White Tower debuts on AZN channel

White Tower
Title: 하얀 거탑 / White Tower (Heoyan Geotab)
Episodes: 20
Broadcast network: MBC
Broadcast period: 2007-Jan-06 to 2007-Mar-11
Air time: Saturdays & Sundays 21:40
Related TV shows: Shiroi Kyoto (1978), Shiroi Kyoto (2003)
http://wiki.d-addicts.com/White_Tower
http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/drama/whitepower/index.html (in Korean the drama WEBSITE)

Cast: Jang Joon-hyuk (general surgery professor): Kim Myung Min (Immortal Yi Soon-shin)Choi Dong-young: Lee Sun KyoonNo Min-kook: Cha In Pyo (Fireworks)Lee Yoon-ji (Prof. Lee's daughter): Song Sun Mi (Secret Lovers)Kang Hee-jae: Kim Bo KyungProf. Lee Joo-wan: Lee Jung Gil (Lovers in Prague)Woo Yong-gil: Kim Chang Wan (Prince's First Love)Prof. Oh Kyung Hwan: Byun Hee Bong (Second Proposal)Min Soo-jung (Joon-hyuk's wife): Im Sung Eon Min Won-jang (aka Min Choon-sik): Jung Han Yong (Stairway to Heaven)Joon-hyuk's mom: Jung Young SookYeom Dong-il: Ki Tae YoungHa Eun-hye: Lee Seung MinYoo Pil-sang: Lee Hee Do (Glass Slipper)Yoo Mi-ra: Jang So Yeon Park Gun-ha: Han Sang JinHam Min-seung: Kim Yong Min

http://www.koreanwiz.org/at/drama-whitetower.html
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So I have been watching WHITE TOWER right after Jumong. Last night was episode #5, I have no reference to the Taiwanese Drama and the original Japanese drama and novel. But they try to pack alot in every episode to make it more of a nail biter.

On one of the episodes, one of the characters was similar to a situation occurred on the same day no less and to Dr. Lee's daughter too!!!! Overall I think it is all right, I like JUMONG or KIM SAM SOON more. But I did like last night's episode when they explained very well what was being done during the triple organ transplant--liver, pancreas and kidney. Plus the pros and cons of each procedure that was being done. For that, I enjoyed it alot more than "ER" and "GREYS ANATOMY" because you are not bludgeoned with medical terms and that is it.
I guess AZN is figuring out that Kdramas are HOT and they are showing two NEW ones back to back. I do find it frustrating now they do not repeat all the episodes. I have a strong suspicion they will replay both again (a la "Emperor of the Sea", "Kim Sam Soon" etc).

I find it interesting seeing the social structure and how status and "face" are very important in relationships. Similar to "guanxi" in Chinese culture. It is all about who you know not only your ability too (which is very western and American).

**The actor who played Joon Hyuk won an acting award for his great performance as the cold surgeon who does not hesitate when it comes to achieving his goals.

White Tower on AZN first episode tonight!

White Tower starting on AZN tonight!

So I realized the third time showing "Kim Sam Soon" a fave of mine on AZN ended last night. Today they are starting with "White Tower" a hospital drama based on a Japanese drama and there was a Taiwanese version of it too. It is done by MBC and supposed to be 20 episodes and just ended this past winter in Korea.

I am curious if this is good or not. I just dislike watching the episodes piece meal and having to be home to watch it. (Yeah no TIVO or vcr for that matter. )

drama blurb:

White Tower is a Korean drama series about two doctors who have contrasting personalities. Jang Joon Hyeok, a genius surgeon who is overly ambitious and will do anything to climb his way up the corporate ladder. The other, Choi Do Young, is a physician and is a kind and upright person who strongly holds onto his beliefs. The plot will reveal the power and emotional struggles within the white tower itself.
(www.azntv.com)

cast:
Kim Myung Min — Jang Joon Hyuk
Lee Sun Myun — Choi Do Young
Cha In Pyo — Noh Min Guk
Song Sun Min — Lee Yoo Jin
Kim Bo Gyung — Kang Hee Jae

Original Title: Shiroi Kyoto Korean Title: Hayan GeotapAuthor: Yamazaki ToyokoTranslator: Jae-hee Park

http://www.hanbooks.com/grwhto4se.html


http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200703/200703260027.html (article on Korean remakes of Japanese dramas)
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JUMONG (Korean Drama)
*just watched episode 40 out of 81 for Jumong. Prince Jumong had to say farewell to Lady Sosuhno of the Keru clan and was asked by Prince Taeso (Temporary ruler for King Gumhwa of Puyo) to go to Chang An to be the "hostage". I was heartbroken he had Mol Palmo make a steel sword for Taeso. (After all the beating he had undertaken NOT to help out Taeso.). 송일국 rocks!