Why Do Dramas Do That?: The Table of Contents
by javabeans
Last week we gave you a brief taste of what’ll be in our forthcoming ebook Why Do Dramas Do That? (Part 1), and now we’re unveiling the full lineup. So here’s the full list of topics for Part 1, beginning with the lay of the (drama)land and ending on some of the recurring narrative tropes we’ve come to know and love. Or hate. Or love-hate. Yeah, probably that last one.
You may be wondering why a few key points seem to be missing (Where are the piggyback rides? Wrist grabs, drinking culture, bad daddies, fruit cutting?) but fear not — those are definitely in the mix for Parts 2 and 3.
To address a few concerns from the previous thread: You don’t have to have a Kindle or Nook or Sony Reader to be able to read the ebook (though if you do, you’re set). If you’ve got a a computer or a smartphone, you’ll be able to use free apps (like the Kindle app) on your device, which will work just as well.
Why Do Dramas Do That? is currently being madly slapped together by a brigade of monkeys on typewriters lovingly prepared for its upcoming release. It’ll be soon! We promise. We’re working on it, okay?
WHY DO DRAMAS DO THAT? (Part 1)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. What is a Drama?: Drama Meta
- What is Hallyu?
- Why are most K-dramas only one season?
- What’s a live-shoot?
- What is a trendy drama?
- What’s a sageuk and how do you pronounce it?
- What’s a melo?
- Why does makjang get such a bad rap?
- What’s this meta you guys keep talking about, and why’s it so funny?
II. You Can Call Me Names, But You Can’t Call Me By Name
- How can speech be “short” or “long”?
- What’s an oppa?
- What’s a noona?
- Who gets called unni, and why?
- What about hyung?
- Yeah, but what about when people call each other sunbae/hoobae?
- Is being an ajumma an age or a state of mind?
- Why do people always say Hwaiting / Fighting?
III. Money, Money, Money
- Candy: Cinderella on steroids?
- The Prince and the Pauper: Wither the middle class?
- What’s an al-ba and why does everyone have one?
- Why are loan sharks such a threat to the innocent heroes and heroines of dramaland?
- How do characters lose entire fortunes and homes by the actions of others?
- Can’t a Cheongdam-dong daughter-in-law and a Hongdae club rat just get along?
- Rooftop Rooms: You might be poor but at least you have a view
- Do people still live in those old-timey houses and why?
IV. Cornerstone Cliches: Tried But True
- Why is everyone in a K-drama obsessed with a first love?
- If you don’t have a birth secret, you just haven’t discovered it yet
- Forget Me Not: Is selective amnesia a real thing?
- Loving your brother from another mother: Is it ever safe?
- Why do diametric opposites attract?
- Is unrequited love still love? The Backhug: love unrequited
- Dear Noble Idiot
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1 mary
August 26, 2013 at 11:46 AM
Shut up and take my monkey.
It's a fast typer too.
(Am excited for parts 1 and 4!)
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sebsob
August 26, 2013 at 11:48 AM
Monkey? Is this meta I'm missing a clue over?
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sebsob
August 26, 2013 at 11:49 AM
Ignore...I read post in full...hehe, sorry.
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mary
August 26, 2013 at 11:49 AM
I meant chapters 1 and 4.
Though I am not averse to a Part (volume) 4, if you girls can manage it. :)
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
August 26, 2013 at 7:33 PM
I see what you did there ;)
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2 sebsob
August 26, 2013 at 11:47 AM
Oh wow, this looks so comprehensive and detailed. I'm truly looking forward to its release. Yay!
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3 Evelia
August 26, 2013 at 11:49 AM
Cool. I am looking forward to reading the book!
I always wonder why the heroine says "fighting", follow by a fist pump.
How long is the e-book going to be?
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crizzyville
August 27, 2013 at 3:00 AM
me too! lolz at being too late with the comment. just happened to drop by today.
as for your 2nd statement, my thoughts exactly. I want to understand why too..
@jb, is it free? if not, then i hope there would be an epub format release.
thanks a lot! love the concept!
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4 windsun33
August 26, 2013 at 11:50 AM
I love this one already: "If you don’t have a birth secret, you just haven’t discovered it yet"
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Mystisith
August 26, 2013 at 12:16 PM
Reminds me of that saying for poker players: "If you don't know who's the pigeon at the table, it's probably you."
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Mama J
August 26, 2013 at 12:23 PM
That one is already my favorite.
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bbstl 🧹
August 26, 2013 at 7:57 PM
mine, too! made me laugh the hardest.
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meliyasha
August 27, 2013 at 7:54 PM
Same here! Enough to make my co-workers think that i'm weird (it's not the first time tho) XD
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5 Elianne
August 26, 2013 at 12:03 PM
I'm so incredibly excited for this you have no idea.
Don't worry about the release date, I'm still surprised you guys even even have the time to do this on top all the recaps without cloning yourselves. That, or those dexterous monkeys have their own gateway to the fourth dimension.
Btw, will this be available on amazon.co.uk as well? I don't think you can purchase ebooks from amazon.com outside north america. or maybe that's just me..
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saturtledaisy
August 26, 2013 at 3:06 PM
I swear, I'm THIS close to planning a trip to the USA to find that gateway to the fourth dimension. There is no other explanation. Let me in on the secret! I could definitely use it!
In all seriousness, you can't buy ebooks from amazon.com outside of north america D:? That would be a serious bummer x--x.
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verzaholicbee
August 27, 2013 at 2:59 AM
I'm Spanish and bought my first kindle when they were sold only in amazon.com. Even if now I have accounts in almost all amazons, my kindle account is still in amazon.com and I can purchase ebooks ONLY in that site.
So, when I find an interesting ebook in another amazon site I delete the .whatever, write .com, and it usually redirects me to the right account. The only ebooks from other sites I couldn't buy this way were from amazon.co.jp.
Therefore, and since dramabeans are not been published by a publishing company, I think there won't be any problems.
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6 windsun33
August 26, 2013 at 12:09 PM
I have a lot of mini and micro questions also, but they are probably not important enough for the e-book. For example:
1. Why do they often say something like "I (or you) smell like meat"? Meat does not have much smell unless it is pretty much unfit to eat, so I am assuming that what they really mean is the smoke/BBQ/garlic smell from cooking it.
2. Why do they say "Let's get some delicious food"? Why always the "delicious" part added? (which seems a waste, since 97% of the time they never eat it anyway...).
3. Why do Koreans use metal chopsticks? (personally I hate the metal ones, so wondering..). Everyone else in Asia uses wood or bamboo or plastic.
4. What is "Americano coffee"?
5. Why do Koreans so often turn to the side when drinking? Never seen that in any other country.
6. Why am I wondering about such trivial things?
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redfox
August 26, 2013 at 12:20 PM
americano is when you rinse your cup after drinking regular coffee by filling the cup with water. at least it tastes like that.
they turn to the side to.... show the label on the bottle?
delicious food usually means something inedible like testicles or chicken feet. I wouldnt eat it either.
people smell like meat cause they are meat.
no idea about the chopsticks, but I said "chopsticks" today instead of "joystick" at the plane simulator. use chopsticks to fly the plane? Tricky... what was I thinking....
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Laura
August 26, 2013 at 12:27 PM
"to…. show the label on the bottle" - haha, that's a funny way to interpret a sign of respect to older people :DDD Product placement all the way.
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Newbie
August 26, 2013 at 12:29 PM
In ancient times they believed, that poison could be detected with the help of silver chopsticks (as they show it e.g. in Horse Doctor). Must have become a tradition.
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windsun33
August 26, 2013 at 12:42 PM
That sort of makes sense. There was a similar belief (pretty much totally unfounded, of course) in some European cultures going back as far as the Roman Empire, so now of course we have metal spoons instead of wood ones :)
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windsun33
August 26, 2013 at 12:38 PM
"...they are meat" :) :D
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AnotherFan
August 26, 2013 at 1:49 PM
Huh? :-)
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anna
August 26, 2013 at 3:54 PM
haha no americano is espresso with lots of water :D
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asif
October 2, 2013 at 9:02 PM
do they really call watered down coffee americano? I wonder what they call all the american soldiers that died so they could retain their liberties. great fools, maybe, idiots or, yes suckers? I think that everything bad being american is the south koreans' way to save face because even if they never admit it, without the bad devils, the americans, all koreans would be calling each other comrades.
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dramabliss
August 28, 2013 at 11:34 PM
Also noticed they use spoons with long handles - as long as chopsticks. I suppose so they look good, when put side by side on the table.
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sweetcloud
August 26, 2013 at 12:40 PM
I don't know about the silver chopsticks but the metal ones seem more appropriate to eat grilled meat, since they are sometimes in direct contact with the flames
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windsun33
August 26, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Partly perhaps, but I see the same method of cooking in Japan and China, and bamboo holds up surprisingly well to it, in fact I use them all the time at home.
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ryoko
August 26, 2013 at 12:44 PM
5. It's to show respect to the elder, social superior or sunbae with whom you are drinking.
I'm sure somebody else around here is better equipped than me to give you a more detailed explanation of the intricacies of drinking etiquette.
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kumi
August 26, 2013 at 12:45 PM
#3 About metal chopsticks: they are reusable, unlike the wooden ones. Of course, you can also try to wash the wooden ones, but not really. Wood really absorbs liquids (from food, saliva, soap, etc). Therefore, wooden chopsticks are good only for one use. Whereas the metal ones are much more hygienic and easy to clean.
#6 Some of your questions are not trivial at all, like, say, the first one. The answer can change your destiny IMHO.
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kujaichi
August 26, 2013 at 4:12 PM
I reuse my wooden chopsticks all the time - they are lacquered, so no absorbing liquids there :)
Of course I wouldn't really reuse the non-lacquered ones you get in restaurants for example either...
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kumi
August 26, 2013 at 4:59 PM
I also have lacquered ones that only I use. Lacquer protects wood, but it can sometimes crack too. If you see lacquer cracks on your chopsticks, it's better to dispose of them right away.
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ChillyMilly
August 26, 2013 at 5:47 PM
I grew up with plastic chopsticks, and I like those the best. What I don't get is when I see flat metal chopsticks, they're really hard to use.
But I love korean spoons with the long handles, sooo convenient.
kumi
August 26, 2013 at 6:51 PM
@ChillyMilly Plastics are also of one-time use, not really washable. Plus, they are chemical. But use whatever is more convenient to you, no need to grow too mental about it. However, the purists would use either metal (reusable) or uncovered wood (one time use).
tamtam
August 26, 2013 at 7:02 PM
At the risk of sounding like a spoiled brat... I've always used my ivory chopstick set at home and disposable wooden ones when eating out.
I never understood the metal bowls and chopsticks often used in Korea either. Maybe they're easier to handle compared to ceramics and slightly more hygienic/durable than plastic. Metal can get scratches and dents in them as well and those areas can store food/bacteria, btw.
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kumi
August 26, 2013 at 7:44 PM
I guess we're coming to the conclusion that it's best to eat just with your own clean hands. In India they do it, and Ayurveda also recommends for better digestion. ;)
pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
August 26, 2013 at 7:44 PM
@tamtam - I'll speak for metal chopsticks, they are far easier to handle/more maneouevreable than plastic though metal and wood are equally user-friendly, that way.
windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 3:02 AM
I have some sets of bamboo chopsticks that have been in use for at least 25 years. Never cared for the plastic ones, they are usually too slippery.
visitor
August 27, 2013 at 6:05 AM
Metal is indeed more hygienic than plastic. The chemical elements slow down the breeding process of the bacteria. It's why hospitals (should) have mostly metal door handles.
windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 12:49 PM
Not all metals have anti-bacterial qualities. Stainless and Aluminum - which many metal chopsticks are made of - does not. Copper and Brass & Bronze (copper alloys) do. Other metals vary. Unfortunately, most of the metals that do are the heavy metals, and most can be toxic.
jully moue
August 26, 2013 at 12:50 PM
haha, if you are from southeast asia.
americano simply means kopi o.
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CJ
August 26, 2013 at 7:51 PM
actually it means reeeeeeally diluted kopi-o, not the stuff that puts hair on your chest ;-p
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watercolors
August 26, 2013 at 12:59 PM
To answer number five, it's basically to show respect to a sunbae (senior) that you might be drinking with. Like if you're at a dinner with your boss at work and they're sitting in front of you, you would turn your head to the side and cover your mouth when you drink. I'm pretty sure that's how it is. Someone else can elaborate on it if they want.
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Joy
August 26, 2013 at 1:21 PM
5. I read somewhere that it's considered rude to face your superior while drinking so you have to show your back to them. Hence why they turn to the side! :D
I found the article!
http://matadornetwork.com/nights/drinking-in-korea-requires-etiquette-and-endurance/
"Stratification is deeply embedded in Korean society, so you should always be aware of the pecking order. Anyone older or higher on the corporate ladder should be treated deferentially, and one easy way to do that is to turn away from them as you sip."
The more you know~
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windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 3:10 AM
Thanks for the link. Lately I have gotten interested in that whole stratification / social hierarchy thing that seems to be taken to extremes in Korea. And from what I have been reading, even Koreans themselves sometimes get confused :)
One article I read gave the example of an older male who's boss was a younger female. The article was looking at the funny side of Korean society, and came to the conclusion that both sides would be unable to compute and be locked up in continuous bowing to each other mode :D
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pearl3101
August 28, 2013 at 12:57 AM
LOL...
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Midori
August 26, 2013 at 1:52 PM
Windsun33, you're obviously not a vegetarian!
1. You can smell meat n people especially after barbecue.
2. No idea.
3. Hygiene would be my guess.
4. Black, drip coffee.
5. Sign of respect. You see this in Japan too.
6. This is why you're a drama addict.
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Requiem
August 27, 2013 at 3:07 AM
3) Actually, other cultures use metal chopsticks. I know that Chinese does since my grandmother had a pair which she always used, and I think I've seen them at Japanese restaurants also.
As to why they're used, I don't know why personally, but this is what wikipedia has to say somewhat tangentially on the topic:
"but for deep frying, metal chopsticks with bamboo handles are preferred, as the tips of regular bamboo chopsticks discolor and get greasy after repeated use in hot oil. The wooden handles protect against heat."
My guess is that since chopsticks are often used to cook meat directly in Korean culture (BBQ), it's to prevent buildup of grease and discoloration.
As to why there's no bamboo handles.... I've got nothing.... Maybe it's a way of proving your (wo)manlihood?
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windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 3:31 AM
I have a couple of sets of the Japanese type that that are much longer than the "eating type" - about the same length as the Chinese style used in wok cooking. I vaguely recall that in Japan they are not called chopsticks (hashi), but don't recall the Japanese term.
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Requiem
August 27, 2013 at 6:58 AM
Saibashi (菜箸; さいばし) are Japanese kitchen chopsticks used in Japanese cuisine. They are used in the preparation of Japanese food, and are not designed for eating.
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Lizzy4e
August 27, 2013 at 7:08 AM
1. If you have ever gone out to eat Korean BBQ you too would smell like meat. You and your friends sit around a hot, spitting grill. Your hair and clothes become permeated with the smell of cooked meat.
Much like your home can smell like fish or fried foods after cooking them.
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kumi
August 27, 2013 at 8:47 AM
"We are what we eat", they rightfully say.
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PPasun
August 27, 2013 at 10:04 AM
2. Koreans usually do not say "delicious food" but "something delicious" in those situations (so it is probably just how words are translated). What they mean is "let's enjoy together" rather than "let's get a bite."
3. Metal chopsticks come from Korean yugi (brassware) culture. Koreans used to eat rice, soup and side dishes out of brassware rather than ceramic ware (used more for tea, liquor etc.). Handmade yugi was preferred because they could be easily sterilized and kept food warm for a longer time. You can still see brassware being used at jesa (ancestor worship/memorial rituals). And if you can afford it, you would want silver utensil including chopsticks because silver turns black when it comes in touch with poison. Silver and brass are hard to take care (you have to regularly brush them), so in this busy day and age, most Koreans opt for stainless steel vessels and utensil. Also more people use ceramic ware nowadays.
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KimYoonmi
August 27, 2013 at 12:03 PM
1. Why do they often say something like “I (or you) smell like meat”? Meat does not have much smell unless it is pretty much unfit to eat, so I am assuming that what they really mean is the smoke/BBQ/garlic smell from cooking it.
Seogyeopsal and the Anthony-esque promotion of Korean Beef. It's what's grilling for dinner. Also meat is really expensive in Korea.
2. Why do they say “Let’s get some delicious food”? Why always the “delicious” part added? (which seems a waste, since 97% of the time they never eat it anyway…).
It's the Korean way. There is repetition in Korean language.
3. Why do Koreans use metal chopsticks? (personally I hate the metal ones, so wondering..). Everyone else in Asia uses wood or bamboo or plastic.
Silver was a sign of prestige since only the King could have silver chopsticks. Also detected poison.
Personally, I think using Japanese chopsticks properly is harder since the more of a rookie you are, the closer to the end towards the food you are. It's embarrassing to be near the tip. Korea doesn't have that stigma. Also you get a spoon with every meal for the sauces, soups, etc that come with it.
4. What is “Americano coffee”?
Espresso shots and some hot water. Already said. Costs you about one book in Starbucks. Cheaper in Korea. Iced Americano has ice and espresso, sometimes added water.
5. Why do Koreans so often turn to the side when drinking? Never seen that in any other country.
It's a sign of respect. Cultural History--never found a solid answer tracing it. Customs are hard to trace within countries.
6. Why am I wondering about such trivial things?
Because they showed up in Korean dramas which you watch like a religion and OMG, all those guys are hot eating meat, feeding it to their girlfriends, turning their well-sculpted heads to drink, passing the meat with their chopsticks, and using their plump lips to drink their Americano coffees. Don't you wish you were the female lead--well maybe not with the makjang in it. The Rom Com one. With one of the sweeter guys. The ones that cook that you don't have to reform from cold -hearted jerks, but learn to change with you and listen to you.
Wait... I'm talking about me, aren't I?
I don't know, if you don't know visit a mudang or something and she can tell you about your past lives, even though it wasn't originally part of Muism.
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7 Tulipsaki
August 26, 2013 at 12:10 PM
This looks awesome! Can't wait, though I'll have to.
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8 katmoo
August 26, 2013 at 12:14 PM
Can I pre-order this? I just want to give you my money now. I cannot wait for this to release! Last time I was this excited about a book release was Harry Potter. Gimme Gimme *Does dance from "Comeback When You Hear This Song" by 2PM*
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ChillyMilly
August 26, 2013 at 5:49 PM
"Does dance from “Comeback When You Hear This Song” by 2PM"
Haha, this. And we need a line of gorgeous actors doing the ADTOY dance.
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9 bains
August 26, 2013 at 12:17 PM
"If you don’t have a birth secret, you
just haven’t discovered it yet"
lolololol :-)
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10 argonuran
August 26, 2013 at 12:21 PM
oh this is really gonna be the rocket science of dramalogy! time and again I am suspicious that Javabeans and Girlfriday are anthropologists just by their approach...
No need to worry about amazon.com, once you are registered to any affiliates like .co.uk or .de you can order on all of their sites. the worst thing that can happen is that they don't ship to your place, but that cannot happen with an e-book cause you just download it after you payed.
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saturtledaisy
August 26, 2013 at 3:10 PM
I read this comment after commenting on the 'amazon' comment above (err obviously), so I wanted to thank you for sharing this information =D. I was already worried I wouldn't be able to buy the e-book x--x
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11 katiamon
August 26, 2013 at 12:24 PM
all the titles are a blast! I couldn't stop laughing at the office while reading them... one of the funniest for me: "Rooftop Rooms: You might be poor but at least you have a view", I kind of relate to it because i'm looking for place right now. I'll download the Kindle app ASAP :)
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12 Saya
August 26, 2013 at 12:26 PM
Javabeans, will this be available in print as an actual bound-up book? I really want hard-copy, and I don't think I'll have the funds to buy it twice :( But I MUST buy it once! Please let us know if it will be anything other than an e-book.
Great job, so looking forward to it! I'd read a shopping list if you guys wrote it.
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Mish
August 26, 2013 at 12:59 PM
I second the desire for a physical copy. Definitely prefer paper to electronic any day. However, I understand it's probably logisitcally impossible with costs and such.
Will buy it regardless of format in the end :)
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jademwong
August 26, 2013 at 8:13 PM
I would also love a hardcopy book, but I'm excited for this nonetheless. And LOL @ the shopping list comment. I agree xD
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pearl3101
August 27, 2013 at 2:12 AM
I'd love a bound up book to. Hopefully the e-book will do well so that we get a hard cover edition.
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13 LK
August 26, 2013 at 12:42 PM
Let's not forget the "U-turn of decisions". You know, when the guy is thinking in the car and makes a last minute decision to go back (usually to the girl) and makes a U-turn in the middle of the road?
Or when someone absolutely HAVE TO go to school overseas, usually interfering with a relationship.
And of course, when a guy and a girl makes a bet and one of them loses... The loser has to be at the service of the winner... lol... and they usually end up living together somehow?
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Toystar
August 26, 2013 at 8:47 PM
Ha ha. It always seems to happen just before The N. I. choice!
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Ivoire
August 28, 2013 at 7:33 AM
What is the N. I. choice?
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canxi
August 26, 2013 at 9:49 PM
Or the "Screeching Parallel Park of We Need to Talk, I Am Very Upset With Your Not Returning My Feelings".
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KimYoonmi
August 27, 2013 at 12:08 PM
And cellphones. About every single last Korean drama must have cellphones. They are either being texted with, broken, are being broken, being thrown into ponds, being retrieved from ponds, not working at the airport, being bought, being sold, having the latest K-pop song on it, having the battery taken out, the battery thrown, or the latest features shown off.
Cellphones do not work in airports, ever.
Or called "Is there any handphone reception here?"
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Colors
August 28, 2013 at 12:54 AM
And even when you're poor (and have been poor for a long time) and people are chasing you for money, you'll have a nice "hand phone", probably the latest one that looks expensive (but is it? I have no clue) although it is sometimes provided by a well-meaning lead.
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pearl3101
August 28, 2013 at 1:01 AM
Cell phone is probably the number one PPL item in korean dramas..
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14 jully moue
August 26, 2013 at 12:53 PM
oh! and how come all forms of contract marriages in kdramas always manages to tie our leads together? don't they ever fail?
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HC
August 26, 2013 at 3:46 PM
Empire of Gold is starting to make me question the power of contract marriages. Those two leads seem to be as stoic as ever as time goes on (and I mean A LOT of time).
But yes, I've always wondered that as well. XD
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windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 3:47 AM
The failure of contract marriages is something that is never delved into in k-dramas, now that you mention it. In fact, thinking back - I don't recall any drama where the OTP's (contract or not) were even hinted at it not lasting forever.
But of course actual statistics show a different story. The divorce rate in Korea has gone up something like 400% since 1999, but cannot find any stats as to how many of those were contract, arranged, OTP, or whatever.
I think that question first started niggling at me back when I saw "My Little Bride" - where a 16 year old high school student was basically forced to marry a 25'ish year old guy. The show of course was all warm and fuzzy, but I could not help but think of how much she was missing in life. (just for the record, I hated the premise of the show, but it was pretty popular in Korea).
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pearl3101
August 28, 2013 at 1:06 AM
I never quite got the concept of contract marriages at all. It was entirely new to me when I first saw them in dramas. I was usually like 'is that for real?" And about "My little bride".. is it even legal to marry at 16?
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15 treatyoshelf
August 26, 2013 at 12:54 PM
The eternal question... "Is being an ajumma an age or a state of mind?" LOLOLOL.
All the YESSSSS to this book. Cannot wait to read it. And you should have an ebook launch with lots of soju. ;)
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16 Ha-Na Elizabeth
August 26, 2013 at 1:20 PM
This sounds super duper interesting. Can not wait until it comes out!
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17 CaroleMcDonnell
August 26, 2013 at 1:29 PM
love the TOC
hard copy and e book, please!!!!
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Ivoire
August 26, 2013 at 2:43 PM
Hello Carole,
I went to your website a while ago, and I tried to leave you a message, but once I sent it, it didn't show on the page. I tried several times, to no avail. Is there a place/address where I can write to you, please? Thank you :-)!
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18 KDR
August 26, 2013 at 1:41 PM
Nice!!!
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19 Aly
August 26, 2013 at 2:31 PM
In the Cornerstone Cliches you should also add the whole "Cancer: The #1 cause of death for main characters"
Specially brain cancer. XD
At least Jdramas usually pick really rare diseases to kill off their characters. Kdramas don't even bother being original.
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downtheroad
August 26, 2013 at 3:06 PM
"...to kill of their characters"
LMFAO!!! I find this hilarious xD
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skelly
August 26, 2013 at 4:59 PM
And then there is the humidifier rule. The more deathly ill a character is, the more humidifiers are blasting away in their hospital room. Two humidifiers, sure sign of a goner. One drama - I think it was the jdrama Priceless - opened with a deathbed scene with no fewer than three humidifiers...!
I was watching (marathoning) Birth of the Rich last weekend, and the old guy had a stroke but only had one humidier in his room and it wasn't even plugged in, so I knew he would pull through. Yup, he did. ;-)
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luvs
August 26, 2013 at 5:50 PM
in kdramas getting wet in the rain almost always gave one a cold/flu. i live in a rainy place and i forget my umbrella sometimes so i get wet but i don't remember getting colds from it.
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1608
August 26, 2013 at 6:19 PM
somehow the these rain/cold induced illnesses are instantly symptomatic and magically cured in one day with the aid of a cold compress applied by the crush you/he/she are obviously still in major denial about.
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windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 4:06 AM
And obviously Korean virus are much more malevolent than anywhere else in the world, as you get those colds and flu almost instantly after exposure to the rain. The whole cliché of course ignores 50 years of medical research that show almost no connection to being rained on and catching cold or flu.
But on the other hand, Korean cold and flu virus are the only ones in the world that respond almost overnight when the hero rushes out and buys some "medicine" from the all night drugstore.
I came to the conclusion long ago that all Korean writers (and most writers worldwide) all failed 2nd grade science classes.
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Conny
August 27, 2013 at 5:15 AM
Never mind the fact that you will immediately develop a fever which will cause you to flat pass out.
*Puts back of hand to forehead*.. oh Dramaland!
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newgirl
August 27, 2013 at 11:53 PM
And if you come to the hospital by ambulance you must have an oxygen mask attached to your face upside down; or if you are drowning you can only be successfully resuscitated by someone who uses a dramatic precordial thump. (A strike to the chest used on a patient that has and abnormally fast and ineffective heart beat. Not likely when someone's just drowned.)
Are K-dramas too cheap to hire medical experts as consultants? (If not, pick me! Pick me!)
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windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 3:56 AM
A similar "cornerstone cliché" is where someone has leukemia, and the hero must find a donor. Of course nobody ever actually dies from it - they always manage to uncover the birth secret (that you never knew about :D ) and find a long lost orphaned adopted brother* or something.
*They were usually adopted by some American couple at age 5, and just now came back to Korea. But of course they all speak perfect Korean but their English is barely understandable, even after 20+ years going to Harvard.
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KimYoonmi
August 27, 2013 at 2:02 PM
Or they grew up in America and came back and now are cold-hearted jerks.
Though, one movie did kill a character from AIDS.
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KimYoonmi
August 27, 2013 at 2:01 PM
Leukemia is also very popular...
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20 beekinga
August 26, 2013 at 2:32 PM
Now to the brass tacks...tun de mari ah... (I think that's what I hear). So, will it cost too much? And just to leave my 2 cents worth...will the ignoring the washing machine in lieu of stomping around in sudsy water mystery be tackled too? :)
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holli
August 26, 2013 at 5:38 PM
OMG...yes! You would think with LG or Samsung around, product placement of washing machines would be in every modern day drama!
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verzaholicbee
August 27, 2013 at 3:30 AM
Hahaha, aaah, back in the old days when I started watching kdrama (2011, but I gained so much knowledge that it seems like centuries ago) the first two sentences I said while staring at the screen in shock were "wait, this isn't a still of they kissing? Are they actually... m-moving?" and "WTH are they doing with their feet? They have money to buy awesome handphones but not a washing machine? Ania! What about using their hands!!!" I was really shocked and thought it was dirty, but then people used to make wine that way...
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windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 4:11 AM
LOL! I love that one. It is such a cliché that in one (apparently mis-edited) drama that for a couple of seconds you could actually see a washing machine in the background.
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21 Raine
August 26, 2013 at 2:55 PM
Haha, even the titles make me laugh! You should ask Elphaba for her troupe of flying monkeys!
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22 Dahiana
August 26, 2013 at 2:56 PM
Yay I cant wait for this to come out!
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23 aweebit
August 26, 2013 at 3:02 PM
Soooooooo excited! You gals are awesome! The kindle is charged and waiting.
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24 sophia
August 26, 2013 at 3:11 PM
CAN'T WAIT.
If you have time, also please consider a chapter on why so many middle schoolers and teenagers appear to live alone without anyone thinking it's an issue. for serious. if dramas are to be believed, korea has a serious abandonment problem and social workers do not exist.
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redfox
August 26, 2013 at 10:42 PM
cause all those golden moms, the lucky cinderellas from the previous drama, die at childbirth. and the fathers, those princes who just fell head over heels, run away or hate their children ...
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windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 4:24 AM
They do not hate their children - they were ruined by the evil stepmom and/or stepsister, and are now on the run from debt collectors.
As for the original question - by now I think we all know that nearly all authority figures, such as police, social services, courts, etc. are all totally incompetent. Because of that nobody ever notices abandoned kids living in a shack with no parents. The neighbors never do anything either, except stand around in herds gossiping and saying "aigoo" and "what should we do".
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Sabelita
August 27, 2013 at 2:48 PM
Ah in many korean dramas one of the main roles hasnt mother or father only in I need romance the girl who lived with her boyfriend /exboyfriend in the meantime and boyfriend again had MOTHER AND FATHER Thnks God...
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pearl3101
August 28, 2013 at 1:15 AM
yep that's a cliche too. Almost all the leads (except in family dramas) have either a single parent or no parent at all.. Almost all leads have a backstory with their parents. I was even wondering at some point are there that many car accidents in korea....
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25 Andrea
August 26, 2013 at 3:12 PM
Oh, I love you guys!
I can't wait to read this and I totally will while being busy with school/work/applying to grad school/watching dramas/watching variety/blogging/life in general. Uh... Can someone help me clone myself?
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26 kaekaed
August 26, 2013 at 3:18 PM
I'm so looking forward to this. Don't make us wait too too long :D
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27 Summer
August 26, 2013 at 3:21 PM
I am so looking forward to this book. I might have to read it at home instead of the train ride to work. People might think I am crazy laughing so hard.
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28 Ek Ladhki Thi
August 26, 2013 at 3:31 PM
I have a blackberry, I know *hides in embarassment*. Are there any apps I can get for this e-book? Also, how much will it cost?
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canxi
August 26, 2013 at 9:58 PM
You can download Calibre (it's basically like iTunes for e-books). It's free software. Easy to use. You'll download that program, then get Dramabeans book, drag and drop it there and then view it in their built-in reader--this is on your computer.
For Blackberry, I'm not sure if there are apps for that. But, I'm pretty sure you can stick PDFs on a blackberry (I have owned one before). Calibre can convert whatever format for the ebook you get into a PDF and then you can just stick it on your blackberry and have fun~! O:
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Ek Ladhki Thi
August 28, 2013 at 3:18 PM
Thanks. Maybe I'll just get it on a computer or something.
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29 Cynthia
August 26, 2013 at 3:37 PM
I love your Table of Contents but have to admit that Section IV just totally cracks my shit up!
Can't wait to order this - whip those monkeys to even more frantic typing!
:-)
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30 tohru314
August 26, 2013 at 4:00 PM
This sounds amazing! Can't wait for its release!
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31 cacophony
August 26, 2013 at 4:19 PM
Why do they address college/universities in Korea as "s" university etc.
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sohyz
August 26, 2013 at 5:56 PM
S uni refers to Seoul National University, its the top uni in korea. K will refer to Korea University and Y will be Yonsei. Usually only these three are made reference to in dramas (for the extremely genius and rich and handsome guys that doesnt exist in real life) because they are they top three university in Korea that every high school kid aims to enter into.
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pearl3101
August 26, 2013 at 6:44 PM
'that don't exist in real life.. " LOL :D
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32 divyrus
August 26, 2013 at 4:27 PM
Even the contents are so much fun !
Can't wait !
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33 blackitty
August 26, 2013 at 4:28 PM
you should add: why, eventhough there are many young and amazing actors, does the "adult" actors act as their youngerself only using a bit of makeup and diferent custumes, example: winter sonata
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KimYoonmi
August 27, 2013 at 2:06 PM
Budget. =P
People don't realize the budget constrains on East Asian cinema.
The US practically throws away its money with PDs, associate PDs, assistant PDs, and Personal assistants to the PD's and Assistant PD's. Most of that is rollwed into one PD and maybe a few Assistant PD's, who do the equivalent of a few jobs.
Budgeting is a huge deal. Or watch Anthony in King of Dramas again. =D
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34 ophie
August 26, 2013 at 4:54 PM
Can't wait! Looks like you will answer most of the questions I've had but never asked. I look forward to a hilariously funny read.
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35 Waca
August 26, 2013 at 4:59 PM
This looks great! I'm so excited! Can't wait to read it! :)
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36 Ek Ladhki Thi
August 26, 2013 at 5:29 PM
I have a blackberry, I know *hides in embarassment*. Is there an app I can use for this e-book? Also, how much will the book cost?
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37 Junsee
August 26, 2013 at 5:40 PM
"Dear Noble Idiot".
I have no idea why but I almost cried. Saving the best for last.
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38 1608
August 26, 2013 at 6:06 PM
I'm sure you guys will eventually cover everything (you always do), but personally, I'm really curious about the "leaving first" thing. For example, "you leave first" "no, I have to watch your bedroom light go out to feel comfortable", "no, I have to watch your car drive away so I can turn my lights out and go to sleep", "fine, lets do rock paper scissors" (roughly paraphrased from The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry). What's that about?
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verzaholicbee
August 27, 2013 at 3:38 AM
Mmm... is it caring? When I take my friends to their houses at night I wait until they enter to make sure they are safe (they have their keys, there's nobody hiding nearby, etc.).
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verzaholicbee
August 27, 2013 at 3:42 AM
Clicked "submit" too soon. So I do it because I care and also to show them that I care, that it wasn't a bother to take them home, etc. Maybe silly reasons, but I was raised that way.
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39 HI
August 26, 2013 at 6:20 PM
'dear noble idiot' yay! cant wait. really hope part II talks about the kissing. esp. the open eyed dead fish ones cuz im gonna need that explained
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40 tamtam
August 26, 2013 at 7:11 PM
The list just keeps getting better.
I like how this is even a topic/question:
"Loving your brother from another mother: Is it ever safe?"
You have bigger issues than unrequited love if you're not sure about the answer to that one.
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windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 4:31 AM
In fact that very issue is coming up in the currently running show "Scandal". Except in that case it is more of a biological brother kidnapped as a kid but now has an interest in someone he does not know is his sister. :D
There is nothing so convoluted that it cannot be covered by a TV drama.
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41 raindrops1
August 26, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Can't wait to read this!!! It going to be a informative and fun read. Great for someone like myself: a freshman in the K-drama viewing world :).
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42 dreamlucky
August 26, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Will there be a hard copy of the book? I prefer reading books than reading on an electronic device actually. I see that a few people are also wishing to have a hard copy. Hopefully you guys will consider it. ^^
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43 Pig pig
August 26, 2013 at 8:12 PM
All the best with the monkeys!
I can't wait to read all the chapters
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44 Jessica
August 26, 2013 at 8:34 PM
Would you consider doing an audiobook version as well?
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45 miumiu
August 26, 2013 at 8:38 PM
Seriously, u gals are just soooooo AWWWEESOMME!
If there was an awesome-o-meter, u gals would break thru it!
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46 Branfi
August 26, 2013 at 8:51 PM
If I lived in Korea I would be terrified of any truck coming toward me. I think they kill more in drama land than cancer. I know I've seen that same truck in many kdramas. What is the kill ratio between trucks and cancer?
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windsun33
August 27, 2013 at 4:36 AM
I am pretty sure that in Korea there is a "truck gang" that specializes in stealing trucks in Murder For Hire schemes. But they are also environmentally friendly, so they tend to keep recycling the same trucks to smoosh people.
But not everyone dies in those truck crashes, more often the victim just gets amnesia, so I would say that cancer kills more.
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Conny
August 27, 2013 at 5:20 AM
*But they are also environmentally friendly, so they tend to keep recycling the same trucks to smoosh people.*
Why did this make me laugh so hard??
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KimYoonmi
August 27, 2013 at 2:10 PM
The majority of the cars that do the running over in dramas tend to be black. It got to such a point that the Hong Sisters made fun of it when in Fantasy Couple, the MMC safely crossed an empty road without getting run over. (The previous year cars, etc, would come from nowhere).
They also covered the brand, but the cars are always shiny (well washed) and black. Always.
Must be a well-run service.
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47 Branfi
August 26, 2013 at 8:55 PM
part 2: why is no one killed by all the car serving and insane U-turns in kdrama land? No traffic police are ever around.
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48 Toystar
August 26, 2013 at 8:57 PM
Thanks. Will the Ebook be ready in time for the holidays?? Love section IV.
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49 astromantic
August 26, 2013 at 9:18 PM
"If you don’t have a birth secret, you just haven’t discovered it yet" -- I feel that this should be on a shirt.
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katmoo
August 26, 2013 at 10:13 PM
I think that we need to get on this. ASAP
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Conny
August 27, 2013 at 5:21 AM
Free with purchase of the book.
OMG, someone make it so!!!
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50 Rosepotpie
August 26, 2013 at 9:28 PM
I nearly peed my pants when I saw this post. I don't have a single solitary friend who watches K-Dramas, but they're all I've watched since I dunno, March? I'm on my 19th and I seriously haven't watched a single episode of American tv since my first episode of "Flower Boy Next Door' on Hulu. I'm so glad I found Dramabeans, because immediately after watching the episode I have to see what you guys thought of it, too...
I laugh so hard reading your recaps, or am amazed at your insightfulness...and I wish my friends would just listen to me, dang it, and realize the deliciousness of K-Dramas! (and Lee Min Ho, and Kim Hyun Joon, and Jang Geun Seok and and and...)
I can't wait to buy your e-book and find out why there are so many alternate spellings for everyone's names?! Hopefully you'll cover that for those of us that are just newbies to Korean culture. (but I'm seriously learning a lot and my glossary is currently 23 words/phrases long and I was trying to explain to a co-worker the whole piggyback thing and the drinking sideways thing...so I'm learning!) :)
Anyways...please keep up the good work. You rock!!
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lilo
August 26, 2013 at 10:13 PM
i have the same problem wiith my friends they just dont want to get the awesomeness that is lee min ho. and all kdrama hunks
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pearl3101
August 27, 2013 at 2:40 AM
Me too. When I first got into kdramas they were all I watched. I think watching kdramas probably contributed to me putting on the extra pounds.
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Anna
August 27, 2013 at 3:24 AM
It's 2 years since I got into kdramas, and they are pretty much all I watch now. My work colleagues make fun of me, especially as I am studying Korean, and recently came back from a holiday there too (I'm going again next March). But I don't care, I love them, they resonate with me on an emotional level that Western drama never touches. I just wish a few people I know would embrace them too. I think that it's the subtitles that puts most people off.
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kumi
August 27, 2013 at 10:07 AM
In some countries (Russia, for example) they do both, subs and dubs for Korean dramas and movies.
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verzaholicbee
August 27, 2013 at 3:50 AM
We, solitary kdrama lovers from all over the world finding our place in dramabeans, so nice. Thank you so much DB community for the warm feeling we get from this site /weeping.
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