this week i just watch JBL in the span of 24 hours, merely before the last ep sub come out. best decision in my life. what a beautiful story between Gang Doo and Moon Soo. a beautiful fate came from disaster is something i never expected. bravo Writer. did we know what drama this writer has written before?
its a shame that this beautiful gem aired at new time slot and late night at that.
still waiting NIF2 to complete broadcast next monday, Poor Anru tho. getting a husband like Yuanqi.

I'm currently watching Hwayugi and Radio Romance only. (And of course my weekly variety shows) But I was totally cheering for Kim So Hyun as well when the writer sunbae was being a little biatch and then Do Joon's character came out of nowhere like yasss.

I honestly don't think I'll be able to watch Mother at all T_T. I saw little clips on Instagram and stuff and from those 1-minute clips, my heart broke. I think I'd be a disgusting mess if I actually watched the whole show. I'm not mentally strong enough for that.

I had 3 Monday/Tuesday dramas and 1 Wednesday/Thursday and now I only have Radio Romance. What to do with my time now? Time to rewatch Reply 1997, I guess!

I'm kind of sad Mysterious Ilseung is over. It felt like a 50-episoder to me because of its makjangness and mediocrity, but it only ran for 20. I liked Yoon Kyunsang in it, hope he comes back soon.

Return - this is not my usual drama preference. I generally stay way from murder/mysteries/crime... but I decided to pick this up in the midst of a mini-slump and I'm hooked. It's not recapped here, which I'm quite sad about because I'd love to read recappers' guesses on where the mystery is going. But Go Hyun-jung as the attorney is amaaaazing and I want to her when I grow up. (A little too late to wish this). It's fast paced and keeping me on my toes! I like!

Radio Romance - Also picked up this new show despite thinking that KSH looks way too baby faced and the first two episodes were much better than expected! My only gripe is it is a little 2008 - so many wrist grabs, so many angsty alpha male scenes. The ironic thing is that those scenes are the ones that make hearts flutter (or mine, at least), so I'll give it a free pass. It's all cute and funny and I can't wait for more!

Hwayugi - Ugh, I need to know what happens. This is the only drama I'm livestreaming now and it's killing me. I need a happy ending for our monkey and Sun-mi!

Hi Beanies! Here’s what I watched this week:
*Just Between Lovers: I loved it! I’m not a very emotional person. I mean I am a super sensitive person, but I only cry when things happen directly to me. But this drama made me feel things, too many things, and I’m glad that I watched it because the story and character progressions were great. Episode 15 was good (I mean the whole drama was consistently good, so it was expected), but I was a little put out that this time it was Moon-soo who wanted to stay away. I just wanted more fluff, but I just knew it wasn’t going to last long. Episode 16 wrapped things up well. And I was a mess! I cried sooo much that I couldn’t help, but just laugh out loud because I never cry when I watch things. My sister and mom were surprised as well because they knew I wasn’t even emotional that day and it was a rare sight to see, lol. Goodbye Gang-doo and Moon-soo! May you live a beautiful life together.
*Nigeru….(We Married As A Job): I loved BTLIOF and when people mentioned the similarities between it and this Japanese drama, I decided to check it out myself. I chose a great one as my first Japanese drama to watch. I definitely see why they were mentioned together, but I totally see it as two completely different things. I really liked the little reality game shows they played throughout the drama, they were so funny.
*Variety: I was very entertained by Running Man’s episode this week. With so many prison shows, I liked the concept they used. How can tofu be so funny and touching at the same time. I am still loving and laughing out loud at Master in the House. These guys are great together! Of course, Night Goblin makes me hungry, but I hate waiting in lines so I don't think I'll ever be first in line for anything. It's nice to live vicariously though😊.

I decided to go back in time and picked up FATED TO LOVE YOU. Oh...that smile and the laughter.

I'm only watching Mother currently. This drama is essentially about women, women as mothers, daughters, and sisters. And I love that focus on essential relationships between women. Plus, because I watched the Japanese version already, I'm loving the differences in certain character arcs. I loved how they introduced a doctor who also loves birds like Soo jin, I'm already shipping them. It's nice to see people who have unique hobbies and interests bond over those interests, plus he is such a nice guy. Though narrative is still quite tense, and there is lots to happen. I'm loving the pace and direction of the drama.

And recently, I have been binge watching older 2000 dramas. I finished Taiwanese drama autumn's concerto 2 weeks ago and was surprised to find myself finishing all 34 episodes. Despite it being old, I have to say it was an engaging drama though of course, there were cliched tropes here and there as usual. Though one thing that this drama did really well is that it had beautiful ending for all its arcs, meaning character behaved like adults and talked through all their issues in the end giving a closure to all their problems. It was refreshing to finally have a drama satisfy me with those long and open conversation about feelings, contemplation, and regrets. Even the supposive evil people had their closure and changed for the better, so I was feeling wonderfully satisfied after finishing this drama. After that I started 1% of something 2003 version and watched 15 episodes of it before I had to skip to the end, though it wasn't because of the drama per-say, I pretty much ran out of time to watch the last 10 episodes. But, I loved the slow pace and greater exploration of Dada and Jae in's relationship dynamics here than in the modern version, Jae in was especially was showed to be a flawed person with his anger issues though with other redeeming qualities. I also loved the extensive family scenes. It was different treatment of the show altogether.

3 days after watching the end of Just Between Lovers and I'm still struggling to let it go. It's funny that while I was watching this show, I enjoyed it but thought it was too depressing and slow-paced to want to watch again. But now that it's over I'm left with this aching satisfaction from it and have this strong desire to start it all over again just to savor it properly once more. Although I knew from the opening credits sequence that this was inspired by real tragedies in Korea, I didn't learn until the end that the mall collapse itself was an actual event and the story just hits me that much harder from it. This may not be a perfect show or one that's always on-the-edge-of-your-seat entertaining, but I feel like it's a show that's worth watching if only for the various messages the writer tries to get across through it. I think this drama was probably the writer's "baby" in the sense that she put so much love and care into telling the stories she wanted to tell with it, and I'm so glad that a great production crew and cast brought this heart-wrenchingly beautiful work to life for us all to enjoy <3

The only show I watched this week was "Mother" and I can honestly say that it is hitting the right spots. The acting, the pacing, the music and cinematography. While I have enjoyed every episode so far I have to admit that episode 3 is currently my favorite. It hit all the emotional spots perfectly. The character development is good so far for Lee Bo Young's character. Her past has started coming back, and she is going to have to meet it head on and it is and is going to be a heartbreaking ride.

Starting 2018 with "Return" & "Mother".

Return: This was an unexpected hit for me. Didn't plan to watch it but I got bored so I decided to check it out for Go Hyun-Jung. I really like it. Lots of twists and I'm liking that the pacing is fast. Acting is phenomenal, especially Bong Tae-Gyu. My only criticism is the editing. It's not quite polished and it can ruin the flow.

Mother: Came with high expectations and I was not disappointed. I really like the cinematography and directing.

Just finished MAWANG / THE DEVIL / THE LUCIFER, and it was dandy. Not for the faint of heart, but an excellent meditation on revenge. The OST is wonderful.

Also wrapped up DOUBTFUL VICTORY.

MONEY FLOWER winds up this weekend. It has been a blast with an excellent cast. Jang Hyuk has been knocking it out of the ballpark. I can't predict how this finale is going to play out any more than I've been able to anticipate the serpentine machinations of the hero and his antagonists.

Currently watching HWAYUGI, and have been enjoying it.

Will be tuning in to RADIO ROMANCE.

Looking forward to SHOULD WE KISS FIRST and GRAND PRINCE.

Not watching much of anything, just waiting for the good stuff to start (Mystery Queen 2, Should We Kiss First); will be picking up Mother soon since I loved the original so much.

Wishfultoki's self-treatment for Slump:

1) no more forcing myself: I need to watch the finale of Just Between lovers but will wait until I'm in the mood. It was a good show, I just need to sit down. Spoilers actually motivated me.
2) switch to Chinese drama: Nirvana in Fire 2.
3) watch with a buddy for support: I started NIF2 with mom. I probably sound like a nerd all the time by saying 'this is connected to something in NIF1'. We made bets whether our theories are correct lol. I'm at episode 13 and she binge-watched the rest of it without me. Thanks mom.
4) go back to my to-watch list: I was quite entertained by Bottom of the Ninth Two Outs. Thanks to the 'in defense' post by @mihoo. It felt modern while still giving me 2000s nostalgia. Unfortunately I'm an inpatient person when it comes to friends-to-lovers dramas, and I skipped to the ending after episode 12. I liked how they talked about the difficulties of being more than friends, but overall the heroine was really wishy washy.
5) Choose a drama that is being recapped. I have not watched a drama that is being recapped since BTIOFL ended, and I miss that. I might try Radio Romance though I will drop it like a hot potato if it's mainly fluff. I'm also easy when it comes to YDJ in hanbok.

Side effects include drowsiness, increased appetite, pale skin, thirst, dreaming about oppas and addiction to the fanwall.

I was watching mother - Does anyone get uncomfortable FOR the children who play the roles of victims of physical /sexual abuse?

like i know that the crew takes special care of the children... And these stories need to be told.. But still when the child is too young, even acting might traumatize them...

If i have kids, i can never imagine allowing them to act in something where they are to be part of a scene of sexual abuse...

I don't know - it's just making me so uncomfortable thinking of the child actors

On topic - just watching hwayugi... And return..

I watched Doubtful Victory to its ridiculous end but other than that I am watching nothing... yet. I will start Radio Romance. I'm still recovering from the INAR feels, despite being slightly disappointed with the final episodes. And by slightly, I mean slightly. This was still one of the best shows ever made. Like @girlfriday I was disappointed the robot plotline was wrapped up so quickly and anti-climatically.

CURRENTLY WATCHING.
+ Hwayugi (2017) (10/20) ~ Airing.
Lee Seung Gi as Son Oh Gong is pure magic! The developments in the in romance were needed, but I wonder how this will affect the relationship going forward.
I still feel this drama is tonally uneven, but it’s still a lot of fun!
+ Radio Romance (2018)(2/16) ~ Airing.
Wasn’t expecting to like this drama at all, but with the opening episodes I’m intrigued enough to keep watching. I recall watching Yoon Doo Joon in Splash Splash Love. I don’t recall him ever being this magnetic. The way his character Ji Soo Ho looks at Song Geu Rim is transfixing. Even in the first episode, he looks at her with such longing. It will be interesting how this romance shakes out, but I’m in because of Doo Joon.
+ Return (2018)(10/32) ~ Airing.
This drama is remarkably well written and executed. The four friends are such twisted characters, who are used to bending the rules in their favor. Each episode thus far has provided for some amazing double takes. This drama keeps me guessing.
+ Mother (2018)(1/16) ~ Airing.
Just watched the second episode today. This drama is so well done, but the story is so difficult to watch ...
+ Stranger (2017)(2/16).
Finally getting around to this drama. The pilot wasn’t really grabbing me like I expected, but that all changed in the second episode. The shots that they capture in this drama are so striking. I absolutely loved the scene where Hwang Shi Mok was reenacting the murder scene over and over again was fascinating. Can’t wait to continue this one!

I just can't get motivated by the dramas out now. Watching Hwayugi, of course, and Radio Romance. But the drama scene just seems so...unexciting. I'm basically just waiting for Mystery Queen 2. And really hoping Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food is adorable.

So I have turned to watching older shows like Which Star Are you From? Master's Sun, Vampire Detective, Bubblegum and Wild Romance. (Don't judge my love for Lee Dong Wook!)

Just waiting for something exciting!

Hwayugi 👍👍👍 😁
Mother 👍👍👍 😨 😰

Doubtful Victory Watchable/mediocre. I thought the first part of ep 39 was a low point. Did anyone think the good guy was actually going to shoot the bad guy in cold blood? In a kdrama? Did anyone not guess that he was recording the conversation/confession? That the gun was empty when he dropped it and let the bad guy pick it up? Come on, show, at least try.

Cross Dropping unless I get really bored: Ep 1 was lots of same-old like I've seen a million times.
Radio Romance 👍👍👍 😁 a keeper. Also lots of same-old, but it's got Kim So-hyun, and I've only seen her a half million times.

I was on edge all Monday over JBL. I ended up waiting and watching the last two episodes on Tuesday.

I think, narratively speaking, there were quite a few holes in this drama. Is Gang-doo still suffering from PTSD? Why did Director Jeong suddenly become likable? Etc. The last two episodes were beautiful but also very exhausting. I honestly don't think it was necessary to put Gang-doo through the liver failure plot. They could've focused on the flashbacks and voices, or shown us how GD and MS stabilized their relationship. On the other hand, the whole liver transplant imbroglio gave us a great opportunity to see how much GD and MS have grown together and how much they love each and how much they're loved by those around them. I do wish we got more happy stuff (5 minutes at the end of episode 16 is not enough!), but in the end it makes sense that they focused on the hardships (certainly more in keeping with the show's tenor). Overall, I'm very happy I watched JBL and I'll definitely watch anything Junho or Won Jin-ah are in.

I watched the first episodes of Radio Romance. I'm not *that* impressed so far, but, then again, I rarely am after the first few episodes. I'll watch a few more and decide whether or not it's worth sticking around.

I'm watching "Kill Me, Heal Me" and a Taiwanese drama called "Lion Pride". The former is good; the latter, well Yen Tsao is very nice to look at...

I am only watching Radio Romance and Hwayugi for now; and since my drama schedule is not tight right now, I am able to watch variety shows that I had put in the back burner for a very long time, i.e. Youth Over Flowers: Africa... it's better late than never, right? hahaha

Hwayugi: Though I feel like the writing and directing could use some finessing, I am delighted with the story and the characters. I do hope there will be more action going forth, now that Sunmi seems to be taking ownership of her powers and her man...err monkey god! You go get it!!

Radio Romance: Liked the first episode, but was disappointed with the second. The drama is probably still feeling its way, so I'll give it another week. I'm in love with Yoon Park and his PD Lee character. Is it the facial hair or just his weirdness? And yes, Yoon Doo Joon in a hanbok is no joke.

Greatest Love (episodes 5-10, rewatch): I'm in love. Of all the Hong sisters' works, I think it may be the funniest and most swoony. I feel like that "Dugeun Dugeun" song is imprinted on my heart too. Watching that Lee Seung Gi cameo (in ep 9) as a two-faced diva of an actor was hilarious, especially in light of CSW and LSG's current roles in Hwayugi. Still trying to one-up each other!

Right now, I'm watching Black Knight, Return and Misty.
BK is not as bad as most people assume it to be, it has an interesting plot and a unique-in-its-own-way storyline. It really took a lot of self-control to not reach into the screen and slap Sharon senseless. She's such a horrible human being and I applaud the actress playing her character.
Return is a pleasant surprise. I guess the whodunnit plot has its thrill because the drama keeps you guessing each episode.
For Misty, I had already planned to watch it when I started seeing the teasers but boy, the first ep was enough to get me hooked. I also like how its rated 19+, feels like we don't get enough of those in dramaland. Also, Misty's doing really well in terms of ratings (3.5%)

Goodbye JBL, it was a beautiful journey. Unlike some of the comments I might be one of the few that didn't mine KD's "last minute" disease. It didn't feel unrealistic that someone who lived his life that recklessly, taking painkillers without prescriptions would end up with a busted kidney. Tbh the show has been hinting at that since the beginning, grandma kept telling him to stop taking them and to let his pain out instead, and with no granny to give him placebos he ended up taking real, strong painkillers. It's a nice little PSA about how important prescriptions are if anything lol,and also quite a real problem that relates to the poor who can't afford healthcare and have to resort to back alley drugs. It took me back to granny talking about people dying bc of poverty. Even the 'miracle' he got was rooted in realism imo. He was a fatal patient, and fatal patients would shoot straight up in the transplant list, so it made sense that if a donor came along he'd be the one to get it. And the stress on his miracle coming from someone else's pain really brought home the idea that happiness and sadness are things that go together. KD was a person who thought happiness has passed him by, and to give him that miracle to me is to give hope to many others like him that might be watching. The drama doesn't address whether his PTSD still happens but I imagine it does just that he's accepted it and learned to live with it.

I also don't really feel like not showing us the memorial was a plot hole. The memorial isn't the end game of the story, what's more important is the healing and closure it brought to not just KD and MS but also the rest of the survivors they met, and I thought that was done well. In a way, it gave cadence to the idea that the memorial wasn't for the public or even us as the viewers. It belongs to the victims and the survivors of the tragedy.

I don't think the drama is perfect by any means, and the length or slowness of it is really up to personal tastes, but in terms of the story it was trying to convey I think the cast and crew did a wonderful job. I feel like the writer has taken really great care in telling this drama in the most realistic way possible. But the main point of the drama was to convey hope and healing, and yes, they've definitely achieved that for most of its ardent followers. And if anything, this drama gave us strong! Female! Lead!, Feminist! Male! Lead!, men who understands consent and personal space, respectful protrayals of mental health and PTSD, women with agency and men who respect them for it, and a whole lot of heart and I should stop now before I was even more lyrical about it.

I am watching only 2 kdramas - Mother and Return. Looking to pick up another - should I wait for Waikiki(the teasers look absolutely fun!) or try Radio Romance first?

Mother I really like how the drama delve into different issues besides relationships between parent and child. It's handled in a quiet and understated way unlike the typical kdrama.

It's quite different with Return. I've things to pick on this show like the inconsistent tone and the acting. I never had problems with Lee Jin Wook although I've read more than a fair share of criticisms of him. Somehow in this one, he seems to stand out like a sore thumb. Maybe it's due to the way his character is written. Example: In last week's episode, he sees a group of thugs heading his way while his car stopped at a red light. His character cursed at how slow the light took to change to green instead of speeding off. I had a nice laugh though.
I found myself missing Choi Jin Hyuk as the the detective in Tunnel.

It's not just Lee Jin Wook, I even had problem with Park Ki Woong. It's not huge but I have this weird habit of picking on an actor's unique mannerisms. Most actors have them, very few are blessed with none i.e. they morphed into any character without any distinct mannerism. Even Lee Bo Young who I am liking now in Mother has her own very unique style. In the drama, she's perfectly cast for her role. I won't be surprised if other viewers like it but for me, I'd rather an actor who is like a blank canvas and takes on whatever shape and color the role requires. The person I like best in Return is Bong Tae Gyu although his character is the most detestable. It's role which can be easy to overact but he doesn't. Shin Sung Rok is at his usual brilliance in being the most evil one, switching between a loyal friend in one moment and one who'd stab you in the next.

Still, I find my continuing with Return(up to ep 9) because the show has done quite a good job on the mystery front.

I want to watch Return so much, but there are moments that are directed so badly they put me off, or they just feel way exaggerated. plus the main actress, can´t stand her face at all.

everything I want to watch, the subs come out so slowly.

**Dramas
* Just between lovers ep15-16 : “can’t a melo have a happy ending ? please~” that was my post last week, now I can say : thank you Writer-nim, a sad ending would have spoiled the whole drama. I loved it, thank you drama 🎵In this sad story, You are my beautiful comfort, You came to me one day🎵 😘
*Radiant office ep11-16 : commute drama and sometimes at home, I liked it a lot , it was a good ride , serious moment talking about job hunting, terminal illness, but also funny moments with Ho Won personality hahaha. I’m glad Dr Seo has a chance to learn the job at the end instead of being such a despot. Thank you drama, jalga 😘
*Waikiki : ok it hasn’t even aired yet but with the trailers , I already got back my Tae Fever. Can’t wait to watch it 🤗
**K-shows
*Infinite challenge e555 : One hour before the job special : I haven’t had time to finish it, Yoo Jae Suk’s part was so funny, he’s such a scaredy cat , he might have run as much as Jung JunHa during his marathon 😂
*I live alone e230 : Kian84 trying to be a cool Sunbae but nobody answered the phone 😂 , Park Na Rae learning martial arts was funny , *I might be the type to tap even before it begins 😂*
*1n2d E201 : abroad for the 10th anniversary : I Haven’t finished the ep, JBL got in the way and other things (lol it’s the same from last week) Kazakhstan’s team quiz with the 3 sisters was so funny 😂 , when you think Jung Joon Young lost he used his ring , lol ! Cuba’s team the two pirates were so weak hahaha, the members teasing them was funny and seeing Yoo Il Yong PD in summer clothes omo omo 😍

DB,will you be recapping mother?

Just Between Lovers: on ep 10. I just want to say how much I love Na Moo Hee ❤ The last scene of everyone visiting her in the hospital was so heartwarming !

I'm Not a Robot: on ep 28. Yes ! That's it ! OTP is back again !

Hwayugi: I'm so happy to see Sam Jang and Oh Gong together again but I still fear for their upcoming faith every time bells are ringing. Also let Buja and PK be together !

Love Returns: on ep 54. I'm going to murder Inu, her dad and Busik. I feel like watching a telenovela again ! I have a bad feeling for Mrs Kim. I hope she's going to wake up.

Dragon club - Childish Bromance: It's finally ended ! I loved the friendship of the 42 years old men and their different customers with different stages of friendship.

Kimi wa Petto (2017): I binge watchedt and it was really great! ! I understand why some Beanies said it was kinky. It is ! I wished the part with Senpai would have stopped when he left Japan and that the story would focus on Momo and Sumire as a couple in the last part (that was my favorite part in the manga).

2 Moon the series: My first BL drama. Hmm... I can't take seriously all slow motions. I only watched the first episode so I still don't know if I like it.

Iron girls: Taiwanese drama about three female friends in their 30s working at the same beauty agency. The vice president has been with her boyfriend for eight years and meets a younger man with amazing painting skills. The General Manager doesn't want to have serious relationships, so she just enjoys being with different men and has a son. The other is married and seems to lead a perfect life with her husband but it's not what it seems. I love female centric dramas and even more when there's friendship involved. There is only 3 episodes but the chemistry of the female lead and the young man is great. I won't comment on her boyfriend because you will see why I don't root for him.

See you in Time: Taiwanese drama about a cyclist receiving receiving texts from the future. It happens just when he tries to revive his grandpa's cycling team and meets the daughter of the team's former coach's daughter. It is funny to see cycling being so dramatic. Well, that's why it's called drama. It's quite entertaining at least until ep 4 (where I am).

I can't hug you: Chinese adaptation of the webtoon Untouchable. So far It's watched 3 episodes. Since it really follows the webtoon's plot, I hope the ending won't be as... draggy as in the webtoon.

After all the dramas I watched had finished, I picked up a Chinese drama called Mr Right. It's the only thing I'm watching until new series start.

I had to force myself to watch the cringe-worthy Belgium episodes. There was the moment where I thought everybody had been killed (it's not that kind of drama) but apparently they were all just passed out drunk, and I was pleased that they'd gone to Antwerp in the one week of the year that it's warm enough to go to a wedding in a bikini. The lead girl did say that not all Belgians were horrible (or something like that) - so that was nice. Being originally from the country next door, I was happy to hear that.

But in all seriousness, after those 4 episodes, it became really rather good and very interesting in its depiction of relationships. Some of the male characters show some disturbing behaviour (that they think is romantic) and totally get called out on it! When they think it's a very good idea to slash a girl's tyre because then a guy can fix it and get talking to her, the main girl actually says: can you imagine how scary that must have been for her? Also the main girl is seeing a dodgy guy who is completely gaslighting her. How he's manipulating her is worrying because she's going to be in a tough spot when that relationship ends.

I'm still expecting it to go totally crazy, I'm still in the first third of the drama, but I thinks it's very good so far!