I'm not really sure what there was to salvage. I managed to get through 6 epis. Unless the writers were handing in their notice rather than the final script I'm not sure where they'd deserve more of a chance - at 18 hours it's a fair chunk of time to give something that hasn't been working from the off. I don't think this is ever going to make it to anyone's 'Cancelled to soon list of regrets'. Or is that too harsh? I didn't really notice any fans in the Open threads?

Maybe different directors too - I've only seen the female lead once before I think (Forever the Moment) and she didn't seem the type to think acting was hair-flicking and dramatic walking in that, so someone was letting a lackadaisacal performance through the net. Second male lead wasn't quite bad enough to be amusingly bad, but he did try to get that low!

I remember seeing the teaser, and thinking: Oh, not bad. But then, the competition is so fierce. There is so many dramas airing at the same time... Even being a big watcher i can't absorb everything.
Those new channels seem to be caught in a dilemma. Do you spend money to produce a blockbuster, hoping to catch the audience? Or do you wait until you have a solid fan base so you can decide what kind of Big program you produce in order to fit their taste? I would play the second card.
I read recently than some dramas were more often financed as co-productions, or by pre-sales (Japan, China...).
I believe they need to explore new territories in term of stories, but also new kind of business plans.
I suppose the globally bad state of the economy doesn't help either.

[quote]I say this having no particular sadness for seeing Hanbando go — I was never intrigued by the spy-action-North-and-South plotline, and kaedejun’s coverage of Episodes 1-2 confirmed my initial impressions[/quote]

kaedejun? Ooooooh, kaedejun, of course! You mean the same kaedejun who didn't like Joseon X Files? But javabeans,last time I checked you considered Joseon X Files the drama of the year. That being said, why would you believe that his/her opinion about Hanbando will coincide with your opinion,since it's obvious that you two have different taste in dramas!?

Aaaw. I'm sad for Hwang Jung-min. I like him. He's pretty cool. Well, maybe next time. At least his movie Dancing Queen seems to have done alright for itself.

i love it! i watch it RAW then i watch it subbed...totally my cup of tea, better than ATHENA anyways (insert evil laugh here)

It really is sad. The premise is good. The male lead and much of the supporting cast is good as well. But a the female lead is really weepy and dreadful (does our hero love her for being simultaneously brave, dense, and pathetic?). Worst of all, nothing can overcome some of the comic book writing and characterizations.

I hate to see so many resources go to waste!

At least when shows get canceled there, they usually just reduce the number of episodes and give it a chance to finish. I hate US TV where they yank a series off the air without warning, and only after 2 or 3 episodes. I hate being left hanging :(

The 21-year old actor Kwak Hee Sung is just AWESOME here. Apparently, this is his first big acting role, but you wouldn't tell by his brooding, sexy turn as a North Korea soldier. So much so that he's almost stealing the show. Mark my words -- he is a future STAR.

Peninsula has many things going for it, once the show gets off the energy station. Very, very strong political intrigue (probably my favorite part -- imagine if Daemul played it straight) The car and train chases are done better than in Iris/Athena. The sentiment (and ambivalence) of a unified Korean country is deeply felt in the writing.

What hurts the show is the same thing that's hampered everything since Shiri . . . it's just very hard to reconcile a thriller with a melodrama over the length of a TV series. Kim Jung Eun is only memorable, because her character goes through some truly disturbing torture scenes. She gets beaten, electrocuted, waterboarded, etc. With her character comes all the melodrama bits, and it undermines the flow of the story. The South Korean side is all hardboiled machinations, shifting alliances, and political risktaking. GREAT stuff. The North Korean side touches upon the hunger and poverty of the people . . . but then gets undermined with a makjang family-in-fatigues setup. It just feels contrived.

It's still a very good show, and it's a nice change of pace.

I love love this drama and KJE acting was phenomeonal. She's weepy because her country abuses her..I cried my eyes out watching her father be killed all because he wanted peace.Then your mother orders the hit.That weepy female was strong for 13 years when they tore her apart from the man she loves because Dong-Ki and her mom didn't want her leaving with him.Enough is enough she loves South Korea and Myung-Joon..I wish it had ended on. Ep 20 but 18 episodes is fine.I jusr want my happy ending and Myung-Joon as president with Jin-Jae by his side as his wife.Tv Chosun jumped the gun when they ended it abruptly.because of ratings.IIt did much better than other drama's.Thje real reaon is because the war between South and North Kore and the subject matter hits too close to home.Now I have one less drama to watch but it was good while it lasted..Next time TV Chosun should be prepared for the big 3 because they bring out all the stops even when horrible.Now let me wait patiently for RoofTop Prince recap.

Stiff competition and it's usually the good quality dramas being lucked out by the mainstreak Kdramas because for the most part, people wants to see their idols on screen. I haven't given this a try, but it's on my list to watch.

I'm not too fond of the lead guy though... oh well.

hmmm i watched this drama and i find it very interesting... i love kim jung eun acting prowess here.... shes really good.. anyway shes the reason why i watch it.. too bad they had to cut it! but for being able to show it in a cable Chanel(not free channel in cable) i think one of the reason why it has a low rating! but i think the story is great and all the actors...

anyway im looking forward for the next project of the one and only korean actress that ive known..

KIM JUNG EUN!!! aja.....