Be a Dramabeans recap minion: Now taking applications!

145 April 1, 2016March 31, 2016

Be a Dramabeans recap minion: Now taking applications!

by javabeans

It’s time for another round of minion tryouts! We don’t do this often (we first took applications two years ago), but we’re opening up Dramabeans to try out new writers. We love our little family, but now we’re all overworked and we know there are still dramas that are slipping through the cracks, and here’s your chance to save a show. Won’t you save a poor, orphaned drama from obscurity?

If you’re passionate about dramas and would like to be a part of our crazy family, we want to hear from you. We’re mostly in search of recappers, but are also interested in news writers (news requires literacy in Korean). We do pay after an initial training period.

Instructions for recaps:

Write a sample recap of an episode not recapped on Dramabeans. Make sure to include a comments section. No screencaps necessary.
Tell us about you and a few of your favorite dramas. You don’t have to write an essay; we just want to know a little bit about you and how your tastes run. Also, let us know if you need subtitles, or if you can recap raw episodes from Korean.
If you have a blog, send us your link. This does not replace the sample recap step.
Email your sample to hello @ dramabeans.com. We’ll accept Word or text documents, PDFs, or recaps written into the body of the email.

Instructions for news:

Select a news article from a Korean source, on something we haven’t written about on Dramabeans. Write a news post and send us the link to the original article.
Tell us about yourself and what areas of news most interest you.
Email your sample to hello @ dramabeans.com.

Deadline: Midnight on Sunday, April 10, 2016

Tips:

Make sure your sample is proofread and ready to publish. (We won’t be publishing them, but we want to see a finished product.)
You don’t have to recap the first episode of a series, but they are easier to follow. You might have better luck with a first episode than one in the middle.
Spend some time on the comments section. Pretend nobody’s watched the show yet, as though you’re recapping it on the day it aired.
Don’t worry about sounding like us or using our lingo; we want you to sound like you.

Happy recapping!

Tags: bloggy

145

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1 PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 1, 2016 at 6:18 AM

The last time applications opened was 2 years ago?

Time doesn't just fly... it zooms, hurtles and hustles... -_-

Good luck to those applying! Recap-writing is not up my alley or ability (esp the comments section. I'm always grateful for that part!).

And thank you DB for all these times! I hope the background mess clears up soon.

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 1, 2016 at 6:20 AM

Why is this first comment... >_>

But, HWAITING!

(This is a Korean drama site after all)

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Dawn

April 1, 2016 at 10:09 AM

What if this were just an April fools joke and this hype was for nothing?

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girlfriday

April 1, 2016 at 1:28 PM

Not an April Fool's joke, we swears it!!! Should've checked the darned date before posting, d'oh.

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 1, 2016 at 11:12 PM

That would be a darn, cruel joke.

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divyrus

April 1, 2016 at 1:11 PM

IKR ! I was thinking that was fast,they hiring new recappers so soon???
Actually opened the old post to see if it's true ! ??

How does time just DISAPPEAR !!!

We really need that fourth dimension !

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bernie

April 1, 2016 at 10:14 PM

haha riiiight? I can't believe it's been 2 years! I remember really wanting to apply last time, but I didn't because I knew I wouldn't have the time. Now I definitely have the time but know I don't have any writing skill :p Best of luck to everyone applying :)

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 1, 2016 at 11:11 PM

Writing skill? I can help with that.

To all aspiring recap writers, I am volunteering my proofreading services! I just hope you have a very nice comment section because I have the opinion-formation ability of a zebra's or wildebeest's. Or the Four Stones from Iceland.

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bernie

April 2, 2016 at 6:37 PM

Oh, gosh, how did I forget about the comments section?! If I could get away with only writing ".....so, yeah. That happened." at the end of every recap and calling it a day, I'd be all over this recapping stuff! haha

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B101Avil

April 3, 2016 at 6:40 AM

What's your email? I want to take davantage the proofreading service.

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 3, 2016 at 7:47 AM

[email protected]

Don't mind the weird email address. It's specially made weird because it's for my drama-addict activities. I like to keep real and online life separate.

And I think I'll be having some work on my hands, seeing how you spelt "advantage" wrongly, haha! Just kidding!

Hope to see your recap soon!

2 maryann

April 1, 2016 at 6:20 AM

Hi DB! I have been a fan since 2013. I wish that this site could also write about fashion and/or products we see in dramas - that would really be great.

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spazmo

April 1, 2016 at 7:03 PM

fashion - YES!!

i was squeeing over every outfit/coat/jacket song joong ki wore in Nice Guy... not real big on the women's fashions, tho kim hee ae's outfits in Secret Love Affair were very nice...

love all the women's coats - dang, who has that many different coats in the closet??

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maryann

April 1, 2016 at 9:40 PM

I have this one blog which does this but it is no longer current. One thing that makes kdrama a standout among the rest is the fashion. The female lead may be a part-timer who wears designer clothes

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erratic

April 1, 2016 at 11:04 PM

Lol. i remember a Boys over Flowers episode where Go Hye Sun's supposedly poor character were sporting Louboutins. XD

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Bili Bala Pabo Bara

April 1, 2016 at 9:43 PM

Lol it's quite funny cus DB is already so busy from writing recaps and news that they have to recruit new writers and in the comments section you're asking them to include new stuff. Not trying to be mean though, I know there is a website that does Korean drama recaps and gives you information on the clothes that they wear, you can try searching for it(though they do not cover as many dramas). Peace!

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snailshell

April 2, 2016 at 6:02 PM

There's a hilarious blog I used to read that recapped (American) shows from a fashion point of view. Let me see if I can find it...aha! Here: You Know You Love Fashion

I get the feeling there was a kdrama version of this somewhere, but I don't remember where!

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3 frabbycrabsis loves KBS Drama Specials

April 1, 2016 at 6:25 AM

Honestly, I'd love to be a recapper, but I'm still in school and constantly improving my writing. Maybe in two years? Good luck everyone!

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4 mary

April 1, 2016 at 6:36 AM

That was 2 years ago? :O

Seems only a couple of months ago when Lollypip's batch started...

Looking forward to see the new recappers!

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Adal

April 1, 2016 at 8:46 AM

Yeah, I agree, it does seem like a few months ago when LollyPip just started....

How time flies!

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LollyPip

April 1, 2016 at 9:59 AM

I'm a little surprised that it's been two years, myself! :)

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5 Alessar

April 1, 2016 at 6:39 AM

I recapped the first two seasons of The Vampire Diaries at After Elton. Even paid, I don't think I could keep up with the 2 episode a week schedule of K-Dramas. But, I've been thinking I'd like to be available as a fill-in recapper. For instance when someone is sick or you decide to cap a show that's already had a few episodes air. Since you've just made a formal call for recappers, you might not need a reservist, but if you think you might I will try to pull a sample together for you.

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chingu

April 1, 2016 at 7:46 AM

Oh shoot, you right! :o I was actually excited and omg, even considering applying (that'd be one heck of a title--a recapper/writer for Dramabeans! *_*) Now that you brought it up, I think Dramabeans staff had something in mind, but not this... right? They wouldn't! This is too real.

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Javabeans

April 2, 2016 at 1:39 PM

We've started recappers off at a 1-episode-per-week schedule with one show covered by a team, so if that load feels doable, do apply!

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6 confusedwriter

April 1, 2016 at 6:40 AM

Reasons to apply:
1. K-drama addict.
2. Love writing.
3. Graduating in 3 weeks.

Reasons not to apply:
1. Lazy.
2. Internet unpredictability.
3. Might sound too much like a fan girl if a drama has one of my favourite Oppas.

Ottoke :(

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JiaYou

April 1, 2016 at 7:02 AM

I have the same number one reason for not applying. XD

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mary

April 1, 2016 at 8:26 AM

3. Might sound too much like a fan girl if a drama has one of my favourite Oppas.

Good thinking. Can you imagine me writing a Goodbye Mr Black recap?

---
In this episode, Woojin, looking dashing in a striped shirt, looks at Swan with a cheeky smile. His smile is like the sun. (Warning: you need sunglasses to watch this episode.)

Swan tells him "You're just my newswriting sunbae". Woojin starts crying. I want to reach into the screen and tell him I'm here. I love eggs. And I love fast men too. Better if they are secret chaebols with an evil dad.

(Meanwhile Black shows up and steals money from some folks and scares Sunjae into making stupid decisions.)

Back to Woojin, who's typing intently on his laptop. Is it a love letter for me? Probably not. But a girl can hope, right? Maybe if I cut my hair really short too?
----

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darcyM

April 1, 2016 at 8:34 AM

Please apply to be a recapper. I would religiously read your recaps if they were like this :-)

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Ema

April 1, 2016 at 9:07 AM

Lol. Sound fun..its just like me if do the recaps i'll be focus only to my opa

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Flightey Gazelles

April 1, 2016 at 9:08 AM

OMG! That was such a hilarious recap @mary! BTW, you're the one who's famously in love with Song Jae Rim, aren't you?

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Nermin Badwi

April 1, 2016 at 9:15 AM

That would be fun to read actually

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durbrain12

April 1, 2016 at 9:49 AM

I think you just need to apply as Song Jae Rim correspondent, mary. Not even joking!

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korfan

April 1, 2016 at 10:04 AM

"Song Jae-rim correspondent"

*laughing*

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risa

April 1, 2016 at 12:13 PM

Yes-- mary as a Rimcapper would be daebak!

Denali

April 1, 2016 at 10:16 AM

How about fanservice and gratuitous ~~shower~~ bidet scenes?

Ofc I second DarcyM's suggestion.

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michelle

April 1, 2016 at 11:29 AM

oh god, i love it. please try out. or just please write recaps even if its not for db.... i would definitely read them

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Gidget

April 1, 2016 at 12:58 PM

Things I've always wished they'd do here on Dramabeans:
1. A Squeecap section - A place for pure fun and fangirling. (And of course we'd want Mary to be in charge of all things Rim.)

2. A DramaLab section- A place where "despite its flaws" does not pass as analysis. Where people actually explain in an objective way what would need to be adjusted to make a trope / plot line / character / episode work better. Where you could learn how to differentiate between the quality of the writing and the directing.

And another (newer) concept: a section called TeenDramabeans

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Arashi

April 1, 2016 at 2:30 PM

I like #2! Sometimes I daydream alternate endings, or, if it's taking waaay too long for the next ep to air, I make up one in my head....

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Sun

April 1, 2016 at 5:59 PM

Number 2 is interesting. The hard part is how to define and maintain objectivity. I could imagine extreme fanwar and name-calling for certain types of dramas.

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Gidget

April 2, 2016 at 7:16 PM

Really that idea was born out of the frustration I've felt when reading the "despite its flaws" comment. Pointing out that a show has flaws seemed like such a statement of the obvious. I wondered if people felt they couldn't be up front about their critique. My thought was always 'don't stop there; tell us what you see.' I really did want to know.

You're right that it could get bogged down if it turned out to be a forum on how to remake the show according to personal preferences. One way to prevent that would be to take the general story the writer is telling and the devices they're using as that story's 'gospel.' The discussion would be on how it could be presented more effectively. Or delivered with more impact.

The recaps can't really do this as well because they're better when their emphasis can stay fun and positive. Unless, of course the show is outright nonsensical, then a hilariously scathing recap by Heads is always awesome.

It wouldn't be a good place for people who would be sensitive if oppa's (drama) character is criticized. Maybe they could find community in an Oppa-cap / Oppa hangout. (Probably a lot easier to find Recappers capable of a very short and simple character based Oppa-cap than a full blown recap. And imagine the comment palooza there!)

But maybe the DramaLab idea is simply too wonky. I just mourn the loss of what could've been gleaned from reading people like Jon G. And the analysis that seems to have been left unsaid by so many...commenters and recappers alike.

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 1, 2016 at 11:15 PM

What's supposed to go in at TeenDramabeans? Isn't all dramas already for Teens (and not-teens?)

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 1, 2016 at 11:15 PM

*Aren't

Mermaid Scribbler

April 1, 2016 at 5:31 PM

Haaaaaaaahaaaaaaa! Perfect!

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 1, 2016 at 11:16 PM

I cry!

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Chiisan

April 2, 2016 at 5:32 PM

Hahaha

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nomad

April 2, 2016 at 8:22 PM

Oh Mary, I'm simply reiterating what others say...please do write recap! It's so hilarious I don't even care whether I watch the episode or not!

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gaeinalee

April 2, 2016 at 9:33 PM

Mary, sweetie, please do apply for the post like others have suggested. I love to read your squeeefull recaps on anything related to your lovely Jae Rim.

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7 mindy

April 1, 2016 at 6:46 AM

Ah, if only I actually had time.

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8 SR

April 1, 2016 at 6:47 AM

Please somebody help me improve my Korean!! I really want to apply. Good luck to all you applicants!!!

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9 Hope

April 1, 2016 at 6:53 AM

Sure this is not an April Fool's joke?

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tej

April 1, 2016 at 7:09 AM

That was my first thought too xD

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10 Daggers

April 1, 2016 at 7:16 AM

Good luck to the applicants.. it is a good opportunity for all those k drama addicts.. who also have some good skills in writing... i would surely apply for it but i am so much lacking in English as well as Korean..

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11 evelynray

April 1, 2016 at 7:21 AM

I wish I could send in an application, but not with my writing skills and being illiterate in Korean. (Hopefully it's not April's Fool joke, though. xD)

Good luck to all the applicants!

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12 esterdean

April 1, 2016 at 7:26 AM

I'm a fan of this site for so long now ever since this is still javabeans and I think the originals are still struggling through college.... Hahaha... Yeah, I'm that old. but I have your page bookmarked always and read through your recaps to have an idea which drama's are really worth watching...

I might consider this, hope this is not an April Fools prank though.

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13 samsooki

April 1, 2016 at 7:26 AM

Good luck for all those who wish to become db minions!

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anotheraddict

April 1, 2016 at 12:39 PM

Wow, a samsooki sighting! *waves * I bet DOTS has led some Beanies to watch City Hall, and to enjoy your wonderful recaps. Hope all is well with the samsooki family!

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14 bbstl 🧹

April 1, 2016 at 7:39 AM

Many thanks to those who answer the call!

Many more thanks to those who answered jb's and gf's calls two (wow) years ago! Through shows good and bad, you have sustained our hearts in the love of kdrama (ok, and some lust after oppas). Thank you for sharing your time and considerable talents with us and expanding the world of our addiction. So much. Soooooo much. Virtual hugs all around! And we hope you get more help real soon ❤️❤️❤️

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risa

April 1, 2016 at 12:28 PM

Ditto!

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15 Solarmoonmoo

April 1, 2016 at 7:44 AM

*cracks knuckles*

Looks like I'll be working on this over the weekend.

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chingu

April 1, 2016 at 7:59 AM

Eeeeeep~! Yay! Go go go and best of luck to you!

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bernie

April 1, 2016 at 10:18 PM

Good luck! (:

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 1, 2016 at 11:17 PM

??✌?

Do your best!

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16 echo

April 1, 2016 at 8:08 AM

*sigh* if only I was good at writing and my punctuation wasn't so bleh *sigh* well good luck to all who are going to apply ?

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17 Mikanjjj

April 1, 2016 at 8:19 AM

Good luck to all those who are applying. It's an honour to be one among the dramabeans. So do your best so that we get to read some excellent recaps.
I want to apply too but my writing still needs lot of improvement.

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18 Samira Yeameen

April 1, 2016 at 8:21 AM

JB,
I really didn't understand what you guys meant by the comment section. :(

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eynay

April 1, 2016 at 8:30 AM

If you read their recaps, in the end they put their comments about that episode. Like what they feel & think of development of stories, character etc.

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SwoosieDerkins

April 1, 2016 at 9:09 AM

Yes, I think this is what she meant, but omg it would be hilarious if applicants also had to put in a Beanut Gallery section pretending to be multiple commenters. The pretend rage wars that could follow!

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Music_magic

April 1, 2016 at 10:10 AM

loll......That's what I thought when I fist read it:D

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gulsan

April 1, 2016 at 8:32 AM

The comments section comes right after the recap where JB/GF write down their thoughts on the episode.

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19 kimchikay

April 1, 2016 at 8:35 AM

Oh gosh...so I love kdrama's and have always wanted to get better at my writing (I write mostly short stories).....maybe I will give drama recap writing a try!

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20 dramabird

April 1, 2016 at 9:02 AM

Good luck to all the new applicants :)

(Hopefully the dramabeans crew are not punking with an April Fool's Joke)

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21 Samira Yeameen

April 1, 2016 at 9:03 AM

Oh that comment section... Lol...stupid me!
Thanks @Eynay and @Gulsan

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22 cir

April 1, 2016 at 9:11 AM

can it be an old drama that hasn't been recapped before on the show?

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Javabeans

April 2, 2016 at 1:41 PM

Yes, old dramas are fine. (For people with questions about applying, do email us directly! I'll try to keep apace with this thread but email is more reliable.)

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23 Willow

April 1, 2016 at 9:16 AM

Gah, I want to apply... but I'm in high school and I doubt you want recappers that young. :(

If this isn't an April Fool's joke, best of luck to all applicants!

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durbrain12

April 1, 2016 at 9:42 AM

don't know if there's any harm in giving it a shot, Willow! If you're a good writer, it would show! As long as you're above the legal age for employment in your country, I guess.

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 1, 2016 at 11:22 PM

Dramas ain't got no age limit. As long your recap isn't like Mary's (see above), you should be good at Dramabeans. Otherwise, try The Problematic of the Unproblematic where Mary once interned and has now gone missing from!

(And I don't think this is really employment so much as freelancing, which is not age restrictive.)