I saw the Korean version first and the Japanese version (this one) later. I like both of them in different ways.
Why the Japanese one is better? 1. Stronger plot: The Japanese scenario makes a lot of sense in comparison with the Korean one. From the Japanese one I got the right idea about the name of the series (boys over flowers) and also some vague parts from Korean one became clear to me such as the background of the F4 member with some Mafia/gangster affiliations; the reason behind the Domyioji Group problems after breaking the engagement with the rich heiress, and Tsukawa's feelings and understanding leading to dumping Makino while he went to NY. In sum, the Japanese plot makes more sense. 2. Better act of the first role actress: In Japanese one, the main actress make much more sense in her acts. I better understand her feelings on his dual feelings toward the first actor, her love, her breakup and her tries to be strong. While in Korean one, some things confused me because of the act of the first role actress. In Korean version, I was not clear enough about her love/hate relationship, its transformation and the feeling behind her breakup and makeups.
What I like about Korean one: 1. Less violence: The Japanese one involved a lot of physical violence which I feel is not good enough for teenagers because they usually make the actors in this kind of dramas as their role models and imitate them in many ways. In Korean version, the first actor's anger and frustration are shown through his talk, body language and sports which is more acceptable to me. 2. The details about the F4 spoiled lifestyle is shown much better in Korean one. Remember the scenes of private jet, the island owned by the Shinua Holding, the main actor's proposal for a date in Japan to have Japanese food and etc. By the way, the Japanese team did their best to take care of these scenes in the movie, the final of Boys over Flowers. 3. Somehow, Gu Jun Pyo (the first actor in Korean version) seems more human to me. He is sensitive, alone, ruined but affectionate and gradually becomes more caring at the end.
Simply, see them both and make your own judgment if you like teenager love style movies!
