KBS Prime Minister & I (2013-14)

[Knov1]

KBS 총리와 나 - The Prime Minister & I



official site: www.kbs.co.kr/drama/primeminister/

kbsworld: kbsworld.kbs.co.kr/programs/programs_intro.html?no=763

dramafever: www.dramafever.com/drama/4342/The_Prime_Minister_and_I/

viki: www.viki.com/tv/21282c-the-prime-minister-is-dating

hulu: www.hulu.com/the-prime-minister-and-i

trailer 1: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q_uQDFkPmM (from Kwon Yul's POV)

trailer 2: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfVmXpszjjQ (from Nam Da Jung's POV, contains English subs)

trailer 3: www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6l7mKd3_jE

trailer 4: www.youtube.com/watch?v=88vBDfSto74 (contains English subs)

extended trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqc31bWwu8s (8 mins long)

genre: romantic comedy

length: 17 episodes

begins: Monday, December 9 (in Korea) / Monday, December 30 (KBS World)

cast: Lee Bum Soo, Yoona (Girls Generation), Yoon Shi Yoon, Chae Jung Ahn, Ryu Jin, Lee Min Ho, Yoon Hye Young, Lee Han Whee, Choi Soo Han, Jeon Min Seo, Lee Do Hyun, Jeon Won Joo, Lee Young Bum, Jung Ae Yeon, Choi Duk Moon, Min Sung Wook, Kim Ji Wan, Jang Hee Woong

description: Kwon Yul (Lee Bum Soo) is the charismatic and beloved prime minister of Korea. He's also a single father with 3 children. Their names are Woo Ri, Na Ra and Man Se (which translates to Long Live Korea!). Nam Da Jung (Yoona) is a 28 year old reporter in search of a big scoop. She attempts to dig up dirt on Yul's private life and finally make a name for herself. When Yul and Da Jung are caught together by another reporter, their "relationship" becomes front page news. The odd couple enters into a contract marriage and their lives are changed forever.



This gets a thread in Other Shows because I'm planning on watching it online. KBS World should be airing it too once Marry Him If You Dare ends.

[Knov1]

I have additional info, more pix and another trailer.



KBS Prime Minister & I - Trailer 4 (contains English subs)

Nam Da Jung (Yoona) is described as a reporter but she's really more of a paparazzi. She wants to get a big scoop on the prime minister Kwon Yul (Lee Bum Soo). She gets drunk and is thrown into jail (likely for disorderly conduct). Yul bails her out. I'm assuming she had his contact info due to chasing him around and trying to get a story on him. She spends the night at his place and they're caught together by another paparazzi. This becomes front page news.

Da Jung claims they are dating during a press conference. I don't think she intends to blackmail Yul. Her father is ill. I believes she wants to milk her new celebrity status and make some quick cash to help her father. All this hurts Yul's public image. Other politicians want him to step down as prime minister. To restore his reputation, Yul marries Da Jung.

The trailers for this look good. I just hope the romance isn't sugarcoated. Yoona is an idol and this is a SM Entertainment drama (company Girls Generation is signed with). They might want to protect her image as an idol. The age difference doesn't bother me and shouldn't be an issue anyway. Yoona is 23 but her character is 28. An older guy being attracted to a much younger woman isn't a stretch by any means. When A Man Loves was cringe worthy but I liked that Tae Sang was attracted to Mi Do right away. It made their relationship much easier to buy into. I'll admit that Lee Bum Soo and Yoona are an odd pairing but, if you present it the right way, you can make their relationship believable. Hint: Don't have her use aegyo or act like a little kid.



This series begins airing in Korea on Monday, December 9. You can watch it online at DramaFever or Viki. It'll begin airing on KBS World on Monday, December 30.

[Knov1]

Press conference photos and extended trailer.



KBS Prime Minister & I - Extended Trailer

I think I was wrong. Based on the extended trailer, it seems the prime minister has Da Jung arrested for stalking him. Da Jung's father is terminally ill. His dying wish for his daughter to get married. After she learns of her father's condition seems to be when she gets drunk and Yul comes to get her. They talk about how everyone is pressuring him to get married. It would help to restore his damaged reputation. That, along with her father's illness, seems to be the reason why they get married.

The Prime Minister & I begins airing in Korea on Monday, December 9.

[Knov1]

Some more pix.





This series started airing today in Korea. I'll make a post covering both episodes for the week on Wednesday.

[Knov1]

Info on eps 1 & 2.



Kwon Yul (Lee Bum Soo) is a 42 year old politician. He's a single father with 3 children. Their names are Woo Ri (15), Na Ra (12) and Man Se (7). He lost his wife 7 years ago in a car accident. His former BIL Park Joon Ki (Ryu Jin) blames Yul for the death of his sister. Yul is nominated by the president to be prime minister. He's practically guaranteed the position due to his popularity until his scandal with Nam Da Jung. Yul might be a respected politician but his career has caused him to neglect his children.

Nam Da Jung (Yoona) is a 28 year old reporter for Scandal News. Her father has Alzheimer's and only about 6 months to live due to a brain tumor. His wish is to walk his daughter down the aisle. Da Jung is assigned to cover Kwon Yul and learn whether there is something between him and his chief secretary Seo Hye Joo (Chae Jung Ahn). After a misunderstanding regarding Yul's youngest son Man Se, Da Jung and Yul are caught together and become front page news. Everyone wants to know the identity of Yul's mystery woman.

Seo Hye Joo (Chae Jung Ahn) is Yul's chief secretary. She's known Yul since their college days. She appears to be in love with him but it's merely a one sided thing. Kang In Ho (Yoon Shi Yoon) is Yul's new staff member. He seems to hold a grudge against Yul for reasons unknown. Park Joon Ki (Ryu Jin) is Yul's former friend and BIL. He blames Yul for the death of his sister. He's also a politician and wants to bring down Yul so he can be prime minister.



Yul refuses to throw Da Jung under the bus to save his political career and plans to resign. That's until Da Jung shows up at his press conference and introduces herself as Yul's girlfriend. It's In Ho's idea. Yul reluctantly decides to go along with the lie until he's confirmed as prime minister. No one besides Yul, Da Jung, In Ho and Hye Joo can know the relationship is fake. Da Jung's father reads about the relationship in the papers and is eager to meet his future SIL. After being confirmed as prime minister, Yul is frequently asked about when he'll be getting married. Da Jung gets drunk after learning her father only has months to live. Yul is called to pick her up from the police station. When Yul brings up all the questions about him getting married, Da Jung remembers her dad's wish and pleads with Yul for them to get married.

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This series is off to a good start. Da Jung has a wild imagination. Her "Honey, it's me, Da Jung" killed me. That along with the scene at the hotel. I have to admit that I was skeptical about this series and Lee Bum Soo & Yoona as a couple. It's an odd pairing. I was pleasantly surprised with them as Yul and Da Jung. It works on screen much better than I thought it would. Lee Bum Soo is a good actor and Yoona seems to have improved since Love Rain. Some viewers seem to take issue with the age difference but it doesn't bother me. No matter who was cast there was bound to be an age gap. That's the whole point of the story, older guy and younger woman. It's actually more normal than a lot of what we get in K-Dramas. If they had cast someone closer to Yoona's age, it would just be another handsome chaebol and poor girl romance. I hope the relationship between Yul and Da Jung isn't sugarcoated. If it's going to work going forward, you have to make it believable. I'm also curious to see how Yul's kids will react once they meet Da Jung. Man Se already seems to like her. The other 2 might be harder to win over. Looking forward to episode 3.

[Knov1]

Info on eps 3 & 4.



Da Jung wakes up at Yul's house. She spends some bonding time with Man Se before heading out. Da Jung attends a banquet with Yul in hopes of catching a possible spy. When pressed on the topic of marriage by Yoon Hee (Joon Ki's wife) and the wives of other politicians, Da Jung confidently states that she'll be marrying Yul. Da Jung asks Yul for a contract marriage lasting 6 months. He declines the offer. Da Jung's father calls Yul and asks him to marry Da Jung in the next 6 months. Yul instructs Hye Joo to obtain the medical records of Da Jung's father and learns that he is terminally ill. Da Jung runs into Yoon Hee at a kimchi making event at an orphanage. They once again get into it about Da Jung's relationship with Yul. Da Jung admits that she won't be marrying Yul when he shows up and says she's not behaving like the wife of a prime minister should. He pulls Da Jung aside and says they'll have to get married after all.



Flashback to Yul's conversation with the president. Yul is being pressured to get married. Da Jung agrees to marry Yul. The news is released to the public. They sit down and discuss the terms of their contract marriage. They, of course, all favor Yul. The marriage will last for the duration of Yul's term as prime minister but could be extended if necessary. Da Jung and her father meet with Yul and his kids. Woo Ri and Na Ra warn Da Jung that they won't go easy on her. Due to Na Ra's prank, Yul and Da Jung get their hands glued together. Da Jung is forced to accompany Yul on prime minister business. At the end of the day, Da Jung promises not to run away and do her best during their marriage. Fast forward to the wedding day. Da Jung's father is getting worse but recovers in time to walk her down the aisle. Hye Joo meets with Joon Ki and checks his phone while he's away. After being kicked out of his room by Da Jung, Yul wants to redo the terms of the marriage. Hye Joo warns Da Jung of a possible spy in their house. Da Jung kisses Yul in front of his bodyguards to get him to shut up.

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This series is a pleasant surprise so far. I think the spy is Na Ra. She seems close with Joon Ki. It wouldn't surprise me if she was feeding him info. I liked the bonding moments between Da Jung and Man Se. Da Jung's imagination continues to provide ROFL moments. If I have a complaint, it's that Da Jung gave in too easily on the terms of the marriage. I realize they're not all that important. They were going to get married regardless. Still, the upcoming nuptials had already been announced. She had some leverage to work with and didn't need to agree with everything Yul wanted. We got a "thumb" kiss in ep 2. We got a "stop talking" kiss in ep 4. It makes me wonder what we'll get in future episodes.

KBS Prime Minister & I - Making Film 01

Note: Behind the scenes look at the filming of Da Jung (Yoona) puking on the street and then on Yul (Lee Bum Soo). Don't watch if you just ate, are eating or about to eat.

Standing Egg - Runner's High (KBS Prime Minister & I OST)

[soapygrams]

In episode 2, Yoona/DA jung portrayal of a very drunk young lady is hysterical and so REAL/ as a former part- time bartender, I can vouch for the very authentic antics of a vey, very drunk young lady LOL . She got that down pat.


Really like this series so far and hope it continues to be entertaining. Thanks for the summaries Knov1; do appreciate them.
.

[soapygrams]

I watched episodes 3 and 4. now will be waiting for the next one to be posted on DF.
I really like thisseries and am enjoying it very much. So far this is one of the best ro/com I've seen this year. Hope it continues to be so entertaining. Thanks for recommending it and for the summaries
..

Note: Edited to combine posts.

[Knov1]

Hi soapy. Glad you're liking the series. I took care of the extra posts for you. My biggest concerns going forward are the possibility of crazy script changes due to low ratings and interference from others into Yul and Da Jung's marriage. If the contract marriage is revealed to everyone, it'll only hurt them and the ones who knew about it (like In Ho & Hye Joo). That's why it would be smart of them not to butt in. I like when Yul & Da Jung are alone together and when Da Jung is with Man Se. I also like how quickly any misunderstandings between Yul & Da Jung are resolved. It can be incredibly frustrating when the simplest of things gets dragged out for several episodes in other dramas. They actually talk things out. They are open and honest with each other unlike many K-Drama couples.

[bird11]

Just a quick comment, I finally had time to watch the first two episodes, I really like this drama so far. (Great choice again Knov-- just finished watching Cain and Abel and really liked that one a lot-- good story, many charactors to keep it interesting, ect)
So far, I like this storyline, I think Yul and Da Jung work well together. Her scenes being drunk were good-- although when she puked on Yul -- I laughed, felt so sorry for him! I liked when he wanted his bodyguard(?) to
carry her home and he was like "no I cant do that"
The only thing that kind bothered me was the scenes of him being so hard on his kids and then the scenes with DaJung with Man Se -- not that they were at all bad -- but it just reminded me so much of the Sound of Music that I felt that they should have come up with something more original -- but I did like the scenes of her with Man Se and when Yul told his kids they couldn't have what they wanted (no smart phone, ect.). Liked the housekeeper, too she was funny
Ok-- better stop before my "quick" comment becomes a long one and I get nothing else done around here!

[bird11]

ok- so I lied, I was actcually up to ep3 and just finished watching ep 4. The whole wedding scene hit a bit close to reaality for me and I cried like crazy-- thought Da Jung, her father and the Prime minister did a great job in this episode. Can't undersand why this wouldn't get great reviews-- unless it is because of the subject matter....
gonna turn off the laptop and try to get some sleep.....

[Knov1]

OMG! Where have you been buddy? I've missed you. I kept hoping you'd be watching along. Glad to have you here.



This is the 3rd Chae Jung Ahn drama (When A Man Loves, Cain & Abel) you've watched recently. You must be a big fan lol.

Dec 24, 2013 0:46:00 GMT -5 bird11 said:

Can't undersand why this wouldn't get great reviews-- unless it is because of the subject matter....

It's a combination of things. PM&I started after Empress Ki and Warm Words. Viewers tend to stick with whatever they're already watching. The subject matter does play a role. Some don't like the politician and contract marriage theme. Contract marriage dramas have done well in the past but I think it's more to do with Yul being a politician. All About My Romance was a recent romantic comedy involving politicians and that didn't do so well either. PM&I is from SM Entertainment, same company that manages Yoona & Girls Generation. They're known for making dramas that appeal more to younger viewers. They've talked about getting away from that and making shows with more general appeal. I do think we're getting some of that with PM&I and MBC's Miss Korea (another SM drama). Still, viewers might not have bought in and chosen to stay away.

You also have those that don't like the idea of Yoona being paired with a much older actor like Lee Bum Soo. They would have preferred for the male lead to be Yoon Shi Yoon (In Ho). That's fine but, like I mentioned in a previous post, the story would no longer be PM&I. You're not going to cast someone closer to Yoona's age as Yul. It would be an older actor regardless and it's not like Yoona hasn't worked with older male actors before. Working with Lee Bum Soo might be one of the best things for Yoona's career. He's a well respected actor and helps teach/coach younger actors. Despite the age difference, they work much better on screen than I thought they would. PM&I might not do well in Korea but I can see it doing well in foreign markets. Let's hope that's enough to keep SM & KBS from making crazy changes to the story.

[bird11]

I don't think it is so much being a big fan of Chae Jung Ahn dramas as much as being a fan of Knov recommended dramas!
Happy to be posting again in a current drama- happy to see Soapygrams posting, too-- now if we can only rope Bo into joining us we could have a really great time!
I really like Yul and DaJung-- I actually had to go back and check on his age because it didnt appear to be that big of a differnce, but yeah-- 42 to 28 is a little far apart, but he doesn't treat her like a child and she doesn't treat him like a daddy figure, so I have no problems with it so far....I think this is gonna be  hard one to wait for each episode to be released.......

[Knov1]

Info on eps 5 & 6.



Da Jung & Hye Joo inform Yul about the spy in the house. Yul understands the kiss was due to an emergency but warns Da Jung not to sexually harass him. Yul orders Da Jung to get rid of the marriage contract but she just hides it her bag. In Ho helps Da Jung impress Yul at a banquet. Da Jung calls In Ho her guardian angel but he doesn't feel he deserves it. After Man Se goes into Yul & Da Jung's room, Da Jung's copy of the contract goes missing. She looks for it everywhere in the house and concludes that Man Se must have given it as an Origami gift to Joon Ki & Yoon Hee. She goes to their house but Joon Ki isn't happy to see Yul's new wife there. In Ho pays his older brother, who is in a coma, a visit. He's in the same hospital as Da Jung's father. Yul finds the contract back at the house. When Da Jung returns, Yul scolds her for not disposing of the contract and not telling him that she lost it. In Ho hugs and consoles a crying Da Jung while Yul watches them. Da Jung goes to her bedroom and finds Yul there. They'll be sharing the room from now on.



Da Jung attends a wives club meeting, during which Yoon Hee plans to get back at her. She's made the new president of the club since she's the prime minister's wife. Yoon Hee and the other wives ridicule Da Jung. When Yul & Hye Joo learn about Da Jung going to the meeting, Hye Joo heads over and scolds Yoon Hee for mistreating Da Jung. Hye Joo spots In Ho talking with Joon Ki's chief of staff, Bae In Kwon. Hye Joo later asks In Ho about his whereabouts earlier in the day and he openly admits to running into Secretary Bae at the hotel. It seems they know each other from back in the day. Yul scolds Da Jung for being ridiculed by the other wives. She has to learn to stand up for herself. In Ho comforts Da Jung with candy and opens up about his brother being in a coma. It seems he's been in a coma since a car accident 7 years ago. In Ho asks Da Jung if she likes Yul but she dismisses the question. Flashback to Yul asking In Ho if he likes Da Jung. Yul admits to seeing In Ho hug Da Jung. In Ho responds that it's nothing. He's busy with other things and has no time for love. Da Jung gets a call from Man Se's kindergarten teacher about a Christmas song & dance being performed by his class. Man Se doesn't want to participate thinking that Yul won't go. After initially claiming to be busy, Yul gives in and decides to attend. Da Jung attends another wives club meeting. The plan is for the club to make and distribute stuffed animals to disabled children. Woo Ri gets into a fight with Joon Ki's son Hyun Seo at school. We learn that Hyun Seo isn't his biological son. Da Jung decorates a Christmas tree at the house and prepares gifts for the entire family. Yul & Da Jung arrive just in time to catch Man Se's performance. Hye Joo and Joon Ki run into each other as it begins to snow. Once back at the house, everyone opens their gifts. Since Yul suffers from insomnia, Da Jung plans to read Arabian Nights (One Thousand and One Nights) to him to help him sleep. Yul reads a passage from the book as Da Jung sleeps on his shoulder.

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An extra screenie of Yoona just because.



It seems the spy might be Woo Ri. I really thought it was going to be Na Ra. I'm glad the whole family went to Man Se's performance. I like how Da Jung has taken over the household in a short time. I wish the kendo scene would have played out a bit differently. I agree with Yul that Da Jung needs to defend herself but she does need some help from him (or Hye Joo). She keeps on being blindly thrown into things. I'm not sure I like where things are going with Hye Joo and Joon Ki. Or, at least where I think they might be going. I'm guessing that In Ho's brother is somehow involved in the car accident with Yul's wife. That seems to be why In Ho holds a grudge against Yul. I really liked the ending scene of ep 6. Maybe the book will make Yul see Da Jung in a new light.

There are times when the second male lead will make a compelling case for getting the girl. PM&I isn't one of those dramas. I'm not invested in In Ho and whatever he might be feeling for Da Jung. I don't mind him being nice to Da Jung and comforting her. That is, until Yul comes to his senses and realizes what's right in front of him. It's not because of the drama title, the storyline or chemistry between the main couple. I just feel In Ho was friendzoned from the beginning. Da Jung calls In Ho her guardian angel but secretly swoons over Yul. It's why Da Jung doesn't see anything wrong with her interactions with In Ho, despite being warned more than once about her behavior. To Da Jung, there's nothing there. It's also why I can't take him seriously as a threat to come between Yul & Da Jung.

Note: KBS will only air 1 episode of PM&I next week on Monday, December 30. There will be no new episode on Tuesday due to the KBS Drama Awards. The series would resume airing on Monday, January 6.

[bird11]

Don't know if anyone would be interested, but while searching for other things, I came acoss a Korean show called
"Happy Together" and there was a episode with the main cast from Prime Minister and I -- it was funny/interesting to watch. Search on Youtube...