Absolutely lovely writing, thank you. I turned to slice of life dramas this year precisely because I learned that what I really wanted was "To appreciate and understand that the small things can have a great impact in life."

2017 was indeed a year of journey through highs and lows. I think everyone felt the frustration you describe in the middle. We have been fortunate that the year is ending with a good crop of dramas (though no historical drama 😢).

Thank you so much for sharing this with us, it was beautifully written. The line that resonated with we was "It was just about having that emotional connection with a story and its characters. It was about appreciating and relating to reality through a fictional lens." Whether I'm watching a thriller, a slice of life, a family drama or a romcom, I desperately want to feel something. I love discovering characters who are unapologetically real ( like Oh Hae Young) and own up to it.

This is a really great piece. I find it funny and weird that when I was reading this I feel like this is something that I would write; it exactly mirrors my thoughts. And dramas that I watched and how I felt about them. Really. No joke. Starting from the very beginning when you mentioned that have a new found fondness for Korean dramas, even though you they're not exactly new to you. I was like, I know how that feels. It's that thing where you have been watching Kdramas or any other tv shows (in my case, also Jdoramas) for more than 10 years (or for too long) and it feels like you've grown older and your interest or taste matured 'cause you've seen to many shows, and you became more mature. Unlike in the past, you can't stand those dramas with the same old plot anymore — copying your examples, Reunited Worlds and While You Were Sleeping (I dropped those, btw) — that you watch just too simply kill time and to criticize them. You began to look for more substance, meaning something close to reality, something you can relate with, and something that will make you reflect. And that's exactly how I feel. I confessed that even right now, I still feel like I should be watching this certain amount of dramas just because I'm used to watching that many; like I need fillers even if that means wasting my time on mediocre ones. But as time goes on, I'm beginning to realize I can't force myself anymore and so the list of the dramas that I'm dropping is becoming longer lol.

Anyway, that became a long post haha. But one last thing, your post actually inspired and encouraged me to submit a post here as well. So for that, I thank you.

I'm with you in this. This year I found what kind of drama I relate to the most or enjoyed watching. I found out I always have a soft spot for dramas about warmth of families and friendship while I'm picky with romance.
I also found out I don't like legal dramas (tried a bunch of times, dropped them all). That fear of missing out a good drama because everyone is talking about it but I couldn't feel its charm isn't strong anymore, it's simply just not my cup of tea, afterall!
In the end it's about being able to relate and to live through the characters for me.
that something better can happen in life despite everything that I have experienced
Thank you for the reminded <3

Very very very good piece of writing, very emotional.
Thank you!

looks like you had a little bit of anxiety going on and not living in the moment and taking the mot of it but always worrying about something else. I think since our life will end anyway some day there is no point feeling quilty about "wasting time". we waste all our time, mostly on working and not living. We´ve been programmed to be productive. It takes me a few trips to the forest to realize nobody can demand anything from me, I don´t "have to" a thing, my life is mine, and whatever I decide to do with it is not "wasting time" that concept expresses you "time" belonging to someone or something other than yourself. In the foret I feel alive, my thoughts are free and in that way stories, dramas, fantasie are like the forest.

I never enjoyed a drama more this season then Because This Life Is Our First. It was quirky and laugh out loud funny. EVERY character story i cared about which most of you know is RARE. I would love a second season but i don't want to temp fate on this already great show by being greedy

Thanks for writing, @elric!

"It was just about having that emotional connection with a story and its characters. It was about appreciating and relating to reality through a fictional lens."

For me, the hallmark of a satisfying story, poem, drama, or film is that it touches my soul and makes me feel. I don't know why it is that Kdrama does that for me, but in many cases it does. Maybe it's han, which feels strangely familiar. Whatever it is, it's compounded by thoughtful discussion with fellow Beanies such as yourself. I never know where I'll find inspiration and insight, but they crop up from time to time in Kdrama dialogue and the conversations here in the recap threads. I'm truly grateful for that. Thanks again for writing. ;-)

So beautifully written!

I learned to not seek for more, but to look for what I actually need or can do in order to feel more alive.

❤️❤️❤️

I think this was the year that I truly felt grateful for kdramas.

Beautifully written and wonderfully introspective, and many of your thoughts and experience with dramas this year resonated much with me. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, elric!