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Kolorful Palette: Simulation or stimulation? [Doctor Stranger]

This week I chose to draw the most nonsensical and non-educational medical training session of all time, primarily because I love these two together (it must be a good scene, because I noticed that HeadsNo2 used the same shot for her recap). It’s actually a pretty big deal that I like this pairing so much because it marks the first time in K-drama history that I’ve rooted for the female second lead. This is completely uncharted territory for me and I have no idea what to expect. There’s no formula! Female second leads neeeeever get scenes like this, so I’m actually starting to believe that Soo-hyun may have a chance with Hoon. At this point I’m hoping that Jae-hee is in fact dead (unlikely) and Seung-hee is a nefarious super villain that will shatter Hoon’s heart, leaving Soo-hyun to pick up the pieces.

This situation actually reminds me of back when I first started watching Korean dramas. My first two ever were IRIS and Boys Before Flowers. After the super depressing ending to IRIS I thought that Boys Before Flowers seemed like a good light-hearted choice, especially since it was so crazy popular. Since I was new to K-dramas, even bad ones were like crack to me, and I watched all of Boys Before Flowers in two days, which left me in tears for the two days to follow. Poor, silly and naive Younger Me. I actually thought that Kim Hyun-joong had a chance! Of course, now I know better, and the thought of being so invested in Boys Before Flowers seems hysterical, but I do miss the sense of the unknown that I felt back then. Every drama was a roller coaster and had me on the edge of my seat, but these days that level of suspense is pretty elusive. Most of Doctor Stranger may be nonsense, but the fact that it has perhaps deviated from the same old formula we’ve all seen a hundred times has me intrigued. Hooked, even!

I admit that I am also somewhat interested in all the other mysteries that are playing out, despite how ridiculous they are. I’m hesitant to say that this show has plot holes because that would imply that there is a logical foundation in which to find said holes. Pretty much every plot line in this drama is silly and implausible from the get-go, but it’s actually sort of nice in a way because I never expect realism, so I’m never disappointed. It actually bothers me more to watch a realistic story be completely derailed by a few mistakes, since it ruins my suspension of disbelief. Watching Doctor Stranger is like watching a show that takes place in a fantasy world, so anything goes, and I really just care about the characters and overall resolutions. Besides, Hoon’s flippant personality and complete disregard for boundaries never ceases to amuse me. He couldn’t possibly be a less doctory doctor, but it sure is hard not to like him.

I decided to try something new this week, and did this drawing using chalk on canvas (in Corel Painter). I think I like the texture it adds (click for full size) so I’ll probably do some more experimenting in the weeks to come. I still think I need to loosen up though and not make everything look so much like a screen shot!

Last week I asked for drama advice, so I thought I’d let you all know that I did listen, and am in the process of catching up on Golden Cross and A New Leaf. I’m not a Kang Ji-hwan fan, but I’ll probably give Big Man a shot too (although I may wait until it ends so I can marathon it). I must admit that I’m pretty impatient for summer dramas like Joseon Gunman at this point. Which upcoming dramas are you looking forward to the most?

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Very interesting.

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Wow! Your drawing is beautiful! You have a really quick and light touch -- I just had to check out your other drawings on Kolorful Palette and my favorite so far is the one you did for Secret Love Affair - capturing that particular moment in paint, with that beautiful dramatic contrast between the black curtains in the foreground and the eager watcher just behind them says everything about the story. Nicely done!

And here your choice of pastels on paper is just inspired. You really know how to capture light on paper!

So your comment about Boys Over Flowers just cracked me up so I thought you might enjoy this *serious* analysis of how and why that drama was so cracktastic!

Thank you for the wonderful drawings and paintings! I look forward to seeing more.

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god ur commentary on BOF is like something I would write, I also remember thinking he ha a chance.

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I was more in the 'why doesn't he just stay in Paris and never return camp?' I remember almost flipping a table when he returned.

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nice drawing!
am so hesitant to start any dramas lately!!
mainly waiting for, 'it's ok, it's love' '괜찮아, 사랑이야'
so in the mood for some jo insung ..

should i start doctor stranger or you're surrounded?
your review sounds nice, but am kinda in the mood for a predictable brainless rom-com drama!
or maybe I should give it a try anyway, all dramas are really predictable after all..

idk! too lazy to get invested in a disappointing drama

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You're All Surrounded definitely :)

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"you are all surrounded" feels strangely flat to me. the only one i like is the female lead - she's actually emoting. the boys... not so much. and the top trainer-detective whatshisname is pretty annoying to me, with his puppyish attitude toward his ex.
is there no man in that drama?!

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Yeah. Me too. (And I've liked most all the actors in previous roles.) I wish the show would decide if it's gong to be more of a comedy (the cartoon opening) or a drama.

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Of all the current dramas, I like New Leaf the best, but some folks don't care for the legalese part of it, which can be a bit heavy at times. But it is very realistic compared to most k-dramas.

YAS I have mixed feelings about, you can pretty much predict where it is going to go plotwise, but some of the characters are interesting. But I would call it fun, not cracktastic.

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Really looking forward to High School King of Savvy!!!!

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I was riffing through episodes of 'Inspiring Generation' to see if Jin Se-yeon was as bad a actress as the gossip made her, but the bits I watched her pretty coherent and she and all the actors were decent. I even waxed nostalgic as it reminded me of all the old American and British movies I remembered watching on TV as a kid, set in exotic Asian locales, with the same strange mix of Western and Eastern images and plot-lines.

It just seemed a shame that everyone in 'Inspiring Generation' was going to get their reputations trashed by a corrupt production process and stupid scripting.

'Doctor Stranger' is almost certainly going to crash at some point--you can make the case that it has already--but the actors are stuck with it, and, as usual, will take most of the negative publicity because they are the visible face of the drama.

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But isn't it pretty popular right now? I imagine that outside of the international fandom, the drama is making a good turn with the Korean population.

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Uhm, I am pretty sure that most netizens can distinguish bad scripting from bad acting... Jin Se-yeon was already criticized for her acting back when she played Mok Dan in Gaksital; her reputation wasn't necessarily ruined by the corrupt production in Inspiring Generation. Kim Hyun-joong, on the other hand, has even received some praise for improvement in his acting so I don't think you can blame bad production for criticism (although I can't judge it since I haven't watched that drama)

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That's good to hear. If a show manages to get decent ratings even if the production crashes, it does the actors less harm. Logically, of course, you would expect netizens to be able to separate one negative reaction from another. But, often the world doesn't run on logic, but emotion.

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Doctor Stranger seems to be one of those shows with a really horrible plot line, extremely bad writing, and as noted "I’m hesitant to say that this show has plot holes because that would imply that there is a logical foundation in which to find said holes."

Yet it keeps doing well in the ratings, though they did fall off some last time. Not sure how much is due to the "hottie" factor, or people just not caring about how stupid the actual plot is.

But even on Drama Fever, the home of those superb "best drama ever" reviews, is starting to show some discontent, so it may yet crash and burn.

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Love the painting! And yeah an interesting 2nd female is a rare thing indeed! I think the only one I can think of is rie from gaksital, but it also didn't help that Mok dan was so boring.

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RIE! She definitely should have been the female lead instead. Really rooting for her as Mokdan was a depressing character.

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The first 2nd lead that broke my heart was the socially stunted doctor in "Best/Greatest Love." I was new to K-Dramas then and actually thought he had a chance.

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Yes!! Definitely!! Yoon Pil-joo, wasn't it? And it didn't help that Yoon Kye-sang's one of my favourite actors in the K-drama universe, with his dimpled smile and his SPECTACULAR performances in his projects.

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My first Female Second Lead Syndrome happened to me with Mirae's Choice - I really, really, really hated the ending which completely ruined the drama for me, but Yoo-kyung was awesome! <3

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Hah, isn't that the same actress who plays rie? If it is sounds like she needs a leading ASAP.

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I can name four besides this one:

1) Rie from Gaksital
2) Do-yeon from I Hear Your Voice (both female leads were fantastic, but I loved her even more because she started out as what looked like a classic mean second lead and then developed into awesomeness with no love triangle involved)
3) Chung-jo from Gu Family Book
4) Yoo-kyung from Mi-rae's Choice

And of course an honorable mention to Little Sun of Master's Sun, though no amount of adoration for her can rival the love I have for Gong Hyo-jin.

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oh, and I forgot my all-time favourite second female lead: Princess Kyung-hye from The Princess' Man!

Powerhouse performance by Hong Soo-hyun, and even more heart-wrenching once you know she's based on a real character.

(I think Park Shi-yeon as Jae-hee in Nice Guy also deserves a spot on the list because she's certainly interesting and well acted, even if she is terrible as a person)

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"I’m hesitant to say that this show has plot holes because that would imply that there is a logical foundation in which to find said holes. Pretty much every plot line in this drama is silly and implausible from the get-go, but it’s actually sort of nice in a way because I never expect realism, so I’m never disappointed."....I love this comment because it's both wise and snarky!

I've been enjoying your work alot even though, thanks for sharing them with us every week!

And if you do take request, perhaps you can maybe work on something related to Witch's Romance? Cause I'm shallow and really appreciate the male lead's face, hehe

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So pretty... love your art!!

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Another second female lead that I'm rooting for now is Big Man.

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Yes! Just go to Jin Ah who vowed to protect him for as long as she shall live. It's a shame Big Man's not being recapped. I watched it hoping it would be so bad that i wouldn't even think of finishing the first episode (so many dramas, so little time), but i went from ep 1 to 6 in one sitting.

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Meh, I dunno - Big Man is another of those shows that I am still watching, but not sure why except that even low grade crack is better than no crack.

The lead hero is a totally naïve idiot, and the lead girl is a walking advertisement for nobly idiotic doormats.

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Right?!

For some reason, i wanna see what happens next. Even if the show's not necessarily good. Even if everyone (from the evil parents, to the lovesick 2nd lead girl ... the list goes on) is so extreme that they seem to me like caricatures or exaggerations of what their characters are supposed to be, i'm still waiting for the next episode. Lol.

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Yes indeed! Although in each episode of Big Man Jung So-Min and Kang Ji-Hwan always have a minimal pair of scenes together...they are always the highlight that makes me crave more.

On top of that, talk about a force (or forces) to be reckoned with - whether as villains individually or as a family unit - from Daniel Choi as the sickly and lovesick boyfriend/fiancée Kang Dong-Seok to his parents (particularly as a couple) Uhm Hyo Sup as Kang Sung Wook and Cha Hwa Yun as Choi Yoon Jung.

Right now, the Kang Family have the appearance/air of in addition to showing signs of becoming a group of characters that are one for the ages.

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I must say that Daniel Choi is really rocking his role as the villain. He brings a sophistication to his villainy which is lacking in some kdramas and makes it fun to watch.

I always say, what's a good guy without a suitable arch enemy? This show is definitely giving me a run for my money and I hope it keeps it up!

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Daniel Choi is kind of underrated as an actor, imo. He's always had that ability to bring an edge of something extra to his roles, and I'm kind of amazed that the guy I remember from School 2013, the Cyrano movie and Waiting For Love is playing, well, this.

I can't believe we'll lose him to MS soon though :(

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Wahhh... Quack Couple!
I feel like I almost can't breath waiting for them a whole week! Thank God its monday... I really need to see them like, palliiiii~!!!

Love Oh Soo Hyun and Park Hoon together so much.

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Loved your art....even though I am not watching Doctor Stranger,but still I'm keeping tabs on it as to where the plotline is going.
Dramas which I am looking forward to are definitely-Trot Lovers(coz of Jung Eun Ji and Ji Hyun Woo, ofcourse)
and Joseon Gunman(Jun Ki oppaaaa).
Thanks for the art.

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Ah, yes! How could I forget Trot Lovers! I still have so much love for Jung Eun Ji even though it's been almost 2 years since Answer Me 1997 premiered, and I don't keep up with A Pink as much as I feel I should.

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The chalk and canvas gives a really cool effect! And while I'm always amazed at how everything looks like a screenshot, I'm sure whatever you try next will be just as lovely!

"At this point I’m hoping that Jae-hee is in fact dead (unlikely) and Seung-hee is a nefarious super villain that will shatter Hoon’s heart, leaving Soo-hyun to pick up the pieces." - My thoughts 100% ! I kinda liked it more when Seung Hee wasn't in the picture (well, Hoon didn't know about her) so he could have more uninterrupted Soo Hyun time and cute bff moments with Chang Yi too w/o running off to go talk to Jae Hee's Doppleganger. I think DS is a bit all over the place and a bit ridiculous but I'm actually enjoying that it doesn't seem to take itself very seriously (how many times will Dr. Moon bump his nose?! he's going to need nose surgery by the end of this drama, I swear).

Glad you're watching (and liking, I assume) Golden Cross (it's hard waiting for new eps to come out with those endings)! I'm catching up to A New Leaf as well and liking it much more than I thought I would.

I'm looking forward to High School King of Savvy and Nightwatchman (despite the "nooooo, whyyyyy"s I heard when Yunho got cast) and I'll most likely tune in for Joseon Gunman (one name: Lee Jun Ki).

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Thank you for the wonderful artwork!
I also ship Soo Hyun and Hoon. Never feel anything with Jae Hee/Seung Hee. Jae Hee as a character is okay, but predictable. But Seung Hee, man, I can't even understand her.
Soo Hyun is much more lively character with personality, not just an empty shell.

Please watch A New Leaf, my crack drama now.
Currently waiting for: Joseon's Gunman, It's Okay It's Love and Fated To Love You

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A fine painting. Thank you for showing it to us.

This drama and I Hear Your Voice have plot holes( This drama has more holes than IHYV). Yet I still am captivated with this drama and I think that is due to Lee Jong Suk. He caught the character of Hoon well and it seems he put his charm into the character thus Hoon become one of the kind person, not just he is a genius doctor but his personality and his behaviour are alive, sometimes he is fragile but at the same time he can be wicked. He has a layer of personalities.
Though people criticize one of the leading females, both leading male and second leading male are solid. But how many times we watched K Drama and scratch our heads( or sometimes screamed at the ends) with crazy ending scenes. I fear one of those head scratch time would come with this drama.

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Please please please. Just this once. Let the second lead female Soo-hyun and the lead male Hoon end up together. Let the whole world be happy.

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What whole world? It would rather freeze, crash, and burn before PH would ever love another woman. ;)

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Hotel king!!!?!

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oh my gosh I just start watching the doctor stranger 3 days ago and caught up and I ship Hoon and SooHyun as well. the fact that the second lead(the guy) is in love with her and his playing the jealous boyfriend at the moment gives me hope that their the OTP. that's the biggest cliche in kdramas.

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Ah..I love that smile on Lee jong suk, you captured it perfectly ! ?

As for drama, there is nothing much left to say, you have put it in all there !

Aannnnndddddd its MONDAY !!!!!!
Can't wait for today's episode !

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So many interesting dramas in 2014...makes it so hard to follow just one. I am currently watching Doctor Stranger and thought that second lead got a great chemistry with the first lead has excited me. I am on the same page as you all in dreaming of an happy ending for the quack couple...dreams do come true sometimes.

I am looking forward to check on Trot Lovers (no, not only because of army abs) and Fated to Love You (I watched the taiwan version, curious as to how they will remake it without making them boring).

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Amazing work. It's so beautiful.

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i am totally looking forward to the jo in sung/gong hyo jin pair in "its okay its love " since i love gong hyo jin.

jeoson gunman too, of course.

doctor strager is epic. and cute

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I had this feeling of being on the losing side when I was watching I hear your voice. At the time, I was convinced that Park Soo ha has no chance to succeed... well, this drama also gives me the feeling that the leading characters, especially girls, are not really clear.

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Thank you for the wonderful painting, you are not the only one who is rooting for the second female lead , there are many others it seems , they are all over the social medias and weibo LOL :D

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amazing drawing! This drama is on my to-be-marathoned list. I'm impatiently waiting for Joseon Gunman too (because ah... Lee Jun Ki ♥), hopefully we'll see your drawings of it too.

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hello fand,

thanks for sharing your lovely work, cuz i love this shot too.

nonski

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At the moment, Golden Cross is my favorite out of all the kdramas currently airing.

What’s so good about Golden Cross? As a melodrama it is a thriller full of suspense, revenge, and financial shenanigans plus a family unknowingly susceptible to the criminal acts of others.

Golden Cross is like a game of chess. Characters don’t just give lip service and claim or pretend to do something once new information is discovered. The characters actually follow through with threats. Each of their actions and reactions matter and constantly change the game.

1) Michael Jang, Seo Dong-Ha, and Kim Jae Gab = 3 top-notch financial minds/brains battling against one another covertly and overtly.
2) Prosecutor Seo Yi-Re = stickler for pursuing justice and the truth which leads her to the fact that her beloved father has committed and instigated murders.
3) Prosecutor Trainee Kang Do-Yoon = secretly seeks vigilante justice for the wrongful deaths of his murdered sister and father.
4) Hong Sa-Ra = walking a tightrope among the 3 financial wizards as she seeks revenge for past wrongs done to her family.

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Indeed, with the very skilled acting from all the casts and its tight plot, Golden Cross is the best,, as for its viewer rating, this drama seems very under-rated.

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It does seem underrated. I like New Leaf better, but Golden Cross is on my "must see" list at 2nd (not much else on that list except for a couple of j-dramas).

And I think that daddy Seo is one of the best acting and portrayals of a totally twisted individual I have seen in any recent dramas. You can see on his face that he is right on the edge of totally losing control at any moment.

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I'm all for your version of the story...Yea let's go with that.

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I like the way you think Fanderay, but kdramas and the Rule of Designated First Lead have generally proved to be immutable.

But even if they are, that's an awful lot of skinship for a dude who isn't into her at all (supposedly). Either way, Soo-hyun is my favourite character in the drama, at this point I just want her to be happy, with a guy or not.

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Likewise, my first ever kdrama was IRIS and indeed the ending was super depressing.

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Thanks for sharing your work! It put a smile on my face. I can't wait for tonight's episode... :)

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well...lets hope that Hoon will get a chance with Soo Hyun...but be ready to be frustrated...

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LOVE this medium! Keep the amazing drawings coming. Though I don't comment a lot, I definitely await your art every week!

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Your picture is fantastic! I love it! That scene was hilarious... :D

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very lovely. ♥

"It’s actually a pretty big deal that I like this pairing so much because it marks the first time in K-drama history that I’ve rooted for the female second lead. This is completely uncharted territory for me and I have no idea what to expect. There’s no formula! Female second leads neeeeever get scenes like this, so I’m actually starting to believe that Soo-hyun may have a chance with Hoon. At this point I’m hoping that Jae-hee is in fact dead (unlikely) and Seung-hee is a nefarious super villain that will shatter Hoon’s heart, leaving Soo-hyun to pick up the pieces."

i totally agree with you, but sadly its so very doubtful that the story will deviate from jae/seung hee + hoon = true love destiny. :( but i really do enjoy soo-hyun and hoon's friendship, there's never enough non-romantic male/female friendships in kdramas.

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