Aaaand I’m back! I can only participate in WWW every two weeks because I work every other weekend. I’m trying to be consistent every two weeks, though!

Forest of Secrets 2 (14/16): The pace definitely picked up this week. Admittedly, I was very distracted while watching episode 13 because I finished School Nurse that same day, but I really did enjoy this week’s episodes. Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but I’ve never been super attached to Seo Dong-jae as a character. However, seeing Shi-mok and Yeo-jin’s reactions this week was especially painful. The cast really brought their A-game this week.

Record of Youth (8/16): I think I’m liking this more than most Beanies, although I am viewing it in a sort of detached manner still. I really just find it to be a nice watch, and there’s something almost comforting about it. I appreciate that it delves a bit more into what the entertainment industry is actually like for up-and-coming actors, and provides a bit more depth than most dramas about actors or singers. I love watching Park Bo-gum acting as a character who is acting, haha!

The School Nurse Files (6/6): Loved, loved, loved. It’s been a while since I thought about a drama so much even while I wasn’t watching it. This is exactly my kind of weird, and I love that the show made me think and left a lot up to viewer interpretation without being at all pretentious or inaccessible. Jung Yu-mi is love as always.

Memories of the Alhambra (16/16): I’m going to echo what everyone who watched this show warned me about and say: WTH at that ending! I so wanted to enjoy this drama but I couldn’t. It had such a cool concept, but its treatment of the female characters was just eyeroll-worthy. I was officially done when we waited so long for Jin-woo to be able to talk to Emma and when he finally did… all she asked was where her brother was. Really, show? REALLY? The focus on the romance really hurt the show in the end, too. I mean, was anyone invested in that? At all? I’m disappointed we didn’t get any sort of explanation of how the game bugged in a way that actually killed people. I understand this is a fantasy drama (science-fantasy, I’d say), but I did want some sort of explanation, and I can’t believe a company would then continue to produce a game that runs the risk of developing a bug like that, lmao. It happened before, who’s to say it wouldn’t happen again? So dumb. Although I did appreciate that they briefly showed how much of a social disturbance such a game would be.

Flowers For My Life (6/16): Slow going with this one because I’ve been busy and keeping up with the current shows is my priority, but still loving it. I like the soundtrack, too! I really love the scenes with Ha-na and her new Vietnamese friend. One of my favorite tropes is characters connecting despite their language barrier, hehe.

The upcoming dramas I’m planning on watching are Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol,...

Record of Youth: This is what being in love feels like. Hye-joon and Jung-ha are couple goals. They have the healthiest relationship with domestic conversations. Not only do they find comfort in each other when they're sad, but they know when the other person is sad without saying anything. They're perfect for each other. Please don't break up. 😭😭

18 Again (Episode 3-4)
I do find the establishment of potential love lines down the road lazy with Da Jung and Shi Ah tripping over themselves and Woo Young having those umbrella slow mo scenes (though I’m never saying no to Lee Do Hyun’s visuals), however, the show’s story isn’t focused on the romance but family instead so I’m willing to give a pass to all the rescue scenes that are markedly cliche. Something that I’m not willing to give a pass to however is young Ae Rin: director, you casted young actors for even Duk Jin and Il Kwon, what about her? I will admit though it was hilariously weird to watch.

Missing: The Other Side (Episode 7-8)
Although I still adore the show a lot and find watching it a compelling experience, I do have a few questions: 1) What is the critical factor that allows the living to see the dead? I used to think it was ‘missing family’ but chained prisoner was a con artist that doesn’t fit that, 2) What is the point of showing us the scenes of Idol Trainee and Creepy Smiley Killer, if they are not tied to the plot? Their appearances have now gone beyond cameos but there’s no development, 3) Jong Ah doesn’t recognise Hyun Ji’s picture, so is she not Jang’s daughter? But if not, she’s a damsel in distress plot device.

Zombie Detective (Episode 3-4)
After all the effort that went into hiding himself, Moo Young’s secret identity got ousted because he forgot to close the window blinds and lock the door? Maybe he let his guard down too much after he solved his financial issues but I’m of the opinion that it would be more logical had he revealed himself at his own discretion. Anyway, regarding the plot, I’m a little confused that this week’s episodes was essentially a diversion to force the two leads together and we’ve had no updates on the Santa case other than the obvious ‘I was murdered’ memory: I hope the plot picks up during next week.

More Than Friends (Episode 1-2)
Lee Soo’s characterisation reminds me a lot of the classic first male lead of the old days: a cold jerk with some trauma that is somehow used to justify emotional manipulation towards the female lead. Sure, he isn’t obligated to reciprocate her love and there’s no issue rejecting her but the same applies to his friendship request and yet he selfishly pushes on to be with her regardless of her will. I was glad Woo Yeon finally took steps to end the toxicity by kissing him though he now converts into her stalker according to the preview. He needs family therapy first stat before he ruins her entire life.

Also watching: Do You Like Brahms (Episode 9-10) / Alice (Episode 9-10) / Record of Youth (Episode 7-8)

I suddenly got this urge to shorten my never-ending-and-constantly-getting-longer list of dramas I want to watch... and I binged Chugakusei Nikki (Meet Me After School), a Japanese drama about a young female teacher trying to find herself... and finding her (initially questionable) love. I have heard good things about the show... but... I can't say I really liked it. Well, I did reasonably like the first episodes (but that slap), how they portrayed the first love awakening of Akira and how Hijiri was trying to do her best as a teacher figure... but then the show changed into a makjang and I got frustrated with the overhonest martyr Hajiri... and even more with the Mothers. I think part of my frustration stems from a cultural difference (where I live 18yr-olds are legal adults) and part (a big part) from my beliefs about what is good parenting. Also... why was everyone so interfering?? Anyway, rant short, I personally think they should cut out most of the second part (which was more less a repeat of the beginning) and more concentrate on the inner problems of the couple (and their age difference)... and on showing me why I should root for the couple, why these two are such a good fit and should be together (the poems in the first part was a good start).

Also, I didn't see much of a development of the main heroine...... and in that respect I much much prefer the story of the Dentist in Miracles.

There was one character I loved from the beginning till end though... the very straightforward and yet sensitive Section Chief Haraguchi Ritsu.

Brahms - I didn't like the reaction of the "friends"... and I'm of the opinion that some things should remain a secret. Also, that black handkerchief has to go 😆

Okane no Kireme... (Love Will Begin When Money Ends) - I like the idea about spending money well... and about not accumulating things (and having respect to things we already have). But... Miura Haruma... why?? 😢 (R.I.P.)

Love In Time - utter fluff, great for switching the brain off and just having fun... and the male lead is a master of smirks 😊

Cricket - IPL has started. Good way to earn money for players but am not fond of this at all. All in all for Test Cricket -
Waiting for Asutralia Vs. India this December.

JAPAN -

Love will Begin when Money Ends - 7.5 out of 10. Only if it had 10 Episodes. Overall, i'm enjoying it.
The School of water Business - 7/10 manga to live-action. It got 1st episode translation. Typical school drama where teacher and student solve problems but presentation of it made it all work.

Last Letter - Japanese movie - watching it now. Next week.

Do you like Brahms?: I still do. This week I felt so bad about our OTP. I also feel like they had nothing to apologize for. In Min Seong's case DY simply stopped liking her. The fact that SA liked him when he started to like SA is completely irrelevant to that fact. SA could no more turn off her dislike of DY than MS could. There is absolutely no reason SA should have told DY or MS that she liked DY, it would have solved nothing and she was never going to act upon it. In HH's case, JY was also never going to act on his crush. He loved both HH and JK too much to break up that trio. The fact that HH and JK has nothing to do with JY. She was miserable in her relationship and I think because JY is the only other constant in her life, she thinks she is in love with him. Luckily, our writer likes the OTP as much as we do and doesn't plan on stupidly breaking them up. HUZZAH!!!❤️❤️

Record of Youth: The show has grown on me. The fact that it has taken 7 episodes is not good though. The writing is not my favorite and I dislike the direction choices even more. That being said the OTP is moving along nicely and I finally believe their romance. We are still in 2018 though, so we shall see how it goes. Hopefully his messy ex-girlfriend goes away.

School Nurse Files: There are no words to describe this show other than weird, but in the greatest way possible. I LURVED this show and I think everyone should watch it.

Forest of Secrets: Still excellent. I look forward to the final episodes. I am sad though because what a fabulous run!!

Late to the Prison Playbook party but man, has it grown on me. I'm guessing I should prepare for some heartbreak along the way?

Do You Like Brahms it's sad seeing the friendships crumble. Also looking forward to Joon-young finally getting rid of his suitcase someday. Just throw it out, man.

Do You Like Brahms: i agree with quirkycase about Minseong and Hyunho. both blamed everything to Joonyoung and Songah because they couldnt bring themselves to mad and blamed the person they love. both are so toxic i wish Joonyoung and Songah stop being friends with them at this point.

Zombie Detective: surprisingly good.

I’m on a Brahmsie ship and will stay here for the duration of the drama (and possibly weeks after) just gushing over our Dimple/Ice Cream couple in their scenes and in the bts videos.

Also watching More than Friends and School Nurse Files, but that’s just to pass the time until Monday. More than Friends seem to be the formulaic romcom and I think I can predict its ending from the first 2 eps. School Nurse Files is wonderfully weird, and Nam Joo Hyuk seems to have improved acting-wise.

Zombie Detective Now the truth is out, I'm really curious to see our duo resolving crimes.

Do You Like Brahms We were used to sugar with our lovely couple, so the 10th episode was a little bitter. But storywise, it was inevitable.

Record of Youth I like it. Park Bo Gum is shining in this role.

Alice Not sure I want to continue... But I'm still curious about the time travelling...

More Than Friends The second episode wasn't really better than the 1, but at least I could see the second male lead, go! Get the girl! Please!

Missing: The Other Side They're so bad at communicating, it's really frustrating...

Forest of Secrets 2 I can't believe we have already reached the end...

Korean holidays are not good for me >_<

Zombie Detective: I've just watched one episode, and I think I will continue. This only works if the actor is all in and he definitely is.

Do You Like Brahms: Messy friend stuff. I see it coming and didn't dip my toe in this weeks episodes. I love the leads but those friends. Oy vey.

Stranger 2: This past weeks episode reminded me about what I didn't like about the first season. I never bought who the big bad was in Season 1. It made no sense. I also don't buy the bully being a cool cucumber but then panicking at having one conversation with a prosecutor to the point of doing what he did. Realistically they have absolutely nothing on him and considering who the kid's dad is, he would know it. Also, the corporate shenanigans could have been completely cut. This season has had moments I've really enjoyed but overall it's been a miss for me.

Do You Like Brahms: I know Song Ah wants to continue to study violin, but she’s not going to be a violinist. Maybe she’d get real teaching in graduate school that she hasn’t gotten for the past four years, but still, it's frustrating watching her be Professor Lee's lackey when she doesn't really seem to have an end game beyond getting into graduate school.

Lie After Lie: Poor Ji Min. It was sad seeing him open up his heart only to find out Eun Soo has been lying to him. Eun Soo was definitely affected by him though; It wasn't all a lie. Secretary Yoon, why did you show your hand?

Forest of Secrets 2: I appreciate the writer’s talent and what she is showing here with corruption, bullying and hierarchy, but I feel really detached from her works. I did feel something in Episode 14 when Seo Dong Jae’s wife was breaking down watching the rescue operation. How horrible to have to watch something like that unfold on television.

More Than Friends: Premiere week was underwhelming. I was way more interested in the secondary characters than the leads but they were absent for most of the second episode. I hope it’s more of an ensemble going forward because the leads just aren't doing it for me.

Missing: The Other Side: A question that has been on my mind: If Thomas died during the Japanese Occupation, why is his hair dyed blonde? Though I guess if they have stuff to put together a hot air balloon they could have hair dye. On a storyline note, I want Mr. Jang to find his daughter but maybe his purpose is to build this makeshift family.

Hope everyone's been well this week :D

Do You Like Brahms - I didn't know I could feel so many emotions watching this week's episodes. I was swooning, smiling like a fool, then feeling frustrated, sad, bitter, yet also hopeful for what's to come in the next few episodes. It's been awhile since I've been this invested and attached to a drama, but gosh have I realised it can be tiring sometimes ;-; anyways, I just wanted to mention how eye opening it is reading other Beanies' opinions. There's always someone with a different perspective from me and reading your comments really helps me change the way I view a particular scene, a particular character's action or feelings. This is why I appreciate this community a lot :)

Hot Stove League - I wanted to see more of Park Eun Bin's acting and she definitely did not disappoint! I binged it from start to finish and I'm glad to say that I no longer find baseball all that boring anymore haha also, who knew watching Park Eun Bin scream would be so satisfying ^-^ gosh, I love her acting so much (loved her in Age of Youth too!)

Hospital Playlist Throwback - Yoon Bok and Hong Do are actually so adorable, I feel like everyone just looks at them with heart eyes ♥‿♥ I hope we get to see them more in the second season!

Wishing you all a lovely week! Make sure to take regular breaks, drink water and stay safe :)

LIES OF LIES: (Episode 9) What I like about the writing in this series is that characters do not jump to crazy assumptions. Questions are left open or partially answered (usually interrupted). Jin Mi knows some of Eun Su's story but it is hard to fathom why he did not do his own investigative background check of her when she "suddenly" became interested in him. But that will clearly change now with Mr. Yoon's story line.
Variety:
HOW DO YOU PLAY? The sorority sisters are fun when they interact without thinking about the cameras. I just don't know if they will have the same success as SSAK3 in terms of music.
THE SIXTH SENSE: The ratings for this show have gone down consecutively to around 2.5. It is an expensive, set driven show which probably will not get renewed after its 8 episode run. I still find it a clever mystery show.
PROBLEM CHILD IN THE HOUSE: After two years, it seems more guests want to be on the show because it is relaxing, fun and surprising answers to questions.

The School Nurse Files (6/6):🎵Nae Mom-i Johajinda Johajinda Johajinda…🎵 I am not going to apologize for getting it stuck into your head. Now you know what kind of week it has been for me.😆 I usually stay away from shows with dark and creepy vibes, but I really enjoyed this one and would not mind a sequel or more seasons. Jung Yumi was amazing as Eun-young, and I wish I could have her toy sword and look that awesome while fending off invisible jellies myself.🗡️💪 Yoo Teo was another new face to me, and I can see why he often plays villains. However, with those glasses and that haircut and fashion he might as well have been Eun-young’s sidekick.🥰 Speaking of sidekicks, Nam Joo-Hyuk and the students did very well too. I would scold myself for laughing whenever In-Pyo got (left) behind because of his limp during the earthquakes, but then he would always curse out whoever put him in that predicament.🤣Despite her loneliness, Eun-young had some nice bonding moments. I enjoyed the sisterhood scene when mite eater talked about their first experiences with womanhood, and Eun-young’s friendships with Kang-Sun and In-Pyo. I do not mind the romantic implications, but I prefer the platonic bonds Eun-young had or has with these two men. Last but not least: the ducks! 🦆🦆🦆🦆

Reply 1988 (5/20): @sc325 Only your best friends can call you out on your failures and simultaneously cheer you up and on. Taekkie picked the right crew.❤️Relatives, on the other hand, are sometimes something else. We all know the evil mother-in-law trope, but Sun-Woo’s paternal grandmother somehow turns this trope into reality.😤 Fortunately most moms just want to be needed by their husband and kids, as Lee Dong-Hwi the Wise One said.👍I do hope Bora will follow that advice as well. Being a student protester would be a much more interesting storyline to watch if she cared more about her relatives.🤔

Just 3-4 K-dramas left before I break my 2019 Beans record! There are certainly more than enough 2020 shows that I want to watch, but time is being wishy washy with me at the moment. If I keep postponing pressing play on the other shows, then it might be best for me to just wait for Tale of the Nine-Tailed next week.🦊

SF8: episode 7 was good. I was expecting a bit more, I dont know, it felt a bit rushed even more than episode 4, so maybe thats why. The story has nothing really new, but I cant say no to Choi Siwon (dont judge me). BUT, there is a preview to the last episode. And my heart is already broken, omg I wanted to cry just with the trailer. Will they end with a a strong episode? The Prayer is still my favourite.

Do you like Brahms? - Honestly, I am not sure. The editing on episode 9 was the most weird thing ever. They met, have ice cream cut to the sky and then... cut to them meeting again, like it was supposed to be a coincidence. I am not sure what to think about the friends. I am not sure what is the use of the best friend anymore or Dong-Yoon. Or even Jung-Kyung. Theyve become so... bland. Even for background characters. I must be the only one that doesnt like how the story telling is going.

18 again - It is fun. Lee Do-Hyun playing a middle age dad is the second funniest thing in kdramaland (nothing will bet Lee Yi-kyung in Welcome to Waikiki).

School Nurse Files: I am still trying to process, in a good way.

Alice: hmmmmmmmm I am still watching it and I still like it. I am happy we are getting some answers.

School Nurse Files got me thinking the whole week. It's a good show, hope they get to make a second season!
Besides that, the only airing drama I'm watching is Mr Heart. It's kind of cute - when they're not doing weird nipple scenes - and I like the athletics angle, but, yeah... It's ok - for a webdrama

Pressing question: is that one on the top Kim Minjae with messed hair? Oh dear, this is the first time I see him uncoiffed (*clutches pearls)

I caught Part 2 of "My Dear Youth: Coffee Prince" and enjoyed it just as much as the first part. This time the documentary's focus was on the show's secondary couple played by Chae Jung-an and Lee Sun-kyun, and the three 'princes' who worked in the shop played by Kim Dong-wook, Kim Jae-wook and Lee Eon. It was fascinating to hear about how they saw their characters and each other. You get the sense that they became friends on the set and stayed as friends long afterwards. Just like with Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun-hye in Part 1, the show made Chae Jung-an and Lee Sun-kyun watch their romantic scenes together and I totally cracked up at Chae Jung-an and Lee Sun-kyun cringing (mostly Chae Jung-an). It was nice how the show didn't leave out Lee Eon and included his thoughts on the show and his audition from old videos and interviews. I felt wistful as the cast recalled their late friend and colleague, and you could tell they still missed him after all this time.

18 Again: TL;DR: this is a gem of a drama. I know it's not readily available (and no idea why!!!), but please go watch it. You'll laugh, you'll (maybe) tear up or even cry, and you'll have one of the best drama memories. 
It's been a while since I'm so emotionally invested in a drama like this. Coming from the director of Go Back Couple (GBC), it really reminds me of that drama, in all the best ways: seamless flashbacks and epiloqgues that peel off layers of a situation or a character, surprising us and adding complexity to our understanding of their relationship (can't give you an example here because it will spoil you, but trust!) The writers are all new (no previous credit), but they must have been assistants on GBC too, because the tone and style are very similar - again, a great thing in my book. There's no villain here (except for a tortured school bully, and a couple of old sexist corporate men doing their sexist corporate thing per usual). Just adults and teeangers alike trying to live their life and sometimes failing, but always learning that they have each other to rely on, or to protect.
It's so heartwarming to see a young teenage dad trying his best to work without a college degree and raising his twins, and now as a middle-aged man finding himself unable to connect with them and thus using his mysterious transformation into his younger self, not so much to "relive his glory", but to get close to his kids and help them. "What they need now is not their dad, but a friend." - when Daeyoung (the dad) thought that, I wanted to shake him and said no, they definitely need their dad, just maybe not the way he was (before his transformation). He has definitely been able to help his children out more practically by being their high school friend, but this is as much about him needing to be someone else in their life other than their dad, to be an even better dad. 
The kids and the mom are also amazing characters in their own right, but I'll save that for next time, or the fan wall, before this becomes an even longer essay.
Stranger/Forest of Secrets S2: finale week! I've always liked, though not loved S1 (S1 to me was both really slow and at times too dramatic; I did really love the character interactions and relationships there!), so maybe that protected me from any disappointment in this season. The plot is tighter this time around; less relationship focused, more on politics - which does drag and bore at times. Nonetheless, it has done a great job of revealing the right information when it needs to, keeping me glued to the end (a great feat for someone who drops dramas regularly like me!) I will miss our platonic detective-prosecutor duo!
Do you like Brahms: this has been a pleasant surprise, and I enjoy the OTP, but not much else. The professors enrage me, and the "friends" annoy...

Forest of Secrests 2: Last weeks shows were everything I would expect from this series! I am working this weekend and then volunteering after work, so I'm not going to be able to watch the last 2 episodes until very late on Sunday or Monday evening... It's killing me! I'm going to have to stay far away from the fan walls!!
Record of Youth: I loved this week's episodes. They are doing a great job of capturing the rush of falling in love and the dating honeymoon. The scene where they kiss through the open door of the truck took me right back to when I was first dating my husband and I swear that all of our kisses happened in parking lots. Sigh... I have hope that the reporter isn't going to buy into spreading false rumors and that HJ won't see his fledgling career ended too quickly. Ep. 8 was the first time I enjoyed this show more than Brahms, but don't tell all the Brahmsie Beanies. I don't want kicked off the cruise ship just yet!!
Temperature of Love: My growing love for RoY lead me to starting a rewatch of this show. I liked it when it first aired, but I think it does better as a binge. The annoying characters don't annoy me so much when I don't have to wait week to week for the good parts. Seriously though, I'm so glad that RoY doesn't have an annoying "best friend" character like this one. She almost ruins the show.
Do You Like Brahms?: Well, we all knew it was coming. It can't be that easy to just ignore that your boyfriend is still friends with the girl he loved from afar for years and years. I don't think JY is going to go back to that love, so I don't want show to drag on this angst too long.
More than Friends: I'd read a lot of negative reviews, but I decided to check out the first 2 episodes. I actually liked it a lot, but I think that it helped that my expectations were pretty low. On a side note, Jeju Island is so beautiful!

Here after a while. Forest of Secrets 2 stays strong and top of my list, head and shoulders above the rest. Lee Soo-yeon, I bow to you a thousand times! I'm going to be moping for sometime in a corner quietly all by myself after this weekend.

Brahms is introducing me to some lovely music. The collective spazzing is great fun, probably more so than the show itself. Minjae's voice remains the best attraction.

I ffed through Record of Youth (which says what I think about it), but the consent scenes stayed with me - both where they ask each other for consent, and where PBG calls out his friend for grabbing PSD's hand - Nicely done, show!

Among the other various things I picked up and dropped these past few weeks, I have been very impressed by Pinocchio - It holds up *very well* for a drama that's about 5 years old. This might be the second LJS drama I end up watching in full (after the excellent School 2013; in contrast, Romance is a Bonus Book was - umm - pleasant, but not great, IMHO.) Kim Young Kwang as part of the candy dose in the show was a pleasant surprise. I am not a Park Shin Hye, but this is definitely her best role I have watched so far.

DO YOU LIKE BRAHMS: Yes! Cant wait to move on from our little heartbreaks from our “bestfriends” and ACTUALLY looking forward to possible JungKyung-SongAh friendship. Haha. I pray for an actual SongAh/JoonYoung piano/violin set for next episode please. And Manager-nim, I hope he’d be gone along with JY suitcase next week. Heh.

AGE OF YOUTH. Yes, again, I am late for this train but absolutely loving it! I can oh-so-relate to some of their problems. Haha. I had to say that Park Eun Bin in this reminds me of Park Min Young in Healer — I think it has to do with the hair style and this clear, strong tone of their voice? Love them both though! Looking forward to finishing this til next week (to proceed to season2, yay!)

One thing I forgot to mention in my previous comment re: 18 Again, that another comment reminded me to: LEE. DO. HYUN. [insert that Lady Gaga's meme TALENTED AMAZING SHOWSTOPPING INCREDIBLE NEVER THE SAME gif]
 
I've tried and just not interested in the dramas he was in previously (and he was secondary supporting roles in there), so never had the chance to properly enjoy his acting until now. This - this is raw talent, people. Not relying on pure charisma, or looks. Just...talent.
 
He's SO believable both as the teenage dad struggling to figure out his life AND the 37-year-old old-school out-of-touch dad in a 18-year-old body. It's so hilariously perplexing for everyone around him to watch him act and talk like a crotchety old man because they can only see an 18 year old boy in front of them.
 
This drama is doing well Korean ratings wise so I hope he'll blow up and bring on more amazing characters like this! 

Stranger 2. I could watch episode 14 in a loop for days. Writer-nim I adore you. So many can learn from you!! Only one week end… I need more!! Can we have a third season, please?

Missing: the other side. This gets better and better. The moment Wook told Det. Shin than YeoNa was dead was so heartbreaking! They both know it is true… I really don’t understand what’s the purpose of YeoNa telling the scammer to go to Det. Shin. He will catch him for sure and will he go to jail? Is it? But she’s making him suffer so much hanging to the hope she’s alive…

School Nurse Files. I finished episode 3-6. Loved every weird moment of this little gem. I hope we can have a second season. Ducks included. If not, I will be also happy and rewatch to enjoy all the little details I know I missed.

Do you love Brahms. It’s refreshing a couple who actually communicates and try to solve those things that bothers them about the other. I very much dislike HH and MS and their reaction to learn about the ABSOLUTELY SECRET crushes JY and AS had on JK and DY. You don’t own people and feelings. Stop being selfish and childish please. This year I really had enough with the Dinner Mate exes, please.

After watching some screen shots in the beanie wall (specially by @lordcobol) I had to give it a try to Zombie Detective and I have to say I’m in after watching first two episodes. What is this? I’m just having fun, and I never thought I could be having fun with this!!

And also because @flyingcolours has been spamming (in the best way possible) the wall with Yoo Ah-In, I decided to start Chicago Typewriter and I don’t know why I hadn’t watch it before!! I had a total different idea in my head about this drama and I never checked if this idea was right or not. I’m having lots of fun, love the actors and those endless libraries full of books.

I gonna drop More Than Friends after just two episodes. I don't care that unknown actors (except Ong Sung-wu) are lacking talent but just unfunny disappointed characters and that ten-year time travel (2010 and 2020) were meant lacking sci-fi and too much drama that had a little sfx. Also, that cinematography and editing were like cheap but there's so many lacking energies and its powers of its romantic drama. That BGM/OST felt like it was mostly forgotten by unknown-obscure local artists in the first two episodes (except the "Pierrot..." scene which my only best scene). That costumes in 2020 was not too modern yet and the 2010 costumes were like poor quality dresses that lost interest and disastrous alongside with a little ugly a bit. In my opinion, I completely unmatched all the Reply (TvN) series and with that, I tossed this JTBC drama up and it was so trashy. But despite of having my disappointment, I having one good reason aside from Ong Sung-woo and the karaoke scene, the PD of Gangnam Beauty directed this romantic non-sci-fi time travel did his another great job.

Meanwhile, for my good news in sake, I watched Zombie Detective where the funniest and most humorous scenes are gracefully cool mixed with still the best costumes, cinematography and editing. I love that zombie bathtub scene so much.

Ok I don't want to rain kn anyone's parade but Do You Like Brahms feels very stressful. I don't know how to say this but the leads lives feel a bit claustrophobic without each other. They have shitty friends and are stuck in their respective spheres. They don't really have anyone to talk to much except each other.
18 Again: My god this drama is a female and I'm angry that more people aren't watching this because it feels really good. It makes me think about my family and my relationship with them. I love Lee Do Hyun and I love his acting. He's nailing this role.

Alice: 7.5

Missing: The Other Side: 7.7

Zombie Detective: 9.0 Mostly a hoot, but the FL's sister is too over-the-top. This is the first time I've seen that actress not be an asset to a show, but think it's the fault of the writer and/or director.

School Nurse Files: 7.6 I never knew Jung Yu-Mi could do so many goofy facial expressions -- those were the high point of the show. BTW, she also worked with Lee Joo-Young in Live. Cool concept and promising start; got less fun later when they made it less wacky. Tonal shifts aren't my most favorite thing. They left enough open so I fear they might do another of those loathsome Netflix second seasons.

Once Again (Episodes 25-46)
With my binge watching last week I am almost done with Once Again and this really became one of my favorite weekenders ever. Why?

For one thing payoffs were not always far away. Midway into the drama most romances were already on the way. Da Hee and Jae Seuk were dating, Ga Hee and Hyo Shin were flirting, oppa made headway on getting his wife back and his business was going well. Of course it was too early so oppa had to falter and show he hasn’t learned his lesson yet. But in the end he was the first one to reconcile. How each couple got busted and was cornered was funny but one of the most heartwarming bits was the siblings’ support of each other.

Another thing I liked was that the illnesses in this drama weren’t awful like many a weekender. They were serious enough to show people the value of life and time and change their behavior but not catastrophic enough to make it too late to do so. Transitions in people’s feelings and behavior were natural ad convincing.

Except for imo’s case the guys fell first so that was nice to see as usually it’s the opposite. I liked Hyo Shin’s relationship with the kid and kid’s love for him. But also I liked that he had his own life and he didn’t sacrifice it for his love. This was actually true for all couples.

Of course there were annoying bits. I never liked Gyu Jin’s noona and her underhandedness of getting rid of the porridge Na Hee left for Gyu Jin when he was sick was reprehensible.

I couldn’t wait for Ga Hee’s spiteful and jealous manager’s comeuppance and I am happy to see the show delivered.

Da Hee‘s admirer Ji Won got on my nerves as well but the end of his arc was hilariously unexpected.

Of course the worst story and the most annoying character turned out to be the fake sister. I had no sympathy for her.

I recommend this drama to anyone who is looking for a relaxed, happy and funny watch.

Do You Like Brahms: I continue to watch this show because I want to see how Song-Ah and Park Joon-Young ultimately find meaning in their professional lives (and I generally like the actors). Although we are clearly stuck with the love triangles, I was a bit frustrated with Song-Ah's continued insecurities about Jung-Kyung and her abilities. At some point, she needs to think about what her own strengths are and how she can contribute to the world of music in her own way. Also, everyone getting upset for selfish reasons is frustrating. Maybe I'm crazy, but the characters have the potential to be more interesting than that. For example, Jung-kyung could be a great character if her role wasn't to make Song-Ah feel insecure and we spent more time on her as a person, not an obstacle. I'm also struggling to reconcile the youthful romantic vibes of the show (i.e., the awkward shy first love stuff where everything is hearts and butterflies) with the jaded, cutthroat world of professional music, where genius fades, young prodigies lose their idealism, and talent is exploited. Are any of these kids mature enough for this world? Sometimes the "love" in the love triangles feels more like immature infatuation. Also, Song Ah has barely started dating Joon-Young. Feelings can grow over time. What's the rush? Enjoy yourself, and stop worrying about the stupid stuff. Things don't always work out, even when you love each other, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the good times. Life is too short.

ALICE 10/16: I don’t know what prompted me to jump in halfway through a drama and break all my kdrama-watching rules, but I’m happy I did. I was in the mood for something more fast-paced than Brahms, and am quite pleased to be taken on this mad journey. It may turn into a train wreck, or maybe it’s already skidding off the rails and I won’t know until we’ve crashed. Oh well.

DO YOU LIKE BRAHMS? 9/16. Fan wall rage made me decide to wait and to watch Episode 10 next week. I can’t really handle angst right now.

Record of youth: completely caught up and loving it! It's both the main leads for me, their relationship is just so adorable and they just feel so comfortable with each other, I love it. The side characters though, might be the reason for the lack of popularity here on DB. I admit: there are so many side stories, that it's overwhelming, redundant, and annoying (i.e., Jung Ha's bully colleague, Hye Jun's Dad). But, despite it all, I enjoy it!

Do you like Brahms? Sadly caught up on that as well, and now there is dreaded wait for Monday and Tuesday each week *le sigh*! I liked this week's episodes a bit less than the previous ones. I like that Song Ha and Joon Young got together, and I am also glad that they don' fall prey to unnecessary misunderstandings; but I am a bit bothered that they don't communicate about their insecurities, and their plight... I mean they don't talk about their everyday lives. They are still so shy and awkward together, it's cute, but I want their relationship to move forward. I also think Joon Young might not be over Junk Kyung. I was also annoyed by Min Seong and Hyun Seo, and this part of the plot does not make sense to me. How is it bad for someone not to let you know that they liked your girlfriend/person you like because they know you like them? Isn't it proof that they care for you?

When I was the most beautiful: omg, this is so melo! I don't think I have ever seen a lead cry so much. It is tropey, predictable, but also strangely addictive. Hwan is sometimes getting on my nerves, other times, I can't stand Jin, and sometimes I just think both of them are perfect for her! I think Ye Jin loves Hwan, but also loves Jin, both in very different ways and for very different reasons. I don't know who she would end up with, but I just wish she could take a break from that family, move out and be independent, and maybe end up with her ex-boyfriend, the lawyer. The aunt's character is the one I can't stand: thumbs up for that acting!

Do You Like Brahms?: Yes, I do! So very much! Here’s why.

1. Kim Min Jae’s voice - I guess like everyone else swooning here and on soompi, deep voices are a turn on. And when such a deep voice with such a boyish face speak PERFECT FUCKING ENGLISH. It’s enough to slay even the cold hearted.

2. Kim Min Jae’s smiles - those could light up an entire country. I swear. They give me diabetes. I drool whenever he smiles and he always smiles with Song Ah or basically Park Eun Bin. Those BTSs are GEMS. ABSOLUTE GEMS.

3. Park Eun Bin - She’s such a talented actress I have no words. She’s someone who can have chemistry even with a dead tree and she’s selling it so much here. I’m not saying that KMJ’s a dead tree. Far from it tbh. KMJ IS AMAZING AND HES MY BABY. And their chemistry with each other off screen as well is so balanced and i just want them together for the rest of my life. Also her mannerisms throughout the story is breathtaking. I love her music too.

3. The story: Man, i just wish I could make that suitcase and handkerchief disappear but well I’m not a magician. But they need to go. Along with Jung Kyung and Hyeon Ho and Min Sung and CEO Yoon. Just disappear. Please. Oh also that manager. He was so nice when he was working at Kyunghoo. The fuck happened with him?

Forest of Secrets 2: Wow, that was an amazing, heart-pounding, breathtaking set of episodes this past weekend. Just about to watch the penultimate episode now.

Zombie Detective: It's cute and I love our Zombie Detective's observations (yes, it's totally unfair he had to worry about making ends meet when goblins and reapers get to be financially stable) More of a watch-while-I-fold-laundry type of drama since I find Sun Ji somewhat annoying and sometimes skip her parts.

Missing:the Other Side: A riveting watch because the drama is great at building that mysterious atmosphere. But it still does things heavyhandedly to cause drama, like poor communication (weird way to break the news about Yeona, Wook. And call 119. Shin Junho isn't your personal cop) and staying behind to heroicly get the crap beat out of him even though he had plenty of time to escape. I like that Yeona isn't as naive as I assumed.

School Nurse Files: A wonderful, trippy adventure. It took some time to get into the "let's roll with it" attitude. Someone mentioned it was like an anime, and that's exactly what it felt like. Jung Yumi is great at being quirky, but also sympathetic. Nam Joo Hyuk is strangely hot with his 5 sizes too big for him clothes and limp!

DO DO SOL SOL LA LA SOL is finally going to start this week on Netflix. Yippee. Also on Netflix is THE SCHOOL NURSE FILES which is every bit as zany and off the wall as Stroopwafel and Quirkycase say it is. I think we will be adding it to our Halloween re-watch list, together with THE MASTER’S SUN.

DO YOU LIKE BRAHMS? Do I ever- one of my very favorite shows of all time. I think that the show’s origin in a novel was shown by the way that Hyun-ho decided to end his friendship with Joon-young and Min-sung did the same with Song-A- in both cases for the same reason- they are blaming the other person for the loss of their loves, even though neither Song-a nor Joon-young ever did anything to threaten the other relationship. The symmetry here is wonderful- and dramatically underscores the fact that a new love does not just involve the romantic pair but effects all of their other relationships as well.

As a family we continue to slowly watch SYMPHONY’S ROMANCE but this has been interrupted this week by by my son’s deep immersion in a Kaggle competition- an important one that is related to a COVID 19 vaccine. He and I have also been watching LOVE AND DESTINY but that too has suffered these past few weeks.

I like weekenders so I try each as it comes along. ONCE AGAIN was very good. So far HOMEMADE LOVE STORY does not seem to be at that level but at least it was a bit more coherent this week. Still, it is obvious that the writers are aiming at a show whose central theme will be Birth Secrets as all three now grown children were adopted. It is an interesting idea but will it work for a show spread over half a year?

My wife just finished the period costume C-drama MAIDEN HOLMES. She loved it. She also finished THE STORY OF MINGLAN. She also finished LIE TO ME which has one of the loveliest endings ever. So now she is watching YOUR HOUSE HELPER to take a break from all of the evil mothers, scheming brothers and cousins, nasty Dowager Empresses, etc. that populate a Chinee Period Costume Drama. She also likes time travel and fantasy shows- she recently watched the T-drama SOMEDAY OR ONE DAY and liked it. So she is thinking of started TEN MILES OF PEACH BLOSSOMS. It has a good rating so we will see.

A C-drama which I have been slowly watching when I have time is the rom-com DATING IN THE KITCHEN. It follows much of the usual formula but that is OK if it is well done. This one is.

Do you like Brahms?
This OTP is so pure! But their school, teachers, friends and even families are all messed up.
I hope their love can survive the odds they have in front of them.
I understand, by the way, they have to think about their respective careers, but man, the environment is so toxic, so competitive in the wrong way!!!!
It makes me feel frustrated, and I really love classical music, but if playing this music implies to live like that, then I don't like it anymore...I remain being the public....

Dal ja's spring
On ep. 21. Almost done... frustrated with Kang Tae bong... But keep on watching, of course.

Her private life
I am repeating this one, but only on the weekends... It is a drama that makes me happy..

This week I was late on most of the shows and therefore sadly couldn't read or comment on DB to not read any spoilers... So I watched "all by myself" (cue Bridget Jones/Celine Dion montage):

The School Nurse Files - I am not through yet. This is so much my thing! It gives me Twin Peaks/Haruki Murakami/Legion-vibes in all its weird, strange, stirring beauty and grotesque-ness. Love it. The mite eater breaks my heart. On a very shallow note - I am still waiting for Yoo Teo to show off his German in a drama.

Lies of Lies - Now I have to watch it episode by episode, this is torture. Mr Yoon, why did you openly put a target on your back... now I will miss the actor and the way he scream-whispers in tense conversations. A very unique skill.

Also watching Brahms, Zombie-nim, Stranger 2. Listened to some Shostakovich this week, thank you for the reminder, show.

The School Nurse Files i love this show. Its is just the right kind of wacky with the colors and the music. Our leads are very unique, just love that they just work together. At the end of the 6 episodes, I just felt like wanting MORE!

Missing:The Other Side I started this because it was in my radar but I just had too many dramas at my plate. With the end of FOE, I was left with no mid-week drama so decided its perfect time to watch this. And I am glad I did. I have not seen Go Soo in anything from what I remember. I am very pleased with this show - the mystery, the engaging story, unlikely duo. I am now all caught up so ready to watch this week's episode today.

Record of Youth sometimes it feel like I am watching paint dry with this. The show is just so bland. There are few shining moments but it is not enough to change my mind. I am only watching this for Bogummie and SoDam.

Forest of Secrets S2 the episodes picked up as everyone scrambles to follow a crucial lead. Shimok and Yeojin collaborated efficiently and effectively in solving the weaselnapping. I am so glad to see everyone in action in hope of finding Dong Jae alive. The stress finally caught up to Shimok as he exploded at our tragic culprit. Ep 13 and 14 are the best episodes so far.

MISSING: THE OTHER SIDE (5-8): After putting it on hold for like almost three weeks I finally caught up with this series. It is an interesting watch with each character having their own story and everyone is connected by one way or the other. I do wish for the plot development to be a bit quicker since a major portion of the episodes seem fillers. I find Yeo Na seriously stupid. I mean I know she is desperate to get out of the village but she has already witnessed how her boyfriend cannot see her. Still, she helped the guy to escape and what good will it brings her when her boyfriend cannot see her. And will she take responsibility for all the consequences that going to happen? The guy from Wook’s memory looked like the manager of the chairwoman. Although the pacing is a bit slow, the series has been entertaining enough so far.
LONELY ENOUGH TO LOVE: I liked how our leads were mature enough to accept their feeling towards each other. There was also development in the stories of side characters.
DO YOU LIKE BRAHMS: Agh !!! How come everyone acted like total ass holes in this week’s episodes? Yes. SA and JY were as always charming but almost all the other characters totally got under my skin.
RECORD OF YOUTH: Totally loved this week’s episodes. We got an insight into Jung-ha’s life. Happy to see Hye-Jun getting recognized finally. And that kiss!!!! Totally awesome
18 AGAIN: Its endearing to see Dae-young’s efforts to help his family. Just like her family, I was so proud to finally see Da-Jung nailing her interview. There were so many heart touching scenes. I started this drama because of Do-hyun but I guess I will stick around since the other characters a have been equally good so far.
ZOMBIE DETECTIVE: I have mixed reactions for this week’s episodes. While I loved the confused monologues of our zombie I felt they have dragged the fasting centre portion too much. Since episode 4 ended on an interesting note I guess I will watch one more week and decide if I should continue this.
WHEN I WAS THE PRETTIEST: Why the hell am I even watching this? 12 episodes into the series and the characters are still stuck on the same path. At this point, I don’t want Ye Ji to end up with either of the brothers. I can’t decide which one of them is more annoying, Jin with his insecurities and stubbornness to win Ye Ji or Hwang who is acting like an obsessive clingy lover. I also hate the fact that he gave some hope to Amber but obviously doesn’t care much to fulfil that. I wish Ye Ji to leave that family and start afresh alone learning to love herself more before loving anyone else. The ex-girlfriend is a total psycho. The only sane character in the series is the father and sadly he doesn’t get much screen space.
ALICE: No new episodes this week. With each passing week, my expectations about this show are getting lower and lower. The whole plot is in a mess right now and not to mention the romance aspect (which seems force and totally annoying to watch)...

School Nurse Files: It was an interesting watch. It felt rushed. I could not understand some of the supernatural elements and I needed help from fellow beanies to understand the show completely.
I am still feeling confused about the show. One thing I am sure about -I do not regret the time I spent on the show.
Record of Youth: It is by no means a terrible show but I expected more from this show.
It is falls in acceptable category and I think it will remain there.
Do you like Brahms: This show is filled with miserable, sad and in few cases opportunistic people but it makes me root for protagonist more.
Lies after Lies: This show is making me hate the characters I am supposed to hate and root for characters that I am supposed to root. It is filling up my monthly makjang quota nicely.

wanted to wait till all the episodes of Brahms is out before starting but damn me!!! binged the first 6 episodes over the weekend..

waiting for episodes is so hard 😒