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I might never come back. But he wants to go on a hiatus??! I mean.... he can't!!!! "Hunting Ground" will only be aired in July 2016!! I'm recapping Disguiser and Nirvana in Fire, which will take me a while, but not that long! Ahhhh, what to do?
I've watched Good Times, with lots of ffwarding..... he looks extremely good in it though. I didn't even mind that there are no subs in the latter half cause, well, I wasn't really interested in the plot :D
I tried Ballad/Sound of Desert too but a bit disappointed since he's only the second lead and his character is a bit too frustratingly tragic. And yes, it's nowhere near NIF.
I became a fan of Hu Ge back in 2009 for his performance in Chinese Paladin 3, which got me backtracked to Chinese Paladin, one of his earlier series.
And there's the movie Butterfly Lovers . While the movie was beautiful yet lacking, his performance as antagonist was outstanding, movie flaws aside.
I tried to watch Good Times, but after one or two episodes, I couldn't sustain my interest to continue watching. Due to recommendation here, I started Nirvana in Fire about two weeks ago. Finished it yesterday. It was sooo good and then soooo sad sooo heartwrenching, I had trouble sleeping last night.
I have The Myth in my collection to watch next while waiting for complete set of The Disguiser.
One other take away from Nirvana in Fire besides Hu Ge is the 'lost puppy' Wang Kai aka Prince Jinyang. There were very few and rare glimpse of his smile in NIF but boy, he's pretty when he does that. Too bad his character is so sad and lonely. I survey Love Me If you Dare since he's in it too, and looks like he smiled a lot in that one. That series will be in my to watch list, if only to finally watch him smile more. haha. Besides, Hu Ge's Chinese Paladin 3 co-star is the main cast. So why not.
My wife is also in HG Land. She marathoned Chinese Paladin. The show is kind of whack, HG is so young there. I was enthralled by Liu Yi Fei, so if you think someone is fine as hell, your tolerance for whack increases.
Me too! Currently reading the novel and enjoying (the dark side of) Hu Ge-land...you know, tears and whatnot but I don't mind (just a bit heartbroken, though)
I have heard of him before but have never seen him in anything before I marathoned watched "Nirvana in Fire" which I loved. Both he and Wang Kai are wonderful, great actors (and very easy on the eye) but I also loved his General friend (not so bright but loyal and also hot)..
However, I wish Chinese dramas were not dubbed - I loathe dubbing.
Remember is such a good drama!! really enjoying the father son relationship hehe and just catching up on the village i love the writing and the acting hahaha shin eun kyung is da bomb !! sad that it's abit underrated but i get that it probably isnt for everybody. bubblegum is another gem that im enjoying now haha at least it's an avenue for my emotions like it's the only show that makes me cry! too many dramas to watch these days though and school is starting rly soon D: Christmas is coming though yay!
Same here. Out of all the currently airing dramas, I'm only into these two now.
I'm still watching Oh My Venus, but personally not really liking it. Maybe it's the lack of story or the whole cliche (sorry to the other fans).
I'm waiting for more episodes of Remember before starting it.
I so agree with you about the lack of story in Oh My Venus. The characters, though, are so lovable...I wish they were all teleported to the another drama where substantial things actually happen. And SJS as always is super dreamy, which is probably the only reason I watch it. They need to do Masters Sun 2 with that guy in it.
Barely hanging in on OMV, wish writers would develop storylines about the other characters backgrounds like Joon Sung and his mother, Woo-Sik getting together with Soo Jin, how the Kim family became so dysfunctional, etc. Characters are put in, but not developed.
I like Randeep Hooda in Highway, but this part will always be solely So Ji Sub's. Can't imagine someone else in it. Guess, I'm a total fangirl, uhm, grown-up fanwoman. Very grown up unfortunately.
This IS Always, hence my comment that I hope 51k (So Ji Sub's company) got some money out of it. ;) Indian movie productions tend to not really buy the original rights. At least they did it in the past, don't know if that changed. But 51k is not mentioned at the end, so I fear it is a blunt ripp-off.
Six Flying Dragons continues to be awesome. Also enjoying Nirvana in Fire, so thanks to everyone who recommended it. Obviously I want to spend the holidays with win-at-all-costs strategists plotting regime change and kick ass warriors.
Yes. I had been looking forward to it for quite awhile and it's doing everything I hoped it would so far. I love the complex characters, strong ensemble cast, and tight, thoughtful plotting.
I just caught up with Six Flying Dragons and I think its awesome as well ... which is saying something since it is the first historical drama I've stayed with. My only complaint is the guy playing the general, Bang Won's father. He is SO one-note. And his one look is concern shading into fear and anxiety. I wonder why anyone would follow him into battle. On the other hand, his brother has that warrior-leader look and I wish he was playing the general.
We’re baking in the 40 degree summer heatwave here, a big contrast to the winter wonderland most of you in the northern hemisphere are experiencing right now. Christmas does not associate with snow, mittens, ear muffs, cozy fireplaces, but thongs, tank tops, beach picnics and ‘barbie’. I’m still a bit hangover from drinking two cold beers and a big glass of shiraz this afternoon at the office Christmas party, everyone is in a happy festive mood already. Not sure if there will be OT next Fri, so I’m wishing all beanies here in OT a very Merry Christmas in advance! (*^_^*)
I absolutely enjoy watching ep 11 & 12 of Reply 1988 this week, my only complaint of R88 being the bowl haircut of the boys which look like mushroom caps. Though there was a resurgence of the Beatles mop top hairstyle in the late 80s, it was a bit excessive in R88 in that all the boys look kind of nerdy. If you can’t resist the charm radiated by a bespectacled nerdy Taek sitting in deep concentration in-front of the Baduk board, you will reel with dizziness when you see Yoon-hoo(PBG) in a suave side-part haircut playing the cello. Probably because I just watched Cantabile Tomorrow recently, I couldn’t help but compare the hairstyles of Park Bo-gum and Go Kyung-pyo in these two dramas. Particularly, due to GKP’s thick hair and the pin straight bowl cut, Sun Woo looks a bit dense, though he is supposed to be the smartest kid in the gang. Talking about bowl cut, Kim Soo-Hyun immediately comes to mind. The more stylist variation of bowl cut seems to be his signature hairstyle in dramas. I think it suits him, though he did look a bit nerdy too in The Producers, but I am not sure if that was due to his great acting skills or his looks.
Btw, does anyone know if English translation for lyrics of R88 OST Hyehwa-Dong exists on the internet? I first came across this melodious song sung by Sung Si-kyung a few years ago not knowing the title. I thought he is the original singer and it is a romantic love song. So I was quite surprised to hear it in R88 and to learn that it was originally sung by Zoo, and from the title, it seems to be a song about the Hyehwa or Ssangmun suburb or town or whatever they mean by ‘dong’ in Korean.
Wow Your office Christmas party allows beers? Ours was in Bowling alley (that is healthy!), with unlimited PIZZA and soda (that is not healthy! Lol). Yeah I live in South too, so It has been long time since Christmas feels like Christmas. Last time I felt the mood was when I was in NY.
Oh about Go Kyung-pyo in Reply 88, someone posted that His deceased father must be the reporter who died in 1983 (well-known) accident in Korea (Interesting all these guesses about who the character is).
Hi fan, we had pizzas too, with cheese and dip platter. Alcohol is allowed in my workplace only during Christmas celebration and Melb Cup race watch. All my life, Christmas has been spent in sweltering heat except the one time spent in Korea Yongpyong ski resort more than 10 years ago. It snowed on Christmas day itself, so it was a very memorable white Christmas for me. I went there because of Winter Sonata, and at that time, it did not occur to me that I would be so addicted to kdrama for the next 10 years, and probably many more years to come!
Sounds like you're either down under or in NZ. Merry Christmas to you too - I've always enjoyed a barbecue Christmas when I'm able.
The fact you mentioned the hair made me laugh. It reminded me of the lads I used to hang out with when I was in high school. One could see the potential for sexiness or good looks, but all hidden under adolescent dorkiness.
G'day mate! Yea, barbecuing under the sun is a must-do during Christmas get together here.
"One could see the potential for sexiness or good looks, but all hidden under adolescent dorkiness." Well said! Precisely, because the boys are handsome actors to start with, and not some average Joe with mediocre looks, so Taek, Sun Wun and Jung hwan though not looking their best in that dorky looking mushroom hairstyle, are still cuddly cute and adorable .
40 degrees? Wow. We had 1 degree today and its too warm compared to what it should be in december! Rain + snow is a bad bad bad thing!
I feel like i still need to see cantabile tomorrow. I never rally started it due to recently falling in love with the original and didn't want to chance watching a remake too soon.
Manin, I strongly encourage you to go watch CT. Don't worry, it will not jeopardise your love for Nodame Cantabile, you will end up liking both versions. I didn't like Joo Won when I started watching it, and I ended up being defeated by his charms. GKP is delightfully entertaining, and PBG is so gentleman and endearing, if you like both of them in R88, the more you should watch CT, they are even more likable in it.
I love Cantabile Tomorrow! I went into it for Joo-won and Shim Eun-kyung and discovered Park Bo-gum plus loved Go Kyung-pyo as Yoo Il-rak. But honestly I've never watched the original version and my friends who have watched Nodame Cantabile don't like CT :(
Happy Friday! Hope everybody is enjoying all the Christmas and Year-end occasions. My team had dirty Santa (gift snatching game), and most common gifts revealed were flashlights. How exciting. Sigh.
Year-end reviews- keep coming please. Looking at the E news, Last year was year of Kim Soo-hyun. This year is year of Yoo Ah-in. Yoo Ah-in is everywhere. Who do you hope hits DaeBak next year?
me? Byun Yo-han! Byun Yo-han! Byun yo-han! How about you?
Gallup Korea did the survey (1700 people during 10/29 to 11/21).
Best actor/actress in drama:
1. Hwang Jung-eum
2. Kim Su-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun
4. Yoo Ah-in
5. Park Su-joon
6. Jun In-hwa
7. Go doo-sim, Kim Tae-hee
9. Joo won
10. Ji Sung, Kim Hee-ah
Best in Movie:
1. Yoo Ah-in, 2. Song Kwang-ho, 3. Hwang Jung-min
Do you watch TVN's LIST 2015? They have some interesting categories.
Top actors in his 20s with bright future:
1. Yoo Ah-in
2. Kim Su-hyun
3. Joo Won
4. Park Su-joon
5. Lee Jong-suk
6. Song Joong-gi
7. Lee Hyun-woo
8. Yoo Yeon-suk
9. Su Gang-joon
Entertainers who had Daebak this year(money and popularity- wise):
1. Yoo Ah-in
2. Hwang Jung-min
3. Big Bang (boy group)
4. Beak Jong-won (cook)
5. Hwang Jung-eum
6. Yoo Hae-jin (Three meals a day)
7. Park Su-joon
8. Park Bo-young
--It seems Yoo Ah-in wasn't noticeable until later this year. It was all Kim Soo-hyun.
Top entertainer voted by 5000 Koreans:
1. Yoo Jae-suk (MC)
2. Jun Ji-hyun
3. Kim Su-hyun
4. Song Hae-gyo
5. Jang Dong-gun
6. Lee Young-ae
7. G-dragon (Big Bang)
8. Kim Tae-hee
9. Ha Jung-woo
10. Choi Ji-woo
Top bromance couple (Not just in shows):
1. Song Il-kuk's triplets
2. Kim Rae-won and Lee Min-ho
3. Lee Jong-suk and Kim Woo-bin
4. Cha Seong-won and Yoo Hae-jin
5. Sin Dong-yeup and Sung Si-kyung
6. Jo In-sung and Lee Kwang-su
7. Im Soo-han and Byun Yo-han
Drama-wise:
Finished Bubblegum- There was no story, but loved characters, especially OTP.
SFD: Still enjoying. I wish all dragons have equal parts of screen time. (Totally my opinion!) I still can't get used to Yoo Ah-in being Bang-won (His baby face and voice are sometimes distracting). I peeked at the DC inside(Biggest Korean drama fan site where most of nicks and ideas come out- like Umforce, Shut Up ?). Wow so much hate.
I am waiting for next episode of Splash splash love, and surprised JB hasn't post the recap yet.
Kim Seul-gi (and Yoon Du-joon) said the rain they got was sea/salt water, which got into her eyes, giving her hard time. -Things actors/actresses go through to make us happy!
I watched Snow Lotus/SeolRyonHwa (time travel romance sageuks). Story was interesting but I felt like watching some summary of a drama. Wished it was 16 ep not 2. How can they do that with Ji Jin-hee?
Lastly, Carole McDonnell posted about the suicide rate in South Korea in last OT: I thought why out of blue?
And then we got this news -Gang Doo-ri(22) who was a student in 'Sassy go go' killed herself. RIP.
Top actors in his 20s with bright future, no Yoo Seung Ho, Ji Chang Wook or Kim Woo Bin??
I doubt this list.
And how in the world Seo Kang Joon even make the list, the boy still needs to improve his acting.
The list from the category (in their 20s with a bright future) is even more odd when you think about how Song Joongki and Yoo Yeonsuk are both in their early 30s...
lol. As long as they were cheating they should have added Yeo Jin-gu, who's almost 20 (18 I think) and can already act laps around everyone else on there besides Song Joong-ki...who shouldn't be on there either, as you point out.
idk, I agree that this list could have made some better choices, but it feels to me like actors in their 20s now are a lost generation. Pretty much everyone I respect is in their 30s and beyond (actresses are a different story of course).
I stopped believing in award ceremonies anymore, who gets nominated and who gets awarded are all driven by some hidden agenda that only the organisers themselves know. From watching The Producers, we see that interplay between the station staff and the idol's agency can be so convoluted, driven by twisted motivation from both sides and swayed by whims and fancies of those who call the shots. So is there still anything left to expect for the outcome?
-SPLISH SPLASH LOVE: It's totally different from what I've expected. It's a cute show but it's the kind of drama that doesn't take itself too seriously. I'm pretty sure none of Joseon king behaved like that. I didn't watch many sageuk so I wasn't really sure, but sometimes the speech sounds too modern in my ear.
-REMEMBER: Now that Jinwoo and Dongho decided to work together, I'm beyond excited. Love the way they use Jinwoo's super memory to pursue a new lead. And heol~ turns out, our law student Yeokyung is Gyungman's sister?! And how unsettling it is to see Gyungman totally being under his father's thumb?
-IMAGINARY CAT: A cute fat fluffy cat, Yoo Seungho, and adorable love story. What more do you need?
Hello beanies, it is Friday again! I hope all of you will have a happy weekend. We are going to end 2015 very soon. Plan for 2016? Lol I'm gonna bring along again plans for 2015 and past years that were yet to be unfulfilled. He he ?
Anyway, anyone watched Splash Splash Love? I swear Kim Seul GI is tooooooo cuteeee! Her chemistry with Do join are so great despite of their gap in height ha ha. ? I laughing so hard at the scene when Do Join thought the kimbap was a... Bomb and thought that it gonna explode. Lol I'm dying? can't wait for epi 2, KSG looks pretty in hanbok ? auw everything is cute in this drama. I pray on 2016, besides Kim So Eun get a lead role, Kim Seul GI will get a lead role too. This girl is too good to be wasted!
On the other note, on Love Me If You Dare, I was almost have no complaint until recently i found it it is so disturbing in the scene when Bo Jin Yan speaks with Susan. It looks weird when BJY speaks in Chinese but Susan speaks in English. It is a major turn off for me.?? hmm
I Have A Lover is getting better n better. The best scene on last episode was when HaeKang the Dragon ate Kang Seol Ri with her strong and sharp words and KSR can't even reply her with anything, and burst into tears. ??? you go Queen! ?
"Plan for 2016- I’m gonna bring along again plans for 2015" - That is me~ Stay healthy and stay out of trouble, and watch lots of dramas (Counted my beans for this year - 70 heh)
I was going to post about the language thing in Love Me if You Dare...it's even more glaring in this week's episodes since they are set in the US. Basically, for those who aren't watching, all the American characters speak English in conversations with the Chinese and Chinese-American characters, and all the Chinese and Chinese-American characters speak Chinese. So, they are holding a conversation in two languages. Mostly in previous episodes between Susan (FBI agent) and BJY, and Tommy (one of the villans) and BJY, but in this week's episodes there are more American characters and its the same thing. Clearly, as a Chinese-American college professor in the US, BJY would likely be a primarily English speaker. In fact, all of the main Chinese characters in this show would likely know at least some English. BJY's girlfriend would likely know a lot because of her educational background and her career goals before becoming entangled with BJY. The police officers would likely know at least some. And BJY's sister and best friend are both Chinese-American.
I was wondering if this production decision is a "China thing" or not. Shows from Korea and Taiwan would typically show a dialogue between an American and a native in English (unless the American had lived for a while in Korea/Taiwan and knew the language). Shows from Taiwan sprinkle a good amount of English into the dialogue (it seems to allude to sophistication and education?). Korea a little less, but our cute Korean-American UFC manager in Oh My Venus switches back and forth all the time (likely because English is his primary language).
I don't know how to put it, it looks so weird. This is a major flaw in this drama. Before, I was going to just close my eyes, but not now. I feel so weird and bothered with this. If WH is not good in English, they should cast someone who can speak English if they want to maintain this storyline. Or otherwise, don't bother with FBI things. WH was so sexy but I am sorry I just can't keep about this myself.
The scene when BJY talking with Tommy, ha one speaks English one speak Chinese. And they speak like nothing is happened, and they understand each other's language. Hah. I just think this Is weird. A total disappointment. ?
Thanks for the link! Since I can't tell the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese, I had no idea that the dialogue language weirdness in the show went beyond the one sided English conversations! Also, it sounds like this was not a "China thing" at all but the production company simply not caring enough to be thorough and realistic.
Thanks for the link. I found the discussion really interesting, especially when the Hong Kong native Cantonese speaker expounded on the different strains and accents of Cantonese.
I agree that there's been some mistakes (clearly Tsim Sha Tsui doesn't have a beach.) And it may be the production company didn't stretch hard enough to dub Wallace's speech into English, since if he's been in the US that long, he should be more comfortable in English than Mandarin.
But I actually justified the language choice to myself and enjoyed it. I speak 4-5 languages, but some not so well as others. For example, I definitely understand Mandarin or French much better than I can speak it. I've worked in set-ups where everyone's from a different place and has different mother tongues, so there have been situations where someone might explain something in Mandarin or French (because it's easier for them) but I'd reply in English because it's easier for me. But there's enough mutual understanding of to allow that to happen, so it doesn't feel weird at all.
So in a way I prefer this choice, rather than have the Chinese or Korean actors struggle to say something in English and it totally ruins it. (Lee Min Ho, I still haven't got over your pronunciation of "anniversary" in The Heirs.)
Hello everyone, Dramabeans's fan since at least 4 years now I just was a silent reader whom never posted one comment. I decided to do so because I need your help, Beanies! And more specifically Beanies who saw Sungkyungkwan Scandal. I know, I know it's an old drama now but this one was a huge hit among Beanies so I'm pretty sure somebody can help me.
Non Sungkyungkwan Scandal viewers beware, my questions include some spoils!
I just finished it for the second time (I already watched it a couple of years ago) and what buggued me the first time bugged me again this time. So it's about the Geumdeungjisa quest. In episode 17, the king summoned our four heroes to find it. If I understood the king's explanations correctly, the Geumdeungjisa disappeared the very same night when Jae Shin's brother and Yoon Hee's father were killed during their trip to bring it to the king. What I don't understand is how the king is so sure that the Geumdeungjisa wasn't destroyed or stolen during this night? Maybe thanks to the coded will of Yoon Hee's father which hints that the Geumdeunjisa is hidden somewhere?
But it doesn't sound logical. We see a a scene where Yoon Hee's father is accepting the king's mission to bring back the Geumdeungjisa to the palace so why oh why the coded will existed in the first place? and why the Geumdeungjisa is hidden somewhere and wasn't with Jea Shin's brother and Yoon Hee's father when they were killed?
The only explanation I found is that they chose not to bring the Geumjeungjisa back to the palace (because they feared, they'd be robbed) and hid it instead. Yoon Hee's father just in case the night's trip would go wrong left a coded will for the king to find the Geumjeungjisa later. So to sum up, Yoon Hee's father didn't respect the king's order to bring back the Geumdeungjisa to him and they sacrified themselves this night to make the Noron's believe that what they stole and destroyed was the Geumdeungjisa. .
But what bothers me is that not once this theory was approached by anyone in the drama. Not the king, not Professor Jang and not even our heroes who are the ones who investigate the case. Not once, did they question the fact that maybe the Geumdeungjisa was destroyed that night and I find it weird. It's like it's obvious for them (and for us viewers) that the Geumdeungjisa wasn't in the possesion of Yoon Hee's father and Jae Shin's brother when they were killed, but it's not at all!!! They never clearly assert that the Geumdeungjisa was hidden that night. An explanation ( or maybe a flashback of this night) would have clarified the plot.
I checked all the recaps I could find on the net but, nope, didn't find a clear answer to know if my theory is good or not.
I just loved Sungkyunkwan Scandal but what I hate the most in a drama is plot holes or inconstencies in a story so maybe I missed something or I didn't understand anything at all! So if a kind Beanie can explain to me the logic...
I don't remember that but if you could explain the ending I'd like it very much. :) How did she stay in the University? Everybody finds out and she just becomes a teacher. Is she still hiding forever and pretending to be a man? I loved SS but thought the last eps were pretty weak.
To be honest, I never questioned the ending. For me, it was clear that Yoon Hee kept on disguising herself to stay at Sungkyungkwan. It seemed logical to me. It's after reading all the comments on Dramabeans that I discovered that the ending was not clear and could have been interpreted in different ways...
Oh, I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who was confused by that. I desperately hoped that I had simply missed a key conversation...but if you watched for it the second time around and then read over all the recaps...then I guess I didn't miss it. Maybe it's something that was glossed over during the translation to English subtitles? *grasping at straws*
OMO! So you noticed too! I thought I was to only one who noticed it and told myself that I certainly missed something. I'm kind of obsessive and I like to understand things (that's why I hate plot holes) so this lack of explanations in the story drove me crazy. I even read all the comments of the related episodes to see if someone had the same questions as me but nothing. What dramas make us do!^^
But plot holes or not, for once, I'll let it slide and I think I'll watch it a third time later. Too in love of Song Joong Ki and Yoo Ah In character and their relationship. Best bromance ever!
Hi beanies hope you've all had a great week, mine is so so,i keep finding things i want to buy but can't afford, sucks.This is why i don't leave the house.
The malls and streets are crowded every one is hyper about Christmas and im the only one waiting for January when everyone is back to normal and complaining about how broke they're, and I'm all suckers. End of January is the time to shop, retailers are desperate then coz no one's buying, Ho Ho ho its my favorite time of the year.
Seriously though people are acting crazy for just one day or is it two,anyway I'll be continuing my Christmas tradition of switching off my phone lying on my bed in energy saving mode and binging on dramas.
Speaking of, I have been watching Scandal :shocking and wrongful incident, longest drama title ever which totally deserves.Wow, just wow, seriously good makjang addictive and yes,very shocking. I got so shocked at one point that i spoke Korean ? which made me laugh at myself since an African speaking Korean is very weird.
Had to balance the makjang though with light so i decided to re-watch SASSY GO GO again because Kim Yeol 's eye smile and kang yeon do 's crazy laugh makes everything better.
OH MY VENUS, episode 9 has got to be my favorite episode so far.i like how the OTP is so straightforward.
REPLY 1988 I'm glad these latest episodes have toned down on the touching and totally great moments i can finally say i went a week without crying. Now someone give Junghwan a hug and tell me what ive been reading in the recap comments is false and Taek won't die because after thinking about it, the writers to create reasons why Junghwan can't be with Deok sun. Nah if you kill off the cutest and most lovable person Writernim... You can't, you won't????
Μy sister and I watched Scandal back in'13 and we loved the writer, the characters and the impeccable acting. We had previously watched Happy Together (a '90s drama filled with young actors who later became super stars) and that's how we both felt in love her writing. We have enjoyed at least 3 or 4 dramas from the same writer and we are currently watching I Have a Lover.
It's really good, I'm left with four episodes that i must complete tonight.I started I HAVE A LOVER but waiting each week was making me anxious so I'll wait for it to finish airing. I had bo idea both dramas were by the same writer,she's really good,ill start following all her work in the future and look up any of her old dramas.
?????Finally finished scandal, the drama is perfect, the ending is perfect even with the sad it's beautifully done,every one gets a happy ending even the mistress and Jang Tae ha are happy, its honestly the first time im happy for the villans,the writer really did an amazing job redeeming them and this drama ? deserves the awards it got. One word for the last episode - Beautiful, it's making me get feels for humanity.
Oh and after reading my earlier comment about Christmas, i feel like im the grinch , im not, I'm just a simple christian that doesn't observe special days .
Hey drama lovers I know I should mostly talk about dramas but please listen to my whining and bear with it because no one in my family understands my sadness right now... only you guys can
Today my laptop crash down and my hard disk is in flames so I lost 47 completed & ongoing dramas I also lost many of work ...related to college too ..since I have those backed up in mails and hard copy ..so my family is rubbing of like so what you lost some dramas.. I'm soooooo sad *tears rolling*....... I can't rewatch any of them ... I lost my treasure....
Sorry to hear that. I've lost hard drives too, and it's really painful. Mine had a lot of work stuff, plus photos etc. It is a pain, but I guess you can download them again or watch them online. Not to say, it doesn't hurt...
Dazzling Temptation is crazy. I'd venture to say that if Mystery Science Theater 3000 snarked on drama series rather than films, this one would qualify. Tom Servo and Crow would have a field day.
Here's a picture of Peachfuzz sitting in a raised garden bed.
She was the Grim Reaper where mice were concerned. One day she was meowing quite loudly at the front door.
Laid out in a row, neat as can be, were five mice. She wanted to make sure we got a look at her handy work.
Birds always got the best of her though. Around nesting time they would harass her without mercy. Nature can be cruel but it seems to have a way to even things out.
Ah, love me a great mouser. When Spring came around, I feared for the birds in my yard. Tons of little animals met their demise at the mouth and claws of Miss Ralphina. Mice too couldn't survive.
John, sorry to hear about your family pet, Peachfuzz.
For 6FD, I actually watched 20 before 17-19, but like many longer shows, sometimes skipping to catch up is possible without losing the gist. I'm okay with that.
AM 1988, I agree, don't care who the husband is, the friendships are good enough either which way. Very enjoyable.
Otherwise, I'm watching different shows than your list - Imaginary Cat and Remember - War of the Son both with Seung Ho, both good.
Wrapped up Bubblegum, predictable but nicely paced like a decent YA.
I'm with you on AM88; best drama of the year for me. I felt the other AMs lost their spark when they concentrated on the lovelines too much. Hopefully that won't happen with this one.
Making a quick stop in the OT, as I have to go in a bit. ..... I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the holiday season.
Watched this week:
Six Flying Dragons - Wow. Can this get any better? ..... Of course it can.
She Was Pretty - Finished this last night. Liked it. ...... This may be a little nutty, but I think Choi Siwon's second lead character is right up there with that second-lead-favorite of mine, Pil-joo from the drama Best Love.
Oh My Venus - So I watched another 2 eps. So that makes 4 watched. ..... So far, things are moving along nicely. ...... How cool would it be to have a personal trainer with "So Ji-sub-like" attributes? *giggling*
That's about it for now. ...... Everyone take care and have a great Friday!
MBC added two categories to drama awards, one is a Supporting Actor, and I really hope Siwon gets that award, because he played a literally supporting character, who was like a counselor to everyone and healed the mood. Seriously awesome mentor.
Hello everyone!
I've finished watching my first j-drama Date, and I loved every bit of it! Does anyone have any suggestions for similar j-dramas?
Also I was wondering where I could find Joseon X-Files with English subs. I've been searching for quite some time but couldn't find it. Do I have to search for it under a different name or something?
Thanks in advance beanies!?
Love Date. Haven't laughed so much watching a drama. I finished quite a few jdramas past few months. Thanks to the lovely beanies who recommended a few. I too would like to know if there are any other romcoms similar to Date.
Just finished Okitegami Kyoko no biboroku. Episode 10 is without subs but I just couldn't wait. Easily my second favourite after Date. It is fast and smart. The two leads are a joy to watch. Strong writing I must say. Funny too. It gave me warm fuzzy feelings as well. I think I read alua's post about it and I decided to try it out. Good thing I did. Really like 37.5c no namida..cried buckets in some parts. A lot less funny, more drama. The leading men had horrible hair though. They were so distracting!
Currently watching Nobunaga Concerto. A little late in the game! I like it so far. Im not dropping it so that is a good sign. A good balance of comedy, time travel, politics. I am rooting for the guy to become the true leader of his clan.
Saikou no Rikon (The Great Divorce ) might be of interest. It's not a straight up comedy, there is marital discord as the title implies, so there are some heavier scenes. Can't ask for a better cast. Eita and Ono Machiko play one couple and Ayano Go and Maki Yoko play the other.
John, I did attempt to watch it! If I am not wrong, I picked it up after reading your recommendation here! Breezed through the first episode. But couldn't continue as it was too heavy and depressing subsequently. For me, personally. So I guess it did successfully present the divorce issue frankly. I will probably pick it up again as it garnered rave reviews.
First year student at a agricultural college has the ability to see and communicate with bacteria and other micro-organisms.
Like many J dramas, there's a manga and a anime as well.
When you mix alcohol brewing, romance, bromance, a UFO club and a love potion that falls into the wrong hands,
outrageous situations that only the Japanese sense of humor could pull off.
John! I have to reply to my own comment. Thank you for the recommendation! As for the Great Divorce, I fast forward to the end and I have mixed feelings. Since I didn't watch the whole thing, it's not justifiable to argue for now.
You could try Fuben na Benriya, which has the male lead from Okitegami Kyoto. It's not a romance though – more like an ensemble comedy with bromance (one young guy, two middle-aged/older guys).
If you want more quirky romance: Nodame Cantabile, Love Shuffle and Kimi wa Petto.
I like 37.5c no Namida quite a lot too (flaws and all). I don't think it really needed two suitors but fortunately Japanese dramas are happy to leave things open ended.
Thank you for the suggestions! Will look them up! Yes I agree that 37.5c need not have 2 suitors. But it was quite a sweet first love triangle for the girl. I quite like the end scene as well. My sister pointed out that I was very serious throughout watching it. So definitely not a comedy per se. It is memorable to me nonetheless. Flaws and all. Haha. That beard though! Haiz.
Did you finish Okitegami? I marathoned it non-stop (I had time. Hee) and I felt quite empty afterwards, sad that it had ended. It was very satisfying indeed. Mind games(or control?) issue was dealt chillingly. Definitely a great watch as it gave me all sorts of feelings in a good way. Can't wait for the sub of the ending to watch it again.
5-ji Kara 9-ji Made is cute and funny... some didn't like the straight/flat characterization yamashita tomohisa delivered, but i really liked it/him - in fact, all the characters...
; )
I loved Date! The female lead was hilariously similar in behavior to my own sister, who is also a mathematician. Have you watched "Date Special" as well? It's a short addition to the original and just as cute and quirky. I think it's on Viki or gooddrama; sorry, can't remember.
Continues to love Oh My Venus on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Enjoyed - Remembered but not obsessed about it yet. I can feel it will get better and better ;)
Totally dig "Because it's the First Time" - Love all the characters and I truly enjoy how the story unravels and the love stories brings back memories. It's beautifully filmed and their friendship is awesome!
Splash Splash Love - it's cute too. Love the leads!
Otona Joshi - Love this show and reminds me how complicated being a woman is. When you are beautiful, professional and can't find love like our female lead (Shinohara Ryoko) - what do you do? Luckily, you are surrounded by a group of good girlfriends. The guys in this show are not your typical male leads. I love the clothes and handbags she wears. Very professional and chic! The concept is nothing new but it just reminds me that women are our own worst enemies and we should be kind to each other.
Planning to try a couple more Japanese drama- Going to go for the cop/investigation ones. I guess it is my current mood. Started Siren - and probably give it another try later.
Ourobouros was an odd duck - not the strongest of dramas, and the flashbacks were a touch cheesy at times. But the cast were great and had fabulous chemistry, and for better or for worse, this one sticks.
Siren is quite a good watch. I wasn't too fond of the female lead (not happy about her characterisation) and the final episode covered too much ground, plus one key element of the story very much requires suspension of disbelief (without spoiling anything – it gets a bit futuristic).
But the male lead is a great character and the twists and turns of the story do keep you on edge.
As John says, Lucky 7 is very watchable (the only thing that bogs it down is Eita's disappearance half-way through the drama – which, if I remember correctly, was due to his father dying).
Also: SPEC (if you don't mind sci-fi elements – you get a fantastic case: Kase Ryo, Toda Erika and Kamiki Ryunosuke are all in this) – there are several seasons & films Rondo (a romantic/mystery thriller, actually a Japanese/Korean co-production) Okitegami Kyoko is a currently airing, quirky-comedy detective drama (several people have mentioned it on the OT today)
So...things have cooled back down again, drama-wise, at least for me. Maybe a good thing, since we have the holidays quickly approaching and a new puppy at home!
In fact, the only Korean drama I'm really following at this time is Oh My Venus. I dumped Glamorous Temptation last week because I couldn't stand the plot direction, but its one of those shows that I may pick up again later.
I mentioned in a post above some comments regarding Love Me if You Dare. Right now the plot has moved into the show's very dark phase, and the person translating the novel into English is roughly following the same pace as the show. And it is very dark indeed, although the show is somewhat tamer than the novel. I have a theory regarding the latest twist...it will be interesting to see if it pans out. I'm bummed that the Viki subs for this week have been slow!
On the TW-side, still loving Marry Me or Not, of course!
I created a character based on Healer in a game I play. I'm planning on marathoning that series over the holidays like an addict planning to go off the wagon.
If this is the Healer confession time, here is mine. :) I watched eps 13 for the nth time. I created a YouTube playlist with their MTVs -Thanks to the awesome fans.
Will probably squeeze in an eps here and there. ;)
I love Splash Splash Love so much! Not a standard sageuk, but I don't really mind. I wasn't expecting one to begin with (no point, when you have only two episodes). I was so into this, it's been a while since I was so immersed in a drama. It hit all my sweet spots with its good story, funny situations, pretty visuals and great, great leads. I mean seriously, how amazing Kim Seul Gi and Yoon Doo Joon are together? Chemistry is off charts and their bickering is the most adorable thing in the world. I want more! Let those guys do a full length drama, dammit!
Speaking of dramas, well I only enjoy OH MY VENUS at the moment.. Well, I only watch it for So Ji Sub and Shin Min Ah anyway. But I also fond of other characters like Joon Sung and Ji Woong. Such a cutie pie. Our Daegu's Venus is really lucky with men.
I love that this drama is actually simple and I love it way more She Was Pretty, which is pretty great despite flimsy plot. I think the leads and characters definitely elevated the drama. But I love it so far. For once an OTP that behave like adults and talk like adults and not shy showing the skinship. It's like 60 minutes full of feel-good romance and skinships, but I like it! LOL. My standard must be getting more shallow these days. But who am I kidding, Kim Young Ho himself is pretty much every girl's fantasy prince charming and he's NOT chaebol jerk for once!
Also watch a bit of Remember and Imaginary Cat, for the sake of Yoo Seung Ho.
It's finally getting chilly enough here to feel like Christmas is on its way. It's been a bit mad - though nice. Everyone feels the need to meet up before Christmas, which is really nice, as the year has gone so quickly so it's an opportunity to catch up with folks. But it's also the time when reports, applications and taxes need to be done! So I'm trying to stay sane with a steady run of drama watching while I'm doing the more mindless stuff.
BUBBLEGUM
I saw it to its end. There were some really nice characters in this show, and the leads were very charming. But it was unfortunate, like chewing gum, it started with strong flavours and then after a while, I couldn't decide if I wanted to keep chewing or just chuck it out. I don't think the writing was strong enough to take us through the angst and bring us back in an interesting, meaningful way. Noble Idiocy prescribed as a cure? Never said any doctor.
REPLY 1988
I'm still wowed by the writing in this drama. All the characters are lovely, and the story lines of friendship, community, family, growing up have just continued to impress week after week.
SIX FLYING DRAGONS
I'm really enjoying this. It's a bit convoluted as there are so many characters (so many Bangs!) and historical references, but there's nice pace in each episode and the director's pretty good at setting up towards a reveal or turning point.
IMAGINARY CAT
The story is somewhat simplistic, so I have to admit, I only half listen to it. I just stare at the screen when the cat comes on.
OH MY VENUS
A bit like Imaginary Cat - I just look up when the two leads or the gym bunny-boys are on screen.
SPLISH SPLASH
I don't normally watch mini series like this but I'm a big fan of Kim Seul Gi's since Flower Boys Next Door. She's adorable, and the fantastical set up is fun. It was pretty funny the king's horror when she wolfed down a clementine, because yanno, they're meant to be precious!
HEALER
But all these year end polls and reviews had another unexpected effect - I ended up re-watching Healer. I watched the show belatedly (so wasn't part of the Dramabeans frenzy) and did love it. I think someone wrote recently about how, Healer had a lot of similar tropes to other dramas, so it was curious why it all came together so well. So I went back to re-watch it to see if I'd like it just as much. And I do!
I think I love it because it brings together a combination of elements that I really like:
- the narrative structure of 5 old friends who seemed to really like each other, in the height of their youth and full of life and potential, then something goes wrong terribly, and the mystery of what happened is intriguing, plays on nostalgia and loss, and also how sometimes by not speaking about pain and the tragic past, wrongs are left hidden.
- the narrative device that the wrongs done in the past, led to great suffering by the younger generation who then gets it together to "put things...
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1 kakashi
December 18, 2015 at 6:04 AM
Still deep in Hu Ge Land. Still very happy there :D
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newbie
December 18, 2015 at 6:08 AM
Color me surprised! :P ;)
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kakashi
December 18, 2015 at 6:36 AM
I might never come back. But he wants to go on a hiatus??! I mean.... he can't!!!! "Hunting Ground" will only be aired in July 2016!! I'm recapping Disguiser and Nirvana in Fire, which will take me a while, but not that long! Ahhhh, what to do?
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newbie
December 18, 2015 at 6:52 AM
There still is Good Times, but I have to admit I'm underwhelmed by this show.
And there is Ballad of the Desert, in which he is only the second lead to Eddie Peng, and it is nowhere near NiF, too.
Fan life is hard, isn't it?
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kakashi
December 18, 2015 at 6:56 AM
I've watched Good Times, with lots of ffwarding..... he looks extremely good in it though. I didn't even mind that there are no subs in the latter half cause, well, I wasn't really interested in the plot :D
newbie
December 18, 2015 at 6:58 AM
He looks good, but his character is so wishy-washy I have a hard time liking him.
kakashi
December 18, 2015 at 7:00 AM
I think I was blinded by his beauty. I didn't mind. I just thought he was a bit ... well, dumb. Like... had no emotional intelligence at all.
Kween Ramyeon
December 18, 2015 at 7:04 AM
I enjoyed Good Times, as a bit of a slice of life set up. The father and friends were fun. But Nirvana in Fire was amazing.
little-muffin
December 18, 2015 at 7:24 AM
I tried Ballad/Sound of Desert too but a bit disappointed since he's only the second lead and his character is a bit too frustratingly tragic. And yes, it's nowhere near NIF.
I need more Hu Ge in something like NIF!!
niKai
December 18, 2015 at 7:24 AM
I became a fan of Hu Ge back in 2009 for his performance in Chinese Paladin 3, which got me backtracked to Chinese Paladin, one of his earlier series.
And there's the movie Butterfly Lovers . While the movie was beautiful yet lacking, his performance as antagonist was outstanding, movie flaws aside.
I tried to watch Good Times, but after one or two episodes, I couldn't sustain my interest to continue watching. Due to recommendation here, I started Nirvana in Fire about two weeks ago. Finished it yesterday. It was sooo good and then soooo sad sooo heartwrenching, I had trouble sleeping last night.
I have The Myth in my collection to watch next while waiting for complete set of The Disguiser.
One other take away from Nirvana in Fire besides Hu Ge is the 'lost puppy' Wang Kai aka Prince Jinyang. There were very few and rare glimpse of his smile in NIF but boy, he's pretty when he does that. Too bad his character is so sad and lonely. I survey Love Me If you Dare since he's in it too, and looks like he smiled a lot in that one. That series will be in my to watch list, if only to finally watch him smile more. haha. Besides, Hu Ge's Chinese Paladin 3 co-star is the main cast. So why not.
Kween Ramyeon
December 20, 2015 at 9:51 AM
Bah, Viki has temporarily removed The Disguiser - I wanted to go back and finish it.
john
December 18, 2015 at 7:23 AM
kakashi ~
My wife is also in HG Land. She marathoned Chinese Paladin. The show is kind of whack, HG is so young there. I was enthralled by Liu Yi Fei, so if you think someone is fine as hell, your tolerance for whack increases.
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kakashi
December 18, 2015 at 8:18 AM
Never were truer words here spoken
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mary
December 18, 2015 at 12:59 PM
Such wise words. :'))))
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Kiara
December 18, 2015 at 8:45 AM
8 years and counting!
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kalel
December 18, 2015 at 10:34 AM
Me too! Currently reading the novel and enjoying (the dark side of) Hu Ge-land...you know, tears and whatnot but I don't mind (just a bit heartbroken, though)
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bashful
December 18, 2015 at 11:46 AM
I agree.
I have heard of him before but have never seen him in anything before I marathoned watched "Nirvana in Fire" which I loved. Both he and Wang Kai are wonderful, great actors (and very easy on the eye) but I also loved his General friend (not so bright but loyal and also hot)..
However, I wish Chinese dramas were not dubbed - I loathe dubbing.
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xine
December 19, 2015 at 12:04 AM
is the version on dramacool dubbed? the voices sound correct and in mandarin . the subtitles arent very sophisticated but perfectly understandable
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2 witheachnewmorning
December 18, 2015 at 6:06 AM
Remember is such a good drama!! really enjoying the father son relationship hehe and just catching up on the village i love the writing and the acting hahaha shin eun kyung is da bomb !! sad that it's abit underrated but i get that it probably isnt for everybody. bubblegum is another gem that im enjoying now haha at least it's an avenue for my emotions like it's the only show that makes me cry! too many dramas to watch these days though and school is starting rly soon D: Christmas is coming though yay!
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3 Jyc
December 18, 2015 at 6:08 AM
Reply 1988 & Six Flying Dragons. That is all :)
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little-muffin
December 18, 2015 at 7:29 AM
Same here. Out of all the currently airing dramas, I'm only into these two now.
I'm still watching Oh My Venus, but personally not really liking it. Maybe it's the lack of story or the whole cliche (sorry to the other fans).
I'm waiting for more episodes of Remember before starting it.
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nomad
December 18, 2015 at 7:48 AM
I'm with you on OMV also. It's not that I dislike it, but having seen too many dramas pretty much running on the same exact trope, it's old.
Oh, I'm also watching Love Me If You Dare.
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Yellow Mellow
December 18, 2015 at 4:42 PM
I so agree with you about the lack of story in Oh My Venus. The characters, though, are so lovable...I wish they were all teleported to the another drama where substantial things actually happen. And SJS as always is super dreamy, which is probably the only reason I watch it. They need to do Masters Sun 2 with that guy in it.
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Islander north
December 18, 2015 at 6:32 PM
Barely hanging in on OMV, wish writers would develop storylines about the other characters backgrounds like Joon Sung and his mother, Woo-Sik getting together with Soo Jin, how the Kim family became so dysfunctional, etc. Characters are put in, but not developed.
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Yellow Mellow
December 18, 2015 at 6:46 PM
Seriously, right. Ditto to that.
nomad
December 18, 2015 at 7:47 AM
Same!
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4 newbie
December 18, 2015 at 6:10 AM
Look what I found.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWxhjv1mnSY
Hope 51k got some money out of this.
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Nada
December 18, 2015 at 7:34 AM
The teaser looks promising.. I think I need to watch it ~ *open my pc and rewatch Always*
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newbie
December 18, 2015 at 7:50 AM
I like Randeep Hooda in Highway, but this part will always be solely So Ji Sub's. Can't imagine someone else in it. Guess, I'm a total fangirl, uhm, grown-up fanwoman. Very grown up unfortunately.
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belami-js
December 18, 2015 at 9:14 AM
+ 1000
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Peridot
December 18, 2015 at 12:42 PM
Thanks for sharing this! I remember watching the original. I also like Randeep Hooda.
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velvetstuff
December 18, 2015 at 7:19 PM
this reminds me of always....
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newbie
December 18, 2015 at 10:56 PM
This IS Always, hence my comment that I hope 51k (So Ji Sub's company) got some money out of it. ;) Indian movie productions tend to not really buy the original rights. At least they did it in the past, don't know if that changed. But 51k is not mentioned at the end, so I fear it is a blunt ripp-off.
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5 wonhwa
December 18, 2015 at 6:12 AM
Six Flying Dragons continues to be awesome. Also enjoying Nirvana in Fire, so thanks to everyone who recommended it. Obviously I want to spend the holidays with win-at-all-costs strategists plotting regime change and kick ass warriors.
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korfan
December 18, 2015 at 7:23 AM
wonhwa -
Six Flying Dragons is indeed awesome!
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wonhwa
December 18, 2015 at 9:43 AM
Yes. I had been looking forward to it for quite awhile and it's doing everything I hoped it would so far. I love the complex characters, strong ensemble cast, and tight, thoughtful plotting.
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AJK
December 19, 2015 at 5:07 AM
I just caught up with Six Flying Dragons and I think its awesome as well ... which is saying something since it is the first historical drama I've stayed with. My only complaint is the guy playing the general, Bang Won's father. He is SO one-note. And his one look is concern shading into fear and anxiety. I wonder why anyone would follow him into battle. On the other hand, his brother has that warrior-leader look and I wish he was playing the general.
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6 pebble
December 18, 2015 at 6:13 AM
We’re baking in the 40 degree summer heatwave here, a big contrast to the winter wonderland most of you in the northern hemisphere are experiencing right now. Christmas does not associate with snow, mittens, ear muffs, cozy fireplaces, but thongs, tank tops, beach picnics and ‘barbie’. I’m still a bit hangover from drinking two cold beers and a big glass of shiraz this afternoon at the office Christmas party, everyone is in a happy festive mood already. Not sure if there will be OT next Fri, so I’m wishing all beanies here in OT a very Merry Christmas in advance! (*^_^*)
I absolutely enjoy watching ep 11 & 12 of Reply 1988 this week, my only complaint of R88 being the bowl haircut of the boys which look like mushroom caps. Though there was a resurgence of the Beatles mop top hairstyle in the late 80s, it was a bit excessive in R88 in that all the boys look kind of nerdy. If you can’t resist the charm radiated by a bespectacled nerdy Taek sitting in deep concentration in-front of the Baduk board, you will reel with dizziness when you see Yoon-hoo(PBG) in a suave side-part haircut playing the cello. Probably because I just watched Cantabile Tomorrow recently, I couldn’t help but compare the hairstyles of Park Bo-gum and Go Kyung-pyo in these two dramas. Particularly, due to GKP’s thick hair and the pin straight bowl cut, Sun Woo looks a bit dense, though he is supposed to be the smartest kid in the gang. Talking about bowl cut, Kim Soo-Hyun immediately comes to mind. The more stylist variation of bowl cut seems to be his signature hairstyle in dramas. I think it suits him, though he did look a bit nerdy too in The Producers, but I am not sure if that was due to his great acting skills or his looks.
Btw, does anyone know if English translation for lyrics of R88 OST Hyehwa-Dong exists on the internet? I first came across this melodious song sung by Sung Si-kyung a few years ago not knowing the title. I thought he is the original singer and it is a romantic love song. So I was quite surprised to hear it in R88 and to learn that it was originally sung by Zoo, and from the title, it seems to be a song about the Hyehwa or Ssangmun suburb or town or whatever they mean by ‘dong’ in Korean.
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sunnyl
December 18, 2015 at 6:23 AM
Wow Your office Christmas party allows beers? Ours was in Bowling alley (that is healthy!), with unlimited PIZZA and soda (that is not healthy! Lol). Yeah I live in South too, so It has been long time since Christmas feels like Christmas. Last time I felt the mood was when I was in NY.
Oh about Go Kyung-pyo in Reply 88, someone posted that His deceased father must be the reporter who died in 1983 (well-known) accident in Korea (Interesting all these guesses about who the character is).
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PeepsLeAwesomePotato
December 18, 2015 at 11:53 AM
What accident?
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redfox
December 18, 2015 at 12:35 PM
plane crash?
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sunnyl
December 19, 2015 at 6:53 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangoon_bombing
pebble
December 18, 2015 at 2:15 PM
Hi fan, we had pizzas too, with cheese and dip platter. Alcohol is allowed in my workplace only during Christmas celebration and Melb Cup race watch. All my life, Christmas has been spent in sweltering heat except the one time spent in Korea Yongpyong ski resort more than 10 years ago. It snowed on Christmas day itself, so it was a very memorable white Christmas for me. I went there because of Winter Sonata, and at that time, it did not occur to me that I would be so addicted to kdrama for the next 10 years, and probably many more years to come!
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Kween Ramyeon
December 18, 2015 at 7:08 AM
Sounds like you're either down under or in NZ. Merry Christmas to you too - I've always enjoyed a barbecue Christmas when I'm able.
The fact you mentioned the hair made me laugh. It reminded me of the lads I used to hang out with when I was in high school. One could see the potential for sexiness or good looks, but all hidden under adolescent dorkiness.
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pebble
December 18, 2015 at 1:53 PM
G'day mate! Yea, barbecuing under the sun is a must-do during Christmas get together here.
"One could see the potential for sexiness or good looks, but all hidden under adolescent dorkiness." Well said! Precisely, because the boys are handsome actors to start with, and not some average Joe with mediocre looks, so Taek, Sun Wun and Jung hwan though not looking their best in that dorky looking mushroom hairstyle, are still cuddly cute and adorable .
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Manin
December 18, 2015 at 10:57 AM
40 degrees? Wow. We had 1 degree today and its too warm compared to what it should be in december! Rain + snow is a bad bad bad thing!
I feel like i still need to see cantabile tomorrow. I never rally started it due to recently falling in love with the original and didn't want to chance watching a remake too soon.
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pebble
December 18, 2015 at 2:32 PM
Manin, I strongly encourage you to go watch CT. Don't worry, it will not jeopardise your love for Nodame Cantabile, you will end up liking both versions. I didn't like Joo Won when I started watching it, and I ended up being defeated by his charms. GKP is delightfully entertaining, and PBG is so gentleman and endearing, if you like both of them in R88, the more you should watch CT, they are even more likable in it.
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Manin
December 18, 2015 at 3:07 PM
I do enjoy them in R88. I'll put it on my to-watch lst (which is never ending at this point). I have heard go things about it form some people.
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meliyasha
December 18, 2015 at 5:29 PM
I love Cantabile Tomorrow! I went into it for Joo-won and Shim Eun-kyung and discovered Park Bo-gum plus loved Go Kyung-pyo as Yoo Il-rak. But honestly I've never watched the original version and my friends who have watched Nodame Cantabile don't like CT :(
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redfox
December 20, 2015 at 12:57 AM
we have +9.... this aint right!
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7 neener_Healer
December 18, 2015 at 6:14 AM
Cant wait for the Christmas break for me to.marathon Six Flying Dragons!!
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Chris
December 18, 2015 at 7:11 AM
+1
haven't got the time to watch anything this week..
end of the year usually a crazy time at the office, but this year is especially nuts.. >_<
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8 sunnyl
December 18, 2015 at 6:15 AM
Happy Friday! Hope everybody is enjoying all the Christmas and Year-end occasions. My team had dirty Santa (gift snatching game), and most common gifts revealed were flashlights. How exciting. Sigh.
Year-end reviews- keep coming please. Looking at the E news, Last year was year of Kim Soo-hyun. This year is year of Yoo Ah-in. Yoo Ah-in is everywhere. Who do you hope hits DaeBak next year?
me? Byun Yo-han! Byun Yo-han! Byun yo-han! How about you?
Gallup Korea did the survey (1700 people during 10/29 to 11/21).
Best actor/actress in drama:
1. Hwang Jung-eum
2. Kim Su-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun
4. Yoo Ah-in
5. Park Su-joon
6. Jun In-hwa
7. Go doo-sim, Kim Tae-hee
9. Joo won
10. Ji Sung, Kim Hee-ah
Best in Movie:
1. Yoo Ah-in, 2. Song Kwang-ho, 3. Hwang Jung-min
Do you watch TVN's LIST 2015? They have some interesting categories.
Top actors in his 20s with bright future:
1. Yoo Ah-in
2. Kim Su-hyun
3. Joo Won
4. Park Su-joon
5. Lee Jong-suk
6. Song Joong-gi
7. Lee Hyun-woo
8. Yoo Yeon-suk
9. Su Gang-joon
Entertainers who had Daebak this year(money and popularity- wise):
1. Yoo Ah-in
2. Hwang Jung-min
3. Big Bang (boy group)
4. Beak Jong-won (cook)
5. Hwang Jung-eum
6. Yoo Hae-jin (Three meals a day)
7. Park Su-joon
8. Park Bo-young
--It seems Yoo Ah-in wasn't noticeable until later this year. It was all Kim Soo-hyun.
Top entertainer voted by 5000 Koreans:
1. Yoo Jae-suk (MC)
2. Jun Ji-hyun
3. Kim Su-hyun
4. Song Hae-gyo
5. Jang Dong-gun
6. Lee Young-ae
7. G-dragon (Big Bang)
8. Kim Tae-hee
9. Ha Jung-woo
10. Choi Ji-woo
Top bromance couple (Not just in shows):
1. Song Il-kuk's triplets
2. Kim Rae-won and Lee Min-ho
3. Lee Jong-suk and Kim Woo-bin
4. Cha Seong-won and Yoo Hae-jin
5. Sin Dong-yeup and Sung Si-kyung
6. Jo In-sung and Lee Kwang-su
7. Im Soo-han and Byun Yo-han
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sunnyl
December 18, 2015 at 6:16 AM
Drama-wise:
Finished Bubblegum- There was no story, but loved characters, especially OTP.
SFD: Still enjoying. I wish all dragons have equal parts of screen time. (Totally my opinion!) I still can't get used to Yoo Ah-in being Bang-won (His baby face and voice are sometimes distracting). I peeked at the DC inside(Biggest Korean drama fan site where most of nicks and ideas come out- like Umforce, Shut Up ?). Wow so much hate.
I am waiting for next episode of Splash splash love, and surprised JB hasn't post the recap yet.
Kim Seul-gi (and Yoon Du-joon) said the rain they got was sea/salt water, which got into her eyes, giving her hard time. -Things actors/actresses go through to make us happy!
I watched Snow Lotus/SeolRyonHwa (time travel romance sageuks). Story was interesting but I felt like watching some summary of a drama. Wished it was 16 ep not 2. How can they do that with Ji Jin-hee?
Lastly, Carole McDonnell posted about the suicide rate in South Korea in last OT: I thought why out of blue?
And then we got this news -Gang Doo-ri(22) who was a student in 'Sassy go go' killed herself. RIP.
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CaroleMcDonnell
December 18, 2015 at 8:01 AM
It's horrible, just horrible.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
December 18, 2015 at 8:08 AM
oh goodness, that's so sad. May she rest in peace :(
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Kiara
December 18, 2015 at 8:13 AM
"I still can’t get used to Yoo Ah-in being Bang-won"
Same here. It's Yoo Dong-Geun and Kim Young-Chul's fault for owning his character in the past.
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wonhwa
December 18, 2015 at 9:45 AM
Kim Young-Chul was a fabulous Taejong, although I'm enjoying Yoo Ah-in more than I thought I would.
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kanz
December 18, 2015 at 6:59 AM
Top actors in his 20s with bright future, no Yoo Seung Ho, Ji Chang Wook or Kim Woo Bin??
I doubt this list.
And how in the world Seo Kang Joon even make the list, the boy still needs to improve his acting.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
December 18, 2015 at 8:15 AM
I know, right? Those nine names and then...... Seo Kang-joon?
One of those things is not like the others.
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am1993
December 18, 2015 at 8:43 AM
The list from the category (in their 20s with a bright future) is even more odd when you think about how Song Joongki and Yoo Yeonsuk are both in their early 30s...
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juniper
December 18, 2015 at 12:27 PM
lol. As long as they were cheating they should have added Yeo Jin-gu, who's almost 20 (18 I think) and can already act laps around everyone else on there besides Song Joong-ki...who shouldn't be on there either, as you point out.
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juniper
December 18, 2015 at 12:28 PM
idk, I agree that this list could have made some better choices, but it feels to me like actors in their 20s now are a lost generation. Pretty much everyone I respect is in their 30s and beyond (actresses are a different story of course).
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pebble
December 18, 2015 at 2:52 PM
I stopped believing in award ceremonies anymore, who gets nominated and who gets awarded are all driven by some hidden agenda that only the organisers themselves know. From watching The Producers, we see that interplay between the station staff and the idol's agency can be so convoluted, driven by twisted motivation from both sides and swayed by whims and fancies of those who call the shots. So is there still anything left to expect for the outcome?
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9 gadis
December 18, 2015 at 6:18 AM
Hello beanies.. ;-)
-SPLISH SPLASH LOVE: It's totally different from what I've expected. It's a cute show but it's the kind of drama that doesn't take itself too seriously. I'm pretty sure none of Joseon king behaved like that. I didn't watch many sageuk so I wasn't really sure, but sometimes the speech sounds too modern in my ear.
-REMEMBER: Now that Jinwoo and Dongho decided to work together, I'm beyond excited. Love the way they use Jinwoo's super memory to pursue a new lead. And heol~ turns out, our law student Yeokyung is Gyungman's sister?! And how unsettling it is to see Gyungman totally being under his father's thumb?
-IMAGINARY CAT: A cute fat fluffy cat, Yoo Seungho, and adorable love story. What more do you need?
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10 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
December 18, 2015 at 6:21 AM
Hello beanies, it is Friday again! I hope all of you will have a happy weekend. We are going to end 2015 very soon. Plan for 2016? Lol I'm gonna bring along again plans for 2015 and past years that were yet to be unfulfilled. He he ?
Anyway, anyone watched Splash Splash Love? I swear Kim Seul GI is tooooooo cuteeee! Her chemistry with Do join are so great despite of their gap in height ha ha. ? I laughing so hard at the scene when Do Join thought the kimbap was a... Bomb and thought that it gonna explode. Lol I'm dying? can't wait for epi 2, KSG looks pretty in hanbok ? auw everything is cute in this drama. I pray on 2016, besides Kim So Eun get a lead role, Kim Seul GI will get a lead role too. This girl is too good to be wasted!
On the other note, on Love Me If You Dare, I was almost have no complaint until recently i found it it is so disturbing in the scene when Bo Jin Yan speaks with Susan. It looks weird when BJY speaks in Chinese but Susan speaks in English. It is a major turn off for me.?? hmm
I Have A Lover is getting better n better. The best scene on last episode was when HaeKang the Dragon ate Kang Seol Ri with her strong and sharp words and KSR can't even reply her with anything, and burst into tears. ??? you go Queen! ?
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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
December 18, 2015 at 6:26 AM
Err typo
Do Joon ?
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sunnyl
December 18, 2015 at 6:33 AM
"Plan for 2016- I’m gonna bring along again plans for 2015" - That is me~ Stay healthy and stay out of trouble, and watch lots of dramas (Counted my beans for this year - 70 heh)
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LizJ
December 18, 2015 at 7:27 AM
I was going to post about the language thing in Love Me if You Dare...it's even more glaring in this week's episodes since they are set in the US. Basically, for those who aren't watching, all the American characters speak English in conversations with the Chinese and Chinese-American characters, and all the Chinese and Chinese-American characters speak Chinese. So, they are holding a conversation in two languages. Mostly in previous episodes between Susan (FBI agent) and BJY, and Tommy (one of the villans) and BJY, but in this week's episodes there are more American characters and its the same thing. Clearly, as a Chinese-American college professor in the US, BJY would likely be a primarily English speaker. In fact, all of the main Chinese characters in this show would likely know at least some English. BJY's girlfriend would likely know a lot because of her educational background and her career goals before becoming entangled with BJY. The police officers would likely know at least some. And BJY's sister and best friend are both Chinese-American.
I was wondering if this production decision is a "China thing" or not. Shows from Korea and Taiwan would typically show a dialogue between an American and a native in English (unless the American had lived for a while in Korea/Taiwan and knew the language). Shows from Taiwan sprinkle a good amount of English into the dialogue (it seems to allude to sophistication and education?). Korea a little less, but our cute Korean-American UFC manager in Oh My Venus switches back and forth all the time (likely because English is his primary language).
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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
December 18, 2015 at 7:42 AM
I don't know how to put it, it looks so weird. This is a major flaw in this drama. Before, I was going to just close my eyes, but not now. I feel so weird and bothered with this. If WH is not good in English, they should cast someone who can speak English if they want to maintain this storyline. Or otherwise, don't bother with FBI things. WH was so sexy but I am sorry I just can't keep about this myself.
The scene when BJY talking with Tommy, ha one speaks English one speak Chinese. And they speak like nothing is happened, and they understand each other's language. Hah. I just think this Is weird. A total disappointment. ?
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john
December 18, 2015 at 10:29 AM
LizJ ~
I saw some comments regarding the language thing in Love Me If You Dare over at A Virtual Voyage.
Nick Wang and Sandra Ma sizzle for Bazaar Jewelry
That conversation is about 1/2 down in the comment section. Also nice pics in the main article.
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LizJ
December 18, 2015 at 11:29 AM
Thanks for the link! Since I can't tell the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese, I had no idea that the dialogue language weirdness in the show went beyond the one sided English conversations! Also, it sounds like this was not a "China thing" at all but the production company simply not caring enough to be thorough and realistic.
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Kween Ramyeon
December 20, 2015 at 9:09 AM
Thanks for the link. I found the discussion really interesting, especially when the Hong Kong native Cantonese speaker expounded on the different strains and accents of Cantonese.
I agree that there's been some mistakes (clearly Tsim Sha Tsui doesn't have a beach.) And it may be the production company didn't stretch hard enough to dub Wallace's speech into English, since if he's been in the US that long, he should be more comfortable in English than Mandarin.
But I actually justified the language choice to myself and enjoyed it. I speak 4-5 languages, but some not so well as others. For example, I definitely understand Mandarin or French much better than I can speak it. I've worked in set-ups where everyone's from a different place and has different mother tongues, so there have been situations where someone might explain something in Mandarin or French (because it's easier for them) but I'd reply in English because it's easier for me. But there's enough mutual understanding of to allow that to happen, so it doesn't feel weird at all.
So in a way I prefer this choice, rather than have the Chinese or Korean actors struggle to say something in English and it totally ruins it. (Lee Min Ho, I still haven't got over your pronunciation of "anniversary" in The Heirs.)
pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
December 18, 2015 at 8:06 AM
I think I laughed and swooned in equal measure over Splash Splash Love. And then both laughed AND swooned over quite a bit (the tangerine!)
The casting could not have been more perfect, and both Yoon Doo-joon and Kim Seul-gi need to go into full-length drama lead roles rightaway.
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light
December 19, 2015 at 8:46 AM
Dang. They are the best couple for me this year.
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11 cotcotte
December 18, 2015 at 6:44 AM
Hello everyone, Dramabeans's fan since at least 4 years now I just was a silent reader whom never posted one comment. I decided to do so because I need your help, Beanies! And more specifically Beanies who saw Sungkyungkwan Scandal. I know, I know it's an old drama now but this one was a huge hit among Beanies so I'm pretty sure somebody can help me.
Non Sungkyungkwan Scandal viewers beware, my questions include some spoils!
I just finished it for the second time (I already watched it a couple of years ago) and what buggued me the first time bugged me again this time. So it's about the Geumdeungjisa quest. In episode 17, the king summoned our four heroes to find it. If I understood the king's explanations correctly, the Geumdeungjisa disappeared the very same night when Jae Shin's brother and Yoon Hee's father were killed during their trip to bring it to the king. What I don't understand is how the king is so sure that the Geumdeungjisa wasn't destroyed or stolen during this night? Maybe thanks to the coded will of Yoon Hee's father which hints that the Geumdeunjisa is hidden somewhere?
But it doesn't sound logical. We see a a scene where Yoon Hee's father is accepting the king's mission to bring back the Geumdeungjisa to the palace so why oh why the coded will existed in the first place? and why the Geumdeungjisa is hidden somewhere and wasn't with Jea Shin's brother and Yoon Hee's father when they were killed?
The only explanation I found is that they chose not to bring the Geumjeungjisa back to the palace (because they feared, they'd be robbed) and hid it instead. Yoon Hee's father just in case the night's trip would go wrong left a coded will for the king to find the Geumjeungjisa later. So to sum up, Yoon Hee's father didn't respect the king's order to bring back the Geumdeungjisa to him and they sacrified themselves this night to make the Noron's believe that what they stole and destroyed was the Geumdeungjisa. .
But what bothers me is that not once this theory was approached by anyone in the drama. Not the king, not Professor Jang and not even our heroes who are the ones who investigate the case. Not once, did they question the fact that maybe the Geumdeungjisa was destroyed that night and I find it weird. It's like it's obvious for them (and for us viewers) that the Geumdeungjisa wasn't in the possesion of Yoon Hee's father and Jae Shin's brother when they were killed, but it's not at all!!! They never clearly assert that the Geumdeungjisa was hidden that night. An explanation ( or maybe a flashback of this night) would have clarified the plot.
I checked all the recaps I could find on the net but, nope, didn't find a clear answer to know if my theory is good or not.
I just loved Sungkyunkwan Scandal but what I hate the most in a drama is plot holes or inconstencies in a story so maybe I missed something or I didn't understand anything at all! So if a kind Beanie can explain to me the logic...
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Lixie
December 18, 2015 at 7:14 AM
I don't remember that but if you could explain the ending I'd like it very much. :) How did she stay in the University? Everybody finds out and she just becomes a teacher. Is she still hiding forever and pretending to be a man? I loved SS but thought the last eps were pretty weak.
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cotcotte
December 18, 2015 at 12:25 PM
To be honest, I never questioned the ending. For me, it was clear that Yoon Hee kept on disguising herself to stay at Sungkyungkwan. It seemed logical to me. It's after reading all the comments on Dramabeans that I discovered that the ending was not clear and could have been interpreted in different ways...
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termas
December 18, 2015 at 10:26 AM
Oh, I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who was confused by that. I desperately hoped that I had simply missed a key conversation...but if you watched for it the second time around and then read over all the recaps...then I guess I didn't miss it. Maybe it's something that was glossed over during the translation to English subtitles? *grasping at straws*
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cotcotte
December 18, 2015 at 12:38 PM
OMO! So you noticed too! I thought I was to only one who noticed it and told myself that I certainly missed something. I'm kind of obsessive and I like to understand things (that's why I hate plot holes) so this lack of explanations in the story drove me crazy. I even read all the comments of the related episodes to see if someone had the same questions as me but nothing. What dramas make us do!^^
But plot holes or not, for once, I'll let it slide and I think I'll watch it a third time later. Too in love of Song Joong Ki and Yoo Ah In character and their relationship. Best bromance ever!
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12 Rabbit rabbit carrots carrots
December 18, 2015 at 6:55 AM
Hi beanies hope you've all had a great week, mine is so so,i keep finding things i want to buy but can't afford, sucks.This is why i don't leave the house.
The malls and streets are crowded every one is hyper about Christmas and im the only one waiting for January when everyone is back to normal and complaining about how broke they're, and I'm all suckers. End of January is the time to shop, retailers are desperate then coz no one's buying, Ho Ho ho its my favorite time of the year.
Seriously though people are acting crazy for just one day or is it two,anyway I'll be continuing my Christmas tradition of switching off my phone lying on my bed in energy saving mode and binging on dramas.
Speaking of, I have been watching Scandal :shocking and wrongful incident, longest drama title ever which totally deserves.Wow, just wow, seriously good makjang addictive and yes,very shocking. I got so shocked at one point that i spoke Korean ? which made me laugh at myself since an African speaking Korean is very weird.
Had to balance the makjang though with light so i decided to re-watch SASSY GO GO again because Kim Yeol 's eye smile and kang yeon do 's crazy laugh makes everything better.
OH MY VENUS, episode 9 has got to be my favorite episode so far.i like how the OTP is so straightforward.
REPLY 1988 I'm glad these latest episodes have toned down on the touching and totally great moments i can finally say i went a week without crying. Now someone give Junghwan a hug and tell me what ive been reading in the recap comments is false and Taek won't die because after thinking about it, the writers to create reasons why Junghwan can't be with Deok sun. Nah if you kill off the cutest and most lovable person Writernim... You can't, you won't????
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kalel
December 18, 2015 at 8:49 AM
Μy sister and I watched Scandal back in'13 and we loved the writer, the characters and the impeccable acting. We had previously watched Happy Together (a '90s drama filled with young actors who later became super stars) and that's how we both felt in love her writing. We have enjoyed at least 3 or 4 dramas from the same writer and we are currently watching I Have a Lover.
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Rabbit rabbit carrots carrots
December 18, 2015 at 10:09 AM
It's really good, I'm left with four episodes that i must complete tonight.I started I HAVE A LOVER but waiting each week was making me anxious so I'll wait for it to finish airing. I had bo idea both dramas were by the same writer,she's really good,ill start following all her work in the future and look up any of her old dramas.
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newbie
December 18, 2015 at 10:09 AM
Totally agree. Scandal was among my top 3 of 2013. Loved everything about the show. The bearable makjang, the music, the actors. Great entertainment!
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Rabbit rabbit carrots carrots
December 18, 2015 at 11:14 AM
The muisc is so good, right now im watching the camping scene with the mudering loon and its making the scene so intense and awesome.
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Rabbit rabbit carrots carrots
December 18, 2015 at 2:00 PM
?????Finally finished scandal, the drama is perfect, the ending is perfect even with the sad it's beautifully done,every one gets a happy ending even the mistress and Jang Tae ha are happy, its honestly the first time im happy for the villans,the writer really did an amazing job redeeming them and this drama ? deserves the awards it got. One word for the last episode - Beautiful, it's making me get feels for humanity.
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Rabbit rabbit carrots carrots
December 18, 2015 at 2:09 PM
Oh and after reading my earlier comment about Christmas, i feel like im the grinch , im not, I'm just a simple christian that doesn't observe special days .
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13 ZENITH
December 18, 2015 at 7:06 AM
Hey drama lovers I know I should mostly talk about dramas but please listen to my whining and bear with it because no one in my family understands my sadness right now... only you guys can
Today my laptop crash down and my hard disk is in flames so I lost 47 completed & ongoing dramas I also lost many of work ...related to college too ..since I have those backed up in mails and hard copy ..so my family is rubbing of like so what you lost some dramas.. I'm soooooo sad *tears rolling*....... I can't rewatch any of them ... I lost my treasure....
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Kween Ramyeon
December 18, 2015 at 7:13 AM
Sorry to hear that. I've lost hard drives too, and it's really painful. Mine had a lot of work stuff, plus photos etc. It is a pain, but I guess you can download them again or watch them online. Not to say, it doesn't hurt...
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nomad
December 18, 2015 at 7:55 AM
Awwww *hugs*
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Rabbit rabbit carrots carrots
December 18, 2015 at 11:16 AM
Group hug.
A day like this needs cake and alot of icecream.
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14 john
December 18, 2015 at 7:15 AM
Rainy day today, but the forecast for Christmas Eve is the mid 70's.
Lost a furry friend this week. Our cat Peachfuzz passed away at the ripe age of 16+ years.
Splish Splash Love: Kim Seul-Gi :)
Behind on the both sageuks 6FD & Merchant
Glamorous Temptation: Guilty pleasure watching this.
Watching Nirvana In Fire. The wife marathoned it weeks ago, passing me, so now I've resumed watching it , about 1/2 way through.
The wife, on her own on voyage to Hu Ge Land, watched Chinese Paladin. Liu Yi Fei is gorgeous.
Watching Love Me If You Dare. Saw some photo shoots of Sandra Ma sporting shorter hair, so cute, looks good on her.
Also watching A Dream of Red Mansions , enjoying it. Sometimes the music is inappropriate, like WTH was that ?
Last but not least , Answer Me 1988. Squee. Don't care who turns out to be the husband, enjoy the overall story. Kudos to the writers.
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blnmom
December 18, 2015 at 7:45 AM
Ah, so sorry about the cat. Mine passed last year and I'm having a hard time watching Imaginary Cat because I get nostalgic...
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nomad
December 18, 2015 at 7:56 AM
Sorry to hear about your loss of your furry friend, John!
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nomad
December 18, 2015 at 7:57 AM
Where do you guys watch splish splash love (with sub, right)?
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john
December 18, 2015 at 8:05 AM
nomad ~
I watched it on Viki. Yes, it's subbed.
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Kween Ramyeon
December 18, 2015 at 7:57 AM
Sorry to her about Peachfuzz. :( RIP.
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korfan
December 18, 2015 at 7:59 AM
John -
Condolences on the passing of your cat. I'm sure Peachfuzz will be missed.
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CaroleMcDonnell
December 18, 2015 at 10:54 AM
I'm so sorry about your cat. When mine died, I was upset.
Dazzling Temptation: I still haven't gotten the nerve to watch this week's episodes.
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john
December 18, 2015 at 11:16 AM
Carole ~
Dazzling Temptation is crazy. I'd venture to say that if Mystery Science Theater 3000 snarked on drama series rather than films, this one would qualify. Tom Servo and Crow would have a field day.
Here's a picture of Peachfuzz sitting in a raised garden bed.
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Kween Ramyeon
December 18, 2015 at 11:41 AM
awww sweet fluffster... love the colouring...
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CaroleMcDonnell
December 18, 2015 at 1:04 PM
Oh wow! She looks quite serious. And yes, I love her coloring as well!
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john
December 18, 2015 at 1:24 PM
Carole ~
She was the Grim Reaper where mice were concerned. One day she was meowing quite loudly at the front door.
Laid out in a row, neat as can be, were five mice. She wanted to make sure we got a look at her handy work.
Birds always got the best of her though. Around nesting time they would harass her without mercy. Nature can be cruel but it seems to have a way to even things out.
CaroleMcDonnell
December 18, 2015 at 1:30 PM
Ah, love me a great mouser. When Spring came around, I feared for the birds in my yard. Tons of little animals met their demise at the mouth and claws of Miss Ralphina. Mice too couldn't survive.
LizJ
December 18, 2015 at 1:34 PM
LOL, you are so right about the MYST-ing possibilities
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owl 🦉 🫰
December 18, 2015 at 4:30 PM
John, sorry to hear about your family pet, Peachfuzz.
For 6FD, I actually watched 20 before 17-19, but like many longer shows, sometimes skipping to catch up is possible without losing the gist. I'm okay with that.
AM 1988, I agree, don't care who the husband is, the friendships are good enough either which way. Very enjoyable.
Otherwise, I'm watching different shows than your list - Imaginary Cat and Remember - War of the Son both with Seung Ho, both good.
Wrapped up Bubblegum, predictable but nicely paced like a decent YA.
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newgirl
December 18, 2015 at 9:48 PM
John, I'm sorry Peachfuzz has passed on.
I'm with you on AM88; best drama of the year for me. I felt the other AMs lost their spark when they concentrated on the lovelines too much. Hopefully that won't happen with this one.
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15 korfan
December 18, 2015 at 7:19 AM
Hi Everyone!
Making a quick stop in the OT, as I have to go in a bit. ..... I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the holiday season.
Watched this week:
Six Flying Dragons - Wow. Can this get any better? ..... Of course it can.
She Was Pretty - Finished this last night. Liked it. ...... This may be a little nutty, but I think Choi Siwon's second lead character is right up there with that second-lead-favorite of mine, Pil-joo from the drama Best Love.
Oh My Venus - So I watched another 2 eps. So that makes 4 watched. ..... So far, things are moving along nicely. ...... How cool would it be to have a personal trainer with "So Ji-sub-like" attributes? *giggling*
That's about it for now. ...... Everyone take care and have a great Friday!
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redfox
December 18, 2015 at 10:48 AM
MBC added two categories to drama awards, one is a Supporting Actor, and I really hope Siwon gets that award, because he played a literally supporting character, who was like a counselor to everyone and healed the mood. Seriously awesome mentor.
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owl 🦉 🫰
December 18, 2015 at 4:33 PM
Hi Korfan,
I'll throw in that OMV keeps an okay pace and doesn't get worse, so that's a plus. SJS has a lot to do with that, thank you.
I had a super busy day Christmas shopping but it was all fun - snowy but festive!
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16 anar10203
December 18, 2015 at 7:31 AM
Hello everyone!
I've finished watching my first j-drama Date, and I loved every bit of it! Does anyone have any suggestions for similar j-dramas?
Also I was wondering where I could find Joseon X-Files with English subs. I've been searching for quite some time but couldn't find it. Do I have to search for it under a different name or something?
Thanks in advance beanies!?
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john
December 18, 2015 at 7:34 AM
anar ~
Secret Investigation Record , both DramaFever and Viki have it. Probably available other places as well.
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john
December 18, 2015 at 7:40 AM
anar ~
Date is a treat. Easily the RomCom of the year for me.
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light
December 18, 2015 at 8:19 AM
Love Date. Haven't laughed so much watching a drama. I finished quite a few jdramas past few months. Thanks to the lovely beanies who recommended a few. I too would like to know if there are any other romcoms similar to Date.
Just finished Okitegami Kyoko no biboroku. Episode 10 is without subs but I just couldn't wait. Easily my second favourite after Date. It is fast and smart. The two leads are a joy to watch. Strong writing I must say. Funny too. It gave me warm fuzzy feelings as well. I think I read alua's post about it and I decided to try it out. Good thing I did. Really like 37.5c no namida..cried buckets in some parts. A lot less funny, more drama. The leading men had horrible hair though. They were so distracting!
Currently watching Nobunaga Concerto. A little late in the game! I like it so far. Im not dropping it so that is a good sign. A good balance of comedy, time travel, politics. I am rooting for the guy to become the true leader of his clan.
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john
December 18, 2015 at 9:06 AM
Light ~
Saikou no Rikon (The Great Divorce ) might be of interest. It's not a straight up comedy, there is marital discord as the title implies, so there are some heavier scenes. Can't ask for a better cast. Eita and Ono Machiko play one couple and Ayano Go and Maki Yoko play the other.
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light
December 18, 2015 at 9:13 AM
John, I did attempt to watch it! If I am not wrong, I picked it up after reading your recommendation here! Breezed through the first episode. But couldn't continue as it was too heavy and depressing subsequently. For me, personally. So I guess it did successfully present the divorce issue frankly. I will probably pick it up again as it garnered rave reviews.
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john
December 18, 2015 at 11:48 AM
Light ~
Moyasimon is definitely quirky.
From Wikipedia:
First year student at a agricultural college has the ability to see and communicate with bacteria and other micro-organisms.
Like many J dramas, there's a manga and a anime as well.
When you mix alcohol brewing, romance, bromance, a UFO club and a love potion that falls into the wrong hands,
outrageous situations that only the Japanese sense of humor could pull off.
light
December 18, 2015 at 9:08 AM
And they all have heart and the humanistic value. These few jdramas I watched. The social issues are discussed quite fluently and arguably. I love it.
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light
December 18, 2015 at 6:06 PM
John! I have to reply to my own comment. Thank you for the recommendation! As for the Great Divorce, I fast forward to the end and I have mixed feelings. Since I didn't watch the whole thing, it's not justifiable to argue for now.
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alua
December 18, 2015 at 9:41 AM
You could try Fuben na Benriya, which has the male lead from Okitegami Kyoto. It's not a romance though – more like an ensemble comedy with bromance (one young guy, two middle-aged/older guys).
If you want more quirky romance: Nodame Cantabile, Love Shuffle and Kimi wa Petto.
I like 37.5c no Namida quite a lot too (flaws and all). I don't think it really needed two suitors but fortunately Japanese dramas are happy to leave things open ended.
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alua
December 18, 2015 at 9:41 AM
anar, those quirky romance suggestions are for you too!
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light
December 18, 2015 at 6:29 PM
Thank you for the suggestions! Will look them up! Yes I agree that 37.5c need not have 2 suitors. But it was quite a sweet first love triangle for the girl. I quite like the end scene as well. My sister pointed out that I was very serious throughout watching it. So definitely not a comedy per se. It is memorable to me nonetheless. Flaws and all. Haha. That beard though! Haiz.
Did you finish Okitegami? I marathoned it non-stop (I had time. Hee) and I felt quite empty afterwards, sad that it had ended. It was very satisfying indeed. Mind games(or control?) issue was dealt chillingly. Definitely a great watch as it gave me all sorts of feelings in a good way. Can't wait for the sub of the ending to watch it again.
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spazmo
December 18, 2015 at 12:57 PM
5-ji Kara 9-ji Made is cute and funny... some didn't like the straight/flat characterization yamashita tomohisa delivered, but i really liked it/him - in fact, all the characters...
; )
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light
December 18, 2015 at 6:31 PM
Thanks! Will look it up! I think I saw this drama recommended here and I ridiculously thought it was a typo. Lol.
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light
December 18, 2015 at 6:38 PM
Oops just realized that your comment is a reply to anar. Sorry!
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spazmo
December 19, 2015 at 1:56 AM
but to go back to Saikou no Rikon -- yes, it was a comedy/melo...
the best parts are in the middle, all the banter, watching them all go thru their changes/realizations/growth, etc...
eita was great, so neurotic! loved him!
i still recommend 5-ji.... cute and funny! don't peek at the end, you know it will have a "good" ending just watching the opening sequence...
newgirl
December 18, 2015 at 9:54 PM
I loved Date! The female lead was hilariously similar in behavior to my own sister, who is also a mathematician. Have you watched "Date Special" as well? It's a short addition to the original and just as cute and quirky. I think it's on Viki or gooddrama; sorry, can't remember.
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17 Jcw Mesmerizing Eyes
December 18, 2015 at 7:31 AM
Happy Friday!
Continues to love Oh My Venus on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Enjoyed - Remembered but not obsessed about it yet. I can feel it will get better and better ;)
Totally dig "Because it's the First Time" - Love all the characters and I truly enjoy how the story unravels and the love stories brings back memories. It's beautifully filmed and their friendship is awesome!
Splash Splash Love - it's cute too. Love the leads!
Otona Joshi - Love this show and reminds me how complicated being a woman is. When you are beautiful, professional and can't find love like our female lead (Shinohara Ryoko) - what do you do? Luckily, you are surrounded by a group of good girlfriends. The guys in this show are not your typical male leads. I love the clothes and handbags she wears. Very professional and chic! The concept is nothing new but it just reminds me that women are our own worst enemies and we should be kind to each other.
Planning to try a couple more Japanese drama- Going to go for the cop/investigation ones. I guess it is my current mood. Started Siren - and probably give it another try later.
Have a great weekend beanies!
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
December 18, 2015 at 8:03 AM
If you're going for cop jdramas, try BORDER. Oguri Shun is fantastic in that.
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Jcw Mesmerizing Eyes
December 18, 2015 at 8:22 AM
Thanks pogo, Go Go!
I loved Border as well! Oguri Shun was awesome as well! I didn't mind the ending as much. :) Hoping for part 2!
Wasn't sure if I was going to watch Oguri's other drama when he is a h.s. school going back in time. I have the anime somewhere. ;)
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
December 18, 2015 at 8:26 AM
oooh, Nobunaga Concerto is good fun and has a lot of heart - give it a try!
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Jcw Mesmerizing Eyes
December 18, 2015 at 8:50 AM
Thanks pogo, Go Go! Will do - Love Oguri Shun - great actor!!
nomad
December 18, 2015 at 6:32 PM
Oguri Shun was so fantastic with Ikuta Toma in Ouroboros. But..u know, with Jdrama you can't always bet in happy ending, right?
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
December 19, 2015 at 5:25 AM
/sigh
Ourobouros was an odd duck - not the strongest of dramas, and the flashbacks were a touch cheesy at times. But the cast were great and had fabulous chemistry, and for better or for worse, this one sticks.
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john
December 18, 2015 at 8:32 AM
Jcw Mesmerizing Eyes ~
Some recent J cop dramas I enjoyed.
Yami no Bansosha Short at five episodes. Unusual duo solve murder mystery.
Kageri Yuku Natsu Also five episodes.
Both have dark elements and twists.
Just finished an older cop drama, Shinzanmono with Hiroshi Abe.
Standard ten episodes. Each suspect has their own back story. Not bad.
You may want to try Lucky Seven
Features Eita, Jun Matsumoto and Nanako Matsushima. They work for a detective agency, so they often bump heads with the police.
Long Goodbye
Based on the same-titled novel by Raymond Chandler, the drama is set in Tokyo, in the 50's. Also five episodes.
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Jcw Mesmerizing Eyes
December 18, 2015 at 8:52 AM
Thanks John - Great 5 eps!! I will definitely give it a try! Love the dark and twisted. Reminds naïve self the world might be that great all the day.
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alua
December 18, 2015 at 9:53 AM
Siren is quite a good watch. I wasn't too fond of the female lead (not happy about her characterisation) and the final episode covered too much ground, plus one key element of the story very much requires suspension of disbelief (without spoiling anything – it gets a bit futuristic).
But the male lead is a great character and the twists and turns of the story do keep you on edge.
As John says, Lucky 7 is very watchable (the only thing that bogs it down is Eita's disappearance half-way through the drama – which, if I remember correctly, was due to his father dying).
Also:
SPEC (if you don't mind sci-fi elements – you get a fantastic case: Kase Ryo, Toda Erika and Kamiki Ryunosuke are all in this) – there are several seasons & films
Rondo (a romantic/mystery thriller, actually a Japanese/Korean co-production)
Okitegami Kyoko is a currently airing, quirky-comedy detective drama (several people have mentioned it on the OT today)
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joykim
December 20, 2015 at 8:33 AM
Thanks for recommending Otona Joshi. I'm a huge Shinohara Ryoko fan and can't wait to watch her in dramas. Shall start marathoning this week.
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18 LizJ
December 18, 2015 at 7:34 AM
So...things have cooled back down again, drama-wise, at least for me. Maybe a good thing, since we have the holidays quickly approaching and a new puppy at home!
In fact, the only Korean drama I'm really following at this time is Oh My Venus. I dumped Glamorous Temptation last week because I couldn't stand the plot direction, but its one of those shows that I may pick up again later.
I mentioned in a post above some comments regarding Love Me if You Dare. Right now the plot has moved into the show's very dark phase, and the person translating the novel into English is roughly following the same pace as the show. And it is very dark indeed, although the show is somewhat tamer than the novel. I have a theory regarding the latest twist...it will be interesting to see if it pans out. I'm bummed that the Viki subs for this week have been slow!
On the TW-side, still loving Marry Me or Not, of course!
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19 Alessar
December 18, 2015 at 7:52 AM
I have a confession to make.
I created a character based on Healer in a game I play. I'm planning on marathoning that series over the holidays like an addict planning to go off the wagon.
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Jcw Mesmerizing Eyes
December 18, 2015 at 8:43 AM
If this is the Healer confession time, here is mine. :) I watched eps 13 for the nth time. I created a YouTube playlist with their MTVs -Thanks to the awesome fans.
Will probably squeeze in an eps here and there. ;)
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Alessar
December 18, 2015 at 12:15 PM
Daebak!
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Rabbit rabbit carrots carrots
December 18, 2015 at 12:35 PM
? i'm liking these confessions. My confession is that I'd like a healer toy.manufacturers please make one.
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20 ladykrueger
December 18, 2015 at 7:52 AM
I love Splash Splash Love so much! Not a standard sageuk, but I don't really mind. I wasn't expecting one to begin with (no point, when you have only two episodes). I was so into this, it's been a while since I was so immersed in a drama. It hit all my sweet spots with its good story, funny situations, pretty visuals and great, great leads. I mean seriously, how amazing Kim Seul Gi and Yoon Doo Joon are together? Chemistry is off charts and their bickering is the most adorable thing in the world. I want more! Let those guys do a full length drama, dammit!
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21 kanz
December 18, 2015 at 7:56 AM
Happy OT!!
Speaking of dramas, well I only enjoy OH MY VENUS at the moment.. Well, I only watch it for So Ji Sub and Shin Min Ah anyway. But I also fond of other characters like Joon Sung and Ji Woong. Such a cutie pie. Our Daegu's Venus is really lucky with men.
I love that this drama is actually simple and I love it way more She Was Pretty, which is pretty great despite flimsy plot. I think the leads and characters definitely elevated the drama. But I love it so far. For once an OTP that behave like adults and talk like adults and not shy showing the skinship. It's like 60 minutes full of feel-good romance and skinships, but I like it! LOL. My standard must be getting more shallow these days. But who am I kidding, Kim Young Ho himself is pretty much every girl's fantasy prince charming and he's NOT chaebol jerk for once!
Also watch a bit of Remember and Imaginary Cat, for the sake of Yoo Seung Ho.
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22 Kween Ramyeon
December 18, 2015 at 7:56 AM
It's finally getting chilly enough here to feel like Christmas is on its way. It's been a bit mad - though nice. Everyone feels the need to meet up before Christmas, which is really nice, as the year has gone so quickly so it's an opportunity to catch up with folks. But it's also the time when reports, applications and taxes need to be done! So I'm trying to stay sane with a steady run of drama watching while I'm doing the more mindless stuff.
BUBBLEGUM
I saw it to its end. There were some really nice characters in this show, and the leads were very charming. But it was unfortunate, like chewing gum, it started with strong flavours and then after a while, I couldn't decide if I wanted to keep chewing or just chuck it out. I don't think the writing was strong enough to take us through the angst and bring us back in an interesting, meaningful way. Noble Idiocy prescribed as a cure? Never said any doctor.
REPLY 1988
I'm still wowed by the writing in this drama. All the characters are lovely, and the story lines of friendship, community, family, growing up have just continued to impress week after week.
SIX FLYING DRAGONS
I'm really enjoying this. It's a bit convoluted as there are so many characters (so many Bangs!) and historical references, but there's nice pace in each episode and the director's pretty good at setting up towards a reveal or turning point.
IMAGINARY CAT
The story is somewhat simplistic, so I have to admit, I only half listen to it. I just stare at the screen when the cat comes on.
OH MY VENUS
A bit like Imaginary Cat - I just look up when the two leads or the gym bunny-boys are on screen.
SPLISH SPLASH
I don't normally watch mini series like this but I'm a big fan of Kim Seul Gi's since Flower Boys Next Door. She's adorable, and the fantastical set up is fun. It was pretty funny the king's horror when she wolfed down a clementine, because yanno, they're meant to be precious!
HEALER
But all these year end polls and reviews had another unexpected effect - I ended up re-watching Healer. I watched the show belatedly (so wasn't part of the Dramabeans frenzy) and did love it. I think someone wrote recently about how, Healer had a lot of similar tropes to other dramas, so it was curious why it all came together so well. So I went back to re-watch it to see if I'd like it just as much. And I do!
I think I love it because it brings together a combination of elements that I really like:
- the narrative structure of 5 old friends who seemed to really like each other, in the height of their youth and full of life and potential, then something goes wrong terribly, and the mystery of what happened is intriguing, plays on nostalgia and loss, and also how sometimes by not speaking about pain and the tragic past, wrongs are left hidden.
- the narrative device that the wrongs done in the past, led to great suffering by the younger generation who then gets it together to "put things...
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