Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching
by DB Staff
I’m ever so slowly emerging out of my drama slump, after feeling sluggish and listless in recent weeks. But I’ve been encouraged by the crop of new shows and have started getting back into the habit of watching shows regularly for enjoyment (for a while, it felt like I was forcing myself to keep up). Maybe spring will be a good season for getting back on that horse and recharging, who knows? I can only hope! –javabeans
javabeans
Tomorrow With You: I find the plot intriguing and the show’s way of constantly refreshing the mystery works well to keep the suspense building, but I suppose I’m just not on the hero train here (or should I say, the hero subway), so this show is half-fun, half-frustrating for me. I love Lee Je-hoon and he’s doing a great job as an actor, but his character drives me a little batty; I can’t believe he’s so careless about leaving relics of his time-traveling lying around, and then is such a brick wall to his wife. I guess I sympathize entirely with Ma-rin here, and I don’t blame her for feeling like she’s going crazy. Maybe if the romance kicked it up—as in, with real emotions and stakes and movement on his side—it would bring me back in.
Father, I’ll Take Care of You: I still struggle with Lee Soo-kyung’s character (I want to love her), but I do appreciate her place in Hyun-woo’s development, where she’s oddly the one person who can put a dent in his feelings or have a chance at getting through to him. I’m getting a bit of plot whiplash from all the birth secrets being dropped and then rescinded, but I don’t really mind since at least the story’s constantly moving. And of course, my main reason for keeping up is still Sung-joon and Dong-hee, who are acting a lot like an already comfortable married couple and should just get there already.
Introverted Boss: I don’t dislike this drama, but I do often find myself wondering what they’re doing with it, because it seems unfocused and lax. I do think the producers have a direction and intent, but it’s just not that effective; at this point there’s no getting past the fundamental block that is Ro-woon (more specifically, the actress). Also the fact that Yoon Park’s inner turmoil, while understandable, pulls no sympathy strings (marry her or not, but can you pull the trigger already?). Yeon Woo-jin, meanwhile, remains the heartbeat of this show, and can make me feel such pangs with just one look.
Hwarang: I’m… trying… to finish… this. Every week I face the same struggle to get engaged in this story, despite liking all of the characters, and I think ultimately it’s because the story never took me anywhere surprising. I don’t think it’s fair to criticize a drama for something it’s not trying to be, so I won’t blame it for being light or jokey; I just think I was in the mood for a young, romance-driven sageuk to have more bite. Such as…
Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People: Ah, it’s getting really good! I loved the first episode right off, but somehow I got behind and had a tough time catching back up for the next couple of weeks, and in retrospect I think it’s because while Amogae’s backstory is riveting and moving, it felt like it was taking a while to move somewhere. But then Yoon Kyun-sang showed up and I blazed through the rest of the episodes in a blink. Also, the music in this show is a standout: fresh, folksy, and moving. Manseh!
Strong Woman Do Bong-soon: Finally, a show I could fall in love with from the first minute! This is rare, and I am relishing every moment of it. The show has a nutty, whimsical tone and surrealistic comedy with adorably odd characters—it’s like Amelie on crack—and I love that the heroine is strange and assertive. Moreover, I love how Park Hyung-shik is taken with her pert, almost rude attitude in a way that feels almost bent. This show made me laugh out loud unexpectedly, and I’m excited to keep watching. Park Bo-young is a gift.
girlfriday
Hwarang: What makes me mad is that this show had the skeleton of a good conflict, with the potential for a moving story about friendship and honor and duty. But towards the end of the series I realized that the writer had only one idea—the fakeout where we’re supposed to think Sun-woo would take the throne—and chose to leave the actual relationships underdeveloped in favor of the Gotcha! moment. Which was a really poor choice, given that the so-called twist was a surprise to NOBODY. (Because we were told Jinheung was Jinheung from day one!) The actual moment when they pledged allegiance to the king was cool, but it was not worth sacrificing character development for. Oh, the bromance that could have been!
Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People: I’m loving this show, and it only gets better every week. I thought the story of Gil-dong’s first love was such a beautiful interlude amidst the life and death stakes, and I wanted to stay in that wonderful little story detour for just a bit longer. I just really like carefree, cheeky Gil-dong the merchant who’s traveled far and wide and knows how to charm anyone. Is it any wonder that everyone is in love with him? I just want him to retain that cheeky wit even when he becomes the rebel leader and takes up all that heavy responsibility.
Tomorrow With You: This show really knows how to keep me feeling nervous about the couple’s relationship, but I find it a fresh and interesting way to approach a romance, by launching them into a rocky marriage with all of these emotional landmines underfoot. I do find the pace a little slow, but I mind that less when the episodes give me more relationship moments to savor.
Defendant: Sometimes the coincidences yank me out of the narrative (they were really out in full force this week), but the forward momentum is so strong on this show that I can never linger on one plot point for too long, which is this drama’s appeal. I was just glad to see Ji Sung using that prosecutor brain of his, because it’s time to turn the tables on this mofo.
Introverted Boss: I did some catching up on this show, which is a much lighter watch after that rewrite, though I wouldn’t blame anyone for not waiting around this long to find that out. The romance doesn’t feel organic to me, but the hero is such a compelling character, and his inner monologues are pee-your-pants funny. I just never get tired of them. I choked on laughter-tears when he was trapped on that awkward canoe date with Heo Jung-min going, What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? *cries*
HeadsNo2
Hwarang: While the finale was perfectly serviceable, which is what I’d say about the show as a whole, I left feeling rather unsatisfied. I can’t quite put my finger on why—there were certainly elements of the show that had potential, but overall there was this feeling that the drama was always holding back its better story threads to explore them more in-depth later, but that later never came. It’s not that it felt unfinished, just not all that fleshed out. The central conflict never changed (when will he finally just be king?), and when it was finally resolved at the very end, it was anticlimactic. I’m still kind of irked that Sun-woo’s fainting problem was quite literally just a plot device, since we never knew what it was and it was never touched on again, but as harmless sageuk fluff, I guess it worked, maybe for some more than others.
Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People: I really didn’t know what to expect of this show going in, but it’s turning into one of my favorite shows to tune into week after week. Maybe I was just itching for some real sageuk—and while Rebel is still very much a fusion sageuk, I’m really appreciating their attention to historical detail. There are gisaengs in every drama, but because one of our lead female characters started out as one, it’s been interesting to see the back end of how that business used to work. Also, the show is making excellent use of historical singing, which I feel like I don’t hear that often in sageuk, and the scene where Gil-dong and Nok-soo sang their feelings to each other was sweet and beautiful. I’m also impressed by how well Honey Lee is doing in this role, because while she’s shown she has the chops for sageuk, it’s sometimes too easy for her to seem cold and distant. But in this role, we’re seeing a woman trying to make the best of a terrible situation, because while she gets to wear silks and fineries, she knows that ultimately, her life means nothing. The fact that you can actually see that struggle in her eyes is, to me, an amazing feat. She’s an amazing character, and I’m now stuck wishing she was the first female lead rather than the second.
Defendant: While most of the plot hinges on a completely outlandish premise and villain (come on, he intentionally burned his fingerprints off in front of the prosecutor chasing him and everyone just went, “Welp, guess we can’t catch him now!”), but Ji Sung’s performance is compelling, and the show knows how to amp up the suspense. Right now, Eun-hye feels like a piece of scenery, so I’m hoping she’ll have something more to do in the future. But for now, Ji Sung is selling it, and there’s no denying that it’s an addicting show.
Introverted Boss: I really do want to feel something for the main couple, but it kind of feels like Hwan-ki likes Ro-woon because she’s the first female lead. I do love Hwan-ki, even if his more anxious habits hit a bit close to home, but I’m not quite sure what the overarching story is anymore—what’s the ultimate goal here? What are we supposed to want to see resolved by the end?
Chief Kim: My normal tendency is to shy away from workplace dramas, just because it’s a genre that’s been done to death. And while Chief Kim isn’t reinventing the workplace drama wheel, it’s so funny and charming that I can’t help but like it. The side characters in the workplace really shine, even down to the surly janitor lady who never has a kind word to say to anyone, though I do kind of miss Yul’s puppy days, when he’d follow Ha-kyung around. I like him less in full villain mode since he’s capable of so much more, but there’s still plenty of show left, so maybe we’ll see more of his good side.
Missing 9: There’s suspension of disbelief, and then there’s just throwing any notions of believability out the door, and I kind of feel like we’ve been at that point for a few weeks now. The fact that there’s this enormous cover-up of the crash to protect just one star, who’s never been established as a top A-lister worthy of that kind of insane coddling, just isn’t working. The comedic antics are funny, even if I find them tonally weird sometimes—we’re dealing with a serial killer and a corrupt establishment doing everything to keep that serial killer from facing justice, yet there’s never a situation so pressing that a few visual gags can’t solve. Yang Dong-geun seems to be the only one taking this seriously, but I could watch him in anything. Better luck next time? (Phew, this is why I don’t check in every week—too many dramas!)
odilettante
Currently recapping: Voice
Super Family 2017: I started this show for a silly shallow reason (*cough* Hoya *cough*) and with no expectations, especially since I don’t generally watch family sitcoms. But the short episodes, relatable characters, fun cast, light plot, and cute editing all make up just the right kind of easy-to-watch drama that will likely keep me hooked.
New Journey to the West: My favorite thing about Na PD shows are how he seems to bring out the worst in people just because they don’t know what to trust any more, and then they end up creating their own chaotic games that go off script but are so fun the production team just rolls with it. I’m still giggling over how the guys started an elaborate “steal each other’s stuff” game that had nothing to do with the real mission. Of course, the dramatic life-and-death editing also played its part, although perhaps my favorite part was that the usually crafty Eun Ji-won turned out to be the innocent one for once.
tineybeanie
Currently recapping: Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People
Introverted Boss: Hmm as a hardcore fluffy drama addict, I never thought I would say this, but maybe this drama would be better without the romance? Yeon Woo-jin’s slow transformation from complete hermit to socially awkward, but endearing boss is emotionally rewarding enough. And I think I’m more invested in the individual relationships that he’s been fostering with his other employees (who each have their own set of issues) than the overall love story/revenge plot/brother-in-law bestie makjang that’s going on.
Laurel Tree Tailors: I found the Boys vs. Girls battle amongst our three couples entertaining, and I loved the traditional-style wedding at the end. I don’t know if that couple is ready for marriage yet even though they are adorable together, but I’m a sucker for beautiful hanboks and elaborate cultural ceremonies, so it’s a treat whenever I get to see one in modern dramas.
murasakimi
Defendant: After weeks of procrastinating I finally started watching Defendant, only to regret it ten or so hours later when I had no more episodes left to watch. I should’ve held out until the show was over so I wouldn’t have to feel the pain of waiting a WHOLE week. Gimme MOAR. There are a lot of times when I think Cha Min-ho is getting away with his crap wayyyy too easily (and fooling nobody, except that one stupid prosecutor ‘friend’), but then I forget about it when something batshit crazy happens, because now I just want to see him roast in the fires of his own making.
Saimdang, Light’s Diary: I stopped watching this after Episode 3 but finally picked it up again, and I was surprised to find the show rather watchable. That might sound harsh, but once we began spending most of the time with Saimdang and her life, I settled in and went wherever the show wanted to take me. I think part of my early struggle had a lot to do with the way that they chose to portray Seo Ji-yoon’s character as a sad victim who had terrible things happen to her, primarily through the men in her life. And then they had the nerve to have Sang-hyun save her whenever there was trouble (he just pops up in the most unlikely ways, doesn’t he?). Needless to say, that annoyed me greatly. However, while Saimdang sort of started on that same trajectory, she got off it quickly and started to rebuild her life with her children, while silently taking no bullshit from her loser husband, or even from Gyeom, who is acting like a possessive ex-boyfriend (she doesn’t owe you anything, bro!), but is otherwise kind of amusing to watch.
RELATED POSTS
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (February 18, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (February 11, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (February 4, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (January 28, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (January 21, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (January 14, 2017)
Tags: 1 show to rule them all, Chief Kim, Defendant, Father I'll Take Care of You, Hwarang, Introverted Boss, Missing 9, New Journey to the West, Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People, Saimdang Light's Diary, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, Tomorrow With You, What We're Watching
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1 Purple
February 25, 2017 at 11:06 AM
Chief Kim!
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2 diana
February 25, 2017 at 11:24 AM
1 person watching Chief Kim this week. Progress.... :)
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WishfulToki
February 25, 2017 at 1:17 PM
Yes, thank you HeadsNo2! And I think many of us mourn the loss of puppy Yul moments. But show is about to get fierce next week! I really can't predict what will happen next.. Sometimes it's good for a show to have the hero backed into a corner.
This show is a different ball game than Misaeng, but urgh, how did I become so invested in a business revival plan?
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Alessar
February 27, 2017 at 6:13 AM
Let's put it this way. If they put Namgoong Min in a wig (last picture: http://www.asianjunkie.com/2016/05/23/everyone-should-be-watching-minahs-drama-beautiful-gong-shim/) and made him the female lead of Introverted Boss, the show would work. He's that good.
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goldenaddiction
February 25, 2017 at 1:41 PM
Hear Hear! :)
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3 Muse
February 25, 2017 at 11:26 AM
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is already sooo good, it's been a while since I laughed so hard at a drama. Can't wait the roommate shenanigans to begin ^^
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LoveSojiSub51
February 25, 2017 at 3:46 PM
I actually couldn't stop laughing with this show. It helped ease the disappointment from Introverted Boss. I am hoping that Park Hyung Shik gets a better chance for a good show. Hawang wasn't my favorite.
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celine
February 25, 2017 at 5:42 PM
I planned to wait for this show to end because I have serious student duties to attend to, but I gave in yesterday. Bad... very bad decision because I am loving it! I laughed and squealed so much! I love the three leads, but with this show, I am loving them so much more.
I think I replayed Minhyuk's, "Ugh. Damn sexy" comment way more than I should. haha! I am loving how Bongsoon is still so cute while showing her awesome power. Cannot wait for episode 2!
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chrianna
February 25, 2017 at 6:02 PM
this show is genius! i've never laughed so hard during a 1st episode.
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4 stringofpurls
February 25, 2017 at 11:32 AM
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is SOOOOO cute and funny. Bong Soon is already a great character. Park Bo Young is hysterica and I love that Park Hyung Sik's character finds her "damn sexy" and not just cute or pretty. I'm eager for cohabitation and Ji Soo to think the chaebol has a thing for him.
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Miky
February 25, 2017 at 12:15 PM
Minhyuk(the hero) finding Bong Soon "Damn Sexy" was the part i loved so much....He was totally into her and mainly thanks to her personality...Ah,so wonderful to have a spunky heroine and not again a Candy and that he is being soo smitten with her because of it from Day1
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fab
February 25, 2017 at 1:02 PM
Oh my, I love this already and I've yet to watch it. OFF to episode 1!
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stringofpurls
February 25, 2017 at 1:16 PM
I love that Min Hyuk is going to be more beta male. He's willing to let Bong Soon protect him and finds her strength and sassy attitude hot. He doesn't need to assert his masculinity.
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Yuki
February 25, 2017 at 3:43 PM
Omo! There is something sexy in a man that likes assertive women. I find his self-confidence in this aspect completely irresistible and I predict I'm going to fall for Park Hyun Sik in this drama :) The first episode was fantastic and I'm ready for more :D
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DongniPongni
February 26, 2017 at 6:23 AM
Totally agree, beta males are a rarity in the K-drama world (the last time I'd enjoyed a drama with a beta male was the family drama Smile, You). In a world filled with lead guys pushing and pulling girls around, I found Min Hyuk's character hella refreshing. He doesn't find Bong Soon scary or weird, he actually thinks her strength is attractive; that's a perfect guy for you right there. But I can totally understand why he's personality would make people think he's gay, he's just so unpredictable. Can't wait for the bromance (or should I say romance?) between Park Hyung Shik and Ji Soo.
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fab
February 25, 2017 at 1:23 PM
BUT WHAT kind of start is that?? PHEWWW
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inxomnia
February 25, 2017 at 5:32 PM
Yessss to this! Just finished the 2nd episode and I am loving it so much. All leading trio are all so damn likeable and cute beyond words that all this drama needs is a serviceable plot to become crack. But even then, I really adore the story and how it's coming together. As long as it doesn't try to go for complex and overly convoluted, I'll be good.
I am so ready for the cohabitation hijinks and all the heart fluttering moments. My heart flutters for everyone in this drama, including PBY because she is hella adorable and girlcrush material from her outward cuteness to inner spunk.
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5 Miky
February 25, 2017 at 11:32 AM
Personal 3 favorites would be : Chief Kim,Strong Woman Do Bong Soon and Tomorrow with You!
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon just started and it's sooo good,hilarious and even more when we have such a spunky and strong heroine and a hero who is totally smitten with her!Park Bo Young and Park HyungShik look amazing together...
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goldenaddiction
February 25, 2017 at 1:46 PM
Those are the exact same dramas I am currently watching.
I am already head over heals in love with Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. This is coming from a huge super hero fan--especially on TV (I love the Flash and Arrow tv shows). Basically this drama is what my fantasies are made of:
1) K-Drama Romantic comedy with quirky characters
2) Super Hero (or should I say superheroine!)
3) Park Hyung Shik
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Miky
February 25, 2017 at 4:02 PM
We share the same love!!!Even more when the heroine is the one with the power or not a Candy in dramaland and the guy who loves her for that and not wanting to change her into some damsel in distress all innocent
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goldenaddiction
February 25, 2017 at 7:21 PM
I know! I just can't wait until Bong soon can step out into the light with a proverbial cape: a hero is born (insert superhero music)
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Ammy
February 25, 2017 at 11:44 PM
These are the three dramas that even I'm watching.
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6 michelle
February 25, 2017 at 11:37 AM
strong woman do bong soon is so cute and light! the fantasy aspect makes it so hilarious and enjoyable. i definitely think i'll keep watching it :)
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7 Fangirl Sy
February 25, 2017 at 11:40 AM
TWY: Didn't expect ep 7 to affect me that way so now I am up at 3 am waiting for ep 8's subs to drop.
M9: still watching this in the hope of seeing Tae Oh's downfall.
SWBDS: There's a bit of low rent feel not that it's a bad thing. Enjoyed the first ep, and I feel like I'm gonna have a second lead syndrome with Jisoo's cool, principled cop character.
And hooray, I have fought the urge to watch Defendant while airing!
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Chandler
February 25, 2017 at 12:11 PM
Episode 7 of TWY made me cry. It was just lovely and uplifting to see So-Joon finally opening up and fighting for their relationship in the present moment. I actually think the show has done a good job of building his feelings naturally. And, at the end, I finally felt him becoming a man in love.
As for SWDBS, Park Hyung-shik won me over the moment he found her sexy ;)
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chingu
February 25, 2017 at 12:19 PM
Hahaha! Ikr? When he said that, my reaction was a mix of his secretary's (I really like that actor, btw, even though he was such a jerkwad in the beginning of Misaeng) reaction and Kang Ha-neul's stand-up-laughing-and-clapping-hysterically reaction. It was great!
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Chandler
February 25, 2017 at 12:53 PM
I like that actor a lot too actually. I'm getting kick out of seeing him as a secretary to our eccentric CEO!
(Wait. Do they show Kang Ha-neul watching it on Happy Together?! If so, I need to watch that asap!)
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chingu
February 25, 2017 at 1:15 PM
I like his dark and almost exotic-looking facial features. He's charismatic and a good actor. Yeah, it's definitely a fun watch, but I felt so bad for him when the CEO told him to take on Bong-soon. I'm just like, "What?! No, don't!" Poor guy. I hope he gets well soon and comes back. Also hope he's not traumatized... Haha, he'll probably avoid being anywhere near Bong-soon, though.
Aha, no no! Sorry, that was kinda misleading, but I was just referring to Kang Ha-neul because I was replying to another Beanie about him on Happy Together and I remembered his reaction when he was laughing at a hilarious bit on the show and it was the same reaction I had when CEO called Bong-soon "damn sexy."
Fangirl Sy
February 25, 2017 at 8:01 PM
wait, what? there's a kang haneul clip in happy together? I need to get on that train asap!
The secretary was the same hoobae of Yoo Ji Tae in The Good Wife also! His character there had changing loyalties so I was a bit wary seeing him so close to Hyunsik's character here. Anf yes, I love heroes seeing women who are strong as sexy too.
PS I am a fan of The Flash (and Supergirl too), Watched a few eps of Arrow but was at a point in my life when I couldn't take much darkness there so I only watched milestone eps like the recent crossover.
gadis
February 25, 2017 at 2:39 PM
I was surprised at my own reaction during TWY eps 7. I rarely cried watching dramas, but that conversation was just lovely, cathartic, private and everything I want for them.
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hyanggi
February 25, 2017 at 12:44 PM
Guess who got impatient at waiting for subs, and watched ep 8 raw. Ep 7 made me cry, gasp and frustrated but I like where it's going so far.
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nomad
February 25, 2017 at 1:24 PM
I'm surprised how much I choked up at ep 7 too. The whole conversation inside the hospital room feels very personal, like I was a bystander peeking at their personal moment. The feelzzz.
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Fangirl Sy
February 25, 2017 at 8:06 PM
Made me cry too. But I thought it would be a bit spoiler-y to put it here. hehe. I'm so happy for Marin to finally feel like the closest person to Sejoon. Tempted to watch ep 8 raw too but I wanted to understand everything so decided to wait foe the subs to come. <3
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8 ilchul
February 25, 2017 at 11:46 AM
Hwarang: I love this drama so much!! it could have been better fir sure but I'm happy with what I had and I'm happy that Park Seo Joon signed in a new drama so I won't wait too long to see him in my small screen again!! :D
Tomorrow With You: I'm so happy to see So Joon finally showing his love for Ma Rin in the present time instead of being trapped in his fear of losing her in their doomed future!! I love how he's determinate to fight to remain by her side in their future and for her to keep loving him!! I really hope he can save both of them!!
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9 bips99
February 25, 2017 at 11:46 AM
Chief kim - watched 6 episodes and then dropped. I love NM but doesn't anyone else feel he is overacting ? And i find the humour very forced. But junho steals every scene he is in
Moonlight - finally i went back and watched the entire show without the moonlovers vs moonlight debate. its not as bad as i first thought but i still don't get the hype. Does anyone feel that they really shortchanged ra-one and byung-yeon ? by the end, too much of prince and too little of these 2.
voice - scary and addictive. its ridiculous in parts but it builds enough atmosphere to overlook it
tomorrow - dropped this week when i realised i was fast forwarding most of the episode
Strong woman - loved the first episode. be good show. be good. i'm having a drama drought. All three of them are such munchkins.
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sorrynotsorry
February 25, 2017 at 1:25 PM
Truthfully, I thought a lot of the hype had to do with the two lead actors as much as anything.
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Eman Resu
February 25, 2017 at 4:47 PM
Re: Moonlight
I'm firmly in the "Like Moonlight" camp, but I do agree that there was perhaps too little of Ra On towards the end of the drama.
The drama moved its focus away from the humorous and interesting interaction between the two leads in favor of political intrigue.
Moonlight for me was a lot like my experience with Cheese in the Trap. I adored the first half of both of those dramas. However by the end the I found myself less enamored. (Though I still love both all in all).
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Elle
February 25, 2017 at 6:47 PM
Moonlight lost some of its spark in its last four episodes due to requisite sageuk plotting (and lack of OTP moments), but Cheese imploded due to plot and behind the scenes drama. I wouldn't put them in the same category.
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Eman Resu
February 25, 2017 at 7:01 PM
I wasn't claiming they had the same things wrong with them.
Merely that I felt similarly about them, in that I loved roughly the latter halves of both less than the former.
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ar_arguably romantic
February 25, 2017 at 7:42 PM
Lol! "Requisite sageuk plotting" should be a coined term!
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Ammy
February 25, 2017 at 11:57 PM
I too din't get the hype around Moonlight. The initial episodes were fun but it lost its charm halfway. I tho loved OST of the show.
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10 Kiara
February 25, 2017 at 11:48 AM
I found the right balance for "Rebel" in "Do Bong-soon." Can't go wrong with Park Bo-young.
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11 Chandler
February 25, 2017 at 11:55 AM
This week was way more romantic than the week of Valentines' in Dramaland. Although I can't say much for the more serious fare like Defendant and Voice, since I'm saving those for a possible marathon. But everything else was very romantic!
Rebel- I'm just so immersed in this world of characters and all of their journeys. I'm ready for things to really pick up next week! It's about to get really good, I can feel it. Yoon Kyun-sang has wonderful chemistry with both Honey Lee and Chae Soo-bin. This is probably one of the only times I've enjoyed the first love part of the story, I guess because they've taken the time to flesh it out wonderfully. That said, I love him and Ga-Ryung together and can't wait for their relationship to grow too. I think they're going to be adorable together when the time comes.
Introverted Boss - Oh dear. I don't even know how to put into words how Yeon Woo-jin makes me feel. Every Week, I love him more and more. It reminds me of MnD when I would pretty much become more endeared to him and his character with every episode, but this is on another level. I'm so glad the show itself has become more enjoyable. I felt myself pulling for the romance this week, but I do ultimately think it feels a bit off at times and think a different actress could have made it work better. That said, I'm so invested in his happiness that I ended up feeling really giddy at the end, regardless!
Strong woman Do Bong-soon- Now this is Rom-com Crack!!! Finally. Wacky and ridiculously awesome. I'll be watching episode 2 asap.
Tomorrow with You- Here we go. This just got so good with episode 7 and 8. Just sweet and romantic and perfect. The end of episode 7 marks a change in their relationship and it was lovely to see their reconciliation come about so naturally. I thought it was wonderful how he used his time-travel in such a sweet way, while actually focusing on them in the present moment. This is the moment I sat up and said "Yes! THIS is what I want from the show!" I haven't watched episode 8 with subs yet so I don't have much to say except that the ending is another winner!
Also, this is random, but I rewatched Answer Me 1997 recently and it just makes me happy to hear Seo In-guk's and Jung Eun-ji's beautiful voices in two of my favorite shows at the moment.
I'm considering starting Chief Kim soon too, if I can find the time. Seems fun.
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gadis
February 25, 2017 at 2:44 PM
I really love the way So-joon used his time-traveling ability this time. It's like a big there-you-got-it moment for me, because finally he can understand what it means to live in the present. This is how he should use it, not as the ultimate life-guide.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
February 25, 2017 at 8:44 PM
Jung Eun-ji has an OST for Strong Woman Do Bong-soon?! I said I wanted a reunion of her and Ji-soo from Sassy Go Go but this was not what I had in mind!
I love Rebel - Honey Lee is magnificent as the future Nok-soo, especially when she's with Gil-dong it's the perfect combination of worldly-wise and newly vulnerable. But I like the innocence and playfulness of Chae Soo-bin's character too, I'm surprised by how much I like her. It would be so easy for a character like that to come off as shallow and insubstantial, but she doesn't.
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Chandler
February 26, 2017 at 12:02 AM
Haha, it even plays for the first time over a scene of his! But I'm glad she isn't the heroine in this because then second lead syndrome would have been impossible to escape this time around. Hopefully their reunion can be with her as his first leading lady? (Coming soon? Please?)
Regarding Ga-Ryung, that's exactly what I was thinking! I think Chae Soo-bin is just playing her super winningly and this is also just an example of a spunky heroine done right.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
February 26, 2017 at 1:53 AM
oh, is that the one that plays when Bong-soon's going gooey-eyed over Gook-du? I love that. But yeah, considering he was her second lead in Sassy Go Go and goddamn near killed me there (I have never wanted so badly to just clone a heroine so we could get a pairing with both male leads), any prospective reunion absolutely must be as first leads!
I love both female leads of Rebel, and the fact that I can love Ga-ryung despite the presence of the more complex and intriguing Gong-hwa, is a testament to the acting - normally, with a pair of female leads like this, a character like Ga-ryung's wouldn't hold any appeal for me at all (same thing happened in Joseon Gunman and Gu Family Book).
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12 sunnyl
February 25, 2017 at 11:56 AM
This week
Enjoyed Rebel and Defendant the most. Duet Singing was beautiful and father-daughter reunion was touching.
Missing 9 was so funny - unexpected.
Saimdang got better with hero being a secret helper. But where did modern story go?
Do Bong-soon and Tomorrow with you were ok. DBS was a little too cartoonish(but 2nd ep got better) and TWY is hmmm, I don't know-story is good but something is not clicking.
Hwarang was meh Chief Kim was less fun, and I still think casting is wrong for female lead in Introverted Boss.
And I loved Happy together with Kang Ha-neul and Kim Seul-gi. They are so talented.
Funny when she said she was disappointed because she couldn't do the kiss scene with Jo Jung-suk in 'Oh My Ghostess' when she was so ready eating candy (for her breath) -PD was hurrying shooting and decided to skip it.
(And Kang Ha-neul said he eats apple flavor bubble gum before doing a kiss scene) lol
and talks about TVXQ and SuperJunior (when all 23 living together?) being so poor and hungry before they became successful was interesting.
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chingu
February 25, 2017 at 12:15 PM
Omg, I knew that episode of Happy Together would be hilarious! I'm still waiting for KBS to release the ep with eng subs on yt. Thanks for sharing! That's a real bummer though–Kim Seul-gi not being able to do her anticipated kiss scene with Jo Jung-seok! Wah~
On another note, I friggin' love Kang Ha-neul the more I see his rl self on shows. He's so dorky and I love how he laughs and giggles at everything.
I love all the constant Goblin references and mentions on the show (and practically every other show), so it'd be SO EPIC if they could get the four main Goblin cast on the show. Man! Love how every show can't go an ep w/o using the Goblin OST and/or mentioning the show, though. Goblin fever is still high!
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boomboompow
February 25, 2017 at 7:01 PM
How friggin cute is this episode?? Eng sub is already out on Kshownow btw (and thank you Sera for sharing it the first time on Open Thread, you made my day!)
Kim Seul Gi is so much fun she should be in variety more! And does Kang Ha Neul always look at girls at those kind of adoring-eyes? I swear I can see hearts on his eyes and smiles when he looked at KSG #newshipalert #sorryYDJ
Random things I found amusing:
-KSG said she's shy IRL (who would have guessed)
-KHN's real name is actually Kim Ha Neul (OTW to airport) and they shared the same birthday, what kind of coincidence is that??
-KHN being shy while looking at his old video in singing competition is the best!
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boomboompow
February 25, 2017 at 7:08 PM
*with those
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
February 26, 2017 at 1:54 AM
I would kill for a Kang Ha-neul and Kim Seul-gi pairing. How have neither of them ever been first leads in a drama?!
But I still need that KSG reunion with Yoon Doo-joon, kthanks drama gods.
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13 Islander north
February 25, 2017 at 12:02 PM
I disagree, Tineybeanie, that (Saimdang) Gyeom is acting like a possessive ex-boyfriend. He is a man still in love with his first love (who still loves him) and is brokehearted to see her struggling. Annoying that he never knew why she married the fool so suddenly (I'm still not quite clear on that). Am enjoying the pace of this drama after the beginning 4 eps.
Defendant makes me just wish the weeks would pass faster, its a really addictive drama and the acting is wonderful.
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Julia Ayoti
February 26, 2017 at 6:32 AM
I know it is annoying how self righteous he gets about how she accepted such a life without knowing that he is only alive because she opted to marry that layabout. I sure hope said layabout's personality takes a turn for the better soon, wasn't he supposed to have been a fairly good husband in real life?
All in all I am enjoying watching Saimdang and I was enjoying the pacing between the Joseon and the modern era. I am really looking forward to seeing how the past and present stories merge together in the long run.
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14 NigeriansHaveTv
February 25, 2017 at 12:05 PM
I have been waiting for the recap of strong woman just to comment that park bo young is a gem. Perfection, first episode and I am already in love. Finally I drama to look forward to in the "boring drama season"
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15 chingu
February 25, 2017 at 12:06 PM
JUST watched Do Bong-soon and I'm lovin' our main trio already–Bong-soon's so cute and feisty, CEO is already smitten (so cute) and Ji-soo's cop character is so darn righteous that I just want him to be a leader/captain of the whole cop squad just so he can have more say in this corrupted society! It now makes sense to me why CEO would help Bong-soon control her superhuman strength, so I'm excited to see more of their interactions and can't wait for when she falls for him just like how he's already fallen for her.
Also just watched Yoon Shi-yoon's short drama about the life-changing pill and although I found his character (or I guess it's more like HIS TAKE on his character) annoying, I still can't help but root for this pathetic man. I like Yoon Shi-yoon as an actor and saw glimpses of the part of him that I liked, so I will most likely tune in to see him literally change into a different person and how it'll all play out. My short attention span can certainly handle three 30 minute episodes... maybe.
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WishfulToki
February 25, 2017 at 12:47 PM
Glad to see so many positive comments about Strong Woman. Being a jaded cynical person, I'll wait a few weeks before trying it. I've been duped by strong first episodes before.
Aaaah, I'd forgotten about Yoon Shi-Yoon's change from zero to hero! Will have to give this a go.
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chingu
February 25, 2017 at 1:20 PM
Aw, well I hope it continues to be a nice and easy watch! I'm not totally invested in it and I don't think I'll be, so I'm just gonna enjoy the ride and see where it takes me.
Yeah, episode 1 came out for Yoon Shi-yoon's drama. It's a'ight. I wanna see him in another meatier role like Mirror of the Witch, even though I didn't finish that drama... oops.
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16 coolgirl
February 25, 2017 at 12:19 PM
Seems like no one except Odilettante who recaps the show is watching Voice.
I don't blame the DBteam, because you have to stomach the gore, the violence and the plotholes to follow it, but myself i would love to have more discussions about this drama. Despite its big flaws, i'm completely addicted at this point.
The introduction of Kim jae Wook was a turning point, the kind that sealed the deal. He's so charismatic, sensual, troubling and cruel. I'm absolutely fascinated.
Episode 7 and 8 were the best of the show, very tigthly written and really well paced. Episode 9 was a filler but it's ok because episode 10 so totally killed it (pun intended). The suspense was very intense in a different way from the start of the show, which was meant to keep us on the edge of our seat because everything was possible. This time it's all about anticipating what's to come and just longing for it.
I'm literally craving for more (updating DB and Soompi everyday for more news like an addict) and can't wait for Jae Wook's character to interact with the golden team, especially Kwon-Joo. The end of episode 10 when she failed to reach him despite being so close was pure torture for me...
Tomorrow with you: episode 7 was a rollercoaster for my emotions. I'm not thinking too hard and just enjoying the ride. Characters are likable, plotholes minimal, the suspense is real and there's little bit of realism about how marriage can be for young and immature couple who rushed their union, which is the cherry on the top.
I don't think the show will dig too deep into what those characters can do to make their relationship less superficial, but i appreciate the efforts put in making them 3 dimensional and giving them characters development.
Technically (editing, directing, acting), the show is also really well done.
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17 drawde2000
February 25, 2017 at 12:23 PM
Park Bo Young can't do not wrong. She is nailing that character down. Love her. The show, though, I'm still iffy. I'm looking for substance. I want to know if this drama will offer something besides fluffy romance and being adorable.
This is where Tomorrow With You excels at. And this is also why I'm disheartened to hear that not a lot of people seems to understand the show. This is a one rare drama I'm grateful to be watching and enjoying.
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rowanharper
February 25, 2017 at 3:32 PM
I've been in like with TWY since it first aired but after episode 7, I'm head over heels in love. It's so raw and romantic with an unexpected dose of realism. ???
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byeol
February 25, 2017 at 5:10 PM
For a first episode, I think Strong woman DBS is pretty solid. It immediately laid down its path to keep the audience on track to where it is going.
I agree that there is no substance yet but I guess we will go there. I don't mind to fluffy two episodes with Park Bo Young & Park Hyung Shik's palpable chemistry
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Chandler
February 25, 2017 at 5:16 PM
Yeah, it's definitely that game-changer episode when everything about the drama starts to feel right. Now I feel like I can trust these characters to get their happy ending. And I desperately need it for both of them.
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Chukahae (축하해)
February 25, 2017 at 4:15 PM
Agree.
Park Bo Young will definitely save the grace of the drama. The show is laugh-out-loud hilarious but somehow I feel like it's quite behind in terms of substance. It will be great if it's heart-tugging and moving yet zippy and fun rom-com like Ghostess. Perhaps episode 2 will prove it otherwise.
Can we talk about the rating? This show is a certified hit. Beating JTBC's Secret Love Affair on its second episode with
5.758% means it's the best rated show in JTBC history.
The day it beats Signal rating will make me sad because it will make me feel Signal is underrated. But it will also make me very happy as that will prove Park Bo Young is a hitmaker.
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gadis
February 25, 2017 at 4:20 PM
Wow. That's crazy high. Especially considering that the previous drama, Solomon's Perjury, had a hard time rose above 1% and this drama has 3 weeks delay or so.
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Chukahae (축하해)
February 25, 2017 at 4:47 PM
Solomon's Perjury is underrated. Wish JTBC's had realised it back then that it's not wise to pit it against Goblin. Both shows were great. I just feel that Solomon's Perjury is better off at 11 p.m. time slot.
Sorry for the misaligned paragraph.
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gadis
February 25, 2017 at 6:00 PM
It really is an underrated show. But at least, JTBC wasn't pressuring them to cut the eps short or change the storyline just because of low ratings. For that, I'm really really thankful.
Chukahae (축하해)
February 25, 2017 at 10:49 PM
Good that JTBC doesn't do things that will jeopardise the quality of the show. Hope tvN won't cut short Tomorrow With You despite its rating.
Chukahae (축하해)
March 5, 2017 at 4:28 AM
Sorry. * ... it’s one of the highest rated shows in JTBC history.
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18 Nessa (Bebe) 🌹
February 25, 2017 at 12:27 PM
Off topic, but for a second, I seriously thought that screenshot at the top was a shot of Chinese actress Ni Ni.... beautiful girl/woman she is =)
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19 jomo143
February 25, 2017 at 12:32 PM
Oh dear, me, heads!
This just grabbed my heart and squeezed out the joy what you said about Nok-soo:
"while she gets to wear silks and fineries, she knows that ultimately, her life means nothing."
Poor baby! It's so true.
You could just feel her anguish after leaving the eye stab victim. What does she do now? Where does she go? How can she go on? It is worth it? Should she just stop? Where's GILDONGAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?
Repressing all feelings of sadness, loss and hope (eek!), summoning all the ambition to protect herself, get away, to get more, to HAVE more to fill the void. Man. It was all there.
We haven't seen a raw portrayal of a victimized woman turned cold survivor done this well since I don't know when. Sorta reminds me of Ha Ji Won in Hwang Jin Yi, but HJW's character had a lot more screen time to convince us. Honey Lee has had mere scenes. I guess it is the fruit of great casting, writing, acting and directing - not to mention the MUSIC!
I am in heaven with this show.
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20 hyades
February 25, 2017 at 12:34 PM
Missing 9 : I just remember that I need to back to this show! I think the last episode I wachted was 8 or 9!. This is because....
Hwarang: it was light and fun with nice faces and I discovered some good, new actors but as everyone mentioned the story was not twisted right.
You Are My Destiny: I know! it is "old" one but I'm in mood of family drama to pass my hard thinking, overwork dayes with something light that I can space out very easily.
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Flightey Gazelles
February 25, 2017 at 3:06 PM
I see You are my destiny and I just think of MLFAS OST. YOU AAAAARREE MY DESTINY!!!, lol.
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WishfulToki
February 25, 2017 at 5:56 PM
Haha, I thought the same thing! Which also reminds me of Back to the Future: 'You... are... my... density.' Never gets old. :D
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hyades
February 25, 2017 at 9:40 PM
LOL
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ar_arguably romantic
February 25, 2017 at 8:52 PM
I'll always remember You Are My Destiny as the drama I watched waaaay to many episodes of. I think I may have made it to the 90s out of the almost 200 episode daily drama.
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21 WishfulToki
February 25, 2017 at 12:41 PM
Hwarang (20/20): Finally, it's over. Now to call in the reaper for that selective memory wipe… That the story remembered its funny side in the last 5 minutes was jarring and bittersweet, considering what might have been if our main characters hadn’t spent 15 episodes brooding or being kidnapped. Bravo to all in the comments section, it was crazy fun.
Chief Kim (10/20): Let's say my emotions ran from high to low this week. Episode 9 had me laughing in my sleep (ahjumma slap for the win), and then episode 10 made me want to throw a sandwich in Yul's with a 'how dare you betray my hopes?' Completely unexpected twist, and there was no preview to help me stomach the wait until Wednesday.
(As a side note, I'm glad I watched Goblin only because I can get the parodies in Chief Kim. Love it).
Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People : Show has definitely stolen my heart. I don't exactly rush to watch episodes every week, but after I've seen them I wish I had more. I wouldn't call it 'fusion' for now, it really feels authentically Joseon-era. If they believed in legends that's part of it, as well as the music, the poetry, the suffering and unfairness of the social system. I am learning a lot just reading the comments section. More than any other show I hope this one keeps going strong!
Considering to pick up Introverted Boss again. My mother really enjoys it and I completely identify with Hwanki the overthinker.
Oh, and I finished Reply 1988. It was more nostalgic and less 'effervescent' (?) than Reply 1997. Many thanks to bbstl for encouraging me to watch this, and the pertinent warning of not focusing on the romance. Even with that, it still hurt.
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Flightey Gazelles
February 25, 2017 at 3:03 PM
re: Introverted Boss, I'll echo a fellow beanie's advice, start from episode 6 if you're not one with patience for insufferable characters.
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Kendi
February 25, 2017 at 6:55 PM
@WishfulToki
Hwarang's comment section is the best part of the show!
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22 ladykrueger
February 25, 2017 at 12:43 PM
I was toast the moment Min-hyuk found Bong-soon ''damn sexy''. Sorry Ji-soo, Jinheung got me good this time!
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23 Chandler
February 25, 2017 at 12:44 PM
"Also, the music in this show is a standout: fresh, folksy, and moving. Manseh!"
I'm loving the music in Rebel too! Apparently Ahn Ye-Eun wrote and preformed her songs they've used for the OST way back when she was on K-pop star. Cool that they picked out her songs and used them for this show because they fit perfectly. I found her other song they play that isn't released on the official ost:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Sfi2_LvFA
I've been listening to all her other tracks throughout the week. Love her unique style and tone. Traditional and folksy, with a modern, fresh, and funky bent.
"I just never get tired of them. I choked on laughter-tears when he was trapped on that awkward canoe date with Heo Jung-min going, What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? What do I say? *cries*"
- Yeon Woo-jin and Heo Jung-min have always had such great comedic chemistry! Honestly, I feel like I've been waiting for their characters to interact like this the whole show. Definitely the highlight for me too!
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kitkat
February 25, 2017 at 2:18 PM
OMG!!! chandler your post totally made my day!!! thank you! ahn ye eun was my favourite the moment they (finally) featured her on k-pop star. :)
and now I just got one more reason to start watching the rebel.
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PakalanaPikake
February 26, 2017 at 5:45 AM
Thanks, Chandler, for that link!
I love the music in REBEL. The incidental music is wonderful. This is yet another great track. Ahn Ye-Eun's voice is really growing on me. Manseh indeed!
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24 fab
February 25, 2017 at 1:10 PM
Birth secrets everywhere. At this point practically everyone's existence is based on a birth secret. Is that how all long weekend dramas roll? BUT, strangely enough it's not too angsty when the mother is my most disliked character.
TOMORROW WITH YOU on the other hand could use some angst..or spice, just a tad.
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25 fab
February 25, 2017 at 1:17 PM
I case someone is interested in the secret of surviving a long drama(50+). Don't watch too many dramas at the same time. Seriously, cut that cord.
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26 gadis
February 25, 2017 at 1:22 PM
Hwarang: I'm just glad this has finally ended. I was crazy in-love with you at the beginning, show. But alas, we aren't meant to be. Hopefully you meet a better match in someone else. Now, let just go our separate ways. Farewell.
Tomorrow with You: Seems like there is still hope on the horizon that their marriage will survive. What a relief.
Strong Woman Do Bong-soon: Me and this show is like love at the first sight. Now I just need to worry about how good the rest of 15 eps would be.
What's with this family (6/53): Love the way it depicted women characters. Whether it's the professional, smart, tough type. Or the sweet, caring, hard-working type. And watching Dalbong and his father's relationship just warmed my heart. It's sweet, but true to life. Still not particularly invested in Gangjae's life, but will see where the story would take it.
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27 alasecond
February 25, 2017 at 1:32 PM
New journey to the west..definitely my crack
whoever is not watching it is missing out on one of the most awesome comic shows ever..
2017 is super lackluster compared to 2016..when i had sthg to watch everyday..
PS: Anyone knows where can i find grandfather over flowers with eng sub? - with lee seo jin
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28 sorrynotsorry
February 25, 2017 at 1:33 PM
Voice: Suspending reality but like the pacing. It's zipping right along.
Eternal Love/Ten Mile Peach Blossom: Gets better and better. If it continues at this level, will be one of my favorite romance fantasy dramas.
Father, I'll Take Care of You: We're in the middle of this drama and it is dragging now. I've even lost interest in the cousins. I expect it to get zippy after episode 35 or so, but I think this one is gonna end up being just okay.
Strong Woman DBS: When PBY puts her tiny tiny little feet on the other guy's big ole feet and the expression on her face...she is friggin adorable. I don't care if this is 16 episodes of fluff and fun. Good. I'm getting plenty of angst on Voice. Also, she has a singular personality...i mean she really isn't sweetness and light in this drama.
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29 wakimary
February 25, 2017 at 2:38 PM
Hwarang
It's finally over..no surprise really with how it ended. Just made me remember how better it could have been. Nevertheless, I kinda think once in a while, I'll remember this kdrama and find myself smiling all because of Jinheung, Hansung and that adorkable couple Banryu & Sooyoon.
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
It here after all that teasers. OMG, I love it from the start. PBY is love and PHS, so good to see him soon and as a lead. Please Dramagods, let this be a gem until Ep 16
Introverted Boss
The rewrite has been done well, in the sense you wouldn't feel it's too disconnected but what could have been if Rowoon's sister didnt die. I still can't get to warm up with Rowoon, I'm trying really hard to like her but nothing. While YWJ does very well, as usual.
Father, I'll Take Care of You
With the drama slump I had, I ended up picking it up again instead of waiting until its over. I would pick Jeung Eun's character over that rude,annoying Jeung Hwa. I'm kinda glad they only introduced her by Ep 30, cause I don't think I'd survive watching her+JE in the earlier episodes. But still, SJ&DH are keeping me in, with their loveline still getting to me. They're like this long term couple already and can we please have them in more car scenes and of course their favorite date place, the library!
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30 Flightey Gazelles
February 25, 2017 at 2:53 PM
Rebel:
I'm beyond pleased to finally come across a show where the two female leads are equally rootable, have chemistry with different dynamics with the Male Lead. And yes, I agree with Heads that for once, the first love makes sense and its not something that we're supposed to buy as the end and be all *cough Cinderella And The Four Knights cough* even if its not moving at all. For such a character with few scenes by herself and with Gil Dong, Honey Lee is so compelling. Unto good things from hence forth!
I Hear Your Voice: 8 eps in
Now I finally understand what people mean by noona killer. I like how the writer doesn't make a big deal about their cohabitation and interactions. Its funny, that by underplaying and unemphasising( I know that's not a word, sorry) their skinship and swoony moments, it further amplifies them instead, making me so aware and appreciative of them. Some caution: do not, never expect any accurate portrayal of the legal system, just suspend and absorb the story. Enjoy!
Queen In Hyun's Man:
Good Lawd, the way Yoo In Na keeps looking at him is making me blush! Its a first. Usually its the male actors who serve up the poignant glances, longing looks, the sexy stares and intense gazes. But when Yoo In Na just sat there, casually leaning in her car, silently looking at him up and down, Wow, I MOS DEF felt it. Does she even realize the looks she's sending his way? He really is a cultured gentleman cause I'm a girl and even I don't think I would have been able to handle it, CHEESOS!!!! Those Confucian principles must be quite strong. #Respect!
I don't know who the actor is and I deliberately refused to Google his name, no biased or prejudices going in. What a hunk! Homeboy's tall, mehn. Their not playing he's fish-out-of-water situation in a slapstick manner and I find that I'm surprisingly okay with the straight approach the show's taking. He's quite resourceful and intelligent. *duffs hat*
I have to hold a pillow to suppress squeals every time they get close and are smily with each other. AND THEY'VE BARELY EVEN DONE ANYTHING! Well aside from elevator rides and library dark corners. Sounds illicit, doesn't it? Bet you're curious which scenes I'm referring to now. Scrambling for a watch? A rewatch?. I'm 12, I know.
Introverted Boss:
They really lucked out with their hero, Hwan Ki. Compelling, sympathetic and rootable, he really is the glue that keeps the show together ( which is a statement I don't like using as it dismisses all the contributions from other characters, but its true here.), he makes other characters interesting just by his interactions with them. Most importantly, how can someone so timid, shy, want-to-hug-and-protect-from-the-wicked-world level, be suddenly so SEXY?!! How? When? Where? I thought I learnt from King Louise but apparently not, because WET SHOWER KISS.
Phew, so much more rambling is in stock but my brain is giving my the 'fried' signal from...
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Flightey Gazelles
February 25, 2017 at 3:00 PM
got caught off, lol. Even my phone's side-eyeing me.
...my brain is giving me the 'fried' signal from too much thoughts (lol) and raving.
Can't wait to watch Tomorrow With You ( scorching slow burn, or so I heard), Chief Kim ( unabashedly outrageous which I like) and Voice( a Kdrama gory? with a strong heroine that looks competent? Sign me up!).
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oosiee
February 25, 2017 at 3:44 PM
You Are aware that Yoo Inna and the male lead (Ji hyun woo) dated for a while after QIM..right??
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Flightey Gazelles
February 25, 2017 at 4:47 PM
I refused to find out his name, you had to tell me, heh!
OMG, OMG I don't blame them, all that chemistry! Its good to know his not restricted by the laws of Joseon in real life( K entertainment image and scandals).
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gadis
February 25, 2017 at 4:30 PM
Haha. I love your fangirling over IHYV and Queen In-hyun. Those are great romcom. Enjoy your time. One scene I especially love from IHYV was when Lee Bo-young share her story so expressively to Lee Jong-suk using her mind only because her throat was raw after all the screaming she had to do in the office. That was sweet, cute, and just SO them.
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Flightey Gazelles
February 25, 2017 at 4:44 PM
I LOVED that scene, what a simple but effective way to portray their deep connection. I mean, he can literally here her thoughts!
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Chandler
February 25, 2017 at 5:24 PM
Haha, I actually do want to rewatch Queen In Hyun's Man. Just reading your description brings back all the memories. Kim Boong Do also has a very passionate gaze, especially in the later episodes!
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Flightey Gazelles
February 25, 2017 at 5:34 PM
More reasons to keep watching! I'm going to totally fail my exams, lol.
I think I'm only four or five episodes in, I'm not counting, just let it go on and on.
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31 Seeitimust
February 25, 2017 at 3:06 PM
Well hello Strong Woman Do Bong-soon. What a fun start!
PHS's reaction to being threatened in the middle of the night, him finding PBY's super power damn sexy, PBY acting all coy and feminine in front of JS, and the funnies of all, JS in drags. I was hitting the table I laughed so hard at that scene.
Show, please keep the funny vein even if you need to turn serious once in awhile. PBY being so tiny and adorable, with that superhuman strenght. I am a fan of that secretary as well. I liked how he eventually turned out in Misaeng.
I will confess to being a sexist momentarily. PHS & JS flower boys and pure eye candy.
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32 Needaname
February 25, 2017 at 3:14 PM
Of course I am watching Strong Woman Bong-soon! It was hard to let go of Jidwhi--still recuperating from Hwarang! But loving Minhyuk! Park Hyungsik is so good! I can watch him all day! Or night! More please! I too laughed out loud at some scenes, it is my kind of humor! It reminded me of a show I watched a long time ago, Sweet Spy, which was kind of silly but so much fun to watch! I like Park Bo Young but for some reasons felt she looked a bit older compared to the two male actors...maybe they just look young next to her. She is cute and has that sweet voice...but I sometimes felt that just seemed too much at times. I've only seen her in Werewolf Boy which was a while ago. She was so youthful in Werewolf Boy but I guess Bong-soo is 27 so not supposed to be that young anyway. Loved Jisoo! And yes can't wait to see them all interact with each other more!
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gadis
February 25, 2017 at 4:32 PM
Well, she is older than them in real life. I kinda love how those two super tall men called her noona on the set.
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33 Flightey Gazelles
February 25, 2017 at 3:37 PM
"We haven't seen a raw portrayal of a victimized woman turned cold survivor done this well"
If you have the time or are in the mood for some frustrating 'gobeh' with plot misdirection and abrupt changes, then I suggest YongPal. Kim Tae Hee's rise from a literal sleeping beauty to a powerful villain( anti-villain) was clearly, genuinely portrayed with equally strong acting from her, I didn't expect it at all. It was so refreshing to watch a drama with a heroine that wasn't afraid to show a proper revenge and the dirty lengths she was willing to go to, without any sugarcoating, pure-hearted, forgiveness-personified bs! And she was the main character, WITH A LOVE INTEREST for that matter!
Just keep in mind that its a revenge, Chaebol political drama, not a medical action thriller and you're good.
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Flightey Gazelles
February 25, 2017 at 3:39 PM
@jomo
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ar_arguably romantic
February 25, 2017 at 7:59 PM
Yong-pal was so full of wtf, but the first 6 episodes and the later episodes' scenes with old fogeys asking for mercy and Kim Tae Hee being merciless were great!
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Eman Resu
February 25, 2017 at 9:47 PM
I loved Kim Tae Hee's rise to murderous she-cat in that.
I didn't love the fact that Joo Won had to basically be sidelined to accomplish it.
He was basically impotent by the end.
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Flightey Gazelles
February 26, 2017 at 10:28 AM
Just know going in that Joo Won's story are the first six episodes, skip episodes 7 & 8 at all cost, then resume to a Chaebol revenge drama. Seems about right, yeah.
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34 oosiee
February 25, 2017 at 3:41 PM
♡♡Tomorrow With You♡♡
-Despite everything..feels so much warmth between Sojoon-Marin couple♡♡
♡Introverted Boss♡
-♡♡♡EunHwanKi♡♡♡
♡Strong Woman Do Bong Soon♡
-Though I felt the 1st episode quite slow..this show is a hoot! Loved 2nd episode..The actors are doing fine job and I'm loving every facial expression of Park Hyung Shik♡
If Hwarang did anything right to me...its Park Hyung Shik!
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35 Evelia
February 25, 2017 at 3:54 PM
Interested in seeing Strong Woman, but there isnt enough time.
Watching:
Missing 9, just for fun, I dont mind the plot anymore. I like the comedy and dont care if there is no romance between the protagonists.
Tomorrow with You, only for Ma Rin, I dont care about him, I dont understand him. Why can he just tell her the truth? That is why I keep asking myself every week. Hopefully maybe in this weeks episode he does, otherwise is just going to be a lot of pain for Ma Rin.
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36 rinnykingdom
February 25, 2017 at 3:59 PM
I have to agree with tinieybeanie.
i'm a pure romance addict - even more when it include comedy in it. Introvert boss just doesn't work for me.
comedy [check]
romance [ughhh]
maybe it is better without romance afterall. or without rowon. hwanki can drive the drama on his own and make it better.
it's a good thing that do bong soon is already out and about. at least my week won't pass slowly with nothing to look forward to. it's my new crack. hahahaha
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37 yrlvv
February 25, 2017 at 4:13 PM
Do Bong Soon reach 5.7% in 2nd episode, highest mini series jtbc
Park Bo Young slayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy left and right!!!!!!
Honestly the story doesnt really connect well with each other. But Park Bo Young is everything. She's cute beyond words. Plus PHS and JS too. All winners.
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38 wackycashew
February 25, 2017 at 4:23 PM
Hwarang: Well, let's say I managed to finish this show. There was so much potential and I honestly really enjoyed watching the cast of the group of Hwarang boys, not just the leads. If only their bond was developed more... The ending was quite predictable and I guess I'll just need to look forward to more PSJ later.
Iljimae + Arang and the Magistrate: Finished Iljimae and though it was good, I felt like loose ends weren't addressed by the end of the series. Started Arang and caught the first 5 eps so far. Pretty good and I love the main couple. I guess I had a lull in my drama watching since nothing new really motivated me to watch live as it aired while I waited for Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon: Finally started!! Yesssss!! First ep was as good and funny as I expected. I seriously love this trio!! From PBY's spunky, assertive, I don't take any crap attitude to PHS's nutty personality to Jisoo's judicious nature!! Love love love!! Not to mention the baddies and exaggerated body-flying moments. LOL My new crack!!
Miss In Kiss T-drama: Looks like they're wrapping this up soon. Maybe it's only season 1 for now? I wish Zhishu would just stop pretending he doesn't care for Yueqin and tell her how he feels already. She's still clueless cuz she never notices when he peers at her, or how he puts up with her requests. If it was anyone else, he would've totally rejected and told her off, like he did with Ziyu.
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39 CQB
February 25, 2017 at 4:30 PM
Still watching and enjoying Defendant and Tomorrow With You.
Started Strong Woman Do Bong-soon - I liked it but didn't love it like I had hoped. The preview looked good, so hopefully it will spark for me more next week. Park Bo Young is cute, and I like Park Hyung Shik"s character.
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40 Eman Resu
February 25, 2017 at 5:06 PM
Honestly none of the currently airing dramas have caught my interest in the least.
I'm looking forward to The King Loves due to how partial to Yoona I am (to put it mildly) as well as that new Joseon zombie sageuk that sounds just ridiculous enough to be good (the fact the the writer from Signal is behind it seems promising).
Currently (and finally) watching My Love From Another Star and enjoying it. Thinking about taking up Faith after the ample recommendations received in yesterday's Open Thread.
:)
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41 michykdrama
February 25, 2017 at 5:36 PM
I'm on the Strong Woman band wagon too!
What I expected was to love Park Bo Young, but what I didn't expect was to have leg envy of Ji Soo! LMAO.
Shall not say more so as not to spoil. ? But it was a fun first episode for sure!
Voice has upped its rating! Which means less censoring *hurray!* and I hope that while they invest in a truly fascinating baddie, that they also make use of Jang Hyuk's character a bit better, rather than only using him for action scenes. Come on folks, we have seen him mesmerizing in Beautiful Mind, we know he can do it and I'd love a proper showdown between him and Tae gu. Make it happen Show!
Down the SKKS rabbit hole I am, and loving every minute. Loving Yoo Ah in and SJK, the male lead is ok, but somehow falling quite flat, as he seems to be overshadowed by them. I can see the beginnings of the epic bromance though and it's making me excited!
Lastly Chief Kim gave me angst! Oooh I felt so sad at the end of episode 10, and I wanted to punch Yul. Stinkygloatingbadguy! (Needed to watch SKKS to wash away the angry feelings.) Can't wait for them to take him down. I don't know how they will do it, but I can't wait till they do!
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WishfulToki
February 25, 2017 at 5:44 PM
The ending of Chief Kim this week was really frustrating, and unlike you I didn't have something else lined up afterwards to wash away the angry feelings. So I ended up re-watching Faith and playing 'guess the drama by OSTs' on youtube. Someone better bring Yul to his knees soon, preferably cleaning lady!
And aw, SJK in Sungkyunkwan Scandal was my favourite character. Stole every scene he was in with his 'I am Gu Yong Ha'
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gadis
February 25, 2017 at 6:12 PM
Ooohh, the leg envy is REAL. Haha.
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42 sweetsour
February 25, 2017 at 5:40 PM
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sweetsour
February 25, 2017 at 6:03 PM
Comment was deleted
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43 phoenix220
February 25, 2017 at 5:57 PM
Odilettante, we are one and the same regarding Super Family 2017! Since it's only 30 minutes it's a speedy watch.
I started the recaps for Defendant but haven't had time to watch (and I doubt I will have time, sigh). Same for Tomorrow with You, but I think I will watch this when I have time. Thrilling shows are better watched while it's airing, for me.
And I'm watching Introverted Boss.
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44 missjb
February 25, 2017 at 6:27 PM
I'm enjoying Tomorrow With You eventhough there is alot of filler scene in the past 4 episode. One thing is for sure, Lee Je Hoon acting is so good here, enjoying his character arc so much mainly because of his various of emotion he convey here, I might end up will watch all his previous work. Not a perfect acting, But boy, he give so much heart into his performances. If only all male lead in mainstream drama act like this.
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45 ET
February 25, 2017 at 6:42 PM
To me, a saeguk done right feels like fantasy. There's this feeling of magic and I get thrown back in time while watching it. Rebel is one show that does it for me. The music plays a big part too. Can anyone recommend music/OSTs like the one sang by Honey Lee in Rebel?
I am also looking for good saeguk or period drama music. Doesn't need to be Korean. I am sure there are fantastic Chinese period drama music out there but I don't watch this genre(except NIF) so I am handicapped in this regard.
I just started Introverted Boss by jumping in at ep 6. Beanies are right, Yeo Woo Jin is fantastic. I liked him in MND, he's even better here.
Finally Hwarang ended. I had thought Radiant Office is taking its place but it is actually Perfect Wife. There seems to be so little hype on the latter.
I am so done with Missing 9. I was hanging in for Bong Hee but enough is enough. It didn't help that the humor was totally lost on me. So absurd! Well at least it introduced me to Baek Jin Hee and Choi Tae Joon. Hope to see them in new projects. Jung Kyung Ho has mostly been a miss for me. Not so much of him but his dramas. I failed to get into Cruel City and the only one I've completed was Falling For Innocence which wasn't that good either.
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WishfulToki
February 25, 2017 at 7:45 PM
Re: OST. Rebel music reminds me a lot of the Chuno soundtrack (especially Biingnyeolii, Wanted, and the song by Seol-Hwa) and also the theme song of Jewel in the Palace (the slow version of Onara).
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ET
February 25, 2017 at 8:12 PM
Thank you! :D
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WishfulToki
February 26, 2017 at 7:54 PM
See also comment above by Chandler, number 23.
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ar_arguably romantic
February 25, 2017 at 8:46 PM
I really liked Jung Kyung-ho in the weekend drama, Smile You, with Lee Min Jung. He was adorable. I did end of dropping the drama due to lack of time.
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46 sangmaharani
February 25, 2017 at 7:05 PM
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon:
Finally I find again something to ship, something to laugh at, something thrilling, something wacky, something cute, all in single package. If only this drama is already completed, I must have marathoned it in one go. All characters provide solid performance and Park - Park couple is adorable.
The only thing bothers me is its fighting scene--or more precisely DBS beating the bad guy scene. Perhaps because k-drama rarely does slapstick, their editing feels really awkward. Not to mention, the drama shows how serious the after effect can be, I dont think I can find fighting scene humorous anyomore.
When jdrama does slapstick, usually the characters will get up fine a second after. Their slapstick is just an over fantazising presentation and nothing serious, so I can enjoy it without feeling bad.
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47 blissfulennaira
February 25, 2017 at 7:32 PM
Pausing all ongoing series to finish Six Flying Dragon. This sageuk is sooooo good!!!
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drawde2000
February 25, 2017 at 8:25 PM
I haven't seen many old sageuks, but for me SFD is one to beat in my books.
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drawde2000
February 25, 2017 at 8:26 PM
For upcoming sageuks anyway.
I'm sure the classics can put SFD to shame.
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48 Lin
February 25, 2017 at 8:01 PM
Still watching and loving Tomorrow With You which took all my feels this week. Episode 7 had me crying with all the misunderstanding, lies, secrets, then communication, and confessions, and letting in.
Episode 8 had me laughing so hard at some of The shenanigans and wanting to get some. I enjoy the exploration of what makes a relationship and builds a lasting marriage. I still sense the doomed future but boy is our hero going to fight in the here and now against it. Agh, so many questions still through.
I plan to start Strong Woman (waiting for the second ep to be subbed then watch) and Defendant someday. I'm also trash for angst so rewatching Que Sera Sera .
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49 mistyisles
February 25, 2017 at 8:12 PM
I'm also finally getting caught up on everything, and loving everything I'm watching.
Rebel: I liked the first few episodes, but like Javabeans it took Yoon Kyun-sang's appearance for the show to really take off for me. I LOVE the use of music -- not just the music choice, but how it's used, especially that time in Ikhwari when they were all singing and celebrating and (of course) the breathtaking duet between Gil-dong and Nok-soo. It's strange, but I don't actually remember watching a sageuk or even fusion sageuk before wherein the characters actually sing.
Missing 9: It seems I'm in the minority, but I'm hopelessly addicted to this. This week's episodes were a bit slow, but so funny, and I enjoyed the small moments between characters. Looking forward to what happens next. (And since EVERYONE I've seen talk about this show is rooting for Yeol to show up alive, surely they have to throw us that bone, right?)
Tomorrow With You: I haven't watched episode 8 yet, but 7 sold me on the romance for good. I was also getting extremely frustrated with So-joon, but now I'm thoroughly invested in whether these two can make their relationship work, more than just as a means of saving their lives in the future.
And in between those, I'm re-watching Signal. Because double Lee Je-hoon? Yes, please! I'm always nervous about re-watching thrillers and shows with lots of plot twists, because I'm afraid I won't enjoy them as much when I'm no longer in suspense, but I'm happy to find that it really is that good. Instead of being stunned by the plot twists, I get excited in anticipation of them, and can just enjoy the ride instead of worrying over how everything will be resolved.
Finally, for any you Solomon's Perjury fans: I just found out that Jang Dong-yoon (aka our secretive mastermind Han Ji-hoon) was scouted to be an actor after coming into the pubic eye by using his brain to catch a real-life criminal! http://www.allkpop.com/buzz/2015/11/handsome-college-student-saves-the-day-with-his-bravery-and-quick-wit-against-a-robber
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ET
February 25, 2017 at 8:24 PM
Oh my! So that's how Jang Dong Yoon was discovered. With that face, it's no wonder he got scouted for showbiz. I googled more and realized he has a web drama last year? Has anyone seen it?
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ar_arguably romantic
February 25, 2017 at 8:37 PM
Whoa! Strange to think he was a college student over a year ago. I know he's older than the rest of the Solomon's Perjury actors and he does look older in that picture, but I still think of him as high school student Han Ji Hoon.
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50 ar_arguably romantic
February 25, 2017 at 8:34 PM
Watching...
Hwarang: made it through the very end. It was frustrating, but surprisingly not tough to get through since I was lapping it all up. I feel like the writer was not properly supervised. So many coulda, shoulda, wouldas.
Chief Kim: the bearer of my mid-week funnies! Don't know how to describe the humor - sly? Irreverent? I looked at the writer's and directors' dramawiki pages and wouldn't have imagined them to pull together something like Chief Kim. they must be having a ton of fun working on this! This weekend, I wonder how my beloved Business Operations team will bounce back from the latest setback.
Tomorrow with you: I'm also more on Marin's side than So Joon's (and yes, why does he keep leaving futuristic stuff lying around?) though by the end of episode 7, it seems like he's coming around. Even though this is a love story about a man who time travels, it is also a very basic story of a couple early in their marriage working on communication issues and figuring out what sharing a life together really means. Love the use of instrumental music.
Poked my head in a recent episode to see if I should continue watching:
Father I'll take care of you: Seems like I need to wait another few weeks before watching again. The birth secret is frustrating. I liked JE from the very beginning, but the more she has the play the angelic woman who soothes Hyun-woo's angst, the more I have trouble watching her.
Semi-watching because my mom is watching it when I happen to be in the same room:
Introverted Boss: it's gone very light and meandering. I'm not sure what to make of it. It feels like viewer criticism has made the writer risk-averse to making the characters act or do anything too strange??
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WishfulToki
February 26, 2017 at 5:48 AM
Lol on moms watching Introverted Boss. I finally decided to watch it because my mom likes it. Caught up to episode 5 when the new revamped writing kicked in... not sure I want a light and meandering story though but I'll give it a go.
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