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Premiere Watch: Spring Must Be Coming, Kingdom, Romance Is a Bonus Book

Body swaps, zombies, and noonas, oh my! We have three dramas premiering this week, and they’re sure to quench your cravings for comedy, zombie thrills, and romance.

 

Spring Must Be Coming

Time slot: Wednesday & Thursday
Broadcaster: MBC
Genre: Fantasy, comedy
Episode count: 32 episodes

Reasons to watch: Lee Yuri and Eom Ji-won star in this comedy about two women whose lives inexplicably become entwined when they switch bodies. Lee Yuri plays a self-centered woman who puts her ambition first. Eom Ji-won on the other hand plays a woman who put her career and ambitions on the back burner in order to become the ideal political wife. After years of hard work, Lee Yuri is just within reach of fulfilling her dream of being a TV news anchor. But fatefully, on the first day she’s set to sit at the news desk, she and Eom Ji-won undergo a body-switch. The drama will follow the women as they find themselves and attempt to find a way back to their rightful bodies.

 

Kingdom

Time slot: Friday
Broadcaster: Netflix
Genre: Sageuk, zombie, thriller
Episode count: 6 episodes (to be released simultaneously)

Reasons to watch: Set sometime during the Joseon dynasty, after the king is suddenly struck ill with a mysterious disease, Joo Ji-hoon’s crown prince finds himself the target of Ryu Seung-ryong’s political machinations. Desperate to learn what is at the heart of his father’s illness, Joo Ji-hoon soon discovers that it’s not just his own life at stake–the fate of Joseon hangs in the balance. Bae Doo-na is the skilled and brave doctor who becomes a stalwart ally to the crown prince. Kingdom marks Netflix’s first step into original K-dramas, and judging from the teasers and stills that have been released, Netflix was not about to coast on star power alone. Fun fact, Kim Eun-hee wrote both the drama’s script, and the original web comic that Kingdom is based on.

 

Romance Is a Bonus Book

Time slot: Saturday & Sunday
Broadcaster: tvN
Genre: Rom-com

Reasons to watch: After a nine-year absence, what could entice an A-list actor back to dramaland? We’ll have to watch Romance Is a Bonus Book to find out. Lee Na-young’s character Kang Dan-yi is an educated and accomplished woman who falls on hard times and has to scramble to find employment. She’s super-qualified but only able to find work after presenting herself as under-qualified. Her love interest and co-star Lee Jong-seok is a prodigy who heads the publishing company where Lee Na-young finally finds work. If the teasers are any indication, we’re in for lots of cuteness and fun. Sadly, Lee Jong-seok is enlisting in mandatory military service this year, so we’ll have to say good-bye to him for a long while.

 
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I'm watching Romance Is a Bonus Book. Lee Jong Suk has an eye for geniuses dramas. Is the episode count 16 episodes?

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I'm in for romance is a Bonus Bonk.

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wherever lee jongsuk is, i'm in!

btw, 6 eps released simultaneously? so Kingdom is a one time affair instead of a series? *isconfused* i don't usually like gore, but this seems interesting

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It's a series, but it was pre produced and distributed through Netflix alone, so all the episodes are ready to go. (I don't know how it's airing in Korea though? Or if it is at all? Netflix is essentially its channel in this regard and Netflix likes to release things simultaneously). It also has a second season planned already I think.

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yeah it's an owned (not co-owned or co-produced) Netflix original, so it airs on Netflix in Korea as well.

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Well ofc. That makes sense. I don't know why I didn't think of that pfft *face palm*

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Also, it has been greenlit for Season 2 already...

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I don't usually like zombie thingy,, but there is no way I pass Kingdom. Joo Ji Hoon. Bae Doo Na. Ryu Seung Ryong. Kim Eun Hee.. How can I refuse??

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KINGDOOOOOOOOOOM~!!!!!

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Is it just me? I'm having a difficult time even making it through the first 45 minute episode. Bored stiff. It's like Western writing - introduce the conflict. Not Asian writing which is introduce the characters first. And it's only 6 45 min episodes? I'll keep plugging away til it gets interesting, but so far, how do you make zombies boring? Interested in what you'll think.

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I obviously haven't seen it yet because of time zones, and I'm not sure when I will get to see it (hopefully today) so I can't really comment but ofc I will share what I think.
Although now my apprehension levels have risen since you say it reminds you of Western writing. Interesting.
As to how you make zombies boring: The Walking Dead. (I was so bored when I tried to watch that. I only made it three episodes).
I am holding onto the fact that this is only 6 episodes and not 25 lol. I'll come back to you on it asap.

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Not only that but each episode is supposedly 45 minutes, only there are almost 5 minutes of credits. So the whole thing is no longer than a long movie. I found it predictable and with a "cliffhanger" that would only be worthy of a cliffhanger before a commercial break. I've already given it a "thumbs down" and added Five Fingers to my watchlist instead.
I'm a harsh critic though. Very disappointed...I ff thru most of the last episode.

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DramaPanda just gave it rave reviews, so I dunno, maybe I just wasn't in a zombie mood today. I'll give it one more chance...

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aND i still haven't seen it... pfft
Or more accurate CAN'T

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Finally. My Kingdom wait is over. Two years for six episodes... hah! 😂😭

Also gotta put Romance is A Bonus Book on my list; I didn't know it was out so soon, woops. I'm gonna have to reorganize my kdrama watching schedule.

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IKR! It's finally here! 😂😂 I've been waiting right along with you dongsaeng-ah

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Back before I even KNEW YOU GASPS.

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WHOAAAAAAAAA I didn't think of that!

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I wonder if we passed each other in the night. I know I talked to @Hades before I really knew many people on here

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Fascinating. Now I want to go and look at my old comments.

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I'm going on holiday on the 25th. Will I be able to watch all of it before I go?

At least I can download all of them and watch even if my holiday wifi is iffy. This is perfect timing.

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I ... don't know... I don't know when subs will be out or how you watch, illegally or legally hahaha but hwaiting!!!

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I've got Netflix, so depending on what time they release it on the 25th, I should be all set ...

*can imagine myself hitting refresh like crazy with one eye on the clock not to miss my train*

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😂😂😂

I'm hoping Netflix will air WITH subs. But I don't know. T_T Also, like cloggie, I'm out of town for a wedding. I'll have to wait till the NEXT weekend. Cannot binge sic. :(

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@greenfields, I can't imagine Netflix will air without subs. They wouldn't release it in my region if it wasn't subbed...

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@cloggie Ahah! Good!
*lol i'd be doing the same*
@greenfields I assume haha for Netflix's first original Kdrama, it will have subs. They have subs for everything else. Although typically their subs aren't that great. Oh well.

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@greenfields there's no way Netflix would release a foreign series without subtitles lol, usually they come with English/Chinese/Spanish subs

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Hehe yes. They will air with subs which is I why I meant to say subs will be out immediately. Clearly since three people responded telling me the same thing, I didn't manage to convey what I wanted to say. 🤔

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Sic is your dongsaeng? O.o

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Yup. Adopted. 😄

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Lmao! In age and relationship, not blood. 😂😂

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Yes! :) :)
Now we have to fix ours, should I call you sunbaenim?

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@oppafangirl I don't know hahaha- how long have you been on Dramabeans for? Or alternatively how long have you been watching dramas for?

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Dramabeans- its controversial (I was away for a month in between) so one say one year. (I joined first when JBL was airing. Existence of dramabeans, I knew from the day I started watching dramas)
I started watching korean dramas from Nov 2013.
Mangas/animes/manhwas don't count I guess, else from 2003.

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@oppafangirl
So that makes me your Dramabeans sunbae, but your kdrama watching hoobae. ^-^
I have followed Dramabeans from day 1 of my drama watching too (Jan 2015), but was a lurker for a year, starting commenting in late 2016, and registered as soon as the new site launched in April 2017.

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Let's settle for sunbae-nim! I just realized that I got the year wrong, it was Nov 2014. So we started almost together watching dramas.

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I am flattered. Sunbae it is then I guess haha

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Looks like Rampant ( well, similar theme I guess) but will never pass as it have many great actors & actress in it 🤗. They should have Eng sub right as aired world-wide in Netflix? Can't wait for 25 Jan

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Yeah so people keep saying. Except Kingdom has been planned for over two years as a zombie sageuk and Rampant came out three months ago lol.
Also Signal's writer.
Yeah Netflix should sub it ^-^

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Just so Netflix hasn't ruined it by making it like a U.S. show that has no emotional depth. Cynical skeptical me speaking.

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I hope to God Netflix doesn't ruin it. I'm sort of hanging onto the fact it's written, directed, and produced by Koreans and in all other sense of the word it is a Kdrama, it is just distributed through Netflix, and its network is Netflix. But everything else is not.

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They should be more than 6 right? The drama seems unfinished yet...although it is quite predictable on the conflict (over the throne) but I need to know what is the ending 🙏.

Spoilers: don’t watch it while eating, you may end up with vomit 🤮 during 1st episode.

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There's a second season.

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I'm a little skeptical about the comedy part and the drama being his first rom-com. However, I will give it a try. The man is Lee Jong Suk after all, and his acting is exceptional. LJS's drama choices have been in the romance/legal drama category for the past few years. I forgot that he was in High Kick 3, so he should be pretty funny.

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His first official rom com? Really? Yikes he could've fooled me with his past performances!
I'm sure he will be just fine. He could flirt with a rock.

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“He could flirt with a rock”

PFFFFT HAHA. I just burst out laughing right there. So true. I love LJS. And probably because he can flirt with a rock, and make me completely believe it too.

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I have a "could flirt with a rock" list, of actors and musicians. It was made because of him hahaha.

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I love it. Who else is on your “flirt with rocks” list?

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@adieunoire
LJS
Ziggy
Hongki
Heechul
Seunghoon (WINNER)
Sungwoon (Wanna One/Hotshot)
Park Kyung (Block B)
There may have been more but that's all I can remember right now hahaha

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@sicarius

Good list! I might have to copy you and make my own "could flirt with a rock" list.

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@adieunoire Do it! Then we can make an ultimate Flirt With Rock list!!!

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haha this is good 'he could flirt with a rock' haha.
I remember someone saying that LJS could have chemistry even with a grain of rice. LOL
LJS 'ability to achieve wonderful chemistry with its co-stars generates the most hilarious phrases as well.

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Lee Jong Suk was hilarious in Pinocchio and While You Were Sleeping despite the buckets of tears, so he can do comedy.

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Most definitely.

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I didn’t really like WYWS but he was pretty funny there 😀

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I thought WYWS was a rom com.

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While You Were Sleeping was a fantasy drama.

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So I want to check out/watch all three ESPECIALLY KINGDOM I WAITED TWO YEARS but where is the time? Can the day please grow another 4 hours? Can there be laws stipulating that those hours are just downtime for us hoomans and not productive working hours?

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BINGE IT WITH ME IT'S SUPER SHORT

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But then we have to wait for all of it to be released!

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it's being released all at once this Friday.

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I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS.

I know what I’m doing all weekend. Binging kingdom. ASAP.

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😄😄😄

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I got my eyes on Kingdom but all the teasers for Romance Is a Bonus Book look so fun but Spring Must Be coming has Lee Yuri, gosh do I need to check out all these 3? I guess YES!

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Romance is a Bonus Book and Lee Jong-suk coming back to the small screen for one last glorious time is my only source of joy in this turbulent week of finals. It's been a long time since I've anticipated anything this much.

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I'm in for all of drama starring Lee Jong Suk and Joo Ji Hoon. Lee jong suk always give 200% in anything, even when the bad one (ehm W). And Joo Ji hoon are the reason I'm tuning to K-Drama after watch him in Princess Hour.

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Just sharing another drama premiering this week:

TV Chosun's Babel
- Premieres Jan 27, Sunday.
- Casts: Park Si-Hoo, Jang Hee-Jin, Kim Hae-Sook, Jang Shin-Young, Song Jae-Hee, Lim Jung-Eun and more.
- Synopsis: A prosecutor who started out as a newspaper reporter, whose personality is described as fiery and hot-tempered. He grew up in a comfortable life, but one day his family is shattered when his father dies in an accident whose cause is unclear, and his mother takes her own life. When he finds out that his father’s bankruptcy and death are connected to a conglomerate, he begins his mission to uncover the truth and get revenge.
- Streaming on Viki.

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Thanks!

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I'm definitely going to check out both Kingdom and Romance is a Bonus Book. Bae Doo-na has been great in the shows I've seen her in. I also quite like LJS's dramas, and I have a soft spot for noona romances.

Not quite sure about Spring Must Be Coming. I haven't seen any of the actors or actresses before, and the premise sounds like it might get too angsty and introspective. Which is not what I'm in the mood for. Will look forward to other beanies views first.

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KINGDOM IS HERE. I can’t wait I can’t wait I can’t wait. Setting aside time this weekend to binge this. Ahhhhhhh!

Also super excited for Romance as a bonus book. LJS could convince me of anything. Not too sure about the other one though.

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It feels like the wait for Kingdom has been FOREVER! I literally can't sit still!

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I'm so excited about Kingdom! I've been talking it up on Facebook to my friends who aren't into dramas. So many of them love a good zombie show, after all. Then they found out Bae Doona is in it and they were like, "oh wow she's great, I WILL have to watch this!" I'm hoping this show really blows up and gets her even more attention.

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Will Dramabeans (hopefully) be recapping Kingdom? And how does that work.... if it's all dumped at once?
Enquiring minds, you know!😁

If they are not recapping, then to all those planning to watch, let's find a gathering spot!

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Wait, what? Is Kingdom only six episodes?? I'm confused...that means instead of watching two episodes per weeked like MoA, I have to spend the weekend binging - again??

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I know, I loathe video dumps because it only confirms my absolute lack of self control.

Yes, it's 6 episodes. I'm not sure if season 2 will be 6 as well.

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Nice to hear I'm not the only one with lack of self control.

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I'm torn between being okay with Lee Jong Suk continuing to do what he's clearly good at (playing geniuses/prodigies) and expanding into playing a role we haven't seen yet.

Whatever, I'm watching it. :)

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I love how Kingdom brought zombies to their press conference! Also, how Ryu Seung-Ryong and Bae Doo Na both wore turtlenecks but Joo Ji Hoon's neck is all exposed for biting 😆

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I volunteer.

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Yay, Mary!

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Mary is very generous with her time.

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and her teeth 😬

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Oh that mary, always willing to take one for the team!

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I'm torn about all three:

Kingdom: I love Bae Doona but not zombies or sagueks.
Romance Is a Bonus Book: I love books but am not a fan of Lee Jong Suk or noona romances.
Spring Must Be Coming: I love Lee Yuri but not body swaps.

But I'll likely give all three a try.

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Def planning to watch Kingdom. I'll give Romance is a Bonus Book a shot. I've never actually seen LJS in a drama so I'll see what all the hype is about, but I like Lee Na Young a lot. I'm sorta intrigued by Spring Must Be Coming so I **might** watch the first 2 eps. I watched all 3 trailers on Viki and could not figure out what the show was about.

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The hype will be very valid

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YES IT'S ZOMBIE TIME

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I'm happy to see Romance on Netflix. The only thing I regret is that in my region I will have it after February 5. I thought that the transmission of Romance would follow the MOA, but it seems that it will not be like that.

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Yes! to KINGDOM.

Both Kingdom and ROmance is Bonus book is on Netflix USA! double bonus.

Just when I thought of taking a break from dramas after MoA ended.

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Taking a break? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...

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Six episodes for Kingdom? That's perfect! I'm a busy college student, dramas are hard to keep up with these days :(

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I am so happy Kingdom is FINALLY airing but really hope Netflix subs it. The one preview I watched with dubbing was awful. I really don't think I could watch it with the annoying voiceovers.

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I'm sure Netflix will be subbing the drama since it will be a worldwide release. I watched Netflix The Hookup Plan and they had both a dubbed version and a subbed version with original French audio. The default was the dubbed version but you were able to change the auido and subtitle settings, which I did. Both Netflix trailers I saw were subbed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l-yByZpaaM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmhqw0F3q-g

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"Romance is a bonus book" has both "romance" and "book" in the title... Count me in ^^
I'm not quite sure about the other two, zombies are not really my thing, and body swaps... don't inspire me much. I think I will wait and see how the shows are received here on DB :)

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All these look boring

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please recap kingdom 😁

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whoa, this back looks super interesting and promising. Girl power, thrills and chills, and romance👌

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kingdom and romance is a bonus book for me

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I feel a Ju Ji hoon bringe watch coming on: The Devil (Lucifer), Mask, Naked Kitchen, the last episode of Goong...

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Wait...... Naked Kitchen??

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rhaaaa, Naked Kitchen ... terrible french accent (i don't even understand half of what he's singing) but this scene will never not make me swoon ^^) : https://youtu.be/3H7GUXf1YLU

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Omg (😥😥😥😥 fans self)

That smile at the end!? Unbelievably handsome!

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Oh;, I thought she meant the steamy sex scene...don't know if it's on youtube or not.

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I'm definitely looking at Romance. I love Lee Jong Suk and the dramas he chooses. After watching the trailers with some hilarious scenes I am anticipating this even more.

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I watched the first episodes of Spring Must Be Coming and I really liked Lee Yuri as the strong, competitive career woman, but once the body swapped happened I couldn't stand her character.

Sorry to say, but I am out!

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I watched kingdom until the last episodes and my comment is :

If u want to watch just to feel scared , go to ep 2, if u want to be curious , go to ep 1 and ep 6 .

The plot isn't interesting enough and for me, I should watch other kdrama instead of this. I should watch this when I'm too bored

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