I am still more curious about the development on On Air then any other series at the moment. Unfortunately, it looks like Dramabeans won't be covering this series...

I think it is a tougher job to write the plot/characters for On Air and also more challenging to act these characters out because the majority of folks watching the show isn't from the industry and hence it is more difficult to connect with situations/personalities and normalities in the industry. If On Air is able to make the audience understand and also care about these characters that we don't normally associate with....(except the impression we see from outside the entertainment bubble), then I think On Air is good enough. I think there is a reason why we can't put our hearts into the show sometimes because there is very limited connection that we can make with what we see in our lives.

What to say more? I have the same feeling that I DON'T want to speak out with my friends who are fans of Kim Ha Neul. I just watch half of On Air epi 1 and that's it . The plot seems not working for me, real, but still not "real" enough.
YES, and I am watching Who are you. I feel that would be a drama for "younger people", with more to expect. It tends towards "comic" side at the moment, but it promises to have deeper moments with fragile feeling (these 2 main leads have troubles with their dads and their pasts). And, I don't know why but I have the eagerness to watch "Who are you" like the time I watch and translate subtitle for "Coffee Prince".

For those comments about getting hooked to On Air after 3rd epi: I don't continue to watch it so I don't know much to say. But for me, Lobbyist is the kind "no comedy, no romance upfront, no melodrama". I totally got hooked after the first 4 episodes,and cried bunk of tears for little Maria. But after that, the script got worst. I am glad that your guys find On Air much better from epi 3.

Frankly speaking, I expect this drama to reveal the very reality of the entertainment world, which I found after epi 1, it just touched the "hot spots", but did not reveal the real world. I don't believe all the newspapers saying about entertainment people, I myself found them hardworking and serious in their career. I don't believe they become irresponsible like in On Air.

I haven't watched who are you yet and because of your review i download On air in veoh and i love it..I do agree with everyone that the 1st episode was too over the top, so with the episode 2 but when the plot of the drama processes it became more interesting..Too bad a lot of ppl don't like it...But thank GOD the kst team are currently subbing the english subtiitle so we are able to view it and be able to understand..^lol^
I do feel that entertainment industry in Korea is similiar to this drama bcos you tend to see managers always getting involve with the celebrities life and i tend to be pity at them at times bcos they don't really have the freedom to do what they want in their own free time..
Anyways On Air shows that :--
PYH is hottter than ever and KHN are so beautiful in this drama..We get to see a different side of her in this drama because in the past her character always are so depressing..I love this drama regarding of what ppl thinks bcos i'm so happy to see PYH in the small screen again..It's been a while since His drama loving you with Eugene.

I enjoyed the first episode of On Air. I don’t think the acting was that overdramatic. To be honest, every Kdrama I’ve ever seen has over the top ~dramatic~ acting. What did bother me was how Song Yoon Ah was acting like Kim Jung Eun. Hmm, maybe this is because the writer is the same as Lovers…But I have to say Yoon Ah had me loling when she told PYH off for his mismatched outfit then showed up the next day in her horrendous ski outfit.

I’m still waiting for the next Que Sera, Sera or I’m Sorry, I Love You, but until then I guess this will do.

Whilst Drama Bean seem to have a great following through the mutual appreciation of entertaining dramas, i'd have to STRONGLY disagree you on this one!!

This drama is one of the most original and smart one i have seen in the last few years and I'd even go as far as to say it has the makings of a real classic. The satirist attitude which is not seen in Korean drama, it breaks all modes of cliches we expect to see in Korean drama, and highlighted these defaults with a wink that many of us can appreciate the inside joke. How many drama we have seen actually poke fun at them self? This one win me over with its guts, originality, wit, sharp observations and sheer cleverness in construct. It is almost like 30 rocks meet The Player.

All 4 leads are excellent esp the 2 strong female leads. Rare in a Korean drama with real layered character and performances where they are not characters to drive a plot but are plot themselves.

The pace and the script is excellent and share great insights to the entertainment industry including the deals and the double deals. The cameos adds a real authenticity too. Watched 6 episode so far, and getting impressed by the quality of all parties concerned. Definitely one of the best SBS series in years.

I was sad to hear that you didn't like On-Air because On-Air happens to be the one drama I'm actually watching right now (now that HGD is over)
It has a new story. The behind-the-scenes work of the korean dramas that we watch all the time. and i especially loved it because of the characters. they weren't the typical characters you would expect. they each have quirky personalities and the way the writer brings those characters together despite the fact that they want to kill each other.

okay first of all, on air is a drama, which means that they are going to exaggerate things a little. So therefore, its not going to portray everything about actresses and actors realistically.
I dont really care that you dont like SBS or whatnot but I think its a little harsh to judge something just from your past hatred of all SBS dramas. too bad that you think that all dramas should be goody goody. This drama is not for your then obviously. So instead of saying how bad it is, maybe you should stop watching it and start watching something more happy and 'likeable', something thats 'sugar coated' just the way you like your characters to be.

personally, i think that on air is a good drama because in reality, people are not nice as you say all the time. Of course you cant connect with them; youre not a star or anything so how would you know how it feels like to be one.
So stop complaining that the director sucks and that the dramas are stupid because theyre too lovey dovey. like you can write a better one. its harder than you think. So suck it up and go watch something else instead of comparing the directors other past work.

for me I think it's a good drama
I watch it every eps
and still want to watch it
sorry
for me I think this kind of drama is rarely airing
not just love story

I love On Air. I am surprised that there are many people who don't like it.

I don't know if it's because I started watching On Air with the mindset that it's popular, and everybody's raving about it, so my expectations came out to be too high, but I, too, got turned off by it after watching the first episode. I'm obviously going to continue watching a couple more episodes to form a better opinion, but seeing the preview of the second episode makes me NOT want to continue it at all. It's like that paper on your desk waiting to be finished. I'm just dreading it, and skipping episodes is a huge no-no, so I will have to toughen up, and hope that what some are saying will be true for me (that the good stuff starts happening around 3 and 4).

Although, I am really disliking the overacting of Song Yoon Ah. I don't care if others say "How are we to judge how those people are supposed to act in real life?" or "It's a drama, of course it's going to be a little exaggerated!" No. This overacting is like that girl you kind of know who watches tons of dramas at home, and acts like that in REAL life thinking she's the main lead in her own little dramaland. It's the stereotypical "acting" for kdramas. Thank goodness most actors don't act TOO much like that anymore in most dramas (except for this one). For a series who's plot depends on realistic events and realistic people, it's kind of ironic that the acting is like that in On Air (only for Song Yoon Ah).
You'd think that with this type of story, actors/scriptwriters/directors would make a more realistic approach with the acting, but the acting just reminds me every other second that this IS a drama. It doesn't make me believe that that's how things are in real life (although, yes, I also don't believe that they would show the REAL "inside look" of the industry), but shouldn't that at least be a bit of a goal? I guess I'm the only one who thinks this.

this is a first time im writing comment in his site...and im picking an old post?? i really love on air..i used to pass dis series but start to pick it up later...it is damn good!!i watch bunch of tasteless drama lately and dis drama is refreshing me back!!

Bad criticism from this site.. On Air has detestable characters? well if u gave it a few more eps u would realize that these characters are more ideal to real life celebs than any other idealistic dramas where all the characters are so fictional and fabricated.. You dont like this drama because it doesnt match your taste.. while more than half of korea is crazy about it, maybe that kinda explains why most of ur posts dont get alot of hits.. Try being more analytical and less sarcastic... it really gets boring...

For me, after being recently disappointed by too many dramas, On Air raised my attention to K series up again. Of course I also hate the too-much yellings and arguing, but once it has been through half way, it's much better.

i read javabean's blog before deciding whether to watch on air. although she didn't like that show, i found myself liking it after recommendations from my friends. that goes to show how u shouldn't base ur opinions of a show just by one person. so to those who just condemn on air just after watching one episode and reading javabean's blog, please learn how to form ur own opinion instead of just basing it on somebody's comments. zzz.

I have just finished ON AIR and LOve it !

Do not judge the story from the first few episodes, it gets better and better and culminates in a highly satisfying finish.
Sure, there are lots of temper tantrums, yelling, unreasonable behavior and whatnots but its not a HIT in Korea for no reason. (i just wanted to wipe the smirk off Kim Ha Neul's face so many times!! ) And maybe Song Yun Ah took her 'eccentric, weird writer' part a little too much, but its still very good.. couldn't wait for the next episodes

I have watched on air, and for me it's fantastic. It is very brave effort bringing this type of drama full of conflicts everywhere you go. I love it so much. I always sense that the scriptwriter character played by SYA will have some depth, eventhough she's loud, frank and outspoken, in reality, she's a kind person. I believe that her character is the strongest plot in this story. Yes, the story sometimes is exhaustive because of the emotional outburst by the characters, but it is different and refreshing.

I really love this story, the best ever so far.

I disagree with you unfortunately....
I think this drama is much more interesting than others
for me, it's the best in 2008 (no offend though)
ON AIR tells more about people's lives not only fantasy, romance or death/sickness like other dramas do.
I think some people don't like it due to its lacking of romance? just guessing...=)
I recommend you to continue watch until episode 5 onwards...
You may be charmed by it later =)

I LOVE THIS DRAMA! thank you...

“On Air” is one of those few Korean dramas that upon finishing the last episode, I go right back to retrace from the first.

I love the obvious departures from the norm here:

1) The male leads are genuinely POOR, and they do not have hidden assets or secret rich connections (the lie Jang Gi-jun tells in exasperation that he is from a rich farming family is hilarious). Park Yong-ha’s character is saddled with debts incurred by his sibling and even has his salary docked for that reason. In fact, it would appear his job is constantly under threat. He does not own a car, and even drives Seo Young-eun around in HER car. Indeed, it is the female leads who have the money, and even so, they started relatively poor. Everyone works hard for a living in this show.

2) The female lead Young-eun appears to be in her thirties, is divorced with a ten-year-old son. This is not exactly the first time we have a female lead much older than the male though.

3) Jang, played by Lee Bum Soo, is short and squat, and his lack of height and looks is in stark contrast to the gorgeous and glamorous diva Oh Seung-ah. That she should first love him with such steadfastness and devotion seems most incredible, even to him, judging by the many shellshocked expressions Jang wears whenever Seung-ah hints at her love.

4) Conflicted love so typical of Korean romantic drama is thankfully kept in check here: Gyeong-min agonises over Young-eun’s reluctance within just ONE episode, — in fact, all it takes is one scene of him brooding before he resolves his dilemma. His love is unwavering and decisive. He does not need to explain to himself or the audience or even Young-eun why he loves her. He just does. And having watched how they grew even in their professional relationship through the previous episodes, I find their mutual love and respect for each other utterly convincing. I am grateful that we are spared the usual hogwash why a couple so obviously in love cannot be with each other.

I also like the self-derisive treatment and tone throughout, e.g. when Young-eun and Gyeong-min bicker about the need to shoot overseas and that has come to be expected in Korean drama, or the references to overused and convenient plots of cancer and amnesia, or the dig at Young-eun’s embarrassingly cheesy lines.

What I like most would be that despite these departures and self-mockery, the show itself demonstrates the conflict between the need to stick to a safe formula to secure high viewership and the need to do something entirely different. Episode ratings of the show attest to the principle of giving what most viewers want: a good-looking couple, romantic scenery (a fair bit shot in Taiwan), and of course, that happy ending to satisfy romantics.

The drama while not entirely ground-breaking in content or treatment is still highly charming and entertaining.

omg....on air is such a good drama..at start it's okay but then it really gets intense and the acting is amazing!
bum soo sunbaenim's acting is awesome!!!!
the different characters and their relationship is done so well...i believe the story isn't much but you will enjoy it!
it's my favourite korean drama so far....those over-rated dramas like full house and goong can't even compare to this drama....
this drama is way better than hong gil dong or who are you....
this is my fav drama so far!!! love on air....and the OST is really good!!!

actually i thot that the drama was alright, it showed the "behind the scenes" of movie making and all the sht that people go through. they also took the time to let the audience know more about the supporting characters like yoon PD and cherry.

though i agree that all the throwing of tantrums really pissed me off and many atime i felt like slapping them, it still thought that the concept of filming a drama of people filming a drama was quite true.

also i agree with someone who commented up there about the self-digs at movie making? and gyeong min's decisive love style and how they grow even professionally [to the 4 main leads and even cherry]

There's a lot of 'to..ing and fro..ing" in this series. You can only piece it all together after watching more episodes... and understand why the characters behave the way they do! Each has their own baggage! Overall it was really not too bad... it kept me interested till the end.

hope you give it another shot! ct

i love on air very much
i also love SYA and PYH
I THINK IT'S THE BEST DRAMA 2008

i love on air.

Enjoy every episodes. including episode one. Don't find Young eun as strange... in fact i know people in real life tht as eccentric as she is!

i think on air is a great show.
no doubt the first few episodes are superficial, but if you keep watching, each character actually has their own stories behind them.
it is a nice show.
and good acting from kim ha neul.
i think her acting was the best and most pleasant one to watch because oh seung ah just has so many different personalities!

Yeah! I would disagree with DramaBeans. On Air, is a very interesting show.. It's like you can see what's happening behind the scenes of all those glam & glitz.. I love Kim Haneul acting in this.. sometimes it was super stiff & funny but enjoyable..

i LOVE this drama very much..and like the pairing of park yong ha and song yun ah...whatever the negative comment of this drama, i just ignored that...and still want to watching this drama...

i think what u think is wrong sbs is great there's a geart dramas like atairway to heaven and alot others and on air was an amazinggggggggggggggg drama but ur right about the characters ugly fron the inside and the outside hehehe but only two of them kim ha neul and lee beom soo while park yong ha and song yoon ah did an amazingggg job and they r pretty in the inside and outside
and thank u

I think this must be a good drama because there are so many passionate reviews on either side. I am watching it on TV. It is not easy to find at times and I also have seen it on a channel with Mandarin subs. I can't understand Mandarin and can only address the acting.
I think we are coming closer to the finale now but I still am not sure if they will ever get their drama finished. The first four or five episodes were atrocious and the screeching and overacting by Son Yun Nah simply had to stop. She would have totally destroyed her vocal chords keeping that up.
I like Park in this role. He is quiet and reserved most of the time and when he gets upset it makes quite an impression. I hope he gets the results he wants in his drama. Kim Ah Neul is doing a pretty good job of being a bad actor and a diva. She is going through a tough time actually and more doom and gloom is looming it would seem about her past.
The back stories about the various characters make for interesting thoughts. How they got where they are despite hard times makes the industry come alive. I do wonder at times how the Korean drama business stays on track. Show business is harsh and often mean and dirty. The ones who control it are not artistic types but money grubbers. It's a slippery playground.
This drama is not perfect and at times it slows down a lot but so far I have wanted to see how everything works out. surely that is what a decent drama should do. It's not 'Gone with the Wind' , but then few films and dramas are.
this drama is far from being the bottom of the list.

Peggy

It is very good. Yes, it's very dramatised but shows how difficult is the creative process. The romance between PD and SW is also very convincing, the chemistry between the actors is strong. Koreans are very good story spinners and I respect them for their hardwork.

What a shame for you!!!
You cannot possibly read the first two pages of a book and them haughtily claim that it is now worth reading at all.
DOn't you know that your remarks can be rather misleading.
Please be a little bit professional!

I'm so glad to read the last posts. They are all praising On Air and i loved that show. I still do!!! iT's my favourite. I watched it because i found a song of ft island. The video was interesting so i looked up theseries . IT'S sad there is nothing in yt ...but i found it in mysoju...the first episode was ok, until i found Sya and Pyh paring.That was the love story i always wanted. Loving and hating each other at the same time...I must say the story is interesting and i grew so attached to it that i got angry with the fights and problems. That's why i love this show, because i enjoyed it and suffered while watching it. I was more than a mere spectator a felt a part of it. And that, only has happened to me a few times before, I highly recommend this drama ...the romance is soooo cute and the convesations are so lively...my favourite one forever (well i've got 3 more)

one year ago i tried watching this but the first episode was sooo bad so i quit.
These days i said "ok maybe i was too harsh with the show back then, i'll try and give it another chance,a real chance". So I've seen 5 episodes but it continues to be as bad as the first episode . Then i watched some scenes from ep10 to see if something will change and NOTHING, no character development, they keep yelling at each other, and the scriptwriter was still saying "i won't make that drama" !!! so frustrating and ridiculous for the love of God ! Oh and that seung-ah is one of the most annoying protagonists i've ever seen in a korean drama.
rating : 5 (out of 10).

I'm sorry but you are sooooo wrong the drama is so great the acting is amazingly good cuz all the cast are preofessional and the story is so beautiful and there is NO love tringles ( every two leads love each other ) , the charchters are so nice and lovable and the ending is nice too
I'm telling you you have to watch it , cuz if you haven't you are missing a great drama

It's already 7 year passed, I watched On Air more than 20 times and still enjoy it. Watching drama (any genre) is like reading book. I believe you all (the viewers) eventually need to think. It's not only about like and dislike. When you stop think about the story and only feel, the show failed. There's messages and goals for every characters. On Air showed it clear and clean. It made On Air different. We might not like it because it showed us "the truth" of fairy tale world. We might not be happy about it, because at the end we only want to see what we want to see.