brave to face her true love regardless success or not. If I've the same situation, I may be to give up and choice to escape so that why I'm so constant to support this drama.

In the meantime, women always to face the high-pressure that come from job, family, marriage, especially for the single women. Not only in Korea, there is the same problem in Hong Kong and make us can't to bear it. In the drama, Samsoon always to join the marriage date and to face the harsh partner as she want to find the true love, actually in Korea it's the true life and that's why that drama is so popular in Korea and in Asia. If a woman over 30 yrs. is still single may be discriminated by the people in Asia. Oh ! That's so unfair to the women.

How a wonderful drama that make me so unforgettable and many circumstances are still in my mind and Samsoon teaches me to face the challenge and "just to do what you want" as time is not waiting for a man. So excited to watch that splendid drama, it always make me smile, cries, and feel aches. As the story required, SUNA needs to increase weight for a short time, actually she had increase 8 kg. during the filming period that makes her not well after which she also needs to loss weight. Oh ! What a professional actress !!

When I feel free, I'll to watch the DVD repeatedly to share the fun and the upset time. Be honest to myself, be trust for my ability, be frank to your relatives and face to the true love that all of this I learn from Samsoon. Be good done for our protagonist in our life.

May I to say that KIM SUNA is the best actress in Korea, her performance not only outstanding and she has a strong character that make me always feel that " My Lovely Kam Samsoon" is not a drama, it's the true life, in addition, she's a sexy girl, full of attractive and charming young lady. Don't ask me why I'm so constant to support & love her, as that no reason (maybe she has a very powerful voice that appeal to me, Haha...).

I like the most articles, namely :-

Love ... like love has never disappointed you, Work ... like you don't need any money, Dance ... like no one is watching you, Sing ... like no one is listening to you, live ... like you are in paradise

Today is a one yr. anniversary for SAMSOON, I want to say that "Happy Birthday to SUNA, Hyunbin & all their fans". It's a time for us to review the unforgettable memories, as so many circumstances always in my mind. I know Suna is ready to film a new movie, she plays as a solicitor & I look forward to watch it. Hopefully, it'll be broadcast in H.K., moreover, I'd like to wish Suna has a good health, prosperity & success in her future endeavors.

Best Regards, Yummy

Hyun bin's acting make my heart flutter

[lmerana · 8/10 · 5 January 2020]

I watched it again today. I last saw it way back 2009 when It was translated to tagalog. I loved the chemistry between the two and for some reasons my heart hurts and flutter when they have romantic scenes or they are fighting. This is one of the classic romantic comedy that should be in your list if you are only beginning to watch a Kdrama.

Solid kdrama rom-com

[fprefect-685-281084 · 7/10 · 2 July 2013]

My Lovely Sam-soon is a 2005 kdrama rom-com whose lead is a brassy pastry chef named Kim Sam-soon played with gusto by Kim Sun-ah. Sam-soon starts the series being cheated on then dumped. Her public emotional reaction is watched by the spoiled cool President of Bon Appetit restaurant named Hyun Jin-heon, played by Hyun Bin. Sam-soon ends up involved with Hyun Jin-heon and their courtship ups and downs are the basis for this appealing show.

What I liked about the show a) Kim Sam-soon is a bit raw and willing to take risks for her career, family and love. She is the star of the show and the actress portrays Kim Sam-soon with appeal. Even when yelling, you see Kim Sam-soon cares through her passion. b) Hyun Jin-heon is one cool customer and the fact he is drawn Kim Sam-soon takes a while for him to accept. Once he is "all in" the relationship, he has his own quiet charm. c) Kim Sam-soon's mother and sister are embodied with similar zest and the ensemble family works. Hyun Jin-heon's devotion and respect (and some terror) for Kim Sam-soon's mother is wonderful to see. I want to karaoke with that family. d) Refreshingly the obstacles to their relationship didn't annoy me (unlike many kdramas). His mother, his ex-girlfriend, her ex-boyfriend, etc. were written so that they impeded but mattered to the evolution of their relationship. e) No subtitles needed when character Dr. Henry Kim was on screen (played by American born Korean actor Daniel Henney). I'd love to know how accurate the subtitles were for the English dialog. f) The first kiss scene sizzles and in a nutshell reflects the characters.

What I did not like about the show a) Fat? Kim Sam-soon is supposed to be fat in this series. She may be a couple of dress sizes larger than the other actresses, but she is in no way fat. The actress reportedly gained 15 pounds for the role. The references to size only heightened my awareness how thin all the other actors were. b) The "I hate my name" storyline never resonated with me.

Realistic, relatable, and funny...a must-see for Kdrama fans!

[snowdrop1200 · 10/10 · 14 September 2012]

Your typical formula for a Korean TV drama goes something like this: A poor but hardworking and ambitious girl coincidentally gets involved in the life of a rich and spoiled playboy. Their interactions ultimately result in their falling in love with each other and him becoming a better person. Then, something devastating happens, like one of them finding out they have cancer or an old ex coming back, and the couple is temporarily torn apart. A few dramatic episodes later, they work things out and get back together for a happy ending.

Generally, both leads are attractive and thin, and their "love" is as innocent as two middle school students dating for the first time. The premise of this kind of show may sound cheesy, but there's something charming about Korean dramas that makes it all work.

My Lovely Sam Soon is not that typical TV drama. While it does include the trope of a poor girl catching the heart of a rich guy with some conflict mixed in to keep things interesting, My Lovely Sam Soon provides a refreshing, more mature take on the typical Korean drama. It also includes something somewhat unique in Asian entertainment: the female lead is older, overweight, and foulmouthed.

There are so many things I liked about this drama that it would take pages to list them all, but a few aspects of the show really stood out: the relationships were realistic, the comedic moments were genuinely funny, and the characters were relatable.

In many Korean dramas, the romantic moments in the show are pretty lackluster. The kisses are always a surprise for the receiver, and the receiver looks like they've been assaulted half the time. You will almost never see anything remotely related to an intimate scene in a Korean drama, and couples will oftentimes sleep next to each other but never with each other.

My Lovely Sam Soon is the complete opposite. The drama does not shy away from showing intimacy between characters, and all of the romantic scenes are tastefully done. This ultimately makes the relationships in the drama seem more realistic, and it also makes you care more about what happens to the characters.

In addition, the hardships the characters go through are relatable, and the acting is superb, which makes the drama all the more interesting and fun to watch. I found myself laughing multiple times throughout the series, and for me there was never a dull moment in the plot. The only thing I didn't particularly like about the drama was that some overused tropes were thrown in. Without spoiling anything, some unnecessary dramatic conventions were tossed into the mix in addition to the old-ex-comes-back-into-the-picture cliché.

A sort of American counterpart to this show would be the film Bridget Jones's Diary, which also features an overweight woman as the protagonist. Some even consider Sam Soon the Asian Bridget Jones. With that in mind, I would recommend My Lovely Sam Soon to anyone who enjoyed that film as well as to anyone who enjoys a good laugh with a little drama mixed in.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 7/10 · 17 August 2019]

Although an oldie, my name is sam soon is a goodie.

The story is simple and you know where it is heading. Sure, there were some cliches, that, fortunately, didn't take over the drama, thus, the story was more upbeat and fresh.

The comedy part, however, was the main star of the drama. The two characters, although they didn't overflow chemistry as a couple, were great as the two opposites that kept colliding.

In addition, a big part of the main drama was good, as it was closer to a slice of life than the romantic comedy genre.

Finally, the performances were really good.

So, overall, seven out of ten.

Fantastic

[jbarbose · 10/10 · 21 October 2019]

Beautiful and brilliant

I was introduced to this by Korean friends of mine not long after it aired. I loved it so much after the first couple of episodes I spent a very large amount of money (to pay for a TV series) to get the dvd set so we could finish watching it in better quality without dubbed English.

Seon-a Kim is wonderful and plays broad physical comedy as deftly as vulnerable and wounded - often at the same time. Amazing.

You can currently see it for free on Rakutan VIKI.

Funny and frank especially for 2005

[phd_travel · 7/10 · 25 May 2023]

For 2005, this hit show was quite forward and groundbreaking. The heroine is plump and sex is dealt with frankly, no waiting for ep 15 for a kiss. Sometimes the physical comedy is repetitive like the slapping and hitting. The saving grace is the humor is spontaneous and original. Great performances by Kim Sun Ah who put on weight for the role and a young Hyun Bin. The secondary lead actress is good too - Jung Ryeo Won. Daniel Henney is funny just by grinning. The ex boyfriend cheater is hilarious.

Worth watching and still ok by 2023 standards maybe a bit chauvinistic but that's how all the shows were then.

frankly speaking ... i didn't like this Drama

[ghajiniblue · 3/10 · 6 November 2009]

this movie is about 30 old women and 27 year men making love ... i have much respect for Korean movies & drama... Initially it was good, but didn't like it after the 7th episode... i downloaded this drama because of the vote...

it does not deserve more than 3 or 4 in votes because i didn't find anything interesting ... From the first episode i didn't like the heroine... love scenes r worth for watching...

i don't understand y most of them game more than 9 as Vote for this movie... the main reason i didn't like this is may be because of heroine...

A little Bridgette " Jones but also "I Love Lucy Vibes"

[leahcubed · 8/10 · 9 April 2021]

8/10 is my rating. This is a 2005 romantic comedy with 16, 60 minute, episodes. It is also known as "My name is Kim Sam Soon." Kim Sam-soon (Kim Sun-a) is 30 and was just dumped, in a very public way, on Christmas Eve by her boyfriend of three years. Unfortunately Hyun Jin-heon (Hyun Bin), a chaebol son of a wealthy hotelier, is there to witness it and has fun teasing this strange wailing girl about her poor romantic choice. While Sam Soon is much louder and more outspoken than many women her age, her outward brusqueness hides insecurities about her weight and her old fashioned name. As fate would have it, Jin-heon is also the owner of a restaurant where Sam Soon applies as a pastry chef. Looks like she will be passed over for the job until Jin-heon and Sam Soon once again accidentally cross paths. Unable to resist antagonizing the spirited girl, Jin-heon pesters Sam Soon until he earns a face full of the desert she had carefully prepared for the interview. Realizing the flavor of the pastry he is wearing exemplifies Sam soon's exceptional talent as a pastry chef, Jin-heon is determined to hire Sam soon.

The mothers of the leads are determined to get the two married and they are sent, separately, on blind dates. After thwarting his blind date and ruining Sam soon's, the girl has had enough and spends the night drinking determined to resign. Jin-heon's mother stops by and finds Sam soon at her son's place after he takes her to his house to sober up. Tired of his other setting him up on blind dates, Jin heon asks Sam soon to be his pretend girlfriend, convinced their mutual animosity would keep their relationship strictly a business deal. Sam-soon initially refuses but is in danger of losing her childhood home without 50 million (approximately US$50,000) to pay a debt against the mortgage. So Sam soon agrees to be Jin heon's pretend girlfriend in exchange for the money she needs to save her house. The unlikely pair soon find they enjoy each other's company far more than expected and what was fake starts to get real. That is until Yoo Hee-jin (Jung Ryeo-won), the girl Jin-heon never got over, returns from the United States and wants him back.

Spoilers* Amazing how much things have changed since 2005. The way the men treat the women in this series, they get very physical with them at times, and the ML even slaps the 2nd girl in the face at one point. It reminds me of the way it was in the United States in maybe the 70s . Not accepted or rampant but people were willing to look the other way. I love the lead character in this, That female character is often compared to "Bridgette Jones Diary" and I get that but only in the chubby girl and rich, handsome guy regard. In very other aspect the character reminds me of Lucy in "I Love Lucy." She is gutsy, outspoken and gets herself in situations. The ML because it was scripted as an "old school" kind of machismo man - I did not always like him for her. I was particularly upset when he just abandoned her, really humiliating her, and decided he would take his ex-girlfriend back. Most women would find that very hard to forgive. And she did, but not in the way I thought she should have to hold his feet to the fire. The little girl that wasn't speaking was so cute and her relationship with Sam Soon was heartwarming. I don't think it came out enough, to the grandmother, the role that Sam soon played in getting the little girl talking. Their relationship was very natural and yet she pushed her sometimes more to speak than some of the other people in her life. The crazy ex-boyfriend was always good for comic relief and the fact that she was not willing to let him treat her 2nd class was gratifying. I also liked the side romances - they were cute but it wasn't clear how they all played out. The ending between the leads was a bit uncertain as well. It was good, very much of the timeframe and that type of era of relations, but there were plot points that could have been completely fleshed out and that were not followed through on. I enjoyed it the whole way through but just felt it lacked in certain aspects.

A delight

[martin-fennell · 8/10 · 15 October 2017]

Wonderful lead character, and a terrific performance from Kim Sun-Ah. At the same time, i find it a bit sad that she considers herself an old maid at 30. Although 1t made me laugh, every time she said it. The fact that she was considered fat is also to my mind ridiculous. I can see a reason for calling herself fat. I guess many women of even that size would consider themselves overweight. But it's the idea that others considered her fat is more troubling. Also on her age-30. Well, it seems she was 30 in real life, but I bet there are ordinary Korean women out there of that age who would love to look that good. So even though I liked the show, yo me it preached some bad messages. (1) being thirty and not married is tantamount to being an old maid (2) being a little overweight is the same as being fat.

Outstanding! I love and I like Kim Sam Soon!

[queeniewize · 10/10 · 8 June 2020]

Outstanding! And the Best Ever! I love this Korean drama Kim Sam soon! I like the way they made the story! I bought complete DVD so that I can watch this over and over again! I love Kim sam soon and hyun bin their very good actor and actress! As well as the cast! I praying that Kim Sam soon and Hyun bin will going to have another movies or drama. I m praying also that Kim Sam soon and Hyun Bin will forever real sweet couple in real life.

Kim Sam Soon replies, "Do you like my Body or Do you like my Mind of Fury?"

[elizabeta-75468 · 10/10 · 2 August 2018]

Kim Sam Soon only attracts weirdos. This show kept me entertained and made me laugh because it had its funny moments and its delicious cakes. The ex-boyfriend aka the Pervert says to Kim Sam Soon, "I'm getting married, I was your first. Be my mistress." Her Selfish Boss says, "You resemble my girlfriend, so you might be good enough to be her replacement. Don't listen to or be with other men, only me. I will give you money, and I will own you." The ex-boyfriend says to her, "I like it when you talk dirty to me, ask me for money." Kim Sam Soon thinks "Do you think that you own my body or my mind by paying me? We will see about that!" The Selfish Boss has serious mental issues and needs to meet a therapist before he initiates any kind of relationship. A woman should not tolerate intimidation, agressive behavior, violence, persuasion or belittling from any man. A woman needs to stand her ground and cut contact and not be easily persuaded.