Team Dramabeans: What we're watching » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

176 January 7, 2017April 6, 2017

Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

by DB Staff

It’s a new year, although we haven’t been hit with any brand-new shows yet. (That’ll be for later this month—everybody brace yourselves for a sudden influx of material!) After last week’s year-end pre-emptions resulted in a paltry drama airing schedule, it was a bit of a relief to get a full slate this week, though maybe even a little overwhelming. Not that it’s a challenge I’m not up to accepting! –javabeans

javabeans

Currently recapping: Legend of the Blue Sea, The Lonely Shining Goblin

Hwarang: I’m loving this love triangle, and I’m going to enjoy it for as long as I can (which is to say, until it gets painful for the odd man out). It’s not a love triangle where both guys have an equal shot at the leading lady’s heart, because it’s pretty clear where her feelings are heading, but because of the setup—the boys being Hwarang-mates, the hero having to act like he’s her brother—it keeps us in that fun realm of petty jealousy and budding romance. I love Park Seo-joon and Park Hyung-shik together, which reminds me a bit of the reluctant bonding between Goblin and Reaper, which is always super entertaining.

Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim: While I wouldn’t say that the medicine is what keeps me glued to this show (not when there are such interesting characters and satisfyingly hateable antagonists), I have to say that this show does a remarkable job of making the medical cases compelling. I don’t necessarily care about the surgeries or illnesses on their own merits, but they’re very well-utilized in playing up a character beat or plot conflict, and the way the surgeries are filmed reminds me of fight scene choreography—just as you can have a clunky fight scene with zero impact and ineffective editing, you can also have them elevated with skillful cuts and directing, and this drama feels like the latter. There’s a narrative rhythm to the surgery scenes, and I’m surprised with how engaging I’m finding them.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju: I have never minded that Joon-hyung was the sweet, mature emotional support system for Bok-ju, and that he was the one always providing help, but it was so gratifying to see that when Joon-hyung was the one to need the support, Bok-ju became his rock. I loved that she offered him unconditional love and support, and once she’d seen that he was fine, she also gently pointed out where he’d also gone wrong and made sure he wouldn’t act in ways he’d regret later. There’s a real art to knowing just how much to guide someone without pushing or having that advice backfire, and she struck that note perfectly—and with such a natural ease that it only made extra-clear how awesome they work together.

Father, I’ll Take Care of You: I managed—barely!—with that one measly episode we got last weekend, and was watching it both excitedly and with anxious glances at the clock, worried about time running out. I rarely want episodes to be longer, but there are so many characters in this show that every episode feels like such a tease. At least we did get plenty of gratifying moments between Sung-joon and Dong-hee, and I absolutely love his reaction to her gentle refusal to pursue their relationship: He respects her stance, but that doesn’t mean he’ll stop being nice to her or looking after her or buying her coffee. I totally understand where she’s coming from, because while he’s very cute and they both acknowledge their feelings, it makes sense for her to need to focus on her life right now, which requires her full attention. And there he is, being sweet and accepting, all, Okay, I won’t push. I’ll just be standing riiiiight over here… hanging out… in case you need me.

HeadsNo2

Oh My Geum-bi: This show has a heart of pure gold. All of its messages are so positive without dipping into the saccharine, which makes it the single most heartfelt drama I’ve ever watched. While terminal illness stories aren’t anything new, there was always something that rang kind of manipulative when the show would be about romance and death, as though impending doom was just a tool used to make the romance seem sweeter. But Oh My Geum-bi is doing something completely different in focusing its story around one little girl and all the adults who love her, and each side character—even the doctor, for pete’s sake—feels fully fleshed out, with abundant stories to tell. It’s a show that confronts insanely difficult questions about mortality, especially with children, and deals with real issues like the resentment that can come from caring for a sick person, no matter how much you love them. I just love every single thing about it, but I’m not sure I’m ready for what the end will bring.

Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim: Everything in this show has led to One Surgery, and even though that surgery is now over, everything seems to be revolving around the repercussions of that One Surgery. I’m liking the show week to week fine enough, but the overarching story is still lost on me, and I’m beginning to wonder if one even exists. If it doesn’t, that won’t be the biggest crime ever committed—at least the show is entertaining, even if the constant influx of medical disasters can get a bit repetitive.

Hwarang: Well, if there ever was a lesson on not judging a drama by its promo posters, this is it. I feel a little sheepish since I was one of those people who thought Hwarang would be worse than Moon Lovers, but that just goes to show how a director can really tank a show if left to his own devices. Hwarang succeeds where Moon Lovers failed not by being more profound, but just by virtue of having narrative focus. It knows the story it wants to tell and is telling it, which is one of those essential pieces of the puzzle Moon Lovers seemed to be missing. It’s not an especially new story or even a very engaging one, but at least it’s picking up, and is a fun enough diversion every week.

The Lonely Shining Goblin: I’ve always had the attention span of a tweaking gnat (and the memory of a goldfish to go along with it), but I don’t think it’s just a matter of me dragging my feet to watch almost three hours of a single show each week that’s got me thinking twice about hitting the play button. If we filled all that time with nonstop content, then I think we wouldn’t keep having this discussion about length—after all, I don’t remember feeling put upon when Signal ran extra long episodes. And it’s not that Goblin is at all unenjoyable, but that it meanders just a little too long on every beat when it could be zipping right along through its fun, fantastical world. The whole ski lodge sequence was kind of bizarre, and paired with the gratuitous Subway that week, I sometimes get the feeling that this show keeps padding its time to sell us more products. But even so, Reaper is still adorable, which makes me think that Lee Dong-wook works best when he’s not having to carry an entire show on his shoulders.

Legend of the Blue Sea: I’m enjoying this show, even if some aspects of the reincarnation storyline confuse me. While watching this show with my mom over the holidays, the highest form of discussion we had was about Lee Min-ho’s handsomeness or me wanting all the pajamas Jeon Ji-hyun wears. And you know what? That’s okay.

odilettante

Night Light: I feel like I’m supposed to be disappointed that Yi-kyung is unrepentantly marching down the eeeeeeevil path of diabolical revenge, but honestly I just want her to knock even more heads together and become the boss of everything, everyone, everywhere. And for her and Se-jin to kiss already.

The Lonely Shining Goblin: I’ve renamed this show The Adorably Fastidious Reaper because that’s literally the only reason I’m watching (well, it’s really 92% for Reaper, 8% for those few seconds of Lee El each week). Who cares about a moody Goblin’s sword when there’s a pouty-faced Reaper desperately needing business cards?

Solomon’s Perjury: This is my favorite show airing right now, so thank goodness there are more episodes this week because that preemption hiatus nearly killed me. Er, maybe that was a bad choice of words, but even if it did nearly kill me, I’d trust Seo-yeon to find out who was truly responsible for my drama near-death.

Hwarang: If this was a straight-up modern-day high school drama I probably would have bowed out after the first episode. Instead, I’m utterly delighted by the historical setting (hilarious anachronisms and all). While I was expecting it to be goofy (and I’m glad it is!), I’m also pleasantly surprised to see that there’s a thread of depth and potential for serious (and earned) character growth. All the boys are predictably pretty eye-candy, but I’m more excited to have Go Ara back on my screen, especially since I’m convinced Ah Ro is just Silla’s version of Answer Me 1994’s Na-jung.

tineybeanie

Currently recapping: Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim

Hwarang: The whole Park Seo-joon/Go Ara/Park Hyung-sik faux-incest love triangle reminds me so much of Autumn in My Heart’s Song Seung-heon/Song Hye-kyo/Won Bin relationship that I get deja vu chills every two seconds. And the chorus of the OST song, “Dream,” has that old school-style melody that takes me years back to my early drama-watching days. Well, I know one thing hasn’t changed — then, like now, I boarded the doomed second lead ship. All there’s left to do is wait for the delicious but painful sinking.

The Lonely Shining Goblin: Nooo! I’m having a W–Two Worlds dilemma: I loved this show so much at the beginning that I don’t want to give up on it, but now I’m getting bored by its draggy pace that I don’t know if it’s worth the time anymore. Last week, I confess I committed the cardinal drama sin of only watching the last ten minutes. And when I went back to read the recap, I realized that nothing of importance actually happened. Why show why!?

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju: You know those days when the whole world seems to be conspiring against you: you fail your exam, your supervisor yells at you, and to top it all off, your coffee arrives cold and grainy? I swear Weightlifting Fairy is the cure to most, if not all your troubles. In just a few minutes, your bleak mood will be lifted by the cute chemistry of the OTP, and soon, the trivial day-to-day annoyances will fade from your mind as you cheer and root for Bok-ju on her quest for both love and weightlifting success. ♥ Bok-ju/Joon-young forever, everyone hwaiting!

Signal: After all the Year End Reviews praising this drama to high heaven and back, I decided to sit myself down and watch it. And boy, was I blown away: Jo Jin-woong went from somewhere on the outskirts of my drama-watching radar to dead center. Errrmigawwd. Is there going to be a second season? There has to be a second season with that cliffhanger ending. But when is it going to happen? The writer Kim Eun-hee has already committed to another sageuk project, so will we get to see Signal 2 this year? Maybe within the next three years? Five years? But I need it now…

176

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1 dramapotatoe

January 7, 2017 at 12:09 PM

And for her and Se-jin to kiss already.

THIS. So much. Yi Kyung and Se Jin need to get married stat.

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LeClair

January 7, 2017 at 12:49 PM

YES! Yi Kyung and Se Jin belong together! Their chemistry is off the charts. Those gazes that they share are just ... WOW!

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CatoCat

January 7, 2017 at 2:58 PM

Hero's space is taken by Se Jin nd even lacks screentime. The Interaction between Yi-Kyung and Se jin is always intense.

Writer is favouring Yi-Kyung a bit too much and kind of giving the vibes of Yi-Kyung marching ahead because she is the Center of the show + Slow Pace.

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claud

January 9, 2017 at 9:41 AM

I am wondering why is not in the recaps for Night Light anybody know?

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TYN123

January 9, 2017 at 12:45 PM

Even their fans are shipping them. The Chinese fan sites sent a coffee truck to the site to ship the couple.

Uee and Jin Goo thought they should end up together in their interviews too.

So many shippers yet we don't get anything...just a back rub, a half hug and lots and lots of suppressed longing.

This is one of those films I would be happy for them to end as an open ending. Let the two walk together in life as platonic friends, my imagination will do the rest.

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2 slvr1

January 7, 2017 at 12:24 PM

Can we have Goblin and Reaper kiss too? Pretty please?

No matter how much I love Sunny, My OTP is Reaper/Goblin. :P (They're 3rd in my OTP list this year after Lee Yeong/Ra On and Lee Yeong/ByungYeon ).

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3 Infiniti512

January 7, 2017 at 12:28 PM

When I hear people saying Goblin is draggy, I wonder, "are we watching the same drama?" But I've just realized, I don't feel the drag because during those lulls, I'm still reelling from Reaper's adorkableness or Goblins smile. Then there's Lee El's red suits and matte lipstick. I guess I'm too busy spazzing over their hotness to notice that I had been skipping over anything pertaining to Eun Tak's life. Thank God for the male leads' casting. Through GongWook colored glasses, I'm seeing a masterpiece!

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slvr1

January 7, 2017 at 12:55 PM

Ooh, I am in love with Lee El too. I love everything about her, the clothes, that red lipstick (must find out which brand and shade!) and her sexy, husky voice. I just wish she had much more screentime. :P

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Grapes

January 7, 2017 at 1:22 PM

Her few seconds what's make her character so appealing mysterious because in those few seconds she drops hints.

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panshel

January 7, 2017 at 2:28 PM

Lee El is girl crush material. She terrified me in White Christmas, but she was the best thing in Liar Game.

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DramaNinja

January 7, 2017 at 4:28 PM

First time seeing the actress. But she is the most intriguing character in the show for me. Everytime she's onscreen the show has my rapt attention.

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Alessar

January 9, 2017 at 9:02 AM

Watch Liar Game. You will not be disappointed.

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Alessar

January 9, 2017 at 9:01 AM

I am such a fanboy for Lee El. She made Monster watchable and really that's saying something. I've really loved her work since Liar Game and when I realized she was going to be popping in to Goblin it was like the very red cherry on top of a delicious ice cream sundae.

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Emmy

January 7, 2017 at 1:45 PM

I don't get that either, the 90 minutes just zip by for me and I am always left wanting for more. I guess I just fell hook, line and sinker for this show. I love fantasy dramas, and rarely in dramaland does one find a world that is so well thought out. And that cinematography! It's the prettiest drama I've ever seen.

Also, Gong Yoo mopes like a god.

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I Quit

January 7, 2017 at 2:18 PM

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kae

January 7, 2017 at 2:47 PM

I just found my drama twin :) ! I agree with everything you wrote, I couldn't have said it better

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DramaNinja

January 7, 2017 at 4:51 PM

Bok Joo lifts my spirits high. Salute to the entire cast. NJH's Joon Hyung has given me serious bf goals(and he's not even a chaebol !!!). This show is as adorable as adorable gets. ♡♡♡
Please don't end Show. Too late to ask for extentions right?! :/

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klurker 🐙 Dora-Momo makes me wish I was young again

January 7, 2017 at 5:20 PM

Agree with you about Goblin, @La Plume! I'm a sucker for fantasy dramas as well, and I appreciate how intricate and visually beautiful they've set Goblin. To be honest, it's not anymore the main OTP I care about as much as the story as a whole. There's enough beauty and wonder to keep me coming back for more. :)

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celine

January 7, 2017 at 8:48 PM

I agree about Goblin. It handles fantasy well that you feel it in the episodes (and that damn beautiful cinematography). I think that helps me tune in each episode.

And yes to the characters and their interactions. Honestly, that is a major pull for me. I like the premise and where the story is headed AND I just love the characters and their interactions. It's not even about the OTPs anymore for me (although I find them cute enough). I just feel that there's lacking in the romance development of both OTPs. But again, I just love the characters so I do not really mind and there's the compelling story to keep me hooked.

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DramaNinja

January 7, 2017 at 4:41 PM

Same here the Show is one of the easiest to watch. I would definitely prefer more intrigue in it but the writer is going for on-the-face setting, and i'm fine with it. Infact what i like about the Show is that it has set its pacing and is working it fully.
It is in some ways like a 950 yr old halmeoni saying you a bedtime tale- pace, dreamy setting, beautifully enchanting dialouges. It's like time stops still and our minds are tuned in to her. We ask her to go faster but she goes in her pace. But we too just sit there dreaming about a world that passed by, colouring it anew with every word spoken!

Maybe i went too far, but thats how i feel ! :")

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kanz

January 7, 2017 at 5:13 PM

For me sometimes Goblin fits 90mins storyline, but other times the episodes are just too draggy. I remember in ep 9 (the ski lodge scene) feels too draggy.. the leads were doing romantic scenes but it feels so long, especially the hug in wintry atmosphere..
But other times I just feel the show zips through the storyline pretty quick. Ep 11 feels like that for me and the first half of the drama also feels a bit faster than the 2nd half. I recognize it's actually a disease for 90% dramas, great, pacy first half then get draggy in the 2nd half.

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seasons32

January 10, 2017 at 2:43 AM

So true!

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rlg07

January 7, 2017 at 7:26 PM

When I hear people saying Goblin is draggy, I wonder, “are we watching the same drama?”

Yeah, me, too. (Then again, I also loved W, so...) It doesn't feel draggy to me--it just feels like it has little breaths in it where you have time to mull over the importance of human life. And then there is the wonderfulness of the characters and all that history coming into play.

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rambutan

January 7, 2017 at 8:10 PM

Seconded.

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celine

January 7, 2017 at 8:50 PM

I am so happy for the entire cast and crew of Goblin because they're doing so well. However, I am especially happy for Gong Yoo and Lee Dongwook. They now have a hit under their names after quite some time of being away from dramaland. The character of Shin is made for Gong Yoo and Dongwook is doing so well as Grim.

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ageha

January 8, 2017 at 12:34 PM

But Lee Dong Wook was in "Bubblegum" at the end of 2015 (Oct-Dec), so not all that long ago. It wasn't the best drama ever, but had some really good elements!

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Cynthia

January 10, 2017 at 10:44 AM

Agreed! Time flies by for me too. I enjoy watching Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook facial expressions, all the emotion they reflect (not just the pretty there, although I love that too..) all characters interaction (even the ghosts and reapers crew) and the cinematography, is just breathtaking, unlike any other drama I have watched before.

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4 drawde2000

January 7, 2017 at 12:37 PM

Yehey, DB staff is watching Hwarang. I'm happy. Ban Ryu and Soo Ho are so happy that they ended up cuddling last week. That's my sinking ship right there.

Hwarang is the only show I'm watching currently. The blossoming friendship is what I look forward to each week. And it's fun too.

I dropped Goblin way back in Episode 6. And haven't looked back since.

I will be watching Solomon's Perjury. I'm just waiting for it to complete so it's easier to digest like White Christmas. We're halfway there. Fighting!

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panshel

January 7, 2017 at 4:47 PM

I'm planning to marathon Solomon’s Perjury, too, like I did with White Christmas. Mystery thrillers are best consumed all at once.

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DANI

January 7, 2017 at 5:17 PM

I dropped Goblin as well .. I get the hype, but it's not for me unfortunately...

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PilTa

January 7, 2017 at 6:55 PM

Dropped Goblin too after the 5th episode. I find it draggy and incredibly boring. Heck the only thing that made me interested to read recaps these days would be the storyline between the Reaper and Sunny.

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Mariel

January 8, 2017 at 8:35 AM

Kdrama phenomena is spreading all over the world and I'm not surprised ! If you are not watching one then you are missing a lot! Each one of us is different with our choice which one we fancy and which we don't like! Thankfully we have a lot to choose from and most of the times we are the ones who cannot keep up with it ! I'm so grateful and impressed with the Korean writers for their creativity resourcefulness, and brilliance for keeping us entertained!

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5 redfox

January 7, 2017 at 12:37 PM

I have stopped watching Goblin even though I feel bad because of Lee Dong Wook, specially when I read articles how he desperately stalked the writer for this role. but I will wait till the drama ends for an extra long compilation video of Reaper-Only-Scenes. That´ll do, Reaper, that´ll do.

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6 panshel

January 7, 2017 at 12:42 PM

I'm with Heads on Goblin: I wish the freaking episodes were shorter. I never minded the hour and a half episodes of Reply 1988, which were at least fifteen minutes longer than Goblin's, but I constantly find myself watching the clock throughout this drama. I would think I made a lot of progress and I'm halfway done with the episode just to realize only twenty minutes have passed. I presume it's because I'm not into the Goblin OTP at all. When they kiss or hug or confess their feelings, I feel nothing. I'm simply watching this show as a comedy.

Sung Joon sounds like a godsend. I'm committed to watching Father, I’ll Take Care of You as soon as life lets me.

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Grapes

January 7, 2017 at 1:33 PM

i guess the reason why we are looking at the clock and feel how long the episodes are because there is nothing much happening in the episodes, except for the Goryeo parts or the last 5 minutes from each episode.

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celine

January 7, 2017 at 8:53 PM

I think a drama episode should not be more than an hour. That's the safest running time. When I watched R88, I kept on checking the time because I found it to be too long. I did it a couple of times for Goblin as well. I wish this more than an hour running time will not be a permanent thing in upcoming dramas.

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seasons32

January 10, 2017 at 2:44 AM

I guess it's a matter of preference haha. The Goblin-watching population seems to be divided into those who wished the episodes were longer (like me) and those who wished otherwise.

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7 kthln

January 7, 2017 at 1:01 PM

Tineybeanie, I am so glad you said, "And the chorus of the OST song, “Dream,” has that old school-style melody that takes me years back to my early drama-watching days." Me too!!! It actually reminds me of My Girl (the first drama which gave me major second lead syndrome in the form of Lee Jun Ki) ost.

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haruka

January 7, 2017 at 7:33 PM

I'm on this melancholic old school-feels train too! It definitely got me chilled inside as if it reminds me of my days watching that classic old Kdrama that got me hooked. I think that's why I have such a soft spot with this drama <3

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Yelly

January 7, 2017 at 8:57 PM

Me too me too
This drama brings me back straight to My Girl :)

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8 Kiara

January 7, 2017 at 1:05 PM

Oh!boy project people are smart to leave "Hwarang" in the hands of KBS directors and producers with experience in both old school and fusion sageuks. I haven't seen a sageuk with that many directors and producers working in it.

I went from reading the recaps only to watching the dang show after episode 6. I'm still behind but I'm not as clueless with who is who in the story. The only people I knew were Go-ara,King Jinheung and Sung Dong Il lol.

Goblin - Thank you Goryeo.

Romantic Doctor Kim - my current love.

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Grapes

January 7, 2017 at 1:28 PM

For Goblin the Goryeo parts are the best very emotional and mesmerizing really, Kim So Hyun and Kim Min Jae are killing it with thier great acting and beautiful chemistry. It's the most interesting part of the story, I always look forward to those part.

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Kendi

January 7, 2017 at 3:28 PM

I know right? Beside thr bromance, Goryeo part is thr one that keep me interested.

Bummed the bromance will be nonexistent next week.

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ET

January 7, 2017 at 5:58 PM

Is it possible to point out where are the Goryeo parts? I mean in which eps.

I dropped Goblin quite early in the series. However, I still remember the Goryeo scenes in the first episode. You are so right about KSH and KMJ being mesmerizing. It was beautiful too. So I just want to catch those parts without having to sit through 90 minutes per ep.

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panshel

January 7, 2017 at 7:32 PM

You can skim through each recap and watch the episodes that have Goryeo screencaps.

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mungbean

January 7, 2017 at 7:54 PM

You probably didn't miss much since other eps just have random flashbacks of them with no context, it's only recently that the Goryeo parts got a bit of screentime. The time stamps for ep 10-11 only work for videos without the 8-10 min highlight/recap at the beginning. The time stamp for Ep 12 works with videos with the 8-9 min highlight/recap. Last note is that I included a bit of the present time cause they usually have Kim Shin explaining/narrating stuff first for context.

Ep 10 - 12:52-32:25
Ep 11 - 10:58-20:52
Ep 12 - 1:01:22-1:06:19

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ET

January 7, 2017 at 9:04 PM

Wow! Thank you for the list and your detailed explanations.

Going to watch it now.

ET

January 8, 2017 at 3:04 AM

They are so beautiful! I mean those Goryeo flashbacks.

Even when Grim Reaper and Sunny appeared in ep 12 as their past selves, I still think So Hyun and Min Jae were better.

9 Rachel2

January 7, 2017 at 1:20 PM

I agree that Goblin is really draggy. I feel like there was no build-up for either of the relationships. The best kdramas create a feeling of longing and the slow build toward romance, but we never really got that with either couple. Or maybe the romance was all build-up and no pay-off, skipping straight to angst. Regardless, I'm not feeling it. Also, while I appreciate the beautiful set design and camerawork, I find it distracting. Everything is so pretty that I feel like I am admiring art in a museum instead of being caught up in the characters' emotions.

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Tia

January 7, 2017 at 3:19 PM

Goblin is like a good breakfast, when you think it's enough, it's enough, pretty, delicious but you gonna feel worn out when you have it for lunch,
becomes bland quickly and make you ask why you can't like it anymore.
The preparation becomes too long while the taste didn't improve.
The sauce feel like unmatched and the meal is a bit dry.
I can't said I dislike it, I just don't think it has anything I desire than how beautiful the waitress who bring it to me.

As a drama, it kind of a disappointment cause it never moved me more since the first 2 episode and the feeling stay the same for every episode, a stagnant teasing with no payoff.

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Ray

January 9, 2017 at 8:36 AM

You put it perfectly! That's exactly how I feel about it, it sometimes kinda makes me feel guilty for not liking it as much as I planned to. I thought I would love it, and been trying to do so, but it just won't do, I keep asking why why why :( I thought there's something wrong with me, I really really want to like it like everyone else but I can't

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10 bananachocolate

January 7, 2017 at 1:37 PM

Maybe it's from watching Arang before and now Goblin, but wouldn't it be nice to have an entire show on grim reapers? Since they "exists" in many cultures, the show can actually go international and depict various grim reapers from other countries as well. Plus they don't have to be amnesiac and know what their sins are. I would think this would be a "nice" show depicting death with its own moral lessons and whatnot. Wouldn't hurt to show other Gods. Anyone know a show like that besides Goblin or Arang? I know there is a Korean movie coming but it would take a while for subs :P

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anastassia

January 9, 2017 at 11:56 PM

arang is the best. nothing beats arang when it comes to fantasy dramas be it on chemistry and storyline. Whenever I watch Goblin, I always think what if they cast shin mina and lee jun ki. It gonna heat for sure.

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11 purpleowl

January 7, 2017 at 1:38 PM

Updating my OT comments

Korean:
ML - on ep 16
Didn't watch as such as last week. But omo, they killed Baek! I'm so mad, sad, jaded, you name it. But whoa is evil Hong Jong Hyun my aesthetic. Maybe I'll get to finish today.
Didn't finish Friday. And now it seems HJH is dying. Sad but he cray.

Lobster - next ep 15
I suspect Chi Hyun for the Joseon kill. I thought it might be Nam Doo but it's Hyung all the way. Tae-oh is still such a sweetheart. I'm warming up to a loveliness between him and miss delusional, especially because she's not delusional when it comes to him because he gave her much reason to believe he's obsessed with her. "Saranghae, Noona!"

7 First Kisses - done
Minho's ep was disappointing but also cute. So I'd how I feel about the drama as a whole. It was an ad. We knew that. It told some funny stories. And she got a guy to progress with in the end.
If not for LEE MIN HO, I'd have chosen Kaikai or Park Hae Jin

WF - next ep 12
Still so cute. I'm glad they are dealing with her depression/slump period so beautifully. Joon Hyung pretty much proposed and she was oblivious. Hopefully, I'll finish with everyone on Wednesday.
Jisoo puppa!!!!! Ftw! "Work oppa!"
That Kiss!!!!!

FantasiC - next ep 12
Still watching for Jisoo & the ahjussi-deul.

Flower Boy Next Door Special - they made fun of the real-life consequences an accidental fall kiss would cause, concussion, busted lip, the like.
I think I'll rewatch this drama soon. It gave me such life back in 2013 when I was a bit lost.

Japanese:
Good Morning Call - next ep 6
My Little Lover - next ep 2
I like this drama

Taiwanese:
Miss in Kiss - next ep 8
The swim episode locked it in. This may be the most anime/manga styled adaptation yet. It's climbing up my list!

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WishfulToki

January 7, 2017 at 2:42 PM

On Lobster - Miss Delusional is a hilarious second-lead. I hope she falls for Tae-Oh lol (though I don't particularly wish her for him!)

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Kendi

January 7, 2017 at 3:33 PM

I dunno but I hate Shi Ah and love Tae Oh. I'd be pissed if they end up together just only for the sake of everyone are paired together like the noah's ark.

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WishfulToki

January 9, 2017 at 6:40 AM

Oh I agree! I was thinking it would be good for Shi Ah to get some of her own medicine... that is, she falls for Tae Oh, who goes 'sorry, no room in here!' hehe.

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12 gadis

January 7, 2017 at 1:44 PM

Goblin: I want more Goryeo storyline (Or is it I want more Kim Min-jae??). And also, more Yoo In-na screentime is always a good thing in my book.

Hwarang: I. Love. It. So. Much. It's fun. It's thoughtful. It oozed chemistry left and right. It also has lots of hearts. Give me more, please. And thank you.

Solomon's Perjury: That So-woo revelation: Mind. Blown.

Potato Star: Whoa. Finally, major development!! I think it's credit to the actors that I don't find it frutratingly annoying that they need 80+ eps before moving from friend zone to the questionable sorta-kinda-maybe dating territory. And Go Kyung-pyo, sigh... I want to root for you, but you're like 20 eps too late already.

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13 Zoonnize

January 7, 2017 at 1:46 PM

That strange, I see all "the bad thinght" about Goblin (Rythm problem, super villain who appeared without any suspense...) but I really, really, don't care.
I just love the show, with this imperfections.
I love Eun Tak/Kim Shin awkward/cute couple.
I love Eun Tak, she is so young, so childish and mature.
I love Kim Shin childiness. He is so cool and so cute and, strangely, he is the care.
I love Sunny non sense and consciousness. She seem so out of her shoes but no so much in fact.
I love puppy Grim Reaper who can be so cool and so scary, when he need.
And I love how they interact, all of them ♥
We have all this littles details who take sense. Comic with angst, tragedy and romance.
Yeah, that not a perfect drama, really not but, he take my heart just like that.
Maybe because I watch it without any waiting or wishes.

(Sorry, my english is just bad -_-; )

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Mermaid Scribbler

January 7, 2017 at 2:04 PM

100% agree!

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Rose is a scorpio

January 7, 2017 at 8:40 PM

AGREEEEEEEEEEE

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sorrynotsorry

January 7, 2017 at 9:37 PM

Goblin isn't totally working for me. But - hey - when you love a drama that's all that's important. I thought Moon Lovers was a cracktastic hot mess and looked forward to it every week until the last week cuz I saw the original and knew how it was going to go down.

So just enjoy !

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Mimosa

January 9, 2017 at 5:53 AM

Haha.. me too.. i have to admit that goblin was draggy since ep 4.. usually i will drop it, but not for goblin.. i enjoy all the "draggy" thing in goblin.. ??

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14 pegkfan

January 7, 2017 at 1:48 PM

I love every long drawn-out moment of Goblin.

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katherine

January 7, 2017 at 1:52 PM

MTE!!! I want this drama to last forever AH. Is there such thing as a drama that's a goblin and can thus live forever? If so, I welcome it with open arms.

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Rose is a scorpio

January 7, 2017 at 8:41 PM

yes, me too ;__;

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celine

January 7, 2017 at 8:57 PM

I am somewhere in the middle hehe! I like the drawn out moments and it that has something to do with the actors who are so fun to watch as they go about their daily lives. If it were otherwise, I'd probably not like it. On the other hand, I think the drama can still shorten and make the pace a bit faster without really sacrificing those moments. In any case, I am enjoying the show just fine.

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15 katherine

January 7, 2017 at 1:51 PM

COLLEGE APPS ARE FINALLY OVER SO I BINGED!!
or at least this week's worth of WF and Goblin...

WF: You are the cutest, most poignant drama I've ever watched. The character growth in this drama has been so subtle but so beautiful. I love the character dynamics, how there isn't really a "bad guy" (thank goodness for Siho's quick-ish transformation) but just the natural struggles: finding the meaning of life, appreciating the people around you... Then I had a mental breakdown when I realized the next episode was the last. WHAT WILL I DO WITHOUT MY WEEKLY DOSES OF HAPPINESS?!?

Goblin: I understand how people are feeling the weeks have been draggy (the ski resort was probably the most worthless arc) but is it bad to enjoy the drag? Oops, heh. I've become so attached to our characters and their relationships that I treasure each and every moment they have together even while they are desperately asserting their own will over destiny. I do believe they had confronted so many mysteries too slowly, and some too quickly (DeokHwa's arc was my favorite of all but how did they just end it in 30 minutes?! I want more of those epic bar moments!!!). Now that many of the angst has been encountered, though, I'm curious how our the fates of our characters will play out. I love them too much and want to be with them every step of the way before I bid them good-bye (and then hello to you, Lee Jehoon! ;) )

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Rose is a scorpio

January 7, 2017 at 8:42 PM

I'm not really a fan of dragging episodes but I feel it so different with goblin, this drama is for real special to me.

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16 stuffed

January 7, 2017 at 2:01 PM

LOL! Goblin being draggy means only one thing for me... the fas forward button. I tend to skip a lot of scenes these days and just focus on Reaper-Sunny and sometimes Deok Hwa. Although I have to say for the first time ever, I become excited for the next episodes after Ghost Park's appearance. This is one of those shows I can't wait to end not because I don't like it but because I just don't have the patience to wait anymore.

And I agree with tinybeanie, WF is definitely a mood lifter. Am gonna miss the swag team sooo much!

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kimchikay

January 7, 2017 at 10:31 PM

I agree, after episode 1….Episode 12 is probably the next episode I've actually looked forward too…

*goes off to watch it now!*

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17 amisyka77

January 7, 2017 at 2:12 PM

I'm watching:

WFKBJ : I'm dreading the weeks after this one ended next week. i wont be getting any more of my sweet-as-candy otp!!!*cry*

Goblin : Dozed of a couple of time.while.watching ep 11. contemplating between keeping watching or just reading db recap.

Hwarang : Park Seo Joon. I'll never skip watching him! And Park Hyung Shik is so good too i actually want to see more of their bromance rather than Sun-woo/Aro romanc e.

Love is Drop by Drop : A 120 eps weekday drama i got hooked on. Lead male is a chaebol with a transplanted heart of the husband of the female lead. He is in the process of falling hard for her while she is still oblivious of everything.

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ywcnois

January 8, 2017 at 5:10 AM

About Goblin: I'd recommend watching ep 12 before deciding. Personally, it's my favorite episode.

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18 elric

January 7, 2017 at 2:15 PM

I was wondering what was lacking in ep11 and now I know. Though I love the cute moments between Eun-tak and Shin, I just wish I get more stuff. I like that we get some highs in some part of the episode and I didn't mind that they reserved a big twist in the end. But in the end, the length is isn't as engaging as before and it already feels so formulaic.

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19 bbstl 🧹

January 7, 2017 at 2:24 PM

After the scary posters and previews, my fear that my beloved Park Seo Joon was going to be in a big, flashy, pre-produced flop had me watching Hwarang the way I watch a drama character enter a Korean crosswalk: peering from behind my hands, breath held, just hoping for a good outcome (please avoid a ToD!). Whewwwww when it turned out good! I'm so glad other people are liking it.

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20 Lulu

January 7, 2017 at 2:24 PM

I dropped Goblin at episode 6 because of all the problems already cited. The problem is not that the show is bad, it just isn't good enough - for me.

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21 namedx

January 7, 2017 at 2:27 PM

Ha, I love how enamoured Javebeans is with the only romantic line worth rooting for in 'Father I'll take care of you'! For me, the one episode simply wasn't enough, so I'm waiting it out till we get more. Coz good grief it's enough torture waiting for those small doses of cute 2 eps a week, never mind the one measly ep!

I finally caught up with Legend of the Blue Sea too, and I'm enjoying it. It may not be the most delicious tasting grub on the plate, or the most satisfying, but it does have its own unique flavour. And it doesn't harm that everything looks so damn pretty!

For me, Weightlifting Fairy is where it's at. I'm enjoying the hell out of this show, and am genuinely sad that it'll be ending next week! *sobs*

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Time to resume the following:

Goblin - I lost interest after episode 6. But here's the thing, I have no idea why! I love Goblin & I love Reaper - so what's the friggin problem. Time to pick it up again, I think.

Romantic Doctor Kim - I was glued to the screen during eps 1&2, but didn't continue with it afterwards. Seeing how well it's been received, I think it's time I went back to it.

Solomon's Perjury - I actually want to give this show a shot. I heard it's a little slow to begin with, but who knows, maybe I'll like it.

Hwarang - I think I liked the first two eps, but it wasn't enough to get me hooked. I think I'll have to give it another try. Perhaps ep3&4 will change my mind.

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SwoosieDerkins

January 7, 2017 at 3:53 PM

I don't have the patience that you have! I gobbled up today's Father, I'll Take Care of You ep and am waiting not so patiently for tomorrow's. I just want more PEB and LTH! On that note, I do find myself a teensy bit more invested in the other storylines than before. But really, I just want more of them. :D

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namedx

January 7, 2017 at 4:21 PM

"On that note, I do find myself a teensy bit more invested in the other storylines than before."

Oh, same here! I'm actually okay watching all the other storylines. The only one that doesn't quite do it for me, sadly, is Hyun-woo and Jung-Eun's. The pairing just seems off for some reason, and I don't find them all that interesting.

I sometimes skip ommoni's parts too, especially when she nags at her eldest daughter in law (who's my favourite character after Dong Hee and Sung-Joon) - I just can't deal with her hysterics!

But aside from that, I'm happy to tune in for the hr - flies by easily!

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PYC

January 7, 2017 at 10:22 PM

On Romantic Teacher Dr Kim, I watched Ep 1-4 but didn't feel compelled to continue. Picked it back last week to understand the high rating...

It became a journey of no return and I'm all caught up waiting now anxiously for the new episodes. What a great ensemble drama it has become with great character development and growth on all fronts. (And I must admit I don't care that much about the romance line though it's cute and adorable.)

What I like it best is that it delivers on its main premise - Teacher Kim as a doctor and mentor to those around him. We witness and cheer on the growth of the young doctors, a wonderful drama viewing experience. THE SURGERY across the last two episodes really kept me on the edge, and I couldn't remember the last time when I had this breathless sensation in watching a drama. Han Suk Kyu worths every bit of that Daesang.

The drama's depiction of social injustice and greed resonates so much with the current state of affairs in Korea and you can understand why the Korean audience tunes in weeks after weeks.

Just wish to spread the love here.

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22 Maria

January 7, 2017 at 2:30 PM

I watched:
Goblin. I've realized this from ep 3. You can watch few minutes in front. Skip the middle and watch the 10 minutes ending. That's the story and cliffhanger will be.

Memory Lost: Finally there are kind souls who sub this drama. Why is it so difficult to find a sub c-drama?

Oh My Geumbi: I like all the things about the show. Although I cried every episode.

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23 WishfulToki

January 7, 2017 at 2:34 PM

This has been catch-up week for me, after the holidays. :D All I could manage was to sneak in during holidays was episodes of 7 First Kisses (TaecYeon episode is the best, just throws in every cliche ever, glorious).

I'm so pleased people here are watching Hwarang. The wigs and silly posters had many of us doubting before, but the directors obviously know what they're doing, and I haven't been disappointed by the Flower Boy franchise yet. Ah Ro is my favourite heroine out there at the moment: wacky, spunky even when in distress, speaks her mind.

Legend of the Blue Sea: Enjoying all of it. The pace is perfect for me because reveals come regularly. Viewers are not waiting for the story to catch up, as unfortunately I feel when watching...

Goblin: C'mon, viewers have known for quite a while who reincarnated into whom, but it took them all of 11 episodes to get there. However, I realised long ago that I'm not watching this show because of the story but because Reaper and Goblin look so COOL. I love long drawn out cool moments. If only the story moved along too. Now that everyone knows everything, story might move. We are in the homestretch show!

I had dropped Nirvana in Fire before Christmas because... there are too many characters and it makes me think. Since thinking is a good thing, I decided to continue, and oh boy, episode 21 blew me away. Jingrui my friend, let me give you hug! Mei Changsu, you are in disgrace in my books.

Little shout out to everyone who recommended Misaeng. I marathoned it before Christmas and every episode it just got better and better. I didn't think I'd survive an office drama but it crept quietly and solidly into my heart and list of favourites. :)

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Sancheezy

January 7, 2017 at 3:07 PM

re nirvana in fire
You know, after ep 21, I know why people praise jingrui so much.
I hug the screen for him, such a man born with a good heart and that sick fate torn his life apart.

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namedx

January 7, 2017 at 4:26 PM

Ah, I still need to get on the Nirvana train! Some of the beanies were kind enough to share their thoughts on the drama last time I asked about the show, and I read nothing but praise for it! Seems daunting to start such a lengthy drama though, so I'm waiting for my next extended break before starting on it.

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ET

January 7, 2017 at 6:11 PM

ep 21! I remember that my jaw dropped and I had to pick it up from the floor.

Nirvana In Fire is one of the most intelligent shows I've seen. It makes you think but not in a convoluted way. While watching how the story unfolds, you sense that the storyteller is always in control. The seemingly insignificant events or bits make sense episodes later and you have your eureka moment. The show is not perfect of course...but it's as perfect as can be.

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24 Flightey Gazelles

January 7, 2017 at 2:38 PM

Punch:
I teard up. It may have taken me months(seriously) to finish the drama, but it was worth it. I'm glad i did. I honestly thought the writer was gonna chicken out and introducie a deux ex machina for his survival but what happened was even more shocking. What a perfect finale, left no stones unturned. And now I wan Punch's writer to do a saeguk next. Its gonna be intense x100000000!!

Bring It On, Ghost:
Kim So Hyun is very beautiful. My first time watching her but she really is adorable and my,what pretty eyes she has! I found myself unexpectedly touched by that drunk scene where she cried about how ghost had feelings too. As for Taecyeon, i don't find him lacking, granted i watched Dream High and kept waiting for the atrocious acting everyone was on about and they quicky developed a rapport and friendly chemistry. We'll see where it'll go. My family were watching and didnt notice any age gap. I didnt too. But what were the production thinking? Totally avoidable!! They got lucky it still worked

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azkaa

January 7, 2017 at 3:20 PM

YAY for finishing Punch, glad you love it!
Despite the heavy topic and all the tears (i cried legit ugly tears towards the end), Punch was a very enjoyable and intriguing ride for me. I remember writing a full ass essay on my personal blog just to show the abundance love i have for this drama LOL

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Flightey Gazelles

January 8, 2017 at 8:14 AM

Hit me up with the links, I'll be sure to read ALL of it.

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azkaa

January 9, 2017 at 4:59 AM

You really made my day ?
I wrote something on my personal blog (http://azizahsuli.blogspot.nl/2015/12/punch-review.html?m=1)
Excuse my rambling LOL
And if you have any, i would like to read yours too!

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Kiara

January 7, 2017 at 6:39 PM

Park Kyung-soo's new drama "Whisper" is coming out in March.

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25 No kool aid here

January 7, 2017 at 2:45 PM

Hwarang is Hwrong, hwrong, hwrong on so many levels, the script being the first casualty. Frat boys of Silla, meh.

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26 CatoCat

January 7, 2017 at 2:54 PM

As most said already Goblin stretches the story too far,draggy,weird editing. Transition from one scene to other, one event to other is so abrupt that you just end up annoyed.

Both Goblin and Blue Sea has better king's timeline than present one.

I'm only watching the show for Pale Skin Mr. Kim and Mr. Shin + Deokhwa added.

Sunny deserved much more screentime in earlier episodes because the fated Angst 1st snowfall is already visible.

Doctor Kim - This Doctor has no punchlines,one liners or right off the bat retorts and by nomeans he is eccentric. Can't compare against several strange japanese doctor at all. The dramatic operation took 15 episodes of the show and its consequences will take over last 3 episodes. As Usual The problem lies with writer.

Fair Lady Geum Bi + Dear My Friends - Best combination. I'm surprised how could TVN produce such a drama. tvn caters to the audience who isn;t much into such content. It aims for trend worthy media. Whatever TVN earned some respect for Airing it.

Blue Sea - Boring and useless conflict. gonna forcefully complete it.

Introverted Boss - 1st episode aired today. watching it.

Father I'll Take Care of You - Again many problems with script+direction and pretty uneven screentime of characters. Doesn't even feel like a family drama. Still enjoying it the most.

Waiting for - Father is Weird, Voice, Missing 9, Defendant

BLOod - Yeah, the often criticised show. I'm watching it. Typical draggy Kdrama.Acting isn't much to talk about. Too much nonsense. But you can't call it bad. It is your run off the mill kdrama.

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panshel

January 8, 2017 at 12:50 AM

Introverted Boss doesn't air until January 16.

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27 Needaname

January 7, 2017 at 3:00 PM

Hwarang! Addiction, I am back! After reading the recaps, I decided to watch it as the story seemed interesting but mostly because of the character interactions and the sweet love story developing. I love it! 1. I never saw Lee Kwan Soo acting before, just know him from Running Man, but he is good!! Why isn't he acting more?? 2. I love Park Hyunsik ever since High Society, the only drama I've seen him in, and I still have a soft spot for him...I love him and wish I were 20 years younger! 3. Love the sweet, caring way SunWoo and Ahro are falling for each other...I feel this is the first time in a long time the main "lead" is actually good towards the woman he loves...it's been a while a hero is actually a hero/knight! I love their interactions and the way they seem to be on equal levels... in all matters! Best couple so far, except **spoilers** for those who haven't watched or read about the show**
the whole pretending to be her brother part, but that's part of the story.
4. I really like how each character incorporates a facet of society in the story. How water can mean so many different things to each individual based on their place and experience in the society that they live in... that was such a great scene! I like the questioning and thinking behind the story and characters... this show has depth!
5. Everything else! The music adds to the cinematography, the show is such an easy watch but you actually feel like you got something from it and are looking forward to more without necessarily being obsessed! It's like I can patiently wait for it and be content when Monday comes along--no stress. So far it's really well balanced in many ways! Great job Hwarang!

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drawde2000

January 7, 2017 at 5:25 PM

You should see Lee Kwang Soon in Dear My Friends. I'm also amazed that he doesn't act more.

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28 agnes

January 7, 2017 at 3:05 PM

Talking about the director of Hwarang? I think he's a dedicated one bc all the boys are 'complainig' so hard. Kkkk :'D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiZl2YEwuEo

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Sancheezy

January 7, 2017 at 3:08 PM

he splash minho so hard, ckckck

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29 Sancheezy

January 7, 2017 at 3:12 PM

Only watching hwarang and I just love interaction.
Probably because it's a lot, every character related to a lot of people and sometimes it doesn't directly in line with the main hero.
It feels like I watch a bunch of people I like and their story actually makes sense.
They all have purpose, the older characterizing that influence them, the backstory they didn't aware and they just doing their life.
I hope it gets better cause they really does looked like boys that learn to be a man.

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drawde2000

January 7, 2017 at 5:54 PM

It's precisely because the drama has so many characters yet I still don't know much about them that makes me want to watch the next episode. They are purposely giving only hints of backstory to other Hwarang members, that makes the drama more appealing to me. I want more, and I want it now. I want to know why Ban Ryu is that way while Soo Ho is so carefree. But no, I have to wait. I have to wait to get a better understanding of Yeo Wol, or what aspirations and painful past does the youngest member of Hwarang have. And yes I have to friggin wait for them to transform from boys to men.

So, in that aspect, I think they are doing an excellent job. Intrigued me. Make me want more. Surprised me.

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30 Nanda

January 7, 2017 at 3:23 PM

Wolgyesu : ah choo couple should have won best trio with mother instead because with just two of them.. I find them overbearing. I mainly watch for mother these days. She's funny and cute.

RDK

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Nanda

January 7, 2017 at 3:30 PM

Argh. Accidentally hit submit.

RDK : I want Dr. Woo to be good too! Stop bullying her!

WFKBJ : such a pretty drama. I don't want it to end.

OMG: is it possible not to cry for every episode???? I cleverly skip the episode due to Christmas but I stupidly watched in public. I was trying so hard not to cry. Geumbi yaaaaa. TT

Solomon : kinda slow...but not draggy.

Goblin : FF to bromance...I don't think I watch more than 15mins. Give me more lee el!

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31 Andee

January 7, 2017 at 3:40 PM

I'm so sad that Weightlifting Fairy is ending in a few days! I love almost all of the characters (Soo Bin and the guy Jae Yi's ex-girlfriend dated can leave the camera, please) so I really don't want to let them go. I'm sorry, I just really need more cute romance and funny squad moments!

Though, i do have a small comment about Shi Ho and Bok Ju's relationship. I know Bok Ju did see a little bit of Shi Ho's dark side with her binge eating, but when did she become even more friendly with her and vice versa? I was so happy when Shi Ho decided to just be friends with Joon Hyung, but I'm still surprised they're getting along so well even though we haven't seen a clear resolution to Shi Ho pulling all that nasty stuff to Bok Ju earlier in the series. Like, I don't mind their new friendship (I was hoping for it since the series began!) but it just feels a little too sudden. Shi Ho's performance in episode 14 made me admire her a lot though.

As for the office dramas coming up this year - which one out of the three would you guys recommend? I loved The Office and Parks and Recreation, so do Introverted Boss or Chief Kim bring similar vibes? Or should I try something new for me and take a look at Defendant?

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lolabeans

January 7, 2017 at 5:39 PM

Bok-ju is temperamental, but I don't think she holds a grudge. And while Shi-ho has done bad things I think both the writers and the actress have made it pretty clear that those actions

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lolabeans

January 7, 2017 at 5:47 PM

Ugh, sorry, I don't know what happened. Here's my full comment:

Bok-ju is temperamental, but I don’t think she holds a grudge. And while Shi-ho has done bad things I think both the writers and the actress made it pretty clear that those actions were not indicative of her normal behavior and that she was aware of her spiraling, but was still desperately clinging and projecting anyway. I think there current relationship is basically what it would have been if they'd been in a completely neutral situation with some extra kindness from Bok-ju because Shi-ho was (is?) ill and some extra niceness from Shi-ho to make up for her past behavior.

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Andee

January 7, 2017 at 6:56 PM

That makes some sense! Her illness/eating disorder did last from the beginning of the show, so I suppose it's safe to assume she wasn't in her right mind throughout the first half. I do agree that their relationship now would've happened earlier if Shi Ho wasn't as ill/stressed (and also if she wasn't pining for Joon Hyung at the time - that's part of the stress she was dealing with, right?)

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ET

January 7, 2017 at 7:53 PM

Like, I don’t mind their new friendship (I was hoping for it since the series began!) but it just feels a little too sudden.

Joon Hyung spoke your mind in ep 14 when he said he couldn't understand how Bok Joo got so friendly with Si Ho when they weren't even friends not too long ago. So this wasn't an oversight.

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32 Stardust

January 7, 2017 at 4:08 PM

I agree abt goblin. I like its originality, love reaper but the pace...it makes me fast forward at times (and much more recently) which I hardly do even for average dramas. It's not that it's slow - it's meadering..and not moving fast enough esp for a fantasy drama that has rich elements which makes me think "Why???" The OTP is still not on point with me - and that's the gunner. my issue with KES dramas (although she said she worked hard this drama to make it different from the rest) but it's the same still - her female leads are mostly written in the most frustrating manner. And I don't feel the chemistry for the OTP...I'm trying but each time reaper does it more for me and I feel my impatience at the romance.

Regarding LOTBS, the pace works better for me (we get through plot pain points unexpectedly fast and easy), unexpectedly too and almost out of nowhere until mid episodes, it started to develop a comedic male lead that you simply cannot dislike or not root for (and credit to Lee min Hot for that) thus fueling the OTP. and though the chemistry is definitely not sparking hot - it's unexpectedly cute and better each time which makes the episodes zip by. So I guess what did it for me for LOTBS is that a lot of what I got was unexpected (expecting epic - got light & comedic, expecting to be blown away by JJH with her strong start - got slowly swept off my feet by LMH; expecting long meandering plots fueled by "moments"- everything gets revealed fast, easily and nicely.)

Plus - I totally get you on the "shallow" discussions - sometimes all I see are those ugly sweaters and I just need to discuss the science of how fugly they are (!) JJH handbags- google to find out which brand it is and then fall off my chair on its price.
Yeah it's PPL but not so in your face like subway because they just wear them. And perhaps that's why I don't get impatient with the episodes, there's always something to look at. And if all else fails, LMH delivers on his handsomeness. (Yes I warned that it's shallow)

Lastly I leave the love for fairy Kim Bok Ju - the last episode made me cry and I never knew NJK could reach such emotional depths for acting. The couple is absolutely relationship goals and what I love most of the drama is how realistic it is in an unrealistic set up (I know nuts abt weightlifting but can identify with whatever BOK Ju goes through) it has also a extremely great OST and some good directing. I love the SWAG trio friendship, I watch this drama with a perpetual smile on my face. It makes me reminisce my youth, how it's like to be young and going for your dreams. It's a fantastic drama!

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33 wackycashew

January 7, 2017 at 4:17 PM

Legend of the Blue Sea: Love how JJ is trying his best to do everything with Chung while he can and to prevent the tragic fate from repeating. CH turning bad made me sad. Is it possible he has the potential to be even worse than MDY?? Mom and Chung together are the best thing ever and I'm so so happy she was the thread that brought Mom back to JJ. I don't trust ND one bit, and now I'm just waiting to see how he's gonna exploit Chung.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo: This adorable couple continues to make me love and root for them. So glad that BJ had the opportunity to be JH's much needed support this week. I especially enjoyed ep. 15 with NJH's fine performances. Kiss bribes for everything from now on! ❤️

7 First Kisses: The fluffiness of this web series just made me chuckle throughout. The LMH ep didn't do much at all. Well, thanks for the prettiness.

Hwarang: Really enjoying PSJ, PHS, and Ara in this. I like the comedic and the serious tones, and it seems fairly well-balanced right now. There's no doubt the attraction between SW and AR is already there. I don't like Jong's aggressiveness/assertiveness towards AR. I want to see more bromance between the other Hwarang boys and SW, especially SH and HS. I love that SW is smart and thinks deeply despite never learning how to write or receiving any proper education.

Miss In Kiss T-drama: Three short eps each week isn't enough. Wish I can watch every day since I'm eager to see how they plan to do this remake this time around.

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purpleowl

January 7, 2017 at 6:24 PM

Yay for someone enjoying Miss In Kiss!

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wackycashew

January 8, 2017 at 4:49 AM

The cast is growing on me. ^^ Heehee

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34 ZK

January 7, 2017 at 4:24 PM

And there I was, thinking that there must be something wrong with me for partly not liking Goblin. I enjoyed the show very very much at the beginning but have started losing stamina around ep 5 or 6. I havent been able to put a finger on it but as many of you have pointed out, perhaps the show's slow/dragging pace or the PPL-packed schedule, or perhaps, (so true) who cares about the Goblin and his bribe when you have such an adorable Reaper right there (and his heartbreaking background story).

Thank you, team, for all your hard work. I have enjoyed reading your recaps (and found so many mistakes/misinterpretations in the subbed eps I've watched).

Enjoy your weekend.

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Nadila Nadila

January 8, 2017 at 1:58 AM

That's my problem with most of Kim Eun Sook dramas, I usually enjoy the beginning and they all have interesting setups, they also tend to cast my favorite actors all the time, but I always ended up dropping them in the middle, especially around episode 6/7 *sigh*

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35 Wookie

January 7, 2017 at 4:37 PM

For Goblin I live only for the bromance, Grim reaper, GRxSunny and the goryeo scenes..other than that I'm skipping! And before someone accuse me of being a hater of KGE, no absolutely not. This is my first drama of hers and I don't hate her character I'm just bored with hers and Gong yoo's scenes so i skip it most of the time!

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36 Taek's Noona

January 7, 2017 at 5:10 PM

I'm getting confused with all the reincarnation stuff from goblin and legend of the blue sea.

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panshel

January 7, 2017 at 9:56 PM

I've noticed Goblin and Legend of the Blue Sea overlap a lot.
- Both female leads scoffed "First loves never come true,"unaware that they were their first loves.
- Both reincarnated couples (Reaper x Sunny and Joon Jae x Chung) were destined to love one another in this life.
- Both Reaper and Mermaid have the ability to erase memories.

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kanz

January 7, 2017 at 11:04 PM

I believe Goblin and LOTBS scriptwriters had meetings to decide their new dramas and write 2 fantasy dramas aired at the same time..
G writer: Hey do you have some new ideas?
LOTBS writer: Nope.. but I kinda want to write fantasy stuff.
G writer: Fantastic.. First things first, what should we write? Aliens and vampires are too mainstream..
LOTBS writer: No, not alien again. How about mermaid?
G writer: Sounds good. How about goblin? and reaper?
LOTBS writer: Perfect.. While we're at it, don't forget first love tropes, reincarnation and memory loss, they come in handy and viewers love them.
G writer: Oh yeah. Also have them in modern times but flashback to past times.
LOTBS: Deal! It will hit daebak!!

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agoodheart

January 8, 2017 at 7:42 AM

LOL!! Sounds legit!

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37 john

January 7, 2017 at 5:30 PM

Goblin ! The bad guy belings in the creepy character hall of fame.

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38 michykdrama

January 7, 2017 at 5:59 PM

Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim + Goblin + Signal

+ work and Boy

Has been leaving me with no free time at all! But I can't complain because a busy life coupled with great dramas is what I call Really Living!

Signal has been great (I'm on episode 8) and the plot is right with every 2 episodes bringing some twist or another to keep me glued to my seat. But what I really like about it is that I get emotional payoffs every once in a while in the form of solved cases and bad guys caught so it doesn't feel frustrating and yet I'm hooked for the next episode.

And that's what I'm really enjoying about Goblin too- I love the recent reveals that balance out the day to day living shenanigans of Goblin and Grim and Sunny and Euntak, and have me wanting MORE! I agree the OTPs aren't the strongest in this show but don't you want to watch as the show pulls back the layers on its world and we learn more about them supernatural beings and past lives? And I want somehow for everyone to have a nice happy ending, I don't know how, but I want it and (so far) I haven't been disappointed by the writer so I'm totally along for the ride she is bringing me on. And that's why I'm glued to my seat every weekend for the new episodes!

Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim needs major props for its attention to detail and medical accuracy. What left me amazed was that the scenes were exciting by themselves even if you know nothing about medicine, but they were EVEN BETTER for me because they were realistic and true to life! And that takes Effort and Planning and Training from the entire team, who honestly didn't have to do it, because a excited jumping crinkly smiling Teacher Kim and the adorable bickering I-love-yous and reluctant bromantic fist pumps would have sold the show anyway!

Doing a good job even though no one may recognize it deserves the utmost of praise so that's why I have to let everyone know RDTK is a Job Well Done!

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michykdrama

January 7, 2017 at 6:01 PM

Aigoo I messed up the bold formatting. This is why I shouldn't try to be clever early in the morning- Clearly not awake enough yet! ?

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ET

January 7, 2017 at 6:38 PM

Hi @Michykdrama, I remember your inputs and blog in Beautiful Mind recaps.

I am late to RDTK but I also remember reading in the first recap or this thread that you had some problems with the medical accuracy. So RDTK improved?

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michykdrama

January 8, 2017 at 2:54 AM

@ET oh YES. It has improved tremendously. My favourite episodes were

7-8: for them daring to take on difficult social topics that affect doctors and patients (Hippocratic oath, doctors playing God, not choosing who you treat; is doing everything medically possible irrespective of cost always the right thing to do?)

16-17: for a super accurate depiction of cardiac surgery. I did a medicap!

You can check out my medicaps/comments here if you want. (Sorry for the shameless plug!)

https://mydramalesslife.wordpress.com/category/romantic-doctor-teacher-kim/

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ET

January 8, 2017 at 6:50 AM

Thank you, I will check them out.

I am current with RDTK now. I am not bothered by medical inaccuracies in medical dramas unless they are so blatant even to non med pros like me. For this drama, I only remembered being bothered by the amount of shouting, LOL.

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39 chiobu

January 7, 2017 at 6:25 PM

At HeadsNo2, so glad you are watching Oh My Geum-bi!

It's such a beautiful and touching show! Geum-bi is the one who needs looking after, but it seems she is one giving adults life-lessons.

I can't watch one episode without crying! It's so touching and moving. It makes one think about one's priorities in life. A great show!

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40 lolabeans

January 7, 2017 at 6:34 PM

Pretty Li Hui Zhen. Someone mentioned there was a She Was Pretty remake and, like an idiot, I went to check it out even though I thougt there was barely enough story for 16 episodes and somehow this one is going to stretch it for 36.

Based on the first week, I'm going to try and stick it out. At the very least it will be interesting to compare the two as so far the remake is staying very close to the original, but still inspiring different reactions within me. I remember wanting to strangle Hye-jin in the first couple of weeks of the original for being obnoxiously OTT and loud. Here we have similar actions but the actress is playing her more awkward, nervous, and, most importantly, quiet so I have some sympathy even while agreeing with the criticisms she's receiving.

I'm curious about how they'll handle next week as this is where the story and characters really started picking up for me in the kdrama. HJE, PSJ, and Siwon had great chemistry in their varying combinations and really shined in comedic scenes (when they weren't going overboard) and I absolutely loved the secondary couple.

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41 Evelia

January 7, 2017 at 6:47 PM

I try to give Goblin a second chance but I couldn't finish episode 1. Right now there is not any drama that I want to see.

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Porkiepine

January 7, 2017 at 7:31 PM

Give Weightlifting Fairy Kim Book Joo a try, you won't regret it. One of the best drama and I personally like way more than Legend of the Blue Sea, and Goblin. I honestly think it's underrated bec of the other 2 dramas. This show makes me happy and can't help but cheer for the characters. I'm already dreading the fact that next week will be it's last episode. ?

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Emma

January 7, 2017 at 8:24 PM

Seconding WFKBJ! It has become my favorite drama of all time

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42 hellocam

January 7, 2017 at 6:58 PM

I'm watching Legend of the Blue Sea, Hwarang, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Ju, Laurel Tree Tailors and started watching Father, I'll Take Care of You (thanks to javabeans recommendation).

I'd like to watch Goblin but after reading that it started to get draggy for some, I somehow felt that I was right not to watch it in the first place. I am curious but not enough to finally click the episode one's play button.

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43 PilTa

January 7, 2017 at 7:07 PM

Only thing that I'm watching now is Hwarang. It strongly reminds me of Sungkyunkwan Scandal. I don't notice the time whenever I am watching Hwarang and when it's time to end, I am always..."wtf...it's the end already? MOOOORE!!" I can't wait for the next episode to air! ARGGGGHHHHHH

Ah....so much things to say about Goblin. I am sorely disappointed with this drama. I liked the start but I dropped it after the 6th episode because the draggy pace bored me to tears. Also I can't seem to get on the main OTP. Ugh. I prefer scenes of Reaper and Sunny. When I watched the 5th and 6th ep, I just fast forwarded to their scenes. I also do agree that reading the recaps made me realize that I didn't miss much in fast forwarding the scenes. Also don't get me started on the product placements. >>

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44 boomboompow

January 7, 2017 at 7:16 PM

I am currently watching Reply 1994 and going through the DB recaps, boy what a war it has been in the comment section! I haven't finished (and not yet planning to) finish Reply 1988 but out of curiosity, which year has the most intense fan war from the 3 Reply series?

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Sancheezy

January 7, 2017 at 7:36 PM

I don't exactly know but I think it was 1994,
but it actually because I only follow 1994,
on 1988, one character already wins majority vote so it wasn't as intense while the final is an uproar,
on 1994, it was almost equal battle on int-fans while korean fans seems to fixated quick enough to one winner and already sad for the other one.
Then they have broke up time and the writer give useless hope and the aftermath is broken so many hearts.
Reply 1994 is the reason why I can't partake in any of 1988 episode and I just casually watch it.
It scarred me since it ain't over till it's over and because of photoshop, sigh.

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panshel

January 7, 2017 at 7:50 PM

Hands down Reply 1994. The shipping wars of 1994 were brutal. Reply 1997 no one wanted Shi Won to end up with Hyung, and Reply 1988 even Taek shippers assumed Deok Sun would end up with Jung Hwan. Reply 1994 split the audience... the international audience at least. I distinctly remember Korean netizens were predominately Team Oppa, as they were Team Jungpal.

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45 ET

January 7, 2017 at 7:19 PM

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo I can't say enough good things about this show. So sad it's going to end this week. More than that, I am kinda afraid for the finale after having caught the preview.

Solomon's PerjuryI find the atmosphere similar to White Christmas although it's not as dark. Perhaps it's got to do with the season? For someone who lives in the tropics, I am sensitive to the different feels that a drama bring according to the season. Back to show..I caught up right to start of ep 5 and I guess this is where things start to heat up. I don't think the show is slow though and I didn't have to fast forward any scene which is a good thing. I much prefer Jo Jae Hyun here than in God Of Noodles. He gives me the sinister vibes without being overboard.

I am considering whether I should start Oh My Geum Bi and Hwarang.

I am very afraid of the ending for Oh My Geum Bi which is why I dare not start. I don't like it when a lead character dies or faces impending death but I can definitely stomach it if the story needs to go down that path. It's a totally different story when it comes to a child.

As for Hwarang, I am reading good things about it. Problem is that I haven't been able to like Park Seo Joon in anything. Is it still possible to like this drama nonetheless?

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gadis

January 7, 2017 at 8:39 PM

Personally, I think Hwarang is good. But I guess your reaction will be heavily depending on why you couldn't like PSJ. If it's acting-related, I think he is really good there. But if it's something akin to alergy... well, reading recaps might be your safe bet. ;-)

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ET

January 7, 2017 at 9:02 PM

Hahaha...."something akin to allergy" I'll borrow this phrase to sound more polite the next time I describe an actor who I cannot stomach.

I don't think it's that bad but it's just that I haven't seen how good his acting is or why he's described as good looking. It didn't start well when I first watched him in Witch Romance. My Queen was one of my favorite Taiwanese dramas and I felt disappointed by PSJ in the remake. I started to feel allergic when I watched She Was Pretty.

Now the weird thing is that I can be quite stubborn at trying to like actors who the majority like but I don't. So if Hwarang proves to be entertaining, this might just be the cure :P

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gadis

January 7, 2017 at 9:19 PM

Haha..
Actually I have similar problem with Lee Min-ho (I know!! It's weird, that's why I called it allergy). At first I was quite stubborn and tried to watch many of his projects to cure it. But then I just give up. There are recaps if I'm really curious about those dramas, and there are no reason to make my allergy even worse.

Hopefully you can find your cure, though. :-)

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WishfulToki

January 8, 2017 at 8:11 AM

Haha, I have something akin to allergy regarding Hwang Jung Eum, after all her screeching in Kill Me Heal Me. It seriously put me off watching She Was Pretty, so Hwarang is actually my way of finally getting to see Park Seo Joon again.

If it helps, Hwarang is not a one-man show. Imho PSJ is an important character but he'd be nothing without the rest of cast, so maybe that's a way to find your cure?

celia

January 8, 2017 at 8:21 AM

I'm also unable to warm up to Go Ara in anything before but glad I carry on watching Hwarang cause there are other interesting characters on the show. I particularly enjoy Park Hyung-shik portrayal in here.

If you still can't like PSJ then the FF button is always there to help! Haha.. (i'm guilty of FF-ing most of GA scenes :p)

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46 Porkiepine

January 7, 2017 at 7:38 PM

I gotta agree that Goblin started great but went downhill. I love the first episode. It was beautifully shot. Then after the first couple episodes it just got draggy and only interesting at the last 10 minutes of episode. Kinda disappointing since it seems promising and has a great cast. I'm still watching it though bec of the the Reaper.

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47 wingedswan

January 7, 2017 at 7:40 PM

I always feel like all the reviewers think exactly the same and feel the same and have the same comments. Any drama I watch I can already tell what the comments are going to be and I always have to remind myself that there is more than one person, but it really doesn't make any difference.

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48 sohyang

January 7, 2017 at 8:05 PM

I'm gettin bored with night light although it's yowon afterall.
Just sit and waiting for janghyuk in voice. I hope it'll worth my patience, LOL

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49 celine

January 7, 2017 at 8:43 PM

I also think that Goblin's pacing could be improved. However, I still enjoy watching it and looking forward to each episode every week.

I have made peace with the fact that this writer and PD choose to linger at every moment. Good thing that the cinematography is just gorgeous. The instrumentals and songs are good too. The actors are really good as well. I'm in this for the story and the lovely characters and their everyday interactions. I could watch episodes of Shin, Euntak, Grim, Sunny, and Deokhwa (and secretary Kim) go about their normal lives because they are so entertaining and so fun. And Lee El is just amazing.

I am glad that more developments happened in this week's episodes. Looking forward to next week.

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WishfulToki

January 10, 2017 at 3:10 AM

This is how I feel too. Episode 12 was great, and I could watch it as a movie on its own. However, the comments section in the drama recaps have become mostly about whether people like Eun Tak or not. For the record, I don't like her character as much as I was hoping to, but I still like the show. Hopefully next episodes will be great as well and get some good discussion going.

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50 inxomnia

January 7, 2017 at 8:46 PM

Slowly been catching up on my shows again after a week or two of not following dramas or varieties (so a lot to catch up on or eventually drop).

- WFKBJ (next ep 14): Still probably my fav right now. I love how there aren't any antagonists, just watching life happen. I love the two together. I'm a little hesitant to marathon ep 14 and 15 because it means it'll all be over soon - nooooo!

Wish to See You Again (TW Drama): Finished this and it exceeded my expectations since I was watching it for the scenery and Vic. Solid story and has a distant Taiwanese drama vibe - ie, warm and well-meaning but often meddling characters.

- LOTBS (next ep 5): Belatedly tuned into this and it's a mindless watch. I'm not overly invested but it's got a cute enough romance with attractive leads, and so far, not too much angst or melodrama so it's keeping my interest.

- AOY (next ep 11): Also checking this out late. I started this midway through WFKBJ and seeing the EOY picks and seeing this picked above WF is weird because I do think WF is the superior coming of age/youth drama IMO. Perhaps it's because of how much it's been raved about here that my expectations were higher? I still enjoy it and like all the girls and enjoy the storywriting but WF just has more of my heart.

- GOBLIN (next ep 7): I'm really undecided with this one. I agree that it tends to drag, and it's noticeable because it has moments where it's so quick and snappy and enjoyable. Then it decides to have a mood swing and I'm just confused. I love the bromance. The romance, not so much. I just don't buy it, not invested in it. It's another one of those where I don't see the sparks, so I don't get the instant attraction. That being said, I feel that's been the case with LOTBS as well (lengthy backstory and multiple love stories aside). I guess watching WF kinda affects this, seeing the build up to romance, whereas here... I remember the Goblin seeing Eun Tak in Quebec crossing the street and realising her was in love with her and I was like .... But WHY? It's odd to me that he's lived for 900 years and THIS was the romance that got him?

Damn I need a spunky romance. Waiting on Park Bo Young's drama because she is so damn adorable and fun and I need her in more dramas. Park Hyung Sik is also hella cute and the way he looked at her here is already giving me good vibes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdBihtoC6Ck

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Ray

January 9, 2017 at 8:58 AM

Right!! That scene you mentioned about Eun Tak crossing the street is what made me suddenly went WHAT?! (wfkbj sound effect lol) and I decided right at that time I will never be able to like this drama just like I've planned to

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