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Started 49 days recently....and went on a marathon and finished all the episodes available...AND NOW I CANT WAIT!!!! AHHHHHH!
I want something else to watch, while i wait for the next ep Of 49 days. Something fun and light...not too tense coz i still have to wake up and go for class :\
Enjoy your weekend....Rest, Party, catch up on drama.. do what you love!!!
Happy ot everyone!!! I just started 49 days and it's taking such patience not to cheat and watch ahead of where I am. I like the show. It's the first time in a long time a new drama in 2011 has got me.
I also started watching 49 Days since it's out on DramaFever. I have to say, the stills of Kang in the recaps don't do him justice. He looks kind of old in all of the photos, but seems a lot fresher (and way cuter) in moving film.
The whole show is really cute and well done. Somehow they've done a good job not being tedious or repetitive even though for the first 10 episodes basically nothing is really accomplished with regards to the central plot of the show -- which is to collect the tears to come back to life.
It reminds me a lot of Dead Like Me, except the main character is actually likable. I loved the concept (not unlike the Scheduler's situation, an interesting interpretation of continued afterlife ambiguity and not immediately receiving all the answers, even when dead), but I was not a fan of the female lead in that. She was just so blasé and a downer. And unrealistic, in a way. She sees her grieving mother, who isn't a bad person, at her funeral and doesn't even really react to it. Who is that disaffected? It was like watching a show about death where Yi-kyung is the main character the whole time. And let's face it, that would be so depressing it would be unwatchable.
I think when your concept deals with heavy issues like Death and Taxes, you need a light main character to keep things from becoming too depressing to watch. Despite her obliviousness and sometimes irritating personality, I think Ji-hyun works better as a main character because she adds some positivity and levity to the story. Everyone else is so wrapped up in their own private misery/suffering they almost make living look like it's not worthwhile. It's refreshing that Ji-hyun has an appreciation for life and gives the other characters around her an appreciation for it too.
I totally agree...I think they dragged the first few episodes with the younger kid cast. But now the story has really started :D Hopefully it will get the ratings it deserves now :D
the ratings for the earlier episodes with the younger cast was low.... but since episode 5 and 6 started with the older cast the ratings apparently shot up so hopefully it continues rising :D:D:D
I love the love triangle that's forming already XD eek!
YES! Thats the only drama i am catching right now and i am liking it.
I wouldnt call the children parts a drag cause it established the premise and i really did enjoy them.
My only issue is that its so under-rated that the even the chinese subs come out late..and they are usually fast. Ik now darksmurfs rely on chinese subs too..so late chinese subs = late darksmurfs subs for the rest.
I absolutely cannot wait til DongJoo recognizes WooRi! If onyl she werent so convinced he's the brother! I suspect the ragged bean sack will reunite them.
Bt i am not sure..maybe i want them to fall in love first before they recognize each other...
P.S. At 26 eps, New Gisaeng Story is boring me. Can Saran STOP being such a boring character and grow some attitude?
Oh My God, I loove it! The best part was that even the kid part was great! I loved all the kid actors(especially Ma Roo)!!!!! Every character is interesting! Can't wait for new episodes.
You are sooo right about Han Kang....hes reallly CUTE!! and I love the scene where he's got this messy hair do and hes stretching....AAAAAHHH!!!!
I like Nam Gyu Ri...this is my first drama of hers.....and I find her adorable! [also kinda like IU....she looks alike to me] and Song Yi kyung[ dunno her real name]....i find that her 'blah' expression is getting very redundant....shes still very pretty...expecially in the flash back scenes!!
I actually find Nam Gyu Ri's looks a bit disconcerting. I dunno, is she really plastic? There's something about her that seems unnatural. It's actually good for this role because she's so pale and her eyes are so dark she looks rather ghostly. Still, the Ji-hyun the character (and Nam Gyu Ri) have grown on me.
I think the woman who places Song Yi Kyung is much prettier, in truth, and a bit more real looking. I'm also impressed with her acting ability, since I often feel as though I'm watching Nam Gyu Ri/Ji-hyun but really the woman who plays Yi-Kyung is doing most of the acting in the show. To be able to suspend my disbelief like that is a job well done.
i started 49 days but gave up because ji hyun was SO DAMN IRRITATING.. i dont quite get why maybe its the actress & not the character but she really rubs me the wrong way & i cant bear to continue watching the show because she's the main lead.. i liked her hard headed friend wayy better she was cool & not pissing off with her naivete like this one eugh & i actually like the actress playing li kyung so if she were to be the main character (& not pose as just the body for the annoying ji hyun) id hv given the drama a chance #__#
i have to disagree i started 49 days but gave up because ji hyun was SO DAMN IRRITATING.. i dont quite get why maybe its the actress & not the character but she really rubs me the wrong way & i cant bear to continue watching the show because she's the main lead.. i liked her hard headed friend wayy better she was cool & not pissing off with her naivete like this one eugh & i actually like the actress playing li kyung so if she were to be the main character (& not pose as just the body for the annoying ji hyun) id hv given the drama a chance #__#
I feel like LJA's career died over night.
But I actually really like her. Man wow.....In the end I dont blame her she probably went through alot to keep her marriage a secret for a whopping 14 YEARS. I wouldnt even last even a month. And here I though Park Han Byul and Se7en did a good job. The woman deserves respect it must have been really hard on her. And the fight for alimony is justified as well. As for Jung Woo Sung, she got divorced before she started dating him but she should have told him he had the right to know. I mean if it was all over and done with okay but since the lawsuit and everything he deserves to know.
I saw her in only one thing, that Telecinema thing (I think) with Kang Ji Hwan and found her sooooo annoying. Don't know if it was the character or not, but I didn't like her. Maybe in some other vehicle...
But yeah, wow, a secret marriage for 14 years! That's some careful planning right there.
I just realized she has been married for more than half of my lifetime. I wonder why she didn't tell JWS- was there a nondisclosure clause in the divorce. Like "whoever lets slip that we were married has to forfeit all the money"?
1. The couple gets secretly married because their parents force them too in order to get their inheritance or something, but agree to live separate lives.
2. The first person to let it slip that they are married have to forfeit all of their inheritance money.
3. As soon as they meet someone they want to marry they will amicably (and secretly) divorce.
4. But then.....they start to fall in love and true to kdrama standards they don't share this information with each other.
5. Alas, the heroin has a "2nd lead" character who is actively pursuing her.
6. Her "husband" risks everything to confess his love for her by saying they are married on National TV (or whatever) and he only wants to be with her.
7. For 2 episodes: "OMG how scandalous...."
8. She is left to make the decision. Take all his money and live with her new man, or stay with him.
9. Of course we know her decision, but getting their is the GOOD part.
Let me know when this drama comes out. Sounds exciting. I sure hope LJA's drama will have a happy ending too. I love her in the legend, she kinda left a good impression.
Isn't this the same kind of crazy thing that happened with one of the Jackson family women, LaToya, Janet, or one of them? She was (secretly) married to a dancer or choreographer for several years, they (secretly) divorced and when he wasn't happy with the alimony settlement, went public and sued? Secret marriage/divorce, not so SECRET now!
Why the big secret with the biggest thing in one's life?
is it true that the government is supposed to hv leaked out this scandal when it did to draw attention away from the president's scandal? speculating in stocks or something?
The writer of 49'days is familiar with the concept of “Buddhist Limbo,” as describe in the “Tibetan Book Of Death,” but at the same time the liberties taking as she/he interprets the understanding of the Bardo ( intermediate state), is something that it does work in the real of fantasy but not in the practical sense.
Numero uno – In order for the “soul” to live the physical body one must experience a near death occurrence, so far in the case of Ji-hyun the accident makes it possible for her spirit to live her body, now we know that her situation is far more than just an out of body experience “Astral projection,”
since she cannot return to her body right away.
So this is where the writer takes some liberties in the interpretation of the facts.
Numero dos – In order for the “soul” to be given the 49 days a real “Physical Death” must take place, since that is the catalyst for the “Rebirth” process to take place, there are some primary bardo's, that take place before the process cannot be reverse, resuscitation, and coma can be the stages where the body is suspended for an indefinite amount of time, so we have cases where people have awaken after many years after being in a coma, meaning that a true physical death have not occurred.
Once a true physical death has taking place the “Cycle of Death and Rebirth” cannot be broken, and the 49 days will start counting to allowed the soul to find a new “Host,” now the host as far as I know cannot be a living “person, animal or plant,” but it has to go to the process of natural birth as all natural entities,
So in the case of Ji-hyun the question is;
1- Is she dead or alive in the physical sense?
I think she is dead, she was still alive up till the time she went into surgery, after that all her vitals flatten and the doctor, say that she was brain death.
2- If we agree that she is death, and given 49 days technically she cannot comeback to life, the fact is that it takes 49 days, from physical death to transition in to a new rebirth, other wise her “spirit”,' would remain in the primary stages of limbo, with out starting the 49 days.
That brings one to the case of The Scheduler “Yi-soo,” in his case his physical body has been long put to rest, so I am afraid that for him there is no coming back at all, and we already know that a spirit cannot occupy a body that already have a host indefinitely, but some interpretations of the bardo says that the intermediate transition can take from 3. 21, 49, 100, up to seven years for rebirth to take place.
So Yi-soo still under the 7 year mark, and in this case the writer has been closer to facts or interpretation of the Book Of Death, the sad part is that in reality he cannot come back from the death, he can be reborn but he cannot return as a grown up person, so for all of you who are wishing him a happy ending, I am afraid that it wont be, in the case of Ji-hyun technically she cannot come back to life because he is really death, but due to a hybrid interpretation of the writer, fear not my friends she will return to the land of the living, and live happily ever after!!!! : O }
I suppose not having to follow a strict interpretation of the Book of Death gives the writers freedom to steer the story more freely. Perhaps in a future episode, we get to meet the monk again to give some clarification as to the rules of death and rebirth. I enjoyed reading your post and didn't notice any grammatical errors :D
11 Days 20 Hours 3 Minutes to my date with Cha Seung Won! hehehe... I cant wait for Best Love! The preview looked delicious! :P ~~ Im getting ridiculously fangirly about CSW! I just bought a magazine of him online, not that I read Korean and the Director's cut for City Hall! I still listen to the OST and have my Jo Gukie fix almost everyday.... He is sooooo fine~~~~
Finished watching Sungkyunkwan Scandal and I must say its just the type of drama I was looking for. Not too heavy, lots of eye candy, lots of meaningful lessons, cuteness incorporated and good OST too! I cant remember who asked me to watch it after falling in love with City Hall. Whoever you are.... Kamsahamida! Although it didnt capture my heart like City Hall did however it filled my boring days nicely! I cant really compare it to Coffee Prince too its just 2 different dramas. GY and Coffee Prince are still my First Love ~~~ *blush*
Not related to Dramaland is 'No strings attached' I am pleasantly surprised the sweetness of this movie ! If you want a good romcom from hollywood this is a very good one to watch!
Meanwhile 49 Days has been heating up... my favourite is episode 12 . Of Course Kang ah.... made that episode and the revelations unfolding fast is making me desperate for more episodes to come.... I wonder who will be the one to give her the 2nd tear?
Rachel, I saw it on YT and its no longer there.
'This video is no longer available because the YouTube account associated with this video has been terminated due to multiple third-party notifications of copyright infringement from claimants, including:
KBSi
Sorry about that.' If I find it again I will share it on db.
Happy friday and happy long weekend. Can anyone reccomend a good manga/manwha turned drama. So far I've watched:
It started with a kiss/Playful kiss
Mars
Full house
Boys over flowers
the taiwanese version of Marmalade boy
Although japan recreates alot of mangas into dramas but I just can't do japanese dramas.
Looking forward to your input....
I also don't get along with j-dorama usually, but the drama version of Glass no Kamen (Glass Mask), or more like the 2nd season of it (you can just skip the 1st one if you know the manga, really) and especially the last, bonus episode, is quite nice to watch.
Else, you have the taiwanese version of Hana Yori Dango, Meteor Garden, I think. It's quite old now, but still watchable.
Soon there'll be Extravagant Challenge, the taiwanese version of Skip Beat, starring members of Super Junior if my memory is correct. Can't wait for that one !
Oh, and City Hunter is coming as well, but let's hold no expectations regarding the drama's resemblance to the manga...
I always thought the Taiwanese Hana Yori Dango wasn't that good. The Japanese Hana Yori Dango was by far my favorite. The thing about j-dorama is that you gotta be able to handle the over reaction from the cast when they do funny material, but a lot of it is pretty good. Some of my favorites in no particular order (and I'm going to be naming the popular ones so it'll be ones you'll most likely find dramaaddict):
Delinquent Related:
Crows Zero (movies I, II)
Gokusen (I, II, III, movie)
Tumbling
ROOKIES (Everything related)
Teen Love/School/School Bullying/Friendship:
Hana Yori Dango
Hana Kimi
LIFE
Nobuta wo Produce
Serious Romance/Friendship:
Innocent Love
Friends (really heavy stuff this one)
Touching:
1 Litre of Tears (I prefer the drama, but there's a movie too)
Taiyou no Uta
Romantic Comedy:
Hotaru no Hikari (I, II)
COP Stuff:
BOSS (I, II)
Yeah, that's just some of them. I don't this j-dorama is for everyone. You gotta know how to watch it and find the good in them. The other great part is that each drama is short. The relationships/friendships are sweet. And you grow to love the characters to the point that you want more. But you gotta be able to give it a chance.
Hana Yori Dango is my favorite as well. And still my fav Jdrama. I do appreciate Jdrama, but ever since I got to Kdrama land I can't seem to bounce back to J-land other than Hotaru no Hikari 2 (since I watched 1 before I got so into Kdrama). Ohh and Mr.Brain too. I think they are the only 2 more recent Jdramas I've watched. If only Kubozuka Yosuke is still taking Jdrama projects :(
Attention Please and Nodame are my all time fav as well. Are there any good comedy you can recommend?
You should definitely watch Utahime and Orange Days. Those two along with Nodame Cantabile are my top 3 favorite jdramas and a lot of people have either never heard of them nor watched them.
Oh yeah! NODAME CANTABILE is definitely great. Season 1, 2, and both movies, the whoooole lot <3
I already loved classical music, but I re-fell in love with it after seeing Nodame. And I'm not going to ever see orchestra directors in the same light again.
Oh yeah, I've seen Utahime. Tiger & Dragon made me obsessed with everything TOKIO or Nagase Tomoya related. So Utahime was a given. I saw Orange Days too, but I never really watched it as faithfully as I did other j-doramas. So I skipped a couple of episodes. XD
Hana Kimi springs to mind - it's THE cross-dressing-girl-at-a-boys'-school manga, haha. It's got great art and there's both a twdrama and a jdrama. Personally, I prefer the jdrama, *as it''s actually hilarious ^^, and not like your typical jdrama at all* but if you really can't stand jdramas, do give the Taiwanese version a try.
There's supposed to be a Korean re-make of Hana Kimi this summer! I LOVE the Jdrama, but I thought the ending could've been better. I'm hoping the Korean version will be even better, though I don't see how anyone could out-do Ikuta Toma as Nakatsu :)
I also LOVE Mei-chan no Shitsuji, it's the drama that made me fall in love with Mizushima Hiro.
OMG i am DYING for the korean version to come out! I loved the japanese version, but kdramas just do drama better. so i have a feeling it will be AWESOME. i hope the SM people they pick can act though... and that they throw some others in there. i'm dying to know who they're casting ah!
Yeah, I heard about SM doing Hana Kim, and I wasn't too thrilled and I was their prospects for Mizuki: SNSD. No offense to SNSD, but they're waaaaaay too girly and tall to pull of Mizuki. I always thought Horikita pulled it off well just because she was small enough too pull off the "Pre-puberty cute boy" look (although they were in High School, but you know what I mean). Although I never really like the Taiwanese version, I felt Ella Chen did a good job. And I feel the Japanese Special for Hana Kimi gave us an ending that was well sought after (although Oguri Shun's hair in that special was horrible).
I don't know if it is based on a manwha, but a great comic book themed drama is Someday (kdrama). I just finished it a couple of days ago, and it is so good!
It definitively has the intricate camera-angles, great shots, inventive plot and dialog that you would expect with a manwha/manga-based drama. It centers around a korean comic-book writer who grew up in Japan, and has a very distinctive personality. Other than that I can't say much without giving away the plot.
It is funny, moving and romantic. And it is as much about family, however you find it, as much as it is about romance. The b-story is as interesting as the main plot and everything ties together, just awesomely made.
Even though it is korean, it may be a little too jdrama-ish for you, but it all depends on what you don't like about jdramas. I say it is worth a shot
(between mysoju and viki you should have most all the episodes. Except for ep 11, which I watched raw on tudou while viewing the softsub from viki--- It is that good!).
No mention of GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka)? It's not a romantic comedy, but it's got comedy in spades. It's also a gold mine of funnies and slice of life drama. GTO's probably the most well-known jdorama, next to Hana Yori Dango. Guaranteed to make you laugh, learn and love!
I love how you claimed him. And yes, he is in most of those, even badass Crows Zero. Can I just say he rocked that hair-do like no one can (because, really, anyone else would've looked lame)?
49 Days comment (and spoiler, if you haven't seen ep.11 yet): I especially enjoy the drama-watching experience when something exciting happens that I totally didn't see coming. YK's psyche remembering JH during the hypnotherapy session was a development that completely caught me off-guard, and I loved it! I found it perfectly plausible because the human mind is like the most amazing thing ever! Years ago, I learned that a person with multiple personality disorder can have one personality that's diabetic or visually-impaired, etc., and other personalities that aren't-- and I've been fascinated with the mind ever since. I haven't seen ep. 12 yet, but I hope that more of YK's subconscious memories of JH surface soon and that they help her to form a bond with JH.
1. 49 days is GREAT!!! love that show...all because of dramabeans...
2. I cant wait to see Lie to Me...I love YEH!!!
3. @Neimat Ilyas - i'm watching "Creating Destiny" on dramafever right now and its pretty funny. eugene and someone else is in it...i'm watching that to fill the time -
4. I cant believe I started liking Midas...Jang Hyuk is just the BOMB!
5. I dont like Royal Family but I like the lead guy...he's cute.
6. I'm still waiting for Gong Yoo to appear in a drama...this year????? Maybe???
MEK:
49 days totally rocks.. can't wait for the next week.. and I am literally refleshing my screen every minute to see the recap last night..
Saw the first tease trailer for Best Love... look awesome.. can't wait for that and Lie to Me... may will be totally sleepless....
Believe it.. I like Midas too... Jang Hyuk is good as always... of course no ming woo is the reason why I watch it Midas at the first place... there is a lot going on in the drama.. I am about 10 episode in.. I am hoping everything will wrap up nicely at the end....
oh just watch the first 2 episode of Manny... loving it!
Oooh LOVING Midas! But it's not so popular with the subbers so I resorted to watching with Chinese subs (and pausing every second to read cuz my chinese sucks LOL) they needa show more NO MIN WOO!
Not sure if its a new thing or not, but I love love love that there's a mobile website now! I always read through the new recaps on my phone, and now its so so much easier! :D
Doesn't it work just as well if you browse the site on a smart phone. My friend has a smart phone (I don't) and I used her to browse Dramabeans. It's just as if I'm on my laptop. I need to hurry up and upgrade my phone ASAP.
Natalie ! I thought I was the only one who realised the format is different on my mobile! It is way better isnt it? I'm on it every break and lunch to catch up on recaps and dramaland and I simply love it!!!!!!
However I dont like the subscription bit. I subscribed thinking it will give me notification of replies to my comment but it gave notification to all comments on the article. My inbox is full of it and I tried to delete, suspend and it didnt work. I couldnt find unsubscribe. I have to say the description of what this new feature actually does is not described well enough to know what Im getting myself into. Needless to say, an unsubscribe link will be good.
I do want to applaud JB & team for improving this site nonetheless and making it such a cool place to visit everyday. I know it must not be easy peasy as it looks. Thank you!!! Kamsahamida~~~
I recall girlfriday posting some news on it and have heard around that about six episodes have aired. I want to check it out-- especially because awesome-actor Jung Bo Soek is there, but hmm, I've been wanting to hear someones review on it thus far, before launching in. Even if the reviews are bad, I'll probably check it out anyways--but I just wanted to know if anyone is watching or not? :)
I've seen a few episodes of it. And it was touching and heartwarming. (And Jung Bo seok's mentally deficient but sweet father character is all the more impressive in light of his recent EVIL turn in Giant) But I think for a kdrama like this, the handling of it matters so that it doesn't veer off too much into melodrama. So I'll give it a couple more episodes and see.
Listen to My Heart is my favorite drama of the week! I totally flipped when I saw Jung Bo Seok in it. My initial reaction was holy shat!! That's the awesomely evil villain in Giant. He was amazing in that role and he's amazing in this one. Props to him.
This drama isn't too melo (well at least not yet). I feel like they have a nice balance of drama, heart-felt moments and even funny comedic scenes. I am absolutely loving it! Is it Saturday yet?
lol. I'm waiting for the next eps too. I'm loving Can You Hear my Heart. There's so much you can do with the premise and I'm looking forward to seeing if it continues being good. But man....to think it'll be 50 eps. lol.
awww I started to watch it yesterday evening and am now waiting for ep 7.
this show is seriously good. i wasn't really expecting anything from this one and found myself so addicted :)
Six episodes have aired. The kids are in 1-5 and then the adults take over about half way through 5. So far, it's pretty good. It looks like it's going to be a long winding road (well, it's a weekend drama, so that's to be expected) but there is some serious whackadoodle and evil going on. It's hard to say how deep into melo territory it's going to go, but it's going there.
thats what I'm nervous abt....hw melo will it get??...i've already quite a few tears for the first 6 eps dont know hw much more it will take...like u said there's some crazy evil going on though I appreciate that they're all not caricatured and seem to be somewhat conflicted......also really miss the child actors especially Kim Sae Ron
Just watched episode 1 this morning. It has potential but Im really not in the mood for melodrama at the moment and it looks that way to me especially who son is both of male leads is not revealed yet. Of course need to watch more episodes to tell but for now I am cautiously optimistic I suppose.
It's a great drama. I really like it. It has some flashes of Kim TakGu in there and it's a little makjang...but the relationships between the characters are great. The child actors did a great job fleshing out their characters. I was a little put off by Hwang Jung Eum's portrayal of Woo Ri at first because Kim Sae Ron did an amazing job...but she grew on me.
"Can You Hear My Heart" - I've only watched 4 episodes (on Viki in USA). I'm really enjoying it. It seems like a good story-line and I'm excited to see how it develops.
49 i can't wait for next episodes.i'm recently buzy with a whole thing in my life and skip open thread for long and i realized that samsooki or ockoala or some nick name not participated with open thread anymore.can someone tell me what happened with them and the baby of samsooki was born,is it a boy or girl?thanks anyway.
Loving 49 Days. A really interesting show with a thought-provoking premise and pretty good acting all around. (Kang-ah!)
I've been playing maid at my house for a few weeks and it makes me flashback to Full House and how housework was so cute in that. Lies, drama! Lies! Lol.
Question for the void then: what seems so cute in dramas but is a drag in real life?
I like the idea of a really yell-y, shout-y alpha guy, in dramas, but not so sure how I'd take it in real life! :D
i agree with you abt a yell-y, shout-y guy. If I get with a guy like that in real life, I would probably cry all the time (I haven't been screamed at much in my life and when I do get screamed at, I cry) and then go insane and shave his hair off in his sleep.
When a guy gets all jealous and pissy. Cute in dramaland but not so cute in real life!
Also, when the guy and the girl are arguing and he suddenly grabs her and lays one on her and she just melts and falls into it! In real life, do NOT attempt to kiss me when I'm angry at you...you will be sorry!
And the stolen/secret kisses-- the guy kissing the girl while she's sleeping or passed out. Might seem romantic in dramaland, but in real life, that's sexual harassment!
When a guy gets mad at a girl for putting herself in danger, in a drama, I find it touching because it's usually one of the first signs he has feelings for her. In real life, though I find it insulting that he thinks I can't handle anything on my own.
Also couple rings, t-shirts, shoes etc are cute in dramas but I would never wear them.
hi beaniepeople...have a blessed Good Friday to all!
as is the case for almost all...we all love 49 Days, and i'm loving the Scheduler more and Han Kang most! I'm actually getting so anxious of what will happen to the two souls, that is, Ji-hyun and the Scheduler. I haven't seen 12 yet, I think these two deserve their real loves but since they are both dead, well, Ji-hyun more or less...what remains for them is yet to be seen. Well, I love happy endings for sure. And i'm already dreading the ending, basically due to the fact that Yi-soo is well, dead. How how wish he is in some place tucked in safe in a coma state like Ji-hyun so that he can come back and reclaim his love to Yi-kyung. I know life is not always fair but it is just so unfair...show! Just me thinks.... :) I'm going nuts here over a Show, hahaha...
Hmm, the more I read about 49 days the more I feel I should to stay away from it until all episodes are out. We'll see if I have enough self control... I always get too emotionally involved with good dramas. So it's better to pull a sleepless weekend than showing up to work with puffy eyes for weeks during Secret Garden's later half.
Happy OT Friday! Happy Good Friday, Too! And Happy Spring! Magnolias and Daffodils are blooming throughout the neighborhood. Its not quite a cherry blossom festival, but I'll take it!
49 days...has such gorgeous flowers, no pun intended. I keep feeling envious to be walking along the forsythia laden slopes. Honestly, whenever Ji-hyun and Min-ho are all angsty I end up thinking, "mmm. . . flowers". I did a similar thing whenever I got bored watching MSOAN-especially when they were out playing in the pine woods.
With that said, I so totally geek to 49days so far. Its really quite good. Love Kang, and the schedular, and the sounding board food provider. We should all have one of those, eh?
Criticism follows: I want more range of emotion from In-jung-I think its the script limiting her to emotional villainous du jour. I'm happy she is not a robot, though, hey. I hope they are able to make her more sympathetic to the audience somehow, so the story is complex, without making it absurd. Same for Seo-woo: She is given token screen time so far. I hope she can be worked into the story more, but keep the warmness of her character. It would be too sad if she goes all poison ivy once she realizes the Kang/ Ji-hyun lurve dipoler attraction. I feel like she needs a white night, too.
I agree...this should be nothing, but I understand its a different culture from the US, so it turns out to be something. I hope she can make a come-back because its a personal matter...and therefore should be forgotten (but will it? must there always be a footnote? like Tom .... what's his face? ... Cruise? Yep, I forgot him enough, eh.)
Are you wathcing unsubbed?
I started 15 raw, but got lost with what they were saying and bailed.
I usually wait until Sunday to watch this one, once both eps are up with eng subs.
Speaking of JSW, have you seen his interview in Win Win? After seeing it, my love for him upped a thousand more steps. Totally love his devotion to his mother who is quite a character too. Its a total revelation for me.
Have to register though in order to watch the eng subbed show here:
I watched 15 & 16 raw. Waiting for Sunday. In this 2 eps I'm impressed with YJ, hate YK more...to blame her past to do the evil deed is a poor excuse..can't wait for the next eps!
Kang woo still always watching over JE...
Twinkle...
I burst out laughing...scene in the car...both feeling awkward to talk..JW turns on the radio...& *Yeah...kiss me my dahling...* song came on! LOL!
Twinkle - Loved him in the car scene, and the one where first he follows her on the balcony, then ,runs down the stairs all the way outside to stop JW from leaving because he couldn't resist.
That is what I like about this couple. From their very first scene together, at least one of them is in a VERY uncomfortable situation. The clever writers decided the OTP would get to know each other quickly, and not be able to hide their true character from the other.
So we have this staid, righteous lonely man forced to deal with heretofore unfelt feelings right in front of a girl he wants to impress! I LOVE HIM! Kim Suk Hoon is not a flashy romantic actor like Hyun Bin or Gong Yoo, but I think he is very sexy.
SJ's character is like a shell I would love to pry open and play with, and, yes, I mean it THAT way..
Happy OT Friday! Happy Good Friday, Too! And Happy Spring! Magnolias and daffodils are blooming throughout the neighborhood. Its not quite a cherry blossom festival, but I'll take it!
49 days...has such gorgeous flowers, no pun intended. I keep feeling envious to be walking along the forsythia laden slopes. Honestly, whenever Ji-hyun and Min-ho are all angsty I end up thinking, "mmm. . . flowers". I did a similar thing whenever I got bored watching MSOAN-especially when they were out playing in the pine woods.
With that said, I so totally geek to 49days so far. Its really quite good. Love Kang, and the scheduler, and the sounding board food provider. We should all have one of those, eh?
Criticism follows: I want more range of emotion from In-jung- I think it is the script limiting her to emotional villainous du jour. I'm happy she is not a robot, though, hey. I hope they are able to make her more sympathetic to the audience somehow, so the story is complex, without making it absurd. Same for Seo-woo: She is given token screen time so far. I hope she can be worked into the story more, but keep the warmness of her character. It would be too sad if she goes all poison ivy once she realizes the Kang/ Ji-hyun lurve dipoler attraction. I feel like she needs a white night, too. Fingers crossed that all's well that ends well :)
Happy Friday! I just had a test and have another one very soon today, but I am looking forward to catching up on 49 days this weekend! Happy Earth Day to everyone too! Is anyone else in school having trouble deciding which dramas to watch while they air (of the ones in May)? I can't pick which ones to relegate to a marathon during the summer >.<
@silka - min woo is a gorgeous man but geez - why did they have to put so much make-up on him in this show...it reminds me of the taiwanese dramas...everyone is always all made up...
still watching wish upon a star, and loving it!!!! I have a "heat transfer II" midterm exam tomorrow, but it's the last two episodes! so I'll be watching that before I can concentrate( but maybe that plan will backfire!!)
I totally love Kim Ji Hoon's acting. Every time Kang Ha feels hurt and his eyes fill with tears, I feel like my heart is splitting in half!!! the pain of having to give up on the one person you let yourself love because of your love for your brother (and apparently step-mother) is portrayed so brilliantly. . .
and the kids are awesome, specially little baby Nam!!!
2 more weeks till I'm done with school and so much to do in that time - papers, projects, and presentations galore! It's my last semester of graduate school and I can't wait to be done. Been regretting it actually so each assignment makes me feel super irritated and angry. I should have followed the typical Asian route and graduated with a useful major in undergrad. Now I have a useless undergrad degree and an almost equally useless master's degree.
49 days is the only thing keeping me sane! even though it's preventing me from getting any work done...
I'm totally empathizing with you. Final exams are the pits!!! But also a necessary hurdle in order to achieve summer freedom and admittance into the 'real world'... Do your best and end strong!
I am in the same position as you...but reversed haha
This whole month has been ridiculously busy but there's only finals week left next week so thank goodness for that!
I followed the typical Asian route and am graduating with a useful degree but now I'm kinda wishing that I should have gotten at least a history/sociology minor when I had the chance instead of taking all the hard sciences...
Oh well, maybe I'll minor in those fields just before I graduate...or one of these days lol
Good luck to all of us!
And Happy Good Friday and Easter Sunday (Ressurection Day) to everyone!
whoa, you really are the reverse of me! I was a history major for undergrad...as for the subject of my graduate degree...it will stay unmentioned because not many asian americans get a graduate degree in this subject (not many people, period!). That, my history degree, and my kdrama obsession will immediately identify me- I might as well use my real first and last name here!
and thanks everyone for the words of encouragement!
I'm in a weird mood today. I feel super lazy. I'm in that transitional period after college graduation and I just feel like such a slacker.
Anyway. I'm loving 49 days. I watched 11 w/o subs yesterday. I hate doing that but I just couldn't wait! I also can't wait for the onslaught of new dramas in May! Going to be awesome!!!
Hello~ First time in open thread. Actually first time in a thread not solely concerned with 49 days. Sadly it's the only drama I'm watching right now; I have to limit myself to one drama per season or risk failing my degree. God knows how much time 49 days alone is taking (it has far too much rewatch value, and sometimes I'd just pause and stare at the same picture *coughKIAScough* for several minutes).
Currently on a one week break from uni. I should be taking this time to catch up on all my work and complete all those assignments I said I'd do at the beginning of the break...but you all know how that goes =P.
Yep, I am with you. I try to limit myself, sometimes purposely selecting something not too intense or addictive, and still fail. I started watching The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry the other day and realize it will be the story of my life in 10 years. Thus I finished it in 2 days with very little sleep and looking like a zoombie at work
I stopped watching 49 Days but it looks like everything is starting to heat up. YEAH. I like. I'm actually watching Manny and I have to say that the relationship between the little boy and Manny is just so adorable. >.<
But I'm so excited! Tomorrow is Asian Night at my school and WONG FU PRODUCTIONS IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also, this is random but is it normal to completely lose your appetite while recovering from a cold? I got sick last Friday and I feel almost fine now just a little stuffy nose but I just lost my appetite and it's kind of scaring me because I usually love to eat and now I'm just half-heartedly chewing on food so I won't starve. . . .
>< you have ASIAN NIGHT?? with WONGFUPRODUCTIINS?? i am sitting in a little puddle of jealousy right now.
anyways:) i really like 49 days~~ but i havent watched episodes 11 and 12 yet... i keep ruining and spoilering stuff for myself by reading clearly marked spoiler commentsXDDD no self control, this one. heh..im off to start them now!!
i still wish my school had asian night. sighhhhh... you must tell me how it goes!!
Twinkle Twinkle
All That Glitters
LOVE WHAT'S HAPPENING (with some characters) ON THIS SHOW.
The OTP's story is one of my favorites out there. HE is Darcy, but not in a cliche way to her Lizzie.
LOVE the beginning of Episode 20.
Love how Editor and Team Leader talk to each other, how he watches her, how he is falling for her against his will, but not his reason.
Love Editor's family's story.
Love the story line with JW real oma.
Love Dae Bum and his pretty aggy.
ADORE Uncle Mickey's brother. He should get a show.
HATE Geum Ran
Starting to hate GR's real oma - BRAT!
Slimey Braces is growing on me...
Don't care about the poor apa and the sister's husband. I have FF through all of their scenes.
Why can't I seem to like the OTP :( I really have something against the editor which I can't put it in words. It almost feels like me hating a guy from high school which I will eventually come to love with that same passion I hated. haha. But somehow I don't see the turn to liking anytime soon. Or maybe I forwarded too much before I gave him the chance a main lead deserves.
And I'm at episode 18 but I already dislike GR's real omma. How can she show her biasness in front of JW. Seriously, I can understand if she feels sorry for GR and all but she can at least be more discreet about her biasness.
I totally adore the uncle and Dae Bum and his baby as well. How can anyone not ^^
What I like about the Editor is he balances JW really well.
He is right about some things, but she is right about other things.
He may have thought he was going to dominate at the new job, but JW keeps "getting in his way" with her opinions and ideas.
She does not back down when she is right, and he has come to respect her for that. He is also doing a lot of things that are out of character for him (in the past) and can't stop it. Like when he cooked for her...sigh...
I also love that he is not even remotely going to fall for GR, even though we worried he would at first...
Good point, I do see that they match each other really well. How he kind of teaches her to not take her wealthy bg for granted when he throws her the question if her refusal to bow is because of her being the chairman's daughter. I'm sure they are the OTP but DB is too good to be left alone in the end :(
Guess I need to stop ff editor's scenes so that I can start appreciating this pairing. Especially when knowing that people love them. Hope I get there soon!
Aha! That's why I stopped watching it! I was reading this, thinking "wait a minute, I like that show, why didn't I keep up with it?" Because I only understand a few words without my precious subtitles.
Same here. I had a good laugh with the broken record breaking the spell! Then in the car with the *Yeah...kiss me dahling...* song. I love JW. I love her Chief!
I love GR...I think he's begiining to have feelings for JW too...love triangle perhaps. I like JW's uncle...he saw the jrnal in GR room...he might help solve the copy cat case later...I don't like JW's rich mom...I admire JW's dad love for her.
Exactly! while I'm watching these 2 losers I keep wondering why the mom & the daughter chose them. Ugh! The daughter might be tempted to have an affair with the rich "friend".
I think that GR is not smart enough to think that the chief would not notice who cheated.
Did you find recap or reviews on Twinkle/Shining anywhere?
I am going to the soompi thread, but only after I watched the raws.
I love all the folks over there, but avoiding spoilers is very very difficult.
Even when they use the "hidden" spoiler feature, which is great, people comment below on what was just revealed, and, GAH! I read something like "I can't believe the birth secret is A-HUGE-SURPRISE-COMETHING-I-EVER-WOULD-HAVE-GUESSED."
I've just watched five episodes of Royal Family... but stop, not enough time. Nowadays, 49 days and Manny have caught my attention. I'm still watching Midas and honestly: I HATE IT!!!! Not for the actors (love Jang Hyuk, NMW, LMJ) but the storyline is going crazy... I hate how superficial everything is written, Most of the characters are really shallow. You can see that the writers have made a great research about the M&A world, they know terms, strategies and how everything moves on the financial ambient, but the motivations of the actions, the characters development are really, really mediocre... I'll finish it but I have not expectations.
I agree with you. Even the love storyline is not developed properly.I think it is the way the characters are written.The relationships and characters development just do not flow well.Consequently you do not feel emotion from the actors."The honeymoon night" between the leads was awkward.
As you said ”The honeymoon night” was really sad: I don't know but I didn't feel that LMJ was really "still" in love with Jang Hyuk's character... Maybe it's me, I didn't feel anything. But this "couple" isn't the most terrible thing of this drama... the NMW character.... OHHH MY GOD!!!! You can cut his part on the drama, all his scenes and nothing will change, at least from what I've seen on 17 episodes... So depressing, so sad. His character is like a piece of furniture: a sofa, a table... he's merely a decoration. If I was him I would hire somebody to kill the writers.
Agree with your comment about NWM - it's a shame he's so wasted in this drama. And the horrible part is that he's losing weight for his role of portraying a victim of terminal pancreatic cancer - he interviewed that his goal is 20 lbs. His frame is so thin, normally and he's doing this to his body for a role that doesn't deserve this kind of devotion.
The boy needs a good wake-up shake (and a few sandwiches!)!
I don't know why, but I am kind of addicted. It is not even that good, but somehow I just fell in love with all the characters. Especially Damo. Saran is kind of getting on my nerves with her blank face (even when crying...blank face!) but mostly it's a good kind of getting on my nerves (the "why won't you just love each other and have lots of kids and then die tragically, yet poetically"-kind of annoyance).
Also, maybe it's because I've never really watched a longer drama before (think this will be about a 50 ep one), but I'm kind of enjoying the paste. Instead of cramming everything into 16 episodes there is time for the characters to breath and naturally change their mind about things, or grow feelings for one another with time and shared experiences. And not every sentence is a plot point, which makes the twists a little more surprising.
Plus it's a great show to do crafts to while watching. I can actually look down every once in a while without missing like, a death.
And it does seem very different from every other show I've watched...the moral codes seem a bit stricter in a way? Hard to explain, but like (SPOILER!!!) when the baby (presumably Saran) was left outside the Geum-residence and the grandfather decided to give her up, how much blame people put on him, and him on himself, when they found out the child was related to them. I mean, he didn't know, they didn't know...why are we blaming eyelinerloving grandpa? (/spoiler). I have a feeling it may be veered towards a more mature audience and that that's the reason, but I don't know. But I kind of like it, in a way I feel like it sort of explains a lot of things I haven't really understood in other dramas. Also, because they aren't screaming at each other every five seconds it's a little easier to hear what they're saying, so I'm picking up a few new words and sentence structures, which is always nice. Ok, ending the post now, I promise.
your not the only I LOVE NEW TALES OF GISAENG!
I was intrigued by the story since it was you know so different. I actually started watching it 2 wks ago and finished all 21 eps in a span of a week. And now im all caught up.
I love everything the story, plotline, OST and the characters. This is not my first 50+ series. I also watched Assorted Gems who has the same writer as NTOG. I am a bit fearful though how the story is going to dish out. Assorted Gems was a really good family drama up to like ep 35 and than took like huge 360 and went all makjang. it was a downhill from there. I really hope NTOG keeps its intensity and intriguing storyline for the rest of the run.
I also went through the episodes very quickly and as I waited for more episodes I decided to look up the writer and see if she'd written anything else, because she has a very distinctive style that I just fell in love with. So I did come across Assorted Gems, but I've never really watched much family dramas so I've only seen about an episode or so.
But I was surprised by how many similarities the two dramas hold. Like the opening scenes, with the girl dancing in her room (one of the reasons I really love Saran's younger sister. I really hope she gets together with the guy with the died hair. but I digress) and also Kyle - our resident gisaeng English teacher.
Too bad about the makjang though. A little drama is ok, but all that screaming (and incest....*shudders*. With all the parent-questioning that's going on I am so happy that they've stayed away from that can of icky inbred worms so far.) is really not my cup of tea.
But oh well, if we make it to 35 without makjang, that is still a decent length drama. Though Saran's whole stoic thing kind of forewarns makjang...fingers crossed!
Yeah. NTOG is definitely one to watch. I started watching it just to pass the time away but then got hooked. Initially I was really miffed by how expressionless our OTP couple were. Are they first time actors? I don't know but I just assumed they were and thus cut them some slack. Now as they ease into their roles they're both getting better, especially Damo. I like the way they're making his character grow. You can actually see him thinking over the things Saran says to him and reacting accordingly. Saran...not so much.
I don't know whether the writers are just focused on Damo and the other story lines but they seem to just be dishing Saran flimsy excuses for why her character is supposed to act the way she does. Like her decision to enter the gisaeng house because of her stepmother's actions and what she told her about her birth. It's not as if she was unaware her stepmother told her that to get her to go to the gisaeng house....so why did she just go along with it? Makes no sense.
And did anyone else think the Head of the Gisaeng house was a little crazy when she was imagining herself in the wedding dress? Lol! I'm sorry but I did mouth 'psycho' to myself when I saw that. I had to take it back though seeing how gracefully she handled her disappointment. Ah...can't wait for this weeks episodes. The previews look awesome!
Both the OTP are rookies. Im Soo-hyang has had a couple of minute, non-noticeable roles prior before landing the lead role. Sung Hoon (Damo) is a completely fresh-faced rookie.
I'm actually the opposite, I agree they've both improving and meeting their challenges as actors but I think Saran is BRILLIANT. Both the way she is being written and the actress. (I totally get why she does what she does)
Sung Hoon's line delivery needs some work but he's doing a decent job too.
Byeonggak Madame is <3. I thought that wedding dress sequence was both fun and sad. Fun, because she was girly enough to fantasise as such, but sad because that is not the fate of a Gisaeng.
I completely agree about Saran! Girl is getting on my nerves. I feel like a mind reader trying to extract any sense of what she's feeling. I liked the aloof thing at first, but now it's like...he's sacrificed so much and all you can give him is a blank (but pretty) stare? Even when she was crying over her birthday dinner she looked completely blank.
I think the reason for her going into the Gisaeng-house was something like she now feels like she needs to pay her father/family back because he raised her without being related to her..? That's what I took it as anyway.
I was thinking I might start watching it this weekend, just because I keep hearing good things about it. I'm a little intimidated by the 50 episodes though.
Yeah it's my first time watching such a long drama too. I got a while into Gloria (20-something episodes) but then I was just meh about it. I can't really say if Gisaeng is worth it or not as we're only about half way through, but the half I have watched is really really good. I mean it's not technically a good show, but it is engaging. Give it a try and see. To me it is one of the least frustrating shows I've watched in a while, especially helped by the lack of two guys fighting for a girl who can't make up her mind.
I like the fiery love between Damo & Saran. She loves him just as much...she's just scared of rejection by his parents which might influence him to dump her later.
Damo might help her find her real parents. I'm not impressed that her parents have not actively cont'd their search for her. Same with her inactive father...but its looking good cos he did go find it & found it. Good job DJ for urging him. Good thinking Damo for asking DJ.
I love SongJa.
I like Ra ra now. I'm not convince that future mother in law is sincere.
Sore grandma needs poking for being sore & narrow minded.
Did any of you notice Jung Il-Woo's injury in ep 12 of 49 Days? :O I read an article on allkpop, and the poor guy cracked the bone in his nose, ow ow ow.
I'm really, really enjoying Sign. It's my latest I've-got-to-see-what-happens-next show. Is it chocked full of crime drama cliches? You got it. Does it use part of the theme music to Jaws? Oddly enough, yes. Does Jung Gyu Woon get beat up on a regular basis? It's in there. Is critical evidence left lying conveniently out in the open for our clue club to discover? Affirmitive. There's all that and the pacing is phenomenal. There's not been one slow part yet, and I'm enjoying the play between the characters.
I'm also catching up on 49 Days. That's another good one that has kept my interest.
Also, for anyone else looking for it, I saw Viki.com has a couple of episodes of Hair Show up. That's my next stop. Shew! I'm going to have a full weekend watching all this.
Gotta love those timely clichés. Heck as long as the characters don't get on my nerves too much, and it's done well I'm up for most things.
I must be the only person who hasn't gotten into 49 days. I watched like the first six episodes, but to be honest, the only character I'm really interested keeps getting possessed... and the other one only whines when called on (the almighty lady-drool-collector also known as the Scheduler...Seriously, is there anyone who doesn't have the hots for him?)
I'm between dramas at the moment (or at least released episodes) so maybe I'll give Sign a try, you make it sound awfully tempting ;)
Been awhile since I regularly visit DB, life can be hell at times.
Still, my first OT! Can't help it since I read about IWGP on the previous OT and regretted that I miss the chance to shout out that I love Kubozuka Yosuke!! His G-King in IWGP is so freaking kick-ass awesome! I love this man even when he's doing reggae now - a genre I never thought I would enjoy.
Talking about music, any good ones to recommend? I'm so tired of my playlist. Any language and genre will do except for the "noisy" ones.
Back to kdrama land, Twinkle Twinkle is on pause now because that main guy bores me to death and I'm tired of forwarding. I don't know if it's something wrong with me or him... Or am I just being bias cause I want more of Dae Bum and his cute little boy?
I'm fervently hoping Dae Bum get together with Jung Won in the end. Let Hwang Ran have that boring guy. Speaking of Dae Bum, I find him so familiar but I'm surprise that it's his first role ever and he's doing a really good job.
Thanks for whoever mentioned this show somewhere in DB few days back. It was already in my recycle bin when I read about it here, and decided to give it another try. So glad I did! The story is very interesting and the only complain is the main guy.
Can you hear my heart is awesome as well! watched episode 1-6 in one seating. I cried buckets at how little Dong Joo face his lost of hearing. And I'm loving adult Joon Ha, please don't let him turn evil!
Am I the only one who don't really enjoy the latest ep of 49 days? I love the flash backs and every moment with Kang in it, but there's too much In Jung & Min Ho that this episode feels kind of slow. And I'm disappointed that Yi Kyung is still not in the spotlight. Argh. I thought we would see more of her as the previous episode suggested :(
Also can anyone tell me if Royal Family is any good? I'm planning on starting it just because the writers are the ones who wrote QSD. Though I have almost zero interest in the cast and synopsis.
Happy Friday everyone! Hope you guys have an awesome weekend ahead :)
I am right there with you on your 49 days rant! But I think this episode was the best one they've had so far though I had reservations about the previous ones. The reason why I'm on loving this show as much as I want to is because I feel like they're doing such a disservice to YiKyung. Like REAL YK. With that being said, Lee Yo Won is doing a fantastic job as BOTH the protagonist and deuteragonist in the form of YK and JH.
I was actually really bothered that it took them until now to start fleshing out YK's character. *spoiler* That bit where YK briefly woke up just enough to see JH was brilliant though. And I loved the scene where all four of them (well except for the Scheduler) seemed to be in some sort of trance thinking about the flashback scene in the park.
Is it too much to ask for some Scheduler/YK flashbacks? =)
But the plot is starting to finally pick up speed for me and I am once again intrigued.
1. THANK YOU to whoever told me to pick up WGM again. After abandoning it after the Season1/HwanYobi couple left, I decided to give it a chance when I heard Kim WonJun was coming ( Childhood crush at the age of 4 LOL :D). And the guy from Smile, Donghae is in it this season.
ABSOLUTELY loving it. Super cute. If you guys haven't seen it already, it's like watching a drama (which, considering the "spectacle of the show" it practically is lol).
2. Pollen has hit my side on town... an extra excuse to stay indoors XD
3. Any advice for someone planning on taking the GRE or LSAT? I'm planning on self-studying. I took the MCAT for my program but the school I want to apply to requires either of the above. :(
I've never taken either GRE or LSAT, sorry can't helpyou there. But have you checked out this site for LSAT tips? http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/
Out of curiosity, which program and school are you applying for that requires all these tests? As far as I know, LSAT and MCAT aren't usually both required.
ahh, thanks! That's a cute blog.
I'm looking into a joint-degree program. The one for policy, they require the GRE or LSAT so I've been looking at which one would be better/look more impressive lol.
I hate this though; real life is so hard. Dramas are a nice escape :D
It's so nice to drive around w/ little traffic this morning since it's Spring Break and Easter altogether. Phew~
I need to catch up w/ Manny now, I just finished E03 and I surely liked the gay fantasy, so funny! Gonna dash over to Viki for E04. I'm anticipating those recaps Wonder Women!
Happy Earth Day Earthlings!
I believe it's a good time to share and holla for a good cause...
Figured I'd share a few things that has helped me and my family over the years, maybe it'll help someone.
These are the basics of what has really helped me through the years. You can probably notice an improvement after doing just a few, but if you're badly affected it might make a real difference if you try sticking to most of this. Prevention is key! In the very least it is good to know what might be contributing to your feeling crappy-ness this time of year.
(The obvious one is to take whatever meds you've been prescribed, as prescribed. Or get your butt to a doctor's office if you constantly feel exhausted/like you're coming down with a cold during the spring.).
And just so it's said, I don't have a degree in anything relevant, just an interest in feeling better.
1 - Try to keep your house dust free. (less dust = less pollen). Though be careful about strong smelling soaps/anything that makes you cough/sneeze when you stand to close.
2 - Try not to air out the house in the middle of the day. There is less pollen when the sun is down or early in the morning, late at night.
3 - Because your body is so screwy during this time of year, you might have reactions to a lot of things you're usually fine around (foods, makeup, soaps, fresh flowers ...your basement i.e.) or react more severely to things you're already bad with. Just pay attention when you start itching/suddenly feeling exhausted. It's probably nothing dangerous, but you are likely to feel a lot better over all if you stay away from whatever it may be during this time.
4 - Try to remove as much pollen/allergens as you can when you feel something coming on. But of course you can't shower six times a day. So the simple, out of the house solution is: Wash you hands and wash your face, wash you eyes (not conducive to makeup I know, depends on how badly you're affected.) and blow your nose and wash the inside of your nose. You'd be surprised how much washing your nosed can help, it sounds strange but give it a try.
You might also want to wipe a moist cloth over your hair, especially if you have long hair (more hair = more room for pollen). If you feel it really bad and you've been outdoors you might want to change your clothes.
5 - Weather affects the level of pollen. Wind/sun/warmt/dry weather = more pollen. Rain/cloudy/cold/less wind = less pollen (also though it may not be currently raining, if it has recently the pollen still got knocked to the ground so it will take some time to build back up.). And like I mentioned, there is less during the early hours and at night. Just good to know.
Also breathing through your nose when you're outside might help some. And shower at night so you're sleeping pollen free.
Yeah, I could name a dousin more, but I think I'll leave it at that. Good luck everyone, and I'd love to hear your tips if you have any
Oh I think I saw that on Oprah once! Haha. I actually wanted to try it, but it looks kind of scary. Plus I never really saw it in any stores (I don't live in the States). Is it painful if you just use saltwater?
Actually I get more stuffy and swollen than mucus-y..but I guess that's more than anyone ever wanted to know.
49 Days's maybe the first non-historical K-drama in maybe 3 years that I'm watching because I love the story. This fantasy works because it's based on a very real truth. In your life, you will have many friends but only a handful that truly, truly love you. And that's true even if you're Oprah Winfrey. Much of the story flows like an extended intervention. The one with Song Yi Kyung who's given up on life. The one with Shin Ji Hyun who's been forced to see whose life she truly mattered to.
Some general observations so far . . .
1) Jo Hyun Jae has always been the Korean Yamashita Tomohisa to me, except that he can deliver in the crying scenes. He's so pretty yet grumpy, and I'm so happy he's playing a role that seems made for him.
2) And along with the K-Yamapi vibe, 49 Days has that same wistful (and convincing) nostalgia of Proposal Daisakusen. It quietly builds their history without mawkish attention, and there's something genuinely moving about someone who SEES YOU in somebody else. It brings into the story themes on how awareness and timing is a lot of everything.
3) I've watched a lot of Lee Yo Won dramas, and I think she's a strong actress, but her "romantic chemistry" rating has always been low. You mostly fall in love with the guy, not the couple. The chemistry between her and Jo Hyun Jae is much like that; it's really about his emotional journey than her affection. However, her chemistry with Jung Il Woo (whether as Scheduler or Yi-Soo) may be the first time I've ever seen her really connect with her male partner. She's all there emotionally in their scenes together.
I haven't watched 49 Days yet because the synopsis just didn't appeal to me, but your review makes me want to try it. I love Yamapi, despite his flaws, and my favourite drama of his is PD, just for the reasons you mentioned. I love stories that explore relationships between people in depth and not just in superficial ways.
Also, not to be creepy/stalkerish, but I always love reading your comments! You are so witty and have so much knowledge. When I read your comments, I either end up gasping for laughter or having a whole new perspective on whatever you posted on. You rock. :)
I've always stayed away from ProDai because of the tragic storyline. Of Course, having that kind of mindset severely ruins my j-drama viewing experience lol. :D
(I watched Ikebukuro West Gate Park by accident once not anticipating the tragedy. Dont regret watching it but I would never have looked for it on my own).
I find the Jo Hyun Jae=Yamapi comparison curious but interesting. I dont there ~is~ a comparison [ie. Korean Yamapi] only because there isnt that kind of set up in the korean industry. He'd have to transcend age and boundaries. The only person I think is anything like Yamapi is KimuTaku lol
I know what you mean about avoiding tragic storylines, I stay far far away from melodramas. But PD doesn't have a tragedy in it, it's actually quite a hopeful story. The main character is offered a second chance which we don't get to have in real life. The story is about regret, and memory, and the courage to say how you feel at the right moment, and taking the last opportunity you're given before it's gone forever. I really liked it.
"I find the Jo Hyun Jae=Yamapi comparison curious but interesting. I dont there ~is~ a comparison [ie. Korean Yamapi] only because there isnt that kind of set up in the korean industry."
Oh no no . . . not in the sense of being an idol lol. When JHJ has his hair down, he sometimes resembles like a fair-skinned Yamapi to me. I know I know -- I think I'm the only one who thinks that lol. He also has a grumpy, serious demeanour and one facial expression, but he manages to make it work pretty well in his roles.
If JHJ was younger, he would have been my first choice to play Akira in a Nobuta remake.
"I love stories that explore relationships between people in depth and not just in superficial ways."
There's definitely a ProDai-ish vibe between Han Kang and Ji Hyun. The high school flashbacks establish that he was the awkward, antisocial outsider and she was the disapproving female buddy who prodded him along. Just like ProDai. Unlike most K-dramas (particularly melos), the nostalgia isn't traumatic . . . it's DETAILED, just as it is in J-dorama. It's all about the small specifics, like how the heroine fidgets with her chopsticks or performs certain magic tricks. And because of that, there's a credibility to Han Kang's emotions, while still establishing that Han Kang was maybe too awkward/antisocial to express his feelings earlier, or Ji Hyun was too immature and self-involved to pick up his feelings. Because they were, after all, teenagers then. Timing is everything.
I agree with your observations about Lee Yo Won and her male partners but I think the main reason why her chemistry is just okay is because it seems to me like all the guys that she's been paired up with has some angsty backstory to begin with or someone that she's not supposed to fall in love with. Fashion 70s, Pure Heart, Surgeon Bong Dal Hee and Queen Seon Deok this was the case. (But I was such a huge BiDam/DM fan though =P)
Me too . . . though for me, it was more like "can somebody love my Poor Bidam? :D"
Lee Yo Won's big acting weakness is romance scenes; she just doesn't connect with them. She doesn't play off her male partners especially well, not in the sensual way Ha Ji Won or witty way Gong Hyo Jin might. Whenever she sees scenes where her character has to show genuine attraction, her first instinct is to smirk through it because it's so silly to her. For her, it's usually scenes where there's a lot of yelling (i.e. Bong Dal Hee) where you get the big romantic payoff.
But when she acts opposite Jung Il Woo, she's so relaxed and supple, it's a little disarming for me.
When I watch Lee Yo Won act, she connects with the camera, but she rarely connects with her co-star. If Fashion 70s was all LYW on that island before the K-Greek God came down on a helicopter, she was brilliantly alive. And then bam, one helluva sexy man drops into her lap, and suddenly it's like this veil comes over her and she turns into an ice-queen.
BUT, her chemistry was much better with BINNNNNNN. Or maybe its my PIE fixation that conjured up the chemistry? I think not. Similarly in 49 Days, she's nailing every beat with Scheduler. Which leads me to believe that perhaps she was always a Go Hyung Jung, i.e. a K-cougar in disguise who needs to play off younger men.
In SBDH, she and Kim Min Joon put me to sleep, and I barely woke up with all the screaming Lee Bum Soo was doing. The subsequent romantic thread, while not forced narratively, felt like Lee Bum Soo literally dragging Lee Yo Won's pliant self along for the ride. It was a one-way deluge of chemistry from him to her.
Don't get me started on Bad Bad Love, where Lee Yo Won had more chemistry with the fried chicken she ended up selling than either of her leading men.
I wonder why I like her so much, when she's a very mediocre actress that neither coasts on her good looks nor does she have this every-woman appeal. I guess her unique charisma perhaps makes her stand out amongst her lady brethren.
If she really is better acting opposite younger leading men, then she's got a buttload to choose from. I'd start with Jung Il Woo's two best buddies, Lee Min Ho and Kim Bum, both of whom have proved they make great boy toys.
As for the JHJ as Yamapi comparison - LOL, I don't see it. I feel Pi has no upside, his acting just "is" and we're never going to see a breakthrough. But JHJ I find has potential, he really does, but he's always picking the same types of roles, hence he doesn't push himself. Seodongyo was perhaps his most ambitious performance, and much as I loved it and him in it, it was nothing to write home about.
I can't seem to watch this show because of LYW's acting. I haven't seen any of her previous dramas so I'm not biased or anything like that. I just find her quite stiff, boring and unnatural, sorry! So reading your comment praising her acting surprised me. Hmm...maybe I should give her another chance haha! ;) Anyway, I'm still reading the recaps because I find the story quite interesting.
Everyone, my maritial status is now official! My Mug of Awesomeness proclaims it to the world! Who needs a marriage licence and rings and witnesses and such?! I predict that such mugs will replace facebook status updates as the chic, tasteful and fashionable way to announce romantic attachment. :P
Thank you thank you Jomo! When I came home and found it I literally ran in circles. Giggling. <3 <3 <3
I want to thank you for all of the warmth, goodwill, passion, intelligence, hugs, and joy-confetti that you've shared with us here on the OT. I've noticed that you go out of your way to make OT newbies feel welcome-- I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates all you do to make DB feel like a community. Hope you have a Siwon-derful birthday!
Awwwwwwwwwwwww Grateful1! That is quite possibly one of the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I am very touched. *sniffle* Thank you from the bottom of my heart. *HUGS* :)
I do consider my OT chingus family, and you have made this birthday special indeed, 'cause this is the first one I celebrated with all of you wonderful peeps. :)
Viola, darling! Happy birthday love! May your wish come true!
I'll try to send all my yet untried telepathy power to SK to remind Mr. Choi that it's Mrs. Choi birthday today!
In the mean time:
Happy bithday to you...happy birthday to you....happy birthday dear Viola....happy birthday to you.....
Thank you Pipit for singing the happy birthday song! And trying out your telepathy too! *Hugs* :)
Anytime Okie Dokie locks you in a closet for looking/touching Henny, you know I will always let you out, right? :P
You're my favourite Viola! Love you much! *Hugs and kisses*
ps. Be sure to guard your spare key love. Who know I might end up there again with all that abs a day thing that's been going on...
Ehm, YY....how about Mr. Hand Towel, do you by any chance know somebody who knows somebody close to him?
I'm curious about how does he feel seeing almost all of his diehard fans are drooling over Kang Ahh. Not to mention we all gush over Jo Hyun Jae's acting prowers not just his to die for mouth...
Haven't heard from Hand Towel for a long time. I suspect izzie has something to do with it....psst izzie did Grandpa in, then she did the same thing to poor Hand Towel. You don't see izzie here anymore right? Exactly. She's lying low.
*picks out silly strings from hair* Omo! That is some special silly string MJP! A very very rare variety, the elusive Silly Strings of Happiness if I am not mistaken! Thank you! :P *hugs*
How come i have missed that clip?!!! Thank you so much for sharing it MJP!
I got another present!! Thank you Brookeve unnie!!! :) I am LOVED! :) Thank you for the hat unnie! *HUGS* So, if you ever see someone in NYC wearing this, you will know it's me! :P http://www.flickr.com/photos/upload/done/
Still reeling from yesterday's shocker. Truth really is stranger than drama, er, fiction. I'm also amazed at the detailed and authoritative-sounding stories people will make up when they know just a few facts, many of them hard to verify. I guess it's the drama addicts in us, but we should lay off on the wild conjecture, guys.
I saw someone else posted about We Got Married. I had no interest in variety shows, especially a fake marriage setup (wth?) but when I read the synopsis for Best Love, it made me really curious. I wanted to know why people loved WGM so much, but I also was curious to see how the show worked and what they might explore in the drama.
I watched one episode and I was hooked. WGM is addictive. I was laughing so hard and alternately feeling touched, sometimes to tears - and yet the whole time I was thinking at the back of my mind, There is something really not right about this.
I mean, it's really fun to watch your favourite celebrities play house, have cute couple moments together, and display their "real" personality (although it's more like a persona), but there's also something really weird about it. I mean, they are acting like they are married on the show, but it seems to spill out to real life too - the lines seem blurred because they're using their real identity. Sometimes they go to their real life work and friends' places and act married, they refer to each other as husband and wife even off the program, and some of them have mentioned being congratulated by people who thought they were actually married.
I also think it's a little cruel to the people in the fake marriages. I know it's fake and it's hard to know how much of the tears and confessions we see in the interviews are real, but it's more than a little manipulative. Obviously setting up a house with your own possessions, calling someone your spouse, cooking and doing housework together, doing a wedding photoshoot, would create SOME affection, and it's like the hosts are waiting to see if they will fall for each other, if they will lose their composure, if they will cry! And then making sympathetic noises. I'm no better, I was glued to the screen at those moments. And while you can say that a lot of it is scripted, all of the celebrities who were asked said they wouldn't do it again. Solbi said in one interview, "I don't know if I can say this... I'm scared I might fall for him. This is a scary program."
I think part of the crack factor of WGM is that you really don't know how much of the feelings are real, and you always think that if you keep watching something juicy might be revealed. I watched 40 episodes of Season 1 and I had the nagging feeling that what went on when the cameras were off might be even more interesting than what they showed us. Which is why although I have my (slightly hypocritical, I admit) reservations about WGM, I think Best Love has the potential to be really awesome. Because they can show us all the messy and complicated stuff we can't see in real (fake) life.
I love WGM Season 1, and I love Ssangchu couple even more! Also, I admit to feeling slight pangs of guilt when I realize that I'm relishing this somewhat sordid setup, but only for a millisecond as I've sold my soul.
For instance, the parting between the ultimate WGM couple (read: Ssangchu couple) I was right there crying with Hwangbo because it did seem like a real-life breakup. As a viewer it was heart-wrenching & enticing all mixed together because it was their private feelings playing out but I just couldn't turn away. It also felt invasive that this was being broadcasted for everyone to see and nitpick, and then to add to that the couple would have to comment about their reactions afterwards too. Yet, at the same time, from the get go it's known this show/romance wouldn't last forever, so you knew the creators were just waiting for this exposition of real emotions from the stars.
So yes, WGM is a twisted manipulative show, but it's also a hard addiction to shake... except once they started introducing new chemistry-less couples. Then I was free, but I am still always waiting for the real-life announcement of the true love relationship between Hwangbo and Kim Hyun Joong. To the World!!
I agree with you about the twisted nature of the show, you feel voyeuristic but then you think, they signed up for this... although I got the feeling at times that they hadn't really known what they were signing up for.
I also cried loads when the Ssangchu Couple broke up... especially when Hyun-joong said, don't come to Jeju Island with your next husband because you'll remember us. It was sad but at the same time I thought, kind of sucks to have your real marriage tainted by memories of your fake TV one.
Totally agree about the new couples. I stopped watching at ep. 40, after Hwangbo and Hyun-joong left.
My WGM addiction stopped after the Ssangchu couple left. I only tuned back in to see the A couple afterwards and when LSY/JunJin entered the show.
But yep I cried for a good hour when they "broke up". To me that break up looked absolutely real. I'm sure it was in a sense real for the couple too because they had really gotten quite comfortable around each other. (Remember when HJ practically told Hwang Bo he loved her with that butt dance haha) And I also remember that they kept repeating to each other not to go on their real honeymoons in jeju island.
I'm just kinda sad that Hwang Bo revealed in Strong Heart that HJ didn't keep in contact with her after their parts in the show ended. Hopefully someday they can really be friends again. A fangirl can dream ;) Shillang fighting! Buin fighting!
I still havent watched that last episode (the end of Ssangchu couple).
I told myself I'd watch it when Hwangbo or Hyun Joong ever got married in real life...
in that way, it scares me how much I was invested in that couple at that time.
I think it was---I KNEW that it was a fake show but I WANTED them to realize how good they could be together. In a sense, become real through that show.
That's how I feel about Kim Won Jun and Park So Hyun in this season :D
I've watched WGM season 1 and then dropped the show when they took out the MCs (and my favorite couples left).
I think most of the people that were part of the initial fervor did the same (at least, to my knowledge. The show did drop ratings, due to either the lack of novelty factor or the change in set-up).
It's curious that people left after that considering dropping the MCs makes it more like a k-drama. Perhaps, having MCs there made it okay for the voyeristic experience of the show. Maybe having MCs there made it less "real" somehow? Those backroom interviews added a weird dimension to the show.
I dont know why I enjoy watching it. I think it's because I'm drawn to the fairytale romance of it all. The varying storylines.
But, I have to limit myself to watching it with a critical eye.
I know many of my fellow mania fans who now see "interactions" EVERYWHERE, even after they left the show haha :D
I didn't know the show dropped in ratings after they changed the setup, but I can see why.
I didn't enjoy it as much once the MCs were gone either. I think it was partly their commenting as they watched, which made us feel less like a lone voyeur stalking some couple's private moments, but also watching them watch themselves, or the other half of their couple, was interesting. Sometimes there were scenes of one person in a couple that the other hadn't seen. Plus watching them react to each other's interviews added an interesting element, because they sometimes said things in the interviews which they wanted the other person to know, but couldn't say face-to-face.
I have actually thought quite a lot about this, as I too shared your reserved attitude towards WGM at first. But like you said, it is terribly entertaining, so even though I was a little skeptical about the morals of this whole thing, I just kept watching. I think perhaps the most important thing to keep me wathcing is that (unlike i.e. The Bachelor) it never turns into a physical relationship (yes, we've had a peck on the cheek or two, but nothing significantly more, nor is that the focus of the show. That made me ok with it, when they were all experienced adults with no emotional pasts between them.
What I don't really like is the turn the show as taken in the last year or so. It used to be about trying to get to know each other, while living together and completing embarrassing/difficult tasks (like watching after triplets). Now it is all "I'm looking for true love", and though it seems like a scripted idea...it's still kind of a turn off for me, both morally and entertainment-wise. But again, the Bachelor. Only difference is that they aren't making out and they are already famous before going on the show really.
From the artist perspective the difference between WGM and other regular reality/variety program positions is that the viewers get emotionally invested and, if people like your personality/how you're treating their favorite celebrity (I think especially Yonghwa gained a lot on this one) they will check out whatever you're promoting, and buy it if they like it. Seriously most all the well loved longterm WGM couples are doing quite well (yes, some were big to start with, but just look at CNBlue, f(x) and Gain's solo activities. I think it gave them a good push if nothing else). Also internationally. A quick example to back that up, I remember Hwangbo talked about this (part of lettuce-couple, season one. My perhaps all time favorite couple.) that she is still doing well, especially abroad thanks to the publicity of WGM.
So for the artist, the level of promotion compared to the level of discomfort seems, to me at least, to be a lot better than on a lot of other shows. Because to be honest, I find many other korean shows to be a lot more invasive than WGM. To give some examples, of the top of my head (I know these aren't the worst, but you get the general idea), I remember watching one show where the hosts went through all the girls bags and talked about what was in them to reveal more about the girls personalities (Haha and Mong...something). Another one they visited the girls dorm when they weren't there and went through their closets as preparation before giving them a makeover. I'm sure this is all pre-planned, but it still just feels wrong to me. But especially the part about visiting dorms unexpectedly seems to come up a lot...not nice. I mean if you're working 7 days a week, 20 hour days then you need some kind of sanctuary and privacy.
Another big issue I have are all of the"hidden camera"-stuff. Here's an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIYUaQ6dNUU . Not one of the worst, but one I could easily find. And also where they call their celebrety friends during broadcast and don't tell them that they're taping the conversation. Or ask them questions via text and read what they answered aloud to the hosts.
Am I the only one that thinks this should be private?
It would be one thing coming from the tabloids, but this is what you're expected to go through for promotion. And since the marked is tight (both for the artist and the shows that are trying to get views) people agree to most anything. My somewhat convoluted point is that, on WGM they are choosing what to share.
As far as them getting attached and the cruelty in that... Well, when people are working long hours together (drama, film...etc.) they do get attached more easily, it's not that rare to see people shedding tears on their last day of shooting. Personally I don't think the attachment they feel after WGM is romantic. There doesn't seem to be a lot of opportunities for celebrities to get to know others in the same situation, so I think it is more a feeling of connection because you've spent some time with someone in a similar situation, working towards the same goal. And because you know the crew well, and you're sleep deprived and social-life deprived the tears easily roll *shrugs* I might be wrong.
As you can see my relationship with both WGM and the Korean entertainment industry is a love/hate kind of thing. I'm always going back and forth, but for now I'm watching WGM, while there are other shows I'm getting closer to skipping (like Oh My School and their punishment room...doesn't really sit well with me to hit your guests with baboosticks).
You raise some interesting points about the benefits celebrities get from WGM, and I realize that many would be willing to put up with the invasion of privacy and the emotional manipulation in exchange for the publicity. It definitely goes some way in explaining why they would do this in the first place. I haven't watched any other Korean variety shows, but I find your descriptions kind of disturbing. What Korean celebrities have to go through really blows my mind sometimes. I guess WGM is not so bad in comparison.
Still, I think that regardless of what they gain from the show, the issue of whether it's actually right is separate from that. I agree with you that the lack of physical intimacy goes a long way towards making it ok, because then it becomes more about learning what it takes to get along with someone else, in sometimes difficult or unusual situations. So rather than the act they're engaging in being morally wrong, I think it's the psychological underpinnings that disturb me a little.
All this makes me reallly anticipate how they will address these issues in Best Love!
Yes, there are a lot of really disturbing show concepts/segments. Especially towards rookies and idols...and it seems to be getting worse. Like another show where there were two teams and they left the member of one team inside sauna, and one outside in the middle of winter. The teams were sent to find their member, and the longer they took the more clothes their member outside had to take off and the one in the sauna had to keep putting stuff on. And they did this for a few hours. Not really nice is it? My theory (and granted I'm not all that experienced in Korean variety shows) it seems as people have become unable to say anything too shocking in the last few years (due to major backlash from fans/media.) the show concepts have gotten a lot more extreme. Because you can't really have an interesting conversation you have do to something else..? (one example: there is a clip from a show from like 06/07 where two idol group members openly talked about being drunk before their debut. Today there are groups kicking out members and dropping promotion for the exact same thing...). So... it's getting kind of freaky.
As for WGM, to draw another parallel to the States, it is interesting knowing how frequently famous people ahem "date" in Hollywood to get promotion, that Korea has a show for just that, seeing as Korean celebrities can't really date. But like I said, I don't like this new direction they're going in with the whole "real love"-theme. Even the older couple turns out to have been, supposedly, semi-crushing on each other for many years. That makes it less ok to me, because suddenly it actually means something and it may influence their real lives, and that's more...like others have said, voyeurism than entertainment.
It's like you don't even need the tabloid press, if you just say what you want the celebrities will do it. Like all sorts of creepy fanservice stuff...and I'm just not ok with that. If it seems like I'm venting, it's because I am. I've been lurking around the allkpop-commentsection and that's just not healthy for anyone.
Back to WGM. Something I find really interesting is the whole banmal/jondemal (not sure if I'm romanizing that correctly, but hopefully it still makes sense) discussion that seems to occur in most every couple (though generally not as prevalent as in the Seohyun/Yonghwa couple). Generally one of them (often the guy...probably because he won't be called a slut for it) generally wants to drop honorifics immediately to feel closer, while the other wants to keep it. And listening to their reasoning often pinpoints a lot of the issues of the show ("well we're married" "no, it's fake" "but if we were together I would..." "but we're not" etc.).
Regardless, it's an interesting show, and with all the captions it's a lot easier to pick up new phrases and words (hows that for an excuse! :P )
I had certain reservation about the "Hello Baby" show too. On one hand it was RIDICULOUSLY cute. I mean you have 5 ridiculously cute SHINEE boys doing sillly things for the amusement of a SUPER cute little boy. But the kid calls this 5 boys appa, he is showered with attention by them for months then all of a sudden he doesn't see them any more?! That got to be traumatic for the child. :(
Children get attached so easily... :(
I love that there's discussion about WGM - I've been watching Season 1 mainly for my KHJ fix. After reading the critiques about his acting, I wanted to see what his real personality was/is before he really hit it big. WGM serves up a big plate of funny with the Lettuce Couple. Maybe that's why they were (and are) such a favorite couple - low drama, good-natured funny and honest interviews.
That being said, I'm really curious as to whether ANY of these paired couples ever continued a relationship after leaving the show? Frankly, if there was ever a couple to continue into a real relationship, it would have to be the Khuntoria duo featured now - Nickhun requested Victoria and is obviously attracted her and she seems to reciprocate. :)
WOW, that is crazy. I was reading an article on Ask a Korean today about JYJ, and how basically a bunch of ajummah fans created an internet broadcasting station for them when nobody would bring them on TV, and the author brings up the point that because Korea has a booming but small entertainment world, the fans have a lot of access to and control of celebrities.
Maybe that's why Korean netizens wield such a scary amount of power, and why shows like this happen and idols can't really say anything. And if it's getting worse as you say, I literally fear for celebrities' lives... there are already too many suicides. :(
Agree with you on the banmal/jondaemal conversations - I find them fascinating!
I'm really glad you've brought this up. At the back of my head, I've been looking for someone to discuss korean variety shows without the usual fangirling (and no critical-thinking involved).
I also just watched the 1st season of WGM and I thought IMO that Solbi truly liked Andy... to the point that I found her a bit pathetic at times because she tried too hard with her aegyo or to please Andy or whatever. But then looking back on it, I felt kinda sorry for her because if you're on national broadcast, it must suck to have your real emotions get tangled with your "fake" emotions or your "persona". Plus, her family met Andy, and isn't that just weird letting your family meet your fake spouse?
And with the idols/groups, like I don't even know if their relationships with each other are sincere, calling each other hyung/unni... I'm a Jay Park fan and watching his past variety shows with 2pm, everything seemed so peachy and fun. But then his contract was terminated with the agreement of the other members, so I'm like, what's all that about? What happened to all that bromance?
Variety shows for me are just a microcosm of the whole entertainment industry-- cool on the outside but a lot more complicated on the inside. And you never know when the mask of a celebrity comes off.
watching and loving this drama, its from 1997, i think u might have seen it already, but for for me it was first , love 49 day recaps, but will watch it after its done airing
Anyone know where the 'netizens' are? Every article talks about what the netizens say and how they reacted and they're criticisms etc...and it seems like they rule Korea. -_-' Now when I think 'netizen', I think a big mass of people shaped like a fan girl sitting in front of a PC (Hmmm...Summer Wars?) and spouting praises or ridicule. I'd really like to find which site they frequent so I can give them my two cents.
Anyone with access to the Internet is a netizen. It all just depends on whether you use your power to influence others for good or for evil. Evil use being that which can bring down a celebrity when they are clearly faultless in the imagined crime. The perfect example is the Tablo faked Stanford degrees case, in which some malicious dudes decided it was up to them to make another human being depressed for no good reason except for the fact that he may be more popular than them. On the other hand, the recent-ish well-known good use that I can think of would be the custody battle for deceased Choi Jin-shil's children. Linky:
So...*hears soundtrack of doom in the background*, I have my family coming over on Sunday...first time they're all coming since I moved for college last fall. AAAAAAAH! Freakout! I don't think my place has ever been this clean.
My dad is bringing a chair because I don't have enough places for people to sit, lol. My entire apartment is like 15m2 so I'm just praying for good weather so we don't have to stay inside like sardines in a can for too long.
My family doesn't celebrate Easter...or anything much for that matter. It's mostly because all of our extended family lives so far. Sometimes it feels like I'm missing out on those giant family get togethers that others speak of, but meh, what can I do?
Oh my dad would so buy that chair...*quickly closes video before he senses it telepathically or whatnot*. The best part is how awkwardly close to the ground it is, awesome.
Well, there aren't really that many people coming, I have kind of a small family anyway but it feels like a lot because I've only had them one at a time before (when they're doing something in the city, like attending a conference). I was lucky, the college I wanted to go to is only about 3 hours away from my family. I think the most important thing is that if there is something you want/need to do that you're not too tied down...there are far too many people I know staying in the town they grew up in (which doesn't have much in terms of education, or new jobs for that matter) simply because they don't want to move away from their family and friends and be on their own. So I admire you really, for taking that step. I'm sort of in the cushy middle. I am on my own, but should something go terribly wrong, it's only a few hours by bus, either way.
Oh, I think you misunderstood my comments. What I really meant is that my family immigrated and we're actually just all by ourselves on this side of the pond so there's no one else to gather with. And personally, I'm actually itching to go live off on my own in a not so far away town from my family to learn to live independently and whatnot and to be in what I deem my dream career path...but that's all pending on my acceptance. *prays fervently*
And moving away is great. It is terrifying, but now that I feel I'm finally on the other end of it, I have to say it is soooo worth it. And like you, I do like having my family not too far away, but far enough to actually feel like I'm living on my own and not end up relying on them for everything.
Well Happy Easter to those who celebrate it. I'd cash in on rabbit owner status, but it's cold as hell outside without any sun so my troublemakers will not be outside today. They got plenty of Dandelion munching time on Monday and Tuesday. C'mon weather lets get it together, it's almost May.
I'm digging Can You Hear My Heart. I've only finished episode 1+2 (I'm not a super marathoner) but I like how the kids are just kids not tiny adults. But if it gets melo I'll probably be eating my words.
I had a good laugh with the first episode of Boss Season 2. I also caught Shiawase ni Narou Yo. Oh Buchou, you're an A+ jerk. I don't feel any spark between Shingo&Meisa but Naka Riisa is cute as always.
Oh... Ohhh... Just wait for the makjang sheesh-kebab that is Can you Hear my Heart 4.
If only it was as fluid as the writer's previous work Smile, You. But I'm enjoying it meanwhile anyways.
Now off to download me some Cheap Love.
*guffaws again at the name*
*spoilers for Can you hear my heart* Of course I watch episode 3&4 at an "emotional time of the month" and I'm like "Why you back there, it's a metal locker" Then the suing part makes me sob like THERE'S SO MUCH INJUSTICE IN THE WORLD ;____; Someone's Dad is a guy you're just going to love to hate.
Has anyone watched 'Rent A Girlfriend Back Home for New Year' (what a lonnng title)?
I am loving it, especially the bickeruing between the 2 leads. The girl is so feisty! I think this is my first time to watch a Chinese drama and am liking it.
This is my fav genre - rom com.
Happy Easter everyone. Don't eat too much easter eggs.
AHH! I picked up episode one but, for some reason, my tolerance for T-dramas/Mainland dramas has been wanning. For example, I tried watching the new Rainie drama (granted, only episode 1) but there's only so much I can handle.
I mean, in every drama ever, she's always *pout* *whine* *cute* lol. Rinse, wash, repeat :D
It reminds me of what someone said about Yamapi earlier. Despite their amazingly amazing fanbase, their acting just ~is~. The dramas are fun though, no lie.
The guy, from episode 1 of rent a girlfriend, was such a jerk though!!! Is it good enough to watch the whole thing? I mean, I like the storyline.
Speaking of trendy stuff, have you watched About Love? I just watched it the other day. The Shanghai couple was my favorite.
![[2024 Year in Review] Losers in love](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TOTM1.jpg)
![[2024 Year in Review] Realistically flawed relationships](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024YIRrelationships_1.jpg)
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1 Neimat Ilyas
April 22, 2011 at 6:48 AM
FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! I love 49 days!!! and Jung il woooo
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Neimat Ilyas
April 22, 2011 at 6:53 AM
Ok now i shall continue....
Started 49 days recently....and went on a marathon and finished all the episodes available...AND NOW I CANT WAIT!!!! AHHHHHH!
I want something else to watch, while i wait for the next ep Of 49 days. Something fun and light...not too tense coz i still have to wake up and go for class :\
Enjoy your weekend....Rest, Party, catch up on drama.. do what you love!!!
Oh and Happy earth day everybody ^_^
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silka
April 22, 2011 at 7:10 AM
u should try Manny... watch the first 2 episode... I'm loving it.
49 days... totally awesome...
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ahjummabunny
April 22, 2011 at 7:43 AM
Happy ot everyone!!! I just started 49 days and it's taking such patience not to cheat and watch ahead of where I am. I like the show. It's the first time in a long time a new drama in 2011 has got me.
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Neimat Ilyas
April 22, 2011 at 7:59 AM
Oh...yea! I had to fight the urge to come and read the recap here. But now its worse coz i dont have anymore to watch. LOVE THE SHOW~!!!
Chocobo
April 22, 2011 at 8:00 AM
I also started watching 49 Days since it's out on DramaFever. I have to say, the stills of Kang in the recaps don't do him justice. He looks kind of old in all of the photos, but seems a lot fresher (and way cuter) in moving film.
The whole show is really cute and well done. Somehow they've done a good job not being tedious or repetitive even though for the first 10 episodes basically nothing is really accomplished with regards to the central plot of the show -- which is to collect the tears to come back to life.
It reminds me a lot of Dead Like Me, except the main character is actually likable. I loved the concept (not unlike the Scheduler's situation, an interesting interpretation of continued afterlife ambiguity and not immediately receiving all the answers, even when dead), but I was not a fan of the female lead in that. She was just so blasé and a downer. And unrealistic, in a way. She sees her grieving mother, who isn't a bad person, at her funeral and doesn't even really react to it. Who is that disaffected? It was like watching a show about death where Yi-kyung is the main character the whole time. And let's face it, that would be so depressing it would be unwatchable.
I think when your concept deals with heavy issues like Death and Taxes, you need a light main character to keep things from becoming too depressing to watch. Despite her obliviousness and sometimes irritating personality, I think Ji-hyun works better as a main character because she adds some positivity and levity to the story. Everyone else is so wrapped up in their own private misery/suffering they almost make living look like it's not worthwhile. It's refreshing that Ji-hyun has an appreciation for life and gives the other characters around her an appreciation for it too.
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Rose
April 22, 2011 at 8:16 AM
I think that you Should Try Can You Hear My Heart, completely Underrated drama but completely Awesome ^^
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GirlU.k
April 22, 2011 at 9:19 AM
I totally agree...I think they dragged the first few episodes with the younger kid cast. But now the story has really started :D Hopefully it will get the ratings it deserves now :D
Godislove
April 22, 2011 at 9:57 AM
Yeah!!
the ratings for the earlier episodes with the younger cast was low.... but since episode 5 and 6 started with the older cast the ratings apparently shot up so hopefully it continues rising :D:D:D
I love the love triangle that's forming already XD eek!
Elllen
April 22, 2011 at 9:40 PM
Agree. A heart warming drama.
ilikehim
April 23, 2011 at 12:29 AM
YES! Thats the only drama i am catching right now and i am liking it.
I wouldnt call the children parts a drag cause it established the premise and i really did enjoy them.
My only issue is that its so under-rated that the even the chinese subs come out late..and they are usually fast. Ik now darksmurfs rely on chinese subs too..so late chinese subs = late darksmurfs subs for the rest.
I absolutely cannot wait til DongJoo recognizes WooRi! If onyl she werent so convinced he's the brother! I suspect the ragged bean sack will reunite them.
Bt i am not sure..maybe i want them to fall in love first before they recognize each other...
P.S. At 26 eps, New Gisaeng Story is boring me. Can Saran STOP being such a boring character and grow some attitude?
HappyEndings
April 23, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Oh My God, I loove it! The best part was that even the kid part was great! I loved all the kid actors(especially Ma Roo)!!!!! Every character is interesting! Can't wait for new episodes.
ana
April 24, 2011 at 11:07 PM
i know why isn't dramabeans doing a review on this drama i loooove it
Neimat Ilyas
April 22, 2011 at 12:15 PM
You are sooo right about Han Kang....hes reallly CUTE!! and I love the scene where he's got this messy hair do and hes stretching....AAAAAHHH!!!!
I like Nam Gyu Ri...this is my first drama of hers.....and I find her adorable! [also kinda like IU....she looks alike to me] and Song Yi kyung[ dunno her real name]....i find that her 'blah' expression is getting very redundant....shes still very pretty...expecially in the flash back scenes!!
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Chocobo
April 22, 2011 at 1:21 PM
I actually find Nam Gyu Ri's looks a bit disconcerting. I dunno, is she really plastic? There's something about her that seems unnatural. It's actually good for this role because she's so pale and her eyes are so dark she looks rather ghostly. Still, the Ji-hyun the character (and Nam Gyu Ri) have grown on me.
I think the woman who places Song Yi Kyung is much prettier, in truth, and a bit more real looking. I'm also impressed with her acting ability, since I often feel as though I'm watching Nam Gyu Ri/Ji-hyun but really the woman who plays Yi-Kyung is doing most of the acting in the show. To be able to suspend my disbelief like that is a job well done.
Dara
April 23, 2011 at 9:07 AM
Peeps! Check out Can You Hear My Heart ep7!
I.LOVE.....KIM JAE WONNNNNNNNNNNN. Must watch drama.Stat.
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pigshallfly
May 15, 2011 at 6:38 AM
i started 49 days but gave up because ji hyun was SO DAMN IRRITATING.. i dont quite get why maybe its the actress & not the character but she really rubs me the wrong way & i cant bear to continue watching the show because she's the main lead.. i liked her hard headed friend wayy better she was cool & not pissing off with her naivete like this one eugh & i actually like the actress playing li kyung so if she were to be the main character (& not pose as just the body for the annoying ji hyun) id hv given the drama a chance #__#
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pigshallfly
May 15, 2011 at 6:39 AM
i have to disagree i started 49 days but gave up because ji hyun was SO DAMN IRRITATING.. i dont quite get why maybe its the actress & not the character but she really rubs me the wrong way & i cant bear to continue watching the show because she's the main lead.. i liked her hard headed friend wayy better she was cool & not pissing off with her naivete like this one eugh & i actually like the actress playing li kyung so if she were to be the main character (& not pose as just the body for the annoying ji hyun) id hv given the drama a chance #__#
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2 Ashnia
April 22, 2011 at 6:48 AM
I feel like LJA's career died over night.
But I actually really like her. Man wow.....In the end I dont blame her she probably went through alot to keep her marriage a secret for a whopping 14 YEARS. I wouldnt even last even a month. And here I though Park Han Byul and Se7en did a good job. The woman deserves respect it must have been really hard on her. And the fight for alimony is justified as well. As for Jung Woo Sung, she got divorced before she started dating him but she should have told him he had the right to know. I mean if it was all over and done with okay but since the lawsuit and everything he deserves to know.
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informantxgirl
April 22, 2011 at 7:24 AM
I saw her in only one thing, that Telecinema thing (I think) with Kang Ji Hwan and found her sooooo annoying. Don't know if it was the character or not, but I didn't like her. Maybe in some other vehicle...
But yeah, wow, a secret marriage for 14 years! That's some careful planning right there.
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ar_arguably romantic
April 22, 2011 at 7:41 AM
I just realized she has been married for more than half of my lifetime. I wonder why she didn't tell JWS- was there a nondisclosure clause in the divorce. Like "whoever lets slip that we were married has to forfeit all the money"?
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QuietLurker
April 22, 2011 at 9:06 AM
That description sounds like a great kDrama.
I can see it know...
1. The couple gets secretly married because their parents force them too in order to get their inheritance or something, but agree to live separate lives.
2. The first person to let it slip that they are married have to forfeit all of their inheritance money.
3. As soon as they meet someone they want to marry they will amicably (and secretly) divorce.
4. But then.....they start to fall in love and true to kdrama standards they don't share this information with each other.
5. Alas, the heroin has a "2nd lead" character who is actively pursuing her.
6. Her "husband" risks everything to confess his love for her by saying they are married on National TV (or whatever) and he only wants to be with her.
7. For 2 episodes: "OMG how scandalous...."
8. She is left to make the decision. Take all his money and live with her new man, or stay with him.
9. Of course we know her decision, but getting their is the GOOD part.
OOOOO, how exciting!
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Dux
April 22, 2011 at 9:15 AM
You should let some producer know about this!
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Alvina
April 22, 2011 at 9:33 AM
haha, I feel like there was many separate dramas made with this storyline. If only they could gel together.
It, indeed, IS a real life drama XD
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Belva
April 22, 2011 at 9:49 AM
Let me know when this drama comes out. Sounds exciting. I sure hope LJA's drama will have a happy ending too. I love her in the legend, she kinda left a good impression.
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Miyoung
April 22, 2011 at 4:07 PM
Hahaha I give it three months until someone starts circulating this script. Sounds ripe for Kdrama pickins.
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news
April 22, 2011 at 9:49 PM
They should make that drama and cast LJA in it.
Miyoung
April 23, 2011 at 1:55 AM
Now THAT would be the most ridiculous Meta on the face of the planet. Or at least in Kdrama-land.
watchumlots
April 26, 2011 at 1:27 AM
Isn't this the same kind of crazy thing that happened with one of the Jackson family women, LaToya, Janet, or one of them? She was (secretly) married to a dancer or choreographer for several years, they (secretly) divorced and when he wasn't happy with the alimony settlement, went public and sued? Secret marriage/divorce, not so SECRET now!
Why the big secret with the biggest thing in one's life?
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isitrue
May 15, 2011 at 6:42 AM
is it true that the government is supposed to hv leaked out this scandal when it did to draw attention away from the president's scandal? speculating in stocks or something?
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3 Melanie R
April 22, 2011 at 6:49 AM
I'm so looking forward to next week's 49 days. It's getting better and better
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amg01
April 22, 2011 at 3:50 PM
*3, 21, 49, 100 Days or 7 Years*
The writer of 49'days is familiar with the concept of “Buddhist Limbo,” as describe in the “Tibetan Book Of Death,” but at the same time the liberties taking as she/he interprets the understanding of the Bardo ( intermediate state), is something that it does work in the real of fantasy but not in the practical sense.
Numero uno – In order for the “soul” to live the physical body one must experience a near death occurrence, so far in the case of Ji-hyun the accident makes it possible for her spirit to live her body, now we know that her situation is far more than just an out of body experience “Astral projection,”
since she cannot return to her body right away.
So this is where the writer takes some liberties in the interpretation of the facts.
Numero dos – In order for the “soul” to be given the 49 days a real “Physical Death” must take place, since that is the catalyst for the “Rebirth” process to take place, there are some primary bardo's, that take place before the process cannot be reverse, resuscitation, and coma can be the stages where the body is suspended for an indefinite amount of time, so we have cases where people have awaken after many years after being in a coma, meaning that a true physical death have not occurred.
Once a true physical death has taking place the “Cycle of Death and Rebirth” cannot be broken, and the 49 days will start counting to allowed the soul to find a new “Host,” now the host as far as I know cannot be a living “person, animal or plant,” but it has to go to the process of natural birth as all natural entities,
So in the case of Ji-hyun the question is;
1- Is she dead or alive in the physical sense?
I think she is dead, she was still alive up till the time she went into surgery, after that all her vitals flatten and the doctor, say that she was brain death.
2- If we agree that she is death, and given 49 days technically she cannot comeback to life, the fact is that it takes 49 days, from physical death to transition in to a new rebirth, other wise her “spirit”,' would remain in the primary stages of limbo, with out starting the 49 days.
That brings one to the case of The Scheduler “Yi-soo,” in his case his physical body has been long put to rest, so I am afraid that for him there is no coming back at all, and we already know that a spirit cannot occupy a body that already have a host indefinitely, but some interpretations of the bardo says that the intermediate transition can take from 3. 21, 49, 100, up to seven years for rebirth to take place.
So Yi-soo still under the 7 year mark, and in this case the writer has been closer to facts or interpretation of the Book Of Death, the sad part is that in reality he cannot come back from the death, he can be reborn but he cannot return as a grown up person, so for all of you who are wishing him a happy ending, I am afraid that it wont be, in the case of Ji-hyun technically she cannot come back to life because he is really death, but due to a hybrid interpretation of the writer, fear not my friends she will return to the land of the living, and live happily ever after!!!! : O }
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amg01
April 22, 2011 at 3:54 PM
*Edit* Please ignore my grammatical errors!!!!! : O }
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b
April 22, 2011 at 10:44 PM
I suppose not having to follow a strict interpretation of the Book of Death gives the writers freedom to steer the story more freely. Perhaps in a future episode, we get to meet the monk again to give some clarification as to the rules of death and rebirth. I enjoyed reading your post and didn't notice any grammatical errors :D
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4 QD
April 22, 2011 at 6:53 AM
HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! For those celebrating Good Friday wishing a good friday and easter monday to you too!
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ahjummabunny
April 22, 2011 at 7:45 AM
happy easter!
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Qd
April 22, 2011 at 10:09 AM
Happy Easter@ahjummabunny
11 Days 20 Hours 3 Minutes to my date with Cha Seung Won! hehehe... I cant wait for Best Love! The preview looked delicious! :P ~~ Im getting ridiculously fangirly about CSW! I just bought a magazine of him online, not that I read Korean and the Director's cut for City Hall! I still listen to the OST and have my Jo Gukie fix almost everyday.... He is sooooo fine~~~~
Finished watching Sungkyunkwan Scandal and I must say its just the type of drama I was looking for. Not too heavy, lots of eye candy, lots of meaningful lessons, cuteness incorporated and good OST too! I cant remember who asked me to watch it after falling in love with City Hall. Whoever you are.... Kamsahamida! Although it didnt capture my heart like City Hall did however it filled my boring days nicely! I cant really compare it to Coffee Prince too its just 2 different dramas. GY and Coffee Prince are still my First Love ~~~ *blush*
Not related to Dramaland is 'No strings attached' I am pleasantly surprised the sweetness of this movie ! If you want a good romcom from hollywood this is a very good one to watch!
Meanwhile 49 Days has been heating up... my favourite is episode 12 . Of Course Kang ah.... made that episode and the revelations unfolding fast is making me desperate for more episodes to come.... I wonder who will be the one to give her the 2nd tear?
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Mandelbrotr
April 22, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Can you share where you saw the Best Love preview?
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Qd
April 22, 2011 at 3:10 PM
Rachel, I saw it on YT and its no longer there.
'This video is no longer available because the YouTube account associated with this video has been terminated due to multiple third-party notifications of copyright infringement from claimants, including:
KBSi
Sorry about that.' If I find it again I will share it on db.
Qd
April 22, 2011 at 4:09 PM
Found it!!! Best Love Teaser ! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRnfqCtCSIY
girlatsea
April 22, 2011 at 8:49 PM
It's also on Viki! :D
http://www.viki.com/channels/3246-the-discovery-of-affection/videos/40466-trailer-best-love
Mandelbrotr
April 22, 2011 at 8:56 PM
Thank you, All!
dramaaddict
April 22, 2011 at 8:07 AM
Happy friday and happy long weekend. Can anyone reccomend a good manga/manwha turned drama. So far I've watched:
It started with a kiss/Playful kiss
Mars
Full house
Boys over flowers
the taiwanese version of Marmalade boy
Although japan recreates alot of mangas into dramas but I just can't do japanese dramas.
Looking forward to your input....
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mirabeau
April 22, 2011 at 8:27 AM
I also don't get along with j-dorama usually, but the drama version of Glass no Kamen (Glass Mask), or more like the 2nd season of it (you can just skip the 1st one if you know the manga, really) and especially the last, bonus episode, is quite nice to watch.
Else, you have the taiwanese version of Hana Yori Dango, Meteor Garden, I think. It's quite old now, but still watchable.
Soon there'll be Extravagant Challenge, the taiwanese version of Skip Beat, starring members of Super Junior if my memory is correct. Can't wait for that one !
Oh, and City Hunter is coming as well, but let's hold no expectations regarding the drama's resemblance to the manga...
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Ani
April 22, 2011 at 8:49 AM
I always thought the Taiwanese Hana Yori Dango wasn't that good. The Japanese Hana Yori Dango was by far my favorite. The thing about j-dorama is that you gotta be able to handle the over reaction from the cast when they do funny material, but a lot of it is pretty good. Some of my favorites in no particular order (and I'm going to be naming the popular ones so it'll be ones you'll most likely find dramaaddict):
Delinquent Related:
Crows Zero (movies I, II)
Gokusen (I, II, III, movie)
Tumbling
ROOKIES (Everything related)
Teen Love/School/School Bullying/Friendship:
Hana Yori Dango
Hana Kimi
LIFE
Nobuta wo Produce
Serious Romance/Friendship:
Innocent Love
Friends (really heavy stuff this one)
Touching:
1 Litre of Tears (I prefer the drama, but there's a movie too)
Taiyou no Uta
Romantic Comedy:
Hotaru no Hikari (I, II)
COP Stuff:
BOSS (I, II)
Yeah, that's just some of them. I don't this j-dorama is for everyone. You gotta know how to watch it and find the good in them. The other great part is that each drama is short. The relationships/friendships are sweet. And you grow to love the characters to the point that you want more. But you gotta be able to give it a chance.
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Ani
April 22, 2011 at 9:14 AM
Oh, there's also:
Tiger & Dragon
Atashinchi no Danshi
Mei-chan no Shitsuji - also from a manga. I skipped through it, but it also has major fans who love it.
Lovely Complex - short and sweet, and a bit different from the manga, but all the important stuff are there.
Nodame Cantabile - I loved the anime and manga. The live-action was a decent enough adaptation. I love the main dude that was acting though.
First Kiss - about two siblings. It was sweet.
Last Friends - I called it Friends in my post above
Kimi wa Petto - Adapted from a manga. I don't like this kind of drama, but you might.
Attention Please - You have to get used to Ueto Aya's character, but you grow to love it if you keep an open mind. And Nishikido is cute.
Ryusei no Kizuna - Really well done. Three siblings try to find their parents' killer and their bond grows.
Belva
April 22, 2011 at 9:59 AM
Hana Yori Dango is my favorite as well. And still my fav Jdrama. I do appreciate Jdrama, but ever since I got to Kdrama land I can't seem to bounce back to J-land other than Hotaru no Hikari 2 (since I watched 1 before I got so into Kdrama). Ohh and Mr.Brain too. I think they are the only 2 more recent Jdramas I've watched. If only Kubozuka Yosuke is still taking Jdrama projects :(
Attention Please and Nodame are my all time fav as well. Are there any good comedy you can recommend?
Celest
April 22, 2011 at 11:43 AM
You should definitely watch Utahime and Orange Days. Those two along with Nodame Cantabile are my top 3 favorite jdramas and a lot of people have either never heard of them nor watched them.
mirabeau
April 22, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Oh yeah! NODAME CANTABILE is definitely great. Season 1, 2, and both movies, the whoooole lot <3
I already loved classical music, but I re-fell in love with it after seeing Nodame. And I'm not going to ever see orchestra directors in the same light again.
Ani
April 22, 2011 at 4:02 PM
@Celest
Oh yeah, I've seen Utahime. Tiger & Dragon made me obsessed with everything TOKIO or Nagase Tomoya related. So Utahime was a given. I saw Orange Days too, but I never really watched it as faithfully as I did other j-doramas. So I skipped a couple of episodes. XD
blokkoms
April 22, 2011 at 8:33 AM
Hana Kimi springs to mind - it's THE cross-dressing-girl-at-a-boys'-school manga, haha. It's got great art and there's both a twdrama and a jdrama. Personally, I prefer the jdrama, *as it''s actually hilarious ^^, and not like your typical jdrama at all* but if you really can't stand jdramas, do give the Taiwanese version a try.
Hope this helps!
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StacyA
April 22, 2011 at 11:56 AM
There's supposed to be a Korean re-make of Hana Kimi this summer! I LOVE the Jdrama, but I thought the ending could've been better. I'm hoping the Korean version will be even better, though I don't see how anyone could out-do Ikuta Toma as Nakatsu :)
I also LOVE Mei-chan no Shitsuji, it's the drama that made me fall in love with Mizushima Hiro.
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funnylittlefishy
April 22, 2011 at 1:40 PM
OMG i am DYING for the korean version to come out! I loved the japanese version, but kdramas just do drama better. so i have a feeling it will be AWESOME. i hope the SM people they pick can act though... and that they throw some others in there. i'm dying to know who they're casting ah!
Ani
April 22, 2011 at 4:07 PM
Yeah, I heard about SM doing Hana Kim, and I wasn't too thrilled and I was their prospects for Mizuki: SNSD. No offense to SNSD, but they're waaaaaay too girly and tall to pull of Mizuki. I always thought Horikita pulled it off well just because she was small enough too pull off the "Pre-puberty cute boy" look (although they were in High School, but you know what I mean). Although I never really like the Taiwanese version, I felt Ella Chen did a good job. And I feel the Japanese Special for Hana Kimi gave us an ending that was well sought after (although Oguri Shun's hair in that special was horrible).
S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 8:43 AM
I don't know if it is based on a manwha, but a great comic book themed drama is Someday (kdrama). I just finished it a couple of days ago, and it is so good!
It definitively has the intricate camera-angles, great shots, inventive plot and dialog that you would expect with a manwha/manga-based drama. It centers around a korean comic-book writer who grew up in Japan, and has a very distinctive personality. Other than that I can't say much without giving away the plot.
It is funny, moving and romantic. And it is as much about family, however you find it, as much as it is about romance. The b-story is as interesting as the main plot and everything ties together, just awesomely made.
Even though it is korean, it may be a little too jdrama-ish for you, but it all depends on what you don't like about jdramas. I say it is worth a shot
(between mysoju and viki you should have most all the episodes. Except for ep 11, which I watched raw on tudou while viewing the softsub from viki--- It is that good!).
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mud
April 22, 2011 at 10:43 AM
No mention of GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka)? It's not a romantic comedy, but it's got comedy in spades. It's also a gold mine of funnies and slice of life drama. GTO's probably the most well-known jdorama, next to Hana Yori Dango. Guaranteed to make you laugh, learn and love!
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Ambie
April 22, 2011 at 1:12 PM
can i say my hun bun Oguri Shun was in a lot of the above?
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Ani
April 22, 2011 at 6:50 PM
I love how you claimed him. And yes, he is in most of those, even badass Crows Zero. Can I just say he rocked that hair-do like no one can (because, really, anyone else would've looked lame)?
Ani
April 22, 2011 at 6:48 PM
HAHA, GTO is kindof a given isn't it? But I also feel that half the time people new to j-dorama wouldn't like the old stuff.
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5 grateful1
April 22, 2011 at 7:03 AM
49 Days comment (and spoiler, if you haven't seen ep.11 yet): I especially enjoy the drama-watching experience when something exciting happens that I totally didn't see coming. YK's psyche remembering JH during the hypnotherapy session was a development that completely caught me off-guard, and I loved it! I found it perfectly plausible because the human mind is like the most amazing thing ever! Years ago, I learned that a person with multiple personality disorder can have one personality that's diabetic or visually-impaired, etc., and other personalities that aren't-- and I've been fascinated with the mind ever since. I haven't seen ep. 12 yet, but I hope that more of YK's subconscious memories of JH surface soon and that they help her to form a bond with JH.
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6 MEK
April 22, 2011 at 7:08 AM
1. 49 days is GREAT!!! love that show...all because of dramabeans...
2. I cant wait to see Lie to Me...I love YEH!!!
3. @Neimat Ilyas - i'm watching "Creating Destiny" on dramafever right now and its pretty funny. eugene and someone else is in it...i'm watching that to fill the time -
4. I cant believe I started liking Midas...Jang Hyuk is just the BOMB!
5. I dont like Royal Family but I like the lead guy...he's cute.
6. I'm still waiting for Gong Yoo to appear in a drama...this year????? Maybe???
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silka
April 22, 2011 at 7:17 AM
MEK:
49 days totally rocks.. can't wait for the next week.. and I am literally refleshing my screen every minute to see the recap last night..
Saw the first tease trailer for Best Love... look awesome.. can't wait for that and Lie to Me... may will be totally sleepless....
Believe it.. I like Midas too... Jang Hyuk is good as always... of course no ming woo is the reason why I watch it Midas at the first place... there is a lot going on in the drama.. I am about 10 episode in.. I am hoping everything will wrap up nicely at the end....
oh just watch the first 2 episode of Manny... loving it!
have a nice weekend everyone!
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Neimat Ilyas
April 22, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Hey! Is it there on another website. Dramafever doesn't open in my country. Ill try finding it somewhere. Thanks =)
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blokkoms
April 22, 2011 at 8:36 AM
Try dramacrazy or mysoju, between them they have most kdramas.
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Maria Green
April 22, 2011 at 1:22 PM
try mysoju.com or dramasub.com ;)
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ahjummabunny
April 22, 2011 at 7:46 AM
hmm what's going on with midas?
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ishrooroo
April 27, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Oooh LOVING Midas! But it's not so popular with the subbers so I resorted to watching with Chinese subs (and pausing every second to read cuz my chinese sucks LOL) they needa show more NO MIN WOO!
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7 Natalie
April 22, 2011 at 7:09 AM
Not sure if its a new thing or not, but I love love love that there's a mobile website now! I always read through the new recaps on my phone, and now its so so much easier! :D
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Bluefyre
April 22, 2011 at 9:18 AM
I hate it so I turned it off. Wouldn't let me see the yummy Lee Min-ho, Kang Ji-hwan, Jung Il-woo posts. Boo!
I love the original much better. But to each their own, Yeah? :D
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Ani
April 22, 2011 at 7:07 PM
Doesn't it work just as well if you browse the site on a smart phone. My friend has a smart phone (I don't) and I used her to browse Dramabeans. It's just as if I'm on my laptop. I need to hurry up and upgrade my phone ASAP.
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Qd
April 22, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Natalie ! I thought I was the only one who realised the format is different on my mobile! It is way better isnt it? I'm on it every break and lunch to catch up on recaps and dramaland and I simply love it!!!!!!
However I dont like the subscription bit. I subscribed thinking it will give me notification of replies to my comment but it gave notification to all comments on the article. My inbox is full of it and I tried to delete, suspend and it didnt work. I couldnt find unsubscribe. I have to say the description of what this new feature actually does is not described well enough to know what Im getting myself into. Needless to say, an unsubscribe link will be good.
I do want to applaud JB & team for improving this site nonetheless and making it such a cool place to visit everyday. I know it must not be easy peasy as it looks. Thank you!!! Kamsahamida~~~
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8 Inana
April 22, 2011 at 7:14 AM
Anyone watching "Can You Hear My Heart?" ?
I recall girlfriday posting some news on it and have heard around that about six episodes have aired. I want to check it out-- especially because awesome-actor Jung Bo Soek is there, but hmm, I've been wanting to hear someones review on it thus far, before launching in. Even if the reviews are bad, I'll probably check it out anyways--but I just wanted to know if anyone is watching or not? :)
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YT629
April 22, 2011 at 7:45 AM
I've seen a few episodes of it. And it was touching and heartwarming. (And Jung Bo seok's mentally deficient but sweet father character is all the more impressive in light of his recent EVIL turn in Giant) But I think for a kdrama like this, the handling of it matters so that it doesn't veer off too much into melodrama. So I'll give it a couple more episodes and see.
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Celest
April 22, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Listen to My Heart is my favorite drama of the week! I totally flipped when I saw Jung Bo Seok in it. My initial reaction was holy shat!! That's the awesomely evil villain in Giant. He was amazing in that role and he's amazing in this one. Props to him.
This drama isn't too melo (well at least not yet). I feel like they have a nice balance of drama, heart-felt moments and even funny comedic scenes. I am absolutely loving it! Is it Saturday yet?
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Arhazivory
April 22, 2011 at 1:29 PM
lol. I'm waiting for the next eps too. I'm loving Can You Hear my Heart. There's so much you can do with the premise and I'm looking forward to seeing if it continues being good. But man....to think it'll be 50 eps. lol.
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ilikehim
April 23, 2011 at 12:37 AM
I believe its only 30?...unless there will be an extension?
Cha
April 22, 2011 at 7:46 AM
hi!! I just started watching it and i absolutely love it...
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luci8le
April 22, 2011 at 8:00 AM
awww I started to watch it yesterday evening and am now waiting for ep 7.
this show is seriously good. i wasn't really expecting anything from this one and found myself so addicted :)
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Belva
April 22, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Exactly my thoughts. I totally didn't expect anything from CYHMH but got so drawn into it after 2 episode. What a pleasant surprise :)
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momosan
April 22, 2011 at 9:08 AM
Six episodes have aired. The kids are in 1-5 and then the adults take over about half way through 5. So far, it's pretty good. It looks like it's going to be a long winding road (well, it's a weekend drama, so that's to be expected) but there is some serious whackadoodle and evil going on. It's hard to say how deep into melo territory it's going to go, but it's going there.
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danna
April 22, 2011 at 12:32 PM
thats what I'm nervous abt....hw melo will it get??...i've already quite a few tears for the first 6 eps dont know hw much more it will take...like u said there's some crazy evil going on though I appreciate that they're all not caricatured and seem to be somewhat conflicted......also really miss the child actors especially Kim Sae Ron
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Qd
April 22, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Just watched episode 1 this morning. It has potential but Im really not in the mood for melodrama at the moment and it looks that way to me especially who son is both of male leads is not revealed yet. Of course need to watch more episodes to tell but for now I am cautiously optimistic I suppose.
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orangy911
April 22, 2011 at 12:05 PM
It's a great drama. I really like it. It has some flashes of Kim TakGu in there and it's a little makjang...but the relationships between the characters are great. The child actors did a great job fleshing out their characters. I was a little put off by Hwang Jung Eum's portrayal of Woo Ri at first because Kim Sae Ron did an amazing job...but she grew on me.
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aznative
April 23, 2011 at 11:15 AM
"Can You Hear My Heart" - I've only watched 4 episodes (on Viki in USA). I'm really enjoying it. It seems like a good story-line and I'm excited to see how it develops.
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frillyobject
April 24, 2011 at 12:48 PM
This drama is my NEW LOVE!
I am counting by seconds for every Saturday to come.
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9 Memei
April 22, 2011 at 7:14 AM
Han Kang! (Ji-hynun's intonation) :D
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informantxgirl
April 22, 2011 at 7:18 AM
Where's the 'like' button? ;)
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ahjummabunny
April 22, 2011 at 7:47 AM
kangaaahh!!!!
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Alvina
April 22, 2011 at 9:35 AM
Soo cute XD
He's like...a big man bunny!
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mellissa
April 22, 2011 at 3:47 PM
i want my own kang ahhhhhhh
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10 Sari
April 22, 2011 at 7:17 AM
49 i can't wait for next episodes.i'm recently buzy with a whole thing in my life and skip open thread for long and i realized that samsooki or ockoala or some nick name not participated with open thread anymore.can someone tell me what happened with them and the baby of samsooki was born,is it a boy or girl?thanks anyway.
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11 informantxgirl
April 22, 2011 at 7:17 AM
Happy Friday all!
Loving 49 Days. A really interesting show with a thought-provoking premise and pretty good acting all around. (Kang-ah!)
I've been playing maid at my house for a few weeks and it makes me flashback to Full House and how housework was so cute in that. Lies, drama! Lies! Lol.
Question for the void then: what seems so cute in dramas but is a drag in real life?
I like the idea of a really yell-y, shout-y alpha guy, in dramas, but not so sure how I'd take it in real life! :D
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joybells
April 22, 2011 at 7:48 AM
umm....da male lead dragging the heroine by her wrist..it looks romantic in dramas bt i would be pissed if my guy did dat to me..('_")
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ar_arguably romantic
April 22, 2011 at 7:53 AM
i agree with you abt a yell-y, shout-y guy. If I get with a guy like that in real life, I would probably cry all the time (I haven't been screamed at much in my life and when I do get screamed at, I cry) and then go insane and shave his hair off in his sleep.
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Firewife5
April 22, 2011 at 9:11 AM
When a guy gets all jealous and pissy. Cute in dramaland but not so cute in real life!
Also, when the guy and the girl are arguing and he suddenly grabs her and lays one on her and she just melts and falls into it! In real life, do NOT attempt to kiss me when I'm angry at you...you will be sorry!
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Okie Dokie
April 22, 2011 at 9:30 AM
seriously, there are lots of things that wouldn't fly in real life that happens in dramas that we all swoon about. What does that say about us? LOL
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saraha
April 23, 2011 at 8:44 AM
And the stolen/secret kisses-- the guy kissing the girl while she's sleeping or passed out. Might seem romantic in dramaland, but in real life, that's sexual harassment!
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 10:39 AM
When a guy gets mad at a girl for putting herself in danger, in a drama, I find it touching because it's usually one of the first signs he has feelings for her. In real life, though I find it insulting that he thinks I can't handle anything on my own.
Also couple rings, t-shirts, shoes etc are cute in dramas but I would never wear them.
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12 nonski ⭐️A forever JIN who crash landed on Hyun Bins heart❤️!
April 22, 2011 at 7:20 AM
hi beaniepeople...have a blessed Good Friday to all!
as is the case for almost all...we all love 49 Days, and i'm loving the Scheduler more and Han Kang most! I'm actually getting so anxious of what will happen to the two souls, that is, Ji-hyun and the Scheduler. I haven't seen 12 yet, I think these two deserve their real loves but since they are both dead, well, Ji-hyun more or less...what remains for them is yet to be seen. Well, I love happy endings for sure. And i'm already dreading the ending, basically due to the fact that Yi-soo is well, dead. How how wish he is in some place tucked in safe in a coma state like Ji-hyun so that he can come back and reclaim his love to Yi-kyung. I know life is not always fair but it is just so unfair...show! Just me thinks.... :) I'm going nuts here over a Show, hahaha...
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Dux
April 22, 2011 at 9:51 AM
Hmm, the more I read about 49 days the more I feel I should to stay away from it until all episodes are out. We'll see if I have enough self control... I always get too emotionally involved with good dramas. So it's better to pull a sleepless weekend than showing up to work with puffy eyes for weeks during Secret Garden's later half.
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13 izocha
April 22, 2011 at 7:22 AM
Happy OT Friday! Happy Good Friday, Too! And Happy Spring! Magnolias and Daffodils are blooming throughout the neighborhood. Its not quite a cherry blossom festival, but I'll take it!
49 days...has such gorgeous flowers, no pun intended. I keep feeling envious to be walking along the forsythia laden slopes. Honestly, whenever Ji-hyun and Min-ho are all angsty I end up thinking, "mmm. . . flowers". I did a similar thing whenever I got bored watching MSOAN-especially when they were out playing in the pine woods.
With that said, I so totally geek to 49days so far. Its really quite good. Love Kang, and the schedular, and the sounding board food provider. We should all have one of those, eh?
Criticism follows: I want more range of emotion from In-jung-I think its the script limiting her to emotional villainous du jour. I'm happy she is not a robot, though, hey. I hope they are able to make her more sympathetic to the audience somehow, so the story is complex, without making it absurd. Same for Seo-woo: She is given token screen time so far. I hope she can be worked into the story more, but keep the warmness of her character. It would be too sad if she goes all poison ivy once she realizes the Kang/ Ji-hyun lurve dipoler attraction. I feel like she needs a white night, too.
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14 He
April 22, 2011 at 7:24 AM
Am i the only one who thinks Lee Jia is being treated harshly? i know she did wrong but women are always treated so badly.
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izocha
April 22, 2011 at 7:32 AM
I agree...this should be nothing, but I understand its a different culture from the US, so it turns out to be something. I hope she can make a come-back because its a personal matter...and therefore should be forgotten (but will it? must there always be a footnote? like Tom .... what's his face? ... Cruise? Yep, I forgot him enough, eh.)
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...
April 22, 2011 at 7:56 AM
I might be reaching here but female celebrities in Korea usually gets the short end of the stick whenever a controversy pops out.
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15 Drama fan
April 22, 2011 at 7:26 AM
I am watching Thorn Birds episode 16 now, totally dislike Han PD,she is a selfish, weak b.....
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jomo143
April 22, 2011 at 9:35 AM
Don't tell me what happened!!!
Are you wathcing unsubbed?
I started 15 raw, but got lost with what they were saying and bailed.
I usually wait until Sunday to watch this one, once both eps are up with eng subs.
I do love JSW.
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madzgo
April 22, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Speaking of JSW, have you seen his interview in Win Win? After seeing it, my love for him upped a thousand more steps. Totally love his devotion to his mother who is quite a character too. Its a total revelation for me.
Have to register though in order to watch the eng subbed show here:
http://boosaysharingiscaring.com/2011/04/20/win-win-e53-2011-04-19-english-subbed/
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Elllen
April 22, 2011 at 9:59 PM
I watched 15 & 16 raw. Waiting for Sunday. In this 2 eps I'm impressed with YJ, hate YK more...to blame her past to do the evil deed is a poor excuse..can't wait for the next eps!
Kang woo still always watching over JE...
Twinkle...
I burst out laughing...scene in the car...both feeling awkward to talk..JW turns on the radio...& *Yeah...kiss me my dahling...* song came on! LOL!
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jomo143
April 23, 2011 at 1:25 PM
Twinkle - Loved him in the car scene, and the one where first he follows her on the balcony, then ,runs down the stairs all the way outside to stop JW from leaving because he couldn't resist.
That is what I like about this couple. From their very first scene together, at least one of them is in a VERY uncomfortable situation. The clever writers decided the OTP would get to know each other quickly, and not be able to hide their true character from the other.
So we have this staid, righteous lonely man forced to deal with heretofore unfelt feelings right in front of a girl he wants to impress! I LOVE HIM! Kim Suk Hoon is not a flashy romantic actor like Hyun Bin or Gong Yoo, but I think he is very sexy.
SJ's character is like a shell I would love to pry open and play with, and, yes, I mean it THAT way..
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Elllen
April 27, 2011 at 7:55 AM
I agree. Kim Suk Hoon is very sexy. I have fallen for him!
elle loves kdrama
April 22, 2011 at 8:38 PM
I watched both of them unsubbed and I am more and more irritated by Han PD. JSW is such a great actor.
Anyone watch the cast of Thorn Birds on "Happy together". They were so funny, and JSW was adorable as ever!
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Elllen
April 22, 2011 at 10:01 PM
I'd love to watch that! Don't know where...I'll try youtube.
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16 izocha
April 22, 2011 at 7:27 AM
Happy OT Friday! Happy Good Friday, Too! And Happy Spring! Magnolias and daffodils are blooming throughout the neighborhood. Its not quite a cherry blossom festival, but I'll take it!
49 days...has such gorgeous flowers, no pun intended. I keep feeling envious to be walking along the forsythia laden slopes. Honestly, whenever Ji-hyun and Min-ho are all angsty I end up thinking, "mmm. . . flowers". I did a similar thing whenever I got bored watching MSOAN-especially when they were out playing in the pine woods.
With that said, I so totally geek to 49days so far. Its really quite good. Love Kang, and the scheduler, and the sounding board food provider. We should all have one of those, eh?
Criticism follows: I want more range of emotion from In-jung- I think it is the script limiting her to emotional villainous du jour. I'm happy she is not a robot, though, hey. I hope they are able to make her more sympathetic to the audience somehow, so the story is complex, without making it absurd. Same for Seo-woo: She is given token screen time so far. I hope she can be worked into the story more, but keep the warmness of her character. It would be too sad if she goes all poison ivy once she realizes the Kang/ Ji-hyun lurve dipoler attraction. I feel like she needs a white night, too. Fingers crossed that all's well that ends well :)
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izocha
April 22, 2011 at 7:28 AM
Oh! NO! Sorry for the double post! I thought I caught the first one on time!
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17 zakuropanda
April 22, 2011 at 7:35 AM
Happy Friday! I just had a test and have another one very soon today, but I am looking forward to catching up on 49 days this weekend! Happy Earth Day to everyone too! Is anyone else in school having trouble deciding which dramas to watch while they air (of the ones in May)? I can't pick which ones to relegate to a marathon during the summer >.<
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18 MEK
April 22, 2011 at 7:36 AM
@silka - min woo is a gorgeous man but geez - why did they have to put so much make-up on him in this show...it reminds me of the taiwanese dramas...everyone is always all made up...
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19 JNC
April 22, 2011 at 7:49 AM
still watching wish upon a star, and loving it!!!! I have a "heat transfer II" midterm exam tomorrow, but it's the last two episodes! so I'll be watching that before I can concentrate( but maybe that plan will backfire!!)
I totally love Kim Ji Hoon's acting. Every time Kang Ha feels hurt and his eyes fill with tears, I feel like my heart is splitting in half!!! the pain of having to give up on the one person you let yourself love because of your love for your brother (and apparently step-mother) is portrayed so brilliantly. . .
and the kids are awesome, specially little baby Nam!!!
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Celest
April 22, 2011 at 11:52 AM
I remember when this came out =) I absolutely loved Wish Upon a Star. I even got my mother to start watching it lol
And I agree! The acting of the kids were wonderful! It seemed that everytime they would start crying I would start crying haha
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20 ar_arguably romantic
April 22, 2011 at 7:50 AM
2 more weeks till I'm done with school and so much to do in that time - papers, projects, and presentations galore! It's my last semester of graduate school and I can't wait to be done. Been regretting it actually so each assignment makes me feel super irritated and angry. I should have followed the typical Asian route and graduated with a useful major in undergrad. Now I have a useless undergrad degree and an almost equally useless master's degree.
49 days is the only thing keeping me sane! even though it's preventing me from getting any work done...
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izocha
April 22, 2011 at 8:17 AM
Keep fighting! Use that anger to defend! I'm in a similar crazy finals/ life changing time and Agh! 49days is distracting :) MAY 7 here we come!
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Think of it this way, you'll have lots of awesome May dramas waiting as you're reward once you're done. Good luck!
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mud
April 22, 2011 at 10:58 AM
I'm totally empathizing with you. Final exams are the pits!!! But also a necessary hurdle in order to achieve summer freedom and admittance into the 'real world'... Do your best and end strong!
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Celest
April 22, 2011 at 11:59 AM
I am in the same position as you...but reversed haha
This whole month has been ridiculously busy but there's only finals week left next week so thank goodness for that!
I followed the typical Asian route and am graduating with a useful degree but now I'm kinda wishing that I should have gotten at least a history/sociology minor when I had the chance instead of taking all the hard sciences...
Oh well, maybe I'll minor in those fields just before I graduate...or one of these days lol
Good luck to all of us!
And Happy Good Friday and Easter Sunday (Ressurection Day) to everyone!
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ar_arguably romantic
April 22, 2011 at 7:14 PM
whoa, you really are the reverse of me! I was a history major for undergrad...as for the subject of my graduate degree...it will stay unmentioned because not many asian americans get a graduate degree in this subject (not many people, period!). That, my history degree, and my kdrama obsession will immediately identify me- I might as well use my real first and last name here!
and thanks everyone for the words of encouragement!
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21 queencircles
April 22, 2011 at 7:52 AM
I'm in a weird mood today. I feel super lazy. I'm in that transitional period after college graduation and I just feel like such a slacker.
Anyway. I'm loving 49 days. I watched 11 w/o subs yesterday. I hate doing that but I just couldn't wait! I also can't wait for the onslaught of new dramas in May! Going to be awesome!!!
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22 Litzy
April 22, 2011 at 8:00 AM
Hello~ First time in open thread. Actually first time in a thread not solely concerned with 49 days. Sadly it's the only drama I'm watching right now; I have to limit myself to one drama per season or risk failing my degree. God knows how much time 49 days alone is taking (it has far too much rewatch value, and sometimes I'd just pause and stare at the same picture *coughKIAScough* for several minutes).
Currently on a one week break from uni. I should be taking this time to catch up on all my work and complete all those assignments I said I'd do at the beginning of the break...but you all know how that goes =P.
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Casie J.
April 22, 2011 at 8:22 AM
Welcome to the thread!
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Dux
April 22, 2011 at 9:23 AM
Yep, I am with you. I try to limit myself, sometimes purposely selecting something not too intense or addictive, and still fail. I started watching The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry the other day and realize it will be the story of my life in 10 years. Thus I finished it in 2 days with very little sleep and looking like a zoombie at work
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 10:55 AM
welcome to Open thread! *hugs* :)
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MJP
April 22, 2011 at 9:21 PM
Litzy,
Welcome!!!
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Litzy
April 23, 2011 at 2:44 AM
Thanks for such warm welcomes <333
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23 queencircles
April 22, 2011 at 8:04 AM
Lol. I started to read the 49 ep12 recap. I had to throw my phone down to stop me. I want to watch it NOW!! Damn work and not speaking korean!
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24 Casie J.
April 22, 2011 at 8:21 AM
HAPPY FRIDAY! HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY! HAPPY EARTH DAY!
I stopped watching 49 Days but it looks like everything is starting to heat up. YEAH. I like. I'm actually watching Manny and I have to say that the relationship between the little boy and Manny is just so adorable. >.<
But I'm so excited! Tomorrow is Asian Night at my school and WONG FU PRODUCTIONS IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also, this is random but is it normal to completely lose your appetite while recovering from a cold? I got sick last Friday and I feel almost fine now just a little stuffy nose but I just lost my appetite and it's kind of scaring me because I usually love to eat and now I'm just half-heartedly chewing on food so I won't starve. . . .
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appliepieeee
April 22, 2011 at 5:47 PM
>< you have ASIAN NIGHT?? with WONGFUPRODUCTIINS?? i am sitting in a little puddle of jealousy right now.
anyways:) i really like 49 days~~ but i havent watched episodes 11 and 12 yet... i keep ruining and spoilering stuff for myself by reading clearly marked spoiler commentsXDDD no self control, this one. heh..im off to start them now!!
i still wish my school had asian night. sighhhhh... you must tell me how it goes!!
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25 jomo143
April 22, 2011 at 8:24 AM
Twinkle Twinkle
All That Glitters
LOVE WHAT'S HAPPENING (with some characters) ON THIS SHOW.
The OTP's story is one of my favorites out there. HE is Darcy, but not in a cliche way to her Lizzie.
LOVE the beginning of Episode 20.
Love how Editor and Team Leader talk to each other, how he watches her, how he is falling for her against his will, but not his reason.
Love Editor's family's story.
Love the story line with JW real oma.
Love Dae Bum and his pretty aggy.
ADORE Uncle Mickey's brother. He should get a show.
HATE Geum Ran
Starting to hate GR's real oma - BRAT!
Slimey Braces is growing on me...
Don't care about the poor apa and the sister's husband. I have FF through all of their scenes.
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Belva
April 22, 2011 at 9:42 AM
Why can't I seem to like the OTP :( I really have something against the editor which I can't put it in words. It almost feels like me hating a guy from high school which I will eventually come to love with that same passion I hated. haha. But somehow I don't see the turn to liking anytime soon. Or maybe I forwarded too much before I gave him the chance a main lead deserves.
And I'm at episode 18 but I already dislike GR's real omma. How can she show her biasness in front of JW. Seriously, I can understand if she feels sorry for GR and all but she can at least be more discreet about her biasness.
I totally adore the uncle and Dae Bum and his baby as well. How can anyone not ^^
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jomo143
April 22, 2011 at 9:55 AM
What I like about the Editor is he balances JW really well.
He is right about some things, but she is right about other things.
He may have thought he was going to dominate at the new job, but JW keeps "getting in his way" with her opinions and ideas.
She does not back down when she is right, and he has come to respect her for that. He is also doing a lot of things that are out of character for him (in the past) and can't stop it. Like when he cooked for her...sigh...
I also love that he is not even remotely going to fall for GR, even though we worried he would at first...
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Belva
April 22, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Good point, I do see that they match each other really well. How he kind of teaches her to not take her wealthy bg for granted when he throws her the question if her refusal to bow is because of her being the chairman's daughter. I'm sure they are the OTP but DB is too good to be left alone in the end :(
Guess I need to stop ff editor's scenes so that I can start appreciating this pairing. Especially when knowing that people love them. Hope I get there soon!
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grateful1
April 22, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Does anyone know if eng subs are available anywhere for eps. 14 on? I was only able to find subs for eps. 1-13. Thanks.
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Doris
April 22, 2011 at 11:16 AM
happy friday !
Epi 14 sub is not out yet , here is the latest part 3 ost of Twinkle Twinkle, beautiful song by girl's day .
http://youtu.be/85KVmghN3Qs
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jomo143
April 22, 2011 at 1:20 PM
I've downloading the raws and then the darksmurfs subs.
This is the first show where the subs are so slow that I can't wait!
I think from ep 16 on it moved from OK to really really good.
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jomo143
April 22, 2011 at 2:01 PM
It's going to be on Dramafever beginning May 9!!
http://www.dramafever.com/drama/3927/1/Sparkling/
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hookedonmonix
April 22, 2011 at 2:45 PM
Aha! That's why I stopped watching it! I was reading this, thinking "wait a minute, I like that show, why didn't I keep up with it?" Because I only understand a few words without my precious subtitles.
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Elllen
April 22, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Same here. I had a good laugh with the broken record breaking the spell! Then in the car with the *Yeah...kiss me dahling...* song. I love JW. I love her Chief!
I love GR...I think he's begiining to have feelings for JW too...love triangle perhaps. I like JW's uncle...he saw the jrnal in GR room...he might help solve the copy cat case later...I don't like JW's rich mom...I admire JW's dad love for her.
Exactly! while I'm watching these 2 losers I keep wondering why the mom & the daughter chose them. Ugh! The daughter might be tempted to have an affair with the rich "friend".
I think that GR is not smart enough to think that the chief would not notice who cheated.
Did you find recap or reviews on Twinkle/Shining anywhere?
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jomo143
April 23, 2011 at 10:13 AM
I am going to the soompi thread, but only after I watched the raws.
I love all the folks over there, but avoiding spoilers is very very difficult.
Even when they use the "hidden" spoiler feature, which is great, people comment below on what was just revealed, and, GAH! I read something like "I can't believe the birth secret is A-HUGE-SURPRISE-COMETHING-I-EVER-WOULD-HAVE-GUESSED."
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ContentedOne
April 23, 2011 at 2:45 AM
Clicked Like Like Like
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26 ...
April 22, 2011 at 8:39 AM
Happy friday everyone. :D
Ah, I'm not excited for any of the upcoming shows. >_> I wonder why. Dream High was the last I followed live...
Also can someone tell me at what episode 49 Days started becoming interesting? I want to watch something new, keke
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Neimat Ilyas
April 22, 2011 at 8:43 AM
Just watch the first 2 episodes...and the rest will follow ^_^
And its interesting from the first scene of the first episode itself....Jung il WOO!!!! ♥_♥
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27 Elle-Emme
April 22, 2011 at 8:47 AM
manny is cute and funny , 49 day might be my marathon
lie to me is making salivate
looks cute
city hunter too
Remember the reason for Easter
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28 eureka
April 22, 2011 at 8:50 AM
anyone here watch royal family and midas?
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vicka
April 22, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Happy Friday!!!!!!
I've just watched five episodes of Royal Family... but stop, not enough time. Nowadays, 49 days and Manny have caught my attention. I'm still watching Midas and honestly: I HATE IT!!!! Not for the actors (love Jang Hyuk, NMW, LMJ) but the storyline is going crazy... I hate how superficial everything is written, Most of the characters are really shallow. You can see that the writers have made a great research about the M&A world, they know terms, strategies and how everything moves on the financial ambient, but the motivations of the actions, the characters development are really, really mediocre... I'll finish it but I have not expectations.
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Birdie
April 22, 2011 at 11:25 AM
I agree with you. Even the love storyline is not developed properly.I think it is the way the characters are written.The relationships and characters development just do not flow well.Consequently you do not feel emotion from the actors."The honeymoon night" between the leads was awkward.
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vicka
April 22, 2011 at 1:49 PM
As you said ”The honeymoon night” was really sad: I don't know but I didn't feel that LMJ was really "still" in love with Jang Hyuk's character... Maybe it's me, I didn't feel anything. But this "couple" isn't the most terrible thing of this drama... the NMW character.... OHHH MY GOD!!!! You can cut his part on the drama, all his scenes and nothing will change, at least from what I've seen on 17 episodes... So depressing, so sad. His character is like a piece of furniture: a sofa, a table... he's merely a decoration. If I was him I would hire somebody to kill the writers.
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Cynthia
April 22, 2011 at 3:01 PM
Agree with your comment about NWM - it's a shame he's so wasted in this drama. And the horrible part is that he's losing weight for his role of portraying a victim of terminal pancreatic cancer - he interviewed that his goal is 20 lbs. His frame is so thin, normally and he's doing this to his body for a role that doesn't deserve this kind of devotion.
The boy needs a good wake-up shake (and a few sandwiches!)!
Elllen
April 22, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Still watching Midas & Royal family...but 49, Thorn Birds, New Tales of Gisaeng, Twinkle, Can you hear my heart & now Manny are more fun to watch...
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29 S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 9:02 AM
Anyone watching New Gisaeng Story?
I don't know why, but I am kind of addicted. It is not even that good, but somehow I just fell in love with all the characters. Especially Damo. Saran is kind of getting on my nerves with her blank face (even when crying...blank face!) but mostly it's a good kind of getting on my nerves (the "why won't you just love each other and have lots of kids and then die tragically, yet poetically"-kind of annoyance).
Also, maybe it's because I've never really watched a longer drama before (think this will be about a 50 ep one), but I'm kind of enjoying the paste. Instead of cramming everything into 16 episodes there is time for the characters to breath and naturally change their mind about things, or grow feelings for one another with time and shared experiences. And not every sentence is a plot point, which makes the twists a little more surprising.
Plus it's a great show to do crafts to while watching. I can actually look down every once in a while without missing like, a death.
And it does seem very different from every other show I've watched...the moral codes seem a bit stricter in a way? Hard to explain, but like (SPOILER!!!) when the baby (presumably Saran) was left outside the Geum-residence and the grandfather decided to give her up, how much blame people put on him, and him on himself, when they found out the child was related to them. I mean, he didn't know, they didn't know...why are we blaming eyelinerloving grandpa? (/spoiler). I have a feeling it may be veered towards a more mature audience and that that's the reason, but I don't know. But I kind of like it, in a way I feel like it sort of explains a lot of things I haven't really understood in other dramas. Also, because they aren't screaming at each other every five seconds it's a little easier to hear what they're saying, so I'm picking up a few new words and sentence structures, which is always nice. Ok, ending the post now, I promise.
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Ashnia
April 22, 2011 at 9:11 AM
your not the only I LOVE NEW TALES OF GISAENG!
I was intrigued by the story since it was you know so different. I actually started watching it 2 wks ago and finished all 21 eps in a span of a week. And now im all caught up.
I love everything the story, plotline, OST and the characters. This is not my first 50+ series. I also watched Assorted Gems who has the same writer as NTOG. I am a bit fearful though how the story is going to dish out. Assorted Gems was a really good family drama up to like ep 35 and than took like huge 360 and went all makjang. it was a downhill from there. I really hope NTOG keeps its intensity and intriguing storyline for the rest of the run.
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S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 9:31 AM
I also went through the episodes very quickly and as I waited for more episodes I decided to look up the writer and see if she'd written anything else, because she has a very distinctive style that I just fell in love with. So I did come across Assorted Gems, but I've never really watched much family dramas so I've only seen about an episode or so.
But I was surprised by how many similarities the two dramas hold. Like the opening scenes, with the girl dancing in her room (one of the reasons I really love Saran's younger sister. I really hope she gets together with the guy with the died hair. but I digress) and also Kyle - our resident gisaeng English teacher.
Too bad about the makjang though. A little drama is ok, but all that screaming (and incest....*shudders*. With all the parent-questioning that's going on I am so happy that they've stayed away from that can of icky inbred worms so far.) is really not my cup of tea.
But oh well, if we make it to 35 without makjang, that is still a decent length drama. Though Saran's whole stoic thing kind of forewarns makjang...fingers crossed!
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NKB
April 22, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Yeah. NTOG is definitely one to watch. I started watching it just to pass the time away but then got hooked. Initially I was really miffed by how expressionless our OTP couple were. Are they first time actors? I don't know but I just assumed they were and thus cut them some slack. Now as they ease into their roles they're both getting better, especially Damo. I like the way they're making his character grow. You can actually see him thinking over the things Saran says to him and reacting accordingly. Saran...not so much.
I don't know whether the writers are just focused on Damo and the other story lines but they seem to just be dishing Saran flimsy excuses for why her character is supposed to act the way she does. Like her decision to enter the gisaeng house because of her stepmother's actions and what she told her about her birth. It's not as if she was unaware her stepmother told her that to get her to go to the gisaeng house....so why did she just go along with it? Makes no sense.
And did anyone else think the Head of the Gisaeng house was a little crazy when she was imagining herself in the wedding dress? Lol! I'm sorry but I did mouth 'psycho' to myself when I saw that. I had to take it back though seeing how gracefully she handled her disappointment. Ah...can't wait for this weeks episodes. The previews look awesome!
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supah
April 22, 2011 at 6:16 PM
Both the OTP are rookies. Im Soo-hyang has had a couple of minute, non-noticeable roles prior before landing the lead role. Sung Hoon (Damo) is a completely fresh-faced rookie.
I'm actually the opposite, I agree they've both improving and meeting their challenges as actors but I think Saran is BRILLIANT. Both the way she is being written and the actress. (I totally get why she does what she does)
Sung Hoon's line delivery needs some work but he's doing a decent job too.
Byeonggak Madame is <3. I thought that wedding dress sequence was both fun and sad. Fun, because she was girly enough to fantasise as such, but sad because that is not the fate of a Gisaeng.
S (theknitter)
April 23, 2011 at 1:48 PM
I completely agree about Saran! Girl is getting on my nerves. I feel like a mind reader trying to extract any sense of what she's feeling. I liked the aloof thing at first, but now it's like...he's sacrificed so much and all you can give him is a blank (but pretty) stare? Even when she was crying over her birthday dinner she looked completely blank.
I think the reason for her going into the Gisaeng-house was something like she now feels like she needs to pay her father/family back because he raised her without being related to her..? That's what I took it as anyway.
Firewife5
April 22, 2011 at 9:26 AM
I was thinking I might start watching it this weekend, just because I keep hearing good things about it. I'm a little intimidated by the 50 episodes though.
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S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 2:44 PM
Yeah it's my first time watching such a long drama too. I got a while into Gloria (20-something episodes) but then I was just meh about it. I can't really say if Gisaeng is worth it or not as we're only about half way through, but the half I have watched is really really good. I mean it's not technically a good show, but it is engaging. Give it a try and see. To me it is one of the least frustrating shows I've watched in a while, especially helped by the lack of two guys fighting for a girl who can't make up her mind.
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sk
April 22, 2011 at 6:22 PM
I actually like it a lot :) I've taken a break though; waiting for it to all finish airing. I hope it doesn't get too makjang though.
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Elllen
April 22, 2011 at 10:46 PM
I like the fiery love between Damo & Saran. She loves him just as much...she's just scared of rejection by his parents which might influence him to dump her later.
Damo might help her find her real parents. I'm not impressed that her parents have not actively cont'd their search for her. Same with her inactive father...but its looking good cos he did go find it & found it. Good job DJ for urging him. Good thinking Damo for asking DJ.
I love SongJa.
I like Ra ra now. I'm not convince that future mother in law is sincere.
Sore grandma needs poking for being sore & narrow minded.
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30 Hanna
April 22, 2011 at 9:05 AM
Did any of you notice Jung Il-Woo's injury in ep 12 of 49 Days? :O I read an article on allkpop, and the poor guy cracked the bone in his nose, ow ow ow.
http://www.allkpop.com/2011/04/jung-il-woo-suffers-an-injury-to-his-nose-during-the-filming-of-49-days
Now he REALLY needs that cruise Girlfriday was talking about!
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31 beggar1015
April 22, 2011 at 9:14 AM
So many dramas, so little time.
I'm really, really enjoying Sign. It's my latest I've-got-to-see-what-happens-next show. Is it chocked full of crime drama cliches? You got it. Does it use part of the theme music to Jaws? Oddly enough, yes. Does Jung Gyu Woon get beat up on a regular basis? It's in there. Is critical evidence left lying conveniently out in the open for our clue club to discover? Affirmitive. There's all that and the pacing is phenomenal. There's not been one slow part yet, and I'm enjoying the play between the characters.
I'm also catching up on 49 Days. That's another good one that has kept my interest.
Also, for anyone else looking for it, I saw Viki.com has a couple of episodes of Hair Show up. That's my next stop. Shew! I'm going to have a full weekend watching all this.
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S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 9:37 AM
Gotta love those timely clichés. Heck as long as the characters don't get on my nerves too much, and it's done well I'm up for most things.
I must be the only person who hasn't gotten into 49 days. I watched like the first six episodes, but to be honest, the only character I'm really interested keeps getting possessed... and the other one only whines when called on (the almighty lady-drool-collector also known as the Scheduler...Seriously, is there anyone who doesn't have the hots for him?)
I'm between dramas at the moment (or at least released episodes) so maybe I'll give Sign a try, you make it sound awfully tempting ;)
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32 j
April 22, 2011 at 9:23 AM
I love Han Kang... I swooned when he hugged Ji-Hyun/Yi-Kyung. Can't wait for next weeks episode.
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33 MEK
April 22, 2011 at 9:26 AM
try epdrama.com
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34 Belva
April 22, 2011 at 9:30 AM
Been awhile since I regularly visit DB, life can be hell at times.
Still, my first OT! Can't help it since I read about IWGP on the previous OT and regretted that I miss the chance to shout out that I love Kubozuka Yosuke!! His G-King in IWGP is so freaking kick-ass awesome! I love this man even when he's doing reggae now - a genre I never thought I would enjoy.
Talking about music, any good ones to recommend? I'm so tired of my playlist. Any language and genre will do except for the "noisy" ones.
Back to kdrama land, Twinkle Twinkle is on pause now because that main guy bores me to death and I'm tired of forwarding. I don't know if it's something wrong with me or him... Or am I just being bias cause I want more of Dae Bum and his cute little boy?
I'm fervently hoping Dae Bum get together with Jung Won in the end. Let Hwang Ran have that boring guy. Speaking of Dae Bum, I find him so familiar but I'm surprise that it's his first role ever and he's doing a really good job.
Thanks for whoever mentioned this show somewhere in DB few days back. It was already in my recycle bin when I read about it here, and decided to give it another try. So glad I did! The story is very interesting and the only complain is the main guy.
Can you hear my heart is awesome as well! watched episode 1-6 in one seating. I cried buckets at how little Dong Joo face his lost of hearing. And I'm loving adult Joon Ha, please don't let him turn evil!
Am I the only one who don't really enjoy the latest ep of 49 days? I love the flash backs and every moment with Kang in it, but there's too much In Jung & Min Ho that this episode feels kind of slow. And I'm disappointed that Yi Kyung is still not in the spotlight. Argh. I thought we would see more of her as the previous episode suggested :(
Also can anyone tell me if Royal Family is any good? I'm planning on starting it just because the writers are the ones who wrote QSD. Though I have almost zero interest in the cast and synopsis.
Happy Friday everyone! Hope you guys have an awesome weekend ahead :)
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Celest
April 22, 2011 at 12:16 PM
I am right there with you on your 49 days rant! But I think this episode was the best one they've had so far though I had reservations about the previous ones. The reason why I'm on loving this show as much as I want to is because I feel like they're doing such a disservice to YiKyung. Like REAL YK. With that being said, Lee Yo Won is doing a fantastic job as BOTH the protagonist and deuteragonist in the form of YK and JH.
I was actually really bothered that it took them until now to start fleshing out YK's character. *spoiler* That bit where YK briefly woke up just enough to see JH was brilliant though. And I loved the scene where all four of them (well except for the Scheduler) seemed to be in some sort of trance thinking about the flashback scene in the park.
Is it too much to ask for some Scheduler/YK flashbacks? =)
But the plot is starting to finally pick up speed for me and I am once again intrigued.
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35 Alvina
April 22, 2011 at 9:31 AM
I wanted to say:
1. THANK YOU to whoever told me to pick up WGM again. After abandoning it after the Season1/HwanYobi couple left, I decided to give it a chance when I heard Kim WonJun was coming ( Childhood crush at the age of 4 LOL :D). And the guy from Smile, Donghae is in it this season.
ABSOLUTELY loving it. Super cute. If you guys haven't seen it already, it's like watching a drama (which, considering the "spectacle of the show" it practically is lol).
2. Pollen has hit my side on town... an extra excuse to stay indoors XD
3. Any advice for someone planning on taking the GRE or LSAT? I'm planning on self-studying. I took the MCAT for my program but the school I want to apply to requires either of the above. :(
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mud
April 22, 2011 at 11:07 AM
I've never taken either GRE or LSAT, sorry can't helpyou there. But have you checked out this site for LSAT tips?
http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/
Out of curiosity, which program and school are you applying for that requires all these tests? As far as I know, LSAT and MCAT aren't usually both required.
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Alvina
April 23, 2011 at 11:41 AM
ahh, thanks! That's a cute blog.
I'm looking into a joint-degree program. The one for policy, they require the GRE or LSAT so I've been looking at which one would be better/look more impressive lol.
I hate this though; real life is so hard. Dramas are a nice escape :D
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36 Carinne
April 22, 2011 at 10:08 AM
Good Friday Peeps!
It's so nice to drive around w/ little traffic this morning since it's Spring Break and Easter altogether. Phew~
I need to catch up w/ Manny now, I just finished E03 and I surely liked the gay fantasy, so funny! Gonna dash over to Viki for E04. I'm anticipating those recaps Wonder Women!
Happy Earth Day Earthlings!
I believe it's a good time to share and holla for a good cause...
http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/
Check out this link above, and make your small contribution worth great impact and purpose.
It is... a GLOBAL PROJECT Earthlings, so make Spring cleaning worthwhile. > , <
Much love,
CC
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37 S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 10:23 AM
The time of allergies is upon us!
Figured I'd share a few things that has helped me and my family over the years, maybe it'll help someone.
These are the basics of what has really helped me through the years. You can probably notice an improvement after doing just a few, but if you're badly affected it might make a real difference if you try sticking to most of this. Prevention is key! In the very least it is good to know what might be contributing to your feeling crappy-ness this time of year.
(The obvious one is to take whatever meds you've been prescribed, as prescribed. Or get your butt to a doctor's office if you constantly feel exhausted/like you're coming down with a cold during the spring.).
And just so it's said, I don't have a degree in anything relevant, just an interest in feeling better.
1 - Try to keep your house dust free. (less dust = less pollen). Though be careful about strong smelling soaps/anything that makes you cough/sneeze when you stand to close.
2 - Try not to air out the house in the middle of the day. There is less pollen when the sun is down or early in the morning, late at night.
3 - Because your body is so screwy during this time of year, you might have reactions to a lot of things you're usually fine around (foods, makeup, soaps, fresh flowers ...your basement i.e.) or react more severely to things you're already bad with. Just pay attention when you start itching/suddenly feeling exhausted. It's probably nothing dangerous, but you are likely to feel a lot better over all if you stay away from whatever it may be during this time.
4 - Try to remove as much pollen/allergens as you can when you feel something coming on. But of course you can't shower six times a day. So the simple, out of the house solution is: Wash you hands and wash your face, wash you eyes (not conducive to makeup I know, depends on how badly you're affected.) and blow your nose and wash the inside of your nose. You'd be surprised how much washing your nosed can help, it sounds strange but give it a try.
You might also want to wipe a moist cloth over your hair, especially if you have long hair (more hair = more room for pollen). If you feel it really bad and you've been outdoors you might want to change your clothes.
5 - Weather affects the level of pollen. Wind/sun/warmt/dry weather = more pollen. Rain/cloudy/cold/less wind = less pollen (also though it may not be currently raining, if it has recently the pollen still got knocked to the ground so it will take some time to build back up.). And like I mentioned, there is less during the early hours and at night. Just good to know.
Also breathing through your nose when you're outside might help some. And shower at night so you're sleeping pollen free.
Yeah, I could name a dousin more, but I think I'll leave it at that. Good luck everyone, and I'd love to hear your tips if you have any
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Alvina
April 22, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Thanks for the hints! I knew pollen season was upon us when I started sneezing up a storm when brushing my hair yesterday :(
I'll absolutely follow your hints ;P
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belleza
April 22, 2011 at 3:27 PM
I swear by my neti pot ($10 at CVS) It's a natural, almost instant way to clean out your nose and relieve allergic symptoms.
If you want to "soap" your nose, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the 1-2 cups of water. It stings, but it also thins out the mucus instantly.
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S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 3:32 PM
Oh I think I saw that on Oprah once! Haha. I actually wanted to try it, but it looks kind of scary. Plus I never really saw it in any stores (I don't live in the States). Is it painful if you just use saltwater?
Actually I get more stuffy and swollen than mucus-y..but I guess that's more than anyone ever wanted to know.
Thanks for the tip, I might just check it out.
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38 belleza
April 22, 2011 at 10:41 AM
49 Days's maybe the first non-historical K-drama in maybe 3 years that I'm watching because I love the story. This fantasy works because it's based on a very real truth. In your life, you will have many friends but only a handful that truly, truly love you. And that's true even if you're Oprah Winfrey. Much of the story flows like an extended intervention. The one with Song Yi Kyung who's given up on life. The one with Shin Ji Hyun who's been forced to see whose life she truly mattered to.
Some general observations so far . . .
1) Jo Hyun Jae has always been the Korean Yamashita Tomohisa to me, except that he can deliver in the crying scenes. He's so pretty yet grumpy, and I'm so happy he's playing a role that seems made for him.
2) And along with the K-Yamapi vibe, 49 Days has that same wistful (and convincing) nostalgia of Proposal Daisakusen. It quietly builds their history without mawkish attention, and there's something genuinely moving about someone who SEES YOU in somebody else. It brings into the story themes on how awareness and timing is a lot of everything.
3) I've watched a lot of Lee Yo Won dramas, and I think she's a strong actress, but her "romantic chemistry" rating has always been low. You mostly fall in love with the guy, not the couple. The chemistry between her and Jo Hyun Jae is much like that; it's really about his emotional journey than her affection. However, her chemistry with Jung Il Woo (whether as Scheduler or Yi-Soo) may be the first time I've ever seen her really connect with her male partner. She's all there emotionally in their scenes together.
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 10:50 AM
I haven't watched 49 Days yet because the synopsis just didn't appeal to me, but your review makes me want to try it. I love Yamapi, despite his flaws, and my favourite drama of his is PD, just for the reasons you mentioned. I love stories that explore relationships between people in depth and not just in superficial ways.
Also, not to be creepy/stalkerish, but I always love reading your comments! You are so witty and have so much knowledge. When I read your comments, I either end up gasping for laughter or having a whole new perspective on whatever you posted on. You rock. :)
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Alvina
April 22, 2011 at 11:10 AM
I've always stayed away from ProDai because of the tragic storyline. Of Course, having that kind of mindset severely ruins my j-drama viewing experience lol. :D
(I watched Ikebukuro West Gate Park by accident once not anticipating the tragedy. Dont regret watching it but I would never have looked for it on my own).
I find the Jo Hyun Jae=Yamapi comparison curious but interesting. I dont there ~is~ a comparison [ie. Korean Yamapi] only because there isnt that kind of set up in the korean industry. He'd have to transcend age and boundaries. The only person I think is anything like Yamapi is KimuTaku lol
If Hyun Joong was a better actor, perhaps haha.
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 11:17 AM
I know what you mean about avoiding tragic storylines, I stay far far away from melodramas. But PD doesn't have a tragedy in it, it's actually quite a hopeful story. The main character is offered a second chance which we don't get to have in real life. The story is about regret, and memory, and the courage to say how you feel at the right moment, and taking the last opportunity you're given before it's gone forever. I really liked it.
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Also totally agree about Hyun-joong, lol!
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belleza
April 22, 2011 at 1:51 PM
"I find the Jo Hyun Jae=Yamapi comparison curious but interesting. I dont there ~is~ a comparison [ie. Korean Yamapi] only because there isnt that kind of set up in the korean industry."
Oh no no . . . not in the sense of being an idol lol. When JHJ has his hair down, he sometimes resembles like a fair-skinned Yamapi to me. I know I know -- I think I'm the only one who thinks that lol. He also has a grumpy, serious demeanour and one facial expression, but he manages to make it work pretty well in his roles.
If JHJ was younger, he would have been my first choice to play Akira in a Nobuta remake.
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mud
April 22, 2011 at 11:17 AM
LOL, Laica, you took the words right out of my mouth with regards to belleza's comments.
belleza, if you ever start your own blog/ have one already you have 2 very eager readers right here! =)
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belleza
April 22, 2011 at 1:45 PM
"I love stories that explore relationships between people in depth and not just in superficial ways."
There's definitely a ProDai-ish vibe between Han Kang and Ji Hyun. The high school flashbacks establish that he was the awkward, antisocial outsider and she was the disapproving female buddy who prodded him along. Just like ProDai. Unlike most K-dramas (particularly melos), the nostalgia isn't traumatic . . . it's DETAILED, just as it is in J-dorama. It's all about the small specifics, like how the heroine fidgets with her chopsticks or performs certain magic tricks. And because of that, there's a credibility to Han Kang's emotions, while still establishing that Han Kang was maybe too awkward/antisocial to express his feelings earlier, or Ji Hyun was too immature and self-involved to pick up his feelings. Because they were, after all, teenagers then. Timing is everything.
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 6:19 PM
Okay, you've got me. This is going on my to-watch list. Though I think I'll wait until it's all done and marathon it.
Thanks :)
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Celest
April 22, 2011 at 12:27 PM
I agree with your observations about Lee Yo Won and her male partners but I think the main reason why her chemistry is just okay is because it seems to me like all the guys that she's been paired up with has some angsty backstory to begin with or someone that she's not supposed to fall in love with. Fashion 70s, Pure Heart, Surgeon Bong Dal Hee and Queen Seon Deok this was the case. (But I was such a huge BiDam/DM fan though =P)
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belleza
April 22, 2011 at 2:39 PM
"(But I was such a huge BiDam/DM fan though =P)"
Me too . . . though for me, it was more like "can somebody love my Poor Bidam? :D"
Lee Yo Won's big acting weakness is romance scenes; she just doesn't connect with them. She doesn't play off her male partners especially well, not in the sensual way Ha Ji Won or witty way Gong Hyo Jin might. Whenever she sees scenes where her character has to show genuine attraction, her first instinct is to smirk through it because it's so silly to her. For her, it's usually scenes where there's a lot of yelling (i.e. Bong Dal Hee) where you get the big romantic payoff.
But when she acts opposite Jung Il Woo, she's so relaxed and supple, it's a little disarming for me.
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ockoala
April 22, 2011 at 7:43 PM
When I watch Lee Yo Won act, she connects with the camera, but she rarely connects with her co-star. If Fashion 70s was all LYW on that island before the K-Greek God came down on a helicopter, she was brilliantly alive. And then bam, one helluva sexy man drops into her lap, and suddenly it's like this veil comes over her and she turns into an ice-queen.
BUT, her chemistry was much better with BINNNNNNN. Or maybe its my PIE fixation that conjured up the chemistry? I think not. Similarly in 49 Days, she's nailing every beat with Scheduler. Which leads me to believe that perhaps she was always a Go Hyung Jung, i.e. a K-cougar in disguise who needs to play off younger men.
In SBDH, she and Kim Min Joon put me to sleep, and I barely woke up with all the screaming Lee Bum Soo was doing. The subsequent romantic thread, while not forced narratively, felt like Lee Bum Soo literally dragging Lee Yo Won's pliant self along for the ride. It was a one-way deluge of chemistry from him to her.
Don't get me started on Bad Bad Love, where Lee Yo Won had more chemistry with the fried chicken she ended up selling than either of her leading men.
I wonder why I like her so much, when she's a very mediocre actress that neither coasts on her good looks nor does she have this every-woman appeal. I guess her unique charisma perhaps makes her stand out amongst her lady brethren.
If she really is better acting opposite younger leading men, then she's got a buttload to choose from. I'd start with Jung Il Woo's two best buddies, Lee Min Ho and Kim Bum, both of whom have proved they make great boy toys.
As for the JHJ as Yamapi comparison - LOL, I don't see it. I feel Pi has no upside, his acting just "is" and we're never going to see a breakthrough. But JHJ I find has potential, he really does, but he's always picking the same types of roles, hence he doesn't push himself. Seodongyo was perhaps his most ambitious performance, and much as I loved it and him in it, it was nothing to write home about.
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LYW?
April 23, 2011 at 6:57 AM
I can't seem to watch this show because of LYW's acting. I haven't seen any of her previous dramas so I'm not biased or anything like that. I just find her quite stiff, boring and unnatural, sorry! So reading your comment praising her acting surprised me. Hmm...maybe I should give her another chance haha! ;) Anyway, I'm still reading the recaps because I find the story quite interesting.
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39 @.@
April 22, 2011 at 10:45 AM
hey!!!
happy friday, all!
anyone else watching manny?
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40 Viola
April 22, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Happy Friday everyone!
Guess whose birthday is tomorrow?! Now, everyone guess what's my wish is going to be when I blow out the cake! :P tee hee! :P
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Happy early birthday!
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 1:59 PM
Thank you Lacia! :)
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:28 PM
*hugs*
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jomo143
April 22, 2011 at 1:36 PM
Hippo birdie
Two ewes!
Which translates to Korean as:
하마의 버디 두 양!
Then back to English as:
Hippo birdie two goats rain!
How did you get Rain, too?
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 1:59 PM
Just lucky I guess?! :P THANK YOU Jomo!* hugs* :)
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:49 PM
Everyone, my maritial status is now official! My Mug of Awesomeness proclaims it to the world! Who needs a marriage licence and rings and witnesses and such?! I predict that such mugs will replace facebook status updates as the chic, tasteful and fashionable way to announce romantic attachment. :P
Thank you thank you Jomo! When I came home and found it I literally ran in circles. Giggling. <3 <3 <3
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:50 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54669715@N04/5645304934/in/photostream
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MJP
April 22, 2011 at 9:29 PM
Cute mug!
Also, loved the other photo's!
janna
April 22, 2011 at 3:01 PM
I'm sure it's probably already tomorrow somewhere so happy birthday! Yeah! Celebrate for more than 24hrs!
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:29 PM
I will, Janna! Thanks! *hugs* :)
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grateful1
April 22, 2011 at 4:55 PM
Saengil chukha hamnida, Choi Viola!
I want to thank you for all of the warmth, goodwill, passion, intelligence, hugs, and joy-confetti that you've shared with us here on the OT. I've noticed that you go out of your way to make OT newbies feel welcome-- I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates all you do to make DB feel like a community. Hope you have a Siwon-derful birthday!
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:41 PM
Awwwwwwwwwwwww Grateful1! That is quite possibly one of the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I am very touched. *sniffle* Thank you from the bottom of my heart. *HUGS* :)
I do consider my OT chingus family, and you have made this birthday special indeed, 'cause this is the first one I celebrated with all of you wonderful peeps. :)
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grateful1
April 23, 2011 at 11:35 AM
*smiles broadly, gives big birthday hug, and sings:*
saengil chukha hamnida,
saengil chukha hamnida,
saranghaneun uri Viola,
saengil chukha hamnida!
Thanks for letting us celebrate (with) you!
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Viola
April 23, 2011 at 5:50 PM
Awww :) *hugs* Thank you!
pipit
April 22, 2011 at 5:17 PM
Viola, darling! Happy birthday love! May your wish come true!
I'll try to send all my yet untried telepathy power to SK to remind Mr. Choi that it's Mrs. Choi birthday today!
In the mean time:
Happy bithday to you...happy birthday to you....happy birthday dear Viola....happy birthday to you.....
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:28 PM
Thank you Pipit for singing the happy birthday song! And trying out your telepathy too! *Hugs* :)
Anytime Okie Dokie locks you in a closet for looking/touching Henny, you know I will always let you out, right? :P
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pipit
April 23, 2011 at 12:55 AM
You're my favourite Viola! Love you much! *Hugs and kisses*
ps. Be sure to guard your spare key love. Who know I might end up there again with all that abs a day thing that's been going on...
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YY
April 22, 2011 at 8:01 PM
Happy birthday viola! I'm making a special seaweed broth for you made from juice squeezed from Siwon's mighty abs.
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:19 PM
YY,
...um..... that's um...interesting. *smiles weakly* thank you? :P
*Hugs*
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:25 PM
pssst! YY,
Do you know where The Kidnappers are by any chance? I have a commission for them! :)
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YY
April 22, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Me and the kidnappers have no connection at all, viola. I swear by the pores on Siwon's abs.
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pipit
April 23, 2011 at 1:04 AM
Ehm, YY....how about Mr. Hand Towel, do you by any chance know somebody who knows somebody close to him?
I'm curious about how does he feel seeing almost all of his diehard fans are drooling over Kang Ahh. Not to mention we all gush over Jo Hyun Jae's acting prowers not just his to die for mouth...
YY
April 23, 2011 at 2:02 AM
Haven't heard from Hand Towel for a long time. I suspect izzie has something to do with it....psst izzie did Grandpa in, then she did the same thing to poor Hand Towel. You don't see izzie here anymore right? Exactly. She's lying low.
jomo143
April 23, 2011 at 10:04 AM
So, YY, you really think izzie is Don't Call Me Mr. Handtowel?
jomo143
April 23, 2011 at 10:05 AM
It's so funny! We are all giving you the 3rd degree...
YY
April 24, 2011 at 2:27 AM
Yeah, probably izzie is mr hand towel. Izzie's a troubled soul with multiple personalities. Won't be surprised.
izzie
April 24, 2011 at 4:05 AM
Hey... I'm not Mr. Hand Towel. Nope. Seriously.
And I still deny having any DIRECT involvement to whatever happened to Grandpa. You can ask The Cops for a copy of my official statement.
I thought YY is Mr. Hand Towel... :P
izzie
April 24, 2011 at 4:07 AM
Oh. And belated Happy Birthday to Viola. May you have many more moments with Siwon and his abs to come. :)
jomo143
April 22, 2011 at 8:30 PM
It'll definitely be very low fat!
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:42 PM
LOL!! Trust you to say that Jomo!!!
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elle loves kdrama
April 22, 2011 at 8:45 PM
Happy birthday! WOOT :)
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 8:51 PM
Thank you! *hugs* :)
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MJP
April 22, 2011 at 9:18 PM
Dahling Viola!
Wishing you a most Happy Birthday!
*hugs* *hugs some more*
*deftly pulls out two cans of silly string and sprays wildly into the air with a big grin*
Here's your present from me to you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgd6XMZUuNE
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Viola
April 23, 2011 at 10:21 AM
*picks out silly strings from hair* Omo! That is some special silly string MJP! A very very rare variety, the elusive Silly Strings of Happiness if I am not mistaken! Thank you! :P *hugs*
How come i have missed that clip?!!! Thank you so much for sharing it MJP!
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Qd
April 23, 2011 at 7:49 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIOLA! Hope Im not too late to wish you!
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Viola
April 23, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Thank you Qd! You are not too late! You are exactly on time! :) *hugs*
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Viola
April 23, 2011 at 6:01 PM
I got another present!! Thank you Brookeve unnie!!! :) I am LOVED! :) Thank you for the hat unnie! *HUGS* So, if you ever see someone in NYC wearing this, you will know it's me! :P
http://www.flickr.com/photos/upload/done/
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41 annie
April 22, 2011 at 11:11 AM
Happy Friday, everyone!
Still reeling from yesterday's shocker. Truth really is stranger than drama, er, fiction. I'm also amazed at the detailed and authoritative-sounding stories people will make up when they know just a few facts, many of them hard to verify. I guess it's the drama addicts in us, but we should lay off on the wild conjecture, guys.
I saw someone else posted about We Got Married. I had no interest in variety shows, especially a fake marriage setup (wth?) but when I read the synopsis for Best Love, it made me really curious. I wanted to know why people loved WGM so much, but I also was curious to see how the show worked and what they might explore in the drama.
I watched one episode and I was hooked. WGM is addictive. I was laughing so hard and alternately feeling touched, sometimes to tears - and yet the whole time I was thinking at the back of my mind, There is something really not right about this.
I mean, it's really fun to watch your favourite celebrities play house, have cute couple moments together, and display their "real" personality (although it's more like a persona), but there's also something really weird about it. I mean, they are acting like they are married on the show, but it seems to spill out to real life too - the lines seem blurred because they're using their real identity. Sometimes they go to their real life work and friends' places and act married, they refer to each other as husband and wife even off the program, and some of them have mentioned being congratulated by people who thought they were actually married.
I also think it's a little cruel to the people in the fake marriages. I know it's fake and it's hard to know how much of the tears and confessions we see in the interviews are real, but it's more than a little manipulative. Obviously setting up a house with your own possessions, calling someone your spouse, cooking and doing housework together, doing a wedding photoshoot, would create SOME affection, and it's like the hosts are waiting to see if they will fall for each other, if they will lose their composure, if they will cry! And then making sympathetic noises. I'm no better, I was glued to the screen at those moments. And while you can say that a lot of it is scripted, all of the celebrities who were asked said they wouldn't do it again. Solbi said in one interview, "I don't know if I can say this... I'm scared I might fall for him. This is a scary program."
I think part of the crack factor of WGM is that you really don't know how much of the feelings are real, and you always think that if you keep watching something juicy might be revealed. I watched 40 episodes of Season 1 and I had the nagging feeling that what went on when the cameras were off might be even more interesting than what they showed us. Which is why although I have my (slightly hypocritical, I admit) reservations about WGM, I think Best Love has the potential to be really awesome. Because they can show us all the messy and complicated stuff we can't see in real (fake) life.
What do you guys think?
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mud
April 22, 2011 at 11:38 AM
I love WGM Season 1, and I love Ssangchu couple even more! Also, I admit to feeling slight pangs of guilt when I realize that I'm relishing this somewhat sordid setup, but only for a millisecond as I've sold my soul.
For instance, the parting between the ultimate WGM couple (read: Ssangchu couple) I was right there crying with Hwangbo because it did seem like a real-life breakup. As a viewer it was heart-wrenching & enticing all mixed together because it was their private feelings playing out but I just couldn't turn away. It also felt invasive that this was being broadcasted for everyone to see and nitpick, and then to add to that the couple would have to comment about their reactions afterwards too. Yet, at the same time, from the get go it's known this show/romance wouldn't last forever, so you knew the creators were just waiting for this exposition of real emotions from the stars.
So yes, WGM is a twisted manipulative show, but it's also a hard addiction to shake... except once they started introducing new chemistry-less couples. Then I was free, but I am still always waiting for the real-life announcement of the true love relationship between Hwangbo and Kim Hyun Joong. To the World!!
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 11:46 AM
I agree with you about the twisted nature of the show, you feel voyeuristic but then you think, they signed up for this... although I got the feeling at times that they hadn't really known what they were signing up for.
I also cried loads when the Ssangchu Couple broke up... especially when Hyun-joong said, don't come to Jeju Island with your next husband because you'll remember us. It was sad but at the same time I thought, kind of sucks to have your real marriage tainted by memories of your fake TV one.
Totally agree about the new couples. I stopped watching at ep. 40, after Hwangbo and Hyun-joong left.
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Celest
April 22, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Aww Nostalgia!
My WGM addiction stopped after the Ssangchu couple left. I only tuned back in to see the A couple afterwards and when LSY/JunJin entered the show.
But yep I cried for a good hour when they "broke up". To me that break up looked absolutely real. I'm sure it was in a sense real for the couple too because they had really gotten quite comfortable around each other. (Remember when HJ practically told Hwang Bo he loved her with that butt dance haha) And I also remember that they kept repeating to each other not to go on their real honeymoons in jeju island.
I'm just kinda sad that Hwang Bo revealed in Strong Heart that HJ didn't keep in contact with her after their parts in the show ended. Hopefully someday they can really be friends again. A fangirl can dream ;) Shillang fighting! Buin fighting!
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Alvina
April 22, 2011 at 2:13 PM
I still havent watched that last episode (the end of Ssangchu couple).
I told myself I'd watch it when Hwangbo or Hyun Joong ever got married in real life...
in that way, it scares me how much I was invested in that couple at that time.
I think it was---I KNEW that it was a fake show but I WANTED them to realize how good they could be together. In a sense, become real through that show.
That's how I feel about Kim Won Jun and Park So Hyun in this season :D
S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 1:01 PM
Lettuce couple FTW! I watched the breakup-episode right before I moved across the country for college...oh boy bad decisions.
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Alvina
April 22, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Yes, I think you were referring to me lol. :D
I've watched WGM season 1 and then dropped the show when they took out the MCs (and my favorite couples left).
I think most of the people that were part of the initial fervor did the same (at least, to my knowledge. The show did drop ratings, due to either the lack of novelty factor or the change in set-up).
It's curious that people left after that considering dropping the MCs makes it more like a k-drama. Perhaps, having MCs there made it okay for the voyeristic experience of the show. Maybe having MCs there made it less "real" somehow? Those backroom interviews added a weird dimension to the show.
I dont know why I enjoy watching it. I think it's because I'm drawn to the fairytale romance of it all. The varying storylines.
But, I have to limit myself to watching it with a critical eye.
I know many of my fellow mania fans who now see "interactions" EVERYWHERE, even after they left the show haha :D
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 11:50 AM
I didn't know the show dropped in ratings after they changed the setup, but I can see why.
I didn't enjoy it as much once the MCs were gone either. I think it was partly their commenting as they watched, which made us feel less like a lone voyeur stalking some couple's private moments, but also watching them watch themselves, or the other half of their couple, was interesting. Sometimes there were scenes of one person in a couple that the other hadn't seen. Plus watching them react to each other's interviews added an interesting element, because they sometimes said things in the interviews which they wanted the other person to know, but couldn't say face-to-face.
Which is all very twisted, but yeah. ;)
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S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 12:50 PM
So this is gonna be long...sorry about that
I have actually thought quite a lot about this, as I too shared your reserved attitude towards WGM at first. But like you said, it is terribly entertaining, so even though I was a little skeptical about the morals of this whole thing, I just kept watching. I think perhaps the most important thing to keep me wathcing is that (unlike i.e. The Bachelor) it never turns into a physical relationship (yes, we've had a peck on the cheek or two, but nothing significantly more, nor is that the focus of the show. That made me ok with it, when they were all experienced adults with no emotional pasts between them.
What I don't really like is the turn the show as taken in the last year or so. It used to be about trying to get to know each other, while living together and completing embarrassing/difficult tasks (like watching after triplets). Now it is all "I'm looking for true love", and though it seems like a scripted idea...it's still kind of a turn off for me, both morally and entertainment-wise. But again, the Bachelor. Only difference is that they aren't making out and they are already famous before going on the show really.
From the artist perspective the difference between WGM and other regular reality/variety program positions is that the viewers get emotionally invested and, if people like your personality/how you're treating their favorite celebrity (I think especially Yonghwa gained a lot on this one) they will check out whatever you're promoting, and buy it if they like it. Seriously most all the well loved longterm WGM couples are doing quite well (yes, some were big to start with, but just look at CNBlue, f(x) and Gain's solo activities. I think it gave them a good push if nothing else). Also internationally. A quick example to back that up, I remember Hwangbo talked about this (part of lettuce-couple, season one. My perhaps all time favorite couple.) that she is still doing well, especially abroad thanks to the publicity of WGM.
So for the artist, the level of promotion compared to the level of discomfort seems, to me at least, to be a lot better than on a lot of other shows. Because to be honest, I find many other korean shows to be a lot more invasive than WGM. To give some examples, of the top of my head (I know these aren't the worst, but you get the general idea), I remember watching one show where the hosts went through all the girls bags and talked about what was in them to reveal more about the girls personalities (Haha and Mong...something). Another one they visited the girls dorm when they weren't there and went through their closets as preparation before giving them a makeover. I'm sure this is all pre-planned, but it still just feels wrong to me. But especially the part about visiting dorms unexpectedly seems to come up a lot...not nice. I mean if you're working 7 days a week, 20 hour days then you need some kind of sanctuary and privacy.
Another big issue I have are all of the"hidden camera"-stuff. Here's an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIYUaQ6dNUU . Not one of the worst, but one I could easily find. And also where they call their celebrety friends during broadcast and don't tell them that they're taping the conversation. Or ask them questions via text and read what they answered aloud to the hosts.
Am I the only one that thinks this should be private?
It would be one thing coming from the tabloids, but this is what you're expected to go through for promotion. And since the marked is tight (both for the artist and the shows that are trying to get views) people agree to most anything. My somewhat convoluted point is that, on WGM they are choosing what to share.
As far as them getting attached and the cruelty in that... Well, when people are working long hours together (drama, film...etc.) they do get attached more easily, it's not that rare to see people shedding tears on their last day of shooting. Personally I don't think the attachment they feel after WGM is romantic. There doesn't seem to be a lot of opportunities for celebrities to get to know others in the same situation, so I think it is more a feeling of connection because you've spent some time with someone in a similar situation, working towards the same goal. And because you know the crew well, and you're sleep deprived and social-life deprived the tears easily roll *shrugs* I might be wrong.
As you can see my relationship with both WGM and the Korean entertainment industry is a love/hate kind of thing. I'm always going back and forth, but for now I'm watching WGM, while there are other shows I'm getting closer to skipping (like Oh My School and their punishment room...doesn't really sit well with me to hit your guests with baboosticks).
Thanks for raising the discussion.
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annie
April 22, 2011 at 1:07 PM
Long is good, don't worry!
You raise some interesting points about the benefits celebrities get from WGM, and I realize that many would be willing to put up with the invasion of privacy and the emotional manipulation in exchange for the publicity. It definitely goes some way in explaining why they would do this in the first place. I haven't watched any other Korean variety shows, but I find your descriptions kind of disturbing. What Korean celebrities have to go through really blows my mind sometimes. I guess WGM is not so bad in comparison.
Still, I think that regardless of what they gain from the show, the issue of whether it's actually right is separate from that. I agree with you that the lack of physical intimacy goes a long way towards making it ok, because then it becomes more about learning what it takes to get along with someone else, in sometimes difficult or unusual situations. So rather than the act they're engaging in being morally wrong, I think it's the psychological underpinnings that disturb me a little.
All this makes me reallly anticipate how they will address these issues in Best Love!
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S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 1:46 PM
Yes, there are a lot of really disturbing show concepts/segments. Especially towards rookies and idols...and it seems to be getting worse. Like another show where there were two teams and they left the member of one team inside sauna, and one outside in the middle of winter. The teams were sent to find their member, and the longer they took the more clothes their member outside had to take off and the one in the sauna had to keep putting stuff on. And they did this for a few hours. Not really nice is it? My theory (and granted I'm not all that experienced in Korean variety shows) it seems as people have become unable to say anything too shocking in the last few years (due to major backlash from fans/media.) the show concepts have gotten a lot more extreme. Because you can't really have an interesting conversation you have do to something else..? (one example: there is a clip from a show from like 06/07 where two idol group members openly talked about being drunk before their debut. Today there are groups kicking out members and dropping promotion for the exact same thing...). So... it's getting kind of freaky.
As for WGM, to draw another parallel to the States, it is interesting knowing how frequently famous people ahem "date" in Hollywood to get promotion, that Korea has a show for just that, seeing as Korean celebrities can't really date. But like I said, I don't like this new direction they're going in with the whole "real love"-theme. Even the older couple turns out to have been, supposedly, semi-crushing on each other for many years. That makes it less ok to me, because suddenly it actually means something and it may influence their real lives, and that's more...like others have said, voyeurism than entertainment.
It's like you don't even need the tabloid press, if you just say what you want the celebrities will do it. Like all sorts of creepy fanservice stuff...and I'm just not ok with that. If it seems like I'm venting, it's because I am. I've been lurking around the allkpop-commentsection and that's just not healthy for anyone.
Back to WGM. Something I find really interesting is the whole banmal/jondemal (not sure if I'm romanizing that correctly, but hopefully it still makes sense) discussion that seems to occur in most every couple (though generally not as prevalent as in the Seohyun/Yonghwa couple). Generally one of them (often the guy...probably because he won't be called a slut for it) generally wants to drop honorifics immediately to feel closer, while the other wants to keep it. And listening to their reasoning often pinpoints a lot of the issues of the show ("well we're married" "no, it's fake" "but if we were together I would..." "but we're not" etc.).
Regardless, it's an interesting show, and with all the captions it's a lot easier to pick up new phrases and words (hows that for an excuse! :P )
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Viola
April 22, 2011 at 2:23 PM
I had certain reservation about the "Hello Baby" show too. On one hand it was RIDICULOUSLY cute. I mean you have 5 ridiculously cute SHINEE boys doing sillly things for the amusement of a SUPER cute little boy. But the kid calls this 5 boys appa, he is showered with attention by them for months then all of a sudden he doesn't see them any more?! That got to be traumatic for the child. :(
Children get attached so easily... :(
Cynthia
April 22, 2011 at 3:43 PM
I love that there's discussion about WGM - I've been watching Season 1 mainly for my KHJ fix. After reading the critiques about his acting, I wanted to see what his real personality was/is before he really hit it big. WGM serves up a big plate of funny with the Lettuce Couple. Maybe that's why they were (and are) such a favorite couple - low drama, good-natured funny and honest interviews.
That being said, I'm really curious as to whether ANY of these paired couples ever continued a relationship after leaving the show? Frankly, if there was ever a couple to continue into a real relationship, it would have to be the Khuntoria duo featured now - Nickhun requested Victoria and is obviously attracted her and she seems to reciprocate. :)
annie
April 22, 2011 at 6:12 PM
WOW, that is crazy. I was reading an article on Ask a Korean today about JYJ, and how basically a bunch of ajummah fans created an internet broadcasting station for them when nobody would bring them on TV, and the author brings up the point that because Korea has a booming but small entertainment world, the fans have a lot of access to and control of celebrities.
http://askakorean.blogspot.com/2011/04/ask-korean-news-what-happened-to-jyjs.html
Maybe that's why Korean netizens wield such a scary amount of power, and why shows like this happen and idols can't really say anything. And if it's getting worse as you say, I literally fear for celebrities' lives... there are already too many suicides. :(
Agree with you on the banmal/jondaemal conversations - I find them fascinating!
S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 1:51 PM
"Long is good, don’t worry!"
--
Don't encourage me! LOL
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saraha
April 23, 2011 at 8:42 AM
I'm really glad you've brought this up. At the back of my head, I've been looking for someone to discuss korean variety shows without the usual fangirling (and no critical-thinking involved).
I also just watched the 1st season of WGM and I thought IMO that Solbi truly liked Andy... to the point that I found her a bit pathetic at times because she tried too hard with her aegyo or to please Andy or whatever. But then looking back on it, I felt kinda sorry for her because if you're on national broadcast, it must suck to have your real emotions get tangled with your "fake" emotions or your "persona". Plus, her family met Andy, and isn't that just weird letting your family meet your fake spouse?
And with the idols/groups, like I don't even know if their relationships with each other are sincere, calling each other hyung/unni... I'm a Jay Park fan and watching his past variety shows with 2pm, everything seemed so peachy and fun. But then his contract was terminated with the agreement of the other members, so I'm like, what's all that about? What happened to all that bromance?
Variety shows for me are just a microcosm of the whole entertainment industry-- cool on the outside but a lot more complicated on the inside. And you never know when the mask of a celebrity comes off.
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42 bettinagurl
April 22, 2011 at 11:40 AM
3 words: 49 days daebak!!
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43 Maria Green
April 22, 2011 at 12:59 PM
for those who wants to marathon a great drama, how about star in my heart? with choi in shil
http://www.youtube.com/user/SawTinnMaung#p/u/30/nlvwV1HShhQ
watching and loving this drama, its from 1997, i think u might have seen it already, but for for me it was first , love 49 day recaps, but will watch it after its done airing
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44 MJP
April 22, 2011 at 1:31 PM
Just a quick stop to say Happy Friday, or for some of us Blessed Good Friday!
Have fun chatting, Everyone!
I cannot play this weekend, company in town for the Holidays!
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45 Arhazivory
April 22, 2011 at 1:47 PM
Happy friday everyone!
Anyone know where the 'netizens' are? Every article talks about what the netizens say and how they reacted and they're criticisms etc...and it seems like they rule Korea. -_-' Now when I think 'netizen', I think a big mass of people shaped like a fan girl sitting in front of a PC (Hmmm...Summer Wars?) and spouting praises or ridicule. I'd really like to find which site they frequent so I can give them my two cents.
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mud
April 22, 2011 at 2:06 PM
Anyone with access to the Internet is a netizen. It all just depends on whether you use your power to influence others for good or for evil. Evil use being that which can bring down a celebrity when they are clearly faultless in the imagined crime. The perfect example is the Tablo faked Stanford degrees case, in which some malicious dudes decided it was up to them to make another human being depressed for no good reason except for the fact that he may be more popular than them. On the other hand, the recent-ish well-known good use that I can think of would be the custody battle for deceased Choi Jin-shil's children. Linky:
http://www.dramabeans.com/2008/11/jo-sung-min-faces-opposition-from-a-citizens-campaign/
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46 S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 1:58 PM
Happy Friday everyone!
So...*hears soundtrack of doom in the background*, I have my family coming over on Sunday...first time they're all coming since I moved for college last fall. AAAAAAAH! Freakout! I don't think my place has ever been this clean.
My dad is bringing a chair because I don't have enough places for people to sit, lol. My entire apartment is like 15m2 so I'm just praying for good weather so we don't have to stay inside like sardines in a can for too long.
Anyone have any fun "family visiting" moments?
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mud
April 22, 2011 at 2:18 PM
Maybe you should invest in these Pocket Chairs. Linky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu37pXqrZQc
My family doesn't celebrate Easter...or anything much for that matter. It's mostly because all of our extended family lives so far. Sometimes it feels like I'm missing out on those giant family get togethers that others speak of, but meh, what can I do?
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S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 2:34 PM
Oh my dad would so buy that chair...*quickly closes video before he senses it telepathically or whatnot*. The best part is how awkwardly close to the ground it is, awesome.
Well, there aren't really that many people coming, I have kind of a small family anyway but it feels like a lot because I've only had them one at a time before (when they're doing something in the city, like attending a conference). I was lucky, the college I wanted to go to is only about 3 hours away from my family. I think the most important thing is that if there is something you want/need to do that you're not too tied down...there are far too many people I know staying in the town they grew up in (which doesn't have much in terms of education, or new jobs for that matter) simply because they don't want to move away from their family and friends and be on their own. So I admire you really, for taking that step. I'm sort of in the cushy middle. I am on my own, but should something go terribly wrong, it's only a few hours by bus, either way.
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mud
April 22, 2011 at 2:42 PM
Oh, I think you misunderstood my comments. What I really meant is that my family immigrated and we're actually just all by ourselves on this side of the pond so there's no one else to gather with. And personally, I'm actually itching to go live off on my own in a not so far away town from my family to learn to live independently and whatnot and to be in what I deem my dream career path...but that's all pending on my acceptance. *prays fervently*
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S (theknitter)
April 22, 2011 at 2:56 PM
(Oh, whoops, my bad.)
Well definitively fingers crossed then!
And moving away is great. It is terrifying, but now that I feel I'm finally on the other end of it, I have to say it is soooo worth it. And like you, I do like having my family not too far away, but far enough to actually feel like I'm living on my own and not end up relying on them for everything.
47 janna
April 22, 2011 at 3:13 PM
Well Happy Easter to those who celebrate it. I'd cash in on rabbit owner status, but it's cold as hell outside without any sun so my troublemakers will not be outside today. They got plenty of Dandelion munching time on Monday and Tuesday. C'mon weather lets get it together, it's almost May.
I'm digging Can You Hear My Heart. I've only finished episode 1+2 (I'm not a super marathoner) but I like how the kids are just kids not tiny adults. But if it gets melo I'll probably be eating my words.
I had a good laugh with the first episode of Boss Season 2. I also caught Shiawase ni Narou Yo. Oh Buchou, you're an A+ jerk. I don't feel any spark between Shingo&Meisa but Naka Riisa is cute as always.
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supah
April 22, 2011 at 6:51 PM
Oh... Ohhh... Just wait for the makjang sheesh-kebab that is Can you Hear my Heart 4.
If only it was as fluid as the writer's previous work Smile, You. But I'm enjoying it meanwhile anyways.
Now off to download me some Cheap Love.
*guffaws again at the name*
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janna
April 23, 2011 at 7:15 AM
*spoilers for Can you hear my heart* Of course I watch episode 3&4 at an "emotional time of the month" and I'm like "Why you back there, it's a metal locker" Then the suing part makes me sob like THERE'S SO MUCH INJUSTICE IN THE WORLD ;____; Someone's Dad is a guy you're just going to love to hate.
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48 all4movies
April 22, 2011 at 4:39 PM
Hope everyone gets to enjoy some easter treats this weekend.
Mine is a bunny cupcake with a strawberry in the centre.
Yum!!
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49 Drama fan
April 22, 2011 at 7:31 PM
@15.1Jomo I watched it on http://www.jacinda1st.org
with chinese sub , Eng sub usually one or two days after.
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jomo143
April 23, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Thanks!
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50 sleeplessinwgtn
April 22, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Has anyone watched 'Rent A Girlfriend Back Home for New Year' (what a lonnng title)?
I am loving it, especially the bickeruing between the 2 leads. The girl is so feisty! I think this is my first time to watch a Chinese drama and am liking it.
This is my fav genre - rom com.
Happy Easter everyone. Don't eat too much easter eggs.
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Alvina
April 22, 2011 at 11:32 PM
AHH! I picked up episode one but, for some reason, my tolerance for T-dramas/Mainland dramas has been wanning. For example, I tried watching the new Rainie drama (granted, only episode 1) but there's only so much I can handle.
I mean, in every drama ever, she's always *pout* *whine* *cute* lol. Rinse, wash, repeat :D
It reminds me of what someone said about Yamapi earlier. Despite their amazingly amazing fanbase, their acting just ~is~. The dramas are fun though, no lie.
The guy, from episode 1 of rent a girlfriend, was such a jerk though!!! Is it good enough to watch the whole thing? I mean, I like the storyline.
Speaking of trendy stuff, have you watched About Love? I just watched it the other day. The Shanghai couple was my favorite.
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sleeplessinwgtn
April 23, 2011 at 12:18 AM
I'm on episode 6. It just reminds of where I'm originally from, the old traditions, coming home... nostalgia.
I'm downloading About Love. It looks like something I might like. Thanks for the tip.
Sometimes, I can forgive bad acting if the drama makes me feel good.
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