Kdrama: Miss Ripley (미스 리플리)

This 16 episode Korean drama is definitely full of drama. I watched this drama with commercials in only three days. Each episode ended with an unbearable cliff hanger; I had to keep watching. Miss Ripley tells the story of ambition, love, and the struggle between the poor and the wealthy.

Jang Mi Ri, played by Lee Da Hae (pictured left), was an orphan at an early age and was adopted by abusive Japanese parents. Her life spiraled out of control to the point where she had to become an escort for the wealthy business men of Japan in order to survive. Her pimp was abusive as well and very possessive of her. She hated this lifestyle and longed to flee her abuser. She eventually escaped back to Korea in order to return to her homeland and continue her search for her birth mother who abandoned her.

Miri arrives in Korea and desires to make an honest living but finds it isn't as easy as she thought it would be considering she only has a high school diploma. She is even humiliated when at a job interview she is told that the job description doesn't mention she needed a college diploma because these days it is implied. She becomes desperate and uses her cunning skills and street smarts to rise to the top.




She finds a dear friend she knew from her days at the orphanage, Na Hee-Joo played by Kang Hye-jeong, (pictured right). She is amazed by how different her life has turned out in that she is emotionally stable, was adopted by a good family, and had a wonderful education. Miri finds herself envious of Hee-Joo and uses whatever means necessary to rise to excel.










Because Miri speaks a particular Japanese dialect she is hired by a hotel executive,  Kim Seung Woo played by the handsome Jang Myung Hoon (pictured left). They eventually fall in love and their love is so beautiful to watch. I was rooting for them. They made such an adorable couple.

Later she meets Song Yoo Hyun, played by Park Yoo Chun (pictured right), who is the heir of a hotel fortune. He and his family plan to buy the hotel Miri works for which would make Myung Hoon yesterday's news. Miri has found someone who surpasses her current love and decides to trade up. Yoo Hyun falls in love with her and there begins a love triangle. I couldn't believe it; I resented the protagonist. Her quest for wealth was intolerable and though she seemed to feel guilty for her actions, she didn't stop herself. She was given raw untainted love by both men including platonic love by her friend Hee-Joo but she was unable to wholly accept it.

There are many twists and turns especially as Miri's lies begin to catch up with her. Will she get caught or will she get away with it? Does her horrible childhood justify her behavior? All these questions and more will be answered.

Miss Ripley ends with a beautiful message which has been weaved throughout the entire drama. That is, it is impossible to truly love someone unless you love yourself first. You cannot give what you don't have; you cannot give unconditional love to someone unless you cannot unconditionally love yourself. Miss Ripley will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end and leave you pondering your own love relationships!

Watch the first episode here. Compliments of hulu!

Buy the entire show below through amazon!!

My fav couple in this drama! Jang Myung Hoon and Lee Da Hae at the premiere of Miss Ripley greeting their fans!