JYJ3’s Note: “Bong Pil” main lead character played by Kim Jaejoong in KBS2 Manhole Drama
DRAMABEANS
Manhole Episode 01: Recap + Comments
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Manhole Episode 02: Recap + Comments
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Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching – Manhole Drama
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Javabeans: I like the loose comic sensibility, but one episode in, I’m not quite sure I’m on the hero’s side. I mean, he’s our hero and he clearly loves the girl and wants to win her over, but I’m not convinced that’s enough to get me to root for him. The guy’s kind of a whiny loser who mooches off his parents and never tackles anything with proper effort, so I want him to get his act together and prove himself worthy, and not just because a magical portal decided to give him a hand. Am I a grinch for thinking responsible, reliable leads are sexy? Am I too old for this kind of hero?
Girlfriend: The first episode was so manic that I hard time connecting with anyone, but the show did get cuter when the hero went back to high school. I’m just not sure I like him. He’s just SUCH a loser. I like my underdogs a little more proactive and lot less whiny, because I found myself wondering why on earth he should get the girl if he’s had 28 years to do a whole lotta nuthin’ about it.
HeadsNo2: This drama is my new happy pill—it’s the first show in a while I’ve just laughed out loud at. Jaejoong’s comedic timing is gold because he’s just GOING FOR IT, and I have to respect when someone commits to the bit. Welcome back, Jaejoong! ♥
Lollypip: Even before we got to the manhole time-travel shenanigans, I was all in. Pil has got to be the saddest sack ever, and I luff him already. He’s so hapless and helpless and you just wonder how he manages to even dress himself, so it’s no wonder he has no clue how to win over his ladylove. And I love that Soo-jin is fully aware of Pil’s feelings and gives him every opportunity to confess, instead of pretending she doesn’t know. Dude, just tell her, she’s been waiting for 28 years!
Odilettante: I love it so muuuuuuuuuuch. At last I’ve found the perfect show to kick me out of my drama slump. Thank you, magic manhole of zany time-travel shenanigans, for reminding me how much I enjoy watching Jaejoong run. And act. And, uh… breathe. What can I say? I’ve missed his pretty face!
SOOMPI
First Impressions: You’ll Fall Deep Into “Manhole” And Its Fun, Kooky Antics
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DP_Kim: Pil is simply Pil — a “loser” by society’s standards, but his heart is genuine. He’s been studying for a civil service exam (a cop position) for years but he keeps on failing. His parents ignore him, and his friends are sick and tired of his one-sided love troubles. Basically, the future looks bleak for Pil: he’s broke, jobless at almost 30 years old, and not to mention single.
This is Kim Jaejoong’s first foray into the rom-com genre as the leading man, and he made a great choice. This time he’s playing a completely relatable character. There’s no mysterious birth story about his family, no chaebol or idol image; just a regular Joe who is trying to get a grip on his life before it falls apart. For some reason he resembles Ji Chang Wook in some angles, but that’s another story.
Jaejoong’s acting has significantly improved, and while he sometimes does it a little over-the-top, it’s done in a non-annoying way. If he does annoy you, perhaps that’s an indication that he’s playing his role well, because Pil can really frustrate you if you’re the type who says things in a straightforward way. You’ll find yourself wanting him to just confess, for crying out loud! But that’s where the story is, and it will be interesting to see how he wriggles his way in and out of the past and present — and how his actions will affect the future.
MYDRAMALESSLIFE
Manhole: Feel so good (Episode 1-2)
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Jae Joong as Pil is fantastic.
Now Pil is a bit of a bum- he doesnt seem to have a job and is really whiny. And like a mad puppy that can’t stop jumping and barking and chasing it’s tail- he runs around and frets and literally over reacts to everything.
He didnt do anything about his love for 28 years and now he is moping about it because he has 1 week left.
And he really mopes. And whines. And mopes some more.
And when he is done moping, he runs around again.
But Jae Joong carries it off- because he is 100% committed to the role, and he does it with so much conviction and belief that you believe in him too.
Honestly, I’m blown away by how good his acting is!
And beneath it all, Pil has a good heart, and you can really tell he loves Soo Jin. He just has the mentality of a 6 year old, and can’t get his act together to tell her.
Shared by: JYJ3
Thank you, JYJ3 Team.
It’s so lovely to see so many people praising Jaejoong’s acting because he really nailed the role.
His acting is fantastic in this one and I can’t wait to see more episodes of the series.
Good job in choosing this role, Jaejoong!
I’m just so happy for him that he chose a perfect role.
Yay!
it does my heart good to read so many wonderful things about manhole and his acting! i was a little skeptical after watching the first episode. it is so over the top but JJ is really nailing his role! i guess i am one who wants the more straightforward approach but is am in this for the ride however crazy it will be.
I was just concerned if Jae could carry the lead in this drama…No fears; He’s running(literally) away with this character! 😀 I’m enjoying ‘Manhole’ very much!! Keep it up, Jaejoong! ❤
I fully agree with this https://mydramalesslife.wordpress.com/2017/08/12/manhole-feel-so-good-episode-1-2/
“My verdict:
Jae Joong is Zany. Insane. Crazy. Awesome.
Don’t take the show too seriously, and you could be in for a fun ride. ” 🤣
Thanks a lot Mia for this compilation, of course nobody can please everybody as nothing is perfect but it’s really fun to read something from those who are enjoying the drama with us outside JYJ3. 😍😘😜
I like jaejoong’s acting. He is totally devoted into the role. His acting makes me feel sympathy to Pil. I am totally on Pil’s side. Actually Soojin had on occasions felt special about Pil when she was young. But it was too bad luck every time the chance was meddled up by somebody (e.g. his friend asked his postman father to burn the letter sent by Soojin to Pil; he was fighting with others when Soojin texted him and asked him to come out; he was drunk by army fellows and missed the chance to go out to see Soojin when he was army service etc and etc). Hope Pil can amend everything at last.
i like this comment the most:
“Jaejoong’s acting has significantly improved, and while he sometimes does it a little over-the-top, it’s done in a non-annoying way. If he does annoy you, perhaps that’s an indication that he’s playing his role well, because Pil can really frustrate you if you’re the type who says things in a straightforward way”
I’ve read some comments that jj’s acting was so annoying they don’t want to watch it anymore.. I know not anyone can appreciate jj’s hardwork but it hurts reading negative opinions about the drama and his acting.. argh! i just want to punch and slap fluffy things! i’m so evil haha! or maybe i can reply soompi’s review to them and kick their butts? why not.. ^^
It’s not Jaejoong’s acting is so annoying, it’s his role is annoying, that means Jaejoong did well.
Totally agree.
I Agree.
after watched ep3, feel my Pii so pity. he ‘poured’ his whole heart to the girl but can’t get what he wants.
but, at the same time very angry on the ‘useless’ Pii also. hope that he can be a better man so that the girl will fall onto him.
can’t wait for tonight ep4!!
All comments are well said. Good analysis of Bon Pil’s character and JJ’s acting.
I particularly like the comment that “Pil is just like a mad puppy and can’t stop jumping and barking and chasing its tail”. But he suddenly turned into a man when he saw Sujin in danger from the fire and determined he would be the one to save her. I think 6 years ago why he missed the chance to save her might be because his uncle had stopped him from entering the little hut on fire.