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so happy new year blaa blaa whatever it is just a number though
I am at work like on all holidays
so drama world: jippiii for Ji Sung! FINALLY. and for Park Seo Joon also!
and aww at Park Bo Gum thanking Seo In Guk at the KBS drama awards, and the latter looking at him like "My baby turned out so great all thanks to me!".
Their picture together gets all sorts of illogical sounds out of me. it is just too perfect! but it does not make up for no appreciation whatsoever for Seo In Guks´ amazing role in IRY.he doesn`t look too bothered though.
I dont know today. Question? Let´s continue hooking up drama singles and second leads: which two would you send on blind date?
I would hook up Min with Miss Husky as a cray experiment. turn ex-kiler into party animal. hahaa.Your pairing? and where shoud they meet?
and oh, ok, tell me, what you want from dramas this year?
I want a sharp sense of humor, some new concepts...would love to see some "future" plots. we´ve done the past, let´s go to the future now! Also, a female genius or some super-effective female boss with no tragic past. Perhaps someone overweight or unconventional otherwise (for a kdrama), but badass. and I would in contrast also like to see some socially awkward and shy guys who can barely open their mouth. It is hard to become a lion.
<and oh, ok, tell me, what you want from dramas this year?
Well-written stuff, with no clichés or stock characters. Less or no romance in dramas that don't need them. Second leads that aren't just devices. No no-contact one year+ separations.
My standard is Misaeng. I dropped so many dramas in 2015! If writers, directors, producers don't try harder, I'm going to focus on k-films instead because just watching for the "pretty" or A-list stars (OMV I'm looking at you) doesn't do it for me.
yeah, I don´t need romance either. I like to see other kind of dynamics. trust issues and distance, friend who get alienated and try to preserve some contact. how hard it is when you drift away. or old people, who have to survive alone, and their survival skills - and their childlike imagination to fill the empty space around them. I want a shift in the point-of view from 20-30 somethings to the world through the EYES of a child or a grandpa.
I don't mind romance. I love a good romantic drama. But I find those to be very rare!
Instead, there are too many dramas – both in rom-coms and in completely different genres – where multiple couples are matched up (just because) and everything must be spelled out to the very end (marriage & kids). I want open endings. I want couples that get together but ultimately don't work out. I want couples that get together, but where we don't know how far they'll go. I want couples that never get together at all, even if they have silent (maybe one-sided) crushes on each other. And I don't want these virginal heroines that have apparently never seen a shirtless guy before (never go to the beach? no brother? etc etc). More realism! Messier realities! No endings with glamorous designer bow-ties that feel just fake because the foundations of endings where never or never properly laid.
This is usually why J-dramas work so much better for me. I don't particularly enjoy TW dramas (because they are also very contrived) and rarely make it through one, but at least they have much more adult relationships (not every rom-com heroine is a chaste virgin and recently there seem to be a lot of divorced-with-or-without-kids leads too).
2015 disappointed me in many ways but I found it slightly encouraging that we got at least a few dramas that didn't rely on the same old tropes. I hope 2016 turns up more of the same.
I honestly think you'll be quite disappointed for at least years to come because I think kdramas like Misaeng will continue to be very rare. Kdramas have generally been cliche ridden but from time to time they would have soul or that elusive magic. Thankfully, more writers are or being allowed to think out the box than before but they are still not the norm. I think it will take years for the type of dramas you want to become the norm and to me, its because the higher ups in the kdrama industry are still trying to adapt to new local audience expectations or are just not trying.
I guess at this point I've accepted that I'll just have to lower my standards for kdramas and honestly, I started watching them and in my mind they were like glorified but highly addicting and stylized soap operas. There have been more and more shows going above and beyond that label while many others are like glorified soap operas but sadly without that addicting magic.
I want some decent parents, like the ones in Reply series. The ones that actually love each other though they have their occasional arguments, and love their kids instead of trying to make them fulfill some of their own unachievables (spell??).
What I want from dramaland this year:
1. Ji Chang Wook returns to Korean drama 'cause I miss him!! All his Chinese projects and movie won't be enough once he goes to army.
2. Writer using more unconventional characters. I heard and watched some Japanese dramas have much more diverse character and profession. Don't just write about reporter, lawyer, prosecutor, doctor, and chaebol I'm so done with that. But please also write other jobs, pilot, diplomat, graphic designer, art director, engineer, taxi driver, banker, scientist, palace guard, anything that will be different than usual. And for Big 3, please branch out from chaebol desks! At least cable' lead characters don't necessarily be rich. They could be poor or just middle class as the majority of us.
3. More conventional sageuk OR fantasy sageuk. No need to fusion anything and makes my head dizzy with so many historical inaccuracies and people cosplaying Joseon. I hope either they stick to history or they just do fantasy, like Arang, GFB or SWWTN.
4. More unconventional dramas like Grapevine, Village, Misaeng and Healer are welcomed too!
as to unconventional characters, there could be... a dentist. Or an archiver, who discovers a portal to the future in some files.
I really liked Valid Love in that aspect, they didnt just have the actors pretend to be carpenter, painter and fish doctor, we saw some work being done. and it was beautiful. real things are nice.
but also unconventional in the sense that... special hobbies, infatuation ( Think reply 1997 with the fangirling) and special relationships.
I would like to see adoption not as a sad fate, but a path chosen and a devoted relationship between adopted children and their parents.
I would love to see mentor- student stories (what was that movie with sean Connery and this black kid? It was great. I want something like this in kdramas, without romances)
I would like homelessness addressed, and not in some scary fashion where the homeless are bums wasted at a tunnel. maybe a homeless person getting back on their feet... or failing
Yes, what I like from cables, they have characters that work and live outside romance. Flower Boy installments take a look at ramyun cooks, aspiring writers, bandmates, etc. Twenty Again shows how life inside a college, and not just romance.
I'd love to see some adoption with kind parents not hell-bent on revenge. Or maybe they could also show separated siblings without tragic fate or love triangle. Just reunion between siblings and families.
- and oh, ok, tell me, what you want from dramas this year?
Amen and crossing fingers for your wish, the future-related drama certainly sounds interesting.
Watching Producer, i really love its first 2 episodes because it's funny in a very unconventional way and still informative (all the bts broadcasting stuff). I want more of that, more of mockumentary-style drama, or at least more of unconventional drama setting in general.
oh, mosckumentary, dark humor and balancing on the edge of scandalous would be good.
and a good youth comedy that pokes fun at the weird ways of the younger generation today, their tilted understanding of their role or total cluelessness or idealism that neglects reason (going to Africa to save you-name-it while not even having malaria injections or something like that). like the backpacker-hipster folks and their hostel hopping. I just find their ways sometimes so hilarious what with their ultra-vegan or strictly seeds diets or morning rituals.
I guess showing any drug use in a kdrama is out of the question, but soft drugs are becoming so common this issue should be adressed somewhat... I dont think the korean nightlife is untouched.
Yes to unconventional and out of the box concepts! Let's just hope if any of the networks have new ideas, they stick it rather than get cold feet and go back to their original cliche field story.
Amen on your wishes for 2016 dramas especially about the awkward and shy guys.
I think for this year, I want directors/producers who are not afraid to experiment and stick to their premise especially when the story shows promise. Don't bow down to the netizens!
Also for Kim Seul-gi and Yoon Doo-jon to star in a drama. I need this two to be together again.
Yong Pal has got to be my biggest let down of the year.
I wish YP ended halfway with him rescuing Yeo Jin and they become buddies, but not lovers. I want him to stay as Yong Pal and playing mouse and cat with the police. And got a new girl.
Maybe someone like Rachel from Heirs? I adore her Blair Waldorf-y personality - a cold chaebol who is smart. Lets imagine a scenario where she got over her wimpy ex-fiancee and become a doctor in spite of her mom's wishes. During her residency she met KTH and somehow assist him in his late-night YP activities.
Did I sound too fanfic-ish? I am blaming the leftover Christmas wine.
Hmm, Rachel might be a good match. Or perhaps the hotelier Ha Ri, who can always get him a secret room without anyone knowing... but she gets stressed and her stomach...well, but duh, he is a doctor.
in other news, I have become totally obsessed with our new superstar and listening to his songs about 25 times a day. He has a deep, low voice, but with higher undertones like a stereo...I feel like it does something to my very DNA.
1. everything alua said - better scripts, good writing and less characters used purely as plot devices. Actors alone can't save a drama if the script is too sloppy.
2. For god's sake, can they please STOP casting terrible actors (idol and otherwise) in major roles. Open up more roles to girls like Kim Seul-gi, Park So-dam etc. Obviously this is only a pipe dream, too many shit actors got lead roles in major stuff in 2015. Like *shudder* Orange Marmalade.
3. Yoon Doo-joon and Kim Seul-gi paired up again. (in a good project, goes without saying).
4. Ji-soo and Jung Eunji as OTP in a drama (same as above).
I just have one simple wish for 2016, to see Jun Ki in a modern drama, but that is not going to happen as he already has remake of Bubujingxin lined up. :(
I thought he was still considering. I also want to see him in a modern drama. and since I am so stuck on the idea of a plot connected with the future, how about an AI (as in, not real human) from the future? we´ve seen plenty of artificial intelligence movies where they learn to have emotions, but how about he´s got them programmed, but he shows them in an inappropriate moment? like, he laughs at a funeral and consoles people when they have a baby (which, in my opinion, wouldn´t even be THAT inappropriate). then he finds a teacher, a mentor for him, who guides him through the human world. but when the AI asks if the Teacher will be there when he goes back into the future, the teacher says he doesn´t live 200 years.
LOL, this is awesome! Yes, will be highly entertaining to see JK as a future AI. His pretty face will sure qualify for a man-made flawless AI with the looks that can kill! However, so far, kdrama doesn't seem to be able to do a great job in depicting people from the future, for example, the future Mi-rae in Marry Him If You Dare is not at all convincing.
ah, this! Ra Mi Ran - Mother, meet Father! (I assume it is like that). And the actor playing Jung Bong is so cute with his wavy hair, why couldn´t they keep it like that??? "Jung Hwan" giggling so much that they don´t get any practice done haha. Seems like Ra Mi Ran is making them all laugh.
My favorites:
1. Kim Jung-nan who was the Radio show host in Bubble Gum narrates.
2.During Taek's birthday rehearsal with all friends, Park Bo-gum teared up and friends quietly handed tissues over.
3.When Taek and Jung-hwan laugh and all in JH's house, Ra Miran(Jung-hwan's mom) jokes 'At this rate, Duksun could be dumped, Jung- hwan and Taek go out together?'
4.Rye Joon-yeol worries Park Bo-gum will cry (and him cry) on the scene JH ties Taek's shoes.
Happy New Year! But then it's only 2 days until school starts so...not really happy. And school+ a shit ton of exams+ violin practice= no time for kdrama :( Though I will try to squeeze in some time on Sundays to watch Six Flying Dragons. I'm sorry I can't hold on to you, Remember.
It's gonna be a busy year...
Happy new year, beanies.. My this year bless us with lots of great things in our 'real life' and also tons of awesome dramas to squee over.
After watching Doojoon's great acting in Splish Splash Love, finally I got around to watch Let's Eat. He is simply awesome there and he also has a sparky chemistry with the heroine. But while I watched that series, I noticed Sookyung always called her puppy 'bara-ssi' just like the way Seungho called his cat in Imaginary Cat. Is calling your pet name with '-ssi' a normal thing to do in Korea? Is that to show respect? Or is it to show that your pet is a part of your family?
"Goldfish bread" is the Korean version of Japanese taiyaki, a waffle cake filled with, typically, red bean paste. The Japanese version is named after a sparidae species (porgy/bream), but the Korean one (Bunggoppang) is named after a carp species. Hence the translation "Goldfish bread".
Bara-ssi name is derived from Che Guevara (because Sookyung admired him) or Che Guebara in Korean spelling because there's no "v" in hangul. Lee Sookyung called Guevara as Che Guebara-ssi (to show respect to Guevara) and then shortened to "bara-ssi".
In one episode Dae Young misheard Che Guebara as Choi Gaebara lol and he kept mistakenly think the dog's name is Gaebara until Sookyung clarified it.
Hehe I'm also finally watching Let's Eat because of splash splash, im currently on episode 14.It's good but its no splash splash love, it's basically a food commercial that dissolved my resolution of becoming vegan.
Happy New Year to all OT beanies! May the New Year be a joyous and peaceful one.
While introducing kdrama to my work buddy, I became curious about which kdramas have the special factors which could captivate viewers and spurred their interest in exploring other kdramas. My questions are:
- Which is the very first kdrama you ever watched?
- Did it get you so impressed that you developed a passion for watching kdrama? If not, which kdrama you subsequently watched got you hooked?
Just want to briefly talk about Reply 1988 here, Teakie has been so lovable and considerate in these two episodes, and it seems to me that Deok Sun has started to like Taekie though she did not realise it herself. She bought “goldfish bread” for Taekie and was concerned that he had been watching perverted r-rated video with the guys and also, a sleepy DS was waiting beside the phone for Taekie’s call and was disappointed to hear that Taekie could not keep the movie date, and next day, dejectedly walked up the stairs of the study room. I just hope nothing dramatic is going to happen to Taekie’s drug overdose.
Btw, what is “goldfish bread”? Is it fish-shaped waffle of some kind?
“Goldfish bread” is the Korean version of Japanese taiyaki, a waffle cake filled with, typically, red bean paste. The Japanese version is named after a sparidae species (porgy/bream), but the Korean one (Bunggoppang) is named after a carp species. Hence the translation “Goldfish bread”.
Hi Jon, just goggled taiyaki and saw pictures of it. I'm more familiar with dorayaki though, which is the favourite food of Doraemon, the manga robot cat with a 4D pocket. :)
I like your question, talking about nostalgic feeling :D
1. Goong (Princess Hours). But it was Jewel in the Palace that made my whole family practically glued to television every evening
2. They were impressive (yes, even Goong. Being first kinda has its perks). But it didn't develop my kdrama passion. Years later when i got into college, conveniently my housemate introduced me to SKK Scandal and Paradise Ranch (yep, imagine the horrible experience watching Shim Changmin, and i am cassie LOL) and it kinda started from there. Then it was Dream High and City Hunter which seal the deal.
Goong (Princess Hours) - I've not watched this drama, I goggled it and realised that it is that much talked about drama aired in many Asian cities 10 years ago. It has quite an unconventional setting, I will add it to my to-watch list.
Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) - This is my first sageuk, it was quite fascinating watching them prepare banquet after banquet in the palace.
The very first kdrama I ever watched was Fireworks on DVD (or rather CDs at that time) about 15 years ago, Lee Young-ae (Jang Geum) was the lead actress. The first time I saw her, I was awestruck, wow, such an unearthly beauty! This first kdrama was an eye-opener to Korean culture for me. The pace of the drama was much slower, the strikingly colorful hanbok worn by the old ladies and the way grown-up adults prostrate on the floor to greet their parents/in-laws in total respect all left a strong impression.
Though the second half kinda gets to weird direction, Goong has its great moments. I think it is great for starter although if one has watched many drama, flaws in Goong will be noticeable hihi.
Lee Young Ae is seriously beautiful, isn't she? I am still in awe whenever seeing her. If there is any vampire in this world, i believe Lee Young Ae is the queen lol
My first drama was A Man Called god, but I didn't get truly hooked until MTETS and BOF. What got me hooked and what keeps me coming back is one, the fact that their romances are so modest. The lead pair aren't hopping into bed in the five seconds after meeting, there are few exceptions though like in cable dramas. This main point has ruined me for all other industries. Also, the fact that their stories always manage to evoke such deep feelings in me. I never knew what feels were until I started watching K-dramas.
Hi Ek Ladhki Thi, I liked your description, "I never knew what feels were until I started watching K-dramas."
Yes, I like watching tear jerkers, they enable me to be in touch with my emotions. The drama which started my kdrama addiction is actually Winter Sonata. Though the storyline was stereotypical melo markjang, but still, in contrast to those shows in which the lead pair are hopping into bed in the first five seconds like you said, a noble first love tucked away in memory, spanning over 10 years withstanding the test of time though the loved one was presumed dead was incredulously touching. The cinematography, the winter scenery, the melodious piano OSTs, and the chemistry of the two leads (Bae Yong-Jun as Kang Jun-Sang and Choi Ji-Woo as Jung Yu-Jin) all got me hooked.
This is the first time I heard about A Man Called God, it seems to be a typical revenge type melodrama. Oh, the Korean barbie doll Han Chae-young is the lead actress. I like her in Sassy Girl Chun Hyang, this drama and BOF had me re-watched quite a few times when I needed something to play in the background, they are those kind of dramas which are relaxing to watch in bits and pieces because of their simple plot and light-hearted humour.
As I do not quite like sageuk, I have yet to watch Moon That Embraces The Sun, I know that it is very good, ok, I will eventually get to watch it.
I'm very odd in that my first k-drama encounter was with several episodes of Age of Warriors in the early 2000s. I spent quite a few years trying to find the entire show (or similar shows) and finally discovered the DVDs of Jumong on Netflix. This led me to the newly launched streaming sites and the rest is history. I'm not sure that particular watching strategy would work to get most folks hooked though.
Hi wonhwa, you are indeed unique! As sageuk is never my cup of tea, I will not attempt to watch Jumong, though it looks like it is quite good. I usually gave up after watching a few episodes of sageuk, such as Faith, Dr. Kim, Goddess of Fire, etc. The only few which could make me sustain till the end are those with Lee Jun Ki in it, I am his fan, he looks so damn good in hanbok, so unfortunately for me, all his projects one after another are sageuk, Ijimae, Arang and the Magistrate, Gunman in Joseon, SWWTN, and coming up remake of Cdrama Bubujingxin, omg!
1. Goong or Princess Hours! Fond memories of awful subtitles and binge watching.
2. Goong didn't spark my interest in kdramas. It wasn't until I saw You From Another Star that wanted to watch more. The need to feel the void was far to great.
I have my few share of dramas like You're Beautiful, Shut Up Flower Boy Band, and My Name is Kim Sam Soon after Goong but YFAS got me hooked on kdramas and had me watching them regularly. Then there was also Dramabeans, which is another story.
My first kdrama was Pasta and I watched it 10 times at least, unaware that there was an entire kdrama world out there waiting for me. It is often the kdrama I recommend to first timers.
My first dramabeans thread kdrama was Faith where I discovered that discussing my angst and joy with other fans was wonderful therapy to get me to the next week's episodes. Not to mention the recapper's insights. There was no turning back.
Mine was Pasta, too, and I also watched it a million times. Still do in fact when I don't feel like getting into something new. Have not found any other romance that gave me the same feels as Pasta.
Hi Owl & MapleSilver, Gong Hyo-jin is one of my favourite actresses, I love her in It's Ok It's Love and Greatest Love, and I have amassed all her dramas and movies on my laptop but have yet to finish watching all of them. I am now concurrently watching Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy among some others, probably, I should skip this for now and go watch Pasta first. Both of you are re-watching it so many times, it must be awesome right?
I did not finish watching Faith, not because of LMH, but more because I don't like sageuk in general and I found KHS's acting quite hyper and annoying at times.
I've seen most of Gong Hyo Jin's dramas. Pasta is way up there, so I do recommend it. I'd love to hear how you like it. One before that was Thank You withe Jang Hyuk (love him), and how about The Producers? She's a gem.
Faith is not strictly sageuk though, it is more of a historical fantasy. The OTP has loads of chemistry, well, so do the villains - mainly different kind of poison and explosives. And the king is a spunky little hobbit.
I watched jdoramas and taiwanese before kdramas, I am sure I have mentioned before what my first was, but I can´t remember now. watched bits and pieces of different things before sticking to some, but I always watch several at the same time. some of the firsts were You Are Beautiful, My Princess and The Return of Iljimae, and Last Scandal. the drama that first made a strong impression though was My Girl.
Hi Redfox, I used to be a JDorama fanatic during the time of Long Vacation, GTO, With Love, Love 2000, Overtime, Hero, etc. Oh, those were the times..... I found Taiwanese drama a bit too lovey dovey in a cheesy way, watching Meteor Shower gave me goose bumps, not because I was touched or anything like that, but due to the way they spoke (intonation, etc.). After that, I completely steer clear of all Taiwanese drama.
Based on recommendation from last week and this week, it looks like the best thriller drama to get newbies hooked is City Hunter, alongside Missing Noir M, Punch and IRY.
As for rom-com, My Love From Another Star and Pasta will probably do the job. You Are Beautiful is a good one too. But I am not so sure about My Princess or My Girl, I don't remember being overly impressed by these two, probably because I did not quite like the lead actress (KTH & LDH). The Last Sandal is quite a hit at the time of its release, ok, I will add this to my to-watch list.
My Girl made an impression not because it is THAT good, but it was so fervent. and I come from a countrywhere people almostdon´t have any emotions or inner "burning" - or at least it never shows. things have changed though, the new generation is different. but back then.... so it was a shock how spunky the main heroine was and that guys can have soulful eyes - our guys used to have eyes of dead ducks. for real.
The first K-drama I ever came across was "Men of the Bathhouse" during the 90s. I didn't particularly like it, but compared to weekend dramas today, it was quite good.
Hi Jon, Men of the Bathhouse? Never heard about it before, I would think only Koreans would have known about those earlier dramas. The earlier (but not the first) kdrama I watched was Salut D'Amour from 1994 and First Love from 1996 . After watching Winter Sonata, I wanted to watch more of Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, so I dug up their old dramas. These two were not that impressive when compared with Did We Really Love? from 1999 and Beautiful Days from 2001.
“Men of the Bathhouse” (1995-1996)- I watched it but it was so long ago. I only remember the father - Lee Soon-jae. I think it was quite popular that time. I didn't know Kim Hee-sun(angry mom) got new actress award for this show.
It's funny how a lot people said Goong because that too was my very first kdrama (however i ended up finishing Full House first because I was waiting for the last few episodes of Goong to be aired) lol
Back in those days - subtitles took DAYS and were not nearly as accurate or precise as the amazing job volunteers do these days!
Hi Kay, yes Goong seems like a mega hit in the mid 2000s. Thanks for reminding me about Full House, I watched it more than once too, it was one of the better com-coms, Rain and SHK made an awesome pairing.
At that time, I didn't even know that English Korean drama sites exists. I was relying on friends living in Asia for my supply of kdramas, which came in the form of CD box sets (later on DVDs) or those downloaded from some dodgy chinese sites. These contained Chinese subtitles which worked fine for me too. Yes, we are just so lucky nowadays, and are really spoilt for choice with so many kdrama sites providing English subs almost the day after.
Greatest Love was my very first k-drama in '12, after years of watching Asian films. I had zero interest in SK TV, however, my sister's endless appetite for watching anything and everything on this planet (part of it because of her work and part because of her hobby since childhood) brought us to Hong sisters' surreal universe. Well, you can imagine the rest...The addiction was instant and kdramas became my favorite pastime.
Has anyone watched any of them? I believe they must be very good and worth watching. The first drama is about the heir of a liquor store in the Taisho era travelling to Scotland to learn about whiskey making and got married to a Scottish wife. This storyline seems interesting but it has 150 episodes! As I still have a long list of kdramas to watch, I will probably start with the last two which have only 10 episodes each.
I have watched some of the opening episode of Massan. I think it's an interesting story but I don't think it was that well done ––– the acting wasn't that good and I just couldn't handle an American playing a supposedly Scottish heroine. It sounded so wrong!
I watched the unsubbed version of Bijo to danshi (I don't think it has been subbed). There's a lot I didn't understand, but I kept watching anyway! It's pretty good, from what I could tell.
I haven't watched the other two, but lots of people seem to like Hanzawa Naoki.
Hi alua, the storyline of Bijo to danshi seems quite interesting too, it must be very good for you to patiently sit through all 20 eps without subs. Though I could understand some basic Japanese, I don't think I will go for it, as I find it frustrating not being able to understand every single detail in those crucial moments and without full understanding, it will be so difficult to enjoy the show to the fullest.
Hanzawa Naoki is FANTASTIC. Don't let the fact that the hero is a middle-aged banker put you off, it's fast-paced and action-packed as any thriller, and Sakai Masato is great as the eponymous hero.
Hi pogo, thanks for giving such a positive affirmation. I almost wanted to dismiss this drama because the synopsis sounded quite boring. But I've known this friend for years, and we sort of share the same taste in many things, so I believe there is good reason why she recommended this drama to me.
I know, I initially balked too, because a drama about..... banking? But it had me in just one episode! This is not your standard chaebol drama at all.
(totally agree about wanting Lee Jun-ki in a modern drama too, btw, re: your comment above. Or I don't even mind if he does a sageuk, as long as the female lead isn't written as some dumbed-down cipher that even a talented actress struggles to portray)
I plan to watch 下町ロケット (Shitamachi Rocket) cause the rating, the hype and the review I get is all positive,
for 半沢直樹 （Hanzawa Naoki）, watch it, it's good if not great , not to mention it has one of the most beloved versatile actor , Sakai Masato, so just watch it
I haven't watch Bijo to danshi but they said it's fun, it just long, 20 ep
didn't watch Massan, I need extra energy for 50 ep drama
^^
Time for Jon G.'s Anual K-Drama Awards or, more appropriately (and easier to remember too): Jon G's Relatively Unimpressive Minor Prizes of the Year.
Mouseprint: Eligible are all the K-dramas of 2015 that I've watched, and by 2015 I mean all shows that had their final 6 episodes in 2015 (resp. more than 25% of their episodes) or if their final episodes have not yet been broadcasted, already showed 75% (resp. all but their final 5 or less) of their episodes in 2015. Example: Pride&Prejudice is not "of 2015", as only the final 4 of 21 episodes were broadcasted in 2015. Pinocchio is eligible, as the final 6 of 20 episodes were slotted for 2015.
There are, of course, some shows that may have had chances to make a difference in some of the categories, shows like "Bubblegum" which I simply didn't watch, or "Hwajung" that I stopped after a few episodes. Sorry for that.
I will put the categories and nominations here and add another post with the winners later.
Special category: Best Multiple-Character Performance
Several shows this year tried different variations of this. And considering the hourly rates of the actors involved, I bet the show-runners thought that: "Pay once, get 6 additional roles for free" was a good deal.
Nominated are:
* Kim So-hyun (School 2015)
* Ji Sung (KMHM)
* Hyun Bin (Hyde, Jekyll, Me)
* Park Soo-ae (Mask)
* Park Bo-young (Oh My Ghost)
Special category: Timeslot Champion
Timeslots are not what they used to be. Still, let's take a look at the primetime lineups this year. I picked the three most convincing (in my opinion) shows per channel.
Nominated:
* KBS Mon/Tue (Healer, I Remember You, Sassy Go Go)
* MBC Wed/Thu (KMHM, Angry Mom, She Was Pretty)
* SBS Mon/Tue (Punch, Grapevine, Mrs Cop)
* tvN Fri/Sat (Oh My Ghost, Twenty Again, Reply 1988)
Special category: Best Couple
Being the crabby old geezer I am, I hate couples. Especially happy couples. But what can I do, they are an/the essential ingredient to any K-drama. Let's give them an award and hope they stay off my lawn.
Nominated:
* Mask: Choi Min-woo & Byun Ji-suk (Joo Ji-hoon & Park Soo-ae)
* Healer: Seo Jung-hoo & Chae Young-shin (Ji Chang-wook & Park Min-young)
* Twenty Again: Cha Hyun-suk & Ha No-ra (Lee Sang-yoon & Choi Ji-won)
* Reply 1988: Sun-woo & Bo-ra (Go Kyung-pyo & Ryu Hye-young)
* Punch: Park Jung Hwan & Lee Tae Joon (Kim Rae-won & Jo Jae-hyun)
I hate best couple award and I'm not that old (I think lol). That goes for most popular award too, especially when the majority of the awards is based on popularity. The worst one is the hot star award. Maybe I take things too seriously lol.
You think, you lose LOL
That's gonna be my philosophy regarding award ceremony, especially after checking the winner list of public channel year-end drama award.
The award I dislike the most (probably, because generally I just can't take Korean award ceremonies seriously) is the "New star award", which is regularly given to people who have been in the business and cast in roles with LINES for years.
I'm pretty sure Go Ah-sung was having a good chuckle herself about her "New Star" award from SBS.
idk, I get annoyed by it too, especially since iirc a lot of the award shows just list it as the actor/actress that played the characters, instead of the characters. Like, this isn't We Got Married lol, or at least it shouldn't be. And then sometimes they nominate people like Jang Hyuk/Lee Da-hae in Chuno, and I'm like, did you even watch the show?
Please tell me the hot star award is given to people whose careers are hot lol.
yeah, some of the award categories are ridiculous.
I can actually live with Best Couple though that's really just a popularity thing, but giving freaking Go Ah-sung a new star award is a bit....bizarre.
Best Screenplay
Writing a story, writing the characters, writing the scenes, and writing everything in a way that it works together rather well is awfully hard. On top of that, I admit that my individual concepts of "good screen writing" and the K-drama premise of "good writing" are very different. Even after so many years, I still insist that writing shallow characters, beaufitul but pointless scenes or copy-pasting stock story-lines is not good writing, no matter how often people keep telling me the opposite. I guess my learning ability got lost over the years.
Nominated:
* Twenty Again (tvN)
* Awl (jtbc)
* Heard It Through The Grapevine (SBS)
* I Remember You (KBS)
* Reply 1988 (tvN)
A few shows from the short-list didn't make it by a hair. For example, "Healer" had serious issues with its overall plot and the writing became sub-par towards the end; and "Punch" lost out due to its repetitive and uninspired plot writing in the second half of the show.
Best Production
This award recognises the shows that excelled in scene direction, set and costume design, camera work, audio and visual editing, this kind of thing, as a means to support the show as a whole (and not just because).
Nominated:
* Healer (KBS)
* Reply 1988 (tvN)
* I Remember You (KBS)
* Heard It Through The Grapevine (SBS)
* Punch (SBS)
The final shows not to be nominated from the short-list were "My Beautiful Bride" and "Last", resulting in a strange underrepresentation of cable dramas. It did feel like the public network productions upped their game in this respect.
Nominated:
* Seo In-gook (I Remember You)
* Kim Hee-sun (Angry Mom)
* Jo Jung-suk (Oh My Ghost)
* Park Bo-young (Oh My Ghost)
* Park Min-young (Healer)
Another very long short-list to handle. Last names to drop were Ji Chang-wook and Go Ah-sung. Go might have shown an even stronger performance than Park Min-young, but with Go's credentials and experience, I'm less inclined to forgive her the small lapses she showed in "Grapevine".
Best Supporting Acting
I confess, this category is plain stupid. There are thousands of supporting roles (with only two or three lead roles per drama), and a good portion of them are portrayed by fantastic actors and actresses. It took me days to get a "short-list" that was even remotely manageable, and more days to come up with five nominees.
I feel a bit bad, especially towards the younger generations, who had a very good year with many solidifying or break-out performances. But what can you do when the middle generations are so freakingly strong.
Best Ensemble Acting
Some shows are all about their breeding pair and don't want to waste resources on anything else. That's great and all, but let's appreciate once in while when the casting director*, the writer, the film director and the acting ensemble really commit to their profession to give life to the show.
*) Sometimes I wonder whether K-dramas actually have casting directors or whether they really do it in the way K-dramas themselves depict the process: simply based on favouritism, nepotism and corruption.
Nominated:
* The Village (SBS)
* Reply 1988 (tvN)
* Punch (SBS)
* Heard It Through The Grapevine (SBS)
* Oh My Ghost (tvN)
*) Sometimes I wonder whether K-dramas actually have casting directors or whether they really do it in the way K-dramas themselves depict the process: simply based on favouritism, nepotism and corruption.
I've wondered it often enough. Or is the casting director just a rubber-stamp on the network's whims about who to cast?
When I think of some of the actors who routinely get bitched out here for consistently godawful acting....a casting director actually checking those people off as the best candidate for an acting role, feels like the kdrama/casting equivalent of a cop letting a drunk driver on the road - they must KNOW the result will be bad and they're risking disaster, the best you can hope for is that it won't be too bad. (maybe a slightly extreme analogy but you get my drift).
Yes, Ra Mi-ran has been excellent in Reply 1988. One of my favourite moments was in episode 13, in a scene with the mums, and she quietly asks Sun-woo's mum, "What about your life? … Your life is just once too." Subtle acting that sends the message so effectively and gives you a good punch in the gut.
Oh yes, that scene was incredible. But you can tell how much care went into the directing of that scene, with the shift of camera angles and the unreal timing of the dialogue.
There's really nothing on the drama slate I feel like watching, now that Splish Splash Love and Sassy Go Go are both long since done. I really hope Yoon Doo-joon and Kim Seul-gi get paired up in a worthy project again, and that Chae Soo-bin Lee Won-geun, Jung Eunji and Ji-soo land good roles next (and repeat my prayer for someone to please pair up the latter two as a couple in some future drama/movie).
Still watching Answer Me 1988, but not with any particular investment in the younger love lines. When it comes to those, it's neither as heart-wrenching as 1997 nor as maddening as 1994. It's comfortable, which is a good thing. And most of the good stuff comes from the parents - I'd rather watch the Ssangmundong ajumma trio embarrass themselves at singing competitions than another round of teenage noble idiocy over a girl neither Jung-hwan nor Taek have managed to confess to.
(seriously, there are ways to deal with you and your best friend falling for the same girl, WITHOUT playing noble idiot or disregarding her feelings totally - see Sassy Go Go for that memo)
yeah, tvn does have Cheese in the Trap, I'll probably check at least the first two episodes.
Not really feeling the other drama teasers out recently - Murim School looks ridiculous (and in an unintentional way, not like Sassy Go Go), Descendants of the Sun looks like it has really solid acting but a potentially infuriating male lead (standard MO for KES dramas), and the new Lee Kyung-hee drama looks like it's got pretty and very little else (Suzy and Kim Woo-bin are giving me Lee Min-ho/Park Shin-hye vibes.....very pretty people, sure, but just being good-looking and doing romantic stuff onscreen does not equal chemistry). I hope I'm wrong.
Suzy and Kim Woo-bin are giving me Lee Min-ho/Park Shin-hye vibes…..very pretty people, sure, but just being good-looking and doing romantic stuff onscreen does not equal chemistry
Well said pogo! The same goes for So Ji-Sub and Shin MinA in OMV.
To be fair to So Ji-sub/Shin Mina, I think they actually do have chemistry, and had it even when she was chubbier. (and frankly, I'm surprised I bought it to this degree, wasn't sure they really would pull it off)
Kim Woo-bin/Suzy otoh are giving me serious vibes of that first 'do I like you' scene in Heirs. You know, the scene that had everyone squealing 'OMG THE CHEMISTRY' when in reality it was just two pretty people sharing a screen and giving each other looks. All flat, no spark.
(and if I were to compare the mic-fixing scene in their teaser to the IU/Kim Soo-hyun one in Producer? There is absolutely NO contest about which one is hotter/actually has some feeling in it)
I don't know why, OMV just got on my nerves. I actually like SJS and SMA individually, but it went so horribly wrong in OMV that when they tried to act raunchy on screen, instead of finding them sexy or romantic, it felt so off putting, eg, their fell flat onto each other scenes during workout, and SMA tying a big ribbon on her head. Considering that I loved seeing SMA with JK in Arang and the Magistrates, I don't know why I dislike her so much in OMV, probably you are right, this has nothing to do with whether the pair has chemistry or not, it is the overall feel of the drama which made me feel repulsive.
I don't quite like IU in The Producers, but still, she and KSH feels quite compatible, though not so much in terms of on screen chemistry. Yeah, I get what you mean here. Also, I'm quite apprehensive of the IU/JK pairing in bbjx, hopefully it will turn out well, fingers crossed!
yeah, I think the way the drama handles those up close situations definitely has something to do with whether it comes across as 'too much' or not.
I mean, Sassy Go Go had multiple instances of falling-on-top-of-each-other, being crammed into close quarters while hiding, close contact to save a girl from danger, and somehow I never, not once, thought it seemed contrived or laboured - even though it totally WAS contrived, it didn't feel it. But yeah, sometimes it does come down to actors, and the Lightly Ardently teaser has to be the first time I've ever found Kim Woo-bin bland. Hope the final product is better...god knows he's going to be the one who needs to carry it.
I don't actually fear the age gap or IU's skill levels for BBJX, what I do fear is her character being underwritten or reduced to a caricature the way Lee Yubi was in SWWTN. That was something they would never have dared to do to Shin Mina when she was starring opposite oppa, and ultimately it made for a better drama AND better chemistry. Even a fairly solid young actress will struggle to generate any chemistry if she's got nothing to work with.
But at least Producer taught me that IU can emote well enough to handle lots of close-ups. And the BBJX PD, Kim Tae-gyu, LOVES his extreme close-ups lol.
Hi Everyone! ....... I hope you are all doing well today. ...... Happy New Year!
Watched this week:
Six Flying Dragons - Oh my goodness, this is truly a can't miss drama. Simply awesome. ....... Gil Tae-mi, you'll be missed.
Remember - Just started this. Yoo Seung-ho! So good to see him in dramaland once again! ....... And oh wow, Namgoong Min. He is throwing himself into this role and just letting go. The results are truly amazing ..... and downright scary.
Oh My Venus - Not a complicated watch, but that's ok. The main couple is good together and I think that's why people tune in.
That's all for now. ....... Thanks to all of you for making 2015 so much fun! ......I wish you all a new year full of health, happiness and good things. ...... May 2016 be full of interesting dramas and great discussions here in th OT. ........ Everyone take care and have a great day!
I did use an example from OMV to explain what kdrama-ness was to a non-watcher:
On Christmas Eve, the aimless young man - a street fighter - who was taken in by a compassionate Chaebol (rich heir of a top Korean conglomerate) with his own history of suffering, gets a phone call from his birth mother who hasn't seen him since she gave him up after he was born in jail that she wants to see him. Chaebol is happy for him, tosses him his keys and tells him to take his car to meet his mother. In the meantime, the overseeing loyal director of the Chaebol's affairs discovers there is a plot by a disgruntled family member-in-law to kill the Chabeol that night. Realizing that the murderer is going to ram his car, and of course he is not the one driving it, Chaebol dashes off the intercept the planned accident which results in him being badly hurt and laid up for a year. All of his childhood memories of painful treatments for cancer (not to mention losing his mother at the same time) flood his mind and he is troubled. He keeps himself in isollation from those who care about him to "work through it" for a year. And that's just one in-the-middle episode :)
I'm not sure the scenario convinced him to watch a kdrama., but certainly is is an example of a typical convoluted kdrama plot. That's what I love so much about them!
The kdrama-ness irony is it takes no time for them to openly express their love but at the most crucial moments, there will always be missed communication and miscommunication or some noble idiocy type good intention which lead to unnecessary angst and separation and if lucky, there will be a teary reunion a year or more later, else, an open-ended ambiguous ending.
Happy new year for everyone! I hope 2016 will bring more joy n success to all of us ?
My wishes for this year :
1) Kim So Eun get a lead role, i want to see her in a melodrama but playing a strong woman. I am imagining to see her being a lawyer or prosecutor, or maybe chaebol's daughter who is smart. I hope 2016 will bring more luck for her. ??
2) Kim seul gi getting a lead role as well! Chaebal, this girl is too good to be wasted ?
Excited to see many new dramas like saimdang n goodbye mr black. For now im just watching LMIYD, IHAL, started on 6FD & Merchant but just few episodes only.
Am hoping everyone keeps healthy and are blessed with good friends, happiness, success. I'm chill right now.. been kinda stuck in bed but am getting good at writing from a prone bedridden position. Am feeling weirdly calm and accepting of life. No hoping or fearing... just am. Perhaps I've finally grown old and accepting of how strange life can be.
Dramas:
Six Flying Dragons: Oh my gosh! episode 25...well, let's just say I forgot to breathe several times. I seriously love how the romances are soooooo present even when the lovers don't talk about love. Boon yi's and future prince's conversations are seriously romantic and even erotic. The tender friendship is such perfection.
Scandal in Old Seoul: Fun. I'm beginning to like this particular period of Korean history. Maybe I'll just sit myself down and watch Gaksital.
All about Mom: Wondering what will happen now that the love lives of all Mom's kids are all settled.. kinda. Am so not liking the love story forgiveness heart. I feel so mean and unforgiving but eh. Now that the adults will now have to super beg for their love lives to be accepted or at least understood....loving the whole idea o turnabout being fairplay. Love is what changes revolutions (as six flying dragon states)
Glamorous Temptation: Still not watching but still perversely interested.
Waiting for Sweet Savage Family and Remember -- Master's Son.
Awaiting Descendants of the sun.
Saw some great and some silly movies: A distant spring, Coffin on the mountain, the two in tracksuits (which I'd been hoping to watch for years)
Not much else happening.
I suppose I should watch it and engage with the weirdness. I saw a recap about daddy's will. Ah me. Twenty more episodes to go with this woman's weirdness. It's malice-porn and we'll have to wane through all this desperate spite... can I do it?
Oh my! I'm already interested in ep 25 of Six Flying Dragons! ...... I'm barely up to ep 18 though. ...... It's truly a fantastic drama. I'm glad you're enjoying it also.
I'm looking forward to Descendants of the Sun also. I'm curious about the whole pre-produced situation and how that affected, if it did, the final product that ends up on our screen.
Hopefully drama production will change from live-shoots as the d ecade moves on. Speaking of pre-produced... SFD is dang good and hasn't fallen off.... live shoot or not?
You're right. SFD hasn't fallen off at all. ...... I'm going to guess that if you're going the live-shoot route, you either have to get a long enough head start in shooting, maintain a good enough shooting pace to keep that cushion of time and hope the production doesn't experience any unforeseen hiccups along the way that might delay things ...... or, you have the entire script already written and you don't make any changes, period---in which case, it would delay things.
Then again, sometimes the planets just line up and drama magic happens, live-shoot or no live-shoot, right? :)
Ohh cleberating new year today by watching Dilwale, a Bollywood movie and i love it. It is not something extraordinary , a typical Bollywood movie but turn out good, thanks to the power of Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol. I am not a fan of bollywood movies but did watch some B-movies. But this is the first time watching it at cinema and the feeling was different. Love its songs like Janam Janam n Gerua. SRK stil doesnt lose his charisma even he is older, and Kajol stil pretty. I did enjoy it ;)
OOOOoooo I'm going to go watch Dilwale tomorrow and am hoping I like it as much as you did. SRK and Kajol are my favorite OTP since I could understand Hindi so I knew I'd have to check it out.
On other note though - have you seen Bajirao Mastani?! Oh goddess, it's absolutely breathtaking...I walked out wishing I could capture every single frame of that movie and making it into a poster. Also fantastic acting by the cast and despite Priyanka Chopra not being the main lead in the movie, she stole the show.
I watched I remember you last week and loved it! Seo in gook and Park bo gum were just so, so good, it hurts my heart every time I think about their reunion scene.
One day before the KBS awards , I had hoped that Seo in gook and Park bo gum would win Best couple but sadly that did not happen. :(
Thanks for the recommendation, recappers.
If you haven't watched it, you're missing out on good stuff.
AppleP over at soompi said:
"the upcoming Reply series:
Reply 1970's (90% focus on the adult life. all the hot daddy played by actors that born in 70's : Gong Yoo, Yoong Sang Hyun, So Ji Sub, Cha Seung Won, Joo Jin-Mo, Jang Dong Gun, etc)
...
Reply Joseon era (goat sound probably changed to horse sound)
..."
Love her idea about the 1970's and the horse neighing sound for Joseon era =)).
uh , hi dramabeans community Happy New Year to everybody I'm new at this open thread thingy so don't know all the rule yet , do we only talk about Kdrama here or anything go ? cause I just watch a Thai drama on Youtube call 'Cubic' the story line really good lead actor was horrible and the directing is worst than what my teenage brother did for his short film as a project in school but I just love the story line and the whole time watching keep thinking "omg if only this got a remake to Kdrama imagine what they could do with this
Anyway if this thread only talk about Kdrama then please forgive me for this I'm just not sure about the rules on open thread yet , thanks for always be here and make me feel less like the only crazy person who ever laugh and cry for a drama
Welcome to the OT. This is the one place you can talk about anything at all (that is not offensive) and even if you want to mention spoilers, that's OK as long as you put up a spoiler warning in your post.
Any kind of drama from anywhere is fine and you can even talk about yourself! :)
Happy New Year my fellow DBers! It's been a while as kdramas havent really been grabbing my attention last year...the selections of dramas are really narrow now that the website that shall not be named basically took away TVN shows which is like a good 60% on kdramas that i was watching and i refuse to support that site and their shitty subs! So ive been watching more KMovies and so far i havent been disappointed. I pray that this year's drama offering are mucho better that last years!
PS i read DB's post on the award shows. M not at all surprised anymore at all three channels basically giving awards to the people they like and would want to come back! But on the fashion side of things, maybe its because m just noticing or something but the ladies were pulling of some ridiculously high platforms and heels...m wondering how the hell they were able to walk in them!!! What's up with that?
Happy OT! and Happy New Year! This holiday has been quite un-cheertastic(lol?). It's a good thing I have dramas(and the whistle song from Sassy Go Go). It makes everything better. :)
Healer - Finally lol. I've put off watching the finale for so long heh. I'll miss the gang but I can't say that I loved the drama. Sure I like it and I love the characters(and after this and What's Up, Song Ji Na is now one of my faves). But after the last ep, well... I can't put it to words. I don't feel much. But that might not be drama's fault. Because it's how I generally felt about the dramas I finish lately.
Miss Korea - But not this one hehe. This drama ran away with my heart. It may not be cracktastic but I love it. And I loved everyone. I understood the characters and their reasoning(even bada). And I felt like I was part of the gang. I hurt with them. I cheer for and with them. The Lee's were especially winning. I loved Lee Yeon Hee as Ji Young(I'm glad I saw her first here). Sun Kyung is adorkable. Mi Sook is the caring person with a cold front. And Lee Sung Min is wonderful(loved Jung Sem a bit more than Chief Oh. Sorrynotsorry lol). The two OTPs have my heart. And I didn't mind the kisses(or the lack thereof esp. in the finale). I have this weird habit of checking out the drama's kisses(to see if the wait is worth it lol). But the OTP's here didn't need to show their affection. You just know that they love each other and that was enough for me. Plus if you're wondering why dramaland is full of doormats and candies for heroines, this is the show for you.
Splash Splash Love - Amazing leads. And the story's great(esp. when you turn your brain off lol). I even liked the cute queen-bodyguard sidestory. And is it just me or does the directing give MV vibes?
The Lover - The first episodes had me in stitches. And the last eps tugged at my heartstrings. I'm surprised at how this show came to be. Daring and refreshing. And the actors have my admiration for doing what their bravery lol. Kudos to them especially Jun Young.
Pride - I've always assumed that Jdoramas would have slow-paced romance despite the show's length(I blame the romance mangas I love to hate lol). So the only Jdrama I've finished is Rookies. But then came this one and boy, was I wrong. After the first ep I felt like I've just gone through halfway of a Kdrama. And I also thought that the heroine would be close to a candy. But no. She was so great. I honestly didn't like the hero so much. But the character developments wowed me(of not only the leads ehem). Bonus points for having sports.
Orange Days - Not yet finished but loving this drama. I need more Jdramas lol.
It depends on what you like in a drama. This drama is an ensemble piece so everybody gets good treatment. I like the slight nostalgic feeling it brings, I like the mature romance, I like the strong woman characters, the competitions to survive without resorting to your usual drama cliches, the subtle humor, and the awesome OST. Yes, it is slow sometimes but I love so many of the characters I don't mind too much.
I loved Miss Korea. The plot sounded so predictable but there were lots of plot shifts and surprises. And the heroine was so capable! Also loved the second couple and the humor. I started watching it because of the rave it got here earlier and am glad that I did.
It's hard to get through the first 4 eps or so. But once the team gets together, everything gets better. I guess it's not for everybody? It's not really my kind of drama(I like it fast-paced. But considering dramaland's offers, I've learned to compromise lol). If it was draggy, I didn't feel it. I love how the drama took its sweet time. But don't worry, the pageant doesn't happen in the finale(yay!). :)
On the other hand, i've been meaning to start Reply 88 but gosh how to gather the mood. Let's make that this year's first resolution haha.
Anyway, anyone following 1N2D? Last ep they show behind the scene of KBS Ent. Awards and they meet Park Bo Gum & the members jokingly invite him to be new member. What to say, I APPROVE!! We all need more of Park Bo Gum in our life <3
Well then, happy new year! May 2016 will be another great year for us all and of course, more well-written cohesive entertaining drama for us to sink in :D
Bogum in RM is more likely, i am surprised that he hasn't been there and remember it's Lee Hyunwoo who has been RM guest lol they really give similar vibe.
I'd really like to see him in 1n2d though, his presence will change the whole dynamic. He seems to be this polite, all-smiling kind junior who will be loved by his hyungs haha that must be cute
he seems so pre-rock´n´roll era polite and nice, but also kind of cheeky. yes, he is. sometimes his smile can be so mischievous. it is not always innocent hehe
Happy New Year, everyone! In the spirit of new beginnings, can I ask a question? In a lot of dramas there seems to be a point where the lead couple go their separate ways for about a year and then reunite in the final episode for a new start. (E.g. Master's Sun, Goong.) Is there a particular reason it happens so much, or is it just to allow characters to finish off their character development arc off screen? Every time it happens I just think - surely not again??? Thank you!
To me, it is just that a regular happy ending would be too easy; the couple have to suffer that extra bit before they earn their reward, and get their epic reunion scene. Although it can also be that they like separation angst; sometimes the OTP just parts ways at the end because one of them decides that there is something else they need to do for personal growth...
Oh well, I just came here to express my deep deep love for Splish Splash Love. I just watch it yesterday. And OH MY GOD! Too much adorableness, squee-factor, and heartache in a two-episode drama just hooked me completely. I desperately want Seul-gi’s first ever lead drama role to be with Doo-joon. Please drama gods, make this happen. I’m begging you!
Now I’m in a terrible dilemma. I was planning on watching Kill Me Heal Me but I found out that Doo-joon was in Let’s Eat, I don’t know what to watch first. Or maybe I should just watch Splash Love again?
Sigh . . .
Oh well. Have a very sqhappy new year Beanies!!! Hoping for loads more better dramas this 2016! Excited for Cheese in a Trap and One More Happy Ending.
It depends on the mood you're in; Let's Eat is pretty light throughout, while KMHM has a dark backstory. I'd say go for Let's Eat first, while you're on a Doo-joon high; it will keep it up ;)
I feel like we should actually send a petition to MBC or something, to get Kim Seul-gi and Yoon Doo-joon back together in a full-length drama. They are just too, too good together, that chemistry needs to be seen in other projects!
If you're choosing between dramas, I'd say watch Splish Splash Love again! And then, if you don't mind being hungry a lot, watch Let's Eat. That was the drama that woke me up to Yoon Doo-joon, and he was a revelation in it (ok, not now that you've seen SSL, but I didn't even know who he was when I first watched LE).
Still recovering from episode 25 of Six Flying Dragons. Dark and a whole lot of blood, but interwoven with beautiful storytelling moments and character payoffs. Go show!
I think I read somewhere that there will be no broadcasts for two weeks for R88. I guess the other dramas crossed out don't have a scheduled broadcasts for this week also.
OMV - *indirect spoiler* I wish I liked this a little less or hated it a little more ~ I want to watch it and let the relationship-building process go, but I just can't . I mean, I know Young-Ho has issues and works through them in isolation (not that I think it's the best thing to do, but I accept that his character is that way). And I know Joo-Eun gives him the space he demands, but now that they are back together because he decided to see her once he is "fixed," they still operate as a couple through ESP. The drama wants the viewer to say "I guess so" but this is the point at which I can't agree that the relationship is really what it is portrayed to be. It doesn't take me there.
Bottom line, it is too much about looks, still. Sorry, offering it as a health thing isn't working for me. Also, the chaebol family story line isn't connecting, either.
I can't even with the second leads...it's hard to like people who are good to others only when they get what they want.
Remember - War of a Son- really great acting. Scary legal world.
OMV - Agree! I like the show on the whole enough to wish I could completely love it.
However, for me, the couple is what makes it. Both characters are sufficient unto themselves as people, which is so rare. They feel like compatible adults who don't expect to be completed by the other.
Happy new year! hoping in 2016, dramaland will give us much more exciting drama than last year.
Right now, thanks to absent of Reply 1988, I finally try to watch Nirvana in Fire.
Woah, that drama is really awesome. Cinematography and acting is superb, and more importantly the writing. All the character, from protagonist to antagonist, from backstory to the present, all of them woven nicely that I just can't stop watching it. In two days, I already marathon it to episode 13 (thanks to new year vacation).
The Grumpy for the best multiple-character performance goes to:
Kim So-hyun (School 2015)
Ji Sung (KMHM)
Hyun Bin (Hyde, Jekyll)
Park Soo-ae (Mask) Park Bo-young (Oh My Ghost)
Park Soo-ae didn't have much to work with when it came to her second "character". It's not Ji Sung's fault that a handful of 2-dimensional characters still don't make a single 3D one. I respect Hyun Bin way too much to talk about the mess he had to go through.
Final decision between Kim So-hyun and Park Bo-young. Kim So-hyun excelled with the appropriately subtler differences between her two characters, she made great use of her set of of core acting abilities. Deductions mostly from the writing and shooting department: Awkward scenes with both characters in it, and the overall misguided character arcs that didn't help the actress.
Park Bo-young wasn't subtle at all with her respective approaches to both characters, but then again, she didn't play twins. Her ability to replicate Kim Seul-gi's mannerisms to a tee was almost unreal, and her shrinking violet routine on the other hand was surprisingly touching (in an often second-hand embarrassing way). In fact, without her ability to give those ridiculous characters some human touch, and at the same time to let them stay comedy characters, the show wouldn't have worked at all.
Congratulations!
KBS Mon/Tue (Healer, I Remember You, Sassy Go Go)
MBC Wed/Thu (KMHM, Angry Mom, She Was Pretty)
SBS Mon/Tue (Punch, Grapevine, Mrs Cop) tvN Fri/Sat (Oh My Ghost, Twenty Again, Reply 1988)
MBC once again did a great job of headlining shows that simply didn't click with me. I personally thought that "Angry Mom" was the strongest one out of the three ones listed, and even that show seemed to be a few years too late. But even from a more objective perspective (or a more target-audience-aware one), the MBC slot cannot compete with the other three.
During spring, SBS had both "Punch" and "Grapevine" under their belt and two very promising shows coming up in this time slot. How did they screw this up? Well, lucky you, tvN and KBS.
tvN featured two different interesting time slots, but the weekend slot really cranked up the heat in the second half of the year. "Oh My Ghost", "Twenty Again"and finally "Reply 1988" in direct succession, now that is nothing to sneeze at.
KBS did show a remarkable range and quality in their Monday-Tuesday primetime shows this year. Some shows did disappoint ("Oh My Venus", "Blood", "School 2015"), but they did try. And "Virtual Bride" was quite a daring curveball in that slot too. The three selected shows are all "must-see"-shows of the year, all three take risks and get their pay-off, all three combine a solid base with certain excellency in some aspects (and all three did get bad TV ratings).
I personally might have enjoyed the tvN programming just a tad more than KBS, but I cannot ignore the extraordinary effort by KBS. Especially "I Remember You" and "Sassy Go Go" deserve a lot more love than they received.
But I have to stick to the rules here, and tvN takes the trophy home by a whisker.
Very refreshing take, Jon G. It takes some getting used to and would love some synapse to be activated. So is GRUMPY awards' counter-intuitive? Teach me a bit (I'm a perpetual student) - who you award is that which made you grumpy (because they were so good???; unfulfilled potential???). This is way more interesting than the big 3 broadcasters' awards in sK. Now, i treat the latter more like their family day , so do not really take them seriously. that is why our favorite blogs' posts on these, including this one, can just really be about the fashion. please develop it some more Jon GRUMPY. Best if they come out before the new year.
Any resemblance between the acronym G.R.U.M.P.Y. and any word of any language ever or any state of mind of any regular poster on DB is utterly and purely coincidental.
I also want to dispel any rumours about K-dramas making me grumpy. I already was grumpy in the first place.
Mask: Choi Min-woo & Byun Ji-suk (Joo Ji-hoon & Park Soo-ae)
Healer: Seo Jung-hoo & Chae Young-shin (Ji Chang-wook & Park Min-young)
Twenty Again: Cha Hyun-suk & Ha No-ra (Lee Sang-yoon & Choi Ji-won) Reply 1988: Sun-woo & Bo-ra (Go Kyung-pyo & Ryu Hye-young)
Punch: Park Jung-hwan & Lee Tae-joon (Kim Rae-won & Jo Jae-hyun)
Well, simple decision here. Sun-woo and Bo-ra were easily the most surprising, most stunning, most exciting and most unlikely couple I've ever experienced in a K-drama. The couple is a rather stupid idea in the first place: two very peripheral and roughly sketched characters with very different design and purpose approaches. Suddenly they get dragged into the spotlight for no reason what-so-ever, and without any of the restrictions of more central character roles, the writer goes on a writing spree with them. Almost everything can go wrong at this point. Or not.
Congratulations to whoever had the balls to come up with the idea in the first place. And congratulations to both actors.
I love Sun-woo and Bora as a couple, too - they're a very neat gender reversal of the usual tsundere/sweet girl pairings we get in kdramas.
Though tsundere heroines are practically a hallmark of the Answer Me franchise now, and in some ways, Bora is the true spiritual successor to Sung Shi-won and Sung Na-jung. Way more than (far too bland) Deok-sun, anyway, and enough to make me sometimes wish Bora was the heroine. And I love that Bora and Sun-woo TALK to each other, even with all that she withholds.
My personal happy couple award would have gone to Go Ah-sung and Lee Joon for Heard It Through the Grapevine. They're that rare bird in dramaland - a young couple who sped straight into a mostly-happy, mutually supportive marriage and parenthood, but find that it's still tough going. I like that their battles aren't about getting together or admitting their feelings, it's about everything that comes after.
I disqualified all the great romantic relationships from "Grapevine" on grounds of not matching the requirements of being K-drama couples (with the exception of Han Jung-ho and Choi Yun-hee). You already made a very good list of crimes Bom and In-sang committed against the very principles of K-drama coupledom.
welp, you got me there - Bom and In-sang are really just a couple, not a k-drama couple at all!
I guess by that standard (no noble idiocy, plenty of mutual support/respect for each other, behaving like normal people) that disqualifies Lee Won-geun and Jung Eunji of Sassy Go Go too (who would be my other candidates)
I'm a bit divided when it comes to "Sassy Go Go" there. The first half of the show followed the stock Young Adult romance plot very, very closely, only in a compressed version. Definitely a K-drama couple, and not a particularly interesting one, for me. After that, the show stopped trying to milk it for drama, or for anything at all. Mostly because the show seemed to run out of time. I disagree that there is no noble idiocy, for example, there is just not enough time for it to drag it out. It's there, but it only lasts a few minutes within episode 11.
sure, Sassy Go Go had its roots in every trope featured in every high school drama ever - a competition with something at stake, a top student hero, an everygirl heroine, a mean girl, and their assorted friends and hijinx. You'll get no argument from me on that score - but the couple there simply don't indulge in any of the things that kdrama couples do, to draw things out. And that remains steady from Day 1 - for instance, he actually tells her why he needs her help to do the cheerleading thing. An ordinary kdrama would have hidden that info till at least halfway through, or had her find out another way - but that discoslure straight from the male lead, was practically a mission statement that this show wasn't going to follow established patterns.
Hell, even the fact that their parents are dating doesn't cause them to think even for a minute that they need to break up - that is a MASSIVE deviation from normal kdrama couple thought patterns. The only thing approximating noble idiocy in the drama, doesn't even happen between the couple - it happens between the two male leads, as best friends (instigated by the second male lead).
Sure, the 12-episode count doesn't give the story enough time to wallow in any couple-separation antics, but the behaviour patterns of the couple remain consistent throughout and show no signs of falling into kdrama patterns even when you think they might.
I can see how they wouldn't be very interesting - their concerns are pretty everyday and trivial compared to some of the things people in kdramas go through. But I did find them refreshing.
he actually tells her why he needs her help to do the cheerleading thing
True, usually he should have kept up the pressure much longer before trying this strategy. But that didn't seem to be a stage in their relationship so much as a stage in the plot.
Hell, even the fact that their parents are dating doesn’t cause them to think even for a minute that they need to break up [...]
True, that was funny: Hard cut to both of them emotionally blackmailing their parents into giving up their relationship.
Anyway, I enjoyed the lack of otherwise inevitable stock plot sequences a lot. What I didn't particularly enjoy was the utter lack of any conflict at all. After the initial "belligerent sexual tension" phase (made only just bareable by Jung Eun-ji for me), there was no measurable conflict anymore. Consequently, Soo-ah turned into the actual female lead for several episodes. And after her conflict was solved (terribly, I might add), the show didn't really know what to do anymore.
Honestly, they didn't need conflict, I rather liked that we had a relationship that was largely without one, other than them reconciling their differing povs on how to deal with things. They did more talking than pretty much any kdrama couple I've seen in the last year.
I do think the lack of the usual romance tropes helped to emphasise that the show was (very idealistically) about friendship, not romance. Which was also hammered home by the fact that they team up only after he makes the disclosure that he needs to save his friend.
the Sun-Woo and Bora couple is the one who gives us insight, they are like emotion detectives and their conversations help to find the balance in all the complicated dynamics. Ilove that they reveal to each other everything that they have no guts to tell anyone else. and mainly for that reason I don´t think they will stay together...
Well, they are still very young anyway. It's the first relationship for Sun-woo and the first serious relationship for Bo-ra, they are not particularly well matched in the long run, it's rather unlikely that they will stay together forever.
If they avoid marriage, they will probably break up after Bo-ra finishes college at the latest.
Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2016 is a wonderful year for all.
I rarely write comments here on Dramabeans, but I wanted to do so in this OT for my parents; I know I have watched way fewer dramas than many Beanies have, and I would like to ask for recommendations for dramas from you all for my parents. K-dramas that they’ve enjoyed include She Was Pretty, Oh My Ghostess, Healer, Yong-pal (for the first two-thirds), and Dae Jang Geum (this is a favourite of theirs). As for J-dramas, they liked Liar Game, Galileo, I’m Home, Tenno no Ryoriban, and Tamiou. (They’re currently watching Hero with Kimura Takuya as well, and seem to love it.) They disliked Nine and Queen In-hyun’s Man (calling them too illogical) and my dad didn’t like Misaeng because he found it way too depressing. They also will not watch revenge dramas.
Maybe My Princess and Last Scandal of my Life, they have a She was Pretty feel to them. The classic Coffee Prince is always good and a lot of people love Pasta. The gold standard for me is My Name is Kim Sam Soon.
I Need Romance 3?
I would say I Hear Your Voice, but how would they take to the age difference... seems like they are into sweet-natured romantic top pairs though.
Painter of the wind might be good, a bit more sophisticated.
Anyone watching Youth Over Flower in Iceland? It's ridiculously funny and cute! The bromance is too real, and then there's Jong Woo. He's unexpectedly goofy and stubborn! I hope he goes on more variety shows, this is the first I've really seen of him. I watched him briefly in Reply 1994, but I got to know more of his personality through this.
![[K-Movie Night] A Year-End Medley](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/YearEndMedley_1-scaled.jpg)
![[2024 Year in review] Actors bringing their A-game](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Jeongnyeon1112-00182.jpg)
![[2024 Year in Review] Beanie Awards](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/beanieawards_2024.jpg)
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1 redfox
January 1, 2016 at 6:02 AM
so happy new year blaa blaa whatever it is just a number though
I am at work like on all holidays
so drama world: jippiii for Ji Sung! FINALLY. and for Park Seo Joon also!
and aww at Park Bo Gum thanking Seo In Guk at the KBS drama awards, and the latter looking at him like "My baby turned out so great all thanks to me!".
Their picture together gets all sorts of illogical sounds out of me. it is just too perfect! but it does not make up for no appreciation whatsoever for Seo In Guks´ amazing role in IRY.he doesn`t look too bothered though.
I dont know today. Question? Let´s continue hooking up drama singles and second leads: which two would you send on blind date?
I would hook up Min with Miss Husky as a cray experiment. turn ex-kiler into party animal. hahaa.Your pairing? and where shoud they meet?
and oh, ok, tell me, what you want from dramas this year?
I want a sharp sense of humor, some new concepts...would love to see some "future" plots. we´ve done the past, let´s go to the future now! Also, a female genius or some super-effective female boss with no tragic past. Perhaps someone overweight or unconventional otherwise (for a kdrama), but badass. and I would in contrast also like to see some socially awkward and shy guys who can barely open their mouth. It is hard to become a lion.
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alua
January 1, 2016 at 6:14 AM
<and oh, ok, tell me, what you want from dramas this year?
Well-written stuff, with no clichés or stock characters. Less or no romance in dramas that don't need them. Second leads that aren't just devices. No no-contact one year+ separations.
My standard is Misaeng. I dropped so many dramas in 2015! If writers, directors, producers don't try harder, I'm going to focus on k-films instead because just watching for the "pretty" or A-list stars (OMV I'm looking at you) doesn't do it for me.
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john
January 1, 2016 at 6:48 AM
alua ~
+1 on what you want from dramas.
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Rachel
January 1, 2016 at 6:56 AM
Looking forward to some decent webtoon adaptations!
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ameliadzi
January 1, 2016 at 8:18 AM
Preach, girl. Haha.
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alua
January 1, 2016 at 9:45 AM
LOL.
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 9:27 AM
yeah, I don´t need romance either. I like to see other kind of dynamics. trust issues and distance, friend who get alienated and try to preserve some contact. how hard it is when you drift away. or old people, who have to survive alone, and their survival skills - and their childlike imagination to fill the empty space around them. I want a shift in the point-of view from 20-30 somethings to the world through the EYES of a child or a grandpa.
and I want Youth over flowers to come to Estonia.
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alua
January 1, 2016 at 9:45 AM
I don't mind romance. I love a good romantic drama. But I find those to be very rare!
Instead, there are too many dramas – both in rom-coms and in completely different genres – where multiple couples are matched up (just because) and everything must be spelled out to the very end (marriage & kids). I want open endings. I want couples that get together but ultimately don't work out. I want couples that get together, but where we don't know how far they'll go. I want couples that never get together at all, even if they have silent (maybe one-sided) crushes on each other. And I don't want these virginal heroines that have apparently never seen a shirtless guy before (never go to the beach? no brother? etc etc). More realism! Messier realities! No endings with glamorous designer bow-ties that feel just fake because the foundations of endings where never or never properly laid.
This is usually why J-dramas work so much better for me. I don't particularly enjoy TW dramas (because they are also very contrived) and rarely make it through one, but at least they have much more adult relationships (not every rom-com heroine is a chaste virgin and recently there seem to be a lot of divorced-with-or-without-kids leads too).
I'll stop preaching..... :-p
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 9:45 AM
+1, alua.
2015 disappointed me in many ways but I found it slightly encouraging that we got at least a few dramas that didn't rely on the same old tropes. I hope 2016 turns up more of the same.
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iamdeb
January 1, 2016 at 12:57 PM
I honestly think you'll be quite disappointed for at least years to come because I think kdramas like Misaeng will continue to be very rare. Kdramas have generally been cliche ridden but from time to time they would have soul or that elusive magic. Thankfully, more writers are or being allowed to think out the box than before but they are still not the norm. I think it will take years for the type of dramas you want to become the norm and to me, its because the higher ups in the kdrama industry are still trying to adapt to new local audience expectations or are just not trying.
I guess at this point I've accepted that I'll just have to lower my standards for kdramas and honestly, I started watching them and in my mind they were like glorified but highly addicting and stylized soap operas. There have been more and more shows going above and beyond that label while many others are like glorified soap operas but sadly without that addicting magic.
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nomad
January 2, 2016 at 8:21 AM
I want some decent parents, like the ones in Reply series. The ones that actually love each other though they have their occasional arguments, and love their kids instead of trying to make them fulfill some of their own unachievables (spell??).
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redfox
January 2, 2016 at 8:49 AM
and are actually given a life beyond being a parent.
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kanz
January 1, 2016 at 7:23 AM
What I want from dramaland this year:
1. Ji Chang Wook returns to Korean drama 'cause I miss him!! All his Chinese projects and movie won't be enough once he goes to army.
2. Writer using more unconventional characters. I heard and watched some Japanese dramas have much more diverse character and profession. Don't just write about reporter, lawyer, prosecutor, doctor, and chaebol I'm so done with that. But please also write other jobs, pilot, diplomat, graphic designer, art director, engineer, taxi driver, banker, scientist, palace guard, anything that will be different than usual. And for Big 3, please branch out from chaebol desks! At least cable' lead characters don't necessarily be rich. They could be poor or just middle class as the majority of us.
3. More conventional sageuk OR fantasy sageuk. No need to fusion anything and makes my head dizzy with so many historical inaccuracies and people cosplaying Joseon. I hope either they stick to history or they just do fantasy, like Arang, GFB or SWWTN.
4. More unconventional dramas like Grapevine, Village, Misaeng and Healer are welcomed too!
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 9:19 AM
and Shin Sung Rok! I want him back!
as to unconventional characters, there could be... a dentist. Or an archiver, who discovers a portal to the future in some files.
I really liked Valid Love in that aspect, they didnt just have the actors pretend to be carpenter, painter and fish doctor, we saw some work being done. and it was beautiful. real things are nice.
but also unconventional in the sense that... special hobbies, infatuation ( Think reply 1997 with the fangirling) and special relationships.
I would like to see adoption not as a sad fate, but a path chosen and a devoted relationship between adopted children and their parents.
I would love to see mentor- student stories (what was that movie with sean Connery and this black kid? It was great. I want something like this in kdramas, without romances)
I would like homelessness addressed, and not in some scary fashion where the homeless are bums wasted at a tunnel. maybe a homeless person getting back on their feet... or failing
ah these are more apt for a movie ...
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 10:23 AM
an example of unconventional people:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prK16rAu6Y0
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ameliadzi
January 1, 2016 at 6:35 PM
Majestic!
kanz
January 2, 2016 at 7:03 PM
Yes, what I like from cables, they have characters that work and live outside romance. Flower Boy installments take a look at ramyun cooks, aspiring writers, bandmates, etc. Twenty Again shows how life inside a college, and not just romance.
I'd love to see some adoption with kind parents not hell-bent on revenge. Or maybe they could also show separated siblings without tragic fate or love triangle. Just reunion between siblings and families.
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azkaa
January 1, 2016 at 8:12 AM
- and oh, ok, tell me, what you want from dramas this year?
Amen and crossing fingers for your wish, the future-related drama certainly sounds interesting.
Watching Producer, i really love its first 2 episodes because it's funny in a very unconventional way and still informative (all the bts broadcasting stuff). I want more of that, more of mockumentary-style drama, or at least more of unconventional drama setting in general.
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elric
January 1, 2016 at 9:15 AM
+1 on mockumentary-style drama
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 9:33 AM
oh, mosckumentary, dark humor and balancing on the edge of scandalous would be good.
and a good youth comedy that pokes fun at the weird ways of the younger generation today, their tilted understanding of their role or total cluelessness or idealism that neglects reason (going to Africa to save you-name-it while not even having malaria injections or something like that). like the backpacker-hipster folks and their hostel hopping. I just find their ways sometimes so hilarious what with their ultra-vegan or strictly seeds diets or morning rituals.
I guess showing any drug use in a kdrama is out of the question, but soft drugs are becoming so common this issue should be adressed somewhat... I dont think the korean nightlife is untouched.
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elric
January 2, 2016 at 6:28 PM
Yes to unconventional and out of the box concepts! Let's just hope if any of the networks have new ideas, they stick it rather than get cold feet and go back to their original cliche field story.
elric
January 1, 2016 at 9:14 AM
Amen on your wishes for 2016 dramas especially about the awkward and shy guys.
I think for this year, I want directors/producers who are not afraid to experiment and stick to their premise especially when the story shows promise. Don't bow down to the netizens!
Also for Kim Seul-gi and Yoon Doo-jon to star in a drama. I need this two to be together again.
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Boomboompow
January 1, 2016 at 9:31 AM
+1
Too adorable these two!
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Boomboompow
January 1, 2016 at 9:31 AM
Yong Pal has got to be my biggest let down of the year.
I wish YP ended halfway with him rescuing Yeo Jin and they become buddies, but not lovers. I want him to stay as Yong Pal and playing mouse and cat with the police. And got a new girl.
Maybe someone like Rachel from Heirs? I adore her Blair Waldorf-y personality - a cold chaebol who is smart. Lets imagine a scenario where she got over her wimpy ex-fiancee and become a doctor in spite of her mom's wishes. During her residency she met KTH and somehow assist him in his late-night YP activities.
Did I sound too fanfic-ish? I am blaming the leftover Christmas wine.
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 9:36 AM
Hmm, Rachel might be a good match. Or perhaps the hotelier Ha Ri, who can always get him a secret room without anyone knowing... but she gets stressed and her stomach...well, but duh, he is a doctor.
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 9:39 AM
in other news, I have become totally obsessed with our new superstar and listening to his songs about 25 times a day. He has a deep, low voice, but with higher undertones like a stereo...I feel like it does something to my very DNA.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 9:56 AM
What do I want from dramas this year?
1. everything alua said - better scripts, good writing and less characters used purely as plot devices. Actors alone can't save a drama if the script is too sloppy.
2. For god's sake, can they please STOP casting terrible actors (idol and otherwise) in major roles. Open up more roles to girls like Kim Seul-gi, Park So-dam etc. Obviously this is only a pipe dream, too many shit actors got lead roles in major stuff in 2015. Like *shudder* Orange Marmalade.
3. Yoon Doo-joon and Kim Seul-gi paired up again. (in a good project, goes without saying).
4. Ji-soo and Jung Eunji as OTP in a drama (same as above).
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Kayla
January 1, 2016 at 1:06 PM
kdrama land finally gets rid of jin se yeon.
WOULD BE MY DREAM COME TRUE.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 7:02 PM
Make that No. 5 for me! (but f$#&@ing MBC has already gone and given that block of wood another lead role, WHY?!)
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redfox
January 2, 2016 at 9:21 AM
she should be given to Carpenter Kim to make a chair. But she would still have no character...
pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 2, 2016 at 12:04 PM
@redfox - actually, wood has character - I dare anyone to look at a piece of teak furniture and say it has none.
She owuld most certainly not be teak or any kind of real wood, she would be plywood. Or cardboard.
redfox
January 2, 2016 at 12:20 PM
that´s exactly what I meant. she´d be laminated plastic at best
pebble
January 1, 2016 at 4:39 PM
Hi pogo!
I just have one simple wish for 2016, to see Jun Ki in a modern drama, but that is not going to happen as he already has remake of Bubujingxin lined up. :(
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 10:57 PM
I thought he was still considering. I also want to see him in a modern drama. and since I am so stuck on the idea of a plot connected with the future, how about an AI (as in, not real human) from the future? we´ve seen plenty of artificial intelligence movies where they learn to have emotions, but how about he´s got them programmed, but he shows them in an inappropriate moment? like, he laughs at a funeral and consoles people when they have a baby (which, in my opinion, wouldn´t even be THAT inappropriate). then he finds a teacher, a mentor for him, who guides him through the human world. but when the AI asks if the Teacher will be there when he goes back into the future, the teacher says he doesn´t live 200 years.
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pebble
January 2, 2016 at 3:24 PM
LOL, this is awesome! Yes, will be highly entertaining to see JK as a future AI. His pretty face will sure qualify for a man-made flawless AI with the looks that can kill! However, so far, kdrama doesn't seem to be able to do a great job in depicting people from the future, for example, the future Mi-rae in Marry Him If You Dare is not at all convincing.
redfox
January 2, 2016 at 10:32 AM
http://dramacool.cc/reply-1988-behind-episode-1.html
ah, this! Ra Mi Ran - Mother, meet Father! (I assume it is like that). And the actor playing Jung Bong is so cute with his wavy hair, why couldn´t they keep it like that??? "Jung Hwan" giggling so much that they don´t get any practice done haha. Seems like Ra Mi Ran is making them all laugh.
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sunnyl
January 3, 2016 at 6:38 AM
My favorites:
1. Kim Jung-nan who was the Radio show host in Bubble Gum narrates.
2.During Taek's birthday rehearsal with all friends, Park Bo-gum teared up and friends quietly handed tissues over.
3.When Taek and Jung-hwan laugh and all in JH's house, Ra Miran(Jung-hwan's mom) jokes 'At this rate, Duksun could be dumped, Jung- hwan and Taek go out together?'
4.Rye Joon-yeol worries Park Bo-gum will cry (and him cry) on the scene JH ties Taek's shoes.
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2 Hope Airen
January 1, 2016 at 6:14 AM
Just wanted to wish everyone a happy new year :) and great song choice (y) KDR's ballads are a pleasure to ears *0*
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3 sunnyxshin
January 1, 2016 at 6:19 AM
Happy New Year! But then it's only 2 days until school starts so...not really happy. And school+ a shit ton of exams+ violin practice= no time for kdrama :( Though I will try to squeeze in some time on Sundays to watch Six Flying Dragons. I'm sorry I can't hold on to you, Remember.
It's gonna be a busy year...
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4 gadis
January 1, 2016 at 6:19 AM
Happy new year, beanies.. My this year bless us with lots of great things in our 'real life' and also tons of awesome dramas to squee over.
After watching Doojoon's great acting in Splish Splash Love, finally I got around to watch Let's Eat. He is simply awesome there and he also has a sparky chemistry with the heroine. But while I watched that series, I noticed Sookyung always called her puppy 'bara-ssi' just like the way Seungho called his cat in Imaginary Cat. Is calling your pet name with '-ssi' a normal thing to do in Korea? Is that to show respect? Or is it to show that your pet is a part of your family?
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 6:46 AM
"Goldfish bread" is the Korean version of Japanese taiyaki, a waffle cake filled with, typically, red bean paste. The Japanese version is named after a sparidae species (porgy/bream), but the Korean one (Bunggoppang) is named after a carp species. Hence the translation "Goldfish bread".
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 6:56 AM
Sorry, that answer clinged on to the wrong post.
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kanz
January 1, 2016 at 7:06 AM
Bara-ssi name is derived from Che Guevara (because Sookyung admired him) or Che Guebara in Korean spelling because there's no "v" in hangul. Lee Sookyung called Guevara as Che Guebara-ssi (to show respect to Guevara) and then shortened to "bara-ssi".
In one episode Dae Young misheard Che Guebara as Choi Gaebara lol and he kept mistakenly think the dog's name is Gaebara until Sookyung clarified it.
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Delurker
January 1, 2016 at 9:14 AM
Wasn't there also a related pun that "Guevara" sounds like "look at the dog" in Korean?
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Boomboompow
January 1, 2016 at 9:19 AM
+1
Am watching Let's Eat because of Splish Splash Love too
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Splash splash rabbit is in love ?
January 1, 2016 at 5:46 PM
Hehe I'm also finally watching Let's Eat because of splash splash, im currently on episode 14.It's good but its no splash splash love, it's basically a food commercial that dissolved my resolution of becoming vegan.
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5 pebble
January 1, 2016 at 6:19 AM
Happy New Year to all OT beanies! May the New Year be a joyous and peaceful one.
While introducing kdrama to my work buddy, I became curious about which kdramas have the special factors which could captivate viewers and spurred their interest in exploring other kdramas. My questions are:
- Which is the very first kdrama you ever watched?
- Did it get you so impressed that you developed a passion for watching kdrama? If not, which kdrama you subsequently watched got you hooked?
Just want to briefly talk about Reply 1988 here, Teakie has been so lovable and considerate in these two episodes, and it seems to me that Deok Sun has started to like Taekie though she did not realise it herself. She bought “goldfish bread” for Taekie and was concerned that he had been watching perverted r-rated video with the guys and also, a sleepy DS was waiting beside the phone for Taekie’s call and was disappointed to hear that Taekie could not keep the movie date, and next day, dejectedly walked up the stairs of the study room. I just hope nothing dramatic is going to happen to Taekie’s drug overdose.
Btw, what is “goldfish bread”? Is it fish-shaped waffle of some kind?
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 6:55 AM
“Goldfish bread” is the Korean version of Japanese taiyaki, a waffle cake filled with, typically, red bean paste. The Japanese version is named after a sparidae species (porgy/bream), but the Korean one (Bunggoppang) is named after a carp species. Hence the translation “Goldfish bread”.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 3:06 PM
Hi Jon, just goggled taiyaki and saw pictures of it. I'm more familiar with dorayaki though, which is the favourite food of Doraemon, the manga robot cat with a 4D pocket. :)
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azkaa
January 1, 2016 at 7:47 AM
Happy new year!!
I like your question, talking about nostalgic feeling :D
1. Goong (Princess Hours). But it was Jewel in the Palace that made my whole family practically glued to television every evening
2. They were impressive (yes, even Goong. Being first kinda has its perks). But it didn't develop my kdrama passion. Years later when i got into college, conveniently my housemate introduced me to SKK Scandal and Paradise Ranch (yep, imagine the horrible experience watching Shim Changmin, and i am cassie LOL) and it kinda started from there. Then it was Dream High and City Hunter which seal the deal.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 3:39 PM
Hi azka, Happy New Year! :)
Goong (Princess Hours) - I've not watched this drama, I goggled it and realised that it is that much talked about drama aired in many Asian cities 10 years ago. It has quite an unconventional setting, I will add it to my to-watch list.
Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) - This is my first sageuk, it was quite fascinating watching them prepare banquet after banquet in the palace.
The very first kdrama I ever watched was Fireworks on DVD (or rather CDs at that time) about 15 years ago, Lee Young-ae (Jang Geum) was the lead actress. The first time I saw her, I was awestruck, wow, such an unearthly beauty! This first kdrama was an eye-opener to Korean culture for me. The pace of the drama was much slower, the strikingly colorful hanbok worn by the old ladies and the way grown-up adults prostrate on the floor to greet their parents/in-laws in total respect all left a strong impression.
It makes sense that Dream High and City Hunter are the ones which actually start your addiction, City Hunter was mentioned in this article too!http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-02-20/your-next-big-addictive-tv-series-could-be-south-korea
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azkaa
January 2, 2016 at 2:04 AM
Though the second half kinda gets to weird direction, Goong has its great moments. I think it is great for starter although if one has watched many drama, flaws in Goong will be noticeable hihi.
Lee Young Ae is seriously beautiful, isn't she? I am still in awe whenever seeing her. If there is any vampire in this world, i believe Lee Young Ae is the queen lol
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Ek Ladhki Thi
January 1, 2016 at 8:17 AM
My first drama was A Man Called god, but I didn't get truly hooked until MTETS and BOF. What got me hooked and what keeps me coming back is one, the fact that their romances are so modest. The lead pair aren't hopping into bed in the five seconds after meeting, there are few exceptions though like in cable dramas. This main point has ruined me for all other industries. Also, the fact that their stories always manage to evoke such deep feelings in me. I never knew what feels were until I started watching K-dramas.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 4:07 PM
Hi Ek Ladhki Thi, I liked your description, "I never knew what feels were until I started watching K-dramas."
Yes, I like watching tear jerkers, they enable me to be in touch with my emotions. The drama which started my kdrama addiction is actually Winter Sonata. Though the storyline was stereotypical melo markjang, but still, in contrast to those shows in which the lead pair are hopping into bed in the first five seconds like you said, a noble first love tucked away in memory, spanning over 10 years withstanding the test of time though the loved one was presumed dead was incredulously touching. The cinematography, the winter scenery, the melodious piano OSTs, and the chemistry of the two leads (Bae Yong-Jun as Kang Jun-Sang and Choi Ji-Woo as Jung Yu-Jin) all got me hooked.
This is the first time I heard about A Man Called God, it seems to be a typical revenge type melodrama. Oh, the Korean barbie doll Han Chae-young is the lead actress. I like her in Sassy Girl Chun Hyang, this drama and BOF had me re-watched quite a few times when I needed something to play in the background, they are those kind of dramas which are relaxing to watch in bits and pieces because of their simple plot and light-hearted humour.
As I do not quite like sageuk, I have yet to watch Moon That Embraces The Sun, I know that it is very good, ok, I will eventually get to watch it.
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wonhwa
January 1, 2016 at 9:05 AM
I'm very odd in that my first k-drama encounter was with several episodes of Age of Warriors in the early 2000s. I spent quite a few years trying to find the entire show (or similar shows) and finally discovered the DVDs of Jumong on Netflix. This led me to the newly launched streaming sites and the rest is history. I'm not sure that particular watching strategy would work to get most folks hooked though.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 4:21 PM
Hi wonhwa, you are indeed unique! As sageuk is never my cup of tea, I will not attempt to watch Jumong, though it looks like it is quite good. I usually gave up after watching a few episodes of sageuk, such as Faith, Dr. Kim, Goddess of Fire, etc. The only few which could make me sustain till the end are those with Lee Jun Ki in it, I am his fan, he looks so damn good in hanbok, so unfortunately for me, all his projects one after another are sageuk, Ijimae, Arang and the Magistrate, Gunman in Joseon, SWWTN, and coming up remake of Cdrama Bubujingxin, omg!
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elric
January 1, 2016 at 9:06 AM
1. Goong or Princess Hours! Fond memories of awful subtitles and binge watching.
2. Goong didn't spark my interest in kdramas. It wasn't until I saw You From Another Star that wanted to watch more. The need to feel the void was far to great.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 4:35 PM
Hi elric, I agree that You From Another Star is quite attractive to a newbie, it a constituted of many elements, such as time travel, suspense, romance, a quirky alien and it is also so hilarious! It was mentioned in the article too:
http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-02-20/your-next-big-addictive-tv-series-could-be-south-korea
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elric
January 2, 2016 at 3:52 AM
I have my few share of dramas like You're Beautiful, Shut Up Flower Boy Band, and My Name is Kim Sam Soon after Goong but YFAS got me hooked on kdramas and had me watching them regularly. Then there was also Dramabeans, which is another story.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 1, 2016 at 9:44 AM
My first kdrama was Pasta and I watched it 10 times at least, unaware that there was an entire kdrama world out there waiting for me. It is often the kdrama I recommend to first timers.
My first dramabeans thread kdrama was Faith where I discovered that discussing my angst and joy with other fans was wonderful therapy to get me to the next week's episodes. Not to mention the recapper's insights. There was no turning back.
Happy New Year beanies kdrama community!♥
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MapleSilver
January 1, 2016 at 9:57 AM
Mine was Pasta, too, and I also watched it a million times. Still do in fact when I don't feel like getting into something new. Have not found any other romance that gave me the same feels as Pasta.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 1, 2016 at 10:14 AM
I agree, Pasta set the bar pretty high that way.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 4:53 PM
Hi Owl & MapleSilver, Gong Hyo-jin is one of my favourite actresses, I love her in It's Ok It's Love and Greatest Love, and I have amassed all her dramas and movies on my laptop but have yet to finish watching all of them. I am now concurrently watching Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy among some others, probably, I should skip this for now and go watch Pasta first. Both of you are re-watching it so many times, it must be awesome right?
I did not finish watching Faith, not because of LMH, but more because I don't like sageuk in general and I found KHS's acting quite hyper and annoying at times.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 1, 2016 at 5:55 PM
I've seen most of Gong Hyo Jin's dramas. Pasta is way up there, so I do recommend it. I'd love to hear how you like it. One before that was Thank You withe Jang Hyuk (love him), and how about The Producers? She's a gem.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 6:54 PM
Yeah, I've watched Producers, her childlike behaviour when she got drunk was so embarrassingly funny! :)
redfox
January 2, 2016 at 11:40 PM
Faith is not strictly sageuk though, it is more of a historical fantasy. The OTP has loads of chemistry, well, so do the villains - mainly different kind of poison and explosives. And the king is a spunky little hobbit.
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 10:13 AM
I watched jdoramas and taiwanese before kdramas, I am sure I have mentioned before what my first was, but I can´t remember now. watched bits and pieces of different things before sticking to some, but I always watch several at the same time. some of the firsts were You Are Beautiful, My Princess and The Return of Iljimae, and Last Scandal. the drama that first made a strong impression though was My Girl.
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 10:48 AM
no, cross that. the first drama that changed my outlook was City Hunter. and I think that was when I started posting here, too.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 7:30 PM
Hi Redfox, I used to be a JDorama fanatic during the time of Long Vacation, GTO, With Love, Love 2000, Overtime, Hero, etc. Oh, those were the times..... I found Taiwanese drama a bit too lovey dovey in a cheesy way, watching Meteor Shower gave me goose bumps, not because I was touched or anything like that, but due to the way they spoke (intonation, etc.). After that, I completely steer clear of all Taiwanese drama.
Based on recommendation from last week and this week, it looks like the best thriller drama to get newbies hooked is City Hunter, alongside Missing Noir M, Punch and IRY.
As for rom-com, My Love From Another Star and Pasta will probably do the job. You Are Beautiful is a good one too. But I am not so sure about My Princess or My Girl, I don't remember being overly impressed by these two, probably because I did not quite like the lead actress (KTH & LDH). The Last Sandal is quite a hit at the time of its release, ok, I will add this to my to-watch list.
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 11:01 PM
My Girl made an impression not because it is THAT good, but it was so fervent. and I come from a countrywhere people almostdon´t have any emotions or inner "burning" - or at least it never shows. things have changed though, the new generation is different. but back then.... so it was a shock how spunky the main heroine was and that guys can have soulful eyes - our guys used to have eyes of dead ducks. for real.
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 11:02 PM
oh, and last Scandal - don´t ever google the actress.
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 11:13 AM
The first K-drama I ever came across was "Men of the Bathhouse" during the 90s. I didn't particularly like it, but compared to weekend dramas today, it was quite good.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 7:46 PM
Hi Jon, Men of the Bathhouse? Never heard about it before, I would think only Koreans would have known about those earlier dramas. The earlier (but not the first) kdrama I watched was Salut D'Amour from 1994 and First Love from 1996 . After watching Winter Sonata, I wanted to watch more of Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, so I dug up their old dramas. These two were not that impressive when compared with Did We Really Love? from 1999 and Beautiful Days from 2001.
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sunnyl
January 2, 2016 at 5:50 PM
“Men of the Bathhouse” (1995-1996)- I watched it but it was so long ago. I only remember the father - Lee Soon-jae. I think it was quite popular that time. I didn't know Kim Hee-sun(angry mom) got new actress award for this show.
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kimchikay
January 1, 2016 at 12:06 PM
It's funny how a lot people said Goong because that too was my very first kdrama (however i ended up finishing Full House first because I was waiting for the last few episodes of Goong to be aired) lol
Back in those days - subtitles took DAYS and were not nearly as accurate or precise as the amazing job volunteers do these days!
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 8:03 PM
Hi Kay, yes Goong seems like a mega hit in the mid 2000s. Thanks for reminding me about Full House, I watched it more than once too, it was one of the better com-coms, Rain and SHK made an awesome pairing.
At that time, I didn't even know that English Korean drama sites exists. I was relying on friends living in Asia for my supply of kdramas, which came in the form of CD box sets (later on DVDs) or those downloaded from some dodgy chinese sites. These contained Chinese subtitles which worked fine for me too. Yes, we are just so lucky nowadays, and are really spoilt for choice with so many kdrama sites providing English subs almost the day after.
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kalel
January 1, 2016 at 11:52 PM
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Greatest Love was my very first k-drama in '12, after years of watching Asian films. I had zero interest in SK TV, however, my sister's endless appetite for watching anything and everything on this planet (part of it because of her work and part because of her hobby since childhood) brought us to Hong sisters' surreal universe. Well, you can imagine the rest...The addiction was instant and kdramas became my favorite pastime.
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6 pebble
January 1, 2016 at 6:21 AM
All Jdramas lovers take note!
My long-time Japanese friend living in Tokyo has just recommended me to watch the following jdramas:
マッサン (Massan)
美女と男子 (Bijo to danshi)
下町ロケット (Shitamachi Rocket)
半沢直樹 （Hanzawa Naoki）
Has anyone watched any of them? I believe they must be very good and worth watching. The first drama is about the heir of a liquor store in the Taisho era travelling to Scotland to learn about whiskey making and got married to a Scottish wife. This storyline seems interesting but it has 150 episodes! As I still have a long list of kdramas to watch, I will probably start with the last two which have only 10 episodes each.
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alua
January 1, 2016 at 6:38 AM
I have watched some of the opening episode of Massan. I think it's an interesting story but I don't think it was that well done ––– the acting wasn't that good and I just couldn't handle an American playing a supposedly Scottish heroine. It sounded so wrong!
I watched the unsubbed version of Bijo to danshi (I don't think it has been subbed). There's a lot I didn't understand, but I kept watching anyway! It's pretty good, from what I could tell.
I haven't watched the other two, but lots of people seem to like Hanzawa Naoki.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 8:27 PM
Hi alua, the storyline of Bijo to danshi seems quite interesting too, it must be very good for you to patiently sit through all 20 eps without subs. Though I could understand some basic Japanese, I don't think I will go for it, as I find it frustrating not being able to understand every single detail in those crucial moments and without full understanding, it will be so difficult to enjoy the show to the fullest.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 7:03 AM
Hanzawa Naoki is FANTASTIC. Don't let the fact that the hero is a middle-aged banker put you off, it's fast-paced and action-packed as any thriller, and Sakai Masato is great as the eponymous hero.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 8:15 PM
Hi pogo, thanks for giving such a positive affirmation. I almost wanted to dismiss this drama because the synopsis sounded quite boring. But I've known this friend for years, and we sort of share the same taste in many things, so I believe there is good reason why she recommended this drama to me.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 8:46 PM
I know, I initially balked too, because a drama about..... banking? But it had me in just one episode! This is not your standard chaebol drama at all.
(totally agree about wanting Lee Jun-ki in a modern drama too, btw, re: your comment above. Or I don't even mind if he does a sageuk, as long as the female lead isn't written as some dumbed-down cipher that even a talented actress struggles to portray)
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Lena S.
January 1, 2016 at 7:24 AM
"Hanzawa Naoki" is amazing, this drama is what brought me to watch jdramas again after so many years without it.
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 8:18 PM
Wow, second positive endorsement for Hanzawa Naoki, ok, I will go watch it straight away! :)
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sunnyl
January 2, 2016 at 5:53 PM
I recommend Hanzawa Naoki too. It was not best for me but liked it enough.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 1, 2016 at 9:48 AM
Thanks for the recommends - and thanks for the "yes" or "o" comments - I've been looking for another jdrama to watch.
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lynper
January 1, 2016 at 11:17 AM
Massan is good, but it's a little painful to hear the American actress with her memorized Japanese.
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Sancheezy
January 2, 2016 at 3:11 AM
I plan to watch 下町ロケット (Shitamachi Rocket) cause the rating, the hype and the review I get is all positive,
for 半沢直樹 （Hanzawa Naoki）, watch it, it's good if not great , not to mention it has one of the most beloved versatile actor , Sakai Masato, so just watch it
I haven't watch Bijo to danshi but they said it's fun, it just long, 20 ep
didn't watch Massan, I need extra energy for 50 ep drama
^^
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7 Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 6:35 AM
Happy New Year everyone!
Time for Jon G.'s Anual K-Drama Awards or, more appropriately (and easier to remember too): Jon G's Relatively Unimpressive Minor Prizes of the Year.
Mouseprint: Eligible are all the K-dramas of 2015 that I've watched, and by 2015 I mean all shows that had their final 6 episodes in 2015 (resp. more than 25% of their episodes) or if their final episodes have not yet been broadcasted, already showed 75% (resp. all but their final 5 or less) of their episodes in 2015. Example: Pride&Prejudice is not "of 2015", as only the final 4 of 21 episodes were broadcasted in 2015. Pinocchio is eligible, as the final 6 of 20 episodes were slotted for 2015.
There are, of course, some shows that may have had chances to make a difference in some of the categories, shows like "Bubblegum" which I simply didn't watch, or "Hwajung" that I stopped after a few episodes. Sorry for that.
I will put the categories and nominations here and add another post with the winners later.
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 6:35 AM
Special category: Best Multiple-Character Performance
Several shows this year tried different variations of this. And considering the hourly rates of the actors involved, I bet the show-runners thought that: "Pay once, get 6 additional roles for free" was a good deal.
Nominated are:
* Kim So-hyun (School 2015)
* Ji Sung (KMHM)
* Hyun Bin (Hyde, Jekyll, Me)
* Park Soo-ae (Mask)
* Park Bo-young (Oh My Ghost)
Special category: Timeslot Champion
Timeslots are not what they used to be. Still, let's take a look at the primetime lineups this year. I picked the three most convincing (in my opinion) shows per channel.
Nominated:
* KBS Mon/Tue (Healer, I Remember You, Sassy Go Go)
* MBC Wed/Thu (KMHM, Angry Mom, She Was Pretty)
* SBS Mon/Tue (Punch, Grapevine, Mrs Cop)
* tvN Fri/Sat (Oh My Ghost, Twenty Again, Reply 1988)
Special category: Best Couple
Being the crabby old geezer I am, I hate couples. Especially happy couples. But what can I do, they are an/the essential ingredient to any K-drama. Let's give them an award and hope they stay off my lawn.
Nominated:
* Mask: Choi Min-woo & Byun Ji-suk (Joo Ji-hoon & Park Soo-ae)
* Healer: Seo Jung-hoo & Chae Young-shin (Ji Chang-wook & Park Min-young)
* Twenty Again: Cha Hyun-suk & Ha No-ra (Lee Sang-yoon & Choi Ji-won)
* Reply 1988: Sun-woo & Bo-ra (Go Kyung-pyo & Ryu Hye-young)
* Punch: Park Jung Hwan & Lee Tae Joon (Kim Rae-won & Jo Jae-hyun)
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Kiara
January 1, 2016 at 7:35 AM
I hate best couple award and I'm not that old (I think lol). That goes for most popular award too, especially when the majority of the awards is based on popularity. The worst one is the hot star award. Maybe I take things too seriously lol.
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azkaa
January 1, 2016 at 7:56 AM
You think, you lose LOL
That's gonna be my philosophy regarding award ceremony, especially after checking the winner list of public channel year-end drama award.
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alua
January 1, 2016 at 9:07 AM
The award I dislike the most (probably, because generally I just can't take Korean award ceremonies seriously) is the "New star award", which is regularly given to people who have been in the business and cast in roles with LINES for years.
I'm pretty sure Go Ah-sung was having a good chuckle herself about her "New Star" award from SBS.
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juniper
January 1, 2016 at 9:17 AM
idk, I get annoyed by it too, especially since iirc a lot of the award shows just list it as the actor/actress that played the characters, instead of the characters. Like, this isn't We Got Married lol, or at least it shouldn't be. And then sometimes they nominate people like Jang Hyuk/Lee Da-hae in Chuno, and I'm like, did you even watch the show?
Please tell me the hot star award is given to people whose careers are hot lol.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 12:52 PM
yeah, some of the award categories are ridiculous.
I can actually live with Best Couple though that's really just a popularity thing, but giving freaking Go Ah-sung a new star award is a bit....bizarre.
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korfan
January 1, 2016 at 8:32 AM
Jon G. -
"Let’s give them an award and hope they stay off my lawn."
Stated in the best GRUMPY style. LOL.
Have a Happy New Year!
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 1, 2016 at 9:12 AM
SBS Mon/Tue (Punch, Grapevine) yep!
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 6:36 AM
Best Screenplay
Writing a story, writing the characters, writing the scenes, and writing everything in a way that it works together rather well is awfully hard. On top of that, I admit that my individual concepts of "good screen writing" and the K-drama premise of "good writing" are very different. Even after so many years, I still insist that writing shallow characters, beaufitul but pointless scenes or copy-pasting stock story-lines is not good writing, no matter how often people keep telling me the opposite. I guess my learning ability got lost over the years.
Nominated:
* Twenty Again (tvN)
* Awl (jtbc)
* Heard It Through The Grapevine (SBS)
* I Remember You (KBS)
* Reply 1988 (tvN)
A few shows from the short-list didn't make it by a hair. For example, "Healer" had serious issues with its overall plot and the writing became sub-par towards the end; and "Punch" lost out due to its repetitive and uninspired plot writing in the second half of the show.
Best Production
This award recognises the shows that excelled in scene direction, set and costume design, camera work, audio and visual editing, this kind of thing, as a means to support the show as a whole (and not just because).
Nominated:
* Healer (KBS)
* Reply 1988 (tvN)
* I Remember You (KBS)
* Heard It Through The Grapevine (SBS)
* Punch (SBS)
The final shows not to be nominated from the short-list were "My Beautiful Bride" and "Last", resulting in a strange underrepresentation of cable dramas. It did feel like the public network productions upped their game in this respect.
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 1, 2016 at 9:13 AM
Heard It Through The Grapevine for everything
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 9:41 AM
I Remember You for me.
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nomad
January 2, 2016 at 8:30 AM
On best screenplay: I have a tie between IRY and R1988. On Best production, IRY.
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 6:37 AM
Best Lead Acting
Nominated:
* Seo In-gook (I Remember You)
* Kim Hee-sun (Angry Mom)
* Jo Jung-suk (Oh My Ghost)
* Park Bo-young (Oh My Ghost)
* Park Min-young (Healer)
Another very long short-list to handle. Last names to drop were Ji Chang-wook and Go Ah-sung. Go might have shown an even stronger performance than Park Min-young, but with Go's credentials and experience, I'm less inclined to forgive her the small lapses she showed in "Grapevine".
Best Supporting Acting
I confess, this category is plain stupid. There are thousands of supporting roles (with only two or three lead roles per drama), and a good portion of them are portrayed by fantastic actors and actresses. It took me days to get a "short-list" that was even remotely manageable, and more days to come up with five nominees.
Nominated:
* Park Hyuk-kwon (Punch, Unkind Women, Producer)
* Ra Mi-ran (Reply 1988)
* Kil Hae-yeon (Miss Mamma Mia, Grapevine, Assembly, Sassy Go Go)
* Sung Dong-il (Reply 1988)
* Yoo Ho-jung (Grapevine)
I feel a bit bad, especially towards the younger generations, who had a very good year with many solidifying or break-out performances. But what can you do when the middle generations are so freakingly strong.
Best Ensemble Acting
Some shows are all about their breeding pair and don't want to waste resources on anything else. That's great and all, but let's appreciate once in while when the casting director*, the writer, the film director and the acting ensemble really commit to their profession to give life to the show.
*) Sometimes I wonder whether K-dramas actually have casting directors or whether they really do it in the way K-dramas themselves depict the process: simply based on favouritism, nepotism and corruption.
Nominated:
* The Village (SBS)
* Reply 1988 (tvN)
* Punch (SBS)
* Heard It Through The Grapevine (SBS)
* Oh My Ghost (tvN)
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 6:58 AM
*) Sometimes I wonder whether K-dramas actually have casting directors or whether they really do it in the way K-dramas themselves depict the process: simply based on favouritism, nepotism and corruption.
I've wondered it often enough. Or is the casting director just a rubber-stamp on the network's whims about who to cast?
When I think of some of the actors who routinely get bitched out here for consistently godawful acting....a casting director actually checking those people off as the best candidate for an acting role, feels like the kdrama/casting equivalent of a cop letting a drunk driver on the road - they must KNOW the result will be bad and they're risking disaster, the best you can hope for is that it won't be too bad. (maybe a slightly extreme analogy but you get my drift).
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Rachel
January 1, 2016 at 7:04 AM
Yes, Ra Mi-ran has been excellent in Reply 1988. One of my favourite moments was in episode 13, in a scene with the mums, and she quietly asks Sun-woo's mum, "What about your life? … Your life is just once too." Subtle acting that sends the message so effectively and gives you a good punch in the gut.
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 7:10 AM
Oh yes, that scene was incredible. But you can tell how much care went into the directing of that scene, with the shift of camera angles and the unreal timing of the dialogue.
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nomad
January 2, 2016 at 8:32 AM
Ra Mi Ran is also my choice. I love that scene that you describe, it feels like I'm eavesdropping on their friendship moment.
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growingbeautifully
January 1, 2016 at 7:47 AM
LOL! GRUMPY awards! Does that mean we choose the best or the worst? Should we choose the one we grumble about the most? :D
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8 pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 6:51 AM
Happy 2016!
There's really nothing on the drama slate I feel like watching, now that Splish Splash Love and Sassy Go Go are both long since done. I really hope Yoon Doo-joon and Kim Seul-gi get paired up in a worthy project again, and that Chae Soo-bin Lee Won-geun, Jung Eunji and Ji-soo land good roles next (and repeat my prayer for someone to please pair up the latter two as a couple in some future drama/movie).
Still watching Answer Me 1988, but not with any particular investment in the younger love lines. When it comes to those, it's neither as heart-wrenching as 1997 nor as maddening as 1994. It's comfortable, which is a good thing. And most of the good stuff comes from the parents - I'd rather watch the Ssangmundong ajumma trio embarrass themselves at singing competitions than another round of teenage noble idiocy over a girl neither Jung-hwan nor Taek have managed to confess to.
(seriously, there are ways to deal with you and your best friend falling for the same girl, WITHOUT playing noble idiot or disregarding her feelings totally - see Sassy Go Go for that memo)
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 1, 2016 at 9:14 AM
new season comes soon....so maybe something will grab you.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 12:27 PM
yeah, tvn does have Cheese in the Trap, I'll probably check at least the first two episodes.
Not really feeling the other drama teasers out recently - Murim School looks ridiculous (and in an unintentional way, not like Sassy Go Go), Descendants of the Sun looks like it has really solid acting but a potentially infuriating male lead (standard MO for KES dramas), and the new Lee Kyung-hee drama looks like it's got pretty and very little else (Suzy and Kim Woo-bin are giving me Lee Min-ho/Park Shin-hye vibes.....very pretty people, sure, but just being good-looking and doing romantic stuff onscreen does not equal chemistry). I hope I'm wrong.
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 1, 2016 at 1:02 PM
Cheese in the trap
Descendants
any story that feels real
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 8:49 PM
Suzy and Kim Woo-bin are giving me Lee Min-ho/Park Shin-hye vibes…..very pretty people, sure, but just being good-looking and doing romantic stuff onscreen does not equal chemistry
Well said pogo! The same goes for So Ji-Sub and Shin MinA in OMV.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 9:14 PM
To be fair to So Ji-sub/Shin Mina, I think they actually do have chemistry, and had it even when she was chubbier. (and frankly, I'm surprised I bought it to this degree, wasn't sure they really would pull it off)
Kim Woo-bin/Suzy otoh are giving me serious vibes of that first 'do I like you' scene in Heirs. You know, the scene that had everyone squealing 'OMG THE CHEMISTRY' when in reality it was just two pretty people sharing a screen and giving each other looks. All flat, no spark.
(and if I were to compare the mic-fixing scene in their teaser to the IU/Kim Soo-hyun one in Producer? There is absolutely NO contest about which one is hotter/actually has some feeling in it)
pebble
January 1, 2016 at 10:23 PM
I don't know why, OMV just got on my nerves. I actually like SJS and SMA individually, but it went so horribly wrong in OMV that when they tried to act raunchy on screen, instead of finding them sexy or romantic, it felt so off putting, eg, their fell flat onto each other scenes during workout, and SMA tying a big ribbon on her head. Considering that I loved seeing SMA with JK in Arang and the Magistrates, I don't know why I dislike her so much in OMV, probably you are right, this has nothing to do with whether the pair has chemistry or not, it is the overall feel of the drama which made me feel repulsive.
I don't quite like IU in The Producers, but still, she and KSH feels quite compatible, though not so much in terms of on screen chemistry. Yeah, I get what you mean here. Also, I'm quite apprehensive of the IU/JK pairing in bbjx, hopefully it will turn out well, fingers crossed!
pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 2, 2016 at 12:40 AM
yeah, I think the way the drama handles those up close situations definitely has something to do with whether it comes across as 'too much' or not.
I mean, Sassy Go Go had multiple instances of falling-on-top-of-each-other, being crammed into close quarters while hiding, close contact to save a girl from danger, and somehow I never, not once, thought it seemed contrived or laboured - even though it totally WAS contrived, it didn't feel it. But yeah, sometimes it does come down to actors, and the Lightly Ardently teaser has to be the first time I've ever found Kim Woo-bin bland. Hope the final product is better...god knows he's going to be the one who needs to carry it.
I don't actually fear the age gap or IU's skill levels for BBJX, what I do fear is her character being underwritten or reduced to a caricature the way Lee Yubi was in SWWTN. That was something they would never have dared to do to Shin Mina when she was starring opposite oppa, and ultimately it made for a better drama AND better chemistry. Even a fairly solid young actress will struggle to generate any chemistry if she's got nothing to work with.
But at least Producer taught me that IU can emote well enough to handle lots of close-ups. And the BBJX PD, Kim Tae-gyu, LOVES his extreme close-ups lol.
9 korfan
January 1, 2016 at 7:09 AM
Hi Everyone! ....... I hope you are all doing well today. ...... Happy New Year!
Watched this week:
Six Flying Dragons - Oh my goodness, this is truly a can't miss drama. Simply awesome. ....... Gil Tae-mi, you'll be missed.
Remember - Just started this. Yoo Seung-ho! So good to see him in dramaland once again! ....... And oh wow, Namgoong Min. He is throwing himself into this role and just letting go. The results are truly amazing ..... and downright scary.
Oh My Venus - Not a complicated watch, but that's ok. The main couple is good together and I think that's why people tune in.
That's all for now. ....... Thanks to all of you for making 2015 so much fun! ......I wish you all a new year full of health, happiness and good things. ...... May 2016 be full of interesting dramas and great discussions here in th OT. ........ Everyone take care and have a great day!
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 1, 2016 at 9:19 AM
I never really felt YSH but now!!! wow! the feels!
Have a wonderful new year!
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korfan
January 1, 2016 at 9:28 AM
Carole -
Thank you. Have a great new year also!
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 1, 2016 at 12:15 PM
I did use an example from OMV to explain what kdrama-ness was to a non-watcher:
On Christmas Eve, the aimless young man - a street fighter - who was taken in by a compassionate Chaebol (rich heir of a top Korean conglomerate) with his own history of suffering, gets a phone call from his birth mother who hasn't seen him since she gave him up after he was born in jail that she wants to see him. Chaebol is happy for him, tosses him his keys and tells him to take his car to meet his mother. In the meantime, the overseeing loyal director of the Chaebol's affairs discovers there is a plot by a disgruntled family member-in-law to kill the Chabeol that night. Realizing that the murderer is going to ram his car, and of course he is not the one driving it, Chaebol dashes off the intercept the planned accident which results in him being badly hurt and laid up for a year. All of his childhood memories of painful treatments for cancer (not to mention losing his mother at the same time) flood his mind and he is troubled. He keeps himself in isollation from those who care about him to "work through it" for a year. And that's just one in-the-middle episode :)
I'm not sure the scenario convinced him to watch a kdrama., but certainly is is an example of a typical convoluted kdrama plot. That's what I love so much about them!
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korfan
January 1, 2016 at 7:46 PM
owl -
"kdrama-ness" .... I'm liking that word.
But yes, your example is a good one to describe said kdrama-ness.
I haven't watched the middle episodes yet, but now I want to get to them because I want to know what happens!
Happy New Year!
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pebble
January 1, 2016 at 9:33 PM
The kdrama-ness irony is it takes no time for them to openly express their love but at the most crucial moments, there will always be missed communication and miscommunication or some noble idiocy type good intention which lead to unnecessary angst and separation and if lucky, there will be a teary reunion a year or more later, else, an open-ended ambiguous ending.
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10 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
January 1, 2016 at 7:25 AM
Happy new year for everyone! I hope 2016 will bring more joy n success to all of us ?
My wishes for this year :
1) Kim So Eun get a lead role, i want to see her in a melodrama but playing a strong woman. I am imagining to see her being a lawyer or prosecutor, or maybe chaebol's daughter who is smart. I hope 2016 will bring more luck for her. ??
2) Kim seul gi getting a lead role as well! Chaebal, this girl is too good to be wasted ?
Excited to see many new dramas like saimdang n goodbye mr black. For now im just watching LMIYD, IHAL, started on 6FD & Merchant but just few episodes only.
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11 CaroleMcDonnell
January 1, 2016 at 7:30 AM
Happy new year to all!
Am hoping everyone keeps healthy and are blessed with good friends, happiness, success. I'm chill right now.. been kinda stuck in bed but am getting good at writing from a prone bedridden position. Am feeling weirdly calm and accepting of life. No hoping or fearing... just am. Perhaps I've finally grown old and accepting of how strange life can be.
Dramas:
Six Flying Dragons: Oh my gosh! episode 25...well, let's just say I forgot to breathe several times. I seriously love how the romances are soooooo present even when the lovers don't talk about love. Boon yi's and future prince's conversations are seriously romantic and even erotic. The tender friendship is such perfection.
Scandal in Old Seoul: Fun. I'm beginning to like this particular period of Korean history. Maybe I'll just sit myself down and watch Gaksital.
All about Mom: Wondering what will happen now that the love lives of all Mom's kids are all settled.. kinda. Am so not liking the love story forgiveness heart. I feel so mean and unforgiving but eh. Now that the adults will now have to super beg for their love lives to be accepted or at least understood....loving the whole idea o turnabout being fairplay. Love is what changes revolutions (as six flying dragon states)
Glamorous Temptation: Still not watching but still perversely interested.
Waiting for Sweet Savage Family and Remember -- Master's Son.
Awaiting Descendants of the sun.
Saw some great and some silly movies: A distant spring, Coffin on the mountain, the two in tracksuits (which I'd been hoping to watch for years)
Not much else happening.
Have a great weekend, all.
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john
January 1, 2016 at 7:54 AM
Carole ~
Glamorous Temptation: The crazy is there waiting for your return.
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 1, 2016 at 8:01 AM
I suppose I should watch it and engage with the weirdness. I saw a recap about daddy's will. Ah me. Twenty more episodes to go with this woman's weirdness. It's malice-porn and we'll have to wane through all this desperate spite... can I do it?
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korfan
January 1, 2016 at 9:39 AM
Carole -
Oh my! I'm already interested in ep 25 of Six Flying Dragons! ...... I'm barely up to ep 18 though. ...... It's truly a fantastic drama. I'm glad you're enjoying it also.
I'm looking forward to Descendants of the Sun also. I'm curious about the whole pre-produced situation and how that affected, if it did, the final product that ends up on our screen.
Happy New Year to you too!
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 1, 2016 at 10:58 AM
Hopefully drama production will change from live-shoots as the d ecade moves on. Speaking of pre-produced... SFD is dang good and hasn't fallen off.... live shoot or not?
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korfan
January 1, 2016 at 7:56 PM
Carole -
You're right. SFD hasn't fallen off at all. ...... I'm going to guess that if you're going the live-shoot route, you either have to get a long enough head start in shooting, maintain a good enough shooting pace to keep that cushion of time and hope the production doesn't experience any unforeseen hiccups along the way that might delay things ...... or, you have the entire script already written and you don't make any changes, period---in which case, it would delay things.
Then again, sometimes the planets just line up and drama magic happens, live-shoot or no live-shoot, right? :)
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nomad
January 2, 2016 at 8:33 AM
SFD...SFD...SFD...SFD...SFD...
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12 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
January 1, 2016 at 7:33 AM
Ohh cleberating new year today by watching Dilwale, a Bollywood movie and i love it. It is not something extraordinary , a typical Bollywood movie but turn out good, thanks to the power of Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol. I am not a fan of bollywood movies but did watch some B-movies. But this is the first time watching it at cinema and the feeling was different. Love its songs like Janam Janam n Gerua. SRK stil doesnt lose his charisma even he is older, and Kajol stil pretty. I did enjoy it ;)
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kimchikay
January 1, 2016 at 7:42 PM
OOOOoooo I'm going to go watch Dilwale tomorrow and am hoping I like it as much as you did. SRK and Kajol are my favorite OTP since I could understand Hindi so I knew I'd have to check it out.
On other note though - have you seen Bajirao Mastani?! Oh goddess, it's absolutely breathtaking...I walked out wishing I could capture every single frame of that movie and making it into a poster. Also fantastic acting by the cast and despite Priyanka Chopra not being the main lead in the movie, she stole the show.
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13 ahsaem
January 1, 2016 at 7:37 AM
I watched I remember you last week and loved it! Seo in gook and Park bo gum were just so, so good, it hurts my heart every time I think about their reunion scene.
One day before the KBS awards , I had hoped that Seo in gook and Park bo gum would win Best couple but sadly that did not happen. :(
Thanks for the recommendation, recappers.
If you haven't watched it, you're missing out on good stuff.
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14 cc
January 1, 2016 at 7:42 AM
AppleP over at soompi said:
"the upcoming Reply series:
Reply 1970's (90% focus on the adult life. all the hot daddy played by actors that born in 70's : Gong Yoo, Yoong Sang Hyun, So Ji Sub, Cha Seung Won, Joo Jin-Mo, Jang Dong Gun, etc)
...
Reply Joseon era (goat sound probably changed to horse sound)
..."
Love her idea about the 1970's and the horse neighing sound for Joseon era =)).
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Princess
January 2, 2016 at 12:31 PM
oMG that would be AWESOMEE the ratings would be so high since all of those actors have big fanbases HAHA
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15 Selendrile
January 1, 2016 at 7:43 AM
uh , hi dramabeans community Happy New Year to everybody I'm new at this open thread thingy so don't know all the rule yet , do we only talk about Kdrama here or anything go ? cause I just watch a Thai drama on Youtube call 'Cubic' the story line really good lead actor was horrible and the directing is worst than what my teenage brother did for his short film as a project in school but I just love the story line and the whole time watching keep thinking "omg if only this got a remake to Kdrama imagine what they could do with this
Anyway if this thread only talk about Kdrama then please forgive me for this I'm just not sure about the rules on open thread yet , thanks for always be here and make me feel less like the only crazy person who ever laugh and cry for a drama
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growingbeautifully
January 1, 2016 at 7:56 AM
Hi @Selendrile
Welcome to the OT. This is the one place you can talk about anything at all (that is not offensive) and even if you want to mention spoilers, that's OK as long as you put up a spoiler warning in your post.
Any kind of drama from anywhere is fine and you can even talk about yourself! :)
So come on in and enjoy yourself here!
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korfan
January 1, 2016 at 8:12 AM
Selendrile -
Welcome to OT! Glad you could join us. Happy New Year!
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john
January 1, 2016 at 8:25 AM
Selendrile ~
Welcome to the OT. Any film or drama topics are welcome.
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16 sartorius
January 1, 2016 at 7:49 AM
Happy New Year my fellow DBers! It's been a while as kdramas havent really been grabbing my attention last year...the selections of dramas are really narrow now that the website that shall not be named basically took away TVN shows which is like a good 60% on kdramas that i was watching and i refuse to support that site and their shitty subs! So ive been watching more KMovies and so far i havent been disappointed. I pray that this year's drama offering are mucho better that last years!
PS i read DB's post on the award shows. M not at all surprised anymore at all three channels basically giving awards to the people they like and would want to come back! But on the fashion side of things, maybe its because m just noticing or something but the ladies were pulling of some ridiculously high platforms and heels...m wondering how the hell they were able to walk in them!!! What's up with that?
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17 graey
January 1, 2016 at 7:57 AM
Happy OT! and Happy New Year! This holiday has been quite un-cheertastic(lol?). It's a good thing I have dramas(and the whistle song from Sassy Go Go). It makes everything better. :)
Healer - Finally lol. I've put off watching the finale for so long heh. I'll miss the gang but I can't say that I loved the drama. Sure I like it and I love the characters(and after this and What's Up, Song Ji Na is now one of my faves). But after the last ep, well... I can't put it to words. I don't feel much. But that might not be drama's fault. Because it's how I generally felt about the dramas I finish lately.
Miss Korea - But not this one hehe. This drama ran away with my heart. It may not be cracktastic but I love it. And I loved everyone. I understood the characters and their reasoning(even bada). And I felt like I was part of the gang. I hurt with them. I cheer for and with them. The Lee's were especially winning. I loved Lee Yeon Hee as Ji Young(I'm glad I saw her first here). Sun Kyung is adorkable. Mi Sook is the caring person with a cold front. And Lee Sung Min is wonderful(loved Jung Sem a bit more than Chief Oh. Sorrynotsorry lol). The two OTPs have my heart. And I didn't mind the kisses(or the lack thereof esp. in the finale). I have this weird habit of checking out the drama's kisses(to see if the wait is worth it lol). But the OTP's here didn't need to show their affection. You just know that they love each other and that was enough for me. Plus if you're wondering why dramaland is full of doormats and candies for heroines, this is the show for you.
Splash Splash Love - Amazing leads. And the story's great(esp. when you turn your brain off lol). I even liked the cute queen-bodyguard sidestory. And is it just me or does the directing give MV vibes?
The Lover - The first episodes had me in stitches. And the last eps tugged at my heartstrings. I'm surprised at how this show came to be. Daring and refreshing. And the actors have my admiration for doing what their bravery lol. Kudos to them especially Jun Young.
Pride - I've always assumed that Jdoramas would have slow-paced romance despite the show's length(I blame the romance mangas I love to hate lol). So the only Jdrama I've finished is Rookies. But then came this one and boy, was I wrong. After the first ep I felt like I've just gone through halfway of a Kdrama. And I also thought that the heroine would be close to a candy. But no. She was so great. I honestly didn't like the hero so much. But the character developments wowed me(of not only the leads ehem). Bonus points for having sports.
Orange Days - Not yet finished but loving this drama. I need more Jdramas lol.
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fay17
January 1, 2016 at 9:07 AM
Is miss korea that good? I started watching it,but then lost interest at episode 4 or something.
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MapleSilver
January 1, 2016 at 10:10 AM
It depends on what you like in a drama. This drama is an ensemble piece so everybody gets good treatment. I like the slight nostalgic feeling it brings, I like the mature romance, I like the strong woman characters, the competitions to survive without resorting to your usual drama cliches, the subtle humor, and the awesome OST. Yes, it is slow sometimes but I love so many of the characters I don't mind too much.
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lynper
January 1, 2016 at 11:34 AM
I loved Miss Korea. The plot sounded so predictable but there were lots of plot shifts and surprises. And the heroine was so capable! Also loved the second couple and the humor. I started watching it because of the rave it got here earlier and am glad that I did.
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graey
January 1, 2016 at 3:50 PM
It's hard to get through the first 4 eps or so. But once the team gets together, everything gets better. I guess it's not for everybody? It's not really my kind of drama(I like it fast-paced. But considering dramaland's offers, I've learned to compromise lol). If it was draggy, I didn't feel it. I love how the drama took its sweet time. But don't worry, the pageant doesn't happen in the finale(yay!). :)
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Vivliv
January 1, 2016 at 9:49 AM
I love Pride and Orange days. Does anybody know any similar Japanese dramas? Or any other that has a mature romance ...
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kimchikay
January 1, 2016 at 7:46 PM
I recommend Love Revolution...it's older but fantastic.
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18 azkaa
January 1, 2016 at 8:06 AM
Six Flying Dragons is a-ma-zing. Nuff said.
On the other hand, i've been meaning to start Reply 88 but gosh how to gather the mood. Let's make that this year's first resolution haha.
Anyway, anyone following 1N2D? Last ep they show behind the scene of KBS Ent. Awards and they meet Park Bo Gum & the members jokingly invite him to be new member. What to say, I APPROVE!! We all need more of Park Bo Gum in our life <3
Well then, happy new year! May 2016 will be another great year for us all and of course, more well-written cohesive entertaining drama for us to sink in :D
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korfan
January 1, 2016 at 8:21 AM
azka -
"Lee Bangji's groupie" ..... *smiling*
Six Flying Dragons is quite amazing indeed! Glad you're enjoying it!
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azkaa
January 2, 2016 at 2:08 AM
Here's for another amazing 24 episodes of Six Flying Dragons for us to enjoy :D
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 9:44 AM
well, I would like to see Bogummie in Running man as well. <But 1N2D might also be good, I would like to see his cooking skills or something like that
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azkaa
January 2, 2016 at 2:11 AM
Bogum in RM is more likely, i am surprised that he hasn't been there and remember it's Lee Hyunwoo who has been RM guest lol they really give similar vibe.
I'd really like to see him in 1n2d though, his presence will change the whole dynamic. He seems to be this polite, all-smiling kind junior who will be loved by his hyungs haha that must be cute
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redfox
January 2, 2016 at 8:52 AM
he seems so pre-rock´n´roll era polite and nice, but also kind of cheeky. yes, he is. sometimes his smile can be so mischievous. it is not always innocent hehe
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19 Noclue
January 1, 2016 at 8:08 AM
Happy New Year, everyone! In the spirit of new beginnings, can I ask a question? In a lot of dramas there seems to be a point where the lead couple go their separate ways for about a year and then reunite in the final episode for a new start. (E.g. Master's Sun, Goong.) Is there a particular reason it happens so much, or is it just to allow characters to finish off their character development arc off screen? Every time it happens I just think - surely not again??? Thank you!
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Delurker
January 1, 2016 at 9:58 AM
To me, it is just that a regular happy ending would be too easy; the couple have to suffer that extra bit before they earn their reward, and get their epic reunion scene. Although it can also be that they like separation angst; sometimes the OTP just parts ways at the end because one of them decides that there is something else they need to do for personal growth...
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20 elric
January 1, 2016 at 8:50 AM
Hi guys! Happy New Year!!
Oh well, I just came here to express my deep deep love for Splish Splash Love. I just watch it yesterday. And OH MY GOD! Too much adorableness, squee-factor, and heartache in a two-episode drama just hooked me completely. I desperately want Seul-gi’s first ever lead drama role to be with Doo-joon. Please drama gods, make this happen. I’m begging you!
Now I’m in a terrible dilemma. I was planning on watching Kill Me Heal Me but I found out that Doo-joon was in Let’s Eat, I don’t know what to watch first. Or maybe I should just watch Splash Love again?
Sigh . . .
Oh well. Have a very sqhappy new year Beanies!!! Hoping for loads more better dramas this 2016! Excited for Cheese in a Trap and One More Happy Ending.
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Delurker
January 1, 2016 at 9:45 AM
It depends on the mood you're in; Let's Eat is pretty light throughout, while KMHM has a dark backstory. I'd say go for Let's Eat first, while you're on a Doo-joon high; it will keep it up ;)
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 9:46 AM
watch Kill Me, Heal Me. (well, my personal opinion, no matter how great Lets Eat might be, it appears I really cants stand obsessive eating on screen)
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Delurker
January 1, 2016 at 10:05 AM
That's were fast-forwarding comes in; I have used it to great effect in both LE instalments :p
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 12:42 PM
I feel like we should actually send a petition to MBC or something, to get Kim Seul-gi and Yoon Doo-joon back together in a full-length drama. They are just too, too good together, that chemistry needs to be seen in other projects!
If you're choosing between dramas, I'd say watch Splish Splash Love again! And then, if you don't mind being hungry a lot, watch Let's Eat. That was the drama that woke me up to Yoon Doo-joon, and he was a revelation in it (ok, not now that you've seen SSL, but I didn't even know who he was when I first watched LE).
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elric
January 2, 2016 at 6:31 PM
Let's have them in a drama and also a movie!
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21 wonhwa
January 1, 2016 at 9:10 AM
Still recovering from episode 25 of Six Flying Dragons. Dark and a whole lot of blood, but interwoven with beautiful storytelling moments and character payoffs. Go show!
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22 Haifss
January 1, 2016 at 9:11 AM
Why did Dramabean cross Master of Trade—Inn 2015 (KBS),
Sweet Savage Family (MBC),
Remember—Son's War (SBS), and Answer Me 1988 (tvN)?
Am I missing something?
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elric
January 1, 2016 at 9:20 AM
I think I read somewhere that there will be no broadcasts for two weeks for R88. I guess the other dramas crossed out don't have a scheduled broadcasts for this week also.
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juniper
January 1, 2016 at 9:27 AM
I think that means that they're not airing this week.
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23 owl 🦉 🫰
January 1, 2016 at 10:05 AM
Happy New Year!
OMV - *indirect spoiler* I wish I liked this a little less or hated it a little more ~ I want to watch it and let the relationship-building process go, but I just can't . I mean, I know Young-Ho has issues and works through them in isolation (not that I think it's the best thing to do, but I accept that his character is that way). And I know Joo-Eun gives him the space he demands, but now that they are back together because he decided to see her once he is "fixed," they still operate as a couple through ESP. The drama wants the viewer to say "I guess so" but this is the point at which I can't agree that the relationship is really what it is portrayed to be. It doesn't take me there.
Bottom line, it is too much about looks, still. Sorry, offering it as a health thing isn't working for me. Also, the chaebol family story line isn't connecting, either.
I can't even with the second leads...it's hard to like people who are good to others only when they get what they want.
Remember - War of a Son- really great acting. Scary legal world.
Looking forward to Signal and Moorim School~
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0xxXxx0
January 1, 2016 at 12:26 PM
OMV - Agree! I like the show on the whole enough to wish I could completely love it.
However, for me, the couple is what makes it. Both characters are sufficient unto themselves as people, which is so rare. They feel like compatible adults who don't expect to be completed by the other.
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24 yasminsatria
January 1, 2016 at 10:32 AM
Happy new year! hoping in 2016, dramaland will give us much more exciting drama than last year.
Right now, thanks to absent of Reply 1988, I finally try to watch Nirvana in Fire.
Woah, that drama is really awesome. Cinematography and acting is superb, and more importantly the writing. All the character, from protagonist to antagonist, from backstory to the present, all of them woven nicely that I just can't stop watching it. In two days, I already marathon it to episode 13 (thanks to new year vacation).
Man, Hu ge and Wang Kai *heart*
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25 alasecond
January 1, 2016 at 10:49 AM
finally watched master's sun...pleasantly surprised..n the second leads are adorable...nice romcom
so ya thanks for recommending
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26 Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 11:27 AM
Let's dish out some Awards:
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 11:27 AM
The Grumpy for the best multiple-character performance goes to:
Kim So-hyun (School 2015)
Ji Sung (KMHM)
Hyun Bin (Hyde, Jekyll)
Park Soo-ae (Mask)
Park Bo-young (Oh My Ghost)
Park Soo-ae didn't have much to work with when it came to her second "character". It's not Ji Sung's fault that a handful of 2-dimensional characters still don't make a single 3D one. I respect Hyun Bin way too much to talk about the mess he had to go through.
Final decision between Kim So-hyun and Park Bo-young. Kim So-hyun excelled with the appropriately subtler differences between her two characters, she made great use of her set of of core acting abilities. Deductions mostly from the writing and shooting department: Awkward scenes with both characters in it, and the overall misguided character arcs that didn't help the actress.
Park Bo-young wasn't subtle at all with her respective approaches to both characters, but then again, she didn't play twins. Her ability to replicate Kim Seul-gi's mannerisms to a tee was almost unreal, and her shrinking violet routine on the other hand was surprisingly touching (in an often second-hand embarrassing way). In fact, without her ability to give those ridiculous characters some human touch, and at the same time to let them stay comedy characters, the show wouldn't have worked at all.
Congratulations!
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 11:40 AM
The Timeslot Champion Grumpy goes to:
KBS Mon/Tue (Healer, I Remember You, Sassy Go Go)
MBC Wed/Thu (KMHM, Angry Mom, She Was Pretty)
SBS Mon/Tue (Punch, Grapevine, Mrs Cop)
tvN Fri/Sat (Oh My Ghost, Twenty Again, Reply 1988)
MBC once again did a great job of headlining shows that simply didn't click with me. I personally thought that "Angry Mom" was the strongest one out of the three ones listed, and even that show seemed to be a few years too late. But even from a more objective perspective (or a more target-audience-aware one), the MBC slot cannot compete with the other three.
During spring, SBS had both "Punch" and "Grapevine" under their belt and two very promising shows coming up in this time slot. How did they screw this up? Well, lucky you, tvN and KBS.
tvN featured two different interesting time slots, but the weekend slot really cranked up the heat in the second half of the year. "Oh My Ghost", "Twenty Again"and finally "Reply 1988" in direct succession, now that is nothing to sneeze at.
KBS did show a remarkable range and quality in their Monday-Tuesday primetime shows this year. Some shows did disappoint ("Oh My Venus", "Blood", "School 2015"), but they did try. And "Virtual Bride" was quite a daring curveball in that slot too. The three selected shows are all "must-see"-shows of the year, all three take risks and get their pay-off, all three combine a solid base with certain excellency in some aspects (and all three did get bad TV ratings).
I personally might have enjoyed the tvN programming just a tad more than KBS, but I cannot ignore the extraordinary effort by KBS. Especially "I Remember You" and "Sassy Go Go" deserve a lot more love than they received.
But I have to stick to the rules here, and tvN takes the trophy home by a whisker.
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merry
January 1, 2016 at 12:41 PM
Very refreshing take, Jon G. It takes some getting used to and would love some synapse to be activated. So is GRUMPY awards' counter-intuitive? Teach me a bit (I'm a perpetual student) - who you award is that which made you grumpy (because they were so good???; unfulfilled potential???). This is way more interesting than the big 3 broadcasters' awards in sK. Now, i treat the latter more like their family day , so do not really take them seriously. that is why our favorite blogs' posts on these, including this one, can just really be about the fashion. please develop it some more Jon GRUMPY. Best if they come out before the new year.
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 1:22 PM
Any resemblance between the acronym G.R.U.M.P.Y. and any word of any language ever or any state of mind of any regular poster on DB is utterly and purely coincidental.
I also want to dispel any rumours about K-dramas making me grumpy. I already was grumpy in the first place.
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 12:21 PM
The Grumpy for the Best Couple goes to:
Mask: Choi Min-woo & Byun Ji-suk (Joo Ji-hoon & Park Soo-ae)
Healer: Seo Jung-hoo & Chae Young-shin (Ji Chang-wook & Park Min-young)
Twenty Again: Cha Hyun-suk & Ha No-ra (Lee Sang-yoon & Choi Ji-won)
Reply 1988: Sun-woo & Bo-ra (Go Kyung-pyo & Ryu Hye-young)
Punch: Park Jung-hwan & Lee Tae-joon (Kim Rae-won & Jo Jae-hyun)
Well, simple decision here. Sun-woo and Bo-ra were easily the most surprising, most stunning, most exciting and most unlikely couple I've ever experienced in a K-drama. The couple is a rather stupid idea in the first place: two very peripheral and roughly sketched characters with very different design and purpose approaches. Suddenly they get dragged into the spotlight for no reason what-so-ever, and without any of the restrictions of more central character roles, the writer goes on a writing spree with them. Almost everything can go wrong at this point. Or not.
Congratulations to whoever had the balls to come up with the idea in the first place. And congratulations to both actors.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 12:37 PM
I love Sun-woo and Bora as a couple, too - they're a very neat gender reversal of the usual tsundere/sweet girl pairings we get in kdramas.
Though tsundere heroines are practically a hallmark of the Answer Me franchise now, and in some ways, Bora is the true spiritual successor to Sung Shi-won and Sung Na-jung. Way more than (far too bland) Deok-sun, anyway, and enough to make me sometimes wish Bora was the heroine. And I love that Bora and Sun-woo TALK to each other, even with all that she withholds.
My personal happy couple award would have gone to Go Ah-sung and Lee Joon for Heard It Through the Grapevine. They're that rare bird in dramaland - a young couple who sped straight into a mostly-happy, mutually supportive marriage and parenthood, but find that it's still tough going. I like that their battles aren't about getting together or admitting their feelings, it's about everything that comes after.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 12:38 PM
oops, html fail.
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Jon G.
January 1, 2016 at 1:18 PM
I disqualified all the great romantic relationships from "Grapevine" on grounds of not matching the requirements of being K-drama couples (with the exception of Han Jung-ho and Choi Yun-hee). You already made a very good list of crimes Bom and In-sang committed against the very principles of K-drama coupledom.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 7:04 PM
welp, you got me there - Bom and In-sang are really just a couple, not a k-drama couple at all!
I guess by that standard (no noble idiocy, plenty of mutual support/respect for each other, behaving like normal people) that disqualifies Lee Won-geun and Jung Eunji of Sassy Go Go too (who would be my other candidates)
pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 1, 2016 at 7:06 PM
oh, and honesty. No secret identities, no lies, no forced anything....yeah, they're not really a kdrama couple.
Jon G.
January 2, 2016 at 2:48 AM
@pogo
I digress, but who cares:
I'm a bit divided when it comes to "Sassy Go Go" there. The first half of the show followed the stock Young Adult romance plot very, very closely, only in a compressed version. Definitely a K-drama couple, and not a particularly interesting one, for me. After that, the show stopped trying to milk it for drama, or for anything at all. Mostly because the show seemed to run out of time. I disagree that there is no noble idiocy, for example, there is just not enough time for it to drag it out. It's there, but it only lasts a few minutes within episode 11.
pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 2, 2016 at 4:00 AM
sure, Sassy Go Go had its roots in every trope featured in every high school drama ever - a competition with something at stake, a top student hero, an everygirl heroine, a mean girl, and their assorted friends and hijinx. You'll get no argument from me on that score - but the couple there simply don't indulge in any of the things that kdrama couples do, to draw things out. And that remains steady from Day 1 - for instance, he actually tells her why he needs her help to do the cheerleading thing. An ordinary kdrama would have hidden that info till at least halfway through, or had her find out another way - but that discoslure straight from the male lead, was practically a mission statement that this show wasn't going to follow established patterns.
Hell, even the fact that their parents are dating doesn't cause them to think even for a minute that they need to break up - that is a MASSIVE deviation from normal kdrama couple thought patterns. The only thing approximating noble idiocy in the drama, doesn't even happen between the couple - it happens between the two male leads, as best friends (instigated by the second male lead).
Sure, the 12-episode count doesn't give the story enough time to wallow in any couple-separation antics, but the behaviour patterns of the couple remain consistent throughout and show no signs of falling into kdrama patterns even when you think they might.
I can see how they wouldn't be very interesting - their concerns are pretty everyday and trivial compared to some of the things people in kdramas go through. But I did find them refreshing.
Jon G.
January 2, 2016 at 10:20 AM
True, usually he should have kept up the pressure much longer before trying this strategy. But that didn't seem to be a stage in their relationship so much as a stage in the plot.
True, that was funny: Hard cut to both of them emotionally blackmailing their parents into giving up their relationship.
Anyway, I enjoyed the lack of otherwise inevitable stock plot sequences a lot. What I didn't particularly enjoy was the utter lack of any conflict at all. After the initial "belligerent sexual tension" phase (made only just bareable by Jung Eun-ji for me), there was no measurable conflict anymore. Consequently, Soo-ah turned into the actual female lead for several episodes. And after her conflict was solved (terribly, I might add), the show didn't really know what to do anymore.
pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
January 2, 2016 at 12:11 PM
Honestly, they didn't need conflict, I rather liked that we had a relationship that was largely without one, other than them reconciling their differing povs on how to deal with things. They did more talking than pretty much any kdrama couple I've seen in the last year.
I do think the lack of the usual romance tropes helped to emphasise that the show was (very idealistically) about friendship, not romance. Which was also hammered home by the fact that they team up only after he makes the disclosure that he needs to save his friend.
redfox
January 1, 2016 at 11:10 PM
the Sun-Woo and Bora couple is the one who gives us insight, they are like emotion detectives and their conversations help to find the balance in all the complicated dynamics. Ilove that they reveal to each other everything that they have no guts to tell anyone else. and mainly for that reason I don´t think they will stay together...
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Jon G.
January 2, 2016 at 2:32 AM
Well, they are still very young anyway. It's the first relationship for Sun-woo and the first serious relationship for Bo-ra, they are not particularly well matched in the long run, it's rather unlikely that they will stay together forever.
If they avoid marriage, they will probably break up after Bo-ra finishes college at the latest.
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redfox
January 2, 2016 at 8:54 AM
yeah, how to say, their relationship fills a purpose here and now, but in the long run it might lose the meaning.
Jon G.
January 2, 2016 at 9:23 AM
... and they already learned more about relationships (and everything else) than almost all other K-drama couples ever did ...
27 Jamie
January 1, 2016 at 1:00 PM
Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2016 is a wonderful year for all.
I rarely write comments here on Dramabeans, but I wanted to do so in this OT for my parents; I know I have watched way fewer dramas than many Beanies have, and I would like to ask for recommendations for dramas from you all for my parents. K-dramas that they’ve enjoyed include She Was Pretty, Oh My Ghostess, Healer, Yong-pal (for the first two-thirds), and Dae Jang Geum (this is a favourite of theirs). As for J-dramas, they liked Liar Game, Galileo, I’m Home, Tenno no Ryoriban, and Tamiou. (They’re currently watching Hero with Kimura Takuya as well, and seem to love it.) They disliked Nine and Queen In-hyun’s Man (calling them too illogical) and my dad didn’t like Misaeng because he found it way too depressing. They also will not watch revenge dramas.
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bbstl 🧹
January 1, 2016 at 2:04 PM
Maybe My Princess and Last Scandal of my Life, they have a She was Pretty feel to them. The classic Coffee Prince is always good and a lot of people love Pasta. The gold standard for me is My Name is Kim Sam Soon.
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28 redfox
January 1, 2016 at 1:08 PM
I Need Romance 3?
I would say I Hear Your Voice, but how would they take to the age difference... seems like they are into sweet-natured romantic top pairs though.
Painter of the wind might be good, a bit more sophisticated.
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redfox
January 1, 2016 at 1:09 PM
oops, this was a reply to Jamie.
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Jamie
January 3, 2016 at 11:52 AM
Thanks for the suggestions, guys!
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29 sammi
January 1, 2016 at 4:02 PM
Anyone watching Youth Over Flower in Iceland? It's ridiculously funny and cute! The bromance is too real, and then there's Jong Woo. He's unexpectedly goofy and stubborn! I hope he goes on more variety shows, this is the first I've really seen of him. I watched him briefly in Reply 1994, but I got to know more of his personality through this.
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Kent
January 1, 2016 at 5:17 PM
I couldn't find the show. Which site did you see it on?
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sammi
January 1, 2016 at 5:38 PM
I watched it on ondemandkorea.com.
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Boomboompow
January 3, 2016 at 8:48 AM
Is this subbed anywhere? I am dying to watch this!
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30 kent
January 1, 2016 at 6:49 PM
Thank you so much.
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31 rikamayaz
January 3, 2016 at 8:27 AM
Do anyone have access to Mom's Dead Upset :( I can't find it in websites like gooddrama.com
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sunnyl
January 4, 2016 at 4:17 AM
One of dramas which did not make any impression on me. Still don't know why it was popular - could be writer Kim Soo-hyun.
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32 Wen
January 7, 2016 at 4:49 AM
Can dramabeans make movie recap too? Moviebeans maybe ;A;
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