Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching
by DB Staff
So, what are we all watching this week?
What kept you reaching for more (or agonizing when there was no more), and what made you want to throw your remote through the screen? Time to weigh in…
girlfriday
The Great Seducer: The premiere was effective in setting up the tempest in a teapot feeling, where everyone in this very tiny world is on the verge of a colossal breakdown, and what they truly desire is simmering just beneath the surface. They captured the tone nicely, though storywise I feel like we’re having to make a lot of assumptions to fill in the gaps. Woo Do-hwan is magnetic, which is a surprise to no one who’s seen Mad Dog or Rescue Me, though it wouldn’t hurt to make him a little (okay, a lot) darker. Moon Ga-young is my favorite character so far, but you know, I always liked Blair best in Gossip Girl.
Mystery Queen 2: It cracks me up that the cop keeps telling himself that Ajumma is in love with him, while he’s the one who’s always trailing after her and getting jealous and overprotective. It’s cute, especially since she was always chasing after him to join in on cases in the last season. I just wish the pacing of the cases would fit the hour-long episodes better, because they feel like they just trail off without proper endings or cliffhangers, which is such a wasted opportunity.
Radio Romance: Dramaland has done the dating-a-top-star storyline so many times now that you really have to put a new spin on it to keep it fresh, but Radio Romance is doing the stock version with rabid fangirls and some press releases, and I don’t know that it has much of a point. I like them together, but what’s the conflict, exactly?
mary
My Husband Oh Jak-doo: Yiee~ a contract marriage! I love that it’s not two enemies forced by the press or their parents to sign the contract. It’s just two people who need help and want to help the other person at the same time. And for a couple who promised to keep things strictly business, they sure care for each other a lot outside of contract hours. I just wish they didn’t give Oh Jak-doo a makeover to signal a Big Change. Can’t he just stay forever as the fussy mountain ajusshi who pretends to hate kimchi so Seung-joo can eat it all?
Mystery Queen 2: Show, I want to love you, but I don’t know what anyone is doing at this point. Last season, we know Wan-seung was looking for his first love while Seol-ok was clearing her parents’ names, and we have all these cases in between to connect the dots or add a new member to the Seol-ok Squad. This season is a parade of interesting characters that seem to have no purpose except to have their five minutes of funny. Please get some direction soon. I’m not gonna leave but I do like to know where we’re going.
The Painter of the Wind: This show reminds me of Dae Jang Geum. From the genius student with unorthodox answers that everyone hates and secretly envies, to the equally genius mentor who’s secretly mourning the death of their best friend—not knowing that said friend’s kid is their current protege, to the king who wants to stamp out corruption but gets stymied by a court of angry beards, to the gisaeng falling madly in love with the cross-dressing heroine… Okay, that last one wasn’t from Dae Jang Geum, but The Painter of the Wind is so good at making each painting contest suspenseful while dispensing sage advice that I don’t mind watching it nine years late. It’s like the show is so old, it feels like a totally new show again.
TeriYaki
That Man Oh-soo: It took four episodes, but all four of the main romantic leads are now firmly in place and it seems I have a double case of second lead syndrome to contend with. While Lee Jong-hyun (Oh-soo) and Kim So-eun (Yoo-ri) are convincing as opposites repeatedly drawn to one another, they really click with their second leads. Kim So-eun is reunited with an old school friend while Lee Jong-hyun meets a cool and sophisticated chaebol who seems like the perfect match. That Man Oh-soo will have to work hard to convince me that Oh-soo and Yoo-ri really belong together.
My Husband Oh Jak-doo: After Marriage Contract, I am a UEE fan, but I couldn’t get onboard with Manhole. I had to give her newest drama a try and I’m really happy that I did, because My Husband Oh Jak-doo deftly blends her comedic and dramatic skills. She convincingly portrays a strong, single, career woman who falls apart after suffering a life-changing trauma. Enter Kim Kang-woo as the “husband” from the country, whose true identity is a secret, and it looks like their journey to a genuine romance is likely to be dangerous, as well as interesting.
The Great Seducer: Wow. The trio that headlines this drama (Woo Do-hwan, Kim Min-jae, and Moon Ga-young) really delivers on the sizzling chemistry. They are young, beautiful, wealthy, and oh-so-dangerous when they feel wronged, and their parents give them so many reasons to feel that way. Four episodes in and I’m very impressed with Moon Ga-young’s performance as Choi Soo-ji, who manages to make me feel both sorry for her and afraid of her. I know this is a troubled bunch, but is it wrong that I want to see them make their parents pay for the years of neglect?
Misty: I have so many questions and there are only four episodes left! With Hye-ran’s trial underway, the truth about Kevin Lee’s death will (hopefully) finally be revealed but I get the feeling that Tae-wook is hiding something. If that’s true, I hope that it’s nothing that will keep him and Hye-ran apart. The one thing that I want the trial to reveal once and for all is how much these two love each other, and I think we are seeing hints of that already. My burning questions have to do with Eun-joo, who has proven time and again that she is not to be ignored. Did she ever tell her husband about their baby, and if she did, what was his reaction? How does she know the significance of that Bob Dylan song? Eun-joo remains a troubling common denominator who seems to have plenty of secrets of her own.
abirdword
The Great Seducer: I’m so happy that the sexy Cruel Intentions vibes are intact. But did they maybe make Shi-hyun too sympathetic too soon? I wanted some real heartless bad boy scenes… and now I just feel bad for complaining about getting to enjoy broody Woo Do-hwan.
RELATED POSTS
Tags: Misty, My Husband Oh Jak-doo, Mystery Queen 2, Radio Romance, That Man Oh-soo, The Great Seducer, The Painter of Wind, What We're Watching
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 egads
March 16, 2018 at 8:05 PM
@mary I hope the fussy mountain ajusshi returns. There are plenty of well coiffed oppas in dramaland, give me a scruffy ajusshi once in awhile for balance.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 8:24 PM
Hear hear! I want my lumberjack, lumberjack, lumberjack ajusshi look back!
Required fields are marked *
mary
March 16, 2018 at 8:39 PM
Yes! Give us back the floral tracksuit and a cup of coffucino!
Required fields are marked *
egads
March 16, 2018 at 8:45 PM
Does South Korea have warehouses full of horrible tracksuits?
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 8:51 PM
I was actually feeling really confused by that floral sweatshirt and white socks with black shoes. I can totally see a hipster wearing that in Williamsburg, NY.
mary
March 16, 2018 at 9:04 PM
I liked it .______.
I’m hopeless now. I’ll ask the mountain ajummas how to join his fanclub.
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 10:07 PM
@mary I don't mind if this ajusshi comes with a little sprinkles of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Coffucino, over.
Required fields are marked *
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
March 16, 2018 at 8:50 PM
... I might have to start this drama now... a scruffy ajusshi sounds amazing...
Required fields are marked *
Alessar
March 19, 2018 at 9:38 AM
He's serving lumberjack realness complete with flannel shirts and wood chopping.
Required fields are marked *
tsutsuloo
March 16, 2018 at 9:43 PM
Lordy, Oh Jak-doo checks all sorts of boxes. Just a few of his good points:
—Dresses like a boss
—Can grow facial hair
—Secret national treasure
—Torso smooth as a baby seal
—Rough, skilled hands
—Beats up bad guys
—Makes nutritious meals, single-handedly protecting Han Seung-joo from scurvy
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:55 PM
Yes to all of it!!! 😂😂😂😂😂
A maybe a few more added onto the list:
-Would wait for you at a cafe for 5 hours
-Raises chickens
-Kind to annoying and weirdly possessive fangirling ahjummas
-Fixes things around the house without prompting
-Leaves the bedroom door open because you ask him too
-Low cellphone bill (no data overage charge)
-Willing to get into your car even though you drive like a crazy person
Required fields are marked *
tsutsuloo
March 16, 2018 at 10:05 PM
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Speaking of low cellphone bills, I was awed by Seung-joo’s ability to get reception in the hinterland. Korea’s broadband penetration is enviable! (An American show would have her waving her phone in the air as she tries to get a signal!)
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 10:10 PM
😂😂😂 Maybe no data overage charge, but off-the-chart roaming surcharge for him?
American cell network is just terrible. I live in a big city, and I need to go outside of the house to get signal.
korfan
March 17, 2018 at 2:17 AM
@kimbapnoona So true about our cell network. There are cell towers not far from me and I can never get a good signal consistently from room to room in the house! Why?????!!! ..... We can pick up a signal from a rover that lands on a planet but we can't get a signal to call a neighbor across the street!
🍙 kimbap noona
March 17, 2018 at 5:43 AM
@korfan I feel mocked every time I see the phrase "America's Most Reliable Network." Can you hear my frustration now, Verizon?
Woesme
March 17, 2018 at 5:18 PM
When I went to Korea a couple years ago I was never without phone signal. My phone connected me through SK telecom. As I was leaving Korea, my daughter noticed that even though we were flying pretty high at the time! She was going to turn off the phone, but against my advice she tested it and it worked. Amazing. Here in Puerto Rico I still don’t have internet service and I can’t stay home because my cell phone gets crappy reception. I actually moved to my mom’s house so I could work (since I rely on the internet)
Molly~ my heart is burned by the Phoenixes #ningyizhiweiforever
March 17, 2018 at 4:21 AM
Ok so definitely worth watching to get over that last drama that broke my heart (it-that-will-not-be-named)? Sounds sexy and amazing
Required fields are marked *
tsutsuloo
March 17, 2018 at 8:18 AM
Sexy times remain to be seen but there’s potential. 😉
Molly~ my heart is burned by the Phoenixes #ningyizhiweiforever
March 17, 2018 at 8:24 AM
That’s all I need!
Onyx
March 17, 2018 at 11:19 AM
Funny, but nobody mentioned Joy (Red Velvet). Hello, she's in the drama,hahaha! Do we care? Nah.
Required fields are marked *
egads
March 17, 2018 at 11:30 AM
This particular thread is about My Husband Oh Jak-doo, so....
But on the topic of Joy in The Great Seducer, for the amount of screen time and with what the script has asked of her so far, I think she did fine. I'm always perplexed by the amount of bashing some women (particularly idols) get before they are even able to prove themselves.
Required fields are marked *
RheaL
March 18, 2018 at 6:48 AM
I wonder why seung jo mom hate her so much... At least we already found out what happened to jak doo grandfather, why he become a hermit in the mountains. If this is a 50+ ep drama, we probably have to wait until 15-20 ep to find out.
Required fields are marked *
mary
March 19, 2018 at 10:10 AM
It's just 24 eps. :)
But dang her mom is HORRIBLE.
Required fields are marked *
RheaL
March 20, 2018 at 6:14 PM
I agree, her mom is HORRIBLE . If she did get married to another man other than jak doo, i don't think her marriage can last. It's so sad that seung jo has to "give" all her hard earning just to get her mother attention & love.
outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍
March 16, 2018 at 10:18 PM
I don't know why I upvoted all these comments when I am not even watching the show. Okay, last night I did look at the video which @mary commented on. I fell instantly in love with mountain ajusshi.
Required fields are marked *
mary
March 16, 2018 at 10:29 PM
That was the post-scruffy look! He's more adorable mourning the dead chickens!
Required fields are marked *
outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍
March 16, 2018 at 10:33 PM
That's it! I am gonna watch it.
Required fields are marked *
Flightey Gazelles
March 17, 2018 at 1:53 AM
Wow, that Kanye excerpt, from which song?
Never thought I'd see a Kanye mention on dramabeans
🍙 kimbap noona
March 17, 2018 at 5:46 AM
@Flightey Gazelles, I assumed you are referring to my post below? It is an excerpt of My Dark Fantasy from his "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" album.
Required fields are marked *
Flightey Gazelles
March 17, 2018 at 10:12 AM
Yeah, that's the post. Dunno how it ended up here. Sorry.
I've not really paid attention to Kanye. I mean I know everyone calls him a genius but it doesn't help that he always declares himself a geeeeeenius. But I'll listen to him more closely now.
🍙 kimbap noona
March 18, 2018 at 6:57 AM
@Flightey Gazelles, Kanye definitely has a very healthy dose of self-confidence.😆 I do however respect any artist who continually pushes oneself to experiment with his/her creative output. His artistic evolution has been interesting to follow, sometimes it is brilliant and sometimes it is a bit of a hot mess.
I don't love everything he does (certainly don't agree with all the sentiment) but I do find My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy a thrilling album to listen to. Give it a try!
Sim
March 18, 2018 at 7:51 AM
Responding because Kanye lol
Yes to everything you said, and I'd also like to point out his over inflated confidence is his direct response to what he perceives as to be other's reception of his because of his race and class (since he was born into a poor family, so he's "new money"). Whether it's true or not, I appreciate his "fake it until you make it, give yourself credit" attitude toward his art because even though I disagree with him A LOT, the basic concept is inherently motivational.
It's like when a child is scared to sing at a talent show, and you hype them up whether or not you know they're good. I love it and it makes me happy lol
whoopeeyoo
March 18, 2018 at 5:59 PM
You know just what to say. I started it last night/pre-dawn but put it down halfway through because I was sleepy + the Konglish guy is so maddening. I haven't seen ahjusshi much! Need to continue. Is there selective mute for that guy? Haha!
Required fields are marked *
mary
March 18, 2018 at 10:01 PM
Do you mean Eric Cho? Sorry! He becomes bearable (and even starting to be one of my favs) after something happens. Keep muting him in the meantime XD
June
March 20, 2018 at 8:37 AM
Thank you Mary and beanies for all these Jak Doo posts. Sampled the first ep and binge watched all 6 episodes today. Too addictive. Swoony mountain husband! (love)
Required fields are marked *
egads
March 20, 2018 at 8:47 AM
Welcome to the pre-makeover Oh Jak-doo fan club!
June
March 20, 2018 at 9:34 AM
So happy to join.. they are so sweet together. Just perfectly fill each other imperfection and needs.
allphryne
March 17, 2018 at 11:53 AM
I don't have time for any new dramas, but you make it sound so tempting, @mary.
Required fields are marked *
mary
March 18, 2018 at 2:12 AM
♥ it airs on weekends but it's actually a short-ish drama (24 eps)
*join usssssssss, preciousssss*
Required fields are marked *
allphryne
March 18, 2018 at 1:20 PM
Yesterday I almost wished I got sick and today I woke up having cold. So it may actually happen.
Drama rule over me, no ring needed.
Required fields are marked *
Marciaann
March 18, 2018 at 5:31 PM
I wasn't going to do it either, because who has time... And then I did. ><
Is greaaat.
Required fields are marked *
Alessar
March 19, 2018 at 9:37 AM
He just looks so good with a mustache and goatee.
Required fields are marked *
2 yellowlemonfairy
March 16, 2018 at 8:20 PM
I decided to give the great seducer a try because I ran out of drama options and man I did not expect to be so drawn into the show. Or maybe cause I went in with such low expectations that anything seems to amuse me. I mean how much can one expect from a Chaebol story, we’ll see how it goes from here.
Required fields are marked *
3 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
March 16, 2018 at 8:25 PM
Catching up with Mother from yesterday and now at epi 12. Not sure if it was a good decision to put it on hold before, but I felt like I needed to hear the positive review until the end before picking up it again. I'm going to do the same for Misty and Shall We Kiss First as well.
The only two drama I'm following each week are Waikiki and Evergreen because these shows are light and easy to watch - Waikiki for laughs, Evergreen for some sweet romance. Even if it sucks in the middle or at the end, I don't think I'll be bothered that much.
Required fields are marked *
Beverly
March 16, 2018 at 9:02 PM
I love the cafe set design in Evergreen. I want a coffee place like that near me...just without magical pollen in my cup.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:10 PM
Nobody puts no magical pollen in my beverage without my consent, yo!
I like the cafe, and I think they did a good job designing the look of the magical flowering tree.
Required fields are marked *
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:11 PM
Hahaha agreed and agree. I love the cafe set.
But also, the magic pollen seems kinda unfair. It manipulates your actions by enhancing/diminishing a certain feeling, and takes away free will, choice, effort, courage, resolve, or logical thought, etc.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:20 PM
I guess the magic pollen still wins over the Cupid's arrow because it hurts less during application?
So one positive, yay?
Required fields are marked *
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:22 PM
Hahaha - coffee in a gorgeous, quiet cafe, served by a man who looks like CNBlue's Lee Jong Hyun? I'd say the application is fantastic! ^^ Could even be addictive.
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:32 PM
Ahhhh death by the administrator, not what is administered I see.
I am so curious what the other pollen bottles are for. I need to know!
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:38 PM
HAHAHAHA :D yes indeed.
I'm so curious about the bottles too. After ep 1-2, was wishing they would explore each bottle in one (err..two half-hour) episode, but they didn't go down that route in ep 3-4. :(
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:46 PM
@greenfields At first I was hoping that there were 8 bottles representing Eros (the skinship pollen), Mania, Ludus, etc. but I paused in this week's episode and counted more than a dozen bottles.....
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 10:01 PM
O_O that's brilliant thinking.
I looked it up after you mentioned it, and it seems there are 15? Three primary, three secondary and three tertiary. That would have been incredibly cool. And it IS entirely possible to make a drama based on the "styles of love"
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 10:01 PM
sorry, nine tertiary
⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
March 16, 2018 at 11:15 PM
These are my questions too! I wish that this drama did a good job in building the foundation on the fantasy part because so far it looks more like the usual romcom. They failed in rating strategy part as well in my opinion. I was hoping to see this drama to get 1% at least but I don't think it will get the chance. The best they could get might be 0.6-0.8%.
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 11:44 PM
@seralovestteobokki - oh no, I didn't know Oh Soo isn't doing well in ratings. That's too bad. :( It's a sweet little show.
⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
March 17, 2018 at 12:16 AM
OCN's romcoms weren't doing well from before, I think My Secret Romance was the only one which had the highest rating which was around 0.8% I believe. So far TMOS still getting below 0.5%. Maybe if there's luck on their side later it will keep increasing. But I have no high hope.
🍙 kimbap noona
March 17, 2018 at 5:50 AM
I guess that's one positive thing of no longer reading the Weekly Ratings posts. I am now ignorant so I no longer feel the pang if shows I like don't do well and having anxiety of some getting cut.
kiara
March 16, 2018 at 10:37 PM
@sera Drink a lot of water and make sure to stay hydrated while you watch the rest of "Mother."
I have a headache and it's usually a sign of dehydration lol.
Required fields are marked *
⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
March 16, 2018 at 11:18 PM
I have 2 more epi left, I have no more energy and tears. 😖
Required fields are marked *
oppafangirl
March 17, 2018 at 8:00 AM
You will be surprised that you had more tears after watching ep 15-16. But then its a very wonderful show, so its worth a watch :)
Required fields are marked *
tsutsuloo
March 17, 2018 at 8:43 AM
Yes! I have to balance my drama diet between casual viewing and those crazed, passionate attachments.
Every couple months I finding myself in the grips of a show that drives me to distraction because it falls short of its potential **side eye to Black and Mr. Love**. And I find myself spending an inordinate amount of time writing notes about character motivations or more satisfying scenes.
So, it’s a relief to be able to sidle up to a show just to say, “Sup? Light and fluffy rom com with a dusting of angst? Sure. Whatevs.”
Required fields are marked *
Diana Hansen
March 17, 2018 at 10:22 AM
i had to watch each episode of Mother with a day break in between. i just finished the last episode yesterday and it is the most beautifully done drama ever! i don't cry over much and this gave me a lump and tears but for good reasons. the actors had me at episode one. they were awesome as was the writing and execution.
Required fields are marked *
4 blnmom
March 16, 2018 at 8:37 PM
After the Olympic drought, way too many dramas! I'm watching six now plus Master of the House, and want to watch more but not enough hours in the day. Someday I'll win the lottery and be able to quit my job and watch as many dramas as @mango, hee.
I'm really enjoying Mystery Queen 2, maybe even more than season one -- I guess I'm the only one? It's funny and cute and I like the mystery of the week format. Plus, Dong Ha was in it this week!
Required fields are marked *
mary
March 16, 2018 at 9:14 PM
I know someone on twitter who prefers s2 too. But she’s a big Crinkles fan so if you transplant Detective Crinkles from s1 to s2, it’d be perfect.
Required fields are marked *
madlily
March 19, 2018 at 8:32 PM
I am absolutely adoring season 2, and considering how much I loved season 1 of Mystery Queen thats saying something.. I was gutted that it's not being reviewed here.. have I missed something as to why it wasn't considered?
Required fields are marked *
June
March 20, 2018 at 9:27 AM
Even an open thread to Mystery Queen 2 will be welcome. I can even do without the weecaps. Just need a place to squee and discuss thrills and to hear thoughts from other beanies about it.
Required fields are marked *
June
March 20, 2018 at 9:32 AM
While we are at it, if it's possible, could we have open thread for my husband oh jak doo, and that man oh soo too? Just a small beanie wish *wink*
Don't even need weecap if it's too much trouble, even screen caps are fine, or just the title. I suppose beanies can fill in the gap with an avenue to go to :)
Required fields are marked *
madlily
March 20, 2018 at 6:39 PM
A mini recap thread would be amazing.. the second season is great!
Required fields are marked *
5 gadis
March 16, 2018 at 8:37 PM
Problematic Men: Still slowly marathoning this one. I've reached the eps where Park Kyung replaced Rapmon as one of the permanent member. And while I like Rapmon and his out-of-the-box way of thinking, Kyung is simply perfect as the cute and genius maknae.
The Great Seducer: I expected it to be a guilty pleasure watch, but it's actually quite good. The trio friendship is definitely the main draw so far, but I also like Tae-hee as a character. Simply because she effortlessly nullified all of Shi-hyun's calculated seducing moves. I also appreciated the writer for painting Soo-ji in a sympathetic light, but didn't gloss over the fact that she is more than willing to fight dirty and take advantage of people around her.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:01 PM
It is so exciting (since it is quite rare) that we get a female anti-hero like Soo-jin in a drama!
Required fields are marked *
CatoCat Drama Kun
March 16, 2018 at 10:06 PM
Hehe criminals being anti-hero.
I have no sympathy for anyone of them. Actually i would enjoy their delicious tears more than their annoying faces. Obnoxious creatures and have cliche muh family issues and muh tragic past blah blah.
Required fields are marked *
guacamole
March 19, 2018 at 4:59 AM
this is exactly how I see soo ji,
can't believe that people thought it was rare and exciting to be anti-hero when what she did is whining with a noir background song,
she has done nothing to be called anti-hero,
she just messed everything up and hurts her mother
Required fields are marked *
6 spazmo
March 16, 2018 at 8:39 PM
@mary
i LOVED watching the sequences of the paintings!!!! i wish i knew who that actual artist was/is... so gorgeous, those paintings..... i think i don't remember much about the story, however, as i was so totally mesmerized by the painting. made my husband and daughter watch some segments of the artist painting -- we are an art family.
; )
Required fields are marked *
mary
March 16, 2018 at 9:09 PM
That’s awesome! I’m amazed by the painting sequences but I don’t know much about art, it’s great to hear that you and your family approve of them.
Required fields are marked *
June
March 20, 2018 at 9:44 AM
I remembered when watching this show, the feeling of being thoroughly frustrated for the lack of handphones during Joseon period, lol
Required fields are marked *
PakalanaPikake
March 16, 2018 at 11:42 PM
@mary, @spazmo,
Yay for PAINTER OF THE WIND! One of my early Kdramas. The OST is gorgeous. That gayageum solo by the gisaeng is still one of my faves.
Album of Genre Paintings on Women by Shin Yun-bok
https://www.museum.go.kr/site/eng/relic/represent/view?relicId=1020
I loved Shin Yun-bok's unpretentious paintings of everyday life among the lower classes. And I loved those scenes of the master and his apprentice painting like fiends. They were so engrossed in their work they barely noticed they were stepping on each other's feet.
A similar theme of women who painted at a time when formal training was barred to them was explored in SAIMDANG, LIGHT'S DIARY. Skip the modern timeline and enjoy the immersion in Joseon art circles.
Required fields are marked *
spazmo
March 17, 2018 at 1:10 AM
yes, i watched Saimdang, Light's Diary also for the ARTWORK! the story was rather... well, slow and then all over the place -- but again, i was watching for the artwork moreso than the story (tho i had hoped the story would be more engrossing)...
; )
Required fields are marked *
john
March 17, 2018 at 5:40 AM
Saimdang should have been a nice art series, instead of the mess it was, it screams for a do over. Painter of the Wind was one of the first 10 K dramas my wife and I watched. Loved it. It may be time for a revist as the current crop of shows outside of Misty just aren’t doing it. Looking up POTW on Asianwiki, in the notes it said Moon Geun -Young suffered a fractured nose when elbowed during the filming of an scene with Park Shin-yang. Ouch! Poor Moonie!
Required fields are marked *
kiara
March 17, 2018 at 9:31 PM
That was during the height of Moon Geun-young's career.
She is still the youngest actor to ever win a daesang award.
She was flawless in "Painter."
I really hope she'll return in a good drama if she is in good health.
mary
March 17, 2018 at 10:17 PM
Woah, poor girl. :O Is it Park Shin-yang's elbow? He's like Kang Ji-hwan. They're both very animated. I can imagine his elbow hitting someone too hard.
(I realize this reaction is almost a decade late but I'm just discovering POTW...)
PakalanaPikake
March 17, 2018 at 10:52 AM
In SAIMDANG, LIGHT'S DIARY, I was also surprised to see so much attention paid to papermaking. I used to work in a related industry, and got a kick out of seeing how paper was made in Joseon times. I think that wisteria root fiber was the secret ingredient that was used to increase the wet strength of ancient Korean paper -- the reason why it was so prized in China, according to the drama.
The "Water Moon Avalokiteshvara" painting from the temple was exquisite.
Required fields are marked *
7 blo
March 16, 2018 at 8:47 PM
Can't lie...I come here to check who else from the team is watching Mother. 😭 I haven't been on DB much lately since I don't have much to say, but I drop in occasionally to see what other people are saying about the show.
I have so much love for the show and the cast. It's tough creating a remake, but I believe the entire team did a tremendous job and I'm proud of them. 💪
Required fields are marked *
javinne
March 17, 2018 at 2:35 AM
I am watching it!! Me me me!!! Today I will watch the last episode. Just dreading the tears. For me everything is a surprise, cos I never watched the original.
Required fields are marked *
blo
March 17, 2018 at 7:26 AM
I started crying as soon as it started. That was pretty much me with the last episodes. 😂😭 Hope you enjoyed it! I watched the original but it was so long ago, I don't remember it. I may go back and watch it again.
Required fields are marked *
john
March 17, 2018 at 5:57 AM
I liked the original, Sakamoto Yuji is a wonderful writer. That said, the adaptation by Jung Seo-Kyoung has been fantastic. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ Five Star Production on all levels. This, writer -nims, is what you should aspire to. When I initially read that Lee Hye-Young was a film star, I feared the worst. I’ve never been happier to admit I was wrong. Ep. 15 is both heart wrenching and heart warming.
Required fields are marked *
blo
March 17, 2018 at 7:46 AM
I agree. I would love to see what other great works he's written. He's written a lot so if you have any suggestions, let me know, please. 😊
From looking at the posters, I thought she would be the typical two-dimensional evil mother. 😂 I am also glad that I was terribly wrong. The actress was able to pack a lot of emotions into her character as the diva who commands our attention, and a mother who is full of sacrificial love. It's difficult to choose but she may be my favorite character.
Required fields are marked *
john
March 17, 2018 at 8:15 AM
Two come to mind, Woman: My Life for My Children or simply Woman. A young mother of two experiences the untimely death of her husband. She reconciles with her estranged mother, who had remarried after her husband’s death. Same director that worked on Mother. 👍
Something much lighter , Matrimonial Chaos - Saikou no Rikon. I loved it.
Required fields are marked *
spazmo
March 17, 2018 at 2:04 PM
two of my fav Jdramas!
kiara
March 17, 2018 at 10:22 PM
"Mother" and "Woman" are equally special to me.
I have been entertaining the thought of a remake of "Woman" now that Jeong Seo-kyeong did "Mother" without losing the integrity of Yuji Sakamoto's original.
She is the only writer who's movies and now a drama have and will compete at the Cannes festivals.
It would have been awesome if "Mother" went head to head with "Little Drama Girl" that Park Chan-wook is directing for BBC.
Too bad it's not going to be released till next year.
blo
March 18, 2018 at 5:12 PM
Thank you so much. I'll start with something lighter since I need that more right now. :)
Islander north
March 17, 2018 at 9:04 AM
Just finished "Mother" this week...what an awesome drama! Acting is superb (just love the little girl) and I never felt it get cheesy or tropey. Truly a memorable drama.
Required fields are marked *
8 🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 8:48 PM
That Man Oh-soo: This is my fun escape drama with enough intrigue in the plot and enough cute to keep me going. And every scene with Kim So-eun I just think underrated of an actor she is. Our beautiful OTP, you are welcome to fall onto each other again and again.
My Husband Oh-Jak-doo: I like UEE’s character who is a strong go-getter, but I want her dial down the shout and be a little bit more responsible as a driver. But then I see her mom, then I forgives our heroine’s bad behaviors. And oh yeah, also she is also completely traumatized by the whole almost-murdered business.
The Great Seducer looks like great fun, and instead of cotton candy I want this to be the richest, darkest, and the most bitter chocolate. At the moment I am not convinced why seducing Joy it will punish the parents, but I am in for the ride. Hopefully this will a beautiful dark twisted fantasy
According to Kanye (mostly):
At the party there was a seance
Just kids, no parents
Then the sky filled with heroines
(I saw the devil) In a floral-painted limousine
And the hell, it wouldn't spare us
(And the fires did declare us)
(But after that, took pills, kissed an heiress)
(And moved her back in Paris)
Required fields are marked *
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:03 PM
On That Man Oh Soo's OTP, I agree! ^^
The second leads are too perfect? A beautiful, seemless fit for our leads that would make life too boring? Predictable? A little bit of difference adds to the fun. ^^ I think the OTP are better suited to each other than to the second leads, so I'm in for the ride.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:14 PM
The sister's teacher is already sooooo smitten with Yoo-ri because of, you know, the fated childhood connection. I hope they keep both second leads' characters light that no one goes annoying possessive or psycho on our leads.
I also wonder why Oh-soo sometimes completely ignores Yoo-ri? Is it just because he is socially stunted?
Required fields are marked *
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:20 PM
Yup for once, a K-drama is going over the childhood connection trope! Progress. Not all of us meet our destined partners in our youth! *rolls eyes* ^^
I wonder this too! Like that scene where he was on the phone was a bit too weird. There was some mention of a curse in ep 1? Could it be related to that?
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:29 PM
It's still early but there are a lot of questions....do we know why mom is in the hospital? Where are Oh-soo and his cousin's parents? How about grandma for that matter?
Why so far Oh-soo only sees one color for each person? Would the haze ever take on multiple colors since human emotions are never singular?
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:34 PM
@kimbapnoona - about mom, only that she collapsed after dad's death. But how/why did dad die?
This is a good point. Why only one colour? I think if the colour he sees is the pollen as well, but he can't harvest it from other people.
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:48 PM
@greenfields I hope hrt dad didn't die because Oh-soo's dad mistakenly gave him a pollen overdose, you know the your-daddy-killed-my-daddy trope?
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:58 PM
Oh god no! o_O
So far it looks to be above those tropes, but I don't trust K-dramas.
June
March 20, 2018 at 9:51 AM
I think what he sees is the current love indicator of the person.
It changes with time.
Like previously, female lead colour was green with ex (comfortable?), then black when dumped, then pink when she starts experiencing love feeling for someone.
But he doesn't know the pink colours are for him. So when he saw her having same pink colour as 2nd male lead, he thought they have mutual love feelings and felt jealous and grumpy.
⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
March 16, 2018 at 11:02 PM
"I also wonder why Oh-soo sometimes completely ignores Yoo-ri? "
He is ignoring her from outside, but is burning inside. Who can ignore this adorable kitten, though especially when she popped up with her pinky clothes! LOL. I want Yoori to take revenge on him for this.😆
This show is such a slow burn, I wish they will reveal some more secrets next week. Agree that both second leads seem to be too perfect and boring? Like Ohsoo doesn't need another smart person like him to be his partner, he just need someone that can melt his coldness, make him randomly cook chicken meat and feed it to his sleeping brother. Anyway, I just need them to go feed stray cats together each epi. We can say that this is a beneficial PPL.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 17, 2018 at 5:59 AM
I absolutely love the reveal that the suitcase is filled with cat food for stray cats. My mom feeds stray cats too and her neighbor would take them to get neutered/spayed so I feel very connected to this turn in the story. It is a PPL I am completely behind!
For some unexplained reason I also really like that she inherited a coffee vending machine from her parents which, of course, is standing right across the street from his coffee shop. I thought it was kind of him to let her keep it on his property even though it could be considered competition.
I want him to be burning on the inside....but I think currently the inner dialogue is more "welcome? goodbye?" 😂
⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
March 17, 2018 at 6:18 AM
And he was a little disapppointed by that revelation LOL. He probably thought it's something more thrilling 😆
I want that vending machine. It's so cuteee. Although it doesn't give much profit for her. Osu probably isn't bothered that much with its existence, since his cafe also not mainly for income I guess. His family is wealthy enough, he himself has other job. Anyway, I seriously want to know have he found out is it welcome or goodbye! He seems to be so serious about it - that's what made him cuter.
🍙 kimbap noona
March 17, 2018 at 6:42 AM
@seralovestteobokki We see so many vending machines in dramas but not enough representation of vending machine owners, so I dig it 😄
I wonder why money is tight for her since being a civil servant is a stable and coveted job in Korea as dramas have taught me. Could it be mom's medical expense?
It was hilarious that she went to her boss when she didn't get a promotion and her boss just stated ALL the reasons why she is bad at her job, and those are some pretty legitimate reasons. Hehe. I like their relationship so far.
I kept wondering why Oh-soo spent so much energy on where to leave that suitcase for her. I mean he is the landlord! He could have just taken it inside the building an put it in front of her door! But it was a cute scene never the less.
⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
March 17, 2018 at 7:10 AM
I'm not sure what is her rank, it is indeed a stable job, while she might not struggling for expenses, she probably needs a higher salary for a stable future as she is the sole breadwinner for now and I guess her mother's expenses is high as well. I love that she is competitive, although yeah she isn't too competent LOL.. But that's what made her realistic. I love her relationship with her boss too.
You know, I think Ohsoo is just so good at his job as AI expert, but pretty clueless at everything else. I think he is not so good as a Cupid, too LOL. And he is easy to be fooled as well haha - like how he fell for Yoori's lie about the cats will do aegyo if he calls their names 😂 He isn't a smartypant like I thought he would be, so it's a pleasant surprise. Hehe.
bbstl 🧹
March 17, 2018 at 11:55 AM
😺 what? There are cats??? I need to start watching this show!
June
March 20, 2018 at 9:56 AM
They are catS. And then there is a CUTE cat/kitten with different colour eyes. And a super cute CAT HOUSE.. heh
June
March 20, 2018 at 9:58 AM
The cute cat with different color eyes even went meow.
And Yoo Ri the female lead went meow too. I'm female and even I found it cute. If Oh Soo is not enamoured his heart is truly dead :p
PurpleTeapot
March 16, 2018 at 9:23 PM
I think Sooji wants to seduce Taehee to punish her ex, Kiyoung, and Sihyun doesn't have a stake in that, but now that their parents are getting married, he wants to prevent it by marrying Sooji first. So Sooji strikes the deal by saying she will marry him if he helps her with the revenge on her ex.
They aren't related by blood but there's still a taboo on relatives related by marriage getting married in Korea, so if they do that first, their parents' marriage can't go as planned.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 10:13 PM
Ahhh thank you!! I didn't connect the dots that she would only marry him if he would take revenge on her ex for her.
Required fields are marked *
PurpleTeapot
March 16, 2018 at 10:27 PM
To be fair they didn't make it *that* clear verbally, Sooji never said "ok I'll marry you if you do this". She was doubting Sihyun's motives for proposing marriage (deep down beyond all her layers of brokenness and disillusion is this romantic part of her that wants real love), and Sihyun was trying to convince her he was sincere, so she asked him to prove it by helping her with her revenge.
Besides, the sexual tension in that scene was kinda distracting o.o
Required fields are marked *
9 seoul_searcher
March 16, 2018 at 8:51 PM
Great seducer: was excited for this for months (yes I love teen soapy dramas) and it definitely exceeded my expectations for its premiere ep. The scenes are shot really nice and I love the colouring and the vibe of the show. The music at times was didn't suit certain scenes and the editing made the pacing feel a little off but overall this is definitely my crack for this season.
Mother: binge watched the last four episode and cried for each one this one is definitely a gem and the ending was so beautiful just as I wanted ❤️
Mystery queen 2: despite lack of character motivation I'm still hear for the ahjumma x detective duo and their cute hijinks
Required fields are marked *
10 greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:00 PM
That Man Oh Soo. Weirdly romantic. I like.
The Great Seducer. Because I'm in a Real Life Slump? Not my kind of show. At all. I wish I could like the main trio like most Beanies do, but I don't.
I'll agree that Moon Ga Young's performance is stunning. Joy's character is a slightly more normal person, so it doesn't call for as much nuance in the opening episodes, but I thought she handled that scene with her mother very well. Restrained, polite, forcefully keeping her mum at a distance - it was well done.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:16 PM
I am rather impressed by Joy. She did a decent job in The Liar and His Lover as a complete newbie (to my knowledge) and although it is way too early to tell, I think she chose a suitable character for herself to play here.
Required fields are marked *
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:40 PM
Yup. Red Velvet is from SM? I think. Their idols are doing a decent job as actors. The more I watch, the more certain I am that acting lessons are part of the idol program at SM.
Required fields are marked *
tsutsuloo
March 16, 2018 at 9:32 PM
"Weird" is exactly the word I muttered to myself as I binged the first four episodes of That Man Oh Soo last week. Oddly compelling for now ...
Required fields are marked *
greenfields
March 16, 2018 at 9:41 PM
Haha Weird and romantic is actually what I first thought of it. That became weirdly romantic, because its true too. Oddly compelling is indeed the case.
Required fields are marked *
11 mindy
March 16, 2018 at 9:06 PM
Haven't had much time this week to watch dramas. Sad.
Mother: God, did I love this show. I know it's only March but it's my favorite of 2018 so far and it will take a heck of a lot to top it. It's just... I honestly can't even find the words to describe it, my love for it is so profound. I'm so happy that it has been nominated for Cannes because it absolutely deserves it. Just a stunning show. Everyone and their mother (har) should check it out. From start to finish, it's honestly perfect, and it makes me so sad that none of the staff who wrote for this post were watching it. It's not to be missed. The full OST was released today and I'm going to be playing it in loop for at least a week. What a gorgeous, haunting score that show had. Whoever was the music director deserves all of the awards and should do the music for every drama ever.
The Great Seducer: I like it. I'm still mostly in it for Woo Do-hwan, but I like it, especially when it doesn't take itself too seriously and plays up the outrageous excess. I'm not emotionally attached, though, and I'm not too keen on the more melo moments, but I think the poor editing might have something to do with that rather than the acting or the story itself. I'm looking forward to next week!
I've only watched one more episode of Rescue Me since last week but I still really like it! I already said this on my fanwall today but both Seo Ye-ji and Woo Do-hwan are so good and have such screen presence that I don't know where to look when they're both on the screen.
My Dal-ja's Spring rewatch continues and now I'm even making gifs. Yes, I just watched this show 3 months ago. No, I don't feel bad about doing it again so soon. Kang Tae-booooong!
Eagerly looking forward to My Ajusshi and Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food. My week feels weird with having two Monday/Tuesday shows (including Woohoo Waikiki, which took a week off this week) and nothing else on the schedule, so here's hoping the upcoming shows are good!
Required fields are marked *
Beverly
March 16, 2018 at 9:15 PM
I'm looking forward to those two too. Be interesting to watch two potential romances with age differences, But opposites, at the same time.
Required fields are marked *
missjb
March 16, 2018 at 10:17 PM
Kim Chul Kyu is really lucky to pair with good director music in several of his good drama.... My beautifull bride include!
Required fields are marked *
kiara
March 16, 2018 at 10:48 PM
Kim Chul Kyu is freaking good. He does beautiful works even in heavy dramas.
Who makes a crime thriller with a winning love story works like "My Beautiful Bride?"
I love love love him. Looking forward to his next drama.
Required fields are marked *
missjb
March 16, 2018 at 11:21 PM
He is quite smart picking good script in his recent drama project. Or more like he is really lucky. He shine the most in a more heavy drama. How I wish Kim jin Won has the same luck lol.. I agree i didn't think action thriller with love story will be thrilling to watch. But it does.... It was so awsome!
Required fields are marked *
kiara
March 17, 2018 at 6:38 AM
Kim Chul Kyu has been around longer so maybe a bit of luck goes with it too.
"Paradise Ranch" on the other hand was terrible and the script was too but he has helmed a lot of good dramas.
"Aseudal" is going to be on tvn so they have money to spend on pre-production. This will be a good project for Kim Jin-won. He is going to be working with great actors and more people will tune in to appreciate his talent.
missjb
March 17, 2018 at 5:50 PM
@kiara : I'm with you when it's come to experience. It must be Kim CHul Kyu has been around longer he has better chance to pick good project or script. How I wish this project will bring Kim Chul Kyu has more chance pick better writers in the future.
Back To Kim Jin Won, I hope Aseudal will does Kim Jin Won good. With our without Song Joong Ki (preferably with Song Joong Ki lol). Both Kim Young-Hyun and Park Sang-Yeon are known writers, and It's pre- produced, It's his first historical drama(?) There is a big chance he will does a wonderful job. 2019 seems so far away aghh
kiara
March 17, 2018 at 10:38 PM
@missjb
Actually not by much. Kim Jin Won spent most of his career directing special dramas.
"Nice Guy" was his first full drama but you know that already.
"Aseudal" will be his first sageuk. His father Kim Heung Ki was a sageuk actor but he died 3yrs before he directed "Nice Guy."
As a tribute to his father Kim Jin Won's real father was also Maru's deceased father in "Nice Guy." They only showed his picture in the drama.
Anyway, I don't think it's going to be a challenge for Kim Jin Won. He's got sageuk in his blood lol.
missjb
March 18, 2018 at 12:00 AM
@kiara : oops, so basically Maru's father on photo is basically Kim Jin Won's father? euw... that's alot of dedication for his father. , because he was basically took all actor from that photo to star in Nice Guy as Maru's and Choco's childhood.
PD KIm Jin Won seems produce many Special Drama before nice guy, and mostly become an assistant director before 2010.. And I can't believe he was the 2nd PD of Hello Monster. LOL
Meanwhile Kim Chul Kyu before 2013 seems has along hiatus. And I heard alot of negative from paradice ranch, LOL. Well you can't control when the material is lacking even if you are a talent PD I think.
blo
March 17, 2018 at 7:48 AM
Must add the Mother OST to my Spotify. Thanks for letting us know. 😂
Required fields are marked *
12 Beverly
March 16, 2018 at 9:12 PM
Good point about making Shi-hyun too sympathetic. I am a bit worried about this. On the other hand it reminded me type hat he is not a grown up yet, but still a young adult who needs a guardian go feel completely safe. Heck, I'm almost 40 and still wish I had my parents when I feel insecure.
And yes at this age I still like the soapy teen dramas.
I do hope that he falls slowly. Hits all the points of reluctantly liking , respecting, friendship, and then love.
I am worried about the ending, this is were I hope they do not stick to source material
I still enjoy Radio Romance. I think the PD is maybe family from bio mom or one of dad's affairs. Surviving a fatal illness and the truck of doom feels like a big stretch, but maybe.
Required fields are marked *
13 LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
March 16, 2018 at 9:21 PM
So a weird thing happened this week. I watched Chinese web drama Heroin (Addicted), which I found disturbing and compelling and then I promptly fell down a BL rabbit hole. So I want to start a whole heap of new shows, like finally watching Mother and starting Evergreen and Should We Kiss First but instead I've watched a LOT of very pretty boys getting it on. Don't judge.
Misty So good, an amazing 10/10 show. Only up to episode 10 but it's so great. Can't wait for the final episodes.
Squad 38 Finally finished this part of last weekend's binge watch and it was excellent. Miss Seo In-guk's work so much.
Radio Romance This show continues to exist. I continue to watch it. I'm not sure I even remember what happened in the last episode but I'm glad I called Mum's motivations and Jason sociopathy.
My Dear Boy The subs have finally remembered this excellent slice-of-life Taiwanese drama exists and so I'll get back to watching it. It's so understated but so lovely. I enjoy it a lot.
PS First time trying HTML so hopefully this worked and there's bold in the above and not random 'b's.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
March 16, 2018 at 9:40 PM
I am drawn to the friendship between this noona/dongsaeng pair in My Dear Boy but I was hoping that the male lead would come back much more of a man after the military, but sigh....he still acts very much like a kid compare to the female lead. I am now feeling nervous that this OTP will neve set sail since we are running out of time....