Hotelier (TV Series 2001– ) Poster

(2001– )

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8/10
Thoroughly enjoyed It!
longhairedtoad26 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I wouldn't say I was dragged kicking and screaming to watch this series, but it wasn't anywhere near my list of shows to view. My parents, especially my dad love to watch shows on the International channel. Lately they are into Korean series. They had seen a few, which were primarily tragedies. Not exactly my cup of tea.

Until one night, being bored I watched an episode of Hotelier with my mom. I caught it almost mid-way into the series, but was able to pick up very quickly the story-line and the cast of characters. What information I did not know, my mom supplied the answer. How can I say this, it just caught my attention and held it. I found myself wishing I could have seen the earlier episodes so I had to go out and buy the whole series. It was well written and well acted and very interesting to watch. Even though I had some difficulty with the names, I was able to follow what was happening.

The only Korean movie I had seen so far was "A Tale of Two Sisters" and I just loved that film. The acting in Hotelier was good as a whole and the story was quick and well paced. The guessing game of who Jun-young would end up with, the General Manager Tae-jun Han or Frank "Dong-hyuk" Shin, aka "Mr. 300 Roses" kept me in suspense until the last few minutes of the story. As for how he got the nickname three hundred roses, well I think it's better to see than have me tell you.

The story is about the people who work at the Seoul Hotel and those who try to take over. The hotel is in financial trouble having over extended their budget in constructing a new wing. When the president dies of a heart attack, he leaves a note asking that a former manager Han, who resigned three years earlier due to a scandal be reinstated and promoted to the head/general manager position. The late president's wife, who is temporarily taking over control sends Manager Jin-young to Las Vegas to try and bring Han back. But it's not that easy since Han doesn't want to go back, having his pride and reputation damaged by the scandal.

A depressed Jin-young, eats out one night and ends up complaining to the restaurant manager about the terrible service and horrible food she is served. Sitting at another table, Frank "Dong-hyuk" Shin, a Mergers and Aquisitions expert over hears and seeing the lovely Jin-young, his interest is caught. Thus, one of the two love triangles is created as the characters head to Korea and the Seoul hotel.

One draw back was in the incredible coincidences that occur in this story. Just too many to be believable. The American actors weren't all that good either. Still I would recommend this very much.
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10/10
Did you watch King the Land? Then watch Hotelier
fcam-8067517 August 2023
This masterpiece K-drama was made in 2001, but it is still among the best K-drams of all ages. The story revolves around a quirky and straight-shooting hotel manager (Song Yoon Ah), her ex-boyfriend general manager (Kim Seung Woo), and an M&A specialist trying to topple the hotel (Bae Yong Joon), and a tycoon's estranged daughter (Song Hey Gyo). The three-way romance among Song, Bae, and Kim and their energy are fascinating and keep us guessing until the end (unlike most K-Dramas whose ending is predictable). The plot, storyline, and script are top-notch, unlike 90% of K-dramas you may have watched. I think Song Yoon A delivered her best performance in this show. Still, all other actors and actresses also brought their A game-- Yoon Yuh Jung (Academy best-supporting actress, Minari) and Huh Joon Ho, among others. This additive drama is pure fun from top to bottom, and from episode 1 to episode 20-you will feel sad when the show ends.

This show is currently on Viki, but I hope Netflix makes this drama available, as it demonstrates how good K-Dramas were even 22 years ago (although the cinematography and CGI do not measure up). By the way, the screenwriter (the most important factor in K-dramas) is Kang Eun Kyung, who wrote the Romance Doctor series. Her zappy and flawless dialogues shine the drama.

Have you watched King the Land? If so, consider watching Hotelier to see the difference between outstanding and mediocre K-dramas.
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4/10
Loses steam in the last third
phd_travel5 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
If you are a Song Hye Kyo fan then you may want to check out this early series set in a hotel. But be warned the story is insufficient for the 20 episodes. The hotel takeover financial plot is boring after a while. What seems ahead of its time is how defiant SHK's character is to her father. Also how it shows BYJ and SYA's love just faded out and didn't rekindle. The lead actor Kim Seung Woo as the hotel manager is way too old for Song Hye Kyo and the ending is inconclusive about their future. Bae Young Joon is sharp looking as the M&A takeover guy. Song Yoon A and him don't have chemistry. Not a must watch. Funny how they contrast crime and drugs in Las Vegas with Korea.

Not a must watch.
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