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Please read below, (if you haven't already) and you will have an idea of how I feel :-). How are you ? I hope you will be able to catch up on your research and sleep less :-)...
How did that happen, that you started sleeping for 11hours? (was that 11hrs straight?) Everything OK? Should I be worried about you? :-( Please keep me posted. I will try to be back throughout the weekend.
I know what making tough, life-changing decisions is like, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I'm sure you'll make the right choice. Just don't stress out *too* much, OK?:) By the way, when do you have to move to your new place?
As for sleeping...well, I think I'm mentally exhausted from studies/research (including having to resolve conflicting advice from supervisors, ha!:)), and I haven't really had a proper vacation (as in, a normal break, when you don't have to do anything work- or study-related) in 4 or 5 years. No need to worry about me, I think I just need to find my question, determine the methodology and ask for a few days' break. My best friend is moving to Thailand this year, so I hope we can meet there sometime and spend a week on the beach...;)
After much prayer, quiet time and deliberation, I did make a decision and I contacted the person to let her know. What is interesting was that I hesitated up until the time I made the call, I just wanted to make sure that it was the right thing for me to do. The way the person reacted made me feel better (she totally understood) and it was actually comforting and reassuring. I didn't expect that, and that was nice.
That decision would have had me relocating from Minnesota (where I moved from 5 years ago to live in Northern CA) and so I wanted to make sure I didn't make my decision lightly. I did live in MN for 12 years before moving to CA, so it's not as if I don't know the state. It was still a big decision to make and I am glad I gave it all the consideration that was needed.
"No need to worry about me, I think I just need to find my question, determine the methodology and ask for a few days’ break. My best friend is moving to Thailand this year, so I hope we can meet there sometime and spend a week on the beach…;)"
I am soooo sorry that you have gone through such a long period of time without a proper vacation. I do hope that you will come up with your question soon, and that you will be able to sort (with wisdom) through your advisors recommendations. I know how challenging those things can be. I think that you should keep on putting one foot in front of the other, not let yourself get discouraged, take a deep breath often and do something fun often. Hopefully that will help with you being balanced.
Do you work out? I know that when I was in school and I had exams, or challenging and time consuming papers to write, working out was really helpful and it helps release endorphins, I think. Exercising should also help with your sleep.
I also do hope that you will be able to go to Thailand soon and spend some time with your friend on the beach :-). Please be encouraged, you are making progress, even when it doesn't seem so, and you have to keep plugging away.
I hope you were encouraged by my words and that you will find and think of creative solutions to help you (mentally and emotionally) during these times.
I was thinking of moving by the end of this month, but my friend is travelling to Europe at the end of the month, and I am hoping that I could stay here during the weeks when she will be gone (2 or 3 weeks, I think). I am starting to have some opportunities (job related) in CA, after over a year of not working full time, so that is encouraging, and it is the main reason why I felt that it might be OK not to have to move to MN, after all.
I have 2 part time jobs so far, and I am trying to find more, or a full time job that pays well. I am also hoping that I will be able to have my own place at some point (I was hoping soon, but I don't know, we will see).
Speaking of move, didn't you move recently as well? How did that go? Are you all settled in and organized yet?
I am soooo sorry to hear that you have dismenore :-( (By the way, what is that, if I may ask?) May I also ask what part of the world you are in, if it is night time for you?
I really hope things get better for you. Please take good care of yourself...
And thanks for googling it. The name looked familiar. That is a clever way to say what it is without really saying what it is :-).
And Oh!!!! I know about those Ugh!!!!!!. She should take some medications (Like Advil), or drink hot or warm wine or have that thick (really thick) pink rubber container where one can put water in it (hot water, preferably) in a towel and put it on her lower tummy. The heat should relax her abdominal muscles and that should help, I hope. Sorry, I can't remember the name of that thing right now, but I can visualize it.
Your message asking what the thing where you put hot water to relieve pain -- it is called hot water bottle. We use it a lot for winter in this part of the world -- farther down under.
Thank you for the name. French is my 1st language and I wasn't sure what the name was in English (I don't have a dictionary close by, although I guess I could have googled the word as well), but even in French, I couldn't remember the name. So thank you!
So you live down under, would that be Australia? (just curious...)
So in a few hours you will finally see your boyfriend huh!!!! You will have to tell us all about it. Remember that I am only getting excited for you because you said that you would give me the 411 (information) about your secret meetings (that better happen, or he doesn't know what he will be missing out on :-)) with said boyfriend.
You have NO idea how much I wish you could actually meet him in real life. Wouldn't that be awesome? In any case, safe travel to SK and have a great, great time!!!! <3
Haha well Unni got on her mobile as soon as we arrived and tried to stalk him for me (and checked that he doesn't have a girlfriend lol) but unfortunately it didn't work out...
And OMFG I just found out my friend went to Dongguk Uni for her summer school!!!!!!!! Ahh why couldn't that be me???
Hello my little dongsaeng, (sounds redundant, I know :-), but it sounds so cute to me, so I just say it).
So you are loving Seoul, huh? Where have been (as in places you have visited so far). I am so sorry that you have not been able to see your boyfriend :-(, so I guess no juicy details for me then? *Sigh*
So I wonder, if your friend googles KB's love life, would she really know (or find out) if he has a girlfriend? I thought those celebrities were very careful about their dating life and that it is not always easy to find out if they are in a relationship or not. Do you trust your unni to have mad detective skills and find out? It seems like a pretty tight net to get through (finding info about Korean stars' love life).
I am glad you are enjoying your time in Seoul. How is the food? When are you flying back to England? I look forward to hearing more about your trip in Korea. Will you be just in Seoul? (just wondering... <3).
I ended up watching both episodes of To The Beautiful You (since that's already subbed) instead of finishing the two episodes of Faith. Maybe because Faith isn't subbed yet on Dramacrazy and I've already read the recap anyway. :D
As usual, I'm juggling online class, freelance stuff, and my blog, and wishing there were more hours in the day so I can watch more dramas as well.
Ashley!!!!! How are you?
I think I read one OT or two ago that you were in South Korea now, right? If so, how do you like it? And what is it that you are doing there? (just curious :-))
No, I wish I was in SK, but I will try to get there soon. I want to see if I can try to go to school there, or teach there once I finish school. I was in Chengdu China as a student teacher for 10 months. I taught English at a foreign language school to preschoolers. I got into SK pop culture because the person who lived in my apartment before me left Boys Over Flowers. No English subs, but I had such a fun time watching it raw. I was looking for ways to interpret what was going on in the show on the internet, and i happened to stumble onto dramabeans. The rest as they say is history.
How are you doing? Where you able to figure if you should accept the offer? I said a prayer for you yesterday when I saw your post.
Also if you have time and remember, you should go back to the old OT that you wanted to comment on. I think it was 246.
Thank you so much to all of you who took the time to answer my question about the role of a director in filmaking last week. I have had a busy week and had to take some time away from DB to prepare for my next move (as in moving to a new place) and ponder the pros and cons of making some serious decisions that could affect me for the next year or two.
I have to give my final answer today, and I don't have all the information I need yet to give that answer. I will spend a good portion of my day in prayer and weighing my options (and by that I mean writing them all out) so I can make an informed decision. I will not be as active during the day today on OT, but I would LOVE to hear from you, so please feel free to drop me a line or you know... 20 lines, as I am known to do on occasion on this site :-).
In Kdramaland, I am liking Faith, so far. I don't feel sucked in yet, like with Gaksital and TK2Hs (after episode 5), but I am glad to see LMH back. I am liking KHS (some say she is overacting, but I think that based on the circumstances her character is in [she doesn't know yet and doesn't understand that she is in another world, a very different world and no one has told her. Even if they did, it would be hard to believe it, I can understand that], her reactions are understandable). I have decided to enjoy this drama, potential flaws and all. I am also liking the ending instrumental piece. Some people have commented that the OST gives them vibes of Pirates of the Carribean OST. I wouldn't know, I haven't watched any of the movies.
I am not uber wowed by LMH's acting, but for me, he is a little better so far than in CH (he wasn't bad, bad in CH, I actually liked his actions scenes there), but I felt that he struggled at times to stay in character and be convincing. I wasn't always buying who he said he was and I am one of those people who thought he was miscast (please, don't throw stones). It was difficult for me to buy that he was 28 and that he had graduated from MIT.
I actually like LMH a lot, but I am not always in love with his acting, which I hope as time goes by will improve greatly. I think he does the best he can, and I think he is smart and he has a good understanding of his characters (based on interviews and on how he portrays them) but I had felt at times that there was something that wasn't coming through, acting wise, like he was stuck behind an invisible shield he couldn't pierce through. I am rooting for him, really I am and I hope the best for him, honestly.
I really like the cast in Faith, especially the king and the queen. I look forward to seeing them fall in love with each other and hopefully fight it at first. I also look forward to seeing Choi Young fall in the love with the Dr. and vice versa and the dance they will be playing as that happens. I really love the supporting cast, on both sides (good and bad guys), and already the older counselor (guy from DH, SeGa, Gaksital, M2F, etc...) is already getting on my nerves, I just want to whack him upside the head and ask him to be quiet already, that's how good a job he is doing as a character. I love how he portrays the character's cowardness however :-).
I am still loving Gaksital and loving how the plot is coming along, Rie's inner conflicts and the actress playing her, PKW (I totally LOVE him here, so believable as a villain) and I LOVE the addition of the new characters this week, especially a certain lady who looks like she will be badass (the new young guy is very cute as well). The stakes have been risen and now it's like "now what?" We still have 6 episodes to go, so I am really curious about that. I am one of those people who can wait a week (or two) to find out, and actually it gives me time to absorb what I watched and time to reflect on it.
Yeah, I am definitely more about the journey than I am about the destination :-), I like taking the scenic route because I know that I will eventually get to the destination. So, I am OK with how BM ended this week, and I will wait to see how things unfold next week.
I tried Arang and the Magistrate, and it is not really my thing. Maybe I will change my mind later. It is a case for me where the recaps are actually better than when I watched the drama.
I am not watching anything else at the moment (especially considering what I am going through), but also because I prefer to watch one or two dramas, and stayyyyyyyy with them (analyze and ponder them almost ad nauseam. That way, when they are over, I can slowly let them go... and revisit them again if the urge comes back). That is personally how I like to experience my dramas. That and the fact that I actually love reading blogs and writing :-) maybe a tiny bit more than I like watching dramas, especially the ones with a lot of fillers. So I tend to watch a few at a time, and there are only so many hours in a day, you know...
This is my question of the week :-):
when Faith started, the subs were a little slow on Viki and someone here said she will wait for the subs on Dramafever. So, for those of you who have experienced both Viki and Dramafever, which translations do you like most or do you find (think are more) accurate? I have been told that the best is "With S2 Fansubs" (they are very thorough), and so who do you think is 2nd best and 3rd? I will confess that I have learned a few things by reading the comments on Viki, but that they can also be distracting at times. I have also been told that Viki paraphrases and doesn't give the whole translation, like "With S2 Fansubs," and so some things are left out.
Except for the few words I do know in Korean and that I can recognize when I see them, I wouldn't know. I stopped watching Dramafever because when I would watch it, the subs wouldn't stay on the screen long enough for me to read them, and pausing didn't always helped or worked. It seems as though they have fixed it. Please let me know your thoughts.
I will be back later in the day and throughout the weekend to respond and comment. I haven't forgotten the responses I got from the last couple of OTs (you know who you are :-)).
Maya, I read your responses on Faith and BM, I will respond later, thanks :-)...
Have a great weekend Dbers, and hopefully a wonderful weather as well :-)...
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For softsubs / downloads:
The subs depend on speed as well as accuracy. Dark Smurf Subs tends to be fast on the trendy shows, often having a decent sub within a day or two of broadcast. The 100 percent elite subbed timeframe is normally a week for the more popular shows. For older shows like CLBM, the subs are slowly being produced, and can't be found anyplace else.
With S2 does have the best softsubs out there, but in order to do that, they limit the number of shows they sub, and the time for a full sub to be ready.
(For example, WithS2 is up to episode 14 for AGD; Dark Smurf has full 100% for all episodes).
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For streaming and online viewing:
The same principles apply.
Viki tends to have the subs the fastest, with the limitations of a lot of typographical errors and the pop-up ads every segment (for those without Adblock software).
DramaFever has the better streaming experience, I think. They are just a little slower.
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So for must-view-immediately shows, sometimes an offsub is better than no sub at all. Hope this helps!
How are you? And the family? How is your dad, all better now or still having to deal with some issues, health wise? And your mom, (emotionally and everything... with your dad having the surgery recently and needing to be assisted)? (I am hoping she doesn't feel overwhelmed).
Your explanation actually did help a lot, and thank you! I thought that CLBM could be found at Dramafever, I have seen the icon there. So it is not only found on Dark Smurf, I think... I was told that WithS2 was slower, and I have been to their website and I have noticed that, which I am OK with, because I would wait to have quality subs, personally.
I hope you had a great week, and that your weekend will be the same :-)!
The 'rents are pretty much the same. Bro mowed the lawn this week, which is a sure sign of Armageddon. lol. We had a lot of rain, turning the dirt-filled pit into a mud bog, so it'll probably be another load of topsoil delivery for me. Whatever makes the Dad happy. :-)
Hi Hazel,
I appreciate you encouraging me. I hope that things will work out for you as well, I really hope so. If you don't mind, let me know how things went or turned out (to your liking/preference or not)?
Take really good care of yourself :-)
And thank you for your comments. I didn't get into "Arang," different tastes I guess or who knows... I am liking "Faith," so far and I think that I will stay with it, because I am actually curious to see what will happen and I do love the cinematography. I guess we don't really need to defend why we like or love something, probably personal reasons, among other things.
Wow, so you think the first 1/2 of the year was disappointing? Interesting... I wasn't too much into "I Need Romance 2012" and I haven't watched "Answer Me 1997" either. I watch 1 or 2 dramas at a time, usually. I might check out episodes of other dramas while watching that one or two, but I tend to prefer watching a few at a time.
Shows that you like may be quality shows, but shows that you don't like don't mean that they are not quality shows. You statement sounds like its a fact while its not, its just your personal opinion.
Thank you for your statement! (I am thinking it was in response to bd?) I agree with said statement, shows we like are personal opinions. And guess what? Personal opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has got one.
Happy Friday to you too, John!
Glad you loved it. The series is the best one out of the three versions. You might want to give the movie a try too. It's a good movie, just not as satisfying as the series, IMHO.
I LOVED your Shunji's vibes, you could go head to head with Shunji, and that would be great!!! He needs someone who can stand toe to toe with him. I really loved your comments on Gaksital and Faith, especially the one about you relating to some of the history of SK because your country was occupied by Japan as well, at some point (it that the Philippines?). I haven't responded (yet), but I really liked your input, I just wanted you to know that :-). I do think it is important to know one's history well, and I am glad that you are looking more into the history of your country.
I hope that you will have a wonderful weekend. Are you all moved in, organized? You currently live in the US, right? East Coast?
I'm all moved in but not organized yet. Stuffs are still in boxes and most of my clothes are still in the luggages. I only have several essential items out, for eating & drinking. I'm thinking on letting my roommate organize the stuffs once she's back in the States. I guess it's fair that since I did all the packing and moving by myself, then she can do the unpacking part :D
Yes, I'm in east coast now, and I come from Indonesia. And in relation to Gaksital and Japanese occupation, most of the South East Asia countries were occupied by Japan back in the 40s, including Indonesia and Phillipines.
Anyway good luck on your decision making, Iv. I pray that you'll reach the informed decision :)
Hi Rashell,
Seriously, I could have used some of those dreams this week :-) Where are they when one needs them? I did watch Le Min-ho twice this week, but no dreams, mmmm.... Not sure what happened.
I do hope that you will have a lovely weekend, you know... for World Peace :-) *Wink, wink* (I hope you got the reference)... :-)
Happy OT Friday, Ladles and Jellyspoons! I'm already at the office while continuing to be up to my eyeballs with trial work to the point where I could teach a Master Class -- "Sleep Deprivation Can Be Your Friend." But still, life is not boring whatsoever. My week looked a little something… like this:
FIVE FINGERS!!! (work) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (ooh, look at The Pretty during the Press Conference!!) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (work) FIVE FINGERS!!! (sharpening typing fingers for recapping) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (where's my brand new alarm clock?!?! ) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (work) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (deep breath) IS IT SATURDAY PREMIERE DAY YET?!? :D
Phew.
Returning you now to your regularly-scheduled programming… have a great day, minasan!!
Cherkell,
We need to trade places - I need to sleep less these days, and I just end up sleeping for 11 hours straight, then panicking about the time I've lost.
Argh. Forgot how difficult it is posting from my iPhone...
Yup, I will be recapping at Soompi for the first few episodes until I can find the time to resurrect the blog I've let go dormant since 2009, and then I'll move my WBDS, BVS and 5F recaps over there. So stay tuned!!
OMG, I almost forgot!! Saengil chukahamnida to Yoo Seung Ho, who turns 19 (Korean 20) today!!! For you, sweetie, I promise to run around the halls of the courthouse today yelling "WOOOOOOOOOON-AAAAAHHHHH!!!!" in your honour!! :D
However, I already know that this week's episodes aren't going to be satisfying. I've seen too many spoilers. Plus, these two episodes will only whet my appetite for MOAARRRR, MOOARRR I SAYYYYY!!! And I desperately want to see Joo Ji Hoon, Ji Chan Wook and Eunjung on screen too TT____TT
Good Morning everyone! So much fun to be on the computer on Friday mornings!
Just when I was pining over the end of AGD (while certainly not a perfect ending, I will miss those boys so!!) I started Arang and the Magistrate. Just my cup of tea! Anyone else enjoying it?
Also, anyone see the interview with Yoon on Viki? That dear, sweet, boy (man, excuse me) is looking for a relationship. I bet a lot of interested candidates show up at his doorstep!
Saw it, loved it. Had NO idea he was a singer in the 90s. Thrilled to bits that all of F44 had so much fun that they would love to come back for a Season 2.
A second season would be so great! And to think they are all on board. Now if only their schedules would permit and the writer agrees to it ****fingers crossed****
BTW, I couldn't believe he was motivated by AGD and wants to live his life "that way" now. It's hard to believe some people think their life/career is over by 40 - they have no idea that the best can still be ahead!
The actors in AGD are actually in their (very late) 30's/early 40's, but it is still interesting to hear them (or some of them at least) say that life *basically* is over at 30 (or something along those lines).
I did like the interview as well, and I do think that a season 2 of AGD could be written (well), as some of the stories/characters were underdeveloped/underwritten during season 1. I mentioned some of the ideas I had for a season 2 of AGD here:
3.4.1.1.1 Ivoire August 18th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Like you, I don't think that a 2nd season of AGD will happen, maybe something worth writing to Kdramaland or the dramagods about...
After a couple weeks of nothing I suddenly feel swamped with dramas.
Well, I'm only reading the recaps for Haeundae Lovers (watched the first two eps, didn't hook me), but enjoying both Arang and Faith. Mind you, both aren't perfect (the second episode of Arang definitely got me hooked a lot more than the first, love the two leads, especially our feisty ghost lady; as for Faith, I hope the leading lady stops whining soon and keeps yelling "Move!" "Shut up!" etc. That's when I like her.).
Slightly tempted to give To the Beautiful You a try, but... still not convinced that Hana Kimi needed a remake. Thinking about Answer Me 1997 too, that one sounds more interesting.
I'm also still watching Rich Man, Poor Woman, but this weeks episode certainly didn't do it for me! (Probably for no one!) Not enough shared screentime for the leads and SPOILER did not like that kiss at the end! (Did anyone?) Even if Yoko made the first move, Hyuga responded and initiated the second kiss. Boohoo. There is just no excuse for it, no matter how you play it, because a) he knows it wasn't Yoko he was waiting for and b) he responded! That's a choice on his part! A bad one!!! And I wish Natsui would show more her strong/gutsy/intriguing side (that one that we saw in episode 2 when suddenly there she wasn't Chihiro!). But we are done with episode 6, and as far as I can remember it's a 10 ep drama, which means there is little time left!
Skip-watched the first two episodes of the Chinese drama Love Actually as well, but it's a little boring. The female lead isn't very interesting, although the Mr Antarctic is (even if his suspicion is a bit overplayed)!
I really like "Arang" thus far, but you should definitely check out “I Need Romance 2012″ and “Answer Me 1997' - which are the 2 best dramas/romcoms of the year (and among the best romcoms done overall)
The humor in INR2 is more dialogue driven while the humor in AM1997 is more situational (I prefer dialogue driven humor, so I give the edge to INR2 even tho AM1997 is also very good).
Hi KL,
I will go let Yoon know (now) that I am very available and a great catch, let's see if he bites :-). I read many times by his co-stars (both men and women) that he is the gentlest of the F44 and a really sweet guy in real life. What's not to like :-)?
The way he looked at MAR, (so lovingly and adoringly) killed me every time. Why are those guys always on TV, and not where we (single ladies), can grab them :-)?
I messaged you back on FB. Thank you for the link. I just watched about 5mns of it (it is about 7 or 8mns long) without the sound, just reading the subs, so I will watch it again late at night. I still have to watch epi. 20 of AGD, I haven't watched it yet.
I like how Korean actors and actresses tend to be humble, even though I know how they are often told to act that way because I have read so, even on this blog. This interview makes me appreciate KMJ even more, not put him on a pedestal, just appreciate him more. Interesting that he thinks that he is past the age of passionate love, why? I wonder... ( I don't think so for myself, thank God!)
I have seen some BTS of the guys together (one was of them being at Tae San's house, when they were discussing their favorite heroes) and it really confirmed what we were all suspecting all along, not only that they get along great, but that they are having a lot of fun shooting the drama (when they did). I could just tell, the way they went all out in their scenes and I would think to myself, "I would feel the same way if I had to act such a scene and I definitely would have had fun acting this out :-)."
I personally do think that they could make an AGD2 if they wanted, with the same actors and actresses and that conflicts and dramas could be written for a second season. There are things that many of us wanted to see in season 1 (Yoon and MAR's relationship, its development mostly) that we didn't get to see, really. That could be explored in season 2, their life as a couple, adjusting to each other, wanting babies, when JR's wife doesn't seem to be able to conceive (how is that affecting the friendship between JR and Yoon), DJ and YS getting married, living as a couple with Collin and the younger F4 in DJ and YS's life, how is that new group of friends/brothers getting along, getting in trouble and DJ an YS rescuing them and teaching them life lessons along the way, TS and SR pregnancy, having the baby, JR and his wife (can't remember her name now) (new) married life, what are they doing to have a healthy relationship, etc...
I think I could help with the script, if the writer(s) are short on ideas, as you can tell.
I currently have to go get ready so I can go to church with my friend, so I will be back later to comment some more.
there's a super cute shoot of Kim Min Jong & Yoon Jin Yi in High Cut Magazine. you might need to be logged into FB to view this, but there's 3 pics here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.335193983240998.77610.287361044690959&type=1
YJI is SUPER pretty, I guess we'll see more of her in the future! all in all, I think she did a good job for a total rookie. hated the bawling, but that is the director's fault, not hers
Happy OT, guys!
I FF-ed through this week's episodes of RMPW (not enough cute) and TTBY (hey, Hana Kimi got me into manga - and manga eventually got me into J- and K-dramas, so I had to watch!). Either way, I'm too stressed out because of my research to fully enjoy anything else at the moment, so I try to stick with brainless entertainment and Craig Ferguson for breaks.
As a JDorama, RMPW has to speed the angsty plotpoints, even though the cuteness factor isn't as high as it ought be right now. I'm hoping that means more cute towards the end [cross fingers]. Still, I'm enjoying it so far, even as one epi per week.
Yay! Now that I actually know what's going on, I may also join and say "Happy OT"!!!
Guys can I just talk about all of the amazing dramas that are currently airing?
One word: Faith! My friend and I have been counting down the days to when this drama premiers because we are avid Lee Min Ho lovers (*cough stalkers cough* what?) but I think it was so much more than just him. The filming is beautiful and the plot is moving along so well! When we watched it, we screamed so many times from either excitement or surprise that her dog ran to us in alarm wondering who was being murdered. Plus, I am loving the soundtrack, which seems to be an epic blend between Pirates of the Carribean and Lord of the Rings.
On the other hand, I am also obsessed with Answer Me 1997! Two nighs ago I found myself hitting my head against the table in frustration because dramabean's recap of episode 5/6 was up but I couldn't find the actual episodes with English subs. It was just one of those why-can't-I-become-fluent-in-Korean-in-one-night!?!? sort of moments. I am loving how sweet this drama is.
Now that school is coming up, I am worried about how I'll manage to continue watching both of these awesome shows but, let's be truthful, if it comes down to staying up doing a paper or watching some Lee Min Ho, my happiness, therefore my health, will only improve with the latter option. That's what I like to tell myself anyways.
I know exactly how you feel! Answer me 1997 is one of those "30 seconds refresh" dramas, where I stalk dramacrazy/dramafever endlessly until they post the subs! I haven't been this obsessed with a drama since QIHM. I have become a fool over this one.
Thank goodness I finally got to watch ep 5/6 with subs last night! Now I'm on to ep 7/8 stalking. From the spoilers I've allowed myself, it seems like there were some interesting developments this week! Can't wait!
I'm also really enjoying Faith. It was really exciting and I didn't want the eps to end.
Totally, I had my laptop open since this morning going to dramacrazy then Kimchidrama for sub episodes. Finally found it on KD and started watching but then something happened to my laptop which almost gave me a heartattack. I think there is something wrong with the battery no worries the socket source still works. I'm so into Answer Me 1997 that more than a week waiting for sub episode is excruciating. I need to pick another drama to stave off the hunger pangs.
Oh no, that would have sent me over the edge! I'm glad that your computer is at least working from the wall source though. Not having access to computer/internet means no way to feed your drama addiction. LOL. I can so relate :)
Wait...I'm not the only on who goes crazy going from site to site (dramafever, dramacrazy, viki, mysoju, youtube, REPEAT!) trying to find subbed episode?! This is why OT are so amazing:you find people who understand the great obstacles that come along with being an avid kdrama addict. Oh, and we can also talk about all the great shows!
I'm so happy all the new dramas are out! I started Faith, TTBY, and Arang and have not been disappointed so far. If I can get through the first ep, I usually give the drama a chance. Of course, I've been burned many a times by this strategy, *cough* Dream High 2, RTP, MSOAN *cough* but I'm happily optimistic.
I'm still spazzing out over Answer me 1997. Is anyone else here totally in love with Tae-woong? If Shi-won doesn't want him, I'm happy to take him! He's just such a nice and genuine guy. And it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes and a genius. Two qualities I appreciate in my fantasy hubbies!
I'm spazzing over 1997 as well. Tae-woong, well, he just breaks my heart. Still devoting his love and time to his dead girlfriend's family (tear, tear, sniffle) six years later when he could have just moved on. I root for Yoon-jae, but am totally cheering on Tae-woong to fulfill his happiness. Mostly, I just remember his character from The Princess's Man and want to love him here to get Shin Myun out of mind. I think I'll be happy either way.
Shi-won's parents are the best K-drama parents ever. So realistic and lovable, the kind you'd be embarrassed to have but secretly wish you did. Sung Dong-il, you rocked in Gumiho and you rock even more here.
I remember watching these Korean music pop shows on VHS that one of my sisters stole (I think) from somewhere. While I was indifferent to H.O.T., my sisters would watch their performances nonstop. I thought that was obsessive, but I had no idea...
Ah! I could go on and on about this drama, but this post would never end.
Somewhere I read Cinderella's Sister is really depressing. I'll be interested to hear your take on it.
Also am debating whether to wait till the end of RMPW and marathon it. The last two episodes had me less than excited and now I have to wait another week in hopes it picks up...(and I'm not a patient person!)
I watched it a while ago (two years maybe?).
I prefer Chun Jung Myung in "What's Up, Fox?".
Cinderella was dark, with violent overtones, and is probably the most melo thing I've watched to date. It wasn't bad, I guess, although I disliked the end as one of those cobbled-together, running out of time ones.
I also got pulled into Answer Me 1997! And I thought i wouldn't because Shi-won was so obsessed with H.O.T. and her sneaking to see Tony and climbing his wall reminded me of saesang fans that I was a little put off... but then she matured after that and the story got going, and they concentrated more on her interactions with her friends.. I got sucked in. Rooting for the Shi-won/Yoon Jae couple. Oh, and poor Joon Hee! =(
And Candy has been stuck in my head for weeks now...
Eeeee I'm actually early for the OT for a change :D Happy weekend, DB denizens! (Doubly happy for us Pinoy fans because we have a four-day weekend!)
Faith is blocked on Viki for me, but watched Ep. 1 on Dramacrazy. Without subs. *sob* Thank goodness for DB recaps.
Still flailing over Princess and I. Never flailed this much about a local drama before... never cared this much about an OTP and the other characters before... now I even see it in my dreams! *sob sob* I just want to replay it, especially all the Jao-Mikay scenes, over and over and over... and I usually only do that for K-dramas. It actually moves fast for a local drama, so I don't want to miss an episode. If I could send the writers all their favorite things, I would. :D
Okay, what have I forgotten to tell the OT now... I'm sure I'll remember it later. :D
Alas, Dramafever doesn't work in my country... but I found it under the alternate title at Dramacrazy. Thanks heaps! :)
The crime busting meets strange phenomenon jdramas I've seen so far tend to overdo the quirky and fluffy (Galileo?) and there are just so many of them... I'll probably catch SPEC at some point because of Erika Toda. Yay for more dramas to add to my watchlist!
I am absolutely psyched for To the Beautiful You. Cross-dressing heroines are my crack; have no idea why, neither do doctors. :) That being said, I have a ton of dramas to catch up on, which is kinda good in a way, so I won't be gnawing my nails to stubs waiting for subs (for which, thank you subbers! You are wonderful people, and I wish you the greatest of joys for your dedication!).
This show's got me thinking about remakes, and their merits. Thailand recently did a Coffee Prince remake - and by remake, I mean "copy", from what I can gather, since I don't have the stomach to actually watch the darn thing, seeing as how a 2-minute trailer made me nauseous. The Thai version was almost shot-for-shot like the original Korean! I was all, "What now?!?" Why bother taking a fun story and just copying it like you were making knock-off designer bags? Why?
What I loved about Boys Over Flowers (well, maybe 'love' is a strong word, 'strongly liked') was that yes, it took elements from the original Japanese but put what I felt was a unique spin on it - not necessarily a unique Korean spin on it, but a new interpretation nonetheless. And that's how it's supposed to be done! I mean, you don't see people cloning the way Shakespeare presented his plays; no two productions of Much Ado about Nothing are ever the same, for instance. I've seen versions with sailors! See, THAT'S what the Thai Coffee Prince should've done. Added its own quirks, make its own version of the story.
So, I'm happy to see what TTBY is doing. It won't be any worse than the imitation Coffee Prince my country is churning out, at least I hope.
I have no problem with remakes. I have a problem with carbon copies, though.
Remakes, reboots, different countries versions, it just depends. I'm scarred for life from 21 Jump Street, killing off Hanson and Penhall, that was so not cool. I think alot of the American reboots and remakes are stupid and bad. If they ever remake Buffy it can't happen for another 10 years and I think it will take a heck of a product for me not to hunt them down and stake them lol. I could not watch either other version of Hana Kimi. That said, I generally like Taiwan versions over Japanese versions. I generally like Korean over all.
I too have an appreciation for the Korean version of BOF. For all it's faults, the overall show, the sets, the costumes, locations, actors, script, just were more appealing to me. No show has immediately sucked me in like that show did. Well, except for my um, obsession, oops, I mean appreciation, of Bi Rain. (Great now I'm going to have to go watch a youtube of Hip Song and think, uh, thoughts.) I know most people love the Japanese Hana Yori Dango, and I'm not dissing anyone, but it was just not for me. I think the Taiwan version, also not perfect and really went out on left field with the amnesia that would never end, had a lot of heart.
JoAnne-I just spewed Dr. Pepper laughing when I saw your comment. Thanks I needed that fangurl moment, it's been a while. It's too late to warn me off, tho, I've been all up on that pretty. In my dreams of course ;)
Happy OT! Happy Friday!
What can I say... I miss AGD so badly. I'm so glad than the soompiers provide me with fresh pics and infos to help me land smoothly.
I started watching On Air and it's just my cup of tea. KHN, Lee Beom-soo and the writer of AGD. I couldn't be disappointed, right? 2 episodes per day, a nice TRIP.^^
Watched the first 2 eps of Arang & Faith: Will continue watching both but Faith is definitely more to my liking. Ep 2 of Arang was so slow... ZZZZZZzz.
RMPW: I like it like the first day.
Oh. And for those who still haven't see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-epp6QYKxpA&feature=g-like
Happy Friday to you! I loved, loved, loved AGD but couldn't get too far into On Air. Too much screaming and overacting for me, and I really hated Kim Ha Neul in it, but that's just my opinion. I'll be interested to hear what you think.
Huh. Korazy Lady, you asked for it! Now try to stop me... lol.
I've watched 10 eps of On Air now so maybe I will change my views later but:
I didn't notice the screaming for now and normally I hate it (screaming dad in Man of Honor made me drop the show).
I like overacted acting when it's cleverly and willingly used: It's funny to me (I'm a girl who loves The Best Love for that reason). Furthermore, it gives a contrast: The chicks are completely crazy and over the top in On Air (KHN's character, the writer, the agent of the writer) while the guys are more deadpan and poker face.
My natural sympathy goes to the writer in that story. She's nuts but at least you don't get bored with her. [I wonder if it's the real personality of Kim Eun-sook^^].
KHN's character is super hateful at first but you slowly understand why she is like that. That's why I feel attracted to her more by empathy. She hides her lack of confidence and her hate of the world behind her shades. She uses her cold face and bitter words to keep people at bay. Like a dog who bites first because he is used to cruelty. I prefer ten times KHN's acting in On Air than in AGD. Her crying scenes work better. Also all the bravado. Maybe it's because her character is less manga-ish? (I hate heroines who are clumsy princesses normally. To be honest I tolerated that side of Ethic Teach in AGD: I preferred her serious side).
One thing I really love with that show is how much you learn about what it takes to create a drama really. It's first hand knowledge and damn if it's not a hard world! Of course some things are invented but all the "let's build a show" elements scream autobiography for me. I almost wait for the disclaimer at the end of each episode: "This drama is a fiction. It doesn't portray real persons or events".
OK, Mystisith, since you mentioned Best Love, I can tell we are going to have to agree to disagree - d'accord? I was one of the few who...dare I say it....hated Doko Jin, and didn't care for the rather drippy female lead, either! (Yes, I know, I'm surprised they don't blackball me from all KD message boards!)
As for OA, I did read somewhere that the characters were all based on people in real life, so I found that interesting. But it was actually Park Hong-ya's acting that drove me crazy (I really feel guilty speaking of him this way), and it was his super argumentative nature that sounded like constant screaming to me. I will say, though, that I watched this early on in my KD career, and may not have understood the nuances and inflections of the Korean language. But he seemed to deliver every line the same.ranty.way. I just thought his acting was poor.
The writer in OA was over the top but in a manic way, so she was OK. I have to say that I haven't loved KHN in anything, and there were many things about her role in AGD that I didn't like, but frankly, who was watching that show for the women, anyways?
I did love how it showed the makings of a drama, and the BTS look at what the writer, actors, director, and crew go through to get to the final product. I actually bring that show to mind as a reference frequently when watching dramas Now that I think about it, it may be worth going back and finishing it (I think I watched about 4-5 episodes) for that very reason! Merci de votre avis!
Don't worry, I won't have your head if you don't like Best Love: I have a very personal love affair with that drama and I love parodies, of any kind.
Park Hong-ya’s acting: Sigh. Not the best, not the worst. What bugs me more is his lifeless eyes. I think he was already depressed. There is a part in OA where his character actually talks about killing himself. I swear, his face... Prophetic.
Hi Mysti!
I loved the Vampy trailer. Somehow I missed on the first season (ok, ok, I don't watch series with "vampire" in the title by default) but I am sure I will catch up till the second season airs!
AGD... I was super hyped all through up to the last episode. It was too obvious and too happy of and ending. I didn't like it at all, so my hype ended quickly and pretty much without withdrawal syndrome. It is good that way :D. There is one thing that will stay with me for a very long time. Just like I fell in love with 'Donde Estas Yolanda' after INR, THE ultimate AGD song is 'bathrobe mambo' Maria Elena. A very nice summer memory, right?
Nevertheless, I am looking forward to your recaps (of whatever series, LOL). They're great when I am unable to go online except for my outdated mobile - your blog rocks!
I agree in part with your assessment of the AGD ending. Everything so perfectly wrapped up. The last episode seemed to spend too much time on some things and not enough on others. But I still loved the F44, and there were some classic moments in that episode as well. And I definitely am suffering from withdrawal :)
Hello Everybody! How are you doing!
I've been on the move for a few weeks now, so I couldn't really join in here at OT, actually I didn't even have many possibilities to watch anything. All in all, it's good most of my shows were pre empted for oleeeeeempics. I didn't fret I was missing something, LOL.
So AGD, Ghost and INR2 ended. I loved all three dramas, athough the endings weren't as good. Actually, I was OK with Ghost and INR2 - predictable but still entertaining and in a way also rewarding. AGD - meeeeeeeeeh. Too sweet. I hate, really HATE all those fancy proposals. Does anybody get really excited about that stuff? Seriously, as a cynic and a practical person I have no idea what can be so wonderful if a man makes a fool of himself, makes cliche gestures and involves other people in the process? *taming the inner cynic*
Mysti mentioned she would like to have an oppa AGD-style. I think I've just got one - as a frequent customer I got friendly with my mechanic-ajussi. He said he liked people who love their cars and encouraged me to ask anything about my machine ( a thirty year old one, mind you). In the meantime I had a really difficult situation with the engine, and had to be a damsel in distress (sheesh, why did I have to put on heels and a summer dress on that one day). So it's true, that men love looking after helpless women. He did help me out and I've been getting VVIP treatment since then. Not that I complain, but can you imagine a mechanic who is a blend of Tae San (competent and reliable) with Jung Rok (no comment)?
So I made it through Dr. Jin.... and I need to talk about the last ep a bit...so if you haven't seen it you may want to avert your eyes...
In the end Hyuk and Min Ah are together, which was what I figured would happen but I SO wanted a twist. I really was hoping for some sort of consequence for all of Hyuk's meddling in the past. During the scene where he is holding Min Ah's had after he brought her back from the dead (while he himself was recovering from brain surgery, mind you) I was SO hoping that the modern Kyung Tak would walk in and be like "who the hell are you and why are you holding my wife's hand?" Now THAT would have been cool. And then the end where he is talking to the Grand Prince I was like, what? How were they communicating? Was it all in Hyuk's fetus-less mind?
Ah, go figure. I was amused until the last episode. Now I am asking myself why did I waste the time. I was really hoping for some consequences or something totally twisty to happen. Some answers perhaps. But all I have now is a plate full of WTF?
You expected something fresh and logical from Jin? You're what I call an optimistic person. The last episode gave me the feeling everyone wanted to pack their things and run away from the set. I can say that show was consistently awful from start to end.
Not expecting...just hoping. Yeah, it totally seemed like they wanted to run away from the set. Like they didn't care about the ending and they just wanted to get it over with. The show for me was amusingly awful. I think I stuck with it for the recaps and the comments.
It is kind of hard to be disappointed about the ending of already disappointing series. I was too expecting a twist but it was just Dr. Jin returning to the present and saving Mi na.
Of course, I watched the Japanese version and it had one of the greatest moving ending I have ever seen. I cried both times I have watched it and I am a guy.
I think that RY and MN were linked and he was right that by saving RY in the past, it saved MN in the present - that is why so many times with the defibrillator... each time representing a time he saved RY.
Hope everyone has (or had, depending on where you live) a good Friday!
So, Gaksital killed me for the gazillionth time, but in an oh-so-good way. Caught up on four new dramas in the past week. If Gaksital is the love of my life, then Answer Me, 1997 is that one summer fling that unapologetically took me by surprise. Love all the characters, and it's always refreshing when there is nobody I dislike in a drama. If I didn't know that some of the actors are idol stars, I never would have guessed it. The acting is great, the threads between the characters poignant and aw-inducing. I just wish the episodes became available faster because these half-hour episodes ain't enough!
Faith, Arang and the Magistrate, and Haeundae Lovers are the other dramas I've watched, and none of them have me hooked right now. These are the kind of dramas that will take me a few more episodes to get into, which is fine. I will go along with them, because, um Lee Min-ho, Kim Kang-woo, and Lee-jun-ki (whose appeal I never got until now)? Yeah, three solid reasons to keep watching. Their leading ladies are great as well (I think I'm developing a girl crush on Jo Yeo-jung). But I am really anticipating the relationship between Arang and Eun-oh. I'm going to love the epicness of it and hope it delivers.
Yep! Been killed by Gaksital for the gazilionth time too over here! *raises hand* oh, and I'm also notoriously known as the girl who swears and screams at her iPhone screen now because of Gaksital.
Btw, I don't know how the show will play out with the remaining 6 episodes. Who's going to take down Kinpei? It's gonna be hard to get into the chairman at this rate.
~why isn't it Wednesday already?
"~why isn’t it Wednesday already?" I will tell you why: because some of us have barely started the weekend, and we would like to reallyyyyyy enjoy it. Wednesday will come soon enough, just be patient :-)
I was hoping that the Eyeliner Comrade dude would come back and save Gaksital. I don't think anyone is gonna beat this guy with a sword, and EC dude had a gun.
Picture a scene like in Raiders of the Lost Ark. You know, Indy in the market place with scary sword twirling guy. Just pull out the gun and shoot him! :)
That EC guy is so cool. *sigh*. Aaaanyway, I agree that no one can take him down in sword fight, so yes EC guy should shoot him, with silver bullet, you know just in case.
Loving Faith so far. Not sure about Arang and the Magistrate.
Off topic, I know several of you have talked about going to teach English in Korea. My friend's daughter and friend went there this week, recruited for such jobs, and ended up being a an icky situation and had to dash. Apparently other teachers have had to to do the same. Now they are free floating there. Any place for info on reliable English teaching jobs in Korea (or unreliable ones so they can avoid them?)
As for me my time in China has come to an end which only means one thing: I AM GOING TO SEOUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so so rediculous excited even though I am completely exausted.... Karaoke until 3am is not a great idea...
Well let me rephrase that... it is an EXCELLENT idea... however maybe not the best if you actually have things to do the nest day... ^sigh^
But I'm gonna miss all my lovely new friends here :(
Anyway back to my packing which I have naturally left to 10pm in preparation to my 7am departure to airport...
Anyway I am gonna have a great week!!!!!!!! <3<3<3
Hello everyone. I'm really enjoying faith. I think I'm already addicted. I just love ruthless genius swordsmen with good manners.
Then there's five fingers I'm looking forward to mainly because JCW looks so amazing in the stills/trailers.
This season is going to be sooo busy.
Does anyone remember the name of the drama or movie where the hero could not feel any pain and the heroine was ultra sensitive to it? I was kind of interested in watching it but it fell out of my radar and I'm not sure if it ever aired or not.
Hello everybody! Happy Friday. This is my first entry in an OT, well, technically, it's the second, cause my first one got sucked into the digital Nirvana somehow ... No great loss, all I was moaning about was the simultaneous start of shows accross multiple stations ...
is it just me or has that problem become ... accentuated?? more good (or let's say enjoyable) dramas at the same time?
I've been a KDrama addict for over two years now, but there used to be many dry spots, in which I would marathon 'old' stuff. Now, I can't even keep up with all the current dramas! Faith, Arang, some skipping though Haeundae Lovers, just dropped Golden Time (absolutely no development there), and I don't find the time to start on Gaksital!! That's on the top of my list, but there's also 'White Christmas', 'Ghost', 'Tree with Deep Roots', 'Hero', 'Time between Dog and Wolf' and 'Dong Yi'.
Right now I'm waiting for so many " on the air" shows .
I like watching finished shows buts it's hard not to get caught up in a current show if it's good.
Plus, I'm always picking up more from recommendations or perhaps a random stumble across something.
The wife and I have been watching K Dramas for about a year. We've branched out to include Chines drams and J-Dramas as well. Well, J-Dramas for me anyways .
ha! I'm strictly keeping to KDrama. not because I'm not curious about J- or H- or T- or C- or XY-Dramas... but because I simply couldn't manage them all...
It's great that you share KDrama with your wife, cause my husband simply doesn't 'get' my addiction!
(he has promised to watch a drama with me one of these days, and he chose TEN, which I've already seen and loved. so I am keeping my fingers crossed :))
You and your husband should watch Gaksital together, he might like it. There is also City Hunter, if he liked Ten, just a suggestion,and you could go from there.
I wanted to ask you: what are XY-Dramas? What does XY mean here? Have a great weekend :-)
XY stands for 'anykind'. I meant to say I'm generally crazy about TV shows - probably because I did not have a TV when I was growing up? - but currently, I prefer the K-variety and I'll stick to KDrama, because THAT addiction is time consuming enough!
True about Gaksital, good idea! Let's hope I get him to watch Ten, then we might try Tree with Deep Roots (he might like saeguks) or Gaksital. City Hunter: I fear he wouldn't like LMH. But you know, I'll keep watching KDramas even without my husband, so .. his loss if he doesn't want to watch with me!! ^_^
Like John, I mix old and new. For old you can find the entire series already subbed, but you miss the discussions around the new episodes. Kind of like watching a new movie in the theater versus waiting for blu-ray.
After a rather dull start, things are defnitely heating up in the KDrama world! Sometimes, I end up chosing to pause a current show to play catch-up with other things, then resume it and marathon-watch it until I catch up with the current episode. It's not the smoothest way to go, but it works for me and my lifestyle.
Hi Shukmeister! Yes, I agree on the 'discussion' bit - and I guess Dramabeans is to blame for my change in viewing behaviour! Interacting/sharing this obsession with other is awesome and obviously, it works best with current dramas. However, I might try your 'pause-then-marathon' strategy, seems a clever way of making sure to spend limited time on the right stuff :)
What I'm surprised about Faith and Arang is the comedy factor! I didn't think Faith would be laugh-out-loud hilarious at times. But I love it!
In the ep 2 recap of Arang, stars4u suggested a mashup of Arang and Gaksital.... does anyone have ideas they would like to share x) ?
My imagination:
Arang and the Bridal Mask
Gaksital uses the help of Eun Oh’s ability to communicate with ghosts to scare the Japanese police every time he needs to carry out a mission. Not only does Shunji have to worry about Kang To being Gaksital, but he also has to find out why it seems like there are ghosts that haunt the station. I guess he can be with Mok Dan now, because Gaksital falls in love with Arang!
Totally totally totally LOVING Faith and Arang!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!! Two great shows! Loved them both for similar and dissimilar reasons. I love the ghost-world-mythos of Arang. Haven't seen much of the Faith mythos yet but am trusting it'll be solid. I laugh out loud more at Faith and I cannot keep my eyes off the perfect warrior bod of Lee Min Hot. But Arang touches my heart more. (They both are great but there is something about a little lost ghost wraith that gets me everytime...and there is so much to discover. A story that's a lot of paranormal AND mystery. AND humor! And Romance! Perfect! Plus boy looking for his mom.... yeah, I'm hooked. In Faith, there isn't much of a mystery. We know who the mole is already. And I would've liked to hate the mole for a couple more episode but she was dispatched fairly quickly. And the rest is mostly known. So it's not really a mystery. So far the mysteries in Faith are: Is Wul Da Chi Choi going to die by the end of the year? Is he seriously infected with something that's gonna be a problem? Does he really have to die sometime because he didn't keep his promise? How is Doctor going to return to Present-Day Gangnam? And how many times? Will she do some major Dr Jin type damage? Will she have to repair stuff..as Boong Do had to?
Other than that, I'm trying to catch up on Chuno and Legend because folks here mentioned and praised them!
Waiting for The Chaser to be subbed.
Trying to get back into Ghost.
Was in editing hell but after I sent off the novel to the editor, I sat back and spent the entire day watching dramas.
Have a great weekend, all!~
Hi Carole!
Just wanted to comment on ghost mythology in Arang, because I've been thinking about it for a while now. What do you think of Arang having most of the abilities that normal people would have, except for, you know, not being visible to everyone and being dead? She can change clothes, get wet in the rain and touch a hot guy if she wants to. Do you think it's too good of a deal? Not saying it's bad, just...fairly unusual for ghosts!:)
I remember reading about how the writers of Being Human had to decide on what aspect of vampire lore they would use. I'm pretty cool with a screenwriter making stuff easy for themselves as long as they stick to their mythos and don't go forgetting stuff. Having watched way too many personal accounts of ghosts, I'm not sure what ghosts can or can't do. I like it though that they put a lot of the onus on the human characters...and the different ways humans can know/interact with ghosts.
I did wonder why she was cold to the touch when he tried to sleep and then wasn't so cold later. Really bad about that insatiable hunger though. Korean ghosts seem to be like Jamaican ghosts; in Jamaica old folks would put out food for the departed (especially the evil angry departed) and Jamaican ghosts could also make love if I recall. Not sure about the full moon ghost thing. In Jamaica ghosts were especially active at Ninth night, the ninth day after they died.
Weird we haven't seen any evil ghosts yet in Arang, but that might come later. I like the reaper and wondering what his sister issues are...and how and why some ghosts become reapers. I forget which movie I saw..but in it, ghosts could become reapers for whatever crimes.
If you'd like to see a twist on this type of drama, here's one coming out called Ma Boy starring Kim So Hyun that's about a boy pretending to be a girl!
Any kind of cross dressing works for me, even if it's like a Tootsie, Mrs. Doubtfire type of thing. I will have to at least watch the first episode of this.
Haha - I totally agree with you, -K. Coffee Prince was my first, most loved drama, and You're Beautiful was hysterical. I will definitely have to at least check out To the Beautiful You (and will probably, hopefully, become addicted!)
Same here. As with KL, however, my favourite cross-dressing show is Coffee Prince, and I think it's the fact that the heroine was so indifferent about her looks/what people thought about her as opposed to cross-dressing is what makes it different from the other shows/dramas to me. Maybe I just love tombyish heroines...
PS. and i'm definitely not going to watch the last episode because i love HN2 comments. No pressure on you girl, i guess you're taking your time because the episode was freaking insane with aliens included! hahaaa
you watched the episode??? i guess your curiosity was stronger than mine. and you are right, reading the recap is just for clousure and loyalty to HN2' efforts...
In a way, yeah I guess I watched it, although I only watched the last 5 minutes or something. It still didn't make any sense! But then it's Jin, and it shouldn't make any sense.
yeah, I've been waiting for the recap as well. I haven't been watching Dr Jin though, just kinda hooked on the recaps. I'm assuming the long wait for the recap is that there was so much to recover from.
yes! that's truth, i always read but never posted anything and is pretty cool.
my list of TV guilty pleasures is pretty long... I think the problem is my conscience, like when i used to watch dawson's creek or jersey shore i thought "girl, this show is sooooo shallow/stupid/nonesense/etc. but i like it ^^' " and kept watching.
HIIIIIIIII EVERYONE! I AM ADVERTISING lol. LOOK AT ME!
OK, so a friend of mine is auditioning to be a dancer in Justin Bieber's Believe Tour and it would mean the world to me if you guys would check out his video and maybe leave him a comment :D! Or share it with others. If he doesn't get to be a dancer for the tour I'd at least like him to gain some exposure since he wants to make dance his career and is one of the most passionate people I know. (He's also asian! How fitting!)
ALSO! How is everyone doing? I'm good. Watching A Gentleman's Dignity and just suffered through episodes 14 & 15, trying not to hurdle things across the room.
SO SAD that Med School Year II has started or else i would be binging on KDRAMAS...*sigh*... so m only watching one kdrama at a time so m watching Gaskital...only on episode 4 but m soooooo in love with this show....n Joo Won! Never thought that kid could look so pretty...but here he is making my already full kdrama hunks heart swoon...lol
Finally watched I Need Romance season 2 n never have i been so unsure as to who the lead lady was going to end up with!!
Also watch Flower Boy Ramen Shop...n that is such a sweet and amazing drama...I must say TVN had been stepping up their game lately...
PS hows this for showing my love for BIBBANG.....the band that got me into KPOP...im going to the Nov. 9th concert in NJ...however i have 2 exams that Monday
No, not the day before!!!! I'm pretty sure I have plans that day (must search through pile of mail for the invitation), and the reason I really wanted to go to the concert was to meet the noonas (and because I think the noonas need to add a halmoni to the group!)
Some of us are traveling up Thursday, so we are doing a bit of a get-together. I think the big one will probably be the meal before the concert on Friday. You're in my twitter box, so just stay tuned for more updates as everyone finalizes the plans!
And everyone is dong-gap to me. We are all 29, just with different years of experience. LOL
Questions, first wats DBOT????, second when and where is this dinner before the concert, I would like to be in on this, please email me at [email protected] and third can I come to this dinner even though m not a noona, I turn 22 on Tuesday...
DBOT is my shorthand for DramaBeans Open Thread. I call us Noonas because, as a whole, we are slightly slightly older than the marjority of Beanuts. lol
I've sent you an email as a follow up. At this point in time, there are several of us staying a few days past the concert, so it's still flexible.
:O! The 2NE1 concert in NJ is happening right now actually.
I'm going to do my very best to make the Big Bang NJ concert. I'm not sure of my schedule but it might be during first term finals :/. It is a sacrifice I'm willing to make!
I almost feel kind of left out since I'm no noona :<.
There are a fairly decent percentage of KDrama fans that are thinking about going, so just keep an eye out!
My plans are to travel north, eat unusual foods, meet people, see pretty boys sing, and then travel south with a suitcase of goodies from Little Italy and Chinatown.
Dried squid is optional.
Happy Friday everyone!!! It has been forever since I have come to the OT, and I was new to begin with, but its good to be back. I have not been able to go through everyone's comments yet, so if I repeat someone... I am sorry!
First off, To the Beautiful You. I know I am going to love this show. It reminds me so much of You're Beautiful, which is one of my top k-dramas. A gril, who still looks and acts like a girl while pretending to be a boy. A dark brooding first lead male with parent issues. Another boy, who cannot figure out the leads a girl so he thinks he's becoming gay. It may have already been used, but it never gets old! I do realize this show is based off a manga, so I will not harass it for copying. As for the acting, I will give it time. I did not have high hope for the acting in this show to begin with, and I am pretty lenient when it comes to this category. If this tells anything BOF and Playful Kiss are two of my favorite k-dramas. I am sure this show cannot do worse then them. I just like cute stories, so as long as I find the story enjoyable (and SOMEWHAT believable) I have no problems watching lousy acting.
AND Faith.... sigh. This is going to be my crack. Its not just that it has Lee Min-ho (although that never hurts), but it reminds me a lot of Avatar and I miss that show. I also like how the dynamics of the show can change so fast. One moment your in this serious situation, and the next your busting a gut from laughing too hard. Two episodes a week is not going to be enough.
I have also been keeping up with Answer Me 1997, which I love. I have not tried Haeundae Lovers, is it worth giving it a shot? I cannot decide.
Finally, off topic. When I am in a bad mood this video ALWAYS cheers me up, no fail. Because who cannot resist the suju boys acting like the snsd girls :)
I watched the video, against my better judgment: K-pop is so weird, but I think that's why I love it. : )
As for HL (which I talked about in my comment, #26), it's a total ball of fluff, but it's so much fun. Kim Kang-woo really throws himself into the comedy and is hilarious. Who knew, right? I'd never seen him prior to HL, but I've always heard of him as a very serious, serious actor, so it's fun to see him go all-out with the funny.
Becca - I have never heard of Kim Kang-woo before, but if the show is a comedy then I will have to give it a try.
Maya - Yeah, I meant Avatar: The Last Airbender. I am so happy I was not the only one who made that connection. I told my brother this show was like the korean live action version of Avatar (with out the element bending, or at least not yet).
Yes! Yes! Yes! It's the live action version of Avatar! :D LMH's superpower kind of resembles the element bending, the way he shot the lightning from his hand. The costumes were another reminder as well.. :)
kim kang woo is best remembered as the excellent villain in a man's story. I really loved to loathe and admire him in a man's story. I want a man's story chingus! what are you kids doing not watching it!
Maya- I do not know why, but the villain that plays the flute also reminds me of something Avatar would have done.
ahjummabunny- I am sorry, I have never heard of it. I have only been in the korean drama/music scene for about a year, and get most of my info here. But since you recommend it so highly I will have to watch it! :) I also really want to watch The Classic, I heard that was really good. I saw Sunny and really enjoyed that movie, but Cyrano Agency is still my favorite.
First: Gaksital Gaksital Gaksitaaaaal! Seriously, Show, why are you so awesome? I know you're not perfect, but you more than make up for that by sending my heartrate through the roof every five minutes. And that's in a comparatively dull episode.
Watched the first episodes of Faith and TTBY. It's early to say anything definite, but I like what I see, and I'm looking forward to watching more this weekend. I'm still watching Answer Me, 1997, and it's still awesome. I'm watching at Dramafever, though, so I'm a little behind.
On the other hand, I am totally caught up on Haeundae Lovers, and yes, it's cheesy and full of flaws, but I'm pretty sure I love it. It feels like another version of Kid Gang, but without all of the crass, gross-out humor (and without the baby, obviously) and with more focus on the things I actually care about: the has-been gangsters and the determined but inept prosecutor who gets mixed up with them. It even has amnesia!
Finally: ARANG AND THE MAGISTRATE!!! YES! I've been excited about this one since day one, and I'm going to marathon the first two episodes tonight. Can't wait! *does happy dance*
Happy OT Friday, everyone! I hope you all have a great weekend!
There's my Kid Gang buddy! I think you'll really like HL. : )
By the way, I've watched the first two episodes of Once Upon a Time in Saengchori (how do we shorten that? OUTS? OUaTiS?). I like it so far, but there are so many current dramas I want to see that I'm not speeding through it. (People keep telling me there's something called "Real Life," too, but I'm having trouble finding information on that drama. I guess I'll just put it on my "To Watch Later" list.) Thanks for the recommendation!
lol- let me know if you find out about "real life". I think it might be an interesting drama. I usually call it Saengchuri or "sanctuary." I'm only watching 1 currently airing drama and I'm 3 weeks behind ( olympics delays included) and I have a gazilllion on my to watch list while also watching at least 4 other old ones. I think I can start haeundae in 3 weeks.
I'm late due to my recapping a 2006 KDrama called "18 vs 29". Had a little trouble with my blog and my laptop getting into a little tiff, but it's resolved (for now). So Episodes 1, 2, and 3 are done!
I also watched the beginning of Faith and Arang. Of the two, I think I'm liking Faith a bit more, mostly because of Lee Phillip [drool], but the strong supernatural aspects of both really appeal to me.
Finished watching AGD post-Olympics, and I thought they did a terrific job with the loose ends, although I wouldn't mind seeing MS/JR fully back together, or one scene where Meahri isn't tearing up for whatever reason (okay I understand it's your wedding night, but so much sleepy eye candy is before you, and you'll have your husband for the rest of your life!)
Scoping out a few Thai shows, and working on my next manuscript. Oh, and a bit of Real Life here and there.
8-)
Shukmeister, I remember you from some of the AGD recaps :) so what's your (and other's) verdict on the show as a whole?
I was crazy about it from the start, but lost interest somehow in the latter part. I haven't even watched the last two episodes with subs; I just skipped through them raw. I'm concluding that the show wasn't really all that great after all - so I must have been in a JDG craze! ... and that spell was broken by the Olympic-break. :-) Though I definitely like KDramas that target my age group (including saeguk's) much better than KDrama like TTBY.
I agree that the momentum slowed with the birth secrets and came to halt with the Olympics, but overall, I think the final two episodes did a credible job of tying up the ends, which not every series has done [cough cough Big cough QIHM cough Jin cough whups there's a lung...] ;-)
Using my previous (and stolen from JB) stickiness scale I would rate it about a 7. I wanted to see the ending, but I'm not so sure I'll watch it more than one more time (marathon it, then say goodbye).
One good thing about it (and the actors) is that I've started looking at other works they've done, most notably JDG's movie career. I just secured a copy of "My Way" and watched "A Warrior's Way" about a month or so ago. But all of them have good shows under their belts well worth rewatching. Okay, maybe not Athena. ;-)
yes, I can agree on a 7 ... maybe I'd even go up to 8? and so true about JDG! I'm not Korean and fairly new to the KDrama world (hooked for about two years) so I had not heard of JDG before. Unbelievable, really ;-) I also tried to get my hands on everything JDG right away, hehe. Haven't watched Warriors Way yet, it seems a bit ... well ... I'm a bit afraid my newfound JDG crush might suffer.
It's interesting that I often don't watch the last two episodes. Why? not sure. didn't watch to last two of QIHM (good thing, I suppose!), of IDID, of Chuno, etc. I'll have to think about WHY for the next OT!!
JDG's expressions caused many a drop of milk to spray onto my keyboard. My favorite was the pursed lips when he pretended to be shocked, especially with the twinkle in his eye.
Warrior's Way was bad on many levels, it's true, but I watched it before the Bathrobe Mambo, so it was intriguing to see his forehead. My Way is a lot more intense, so I'm taking it in dribs and drabs as time permits.
He's a classic example of K-men: in their early years, they seem all soft and round in their faces, but then they develop stronger, more angular features that somehow look better! Check out early photos of JDG, CSW, or pretty much any actor near or past 40. Then speculate what Lee Seung-gi's babyface will look like in 10 years.
yes, I noticed about the soft, round faces! and since I'm closer to 40 than 20, I do appreciate the beauty of more mature Korean men... I have wondered before whether I'll keep watching KDrama as crazily as I have the last two years in the future and how it will be to see some of the currenty 'babies' (the 20-something generation) age and develop!
Hi Shukmeister! You just reminded me that I forgot to download 18 vs. 29. Looks like I'm going to be on a "yung'uns" kick for a while with all the other new shows, haha. Or maybe I should just put it away for a rainy day and stick to your recaps.
Your energy is amazing, girl. I don't know how you find the time to keep up with all your writing, let alone drama watching!
I'm too afraid to slow down; I'm pushing 50, an 50's pushing back. lol
Luckily my job has enough downtime for me to write my original works, even though I have no internet and can't watch shows at work.
I hope you enjoy the recaps! They won't be DB Goddess perfection, but still be a good represenation! Another one I'm trying is "Baby-Faced Beauty" recapped and novelized into short stories. An excerpt of this project is also on my site.
Jury's still out on both Faith and Arang for me. Hopefully they'll draw me in next week, but if not at least I'll have time to study like I'm supposed to.
So our beautiful AGD has ended..but we can soothe our hearts with all the new starts, right?
And Gaksital can continue to give us heart attacks! Ep 22...not recommended watching for right before bed. Ask me how I know this. (yawn...so tired today.)
Watched Faith, watched Arang, watched TTBY - happy with all, will continue to watch. Faith and Arang, the funny must keep coming. LMH, I am so getting you. Mane of Glory, Hand of ..hmm. Do not go there. Anyway dude, you look GOOD in Goryeo Warrior Wear. Keep that look. And your deadpan delivery is very funny. Dae Man, I love you, you cute fuzzy headed parkouring monkey boy.
Watched RMPW (Oguri Shun crying is...sigh....wierd hair cut and all, OS, you are something to see.) YOKO. Get the F away from him. I can't hate her because so far, she seems nice. But her brother is SERIOUSLY creepy. Can't get a handle on him. He loves Hyuga, I think, but he's disappointed in him? Is this why he's being the way he is? It's not simply money.
Watched AM1997. This show is so adorable that I'm nostalgic for a history and a culture that isn't even a tiny molecule of anything part of my own. And I have listened to Seo In Guk sing Shake It Up at least 50 times this week. Plus most of his other stuff at least once. And watched some of the talent show where he was discovered. Shall we just say that their training program hath wrought great changes in that boy. I would NOT have known they were the same person.
New to me this week but of course, not new at all: B2ST or however you spell them. Wow - listened to two full albums on Youtube and...yeah. I like them.
In other news: Niel is now 18! It's still so wrong...but at least I'm not going to jail. And I heard from my real-life potential new friend from the Korean restaurant. Yay! Daughter got a job and has a plan for her new dream, which is to move to Portland and make art and music. Sigh. 19 is so awesome. It doesn't last long. I'm glad the past few years have taught me to take a long view with her, who I love dearly and trust to do the right thing for herself no matter how long it takes to get there.
Your previous comments on the mane of glory on LMH made me decide to download the first 2 episodes of Faith, but now there are so many other dramas I want to start that Faith may have to sit on the back burner a bit. Although if it's funny, I'm more inclined to watch it, since I just seem to want mindless shows that make me laugh at the moment.
Re: RMPW - yeah, Yoko's brother IS creepy (and I kind of liked him in the beginning.) I think the whole bit with the lead girl and him is kind of weird.
"Watched AM1977. This show is so adorable that I’m nostalgic for a history and a culture that isn’t even a tiny molecule of anything part of my own." Wow, this is a good enough advertisement for me. Now I must add another one to my list!
I think Yoko is creepy, and I'm convinced that nothing she tells Hyuga is the truth. What Im unsure of is whether she's in cahoots with her self-gimpy brother. Hopefully this week's epi will get Hyuga's suspicion radar operational.
I read that he's been offered the male lead in Cheongdamdong Alice. I'm not really interested in the premise (sounds pretty average, and it's a weekend drama), but, hey, it's Park Shi-hoo, so I'd give it a chance.
hehe, saw that too ... I'm still kind of hoping he goes for a less average drama (but nothing against weekend, I liked AGD quite a lot for the most part). his return (to Dramaland, I hope!!) seems imminent, though, the press release said he was considering several offers
Right there with you. I've decided that if Joo Won doesn't take the lead in the Level 7 Civil Servant drama, I want PSH to do it. No ifs, ands, or buts.
I'm still on the fence about park shi hoo. i know it's pathetic that I still think of him as that clingy second lead from which star did you come from, but I just keep getting called away from princess man before I get to like him.
that's the only PSH drama I haven't seen... guess I have to be grateful for that :)
He's my first love... or maybe that was Bi/Rain? Anway, PSH is my one LASTING love (though I have developed many others every since I first saw him in Prosecutor Princess)
@Ahjummabunny, the first time I saw him was in TPM, and I could not see the appeal. UNTIL he made his appearance with the mane of glory and the hot warrior apparel (wipes drool from mouth!) I didn't like him as much in PP, and was surprised to read somewhere that he was voted Korea's best looking male. This is one case where I really feel the hair makes the man!
ZOMG me three!! I skimmed through this page and when I saw PSH everywhere, I thought, ooohh, Raine must be on this thread~~ Well, either way, she's going to be so happy there's so much PSH love!!
Park Shi Hoo!!!!!! Sigh
He is also my first true drama love. Sigh (I sigh a lot when talking about PSH). Will watch him in anything, can't wait till he comes back to dramaland!!
loved all the kdramas that premiered this week..
but i like arang and the magistrate over faith more..
cute shin min ah and lee junki, love their chemistry..
to the beautiful you is okay, liked that it has so many eye candies..
i'm still watching gaksital, unexpected you, i'll give you the moon and the stars,
i'm also watching heundae lover's, reply 1997, golden time,
jdramas that i'm tuning into..
i loving rich man poor woman and sprout..
finished with i do i do, ghost, AGD, timeslip dr. jin
whew... too many dramas ... too little time... hahaha, i read this all the time and its true...^^
Yeah, Meahri's waterworks got a lot of people to turn off or fast forward, but I still liked the drama, maybe because I could squeee without feeling like a pedophile. lol
I'm not watching Answer, but I know there's discussion upthread.
Hey Beanies, happy OT! It’s been a good week! The weather’s cooled down significantly (almost 25 degrees) so Wednesday when it was raining I tried making kimchi chigae. I’d say it was a success because there weren’t leftovers. It was only my 3rd time eating kimchi and 2nd time eating tofu and my roommates had never tried either so it was an adventure. Next week’s culinary adventure will be homemade frybread for Indian tacos, I can’t wait!!
I also have convinced my roommates an internet upgrade/change is needed, so soon (perhaps even by next week) we will have consistent, reliable, and fast internet (if we can get it out here). We’ll need it for our online classes, or so I said…
I’m very excited for Arang and the Magistrate. I love historical shows (former history major) and really love the religious/fairytale/ legend/myth/fantasy aspects (soon to be religions and mythology major). I’m wondering how it’s all going to pan out. Will it turn out well? Usually I don’t ask those questions until I’ve seen at least a few episodes but just on the recaps alone I want to know. And it looks so pretty! It finally clicked in my head who Lee Jun-Ki was: the guy from the King and the Clown (current film minor) and other stuff. I’m terrible with names.
Right now I’m watching Brain. My god I love the acting of Shin Ha-kyun. He makes me want to act again. I’m excited to watch Festival because he plays such a serious asshole in Brain it’ll be even funnier to see him in a comedy.
The antelope was gone all week until my parents came for a visit yesterday. It’s like that antelope can sense my dad’s crazy antics to chase him away and stays to egg my dad on. It was hilarious to watch my dad sneak and snoop and hide behind things he was too big for, try to throw things like dirtclumps (don’t worry he intentionally missed or so my dad says), holler, and run around like a 5 year-old except for the beard that kept blowing in his face. Finally after about 20 minutes the antelope snickered (I swear!!) and left…going right next door.
I’m pretty sure the neighbor with the defective rooster that crows starting in the afternoon got a goat. Also the neighbor next to them got a pig and more horses. When the rooster crows it starts a whole chain reaction of animal noises ala Old MacDonald…
P.s. Any news on the BIGBANG concerts? Is it still happening in CA and NJ?
Neither venue shows it on their site yet, and I haven't found any ticket seller with it even mentioned, but the 2NE1 concert in NJ tonight didn't have tickets on sale until less than a month out.
Whether or not BB comes to NYC metro, a group of Movie Noonas plan to get together that weekend and have a Korean Koffee Klatch somewhere in that vicinity.
No other US tourdates have been mentioned. I had hoped they would show up in DC myself.
With all those animals in the area, you're just one donkey short of the Bremmen Town Musicians. Maybe the antelope can audition. 8-)
Tons of premiers! Haven't watched To the Beautiful You, but saw Arang and Faith. Tentative interest but no outright love for both. I love how gorgeously shot Arang is but slapstick isn't my thing, and I like the story in Faith but the direction is all over the place.
Loving Answer Me 1997 --whyyyy are the subs so slow! *checks dramafever for the nth time* Gotta say, the cable networks are knocking it out of the park recently.
Yeah, lots of exciting premiers, both happening now and waiting in the wings. I'm liking Faith and Arang, although neither has qualified for crack status yet. I'm reserving that for VP2, I think. So far, the teasers have been tantalizing!
Happy OT everybody! I actually have time this morning to comment , which is rare since I am usually swamped with experiments at work.
Ahh I have a shorter day today as I will be going to a pretty fancy restaurant directly after work for my brother's big 3-0 bday today.
Haven't been able to catch any of the new dramas yet (probably this sunday) but did get to skim through episode 1 of To the beautiful you out of curiosity and verdict is pretty much I will be dropping the drama after this episode. I have read the manga ad nauseum already and have seen the two remakes so I wasn't going to check it out at all as I am tired of the story already but my curiosity got the better of me. It is a very pretty drama, like really pretty, but overall I find the OTP rather boring with Minho being Minho and Sulli, while less hysterical ,reminding me of a less bug eyed version of goo hye sun and a not as natural version of Coffee Prince's Go Eun Chan ( I mean do we need to really be blowing on our bangs all of the time?). Add to that the lack of connection and context between scenes also bothers me ( since I am familiar with the story I know how the scenes connect but for someone who hasn't read the story it wouldn't be as easy to figure out). It doesn't help that I overall have a strong distaste for SMent and this has SMent written all over it . But to people who like it, its a fun story and I hope you enjoy but sadly I will pass on this one.
Caught the press con for Five fingers and I simply cannot wait for the drama even though I typically avoid the makjang genre. Eunjung looked so sad and tired but I am glad that she gets along with the cast and they seem to be there for her. Although I think Chae Si Ra's character will be the central character of the drama I look forward to the love triangle as both the male leads visually look good with Eunjung and the three of them seem to have a good relationship with one another on set, how this will actually play out on film I sadly won't know till September when the adults start to show up in the drama. Also I am absolutely ecstatic to have joo ji hoon back on my screen, I forgot how much I missed his voice, its oh so nice. Both him and Chang Wook have these really nice deep voices that are so pleasant to the ears.
I really want to see Arang and the Magistrate but I have been watching mostly Shark week when I get home from work now that the olympics are finished. I don't think I will check out Faith, it just looks to silly to me and as hot as I think Lee Min Ho is, his dramas have been overall misses for me so if I check it out it will be in marathon format after it finishes.
As for american shows, Newsroom is serving as a worthy replacement for my Game of Thrones which finished its season a couple months ago. Other than that I don't really watch american tv.
Anyways hope everyone has an awesome day! I probably won't be commenting next week as I will be going to LA for a 2ne1 concert but I hope every has an awesome week =)
Most of the summer dramas have ended and it is a good time to grade. Watched most of the big dramas (6 current plus 1 older), so I am a little burnt out and will probably watch just a couple in the new cycle.
Dr. Jin D- I had so big hopes for this drama after loving the Japanese version. It was so bad it almost was a comedy. Bad production values, poor directing, poor acting. Half the plot that was boring. Can't believe I watched the whole thing.
Big C- The other drama I was looking forward to and left disappointed. Gong Yoo was excellent but the rest not so much. The ending was....
I do, I do B This year's Baby face Beauty, a work place romantic comedy. Kim Sun Ah was great as usual. Tackled some big issues like single motherhood and abortion which was interesting to see. The negative of this drama was the office politics.
Gaksital!!/Bridal Mask - B+ Still airing. Didn't really like the first episodes with the brother acting retarded. But it has great action and it has been a fun ride. But 28 episodes? Sometimes too much of a good thing is too much.
Ghost B+ The surprise crack of the summer. It was a great thriller. Liked the fact that they revealed the bad guy early on.
A Gentlemen's Dignity A- Bromance! Do I have to say more? Maybe I am of the same age as the F44 so I could relate to the guys (are they looking for a 5th member?) Loved the opening scenes, mostly funny flashbacks. I know some people didn't like it, complaining about lack of plot, Colin and the whiny Me Ah Ri but I don't care, it was a fun show and I will miss the guys.
Bonus
Delightful Girl Choon Hyang - B+ The first of the Hong Sisters projects, this would be the last one I watched. It was a fun ride with lots of comedy. The two leads were good together.
Well I'm not a guy, but I sincerely would like to see more dramas with gangs of buddies like in AGD. Wasn't that majorly cool? And I also would kill to have friends like that. Just oppas would work too... lol.
I'm up for F22! Who's with me? They have jobs, and girls to catch, and college to go off to - all while their hot abeojis and samchons deal with weddings and new brides and babies and instant families. I'm saying there's a TON of material here, girls. Season 2 AGD, Season 2 AGD, Season 2 AGD!
DGCH was the first Jae Hee and the first Uhm Tae-woong show I saw, and the reason I suffered through Color of Woman, and started watching 1N2D. Not my first HS drama, though.
AGD was good to watch, and it proved that men over 40 are sexy, funny, and smart. And apparently overseas, since I can't find them on the Eastern Seaboard. lol.
It was a busy week with all the new dramas. I'm going from (somewhat) famine (with the exception of Bridal Mask) to feast again.
Here's what I'm watching:
Bridal Mask...just keeps going and going. I'm wondering what will happen after the cliffhanger twist this week.
Haeundae Lovers...such light fluffy romantic comedy fun. A nice counterbalance to the intensity of Bridal Mask.
To the Beautiful You..I'll be giving this a chance for a while. Not sure I LOVE it but willing to let it grow on me. Somehow I got the original source material confused with Ouran High School Host Club (I guess they are extremely similar concepts with sports in Hana-Kimi instead of the host club).
Faith...I did really like the first two episodes, so I'll see where this one is going, too.
On the other hand, I didn't even make it all the way through the first episode of Arang. I looked forward to this one, but I'll likely hold off till the recaps give me a taste of how the plot is developing.
During the last few weeks, I also finished "Can Love Become Money" (not bad, but seemed to run out of steam in the end), "Prosecutor Princess" (my older daughter told me I'd love this, and I did), and "City Hall" (better than expected but did seem to lag in the middle).
As far as American television, I really haven't watched much all summer. I've been watching a lot more on the Roku and iPad than cable. I do look forward to Fringe, Once Upon a Time, and the new series Revolution in the fall. And Doctor Who on BBC America in a few weeks.
Hi LizJ - I also 'watched' (but often fast forwarded) "Can Love Become Money", mainly due to YJH. I thought he was good (and pwetty!) in it and it was useful to get into the mood for Vampire Prosecutor 2. Otherwise, I thought it was a totally average, very cliché type of show.
Prosecutor Princess is one of the most surprising Korean dramas I've ever seen (and it started my love for PSH, see post above). I loved City Hall (for the most part), because of KSA (love her!) and CSW (love him!). I wish he'd do another drama soon!!
I think it's really hard for cha seung won to pick a good project after his recent popularity surge. I think if a good action drama is coming we might see him as a possibility.
While I like kim sun ah I couldn't get into I do, I do. The first episode had some nice story threads but the drinking scene- maybe if I wasn't rewatching samsoon at the time I might've been okay with it, but man. Similarly I couldn't get into when it's at night
I guess you're right about CSW - and he's at an age and at a stage in his career where picking carefully is both possible and important.
Totally agree about IDID. I fast forwarded most of it and didn't watch the last few episodes. I never blamed Kim Sun Ah for the drama's faults, however - I think she did a good job and she is just so beautiful to look at. I guess she is my favourite Korean actress. And I did think Lee Jang-Woo was SUPER CUTE. really totally adorable.
Ooh I love Once Upon a Time, I was able to meet the cast at Comic Con and they are all so nice. The costumes for the show are gorgeous and the plot interesting. Saw a lot of advertisements for Revolution at comic con as well but not sure if I will be checking it out.
I have gone for so long, left Kdramaland for a while and dove into Cdrama/TWdrama. Looks like I'm off to catch some Love Actually. I raised an eyebrow for Faith, other than that, meh.
No dramas for me this week, it was full of EXAMS!!!!
tomorrow will be the last for this week and next week will be spend watching FAITH, ARANG, and HAEUNDAE!!
Spent the week off from work suffering from a really nasty bout of flu and watching 'Greatest Love'. I know, I'm very late to the party but it pulled me and my mother who fractured her arm through a terrible week. I have been out of the k-drama loop for a while but this just reminded me why I love them so much. Any recommendations for a recently completed series?
For snappy/wityy dialogue - I Need Romance 2012 (great writing/great cast)
For something a bit older - He/The Man Who Can't Marry starring the excellent Ji Jin hee w/ a great all-around cast (in way similar to "The Greatest Love" b/c JJH's character is so eclectic - but the humor isn't as over-the-top).
Something that is ongoing - Answer Me 1997/Reply 1997 (humor here is more situational than dialogue driven, but really well done).
Happy Friday! Cheers to the freakin weekend everyone!
So I finally finished Can Love Become Money! Yay!! I really enjoyed this drama, and was on pins and needles waiting untill Ma In tak found out the truth. Overall it was a very satisfying drama. For me the make of a good drama is if you would want to keep watching the daily lives of the characters after its over. (Unlike INR2 which was good but the somehow unsatsifying especially how they tried to tie everything up with a neat little bow)
I really like how layered the characters were in this drama. Ma In Tak (Yun Jung Hoon who i now love!!) was deliciously petty, arogant, and suspicious but at the same time vunerable. (I also loved how he delivered his lines!) It was clear he was so mean to everyone as a defense mechanism believing that people only cared about him for his money. And by the end of the drama his worse fears came true regarding the people he really cared about, but by then he had learned to forgive and see that people can have competing motivations. I really liked that whole plot. It was just an all around cute and fun drama!
I am now on the Yun Jung Hoon train, and have just started Vampire Prosecutor! Any other recommendations for his dramas. I know he is East of Eden but haven't heard great things about that drama.
Otherwise watching Gakistal, RMPW, and started and enjoying Faith.
Naw on the dramas, I watched (or tried to) some of the older stuff (like Jejungwon or East of Eden) but didn't get very far ... Recently, I came across the movie "Love in Magic", which is enjoyable and cute, so you could watch that. It's up on Mysoju. And of course, there's the famous "Daddy-Long-Legs" (incl. Ha Ji-Won), I guess that's a must see (though I hate that kind of story).
I watched Can Love Become Money solely for YJH, and I was actually amazed how dedicated he was to his role. So, while I didn't think it was a good drama (I hated the clichés), I loved Ma In Tak. And I am SO looking forward to Vampire Prosecutor 2! I've marked the day in my calendar ...
Omo! I just found this in YouTube today: Gangnam Style Gaksital. I loled so much when I watched this, esp since it's rare to get something comedic from Gaksital these days. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55c1mOr4Zwk
Hey, RealKDramaaddict!
I am watching Beloved too! Actually, Ive been since the first episode and I still don't have an opinion about it. If I am not wrong, I started watching because of Choi Yeo Jin, but liked also other characters. The story is not very original, but presented in quite a fresh way, so I keep watching. And looking at JinSe doesn't hurt either :).
Oh, I forgot about one character I would like to put on the hitlist: Ran. She is shameless enough to barge in a life of a married couple and stupid enough to meet the wife and say she won't give the house away, although she knows the husband (technically ex-) doesn't feel the same as her.
Weird, but I think it's a perfect example of a sticky drama - you keep watching, but why?
Hi Ajummabunny! It is not really angsty, otherwise I wouldn't watch an episode ... It seems quite realistic to me. Just one character makes me want to use foul language ;)
But they do the stupid parts well! Recently I realized there are two types of stupid characters: some of them make you impatient and provoke you to curse at them and want to teach them a lesson with your fists. The other ones are convincing and make you accept the fact that they aren't the brightest bulbs. Isn't JinSe a typical second type fool?
I know, Ran is a shameless, selfish, and delusional. I don't excuse her because she is young.
Jin Se is very handsome. Chan Joo looks much older than him, unfortunately. Beloved runs in circles and there is not much humor or any other distractions from the heartache. It's addictive though.
oh I thought it looked, ooked and sounded like que sera sera. I haven't watched any episodes yet. Dramafever always seems to insist on strangling me when I'm counting on them for episodes so I'm waiting until there are more. how is kim min joon? is he likable, a mean guy type?
Kim Min Joon? He is kind of meh. Posturing, not emoting much. I am not impressed with the second leads. Dramafever has 15 episodes up. I watched the last one raw. Won't spoil it for you.
Right now I regret watching it. But I still want to talk about Beloved, go figure.
Kopytko, if you really want to see a good, moving drama, find Alone in Love. You won't regret spending time on AIN and it will move you beyond anything. And some of it is very funny and light.
OK, I don't know about skillfully tempting, but it Alone in Love is funny, frustrating, honest, and absolutely not slow in its development. It is more addictive than anything else I watched lately. How is that for a sales pitch?
Oh, the male lead has no shower scenes, is not athletic, but he is fun and manly. A lot of bickering. Very real.
... that wasn't the finale. Most people get confused, because every week there airing two half hour episodes back to back. Some sites say that it only has 8 episodes and other site list every episode at 30 minutes.
There are 16 half an hour episodes, only 8 already aired. We are only half way through.
I hope this minimizes your disappointment a bit.^^
Hmm I don't know if anyone watched My Queen, it's kind of dragging at times ,but Ethan Ruan is pretty cute! The chemistry of both leads are right on. Well I guess I liked the story premise coming from a woman in her thirties( not late thirtys * coughs*) . I'm really liking RMPW now,looking forward to watching it till the end. On Kdramaland? Hmm, no throwing stones please , but I can't seem to find any interesting drama out there yet to watch. I think I'll just marathon them all at once and skip to the cute parts and the endings! Well, I read books and watch movies ending first anyway so no biggie .
*This is a re-posted message that got pasted in a wrong place*
Hello Everybody! How are you doing!
I’ve been on the move for a few weeks now, so I couldn’t really join in here at OT, actually I didn’t even have many possibilities to watch anything. All in all, it’s good most of my shows were pre empted for oleeeeeempics. I didn’t fret I was missing something, LOL.
So AGD, Ghost and INR2 ended. I loved all three dramas, athough the endings weren’t as good. Actually, I was OK with Ghost and INR2 – predictable but still entertaining and in a way also rewarding. AGD – meeeeeeeeeh. Too sweet. I hate, really HATE all those fancy proposals. Does anybody get really excited about that stuff? Seriously, as a cynic and a practical person I have no idea what can be so wonderful if a man makes a fool of himself, makes cliche gestures and involves other people in the process? *taming the inner cynic*
Mysti mentioned she would like to have an oppa AGD-style. I think I’ve just got one – as a frequent customer I got friendly with my mechanic-ajussi. He said he liked people who love their cars and encouraged me to ask anything about my machine ( a thirty year old one, mind you). In the meantime I had a really difficult situation with the engine, and had to be a damsel in distress (sheesh, why did I have to put on heels and a summer dress on that one day). So it’s true, that men love looking after helpless women. He did help me out and I’ve been getting VVIP treatment since then. Not that I complain, but can you imagine a mechanic who is a blend of Tae San (competent and reliable) with Jung Rok (no comment)?
As for the new offerings, I like Faith (I guess I am a LeeMinHo-lic after all, sigh) A hero who loves sleeping as much as I do - priceless!
Arang and the Magistrate - not bad, definitely, but not as good as I expected. I ff-ed, watched it in chunks and didn't feel I missed anything. But a feisty heroine played by SMA is a great treat. I am looking forward to episodes to come.
Also curious about May Queen, not so much about 5Fingers.
Hello world! I'm alive! I've moved to Colorado, I'm hustling for cello students, and trying to set up house, practice cello and all around get settled in. No drama for me pretty much all summer. It was sad. My blog fell into a sad state of neglect as did my love towards all of you, my lovely Kdrama buddies!
How is everyone? I'll be back tomorrow to check replies 'cause we're hanging up pictures and mirrors now!
Hi Raine!
I hope you'll enjoy your new place and find wonderful cello students!
Are you looking forward to 5fingers as a music themed drama? Next to being Joo Ji Hoon's post-army comeback, of course :)
Hmm, I wonder if this is why I can't watch a drama with UEE after YB... I don't even remember her scenes in that drama enough to justify my current feelings.
![[2024 Year in Review] Bean of Squee](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/beanofsquee.png)
![[K-Movie Night] A Year-End Medley](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/YearEndMedley_1-scaled.jpg)
![[2024 Year in review] Actors bringing their A-game](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Jeongnyeon1112-00182.jpg)
![[2024 Year in Review] Beanie Awards](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/beanieawards_2024.jpg)
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1 Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 6:21 AM
Happy OT!
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oftheshore
August 17, 2012 at 6:23 AM
Happy OT, Ivoire! Comment vas-tu?
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 9:58 AM
Hi OTS,
Please read below, (if you haven't already) and you will have an idea of how I feel :-). How are you ? I hope you will be able to catch up on your research and sleep less :-)...
How did that happen, that you started sleeping for 11hours? (was that 11hrs straight?) Everything OK? Should I be worried about you? :-( Please keep me posted. I will try to be back throughout the weekend.
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oftheshore
August 17, 2012 at 12:33 PM
Ivy,
I know what making tough, life-changing decisions is like, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I'm sure you'll make the right choice. Just don't stress out *too* much, OK?:) By the way, when do you have to move to your new place?
As for sleeping...well, I think I'm mentally exhausted from studies/research (including having to resolve conflicting advice from supervisors, ha!:)), and I haven't really had a proper vacation (as in, a normal break, when you don't have to do anything work- or study-related) in 4 or 5 years. No need to worry about me, I think I just need to find my question, determine the methodology and ask for a few days' break. My best friend is moving to Thailand this year, so I hope we can meet there sometime and spend a week on the beach...;)
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Hi OTS,
Thank you so much for encouraging me, I appreciate that. I will be back later to comment :-)...
Ivoire
August 19, 2012 at 2:37 PM
Hi OTS,
After much prayer, quiet time and deliberation, I did make a decision and I contacted the person to let her know. What is interesting was that I hesitated up until the time I made the call, I just wanted to make sure that it was the right thing for me to do. The way the person reacted made me feel better (she totally understood) and it was actually comforting and reassuring. I didn't expect that, and that was nice.
That decision would have had me relocating from Minnesota (where I moved from 5 years ago to live in Northern CA) and so I wanted to make sure I didn't make my decision lightly. I did live in MN for 12 years before moving to CA, so it's not as if I don't know the state. It was still a big decision to make and I am glad I gave it all the consideration that was needed.
"No need to worry about me, I think I just need to find my question, determine the methodology and ask for a few days’ break. My best friend is moving to Thailand this year, so I hope we can meet there sometime and spend a week on the beach…;)"
I am soooo sorry that you have gone through such a long period of time without a proper vacation. I do hope that you will come up with your question soon, and that you will be able to sort (with wisdom) through your advisors recommendations. I know how challenging those things can be. I think that you should keep on putting one foot in front of the other, not let yourself get discouraged, take a deep breath often and do something fun often. Hopefully that will help with you being balanced.
Do you work out? I know that when I was in school and I had exams, or challenging and time consuming papers to write, working out was really helpful and it helps release endorphins, I think. Exercising should also help with your sleep.
I also do hope that you will be able to go to Thailand soon and spend some time with your friend on the beach :-). Please be encouraged, you are making progress, even when it doesn't seem so, and you have to keep plugging away.
I hope you were encouraged by my words and that you will find and think of creative solutions to help you (mentally and emotionally) during these times.
I was thinking of moving by the end of this month, but my friend is travelling to Europe at the end of the month, and I am hoping that I could stay here during the weeks when she will be gone (2 or 3 weeks, I think). I am starting to have some opportunities (job related) in CA, after over a year of not working full time, so that is encouraging, and it is the main reason why I felt that it might be OK not to have to move to MN, after all.
I have 2 part time jobs so far, and I am trying to find more, or a full time job that pays well. I am also hoping that I will be able to have my own place at some point (I was hoping soon, but I don't know, we will see).
Speaking of move, didn't you move recently as well? How did that go? Are you all settled in and organized yet?
I hope you had a GREAT weekend :-)
Shin Haido
August 17, 2012 at 6:24 AM
Happy OT.. happy.. happy.. happy.. but i'm not happy tonight. i got dismenore :((((
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 10:07 AM
Hi Shin Haido,
I am soooo sorry to hear that you have dismenore :-( (By the way, what is that, if I may ask?) May I also ask what part of the world you are in, if it is night time for you?
I really hope things get better for you. Please take good care of yourself...
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 10:30 AM
I googled :) I guess dismenore is Turkish - and it's about monthly cramps...
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Hi Kakashi,
And thanks for googling it. The name looked familiar. That is a clever way to say what it is without really saying what it is :-).
And Oh!!!! I know about those Ugh!!!!!!. She should take some medications (Like Advil), or drink hot or warm wine or have that thick (really thick) pink rubber container where one can put water in it (hot water, preferably) in a towel and put it on her lower tummy. The heat should relax her abdominal muscles and that should help, I hope. Sorry, I can't remember the name of that thing right now, but I can visualize it.
merry
August 18, 2012 at 3:17 AM
Your message asking what the thing where you put hot water to relieve pain -- it is called hot water bottle. We use it a lot for winter in this part of the world -- farther down under.
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Ivoire
August 18, 2012 at 9:39 AM
Hi Merry,
Thank you for the name. French is my 1st language and I wasn't sure what the name was in English (I don't have a dictionary close by, although I guess I could have googled the word as well), but even in French, I couldn't remember the name. So thank you!
So you live down under, would that be Australia? (just curious...)
leaf
August 17, 2012 at 7:20 AM
Hope you had a good week Unni!!!
And guess what!!! I'm finally gonna see my boyfriend tomorrow!!! YAY!!!
haha...
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 8:10 AM
Leaf! That's got you happy for sure. lol
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leaf
August 18, 2012 at 7:37 AM
No... why would I be happy to be in Seoul ;)
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Hi Leaf,
So in a few hours you will finally see your boyfriend huh!!!! You will have to tell us all about it. Remember that I am only getting excited for you because you said that you would give me the 411 (information) about your secret meetings (that better happen, or he doesn't know what he will be missing out on :-)) with said boyfriend.
You have NO idea how much I wish you could actually meet him in real life. Wouldn't that be awesome? In any case, safe travel to SK and have a great, great time!!!! <3
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leaf
August 18, 2012 at 8:17 AM
Haha well Unni got on her mobile as soon as we arrived and tried to stalk him for me (and checked that he doesn't have a girlfriend lol) but unfortunately it didn't work out...
And OMFG I just found out my friend went to Dongguk Uni for her summer school!!!!!!!! Ahh why couldn't that be me???
But yeah Seoul is amazing so far!! Love it <3
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Ivoire
August 19, 2012 at 2:52 PM
Hello my little dongsaeng, (sounds redundant, I know :-), but it sounds so cute to me, so I just say it).
So you are loving Seoul, huh? Where have been (as in places you have visited so far). I am so sorry that you have not been able to see your boyfriend :-(, so I guess no juicy details for me then? *Sigh*
So I wonder, if your friend googles KB's love life, would she really know (or find out) if he has a girlfriend? I thought those celebrities were very careful about their dating life and that it is not always easy to find out if they are in a relationship or not. Do you trust your unni to have mad detective skills and find out? It seems like a pretty tight net to get through (finding info about Korean stars' love life).
I am glad you are enjoying your time in Seoul. How is the food? When are you flying back to England? I look forward to hearing more about your trip in Korea. Will you be just in Seoul? (just wondering... <3).
Laya
August 17, 2012 at 7:20 AM
Happy OT, Ivoire! How was your week? :D
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Hi Laya,
If you have time, please read below... :-) How was your week?
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Laya
August 18, 2012 at 6:02 AM
/hugs
Good luck on the decision-making!
I ended up watching both episodes of To The Beautiful You (since that's already subbed) instead of finishing the two episodes of Faith. Maybe because Faith isn't subbed yet on Dramacrazy and I've already read the recap anyway. :D
As usual, I'm juggling online class, freelance stuff, and my blog, and wishing there were more hours in the day so I can watch more dramas as well.
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AJ
August 17, 2012 at 8:03 AM
Happy OT Ivoire! I hope you have been well.
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 10:31 AM
Ashley!!!!! How are you?
I think I read one OT or two ago that you were in South Korea now, right? If so, how do you like it? And what is it that you are doing there? (just curious :-))
How long were you in China? Doing...?
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AJ
August 18, 2012 at 5:26 AM
No, I wish I was in SK, but I will try to get there soon. I want to see if I can try to go to school there, or teach there once I finish school. I was in Chengdu China as a student teacher for 10 months. I taught English at a foreign language school to preschoolers. I got into SK pop culture because the person who lived in my apartment before me left Boys Over Flowers. No English subs, but I had such a fun time watching it raw. I was looking for ways to interpret what was going on in the show on the internet, and i happened to stumble onto dramabeans. The rest as they say is history.
How are you doing? Where you able to figure if you should accept the offer? I said a prayer for you yesterday when I saw your post.
Also if you have time and remember, you should go back to the old OT that you wanted to comment on. I think it was 246.
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 8:08 AM
Thank you so much to all of you who took the time to answer my question about the role of a director in filmaking last week. I have had a busy week and had to take some time away from DB to prepare for my next move (as in moving to a new place) and ponder the pros and cons of making some serious decisions that could affect me for the next year or two.
I have to give my final answer today, and I don't have all the information I need yet to give that answer. I will spend a good portion of my day in prayer and weighing my options (and by that I mean writing them all out) so I can make an informed decision. I will not be as active during the day today on OT, but I would LOVE to hear from you, so please feel free to drop me a line or you know... 20 lines, as I am known to do on occasion on this site :-).
In Kdramaland, I am liking Faith, so far. I don't feel sucked in yet, like with Gaksital and TK2Hs (after episode 5), but I am glad to see LMH back. I am liking KHS (some say she is overacting, but I think that based on the circumstances her character is in [she doesn't know yet and doesn't understand that she is in another world, a very different world and no one has told her. Even if they did, it would be hard to believe it, I can understand that], her reactions are understandable). I have decided to enjoy this drama, potential flaws and all. I am also liking the ending instrumental piece. Some people have commented that the OST gives them vibes of Pirates of the Carribean OST. I wouldn't know, I haven't watched any of the movies.
I am not uber wowed by LMH's acting, but for me, he is a little better so far than in CH (he wasn't bad, bad in CH, I actually liked his actions scenes there), but I felt that he struggled at times to stay in character and be convincing. I wasn't always buying who he said he was and I am one of those people who thought he was miscast (please, don't throw stones). It was difficult for me to buy that he was 28 and that he had graduated from MIT.
I actually like LMH a lot, but I am not always in love with his acting, which I hope as time goes by will improve greatly. I think he does the best he can, and I think he is smart and he has a good understanding of his characters (based on interviews and on how he portrays them) but I had felt at times that there was something that wasn't coming through, acting wise, like he was stuck behind an invisible shield he couldn't pierce through. I am rooting for him, really I am and I hope the best for him, honestly.
I really like the cast in Faith, especially the king and the queen. I look forward to seeing them fall in love with each other and hopefully fight it at first. I also look forward to seeing Choi Young fall in the love with the Dr. and vice versa and the dance they will be playing as that happens. I really love the supporting cast, on both sides (good and bad guys), and already the older counselor (guy from DH, SeGa, Gaksital, M2F, etc...) is already getting on my nerves, I just want to whack him upside the head and ask him to be quiet already, that's how good a job he is doing as a character. I love how he portrays the character's cowardness however :-).
I am still loving Gaksital and loving how the plot is coming along, Rie's inner conflicts and the actress playing her, PKW (I totally LOVE him here, so believable as a villain) and I LOVE the addition of the new characters this week, especially a certain lady who looks like she will be badass (the new young guy is very cute as well). The stakes have been risen and now it's like "now what?" We still have 6 episodes to go, so I am really curious about that. I am one of those people who can wait a week (or two) to find out, and actually it gives me time to absorb what I watched and time to reflect on it.
Yeah, I am definitely more about the journey than I am about the destination :-), I like taking the scenic route because I know that I will eventually get to the destination. So, I am OK with how BM ended this week, and I will wait to see how things unfold next week.
I tried Arang and the Magistrate, and it is not really my thing. Maybe I will change my mind later. It is a case for me where the recaps are actually better than when I watched the drama.
I am not watching anything else at the moment (especially considering what I am going through), but also because I prefer to watch one or two dramas, and stayyyyyyyy with them (analyze and ponder them almost ad nauseam. That way, when they are over, I can slowly let them go... and revisit them again if the urge comes back). That is personally how I like to experience my dramas. That and the fact that I actually love reading blogs and writing :-) maybe a tiny bit more than I like watching dramas, especially the ones with a lot of fillers. So I tend to watch a few at a time, and there are only so many hours in a day, you know...
This is my question of the week :-):
when Faith started, the subs were a little slow on Viki and someone here said she will wait for the subs on Dramafever. So, for those of you who have experienced both Viki and Dramafever, which translations do you like most or do you find (think are more) accurate? I have been told that the best is "With S2 Fansubs" (they are very thorough), and so who do you think is 2nd best and 3rd? I will confess that I have learned a few things by reading the comments on Viki, but that they can also be distracting at times. I have also been told that Viki paraphrases and doesn't give the whole translation, like "With S2 Fansubs," and so some things are left out.
Except for the few words I do know in Korean and that I can recognize when I see them, I wouldn't know. I stopped watching Dramafever because when I would watch it, the subs wouldn't stay on the screen long enough for me to read them, and pausing didn't always helped or worked. It seems as though they have fixed it. Please let me know your thoughts.
I will be back later in the day and throughout the weekend to respond and comment. I haven't forgotten the responses I got from the last couple of OTs (you know who you are :-)).
Maya, I read your responses on Faith and BM, I will respond later, thanks :-)...
Have a great weekend Dbers, and hopefully a wonderful weather as well :-)...
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 8:23 AM
Iv!
-----------------------------
For softsubs / downloads:
The subs depend on speed as well as accuracy. Dark Smurf Subs tends to be fast on the trendy shows, often having a decent sub within a day or two of broadcast. The 100 percent elite subbed timeframe is normally a week for the more popular shows. For older shows like CLBM, the subs are slowly being produced, and can't be found anyplace else.
With S2 does have the best softsubs out there, but in order to do that, they limit the number of shows they sub, and the time for a full sub to be ready.
(For example, WithS2 is up to episode 14 for AGD; Dark Smurf has full 100% for all episodes).
-----------------------------
For streaming and online viewing:
The same principles apply.
Viki tends to have the subs the fastest, with the limitations of a lot of typographical errors and the pop-up ads every segment (for those without Adblock software).
DramaFever has the better streaming experience, I think. They are just a little slower.
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So for must-view-immediately shows, sometimes an offsub is better than no sub at all. Hope this helps!
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Hi Shukie,
How are you? And the family? How is your dad, all better now or still having to deal with some issues, health wise? And your mom, (emotionally and everything... with your dad having the surgery recently and needing to be assisted)? (I am hoping she doesn't feel overwhelmed).
Your explanation actually did help a lot, and thank you! I thought that CLBM could be found at Dramafever, I have seen the icon there. So it is not only found on Dark Smurf, I think... I was told that WithS2 was slower, and I have been to their website and I have noticed that, which I am OK with, because I would wait to have quality subs, personally.
I hope you had a great week, and that your weekend will be the same :-)!
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 6:25 PM
Thanks, Ivoire!
The 'rents are pretty much the same. Bro mowed the lawn this week, which is a sure sign of Armageddon. lol. We had a lot of rain, turning the dirt-filled pit into a mud bog, so it'll probably be another load of topsoil delivery for me. Whatever makes the Dad happy. :-)
hazel
August 17, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Good Luck on the decision making today! I'm in a similar situation too about major life decisions, so I can relate!
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Hi Hazel,
I appreciate you encouraging me. I hope that things will work out for you as well, I really hope so. If you don't mind, let me know how things went or turned out (to your liking/preference or not)?
Take really good care of yourself :-)
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bd
August 17, 2012 at 12:02 PM
"Arang" is much better than "Faith" thus far.
Much better storyline, dialogue and acting.
Keeps the winning streak going after "I Need Romance 2012" and "Answer Me 1997" - which is much needed after a disappointing 1st half of the year.
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Hi Bd,
And thank you for your comments. I didn't get into "Arang," different tastes I guess or who knows... I am liking "Faith," so far and I think that I will stay with it, because I am actually curious to see what will happen and I do love the cinematography. I guess we don't really need to defend why we like or love something, probably personal reasons, among other things.
Wow, so you think the first 1/2 of the year was disappointing? Interesting... I wasn't too much into "I Need Romance 2012" and I haven't watched "Answer Me 1997" either. I watch 1 or 2 dramas at a time, usually. I might check out episodes of other dramas while watching that one or two, but I tend to prefer watching a few at a time.
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bd
August 18, 2012 at 12:30 AM
A top notch script (w/ funny/witty dialogue) and good acting is of prime importance to me and thus far "Faith" has been lacking a bit in those depts.
The 1st half was disappointing for what I had seen.
"The Moon Embracing the Sun" - good for the "kid" eps, but went downhill after that.
"Rooftop Prince" - only good thing were the Joseon Power Rangers.
"Big" - aside from Gong Yoo's performance - pretty bad.
"Dr. Jin" - hilariously awful
Basically the only drama which has gotten near-universal positive reviews has been "Queen Inhyun's Man" - which isn't my thing.
Others, like "Gaksital" seem to have its moments, but is uneven.
Until, INR2 and AM1997 and now "Arang" - this year has been real thin on quality dramas (esp. romcoms).
Ivoire
August 18, 2012 at 10:53 AM
Hi Bd,
I will be back later to respond...
wanne
August 18, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Shows that you like may be quality shows, but shows that you don't like don't mean that they are not quality shows. You statement sounds like its a fact while its not, its just your personal opinion.
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Ivoire
August 18, 2012 at 3:55 PM
@ Wanne,
Thank you for your statement! (I am thinking it was in response to bd?) I agree with said statement, shows we like are personal opinions. And guess what? Personal opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has got one.
Maya
August 17, 2012 at 8:11 AM
Happy Friday, Ivoire!
Hope you had a good week, despite the scare I gave you with that Shunji's vibes. lol. :D
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john
August 17, 2012 at 8:23 AM
Maya~
Happy Friday!
I loved Densha Otoko. I watched the series, not the specials or the movie.
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Maya
August 17, 2012 at 8:47 AM
Happy Friday to you too, John!
Glad you loved it. The series is the best one out of the three versions. You might want to give the movie a try too. It's a good movie, just not as satisfying as the series, IMHO.
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Maya,
I LOVED your Shunji's vibes, you could go head to head with Shunji, and that would be great!!! He needs someone who can stand toe to toe with him. I really loved your comments on Gaksital and Faith, especially the one about you relating to some of the history of SK because your country was occupied by Japan as well, at some point (it that the Philippines?). I haven't responded (yet), but I really liked your input, I just wanted you to know that :-). I do think it is important to know one's history well, and I am glad that you are looking more into the history of your country.
I hope that you will have a wonderful weekend. Are you all moved in, organized? You currently live in the US, right? East Coast?
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Maya
August 18, 2012 at 5:50 AM
Hi Ivoire,
I'm all moved in but not organized yet. Stuffs are still in boxes and most of my clothes are still in the luggages. I only have several essential items out, for eating & drinking. I'm thinking on letting my roommate organize the stuffs once she's back in the States. I guess it's fair that since I did all the packing and moving by myself, then she can do the unpacking part :D
Yes, I'm in east coast now, and I come from Indonesia. And in relation to Gaksital and Japanese occupation, most of the South East Asia countries were occupied by Japan back in the 40s, including Indonesia and Phillipines.
Anyway good luck on your decision making, Iv. I pray that you'll reach the informed decision :)
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Rashell
August 17, 2012 at 8:12 AM
Happy OT, Ivoire! Here's hoping you had more pleasant dreams this week! ;)
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 10:41 AM
Hi Rashell,
Seriously, I could have used some of those dreams this week :-) Where are they when one needs them? I did watch Le Min-ho twice this week, but no dreams, mmmm.... Not sure what happened.
I do hope that you will have a lovely weekend, you know... for World Peace :-) *Wink, wink* (I hope you got the reference)... :-)
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2 cherkell
August 17, 2012 at 6:22 AM
Happy OT Friday, Ladles and Jellyspoons! I'm already at the office while continuing to be up to my eyeballs with trial work to the point where I could teach a Master Class -- "Sleep Deprivation Can Be Your Friend." But still, life is not boring whatsoever. My week looked a little something… like this:
FIVE FINGERS!!! (work) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (ooh, look at The Pretty during the Press Conference!!) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (work) FIVE FINGERS!!! (sharpening typing fingers for recapping) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (where's my brand new alarm clock?!?! ) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (work) FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! FIVE FINGERS!!! (deep breath) IS IT SATURDAY PREMIERE DAY YET?!? :D
Phew.
Returning you now to your regularly-scheduled programming… have a great day, minasan!!
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 6:29 AM
Hi Cherkell,
Will you be recapping it on your tumblr page? Just wondering, so I would know where to look for some recaps if I want to read them...
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oftheshore
August 17, 2012 at 7:26 AM
Cherkell,
We need to trade places - I need to sleep less these days, and I just end up sleeping for 11 hours straight, then panicking about the time I've lost.
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cherkell
August 17, 2012 at 10:46 AM
Argh. Forgot how difficult it is posting from my iPhone...
Yup, I will be recapping at Soompi for the first few episodes until I can find the time to resurrect the blog I've let go dormant since 2009, and then I'll move my WBDS, BVS and 5F recaps over there. So stay tuned!!
OMG, I almost forgot!! Saengil chukahamnida to Yoo Seung Ho, who turns 19 (Korean 20) today!!! For you, sweetie, I promise to run around the halls of the courthouse today yelling "WOOOOOOOOOON-AAAAAHHHHH!!!!" in your honour!! :D
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 11:44 AM
Thanks Cherkell, for the info. Please keep us posted about the recaps!
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DB5K
August 17, 2012 at 1:52 PM
FREAKING CAN'T WAIT FOR FIVE FINGERS' PREMIERE!!!
However, I already know that this week's episodes aren't going to be satisfying. I've seen too many spoilers. Plus, these two episodes will only whet my appetite for MOAARRRR, MOOARRR I SAYYYYY!!! And I desperately want to see Joo Ji Hoon, Ji Chan Wook and Eunjung on screen too TT____TT
and hate typing on my iphone.
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cherkell
August 18, 2012 at 6:15 PM
And we're off and running!! Episode 1 AGB Nielsen ratings: 11.3%; TmnS ratings: 13.4% YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!
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3 korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 6:28 AM
Good Morning everyone! So much fun to be on the computer on Friday mornings!
Just when I was pining over the end of AGD (while certainly not a perfect ending, I will miss those boys so!!) I started Arang and the Magistrate. Just my cup of tea! Anyone else enjoying it?
Also, anyone see the interview with Yoon on Viki? That dear, sweet, boy (man, excuse me) is looking for a relationship. I bet a lot of interested candidates show up at his doorstep!
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Mama J
August 17, 2012 at 7:54 AM
Saw it, loved it. Had NO idea he was a singer in the 90s. Thrilled to bits that all of F44 had so much fun that they would love to come back for a Season 2.
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 8:17 AM
A second season would be so great! And to think they are all on board. Now if only their schedules would permit and the writer agrees to it ****fingers crossed****
BTW, I couldn't believe he was motivated by AGD and wants to live his life "that way" now. It's hard to believe some people think their life/career is over by 40 - they have no idea that the best can still be ahead!
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 8:32 AM
Ah those crazy young pups in their 30's, what the heck do they know - lol.
I thought the interview was great. I'm not sure there's enough plot left over for another 16~20 episode run, but I'll keep my fingers crossed.
VP2 is looking better and better, so maybe my fear of the sequel can be assuaged before they come up with anything AGD-ish.
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Ivoire
August 19, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Hi Shukie,
The actors in AGD are actually in their (very late) 30's/early 40's, but it is still interesting to hear them (or some of them at least) say that life *basically* is over at 30 (or something along those lines).
I did like the interview as well, and I do think that a season 2 of AGD could be written (well), as some of the stories/characters were underdeveloped/underwritten during season 1. I mentioned some of the ideas I had for a season 2 of AGD here:
3.4.1.1.1 Ivoire August 18th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Like you, I don't think that a 2nd season of AGD will happen, maybe something worth writing to Kdramaland or the dramagods about...
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alua
August 17, 2012 at 8:06 AM
Enjoying Arang and the Magistrate too!
After a couple weeks of nothing I suddenly feel swamped with dramas.
Well, I'm only reading the recaps for Haeundae Lovers (watched the first two eps, didn't hook me), but enjoying both Arang and Faith. Mind you, both aren't perfect (the second episode of Arang definitely got me hooked a lot more than the first, love the two leads, especially our feisty ghost lady; as for Faith, I hope the leading lady stops whining soon and keeps yelling "Move!" "Shut up!" etc. That's when I like her.).
Slightly tempted to give To the Beautiful You a try, but... still not convinced that Hana Kimi needed a remake. Thinking about Answer Me 1997 too, that one sounds more interesting.
I'm also still watching Rich Man, Poor Woman, but this weeks episode certainly didn't do it for me! (Probably for no one!) Not enough shared screentime for the leads and SPOILER did not like that kiss at the end! (Did anyone?) Even if Yoko made the first move, Hyuga responded and initiated the second kiss. Boohoo. There is just no excuse for it, no matter how you play it, because a) he knows it wasn't Yoko he was waiting for and b) he responded! That's a choice on his part! A bad one!!! And I wish Natsui would show more her strong/gutsy/intriguing side (that one that we saw in episode 2 when suddenly there she wasn't Chihiro!). But we are done with episode 6, and as far as I can remember it's a 10 ep drama, which means there is little time left!
Skip-watched the first two episodes of the Chinese drama Love Actually as well, but it's a little boring. The female lead isn't very interesting, although the Mr Antarctic is (even if his suspicion is a bit overplayed)!
Happy Friday & Happy Weekend!
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bd
August 17, 2012 at 12:08 PM
I really like "Arang" thus far, but you should definitely check out “I Need Romance 2012″ and “Answer Me 1997' - which are the 2 best dramas/romcoms of the year (and among the best romcoms done overall)
The humor in INR2 is more dialogue driven while the humor in AM1997 is more situational (I prefer dialogue driven humor, so I give the edge to INR2 even tho AM1997 is also very good).
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alua
August 17, 2012 at 11:46 PM
Thanks!
There's too much to watch! But I'll put them on my list...
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 8:38 AM
Hi KL,
I will go let Yoon know (now) that I am very available and a great catch, let's see if he bites :-). I read many times by his co-stars (both men and women) that he is the gentlest of the F44 and a really sweet guy in real life. What's not to like :-)?
The way he looked at MAR, (so lovingly and adoringly) killed me every time. Why are those guys always on TV, and not where we (single ladies), can grab them :-)?
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 10:56 AM
KL, where did you see the interview? I looked for it on Viki and couldn't find it, at all :-(
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 1:38 PM
Bonjour, Ivoire! How is the decision making progress coming? I've been thinking of you all day.
As far as Yoon goes, I'm waiting for JDG, so go for it! (If you don't mind a little competition from about a million women!)
Here is the site for the interview:www.viki.com/channels/1659-v-scoop/videos/76219
He is even more gentile in real life than his character was. I hope he finds someone soon! And I hope you get some clarity about your situation soon.
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 7:46 PM
Hmmm, let me try this link again. I got it through Twitter.
http://www.viki.com/channels/1659-v-scoop/videos/76219
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Ivoire
August 18, 2012 at 3:49 PM
Hi KL,
I messaged you back on FB. Thank you for the link. I just watched about 5mns of it (it is about 7 or 8mns long) without the sound, just reading the subs, so I will watch it again late at night. I still have to watch epi. 20 of AGD, I haven't watched it yet.
I like how Korean actors and actresses tend to be humble, even though I know how they are often told to act that way because I have read so, even on this blog. This interview makes me appreciate KMJ even more, not put him on a pedestal, just appreciate him more. Interesting that he thinks that he is past the age of passionate love, why? I wonder... ( I don't think so for myself, thank God!)
I have seen some BTS of the guys together (one was of them being at Tae San's house, when they were discussing their favorite heroes) and it really confirmed what we were all suspecting all along, not only that they get along great, but that they are having a lot of fun shooting the drama (when they did). I could just tell, the way they went all out in their scenes and I would think to myself, "I would feel the same way if I had to act such a scene and I definitely would have had fun acting this out :-)."
I personally do think that they could make an AGD2 if they wanted, with the same actors and actresses and that conflicts and dramas could be written for a second season. There are things that many of us wanted to see in season 1 (Yoon and MAR's relationship, its development mostly) that we didn't get to see, really. That could be explored in season 2, their life as a couple, adjusting to each other, wanting babies, when JR's wife doesn't seem to be able to conceive (how is that affecting the friendship between JR and Yoon), DJ and YS getting married, living as a couple with Collin and the younger F4 in DJ and YS's life, how is that new group of friends/brothers getting along, getting in trouble and DJ an YS rescuing them and teaching them life lessons along the way, TS and SR pregnancy, having the baby, JR and his wife (can't remember her name now) (new) married life, what are they doing to have a healthy relationship, etc...
I think I could help with the script, if the writer(s) are short on ideas, as you can tell.
I currently have to go get ready so I can go to church with my friend, so I will be back later to comment some more.
kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 11:34 AM
there's a super cute shoot of Kim Min Jong & Yoon Jin Yi in High Cut Magazine. you might need to be logged into FB to view this, but there's 3 pics here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.335193983240998.77610.287361044690959&type=1
YJI is SUPER pretty, I guess we'll see more of her in the future! all in all, I think she did a good job for a total rookie. hated the bawling, but that is the director's fault, not hers
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 12:14 PM
Hey, you came to the rescue, thanks again :-)!
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4 oftheshore
August 17, 2012 at 6:32 AM
Happy OT, guys!
I FF-ed through this week's episodes of RMPW (not enough cute) and TTBY (hey, Hana Kimi got me into manga - and manga eventually got me into J- and K-dramas, so I had to watch!). Either way, I'm too stressed out because of my research to fully enjoy anything else at the moment, so I try to stick with brainless entertainment and Craig Ferguson for breaks.
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 6:36 AM
Agree that RMPW has really been lacking the last two weeks. Am glad that AATM is providing enough cute for me now!
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 8:36 AM
As a JDorama, RMPW has to speed the angsty plotpoints, even though the cuteness factor isn't as high as it ought be right now. I'm hoping that means more cute towards the end [cross fingers]. Still, I'm enjoying it so far, even as one epi per week.
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kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 2:20 PM
Hi Oftheshore,
I just wanted to cheer you on your research :)
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oftheshore
August 17, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Thanks, Kopytko - dziekuje serdecznie!
If this one idea works out, I might be in Warsaw for a workshop/conference in spring!
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kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 3:50 PM
Great! Warsaw is beautiful in spring, I might show you a place or two :)
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oftheshore
August 17, 2012 at 4:13 PM
Mieszkalam obok Lazienek przez dwa lata - jestem z Ukrainy, ale studiowalam w Polsce. Jezeli jestes jeszcze w Warszawie, fajnie by bylo sie spotkac!
kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 4:19 PM
What a surprise!
Jesli bede w domu, na pewno!
5 StacyA
August 17, 2012 at 6:37 AM
Happy OT Friday!
I spent my week spazzing over Faith and Arang.
Is all.
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 8:40 AM
Is enough. lol
Hope they can maintain their levels of energy!
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6 Miss D
August 17, 2012 at 6:39 AM
Yay! Now that I actually know what's going on, I may also join and say "Happy OT"!!!
Guys can I just talk about all of the amazing dramas that are currently airing?
One word: Faith! My friend and I have been counting down the days to when this drama premiers because we are avid Lee Min Ho lovers (*cough stalkers cough* what?) but I think it was so much more than just him. The filming is beautiful and the plot is moving along so well! When we watched it, we screamed so many times from either excitement or surprise that her dog ran to us in alarm wondering who was being murdered. Plus, I am loving the soundtrack, which seems to be an epic blend between Pirates of the Carribean and Lord of the Rings.
On the other hand, I am also obsessed with Answer Me 1997! Two nighs ago I found myself hitting my head against the table in frustration because dramabean's recap of episode 5/6 was up but I couldn't find the actual episodes with English subs. It was just one of those why-can't-I-become-fluent-in-Korean-in-one-night!?!? sort of moments. I am loving how sweet this drama is.
Now that school is coming up, I am worried about how I'll manage to continue watching both of these awesome shows but, let's be truthful, if it comes down to staying up doing a paper or watching some Lee Min Ho, my happiness, therefore my health, will only improve with the latter option. That's what I like to tell myself anyways.
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Ladytron33
August 17, 2012 at 6:48 AM
I know exactly how you feel! Answer me 1997 is one of those "30 seconds refresh" dramas, where I stalk dramacrazy/dramafever endlessly until they post the subs! I haven't been this obsessed with a drama since QIHM. I have become a fool over this one.
Thank goodness I finally got to watch ep 5/6 with subs last night! Now I'm on to ep 7/8 stalking. From the spoilers I've allowed myself, it seems like there were some interesting developments this week! Can't wait!
I'm also really enjoying Faith. It was really exciting and I didn't want the eps to end.
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Ariel
August 17, 2012 at 8:24 AM
Totally, I had my laptop open since this morning going to dramacrazy then Kimchidrama for sub episodes. Finally found it on KD and started watching but then something happened to my laptop which almost gave me a heartattack. I think there is something wrong with the battery no worries the socket source still works. I'm so into Answer Me 1997 that more than a week waiting for sub episode is excruciating. I need to pick another drama to stave off the hunger pangs.
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Ladytron33
August 17, 2012 at 9:11 AM
Oh no, that would have sent me over the edge! I'm glad that your computer is at least working from the wall source though. Not having access to computer/internet means no way to feed your drama addiction. LOL. I can so relate :)
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Miss D
August 17, 2012 at 4:29 PM
Wait...I'm not the only on who goes crazy going from site to site (dramafever, dramacrazy, viki, mysoju, youtube, REPEAT!) trying to find subbed episode?! This is why OT are so amazing:you find people who understand the great obstacles that come along with being an avid kdrama addict. Oh, and we can also talk about all the great shows!
LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIND ep 7/8 PLEASE!
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Ladytron33
August 17, 2012 at 7:05 AM
I'm so happy all the new dramas are out! I started Faith, TTBY, and Arang and have not been disappointed so far. If I can get through the first ep, I usually give the drama a chance. Of course, I've been burned many a times by this strategy, *cough* Dream High 2, RTP, MSOAN *cough* but I'm happily optimistic.
I'm still spazzing out over Answer me 1997. Is anyone else here totally in love with Tae-woong? If Shi-won doesn't want him, I'm happy to take him! He's just such a nice and genuine guy. And it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes and a genius. Two qualities I appreciate in my fantasy hubbies!
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Ladytron33
August 17, 2012 at 7:09 AM
Weird. This was not meant to be a reply but a stand alone comment. I don't know how that happened.
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tapiocapearl
August 17, 2012 at 7:25 AM
I'm spazzing over 1997 as well. Tae-woong, well, he just breaks my heart. Still devoting his love and time to his dead girlfriend's family (tear, tear, sniffle) six years later when he could have just moved on. I root for Yoon-jae, but am totally cheering on Tae-woong to fulfill his happiness. Mostly, I just remember his character from The Princess's Man and want to love him here to get Shin Myun out of mind. I think I'll be happy either way.
Shi-won's parents are the best K-drama parents ever. So realistic and lovable, the kind you'd be embarrassed to have but secretly wish you did. Sung Dong-il, you rocked in Gumiho and you rock even more here.
I remember watching these Korean music pop shows on VHS that one of my sisters stole (I think) from somewhere. While I was indifferent to H.O.T., my sisters would watch their performances nonstop. I thought that was obsessive, but I had no idea...
Ah! I could go on and on about this drama, but this post would never end.
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john
August 17, 2012 at 8:12 AM
I'm watching Cinderella's Sister and they made a H.O.T. reference. I lol'd
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 8:26 AM
Somewhere I read Cinderella's Sister is really depressing. I'll be interested to hear your take on it.
Also am debating whether to wait till the end of RMPW and marathon it. The last two episodes had me less than excited and now I have to wait another week in hopes it picks up...(and I'm not a patient person!)
shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 8:45 AM
I watched it a while ago (two years maybe?).
I prefer Chun Jung Myung in "What's Up, Fox?".
Cinderella was dark, with violent overtones, and is probably the most melo thing I've watched to date. It wasn't bad, I guess, although I disliked the end as one of those cobbled-together, running out of time ones.
bd
August 17, 2012 at 12:10 PM
I think Shi-won's parents are the best thing about AM1997 - they are a complete hoot.
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john
August 17, 2012 at 12:26 PM
bd~
I love her momma.
Mar
August 17, 2012 at 1:21 PM
I'll joined the 1997 love fest. It's simply the best thing I've seen in a long time.
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la dee dah
August 17, 2012 at 7:42 AM
I also got pulled into Answer Me 1997! And I thought i wouldn't because Shi-won was so obsessed with H.O.T. and her sneaking to see Tony and climbing his wall reminded me of saesang fans that I was a little put off... but then she matured after that and the story got going, and they concentrated more on her interactions with her friends.. I got sucked in. Rooting for the Shi-won/Yoon Jae couple. Oh, and poor Joon Hee! =(
And Candy has been stuck in my head for weeks now...
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john
August 17, 2012 at 7:55 AM
Miss D~
Answer Me 1997 is hot.
This morning I chose Eps 5 & 6 rather than Ep 2 of Arang, (I'll watch that tonight)
I can't wait for the final 2 episodes.
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7 Laya
August 17, 2012 at 6:39 AM
Eeeee I'm actually early for the OT for a change :D Happy weekend, DB denizens! (Doubly happy for us Pinoy fans because we have a four-day weekend!)
Faith is blocked on Viki for me, but watched Ep. 1 on Dramacrazy. Without subs. *sob* Thank goodness for DB recaps.
Still flailing over Princess and I. Never flailed this much about a local drama before... never cared this much about an OTP and the other characters before... now I even see it in my dreams! *sob sob* I just want to replay it, especially all the Jao-Mikay scenes, over and over and over... and I usually only do that for K-dramas. It actually moves fast for a local drama, so I don't want to miss an episode. If I could send the writers all their favorite things, I would. :D
Okay, what have I forgotten to tell the OT now... I'm sure I'll remember it later. :D
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Laya
August 17, 2012 at 6:51 AM
Ah yes, see, I did forget something...
Werewolf Boy (with Song! Joong! Ki!) got an invite to the Toronto International Film Fest.
http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=12601
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 8:25 AM
Hi Laya, I saw the news about that (Asianwiki on my FB page), Yay for them!!!!
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8 john
August 17, 2012 at 6:43 AM
Happy Friday.
What a happy week for viewing.
Finished:
Joseon X-Files. They should do a second season.
Densha Otoko. Loved it. Misaki Ito was a vision of beauty.
Watching: RMPW, 1997, Arang, Faith and Cinderella's Sister.
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Farpavilions
August 17, 2012 at 9:13 AM
Hi, I keep hearing about Joseon X-Files but haven't been able to find it online with English subtitles ... I can get softsubs but not RAW vids :(
Do you know any streaming websites that have it? Not sure if links are allowed but if you name drop that will help lots :)
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whimsyful
August 17, 2012 at 9:29 AM
dramafever has it. It's also found under the title Secret Investigation Records.
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will work for soju
August 17, 2012 at 9:34 AM
Dramafever has it under "Secret Investigation Record".
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john
August 17, 2012 at 10:55 AM
Farpavillions~
If you like the "cops investigating strange phenomena" genre, you may enjoy the JDrama, SPEC.
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Farpavilions
August 17, 2012 at 2:17 PM
Alas, Dramafever doesn't work in my country... but I found it under the alternate title at Dramacrazy. Thanks heaps! :)
The crime busting meets strange phenomenon jdramas I've seen so far tend to overdo the quirky and fluffy (Galileo?) and there are just so many of them... I'll probably catch SPEC at some point because of Erika Toda. Yay for more dramas to add to my watchlist!
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bd
August 18, 2012 at 12:16 AM
"Joseon X-Files" is one of the top K-dramas ever done.
Great writing and performances all around and the middle eps are mind-blowing.
As much as I liked "Tree With Deep Roots", I'd have to give "Joseon X-Files" the edge overall when it comes to the top sageuk.
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9 Dewo
August 17, 2012 at 6:50 AM
Anyeong haseyo, happy ot!
Just want to say happy eid ul-fitr to every one who celebrate.
My rant: so many dramas....so little time
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 9:50 AM
Hi Dewo,
"My rant: so many dramas….so little time": Soooo... true!!!!!! :-)
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Magii
August 18, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Happy Eid for you too..:)
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10 informantxgirl
August 17, 2012 at 6:55 AM
I am absolutely psyched for To the Beautiful You. Cross-dressing heroines are my crack; have no idea why, neither do doctors. :) That being said, I have a ton of dramas to catch up on, which is kinda good in a way, so I won't be gnawing my nails to stubs waiting for subs (for which, thank you subbers! You are wonderful people, and I wish you the greatest of joys for your dedication!).
This show's got me thinking about remakes, and their merits. Thailand recently did a Coffee Prince remake - and by remake, I mean "copy", from what I can gather, since I don't have the stomach to actually watch the darn thing, seeing as how a 2-minute trailer made me nauseous. The Thai version was almost shot-for-shot like the original Korean! I was all, "What now?!?" Why bother taking a fun story and just copying it like you were making knock-off designer bags? Why?
What I loved about Boys Over Flowers (well, maybe 'love' is a strong word, 'strongly liked') was that yes, it took elements from the original Japanese but put what I felt was a unique spin on it - not necessarily a unique Korean spin on it, but a new interpretation nonetheless. And that's how it's supposed to be done! I mean, you don't see people cloning the way Shakespeare presented his plays; no two productions of Much Ado about Nothing are ever the same, for instance. I've seen versions with sailors! See, THAT'S what the Thai Coffee Prince should've done. Added its own quirks, make its own version of the story.
So, I'm happy to see what TTBY is doing. It won't be any worse than the imitation Coffee Prince my country is churning out, at least I hope.
I have no problem with remakes. I have a problem with carbon copies, though.
Where do you guys stand on remakes? Yea or nay?
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Mar
August 17, 2012 at 1:57 PM
Remakes, reboots, different countries versions, it just depends. I'm scarred for life from 21 Jump Street, killing off Hanson and Penhall, that was so not cool. I think alot of the American reboots and remakes are stupid and bad. If they ever remake Buffy it can't happen for another 10 years and I think it will take a heck of a product for me not to hunt them down and stake them lol. I could not watch either other version of Hana Kimi. That said, I generally like Taiwan versions over Japanese versions. I generally like Korean over all.
I too have an appreciation for the Korean version of BOF. For all it's faults, the overall show, the sets, the costumes, locations, actors, script, just were more appealing to me. No show has immediately sucked me in like that show did. Well, except for my um, obsession, oops, I mean appreciation, of Bi Rain. (Great now I'm going to have to go watch a youtube of Hip Song and think, uh, thoughts.) I know most people love the Japanese Hana Yori Dango, and I'm not dissing anyone, but it was just not for me. I think the Taiwan version, also not perfect and really went out on left field with the amnesia that would never end, had a lot of heart.
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Mama J
August 17, 2012 at 3:49 PM
Look but do not touch *Fierce glare*
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Mar
August 17, 2012 at 4:58 PM
JoAnne-I just spewed Dr. Pepper laughing when I saw your comment. Thanks I needed that fangurl moment, it's been a while. It's too late to warn me off, tho, I've been all up on that pretty. In my dreams of course ;)
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11 Mystisith
August 17, 2012 at 6:57 AM
Happy OT! Happy Friday!
What can I say... I miss AGD so badly. I'm so glad than the soompiers provide me with fresh pics and infos to help me land smoothly.
I started watching On Air and it's just my cup of tea. KHN, Lee Beom-soo and the writer of AGD. I couldn't be disappointed, right? 2 episodes per day, a nice TRIP.^^
Watched the first 2 eps of Arang & Faith: Will continue watching both but Faith is definitely more to my liking. Ep 2 of Arang was so slow... ZZZZZZzz.
RMPW: I like it like the first day.
Oh. And for those who still haven't see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-epp6QYKxpA&feature=g-like
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StacyA
August 17, 2012 at 7:50 AM
Omo....I didn't understand a word but that was hilarious! Can't wait for VP2!!!!!!
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 8:39 AM
Hi Mystisith,
Happy Friday to you! I loved, loved, loved AGD but couldn't get too far into On Air. Too much screaming and overacting for me, and I really hated Kim Ha Neul in it, but that's just my opinion. I'll be interested to hear what you think.
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Mystisith
August 17, 2012 at 9:45 AM
Huh. Korazy Lady, you asked for it! Now try to stop me... lol.
I've watched 10 eps of On Air now so maybe I will change my views later but:
I didn't notice the screaming for now and normally I hate it (screaming dad in Man of Honor made me drop the show).
I like overacted acting when it's cleverly and willingly used: It's funny to me (I'm a girl who loves The Best Love for that reason). Furthermore, it gives a contrast: The chicks are completely crazy and over the top in On Air (KHN's character, the writer, the agent of the writer) while the guys are more deadpan and poker face.
My natural sympathy goes to the writer in that story. She's nuts but at least you don't get bored with her. [I wonder if it's the real personality of Kim Eun-sook^^].
KHN's character is super hateful at first but you slowly understand why she is like that. That's why I feel attracted to her more by empathy. She hides her lack of confidence and her hate of the world behind her shades. She uses her cold face and bitter words to keep people at bay. Like a dog who bites first because he is used to cruelty. I prefer ten times KHN's acting in On Air than in AGD. Her crying scenes work better. Also all the bravado. Maybe it's because her character is less manga-ish? (I hate heroines who are clumsy princesses normally. To be honest I tolerated that side of Ethic Teach in AGD: I preferred her serious side).
One thing I really love with that show is how much you learn about what it takes to create a drama really. It's first hand knowledge and damn if it's not a hard world! Of course some things are invented but all the "let's build a show" elements scream autobiography for me. I almost wait for the disclaimer at the end of each episode: "This drama is a fiction. It doesn't portray real persons or events".
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 10:26 AM
OK, Mystisith, since you mentioned Best Love, I can tell we are going to have to agree to disagree - d'accord? I was one of the few who...dare I say it....hated Doko Jin, and didn't care for the rather drippy female lead, either! (Yes, I know, I'm surprised they don't blackball me from all KD message boards!)
As for OA, I did read somewhere that the characters were all based on people in real life, so I found that interesting. But it was actually Park Hong-ya's acting that drove me crazy (I really feel guilty speaking of him this way), and it was his super argumentative nature that sounded like constant screaming to me. I will say, though, that I watched this early on in my KD career, and may not have understood the nuances and inflections of the Korean language. But he seemed to deliver every line the same.ranty.way. I just thought his acting was poor.
The writer in OA was over the top but in a manic way, so she was OK. I have to say that I haven't loved KHN in anything, and there were many things about her role in AGD that I didn't like, but frankly, who was watching that show for the women, anyways?
I did love how it showed the makings of a drama, and the BTS look at what the writer, actors, director, and crew go through to get to the final product. I actually bring that show to mind as a reference frequently when watching dramas Now that I think about it, it may be worth going back and finishing it (I think I watched about 4-5 episodes) for that very reason! Merci de votre avis!
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Mystisith
August 17, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Don't worry, I won't have your head if you don't like Best Love: I have a very personal love affair with that drama and I love parodies, of any kind.
Park Hong-ya’s acting: Sigh. Not the best, not the worst. What bugs me more is his lifeless eyes. I think he was already depressed. There is a part in OA where his character actually talks about killing himself. I swear, his face... Prophetic.
kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 12:56 PM
Hi Mysti!
I loved the Vampy trailer. Somehow I missed on the first season (ok, ok, I don't watch series with "vampire" in the title by default) but I am sure I will catch up till the second season airs!
AGD... I was super hyped all through up to the last episode. It was too obvious and too happy of and ending. I didn't like it at all, so my hype ended quickly and pretty much without withdrawal syndrome. It is good that way :D. There is one thing that will stay with me for a very long time. Just like I fell in love with 'Donde Estas Yolanda' after INR, THE ultimate AGD song is 'bathrobe mambo' Maria Elena. A very nice summer memory, right?
Nevertheless, I am looking forward to your recaps (of whatever series, LOL). They're great when I am unable to go online except for my outdated mobile - your blog rocks!
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 6:12 PM
I agree in part with your assessment of the AGD ending. Everything so perfectly wrapped up. The last episode seemed to spend too much time on some things and not enough on others. But I still loved the F44, and there were some classic moments in that episode as well. And I definitely am suffering from withdrawal :)
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kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 1:53 PM
Hello Everybody! How are you doing!
I've been on the move for a few weeks now, so I couldn't really join in here at OT, actually I didn't even have many possibilities to watch anything. All in all, it's good most of my shows were pre empted for oleeeeeempics. I didn't fret I was missing something, LOL.
So AGD, Ghost and INR2 ended. I loved all three dramas, athough the endings weren't as good. Actually, I was OK with Ghost and INR2 - predictable but still entertaining and in a way also rewarding. AGD - meeeeeeeeeh. Too sweet. I hate, really HATE all those fancy proposals. Does anybody get really excited about that stuff? Seriously, as a cynic and a practical person I have no idea what can be so wonderful if a man makes a fool of himself, makes cliche gestures and involves other people in the process? *taming the inner cynic*
Mysti mentioned she would like to have an oppa AGD-style. I think I've just got one - as a frequent customer I got friendly with my mechanic-ajussi. He said he liked people who love their cars and encouraged me to ask anything about my machine ( a thirty year old one, mind you). In the meantime I had a really difficult situation with the engine, and had to be a damsel in distress (sheesh, why did I have to put on heels and a summer dress on that one day). So it's true, that men love looking after helpless women. He did help me out and I've been getting VVIP treatment since then. Not that I complain, but can you imagine a mechanic who is a blend of Tae San (competent and reliable) with Jung Rok (no comment)?
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kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 1:55 PM
Sorry, this was supposed to be a separate comment, something went wrong with the connection :|
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12 come2noona
August 17, 2012 at 7:01 AM
Happy OT everyone!
So I made it through Dr. Jin.... and I need to talk about the last ep a bit...so if you haven't seen it you may want to avert your eyes...
In the end Hyuk and Min Ah are together, which was what I figured would happen but I SO wanted a twist. I really was hoping for some sort of consequence for all of Hyuk's meddling in the past. During the scene where he is holding Min Ah's had after he brought her back from the dead (while he himself was recovering from brain surgery, mind you) I was SO hoping that the modern Kyung Tak would walk in and be like "who the hell are you and why are you holding my wife's hand?" Now THAT would have been cool. And then the end where he is talking to the Grand Prince I was like, what? How were they communicating? Was it all in Hyuk's fetus-less mind?
Ah, go figure. I was amused until the last episode. Now I am asking myself why did I waste the time. I was really hoping for some consequences or something totally twisty to happen. Some answers perhaps. But all I have now is a plate full of WTF?
Oh well, on to bigger and better things.
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Mystisith
August 17, 2012 at 7:08 AM
You expected something fresh and logical from Jin? You're what I call an optimistic person. The last episode gave me the feeling everyone wanted to pack their things and run away from the set. I can say that show was consistently awful from start to end.
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come2noona
August 17, 2012 at 7:14 AM
Not expecting...just hoping. Yeah, it totally seemed like they wanted to run away from the set. Like they didn't care about the ending and they just wanted to get it over with. The show for me was amusingly awful. I think I stuck with it for the recaps and the comments.
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1061-kun
August 17, 2012 at 8:36 AM
It is kind of hard to be disappointed about the ending of already disappointing series. I was too expecting a twist but it was just Dr. Jin returning to the present and saving Mi na.
Of course, I watched the Japanese version and it had one of the greatest moving ending I have ever seen. I cried both times I have watched it and I am a guy.
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Jellybeaniebaby
August 17, 2012 at 9:19 AM
I think that RY and MN were linked and he was right that by saving RY in the past, it saved MN in the present - that is why so many times with the defibrillator... each time representing a time he saved RY.
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13 tapiocapearl
August 17, 2012 at 7:09 AM
Hope everyone has (or had, depending on where you live) a good Friday!
So, Gaksital killed me for the gazillionth time, but in an oh-so-good way. Caught up on four new dramas in the past week. If Gaksital is the love of my life, then Answer Me, 1997 is that one summer fling that unapologetically took me by surprise. Love all the characters, and it's always refreshing when there is nobody I dislike in a drama. If I didn't know that some of the actors are idol stars, I never would have guessed it. The acting is great, the threads between the characters poignant and aw-inducing. I just wish the episodes became available faster because these half-hour episodes ain't enough!
Faith, Arang and the Magistrate, and Haeundae Lovers are the other dramas I've watched, and none of them have me hooked right now. These are the kind of dramas that will take me a few more episodes to get into, which is fine. I will go along with them, because, um Lee Min-ho, Kim Kang-woo, and Lee-jun-ki (whose appeal I never got until now)? Yeah, three solid reasons to keep watching. Their leading ladies are great as well (I think I'm developing a girl crush on Jo Yeo-jung). But I am really anticipating the relationship between Arang and Eun-oh. I'm going to love the epicness of it and hope it delivers.
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Maya
August 17, 2012 at 9:47 AM
Yep! Been killed by Gaksital for the gazilionth time too over here! *raises hand* oh, and I'm also notoriously known as the girl who swears and screams at her iPhone screen now because of Gaksital.
Btw, I don't know how the show will play out with the remaining 6 episodes. Who's going to take down Kinpei? It's gonna be hard to get into the chairman at this rate.
~why isn't it Wednesday already?
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Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Hi Maya,
"~why isn’t it Wednesday already?" I will tell you why: because some of us have barely started the weekend, and we would like to reallyyyyyy enjoy it. Wednesday will come soon enough, just be patient :-)
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Maya
August 18, 2012 at 5:58 AM
Lol. I'm willing to "sacrifice" my weekend just so I can find out how the story will unfold next week, Iv. :D
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trixicopper
August 17, 2012 at 12:43 PM
I was hoping that the Eyeliner Comrade dude would come back and save Gaksital. I don't think anyone is gonna beat this guy with a sword, and EC dude had a gun.
Picture a scene like in Raiders of the Lost Ark. You know, Indy in the market place with scary sword twirling guy. Just pull out the gun and shoot him! :)
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Maya
August 18, 2012 at 6:12 AM
That EC guy is so cool. *sigh*. Aaaanyway, I agree that no one can take him down in sword fight, so yes EC guy should shoot him, with silver bullet, you know just in case.
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14 wintergirl
August 17, 2012 at 7:12 AM
Loving Faith so far. Not sure about Arang and the Magistrate.
Off topic, I know several of you have talked about going to teach English in Korea. My friend's daughter and friend went there this week, recruited for such jobs, and ended up being a an icky situation and had to dash. Apparently other teachers have had to to do the same. Now they are free floating there. Any place for info on reliable English teaching jobs in Korea (or unreliable ones so they can avoid them?)
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15 leaf
August 17, 2012 at 7:13 AM
Ni hao!!!
Hope everyone is having a great week!!
As for me my time in China has come to an end which only means one thing: I AM GOING TO SEOUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so so rediculous excited even though I am completely exausted.... Karaoke until 3am is not a great idea...
Well let me rephrase that... it is an EXCELLENT idea... however maybe not the best if you actually have things to do the nest day... ^sigh^
But I'm gonna miss all my lovely new friends here :(
Anyway back to my packing which I have naturally left to 10pm in preparation to my 7am departure to airport...
Anyway I am gonna have a great week!!!!!!!! <3<3<3
Lots of love to everyone <3<3<3
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 9:34 AM
Leaf!!!
I'm happy (and envious) that you had a great time in China. My your next travels be safe!
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16 aoiaheen
August 17, 2012 at 7:17 AM
Hello everyone. I'm really enjoying faith. I think I'm already addicted. I just love ruthless genius swordsmen with good manners.
Then there's five fingers I'm looking forward to mainly because JCW looks so amazing in the stills/trailers.
This season is going to be sooo busy.
Does anyone remember the name of the drama or movie where the hero could not feel any pain and the heroine was ultra sensitive to it? I was kind of interested in watching it but it fell out of my radar and I'm not sure if it ever aired or not.
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anonymus
August 17, 2012 at 8:05 AM
The movie was literally called "Pain" it was made in 2011. Paste the name into the search on the site you normally download and you will find it. :)
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aoiaheen
August 17, 2012 at 8:20 AM
thanks. I'll be checking it out.
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17 kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 7:17 AM
Hello everybody! Happy Friday. This is my first entry in an OT, well, technically, it's the second, cause my first one got sucked into the digital Nirvana somehow ... No great loss, all I was moaning about was the simultaneous start of shows accross multiple stations ...
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john
August 17, 2012 at 7:35 AM
kakashi~
Welcome ! Re "the simultaneous start of shows accross multiple stations …"
A well know malady around here.
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 8:11 AM
is it just me or has that problem become ... accentuated?? more good (or let's say enjoyable) dramas at the same time?
I've been a KDrama addict for over two years now, but there used to be many dry spots, in which I would marathon 'old' stuff. Now, I can't even keep up with all the current dramas! Faith, Arang, some skipping though Haeundae Lovers, just dropped Golden Time (absolutely no development there), and I don't find the time to start on Gaksital!! That's on the top of my list, but there's also 'White Christmas', 'Ghost', 'Tree with Deep Roots', 'Hero', 'Time between Dog and Wolf' and 'Dong Yi'.
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john
August 17, 2012 at 8:50 AM
It flucuates for me anyways.
Right now I'm waiting for so many " on the air" shows .
I like watching finished shows buts it's hard not to get caught up in a current show if it's good.
Plus, I'm always picking up more from recommendations or perhaps a random stumble across something.
The wife and I have been watching K Dramas for about a year. We've branched out to include Chines drams and J-Dramas as well. Well, J-Dramas for me anyways .
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 9:00 AM
ha! I'm strictly keeping to KDrama. not because I'm not curious about J- or H- or T- or C- or XY-Dramas... but because I simply couldn't manage them all...
It's great that you share KDrama with your wife, cause my husband simply doesn't 'get' my addiction!
(he has promised to watch a drama with me one of these days, and he chose TEN, which I've already seen and loved. so I am keeping my fingers crossed :))
Ivoire
August 17, 2012 at 12:12 PM
Hi Kakashi,
You and your husband should watch Gaksital together, he might like it. There is also City Hunter, if he liked Ten, just a suggestion,and you could go from there.
I wanted to ask you: what are XY-Dramas? What does XY mean here? Have a great weekend :-)
kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 12:29 PM
XY stands for 'anykind'. I meant to say I'm generally crazy about TV shows - probably because I did not have a TV when I was growing up? - but currently, I prefer the K-variety and I'll stick to KDrama, because THAT addiction is time consuming enough!
True about Gaksital, good idea! Let's hope I get him to watch Ten, then we might try Tree with Deep Roots (he might like saeguks) or Gaksital. City Hunter: I fear he wouldn't like LMH. But you know, I'll keep watching KDramas even without my husband, so .. his loss if he doesn't want to watch with me!! ^_^
shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 9:42 AM
Anaseyeong, kakashi! Glad you decided to post.
Like John, I mix old and new. For old you can find the entire series already subbed, but you miss the discussions around the new episodes. Kind of like watching a new movie in the theater versus waiting for blu-ray.
After a rather dull start, things are defnitely heating up in the KDrama world! Sometimes, I end up chosing to pause a current show to play catch-up with other things, then resume it and marathon-watch it until I catch up with the current episode. It's not the smoothest way to go, but it works for me and my lifestyle.
Good luck, and, again, welcome!
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 10:16 AM
Hi Shukmeister! Yes, I agree on the 'discussion' bit - and I guess Dramabeans is to blame for my change in viewing behaviour! Interacting/sharing this obsession with other is awesome and obviously, it works best with current dramas. However, I might try your 'pause-then-marathon' strategy, seems a clever way of making sure to spend limited time on the right stuff :)
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18 dugeundugeun
August 17, 2012 at 7:21 AM
Currently watching Faith, Arang, and Bridal Mask.
What I'm surprised about Faith and Arang is the comedy factor! I didn't think Faith would be laugh-out-loud hilarious at times. But I love it!
In the ep 2 recap of Arang, stars4u suggested a mashup of Arang and Gaksital.... does anyone have ideas they would like to share x) ?
My imagination:
Arang and the Bridal Mask
Gaksital uses the help of Eun Oh’s ability to communicate with ghosts to scare the Japanese police every time he needs to carry out a mission. Not only does Shunji have to worry about Kang To being Gaksital, but he also has to find out why it seems like there are ghosts that haunt the station. I guess he can be with Mok Dan now, because Gaksital falls in love with Arang!
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19 CaroleMcDonnell
August 17, 2012 at 7:27 AM
Totally totally totally LOVING Faith and Arang!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!! Two great shows! Loved them both for similar and dissimilar reasons. I love the ghost-world-mythos of Arang. Haven't seen much of the Faith mythos yet but am trusting it'll be solid. I laugh out loud more at Faith and I cannot keep my eyes off the perfect warrior bod of Lee Min Hot. But Arang touches my heart more. (They both are great but there is something about a little lost ghost wraith that gets me everytime...and there is so much to discover. A story that's a lot of paranormal AND mystery. AND humor! And Romance! Perfect! Plus boy looking for his mom.... yeah, I'm hooked. In Faith, there isn't much of a mystery. We know who the mole is already. And I would've liked to hate the mole for a couple more episode but she was dispatched fairly quickly. And the rest is mostly known. So it's not really a mystery. So far the mysteries in Faith are: Is Wul Da Chi Choi going to die by the end of the year? Is he seriously infected with something that's gonna be a problem? Does he really have to die sometime because he didn't keep his promise? How is Doctor going to return to Present-Day Gangnam? And how many times? Will she do some major Dr Jin type damage? Will she have to repair stuff..as Boong Do had to?
Other than that, I'm trying to catch up on Chuno and Legend because folks here mentioned and praised them!
Waiting for The Chaser to be subbed.
Trying to get back into Ghost.
Was in editing hell but after I sent off the novel to the editor, I sat back and spent the entire day watching dramas.
Have a great weekend, all!~
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oftheshore
August 17, 2012 at 7:33 AM
Hi Carole!
Just wanted to comment on ghost mythology in Arang, because I've been thinking about it for a while now. What do you think of Arang having most of the abilities that normal people would have, except for, you know, not being visible to everyone and being dead? She can change clothes, get wet in the rain and touch a hot guy if she wants to. Do you think it's too good of a deal? Not saying it's bad, just...fairly unusual for ghosts!:)
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CaroleMcDonnell
August 17, 2012 at 9:39 AM
Hi Oftheshore:
I remember reading about how the writers of Being Human had to decide on what aspect of vampire lore they would use. I'm pretty cool with a screenwriter making stuff easy for themselves as long as they stick to their mythos and don't go forgetting stuff. Having watched way too many personal accounts of ghosts, I'm not sure what ghosts can or can't do. I like it though that they put a lot of the onus on the human characters...and the different ways humans can know/interact with ghosts.
I did wonder why she was cold to the touch when he tried to sleep and then wasn't so cold later. Really bad about that insatiable hunger though. Korean ghosts seem to be like Jamaican ghosts; in Jamaica old folks would put out food for the departed (especially the evil angry departed) and Jamaican ghosts could also make love if I recall. Not sure about the full moon ghost thing. In Jamaica ghosts were especially active at Ninth night, the ninth day after they died.
Weird we haven't seen any evil ghosts yet in Arang, but that might come later. I like the reaper and wondering what his sister issues are...and how and why some ghosts become reapers. I forget which movie I saw..but in it, ghosts could become reapers for whatever crimes.
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20 -K
August 17, 2012 at 7:32 AM
I think I'm wired wrong. There could 2,345,234,784 more girl pretending to be a boy dramas out there and I would watch every. single. one.
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dugeundugeun
August 17, 2012 at 7:37 AM
If you'd like to see a twist on this type of drama, here's one coming out called Ma Boy starring Kim So Hyun that's about a boy pretending to be a girl!
http://www.dramabeans.com/2012/08/ma-boy-serves-up-gender-bender-school-romance-with-a-twist/
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 9:01 AM
Any kind of cross dressing works for me, even if it's like a Tootsie, Mrs. Doubtfire type of thing. I will have to at least watch the first episode of this.
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informantxgirl
August 17, 2012 at 7:45 AM
Yes. And OH YES. :) With you all the way. It's my crack. I would watch every single one right along with you.
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 8:50 AM
Haha - I totally agree with you, -K. Coffee Prince was my first, most loved drama, and You're Beautiful was hysterical. I will definitely have to at least check out To the Beautiful You (and will probably, hopefully, become addicted!)
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oftheshore
August 17, 2012 at 9:41 AM
Same here. As with KL, however, my favourite cross-dressing show is Coffee Prince, and I think it's the fact that the heroine was so indifferent about her looks/what people thought about her as opposed to cross-dressing is what makes it different from the other shows/dramas to me. Maybe I just love tombyish heroines...
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21 katiamon
August 17, 2012 at 7:34 AM
This might be lame, but i'm still waiting for the recap of the finale of Dr. Jin... it's my guilty pleasure and i won't deny it. :P
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katiamon
August 17, 2012 at 7:48 AM
PS. and i'm definitely not going to watch the last episode because i love HN2 comments. No pressure on you girl, i guess you're taking your time because the episode was freaking insane with aliens included! hahaaa
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Maya
August 17, 2012 at 8:07 AM
I know exactly how you feel! I ff-ed to the ending and was like MEH! Now reading Dr Jin's finale recap will be some kinda closure for me... :D
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katiamon
August 17, 2012 at 8:45 AM
you watched the episode??? i guess your curiosity was stronger than mine. and you are right, reading the recap is just for clousure and loyalty to HN2' efforts...
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Maya
August 17, 2012 at 9:33 AM
In a way, yeah I guess I watched it, although I only watched the last 5 minutes or something. It still didn't make any sense! But then it's Jin, and it shouldn't make any sense.
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katiamon
August 17, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Yeah!!!! i mean, we could not expect a less Jin-ly episode after 21 hours of absurdity.
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CaroleMcDonnell
August 17, 2012 at 10:28 AM
yeah, I've been waiting for the recap as well. I haven't been watching Dr Jin though, just kinda hooked on the recaps. I'm assuming the long wait for the recap is that there was so much to recover from.
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 1:33 PM
Hey Katiamon, the great thing about the OT is you could be sitting watching a jar of kimchee ferment and no one would judge you!
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katiamon
August 17, 2012 at 2:38 PM
yes! that's truth, i always read but never posted anything and is pretty cool.
my list of TV guilty pleasures is pretty long... I think the problem is my conscience, like when i used to watch dawson's creek or jersey shore i thought "girl, this show is sooooo shallow/stupid/nonesense/etc. but i like it ^^' " and kept watching.
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22 canxi
August 17, 2012 at 7:35 AM
HIIIIIIIII EVERYONE! I AM ADVERTISING lol. LOOK AT ME!
OK, so a friend of mine is auditioning to be a dancer in Justin Bieber's Believe Tour and it would mean the world to me if you guys would check out his video and maybe leave him a comment :D! Or share it with others. If he doesn't get to be a dancer for the tour I'd at least like him to gain some exposure since he wants to make dance his career and is one of the most passionate people I know. (He's also asian! How fitting!)
Link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4ioBJUpYZI
ALSO! How is everyone doing? I'm good. Watching A Gentleman's Dignity and just suffered through episodes 14 & 15, trying not to hurdle things across the room.
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23 sartorius
August 17, 2012 at 7:43 AM
SO SAD that Med School Year II has started or else i would be binging on KDRAMAS...*sigh*... so m only watching one kdrama at a time so m watching Gaskital...only on episode 4 but m soooooo in love with this show....n Joo Won! Never thought that kid could look so pretty...but here he is making my already full kdrama hunks heart swoon...lol
Finally watched I Need Romance season 2 n never have i been so unsure as to who the lead lady was going to end up with!!
Also watch Flower Boy Ramen Shop...n that is such a sweet and amazing drama...I must say TVN had been stepping up their game lately...
PS hows this for showing my love for BIBBANG.....the band that got me into KPOP...im going to the Nov. 9th concert in NJ...however i have 2 exams that Monday
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sartorius
August 17, 2012 at 7:46 AM
damn i mean BIGBANG...i needs an edit button asap!
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 9:51 AM
We've got a cadre of DBOT Noonas meeting in NY the day before the concert. I'm guessing OT will be slow that day - lol.
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 10:43 AM
No, not the day before!!!! I'm pretty sure I have plans that day (must search through pile of mail for the invitation), and the reason I really wanted to go to the concert was to meet the noonas (and because I think the noonas need to add a halmoni to the group!)
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Some of us are traveling up Thursday, so we are doing a bit of a get-together. I think the big one will probably be the meal before the concert on Friday. You're in my twitter box, so just stay tuned for more updates as everyone finalizes the plans!
And everyone is dong-gap to me. We are all 29, just with different years of experience. LOL
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sartorius
August 17, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Questions, first wats DBOT????, second when and where is this dinner before the concert, I would like to be in on this, please email me at [email protected] and third can I come to this dinner even though m not a noona, I turn 22 on Tuesday...
OMG
August 17, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Crap forgot I have exams so I won't be able to make the dinner......:(
korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 1:44 PM
Yeah! I can be 29 again? Certainly incentive to ditch any other plans!
BTW, maybe the noonas should take a little trip to visit Leaf in Seoul......could be interesting!
leaf
August 18, 2012 at 8:20 AM
Ahh that would be awesome!!
And have lots of fun in New York Unnis!!! <3<3<3
Shukmeister
August 18, 2012 at 1:08 PM
@ OMG ~
DBOT is my shorthand for DramaBeans Open Thread. I call us Noonas because, as a whole, we are slightly slightly older than the marjority of Beanuts. lol
I've sent you an email as a follow up. At this point in time, there are several of us staying a few days past the concert, so it's still flexible.
MeeisLee
August 17, 2012 at 6:44 PM
:O! The 2NE1 concert in NJ is happening right now actually.
I'm going to do my very best to make the Big Bang NJ concert. I'm not sure of my schedule but it might be during first term finals :/. It is a sacrifice I'm willing to make!
I almost feel kind of left out since I'm no noona :<.
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Shukmeister
August 18, 2012 at 1:36 PM
There are a fairly decent percentage of KDrama fans that are thinking about going, so just keep an eye out!
My plans are to travel north, eat unusual foods, meet people, see pretty boys sing, and then travel south with a suitcase of goodies from Little Italy and Chinatown.
Dried squid is optional.
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canxi
August 17, 2012 at 10:49 PM
I really want to go to the Big Bang NJ concert too. Hopefully it'l happen. :X
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24 Frances
August 17, 2012 at 7:44 AM
Sleeping and lee min ho
feisty ghost and lee junki
And oh! Gaksitaaaallllll!
So many recaps to read so little time!
Happy OT everyone!
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25 AJ
August 17, 2012 at 8:01 AM
Happy Friday everyone!!! It has been forever since I have come to the OT, and I was new to begin with, but its good to be back. I have not been able to go through everyone's comments yet, so if I repeat someone... I am sorry!
First off, To the Beautiful You. I know I am going to love this show. It reminds me so much of You're Beautiful, which is one of my top k-dramas. A gril, who still looks and acts like a girl while pretending to be a boy. A dark brooding first lead male with parent issues. Another boy, who cannot figure out the leads a girl so he thinks he's becoming gay. It may have already been used, but it never gets old! I do realize this show is based off a manga, so I will not harass it for copying. As for the acting, I will give it time. I did not have high hope for the acting in this show to begin with, and I am pretty lenient when it comes to this category. If this tells anything BOF and Playful Kiss are two of my favorite k-dramas. I am sure this show cannot do worse then them. I just like cute stories, so as long as I find the story enjoyable (and SOMEWHAT believable) I have no problems watching lousy acting.
AND Faith.... sigh. This is going to be my crack. Its not just that it has Lee Min-ho (although that never hurts), but it reminds me a lot of Avatar and I miss that show. I also like how the dynamics of the show can change so fast. One moment your in this serious situation, and the next your busting a gut from laughing too hard. Two episodes a week is not going to be enough.
I have also been keeping up with Answer Me 1997, which I love. I have not tried Haeundae Lovers, is it worth giving it a shot? I cannot decide.
Finally, off topic. When I am in a bad mood this video ALWAYS cheers me up, no fail. Because who cannot resist the suju boys acting like the snsd girls :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKq8vUFe5yU
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becca_boo
August 17, 2012 at 8:30 AM
Happy Friday! Welcome back to OT!
I watched the video, against my better judgment: K-pop is so weird, but I think that's why I love it. : )
As for HL (which I talked about in my comment, #26), it's a total ball of fluff, but it's so much fun. Kim Kang-woo really throws himself into the comedy and is hilarious. Who knew, right? I'd never seen him prior to HL, but I've always heard of him as a very serious, serious actor, so it's fun to see him go all-out with the funny.
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Maya
August 17, 2012 at 9:56 AM
Did you mean Avatar the Airbender? Because that exactly what it reminded me of when I watched the first episode, esp the animation parts
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AJ
August 17, 2012 at 10:02 AM
Becca - I have never heard of Kim Kang-woo before, but if the show is a comedy then I will have to give it a try.
Maya - Yeah, I meant Avatar: The Last Airbender. I am so happy I was not the only one who made that connection. I told my brother this show was like the korean live action version of Avatar (with out the element bending, or at least not yet).
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Maya
August 17, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Yes! Yes! Yes! It's the live action version of Avatar! :D LMH's superpower kind of resembles the element bending, the way he shot the lightning from his hand. The costumes were another reminder as well.. :)
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ahjummabunny
August 17, 2012 at 2:53 PM
kim kang woo is best remembered as the excellent villain in a man's story. I really loved to loathe and admire him in a man's story. I want a man's story chingus! what are you kids doing not watching it!
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AJ
August 18, 2012 at 5:15 AM
Maya- I do not know why, but the villain that plays the flute also reminds me of something Avatar would have done.
ahjummabunny- I am sorry, I have never heard of it. I have only been in the korean drama/music scene for about a year, and get most of my info here. But since you recommend it so highly I will have to watch it! :) I also really want to watch The Classic, I heard that was really good. I saw Sunny and really enjoyed that movie, but Cyrano Agency is still my favorite.
26 becca_boo
August 17, 2012 at 8:02 AM
SO MANY DRAMAS!!!!!
First: Gaksital Gaksital Gaksitaaaaal! Seriously, Show, why are you so awesome? I know you're not perfect, but you more than make up for that by sending my heartrate through the roof every five minutes. And that's in a comparatively dull episode.
Watched the first episodes of Faith and TTBY. It's early to say anything definite, but I like what I see, and I'm looking forward to watching more this weekend. I'm still watching Answer Me, 1997, and it's still awesome. I'm watching at Dramafever, though, so I'm a little behind.
On the other hand, I am totally caught up on Haeundae Lovers, and yes, it's cheesy and full of flaws, but I'm pretty sure I love it. It feels like another version of Kid Gang, but without all of the crass, gross-out humor (and without the baby, obviously) and with more focus on the things I actually care about: the has-been gangsters and the determined but inept prosecutor who gets mixed up with them. It even has amnesia!
Finally: ARANG AND THE MAGISTRATE!!! YES! I've been excited about this one since day one, and I'm going to marathon the first two episodes tonight. Can't wait! *does happy dance*
Happy OT Friday, everyone! I hope you all have a great weekend!
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ahjummabunny
August 17, 2012 at 8:07 AM
thanks becca! I'm adding haeundae to my list now.
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becca_boo
August 17, 2012 at 8:19 AM
There's my Kid Gang buddy! I think you'll really like HL. : )
By the way, I've watched the first two episodes of Once Upon a Time in Saengchori (how do we shorten that? OUTS? OUaTiS?). I like it so far, but there are so many current dramas I want to see that I'm not speeding through it. (People keep telling me there's something called "Real Life," too, but I'm having trouble finding information on that drama. I guess I'll just put it on my "To Watch Later" list.) Thanks for the recommendation!
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ahjummabunny
August 17, 2012 at 8:42 AM
lol- let me know if you find out about "real life". I think it might be an interesting drama. I usually call it Saengchuri or "sanctuary." I'm only watching 1 currently airing drama and I'm 3 weeks behind ( olympics delays included) and I have a gazilllion on my to watch list while also watching at least 4 other old ones. I think I can start haeundae in 3 weeks.
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27 shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 8:08 AM
Happy Friday DBOT's!!
I'm late due to my recapping a 2006 KDrama called "18 vs 29". Had a little trouble with my blog and my laptop getting into a little tiff, but it's resolved (for now). So Episodes 1, 2, and 3 are done!
I also watched the beginning of Faith and Arang. Of the two, I think I'm liking Faith a bit more, mostly because of Lee Phillip [drool], but the strong supernatural aspects of both really appeal to me.
Finished watching AGD post-Olympics, and I thought they did a terrific job with the loose ends, although I wouldn't mind seeing MS/JR fully back together, or one scene where Meahri isn't tearing up for whatever reason (okay I understand it's your wedding night, but so much sleepy eye candy is before you, and you'll have your husband for the rest of your life!)
Scoping out a few Thai shows, and working on my next manuscript. Oh, and a bit of Real Life here and there.
8-)
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 8:38 AM
Shukmeister, I remember you from some of the AGD recaps :) so what's your (and other's) verdict on the show as a whole?
I was crazy about it from the start, but lost interest somehow in the latter part. I haven't even watched the last two episodes with subs; I just skipped through them raw. I'm concluding that the show wasn't really all that great after all - so I must have been in a JDG craze! ... and that spell was broken by the Olympic-break. :-) Though I definitely like KDramas that target my age group (including saeguk's) much better than KDrama like TTBY.
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 10:02 AM
Kakashi -
I agree that the momentum slowed with the birth secrets and came to halt with the Olympics, but overall, I think the final two episodes did a credible job of tying up the ends, which not every series has done [cough cough Big cough QIHM cough Jin cough whups there's a lung...] ;-)
Using my previous (and stolen from JB) stickiness scale I would rate it about a 7. I wanted to see the ending, but I'm not so sure I'll watch it more than one more time (marathon it, then say goodbye).
One good thing about it (and the actors) is that I've started looking at other works they've done, most notably JDG's movie career. I just secured a copy of "My Way" and watched "A Warrior's Way" about a month or so ago. But all of them have good shows under their belts well worth rewatching. Okay, maybe not Athena. ;-)
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 10:23 AM
yes, I can agree on a 7 ... maybe I'd even go up to 8? and so true about JDG! I'm not Korean and fairly new to the KDrama world (hooked for about two years) so I had not heard of JDG before. Unbelievable, really ;-) I also tried to get my hands on everything JDG right away, hehe. Haven't watched Warriors Way yet, it seems a bit ... well ... I'm a bit afraid my newfound JDG crush might suffer.
It's interesting that I often don't watch the last two episodes. Why? not sure. didn't watch to last two of QIHM (good thing, I suppose!), of IDID, of Chuno, etc. I'll have to think about WHY for the next OT!!
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 11:13 AM
JDG's expressions caused many a drop of milk to spray onto my keyboard. My favorite was the pursed lips when he pretended to be shocked, especially with the twinkle in his eye.
Warrior's Way was bad on many levels, it's true, but I watched it before the Bathrobe Mambo, so it was intriguing to see his forehead. My Way is a lot more intense, so I'm taking it in dribs and drabs as time permits.
He's a classic example of K-men: in their early years, they seem all soft and round in their faces, but then they develop stronger, more angular features that somehow look better! Check out early photos of JDG, CSW, or pretty much any actor near or past 40. Then speculate what Lee Seung-gi's babyface will look like in 10 years.
Just an ADD tangential question.
kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 11:41 AM
yes, I noticed about the soft, round faces! and since I'm closer to 40 than 20, I do appreciate the beauty of more mature Korean men... I have wondered before whether I'll keep watching KDrama as crazily as I have the last two years in the future and how it will be to see some of the currenty 'babies' (the 20-something generation) age and develop!
korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 9:50 AM
Hi Shukmeister! You just reminded me that I forgot to download 18 vs. 29. Looks like I'm going to be on a "yung'uns" kick for a while with all the other new shows, haha. Or maybe I should just put it away for a rainy day and stick to your recaps.
Your energy is amazing, girl. I don't know how you find the time to keep up with all your writing, let alone drama watching!
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 10:12 AM
I'm too afraid to slow down; I'm pushing 50, an 50's pushing back. lol
Luckily my job has enough downtime for me to write my original works, even though I have no internet and can't watch shows at work.
I hope you enjoy the recaps! They won't be DB Goddess perfection, but still be a good represenation! Another one I'm trying is "Baby-Faced Beauty" recapped and novelized into short stories. An excerpt of this project is also on my site.
It's all to keep those neurons firing! Kekeke.
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whimsyful
August 17, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Happy Friday Shuk!
Jury's still out on both Faith and Arang for me. Hopefully they'll draw me in next week, but if not at least I'll have time to study like I'm supposed to.
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 10:49 AM
Study first, fun second, sleep whenever. You know how that goes...lol
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 10:37 AM
Shukmeister, where can I read your recaps?
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 10:39 AM
ok, silly - saw the link in your name.
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28 Mama J
August 17, 2012 at 8:14 AM
Good morning My Wondrous Beans!
So our beautiful AGD has ended..but we can soothe our hearts with all the new starts, right?
And Gaksital can continue to give us heart attacks! Ep 22...not recommended watching for right before bed. Ask me how I know this. (yawn...so tired today.)
Watched Faith, watched Arang, watched TTBY - happy with all, will continue to watch. Faith and Arang, the funny must keep coming. LMH, I am so getting you. Mane of Glory, Hand of ..hmm. Do not go there. Anyway dude, you look GOOD in Goryeo Warrior Wear. Keep that look. And your deadpan delivery is very funny. Dae Man, I love you, you cute fuzzy headed parkouring monkey boy.
Watched RMPW (Oguri Shun crying is...sigh....wierd hair cut and all, OS, you are something to see.) YOKO. Get the F away from him. I can't hate her because so far, she seems nice. But her brother is SERIOUSLY creepy. Can't get a handle on him. He loves Hyuga, I think, but he's disappointed in him? Is this why he's being the way he is? It's not simply money.
Watched AM1997. This show is so adorable that I'm nostalgic for a history and a culture that isn't even a tiny molecule of anything part of my own. And I have listened to Seo In Guk sing Shake It Up at least 50 times this week. Plus most of his other stuff at least once. And watched some of the talent show where he was discovered. Shall we just say that their training program hath wrought great changes in that boy. I would NOT have known they were the same person.
New to me this week but of course, not new at all: B2ST or however you spell them. Wow - listened to two full albums on Youtube and...yeah. I like them.
In other news: Niel is now 18! It's still so wrong...but at least I'm not going to jail. And I heard from my real-life potential new friend from the Korean restaurant. Yay! Daughter got a job and has a plan for her new dream, which is to move to Portland and make art and music. Sigh. 19 is so awesome. It doesn't last long. I'm glad the past few years have taught me to take a long view with her, who I love dearly and trust to do the right thing for herself no matter how long it takes to get there.
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 9:21 AM
@Joanne,
Your previous comments on the mane of glory on LMH made me decide to download the first 2 episodes of Faith, but now there are so many other dramas I want to start that Faith may have to sit on the back burner a bit. Although if it's funny, I'm more inclined to watch it, since I just seem to want mindless shows that make me laugh at the moment.
Re: RMPW - yeah, Yoko's brother IS creepy (and I kind of liked him in the beginning.) I think the whole bit with the lead girl and him is kind of weird.
"Watched AM1977. This show is so adorable that I’m nostalgic for a history and a culture that isn’t even a tiny molecule of anything part of my own." Wow, this is a good enough advertisement for me. Now I must add another one to my list!
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 10:19 AM
I think Yoko is creepy, and I'm convinced that nothing she tells Hyuga is the truth. What Im unsure of is whether she's in cahoots with her self-gimpy brother. Hopefully this week's epi will get Hyuga's suspicion radar operational.
Have a goodd Friday!
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29 kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 8:23 AM
totally random: anybody else on here that misses Park Shi Hoo?!
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becca_boo
August 17, 2012 at 8:38 AM
Me me me me! That would be me!
I read that he's been offered the male lead in Cheongdamdong Alice. I'm not really interested in the premise (sounds pretty average, and it's a weekend drama), but, hey, it's Park Shi-hoo, so I'd give it a chance.
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 8:42 AM
hehe, saw that too ... I'm still kind of hoping he goes for a less average drama (but nothing against weekend, I liked AGD quite a lot for the most part). his return (to Dramaland, I hope!!) seems imminent, though, the press release said he was considering several offers
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becca_boo
August 17, 2012 at 9:00 AM
Right there with you. I've decided that if Joo Won doesn't take the lead in the Level 7 Civil Servant drama, I want PSH to do it. No ifs, ands, or buts.
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 9:03 AM
YES!!!!!!!! what a great idea.
No ifs, ands, or buts, but abs and butts (sorry - inspired by Haeundae Lovers)
becca_boo
August 17, 2012 at 9:39 AM
Lol - someone had to say it!
ahjummabunny
August 17, 2012 at 8:52 AM
I'm still on the fence about park shi hoo. i know it's pathetic that I still think of him as that clingy second lead from which star did you come from, but I just keep getting called away from princess man before I get to like him.
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 9:06 AM
that's the only PSH drama I haven't seen... guess I have to be grateful for that :)
He's my first love... or maybe that was Bi/Rain? Anway, PSH is my one LASTING love (though I have developed many others every since I first saw him in Prosecutor Princess)
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ahjummabunny
August 17, 2012 at 9:10 AM
you know he wasn't unlikable in which star- it's only that I like kim rae won more. I don't even think he has a lot of screen time.
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korazylady
August 17, 2012 at 9:42 AM
@Ahjummabunny, the first time I saw him was in TPM, and I could not see the appeal. UNTIL he made his appearance with the mane of glory and the hot warrior apparel (wipes drool from mouth!) I didn't like him as much in PP, and was surprised to read somewhere that he was voted Korea's best looking male. This is one case where I really feel the hair makes the man!
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Maya
August 17, 2012 at 10:04 AM
Yes, he also had me when he appeared with the mane of glory! :D
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Mama J
August 17, 2012 at 9:08 AM
hahahah wait till Raine shows up
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cherkell
August 17, 2012 at 9:45 AM
LOL I was just going to say that. Mark my words... knives are gonna be drawn!! :P
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 10:21 AM
@ JoAnne ~ That was my first reaction too...
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DB5K
August 17, 2012 at 1:45 PM
ZOMG me three!! I skimmed through this page and when I saw PSH everywhere, I thought, ooohh, Raine must be on this thread~~ Well, either way, she's going to be so happy there's so much PSH love!!
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Lovebug
August 17, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Park Shi Hoo!!!!!! Sigh
He is also my first true drama love. Sigh (I sigh a lot when talking about PSH). Will watch him in anything, can't wait till he comes back to dramaland!!
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30 nylamrehs
August 17, 2012 at 8:24 AM
loved all the kdramas that premiered this week..
but i like arang and the magistrate over faith more..
cute shin min ah and lee junki, love their chemistry..
to the beautiful you is okay, liked that it has so many eye candies..
i'm still watching gaksital, unexpected you, i'll give you the moon and the stars,
i'm also watching heundae lover's, reply 1997, golden time,
jdramas that i'm tuning into..
i loving rich man poor woman and sprout..
finished with i do i do, ghost, AGD, timeslip dr. jin
whew... too many dramas ... too little time... hahaha, i read this all the time and its true...^^
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31 flour
August 17, 2012 at 9:10 AM
HIII im new in posting OT threads. so hiii.
i stopped watching Gentleman's Dignity after ep12. and read recaps instead. anyone else hates meahri?!
Gaksital, got too heavy for me :(
THANK GOD THERE IS ANSWER ME 1997. spazzing fangirl here. first thing i do when i wake up is check dramabeans for recaps. first drama i watch raw too!
hope everyone is having a good day. and i hope someone can fangirl over 1997 with me HAHAH.
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Hi, Flour, and welcome!
Yeah, Meahri's waterworks got a lot of people to turn off or fast forward, but I still liked the drama, maybe because I could squeee without feeling like a pedophile. lol
I'm not watching Answer, but I know there's discussion upthread.
Take care!
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32 kmw3
August 17, 2012 at 9:33 AM
Hey Beanies, happy OT! It’s been a good week! The weather’s cooled down significantly (almost 25 degrees) so Wednesday when it was raining I tried making kimchi chigae. I’d say it was a success because there weren’t leftovers. It was only my 3rd time eating kimchi and 2nd time eating tofu and my roommates had never tried either so it was an adventure. Next week’s culinary adventure will be homemade frybread for Indian tacos, I can’t wait!!
I also have convinced my roommates an internet upgrade/change is needed, so soon (perhaps even by next week) we will have consistent, reliable, and fast internet (if we can get it out here). We’ll need it for our online classes, or so I said…
I’m very excited for Arang and the Magistrate. I love historical shows (former history major) and really love the religious/fairytale/ legend/myth/fantasy aspects (soon to be religions and mythology major). I’m wondering how it’s all going to pan out. Will it turn out well? Usually I don’t ask those questions until I’ve seen at least a few episodes but just on the recaps alone I want to know. And it looks so pretty! It finally clicked in my head who Lee Jun-Ki was: the guy from the King and the Clown (current film minor) and other stuff. I’m terrible with names.
Right now I’m watching Brain. My god I love the acting of Shin Ha-kyun. He makes me want to act again. I’m excited to watch Festival because he plays such a serious asshole in Brain it’ll be even funnier to see him in a comedy.
The antelope was gone all week until my parents came for a visit yesterday. It’s like that antelope can sense my dad’s crazy antics to chase him away and stays to egg my dad on. It was hilarious to watch my dad sneak and snoop and hide behind things he was too big for, try to throw things like dirtclumps (don’t worry he intentionally missed or so my dad says), holler, and run around like a 5 year-old except for the beard that kept blowing in his face. Finally after about 20 minutes the antelope snickered (I swear!!) and left…going right next door.
I’m pretty sure the neighbor with the defective rooster that crows starting in the afternoon got a goat. Also the neighbor next to them got a pig and more horses. When the rooster crows it starts a whole chain reaction of animal noises ala Old MacDonald…
P.s. Any news on the BIGBANG concerts? Is it still happening in CA and NJ?
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 10:33 AM
Neither venue shows it on their site yet, and I haven't found any ticket seller with it even mentioned, but the 2NE1 concert in NJ tonight didn't have tickets on sale until less than a month out.
Whether or not BB comes to NYC metro, a group of Movie Noonas plan to get together that weekend and have a Korean Koffee Klatch somewhere in that vicinity.
No other US tourdates have been mentioned. I had hoped they would show up in DC myself.
With all those animals in the area, you're just one donkey short of the Bremmen Town Musicians. Maybe the antelope can audition. 8-)
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33 whimsyful
August 17, 2012 at 9:44 AM
Happy OT Everyone!
Tons of premiers! Haven't watched To the Beautiful You, but saw Arang and Faith. Tentative interest but no outright love for both. I love how gorgeously shot Arang is but slapstick isn't my thing, and I like the story in Faith but the direction is all over the place.
Loving Answer Me 1997 --whyyyy are the subs so slow! *checks dramafever for the nth time* Gotta say, the cable networks are knocking it out of the park recently.
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 10:38 AM
Hey Whimsyful!
Yeah, lots of exciting premiers, both happening now and waiting in the wings. I'm liking Faith and Arang, although neither has qualified for crack status yet. I'm reserving that for VP2, I think. So far, the teasers have been tantalizing!
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john
August 17, 2012 at 12:22 PM
whimsyful~
Yeah, the subs for 1997 are soooo slow. The show is worth the wait though.
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34 hapacalgirl
August 17, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Happy OT everybody! I actually have time this morning to comment , which is rare since I am usually swamped with experiments at work.
Ahh I have a shorter day today as I will be going to a pretty fancy restaurant directly after work for my brother's big 3-0 bday today.
Haven't been able to catch any of the new dramas yet (probably this sunday) but did get to skim through episode 1 of To the beautiful you out of curiosity and verdict is pretty much I will be dropping the drama after this episode. I have read the manga ad nauseum already and have seen the two remakes so I wasn't going to check it out at all as I am tired of the story already but my curiosity got the better of me. It is a very pretty drama, like really pretty, but overall I find the OTP rather boring with Minho being Minho and Sulli, while less hysterical ,reminding me of a less bug eyed version of goo hye sun and a not as natural version of Coffee Prince's Go Eun Chan ( I mean do we need to really be blowing on our bangs all of the time?). Add to that the lack of connection and context between scenes also bothers me ( since I am familiar with the story I know how the scenes connect but for someone who hasn't read the story it wouldn't be as easy to figure out). It doesn't help that I overall have a strong distaste for SMent and this has SMent written all over it . But to people who like it, its a fun story and I hope you enjoy but sadly I will pass on this one.
Caught the press con for Five fingers and I simply cannot wait for the drama even though I typically avoid the makjang genre. Eunjung looked so sad and tired but I am glad that she gets along with the cast and they seem to be there for her. Although I think Chae Si Ra's character will be the central character of the drama I look forward to the love triangle as both the male leads visually look good with Eunjung and the three of them seem to have a good relationship with one another on set, how this will actually play out on film I sadly won't know till September when the adults start to show up in the drama. Also I am absolutely ecstatic to have joo ji hoon back on my screen, I forgot how much I missed his voice, its oh so nice. Both him and Chang Wook have these really nice deep voices that are so pleasant to the ears.
I really want to see Arang and the Magistrate but I have been watching mostly Shark week when I get home from work now that the olympics are finished. I don't think I will check out Faith, it just looks to silly to me and as hot as I think Lee Min Ho is, his dramas have been overall misses for me so if I check it out it will be in marathon format after it finishes.
As for american shows, Newsroom is serving as a worthy replacement for my Game of Thrones which finished its season a couple months ago. Other than that I don't really watch american tv.
Anyways hope everyone has an awesome day! I probably won't be commenting next week as I will be going to LA for a 2ne1 concert but I hope every has an awesome week =)
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35 1061-kun
August 17, 2012 at 10:06 AM
Happy Friday everybody!
Most of the summer dramas have ended and it is a good time to grade. Watched most of the big dramas (6 current plus 1 older), so I am a little burnt out and will probably watch just a couple in the new cycle.
Dr. Jin D- I had so big hopes for this drama after loving the Japanese version. It was so bad it almost was a comedy. Bad production values, poor directing, poor acting. Half the plot that was boring. Can't believe I watched the whole thing.
Big C- The other drama I was looking forward to and left disappointed. Gong Yoo was excellent but the rest not so much. The ending was....
I do, I do B This year's Baby face Beauty, a work place romantic comedy. Kim Sun Ah was great as usual. Tackled some big issues like single motherhood and abortion which was interesting to see. The negative of this drama was the office politics.
Gaksital!!/Bridal Mask - B+ Still airing. Didn't really like the first episodes with the brother acting retarded. But it has great action and it has been a fun ride. But 28 episodes? Sometimes too much of a good thing is too much.
Ghost B+ The surprise crack of the summer. It was a great thriller. Liked the fact that they revealed the bad guy early on.
A Gentlemen's Dignity A- Bromance! Do I have to say more? Maybe I am of the same age as the F44 so I could relate to the guys (are they looking for a 5th member?) Loved the opening scenes, mostly funny flashbacks. I know some people didn't like it, complaining about lack of plot, Colin and the whiny Me Ah Ri but I don't care, it was a fun show and I will miss the guys.
Bonus
Delightful Girl Choon Hyang - B+ The first of the Hong Sisters projects, this would be the last one I watched. It was a fun ride with lots of comedy. The two leads were good together.
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Mystisith
August 17, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Well I'm not a guy, but I sincerely would like to see more dramas with gangs of buddies like in AGD. Wasn't that majorly cool? And I also would kill to have friends like that. Just oppas would work too... lol.
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Mama J
August 17, 2012 at 1:21 PM
I'm up for F22! Who's with me? They have jobs, and girls to catch, and college to go off to - all while their hot abeojis and samchons deal with weddings and new brides and babies and instant families. I'm saying there's a TON of material here, girls. Season 2 AGD, Season 2 AGD, Season 2 AGD!
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kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 2:15 PM
F22? Call!
F33 might be too much happiness to handle *gets carried away with ideas* but it would be sooooo marketable.
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 10:46 AM
DGCH was the first Jae Hee and the first Uhm Tae-woong show I saw, and the reason I suffered through Color of Woman, and started watching 1N2D. Not my first HS drama, though.
AGD was good to watch, and it proved that men over 40 are sexy, funny, and smart. And apparently overseas, since I can't find them on the Eastern Seaboard. lol.
Now I'm ready for VP2 and 5F!
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36 LizJ
August 17, 2012 at 10:32 AM
It was a busy week with all the new dramas. I'm going from (somewhat) famine (with the exception of Bridal Mask) to feast again.
Here's what I'm watching:
Bridal Mask...just keeps going and going. I'm wondering what will happen after the cliffhanger twist this week.
Haeundae Lovers...such light fluffy romantic comedy fun. A nice counterbalance to the intensity of Bridal Mask.
To the Beautiful You..I'll be giving this a chance for a while. Not sure I LOVE it but willing to let it grow on me. Somehow I got the original source material confused with Ouran High School Host Club (I guess they are extremely similar concepts with sports in Hana-Kimi instead of the host club).
Faith...I did really like the first two episodes, so I'll see where this one is going, too.
On the other hand, I didn't even make it all the way through the first episode of Arang. I looked forward to this one, but I'll likely hold off till the recaps give me a taste of how the plot is developing.
During the last few weeks, I also finished "Can Love Become Money" (not bad, but seemed to run out of steam in the end), "Prosecutor Princess" (my older daughter told me I'd love this, and I did), and "City Hall" (better than expected but did seem to lag in the middle).
As far as American television, I really haven't watched much all summer. I've been watching a lot more on the Roku and iPad than cable. I do look forward to Fringe, Once Upon a Time, and the new series Revolution in the fall. And Doctor Who on BBC America in a few weeks.
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Hi LizJ - I also 'watched' (but often fast forwarded) "Can Love Become Money", mainly due to YJH. I thought he was good (and pwetty!) in it and it was useful to get into the mood for Vampire Prosecutor 2. Otherwise, I thought it was a totally average, very cliché type of show.
Prosecutor Princess is one of the most surprising Korean dramas I've ever seen (and it started my love for PSH, see post above). I loved City Hall (for the most part), because of KSA (love her!) and CSW (love him!). I wish he'd do another drama soon!!
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ahjummabunny
August 17, 2012 at 11:43 AM
I think it's really hard for cha seung won to pick a good project after his recent popularity surge. I think if a good action drama is coming we might see him as a possibility.
While I like kim sun ah I couldn't get into I do, I do. The first episode had some nice story threads but the drinking scene- maybe if I wasn't rewatching samsoon at the time I might've been okay with it, but man. Similarly I couldn't get into when it's at night
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 12:39 PM
I guess you're right about CSW - and he's at an age and at a stage in his career where picking carefully is both possible and important.
Totally agree about IDID. I fast forwarded most of it and didn't watch the last few episodes. I never blamed Kim Sun Ah for the drama's faults, however - I think she did a good job and she is just so beautiful to look at. I guess she is my favourite Korean actress. And I did think Lee Jang-Woo was SUPER CUTE. really totally adorable.
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hapacalgirl
August 17, 2012 at 11:43 AM
Ooh I love Once Upon a Time, I was able to meet the cast at Comic Con and they are all so nice. The costumes for the show are gorgeous and the plot interesting. Saw a lot of advertisements for Revolution at comic con as well but not sure if I will be checking it out.
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Pela
August 17, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Another Once Upon A Time fan here. Love how they twist the fairy tales.
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LizJ
August 18, 2012 at 4:15 AM
You went to Comic Con...I am so jealous!,,
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LizJ
August 18, 2012 at 4:16 AM
You went to Comic Con...I am so jealous!!!
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37 Noelle
August 17, 2012 at 10:37 AM
I loved the ending to AGD.
In love with Arang.
Gonna go read Too the Beautiful You.
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38 Carinne
August 17, 2012 at 10:59 AM
I have gone for so long, left Kdramaland for a while and dove into Cdrama/TWdrama. Looks like I'm off to catch some Love Actually. I raised an eyebrow for Faith, other than that, meh.
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39 neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
August 17, 2012 at 11:03 AM
HAPPY OT everyone!!!
No dramas for me this week, it was full of EXAMS!!!!
tomorrow will be the last for this week and next week will be spend watching FAITH, ARANG, and HAEUNDAE!!
what else should I add to my list??
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40 InSu
August 17, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Will Doona Bae get nominated for an Oscar? She is in the climatic last 1/3 of Cloud Atlas. 6 minute extended trailer on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hWnAqFyaQ5s
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41 Pela
August 17, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Spent the week off from work suffering from a really nasty bout of flu and watching 'Greatest Love'. I know, I'm very late to the party but it pulled me and my mother who fractured her arm through a terrible week. I have been out of the k-drama loop for a while but this just reminded me why I love them so much. Any recommendations for a recently completed series?
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Mystisith
August 17, 2012 at 12:07 PM
A Gentleman's Dignity: Funny with awesome ahjussis.
Queen In Hyun's Man: For a (real) love story.
History of the Salaryman: Funny and alien.
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Pela
August 17, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Thanks. :-)
I already heard a bit about A Gentleman's Dignity but will definitely take a look at the other 2 as well.
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ahjummabunny
August 17, 2012 at 12:23 PM
I think queen in hyun's man is my favorite k-drama.
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bd
August 17, 2012 at 12:23 PM
For snappy/wityy dialogue - I Need Romance 2012 (great writing/great cast)
For something a bit older - He/The Man Who Can't Marry starring the excellent Ji Jin hee w/ a great all-around cast (in way similar to "The Greatest Love" b/c JJH's character is so eclectic - but the humor isn't as over-the-top).
Something that is ongoing - Answer Me 1997/Reply 1997 (humor here is more situational than dialogue driven, but really well done).
All 3 have top-notch scripts.
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bd
August 17, 2012 at 12:30 PM
All 3 have top-notch scripts with the perfect combination of humor/light-hearted moments and heart.
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42 Lovebug
August 17, 2012 at 12:29 PM
Happy Friday! Cheers to the freakin weekend everyone!
So I finally finished Can Love Become Money! Yay!! I really enjoyed this drama, and was on pins and needles waiting untill Ma In tak found out the truth. Overall it was a very satisfying drama. For me the make of a good drama is if you would want to keep watching the daily lives of the characters after its over. (Unlike INR2 which was good but the somehow unsatsifying especially how they tried to tie everything up with a neat little bow)
I really like how layered the characters were in this drama. Ma In Tak (Yun Jung Hoon who i now love!!) was deliciously petty, arogant, and suspicious but at the same time vunerable. (I also loved how he delivered his lines!) It was clear he was so mean to everyone as a defense mechanism believing that people only cared about him for his money. And by the end of the drama his worse fears came true regarding the people he really cared about, but by then he had learned to forgive and see that people can have competing motivations. I really liked that whole plot. It was just an all around cute and fun drama!
I am now on the Yun Jung Hoon train, and have just started Vampire Prosecutor! Any other recommendations for his dramas. I know he is East of Eden but haven't heard great things about that drama.
Otherwise watching Gakistal, RMPW, and started and enjoying Faith.
Happy Drama watching!
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kakashi
August 17, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Naw on the dramas, I watched (or tried to) some of the older stuff (like Jejungwon or East of Eden) but didn't get very far ... Recently, I came across the movie "Love in Magic", which is enjoyable and cute, so you could watch that. It's up on Mysoju. And of course, there's the famous "Daddy-Long-Legs" (incl. Ha Ji-Won), I guess that's a must see (though I hate that kind of story).
I watched Can Love Become Money solely for YJH, and I was actually amazed how dedicated he was to his role. So, while I didn't think it was a good drama (I hated the clichés), I loved Ma In Tak. And I am SO looking forward to Vampire Prosecutor 2! I've marked the day in my calendar ...
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43 Maya
August 17, 2012 at 1:35 PM
Omo! I just found this in YouTube today: Gangnam Style Gaksital. I loled so much when I watched this, esp since it's rare to get something comedic from Gaksital these days. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55c1mOr4Zwk
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44 Maya
August 17, 2012 at 1:43 PM
Hmmm... The link is not working, maybe this one will
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55c1mOr4Zwk
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becca_boo
August 17, 2012 at 2:56 PM
HA! I had to watch that twice, and I know I'll be going back again. Brilliant.
Thanks for sharing!
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Farpavilions
August 17, 2012 at 7:26 PM
HILARIOUS.
Just made my day!
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Maya
August 18, 2012 at 10:04 PM
Apparently Joo Won and Han Chae Ah just retweeted the link to this video! I wonder what they thought when they saw it.. :D
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45 RealKDramaaddict
August 17, 2012 at 1:47 PM
I am in a sad minority with Beloved and there is no virtual space to talk about it. It is similar to Alone in Love.
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kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 2:08 PM
Hey, RealKDramaaddict!
I am watching Beloved too! Actually, Ive been since the first episode and I still don't have an opinion about it. If I am not wrong, I started watching because of Choi Yeo Jin, but liked also other characters. The story is not very original, but presented in quite a fresh way, so I keep watching. And looking at JinSe doesn't hurt either :).
Oh, I forgot about one character I would like to put on the hitlist: Ran. She is shameless enough to barge in a life of a married couple and stupid enough to meet the wife and say she won't give the house away, although she knows the husband (technically ex-) doesn't feel the same as her.
Weird, but I think it's a perfect example of a sticky drama - you keep watching, but why?
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ahjummabunny
August 17, 2012 at 2:18 PM
hi gherkin family kopytko!
so it is one of those angsty triangle-y dramas?
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kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 2:24 PM
Hi Ajummabunny! It is not really angsty, otherwise I wouldn't watch an episode ... It seems quite realistic to me. Just one character makes me want to use foul language ;)
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RealKDramaaddict
August 17, 2012 at 2:30 PM
They all act stupid and secretive. But there are no birth secret, pregnancies, murders, amnesia, intervening parents, etc.
Thank you for replying and making me feel better that I am not the only one who watches this type of drama.
kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 2:35 PM
But they do the stupid parts well! Recently I realized there are two types of stupid characters: some of them make you impatient and provoke you to curse at them and want to teach them a lesson with your fists. The other ones are convincing and make you accept the fact that they aren't the brightest bulbs. Isn't JinSe a typical second type fool?
RealKDramaaddict
August 17, 2012 at 2:20 PM
I know, Ran is a shameless, selfish, and delusional. I don't excuse her because she is young.
Jin Se is very handsome. Chan Joo looks much older than him, unfortunately. Beloved runs in circles and there is not much humor or any other distractions from the heartache. It's addictive though.
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RealKDramaaddict
August 17, 2012 at 2:41 PM
Jin Se has to grow a pair. It's like he lives to please. Since Chan Joo was older than him, she had all the power in marriage.
I agree that he is a gentle, stupid fool, who is afraid to hurt people, thus actually hurting them even more.
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ahjummabunny
August 17, 2012 at 2:13 PM
oh I thought it looked, ooked and sounded like que sera sera. I haven't watched any episodes yet. Dramafever always seems to insist on strangling me when I'm counting on them for episodes so I'm waiting until there are more. how is kim min joon? is he likable, a mean guy type?
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RealKDramaaddict
August 17, 2012 at 2:25 PM
Kim Min Joon? He is kind of meh. Posturing, not emoting much. I am not impressed with the second leads. Dramafever has 15 episodes up. I watched the last one raw. Won't spoil it for you.
Right now I regret watching it. But I still want to talk about Beloved, go figure.
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kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 2:27 PM
See? It's sticky!
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RealKDramaaddict
August 17, 2012 at 2:34 PM
:)
RealKDramaaddict
August 17, 2012 at 2:54 PM
Kopytko, if you really want to see a good, moving drama, find Alone in Love. You won't regret spending time on AIN and it will move you beyond anything. And some of it is very funny and light.
kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 2:59 PM
Moving drama? I need to be skillfully tempted into one. I won't watch just because it's moving. That's how I am, really :)
Or is it funny too?
RealKDramaaddict
August 17, 2012 at 3:06 PM
OK, I don't know about skillfully tempting, but it Alone in Love is funny, frustrating, honest, and absolutely not slow in its development. It is more addictive than anything else I watched lately. How is that for a sales pitch?
Oh, the male lead has no shower scenes, is not athletic, but he is fun and manly. A lot of bickering. Very real.
kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 3:13 PM
Bickering! That's an argument used in skillful temptation!
46 Denali
August 17, 2012 at 1:54 PM
I did watch Answer me 1997 raw and did not understand most of it but I did get the most important part. Darn the finale was soooo disappointing. :-/
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anonymus
August 18, 2012 at 12:00 AM
... that wasn't the finale. Most people get confused, because every week there airing two half hour episodes back to back. Some sites say that it only has 8 episodes and other site list every episode at 30 minutes.
There are 16 half an hour episodes, only 8 already aired. We are only half way through.
I hope this minimizes your disappointment a bit.^^
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Denali
August 18, 2012 at 11:30 PM
Oh cooooool! Thank you very much because yes I was very disappointed to read that ep 8 was the finale with that kind of crappy ending. ^^
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47 Y
August 17, 2012 at 2:46 PM
Hmm I don't know if anyone watched My Queen, it's kind of dragging at times ,but Ethan Ruan is pretty cute! The chemistry of both leads are right on. Well I guess I liked the story premise coming from a woman in her thirties( not late thirtys * coughs*) . I'm really liking RMPW now,looking forward to watching it till the end. On Kdramaland? Hmm, no throwing stones please , but I can't seem to find any interesting drama out there yet to watch. I think I'll just marathon them all at once and skip to the cute parts and the endings! Well, I read books and watch movies ending first anyway so no biggie .
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48 kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 3:11 PM
*This is a re-posted message that got pasted in a wrong place*
Hello Everybody! How are you doing!
I’ve been on the move for a few weeks now, so I couldn’t really join in here at OT, actually I didn’t even have many possibilities to watch anything. All in all, it’s good most of my shows were pre empted for oleeeeeempics. I didn’t fret I was missing something, LOL.
So AGD, Ghost and INR2 ended. I loved all three dramas, athough the endings weren’t as good. Actually, I was OK with Ghost and INR2 – predictable but still entertaining and in a way also rewarding. AGD – meeeeeeeeeh. Too sweet. I hate, really HATE all those fancy proposals. Does anybody get really excited about that stuff? Seriously, as a cynic and a practical person I have no idea what can be so wonderful if a man makes a fool of himself, makes cliche gestures and involves other people in the process? *taming the inner cynic*
Mysti mentioned she would like to have an oppa AGD-style. I think I’ve just got one – as a frequent customer I got friendly with my mechanic-ajussi. He said he liked people who love their cars and encouraged me to ask anything about my machine ( a thirty year old one, mind you). In the meantime I had a really difficult situation with the engine, and had to be a damsel in distress (sheesh, why did I have to put on heels and a summer dress on that one day). So it’s true, that men love looking after helpless women. He did help me out and I’ve been getting VVIP treatment since then. Not that I complain, but can you imagine a mechanic who is a blend of Tae San (competent and reliable) with Jung Rok (no comment)?
As for the new offerings, I like Faith (I guess I am a LeeMinHo-lic after all, sigh) A hero who loves sleeping as much as I do - priceless!
Arang and the Magistrate - not bad, definitely, but not as good as I expected. I ff-ed, watched it in chunks and didn't feel I missed anything. But a feisty heroine played by SMA is a great treat. I am looking forward to episodes to come.
Also curious about May Queen, not so much about 5Fingers.
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49 Raine
August 17, 2012 at 4:11 PM
Hello world! I'm alive! I've moved to Colorado, I'm hustling for cello students, and trying to set up house, practice cello and all around get settled in. No drama for me pretty much all summer. It was sad. My blog fell into a sad state of neglect as did my love towards all of you, my lovely Kdrama buddies!
How is everyone? I'll be back tomorrow to check replies 'cause we're hanging up pictures and mirrors now!
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kopytko
August 17, 2012 at 4:17 PM
Hi Raine!
I hope you'll enjoy your new place and find wonderful cello students!
Are you looking forward to 5fingers as a music themed drama? Next to being Joo Ji Hoon's post-army comeback, of course :)
Cheers!
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 7:00 PM
Raine! Welcome back! Take your time to get you and Timmy happy and well-adjusted, and then come back and squee / wince with us. lol
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50 MeeisLee
August 17, 2012 at 6:39 PM
Yes. I finally made it to OT!!!
Now, to ask this question I've long wanted to ask:
Why do people say someone is a good actor/actress when they're playing a villain when the audience begins to hate them?
Could someone end my confusion?
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shukmeister
August 17, 2012 at 6:57 PM
Most actors don't have a real life reputation as nasty evil people; if they did, who would work with them then?
So if they can portray a reviled character so well that the audience firmly believes it, it's implied that a superior acting skill level is at work.
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MeeisLee
August 17, 2012 at 7:19 PM
Ahh, I see.
Hmm, I wonder if this is why I can't watch a drama with UEE after YB... I don't even remember her scenes in that drama enough to justify my current feelings.
Thanks for answering :).
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