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Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

With all the new premieres, ongoing series, and backlogged shows on my plate, I sort of feel like it’s closet-cleaning time and I’m sorting through a big pile of possessions, figuring out what to keep and what to toss, and wondering how I amassed such a collection in such a short period of time. I could’ve sworn I was all caught up a moment ago! It’s like hoarding, the K-drama version. Is the cure… just watching them all? –javabeans

 

javabeans

Rescue Me: Ooh, I’m intrigued. For once OCN has a dark, gritty show that has nothing to do with criminals or serial killers; it’s all to do with the ugliness and cruelty of humankind. It’s an uncomfortable watch at times (often, in fact), mostly because the drama is so effective at making this insidious cult feel real and credible. I found it quite clever how, while clearly taking elements of existing religious practices, the drama has made it its own fictional thing. There’s such a feeling of terror-in-limbo in watching this cult prey on this down-on-their-luck family, and the drama plays up that agitation to full effect.

Strongest Deliveryman: Ah, so here’s how you do campy humor with a deadpan delivery. I’m a fan of the tone, because the comedy is totally over-the-top but the actors are playing it with straight faces, and it makes things funny on a meta level. Plotwise I’m not that gripped yet, so I’m not sure I’m quite ready to tackle this show—maybe a bit later, when I feel more in the mood.

Manhole: I like the loose comic sensibility, but one episode in, I’m not quite sure I’m on the hero’s side. I mean, he’s our hero and he clearly loves the girl and wants to win her over, but I’m not convinced that’s enough to get me to root for him. The guy’s kind of a whiny loser who mooches off his parents and never tackles anything with proper effort, so I want him to get his act together and prove himself worthy, and not just because a magical portal decided to give him a hand. Am I a grinch for thinking responsible, reliable leads are sexy? Am I too old for this kind of hero?

Father Is Strange: Who knew it could be so thrilling to hear Joong-hee say, “Mi-young-ah”? That confession was so low-key but satisfying just the same, and while I hate that the solution to their problems isn’t just to get over it and be happy, I appreciate how Mi-young feels trapped between the two conflicting sides of her heart. And was there ever such a heartbreaking dad as Dad? *cries for days* Actor Kim Young-chul has played a bunch of badasses and villains, but I’ll never be able to take them seriously again because of how honestly and earnestly he embodies Dad, so simple and pure-hearted.

Reunited Worlds: The more into the romantic line we get, the more nervous I get because I cannot enjoy it freely, given that I half-expect Hae-sung to leave at any moment. I’m pretty sure he won’t go before he’s fixed everything needing fixing, so it’s not like I won’t get any warning, but it makes it hard to get attached!

Criminal Minds: I feel like this drama is both too procedural and not procedural enough. Half of me—the half that doesn’t love procedurals to begin with—feels like making this drama completely procedural (at least, more procedural than K-dramas usually are) saps it of the interesting K-drama elements, since the appeal of this show is more the characters than the criminals. And I’d like for the characters to be central and pivotal and interesting without necessarily always being the focus of some victim plotline. The other half of me thinks that if procedural has to be the main angle, they should be doing a better job with the cases, which feel like they’re based on interesting ideas but wrapped up in a kind of “Eh, waves hands, magical explanation solves all” sort of way.

Bride of the Water God 2017: This drama has the weirdest cliffhangers. They’re played for the big reversal/twist/turnaround, but absolutely without any context—since the explanation comes in the next episode—so even when something shocking happens, I don’t care. A little setup goes a long way!

 

girlfriday

School 2017: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. In real life, if a boy ordered ten fried chickens just to see me ten times in one night, I would smack him over the head with a drumstick. In dramaland, it’s just about the cutest thing ever. Watching the gruff rebel try to do romance is the most entertaining thing I’ve seen in a long time. I think I watched that scene where he tries (and fails) to be smooth with the earbud move about fifteen times. My god, I love awkward teenage romance.

Rescue Me: This show is beautifully cinematic—it’s moody, suspenseful, and creepy in all the right ways. A+ for setting the perfect atmosphere in the first two episodes. That small town feels just right (sleepy, kind of scary for no reason), and the casting is spot-on. I really love the four neighborhood punks, who feel like real friends and real boys, not just drama characters. I’m terrified about where the story will go, but I don’t think I can look away.

Strongest Deliveryman: I like the tone of this show, which actually matches the hilarious teasers for once—the characters treat jajangmyun delivery like they’re out there saving lives, which is just plain funny. I don’t love it yet, but Chae Soo-bin’s character is badass and cute at the same time, and she makes me want to keep watching.

Manhole: The first episode was so manic that I hard time connecting with anyone, but the show did get cuter when the hero went back to high school. I’m just not sure I like him. He’s just SUCH a loser. I like my underdogs a little more proactive and lot less whiny, because I found myself wondering why on earth he should get the girl if he’s had 28 years to do a whole lotta nuthin’ about it.

Falsify: I enjoy this show when I’m watching, especially now that our various good guy threads are starting to come together in one common mission. After I watch it though, I almost immediately forget what’s happened. I think there’s just a limit to how much exposition my short-term memory will hold onto, and this show has a lot of it.

Reunited Worlds: Am I supposed to root for both lovelines at the same time? Because that’s kind of how it feels, except I’m incapable of doing that, which means I end up rooting for neither fully.

Three Meals a Day: Is it weird that I watch this show mostly for Yoon Kyun-sang and his cats? My mom and I will watch the same episode and she’ll be like, “Wasn’t it interesting how Eric cooked that thing that way?” and I’ll be like, “Yoon Kyun-sang got his kitties to wear fashion sunglasses, and he didn’t even lose an eye!”

 

HeadsNo2

Rescue Me: Ohmygod, I love it. I haven’t felt this much pervading dread since White Christmas, and I’m all about it.

Falsify: So last week, I thought the show had really picked up, though I hadn’t really fell in love with any of the characters involved. The show raises some interesting questions about the state of our news media today, regardless of location or culture. And while it’s doing that somewhat compellingly, I can’t actually feel all that compelled about watching. This week especially was twisty and turny and complicated, but it was a whole lot of talking. A whole lot.

Manhole: This drama is my new happy pill—it’s the first show in a while I’ve just laughed out loud at. Jaejoong’s comedic timing is gold because he’s just GOING FOR IT, and I have to respect when someone commits to the bit. Welcome back, Jaejoong! ♥

 

LollyPip

Currently recapping: Reunited Worlds, Bride of the Water God 2017

Seven Day Queen: Lately I’ve been taking a little break from dramas I wasn’t recapping, and I’m a little surprised that this is the show that’s re-sparked my drama watching. But I was hooked from the first few minutes, and though I’ve only seen the first few episodes, I can already tell that this is going to be a masterpiece. Yeon Woo-jin and Park Min-young are adorable and heart-wrenching as the young star-crossed lovers, and Lee Dong-gun is absolute perfection as Yeongsangun. I love nothing more than a sympathetic villain, and he couldn’t possibly be better as the tormented king who just wants to be loved.

Rescue Me: Wow. I mean, WOW. This show not only lives up to its promise to be good, but far exceeds it. It’s gritty and raw, and it’s not afraid to go to some ugly, painful places, and if this is what we’re starting out with, I’m both dreading and anticipating the depths of human depravity that will be revealed as we learn more about Father Baek and his disciples. I think I experienced every emotion possible in these first two episodes: from fear, to despair, to grief and terror, Rescue Me doesn’t shy away from the truth – that human beings are capable of visiting more horror on each other than any demon ever could.

Manhole: Even before we got to the manhole time-travel shenanigans, I was all in. Pil has got to be the saddest sack ever, and I luff him already. He’s so hapless and helpless and you just wonder how he manages to even dress himself, so it’s no wonder he has no clue how to win over his ladylove. And I love that Soo-jin is fully aware of Pil’s feelings and gives him every opportunity to confess, instead of pretending she doesn’t know. Dude, just tell her, she’s been waiting for 28 years!

The Best Hit: Yeah, I know I’m late to the party. But it was worth the wait for all the hilarity, ridiculousness, and flat-out insanity that is this show. I’m only a few episodes in, but I’m of the firm belief that Yoon Shi-yoon is made entirely of rainbows and puppies.

 

odilettante

Currently recapping: Strongest Deliveryman

Manhole: I love it so muuuuuuuuuuch. At last I’ve found the perfect show to kick me out of my drama slump. Thank you, magic manhole of zany time-travel shenanigans, for reminding me how much I enjoy watching Jaejoong run. And act. And, uh… breathe. What can I say? I’ve missed his pretty face!

 

tipsymocha

Seven Day Queen: Since I’d been traveling, I couldn’t catch the last 6 episodes live, so I made the rather stupid decision of watching them all in one go. I am now a mess of goo on the floor and someone will need to peel me out of the lake of tears I made for myself. This show really brought out the masochist in me, in that I knew the pain (and there was a lot of it) was coming, but I didn’t run for the hills like someone with better self-preservation instincts would have. Instead, I loyally followed our main couple as they fought tooth and nail to stay together and love as they were born to do. I relished the rare moments of happiness they had together, which sustained me through some really painful stretches of smug, evil ministers and the deaths of our couple’s loved ones. In the end, I’m just grateful to this cast and crew for giving us such a beautiful, heartrending romance that proves noble sacrifice can be devoid of idiocy, and that love really can grow stronger in the face of adversity. So. Much. Adversity.

 
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Went through a slump after the back-to-back finales of FMW and SP AND real-life/adulting stuff that I had to deal with... but I'm catching up and getting super hooked on School 2017. ?

I thought I'd give this drama a pass but I ended up watching it last weekend and now I'm eagerly anticipating the next episode. Pretty sure I'm not the only hoping for a sweet little kiss between Tae Woo and Eun Ho. Also shipping Kyung Soo and Sa Rang, teehee.

Other dramas on my list...

Bride of The Water God - Loved it from the first couple of episodes but my interest has waned the past couple of weeks. Gonna stick with it til the end though, I've got too many questions!

Flower Boys Next Door - seemed cute and heartwarming, I line up an episode now and then

The Best Hit - I ended up dropping it because I was too invested in FMW and SP to live watch it, but I hope to get back to it sometime soon. Marathon tiiime!

Strong Deliveryman - idk when i'll get to watch this but I have a soft spot for GKP haha

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Reunited Worlds : Just watching this drama these days as i cannot commit to many dramas at one time. The reason for choosing it was Yeo Jin goo! And i'm loving it. Specially in the last few episodes Kee yeon hee was so cute as well. May not be everyones cup of tea. Specially the noona romance. But it's an interesting drama and interesting concept. Plus YJG's beautiful smile is let alone a reason to not to skip this one.

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Lee Yeon hee*

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The comparison between Rescue Me and White Christmas is encouraging, since I'm a huge fan of the later, so hopefully I'll enjoy the former too! This week instead of catching up on the several dramas I've been watching, I'm going to watch the first episode of most of the currently airing dramas and see if I want to pick any of them up.

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I am also watching SDM for Chae Soo Bin mostly but more and more drawn to the second lead characters. what is this? I am more invested in their growth and struggle even if they are rich brats... it is like seeing young animals striking out on their own with a different set of survival skills. the more they have relied on their parents, the more helpless they are. and there are those ironic twists and impossible obstacles to overcome.

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Me too! For some unknown reason I am more drawn to our chaebol kids.Heck, I'm even waiting for some fake dating hijinks now.

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I haven't been able to pick up Queen for Seven Days. Only 3-4 episodes left and yet I am stuck there. I still think that watching all remaining eps left in one go is better than to watch it one by one...or is it not? In some ways, I hate to part with this drama. It hits all the right note for me. It doesn't come by very frequently when it comes to saeguk. But yes, how it might end a little bit scares me. Perhaps because it was so good.

Bride of Habaek...I dropped it this week. I feel like this is one drama that is best to be watched in whole rather than in parts, perhaps because the writer tends to drop clues here and there in an unusual way, that makes me feel like a child collecting tiny beads on the shore, every single time I watch. It's not fun. I'd rather collect shells. They are bigger.

Woman of Dignity is getting better and better. I'm also glad that the rating keeps increasing and surpassing Strong Woman Do Bong Soon's. I pity the three little pigs. I keep wondering how they got there: from being chaebol's children to...this. It's just absurd. The dynamics around Ah Jin is interesting, even I start to appreciate Seong Hee's appearance on screen, who apparently provides big chunk of comedy in this drama. Ki Ho is just candy, a very tall and capable candy. If only he stays longer and longer on screen.

I revisited Marriage Not Dating this week, and watched it from start to finish, after writing answer in quora. I think an effective use of sound effect and background music helps this drama a lot in setting the mood, since the story can turn from romance to comedy in a blink. Han Groo, you are dearly missed!

I'm thinking of rewatching Arang and the Magistrate, since I might only have Woman of Dignity in my list next week.

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I also binge watched Marriage not Dating due to YWJ and fell in love with Han Groo.

Stuff some chocolates with you when you decide to finish 7DQ. :)

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Marraige not dating had been on my watch list since forever ago! Is it binge-worthy? Trying to figure out a time to binge it!

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it is ??

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I thought Joong-hee's confession was one of the best confessions ever. So earnest, so sincere. I am very impressed with Lee Joon in this drama. I hope to see more of him.

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@javabeans : about the father thingy, your feeling about Kim Young Chul is how I feel by Kim Gab Soo. That no matter how villainy he gets I never forget how soft and clueless he was in Cinderella Sister and I still remember my feeling watching him riding bike (I was so frustrated).

@girlfriday I keep repeating moments the boy smile to himself every time he sees the girl. I really wish for a confession. NOW. not the fake I like "teasing" you. My heart always beats a bit faster hoping yay now is the confession. Uhm. No.

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Where can I watch Manhole, Falsify, Rescue name and Reunited Worlds? I can't find them on Drama Fever nor Viki. Thanks!

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have y tried VIU? all are VIU

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Manhole, Falsify, Reunited Worlds were just added to Viki if you have Viki Pass Plus (new plan). Subbing might take awhile though since all the episodes were newly added. Otherwise they're on KOCOWA.

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Rescue Me is taking over my week. My goodness! I'm watching it raw while rushing to work in the morning! It's that drama that you can't turn off even on your way to the car because "JUST ONE MORE MINUTE, I SWEAR!"

Interesting reviews on Manhole. The first ones I've seen when it aired were mostly negative but maybe I'll give it a try.

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The comedy scews to the silly/absurd side of things. It's not so much finding the humour in real life as it is creating silly and impossible situations and then going with it. There's plenty of heart and interesting characters within that setting, but if you like your comedy more low key (or more sharp/political) it probably won't appeal. I myself am a broad-spectrum comedy lover, and I'm quite enjoying the show.

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I think I am on a drama slump cause I'm having a hard time taking new dramas this week that's why I am gathering some info here from fellow Beanies... Thanks for the insights!

But I have finished:

Marriage not Dating, which made was really what a romcom drama should be. Han Groo was so fun to watch.

Forest of Secrets was perfection. As much as how I love 7DQ but this is my drama of the year due to the gripping storyline, sublime acting from the cast and the direction was impalpable. Han Yeo Jin is my spirit animal. <3

Planning to watch:
Healer (I miss PMY!!! :<)
Bride of the Water God
Reunited Worlds

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I'm kind of sad that none of the reviewers are watching 'the king loves', apart from the ones who are recapping the drama. I can't stop gushing about it, it's that good since it doesn't follow the regular sageuk types. There is no second lead here, both of the guys are indispensable for the story. I overlooked the fact that San has always been intrigued by Rin, even when he was masked and saved her, [ thinking it would be another typical king loves the rebel daughter storyline], but I was so wrong. I am planning to rewatch the drama and listen carefully to the voice overs that comes from Won and San at times. Now hope it stays this good till the end.

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I'm enjoying The King Loves, it's much better than I expected. Yoona's acting isn't bad, good to see an actreess progress over the years.

All too often saeguk plots get bogged down, this one keeps the story moving. Not on the angst level of 7DQ, but worth a watch.

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These days my watch-list includes easy breezy, lovey and weekend family drama. After a series of dark, twisted and thriller, Voice was my last one, I took a break from this genre. Giving my heart a rest.
I missed out Circle, Secret Forest. Need to catch on at least Secret Forest.

TUning my gear to 5, gonna watch Rescue Me (really hoping my heart can cope with the show) and of Course of Sea Ranch Season. Eric Mun is married man now.

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Watching The King Loves and Manhole. Will check out Live Up to Yor Name .

Other than that, watched a few K movies, Split, The King and Missing.
A J movie, Key To Life, lol
1 Episode left to J drama , Mother
Watch a C drama, The Eternal Love.

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Just finished Fight My Way and really loved the 2 pairs. There's nothing like a best-friends-to-lovers trope (done right) to make me squee! And it helped that Ae Ra and Dong Man had such good chemistry. I love the slice-of-life feel and that the characters are as normal as you can get. Sul Hee and Joo Man's long term relationship seemed like normal things couples eventually go through and seemed so relateable. Didn't like the last couple of eps so much 'cos it seemed every plot turn was thrown haphazardly to tie up things conveniently, plus some of them they could have developed earlier. Overall, it was the characters that lingered with me

NJTTW - Continues to be uproariously funny and cute ?

Three Meals A Day - I wish they have Han Ji Min for longer! Seo-jin sniper! Lol! I love her banter with him and how SJ seems so different, like more animated with her. You can really see how close they are. I'd been firmly on the SJ-CJW ship but thinking of jumping to the SJ-HJM one! Lol. I love how YKS is so shy around her! He's so adorable, I wanna ship him with HJM too! Haha

I'm gonna be starting Forest of Secrets. I'm curious as to whether it will surpass Signal which for me is still the best-made show. Also waiting for my girls of Age of Youth. I think I'll live watch that one, which I haven't done in a while

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Two dramas only is quite a slump for me.

I really wished more ppl would watch the king loves, it's so well written and executed and extraordinarily good and I'm saying this as a very picky person. For once it's not all about the romance, the characters are layered and authentic, the plot is logical and intriguing. I can't really guess anything that will happen in this drama despite having been spoiled more than once accidentally, and whatever does happen seems like the most natural but amazing thing. It's not a purely political drama of course, the three main actors are beautiful and their chemistry are incredible, between all of them. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. And very intelligent. What more can I ever hope for?

Watching reunited worlds dutifully but not really getting into it, it's just strange in many places, the dialogues are awkward in my eyes, the love story between a woman my age and a boy who has died, I just don't feel it.

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STRONGEST DELIVERYMAN
God I love this one! I love the 4 characters with all their flaws also. Eps 3 & 4 broke my heart... oh, the bromance. It was soo good when it started, and it shattered my heart when it ends.

HABAEK
I only stayed because I love the cuteness of the OTP, and I want to see how it ends. I'm not really interested with the story itself. Boring.

REUNITED WORLDS
I only read the recaps here. That's how I "watch" kdrama most of the time, by reading the recaps. I'm hard to please, and I rarely finish a drama. Usually I just watch up to eps 6, then I stop. Continue it by reading the recaps, and watch again at the final episode.

The drama that I finished from start to the end without skipping episodes were only Goblin, reply 1988, signal, you who came from another star, moonlight drawn by clouds, my girlfriend is a gumiho, queen and I, endless love.

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"Am I a grinch for thinking responsible, reliable leads are sexy" nothing wrong in it javabeans .........Kim Boong Do is still legit sexy....?

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So Rescue Me sounds oh so intriguing and I would watch it, if not for the fact that we just met some people who were in a the-world-will-end-on-such-and-such-day cult, like for reals, and what they told us shook me so badly that I think I would internalize this too much and it would be too real life...which is not why I watch kdramas. I'll just stick with The King Loves for now.

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finally i can go out of the slump ?
my drama lists are finally filled up

school 2017: i want more KJH n sejong interaction especially their BTS,, love it ?,,, dae hwi stole my heart too ?? and their bromance are so sweet,,wish it will be resolved

manhole: rom com is truly amazing,,i'm so thankful for giving it a try,,,jung hye sung is the scene stellar,,,i love her character so much,,it is like wathcing her real character ??? and when the neighborhood friends are gathered,i'm sold ???

strongest deliveryman: it's amazing ,,the packages are perfect

those are my new crack dramas this week,,i want to continue reunited worlds it also steal my heart ?? then the kings loves
i save my time for serious drama like rescue me,falsify,and forest of secret later want to experience those butterflies for now hihihii

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Bride of the Water God: I guess I'm supposed to wait for the big showdown between Habaek and Huye? And for Habaek and Soah to somehow work things out to be together in the end? Still kinda holding out hope for Habaek to regain his powers so that I can see him do something cool.

The King Loves: This drama is not exactly exciting, and for some reason, I feel more drawn to Rin's character than Won's. I guess we'll soon find out how Sohwa and Dan can both be saved.

Criminal Minds: Quite enjoying this series though I'm starting to wish they would wrap up the case by the end of the ep. It's great to see the team developing a rapport with Hyunjoon's addition. And of course, eagerly awaiting The Reaper's return.

Attention, Love: I like the progress so far. It's just nice to watch a rom-com with leads that I like. Not to mention, they happened to sing the opening and ending theme songs. Very impressed with Joanne's vocals this time, and great to hear Prince's as well. The denial by Shaoxi of her feelings for Lizheng was expected. The bullying and subsequent diary ripping scene was heartbreaking. Glad her friend, Ruping, told Lizheng more about what Shaoxi is really like, contrary to rumours that spread around school. Also, I'm glad that Lizheng seems to know Shaoxi's heart already and values their friendship and promise. Anticipating how the second male lead is gonna encounter Shaoxi and make Lizheng reflect on his own feelings.

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Odilettante, you are in a drama slump, and yet you are recapping strongest deliveryman? Nooooooooooo, please! With that drama you have pure soul, and pure meat. You almost don't need anything else to watch. Simply repeat the 4 episodes (until now) over and over again. And you will see.
And please keep on writing ?

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I wanted to read your thoughts on new dramas airing to pick one or two to watch live but idk, maybe I'll try Manhole or Rescue me (I'm not so sure though since I've read it's really creeppy ) .

I am sooo into an abstinence syndrome since I was too in love with Seven days Queen, Forest of Secrets and Suspicious Partner and just at the end of that line was Ruler. Now I just have Bride of the Water God which I don't like but wth it's almost over; and Reunited Worlds which I love. Started The King Loves but dropped at ep 2, just didn't hook me. And Criminal Minds but Idk if I should keep watching. So I went for a complete one Circle, and I like it at ep 3, even when the switching times give me a hard time bc just when I am really concetrated in Beta it "ends".

Reunited Worlds turns me into a sugar coated jelly, Hae Sung's smile has me in loved, the main couple is sooo cute I love see them together, I feel like they will have a sad ending maybe like in "Ghost" movie (Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze) but in the other hand Min Joo is so cuuuuute too. Like one of you said I do ship both couples, lead and second lead too

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I realise not many people are watching strongest deliveryman, which is a pity, because I feel that is the best drama out there in this days.
I am watching that one, the water bride and reunited worlds. Crying with all of them ??????

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