What am I watching?
As of today... nothing. Zero. Zilch. No live airing shows. Strange feeling.

This week I finished up Angel's Last Mission, which was a glorious YA mess to the end. Since Shin Hye-sun was utterly transcendent throughout, I think it's worth watching a few episodes just to see her. I can only hope she gets a truly great script next so she can shine in something that isn't so... silly.

Also finishing this week was One Spring Night, which I enjoyed a great deal and am glad I watched. Was it perfect? No. Did it have frustrating parts? Yes. But it was a high quality, well written drama.

I have my issues with Kim Eun as a writer, in particular her tendency to spend too long on external pressures and not long enough on the core relationship itself, but I don’t think anybody else is exploring the intersection of tradition and modernity in Korea the way she is. The way in which the shows poke the pressure points between Confucianism and individualism, the family and the personal is really deft. Frustrating, but deft.

Faced with a bout of gastro and no airing shows to catch up on, I started Best Hit aka Hit The Top. It's mostly fun as long as I don't think about it too deeply. I wish they'd put some more thought into the whole 'father' thing because I get the feeling they liked it as a premise but didn't really know how to deal with it while keeping the whole thing fun. Still, it's a perfect show for a rainy, dreary day when you feel sick as anything.

Designated Survivor: 60 Days
I don’t know if this is an unpopular opinion but I think that Moo Jin’s answer at the cliffhanger was the right decision to make: sticking to honesty will prevent himself from being blackmailed by his opponents whoever it may be, ironically, if he’s eventually returning to academia this will certainly make it easier. On another note, I appreciate that literally most of the characters are shady in their own right: this is a truthful reflection of the real world. Our main character is where the dramatisation is: it’ll be interesting to see how the ‘reel’ world reacts to his character (pun intended) going forward.

Search Query: WWW
The drama has been an absolute hit with all three main romances (yes all three, even the main one which seems to get a lot of flack: it does delve into attitudes on marriage which is a rather unique obstacle for a relationship, though I feel that Morgan’s adoption issue really came out of left field), but I can’t really say the same for the supporting characters with the Da In reveal which threatens to turn into some lame conflict as we approach the penultimate week. Depending on how that gets resolved, my opinion on the show could change. Crossing my fingers that the good writing will prevail!

My Absolute Boyfriend
Hotel del Luna starts this weekend and I can jump from this show to that so that I can continue to see Yeo Jin Goo on screen … but I do have to admit that him starring in a show could indirectly imply that the show has no substance and requires him to carry the script. In his adult role repertoire, no other show other than Circle has been outstanding or even decent. But maybe there is a pattern: so far it’s been 3 bad shows, 1 good show and with the ending of this drama another 3 bad shows done. Will his next show be great? Only two more months and we’ll find out.

This week I finished Let's Eat 3 which I wasn't able to finish last year. And I'm so happy I found the time to go back to it! This is my favourite one from the three shows, the writing felt the most compact... and with the most depth.

I liked that we went to the origins of our foodie Dae Young and found out how he started blogging and who was his great teacher who started his passion for food. I also liked that when these two meet later in life during difficult times, their past frendship helps them to move on and find joy again... especially in eating 😄😄

Though, to be honest, what I loved the most was the story of the sisters. The bratty Seo Yeon grew on me and at the end of the final episode I just wished her all the love she was craving for.

Perfume!

Still funny. Still touching. Still tugging my heart. Jae Hee = Ye Rin is now kinda busted. Nearly everyones knows her now. Yi Do's secretary already knows that Jae hee and Ye Rin are the same person and has been supporting her. Jae Hee's husband now knows and he wants her back (how dare he!!!). Min Suk somewhat knows but thinks its a nightmare. Yi Do also sees clues but thinks it's too scifi to be believable. 4 people and 4 different reactions to same situation. Interesting.

Looking forward to see why did he faint at the end of ep24! Please be a good reason drama! Chaebal! 😆

www: I look forward to this one every week because of a certain fan girl and her actor. Also ga gyeong’s relationship with her husband has been such an interesting watch. They’re so strange but cute.

30 but 17: watched this when I started angels last mission which has been on hold, didn’t expect to find this lovable gem of a show. There is nothing new about the plot points but it’s directed with so much heart and warm familial feelings that it makes me feel fuzzy after every ending. Currently up to 15.

I’m watching Go Go Squid and so far loving it as much as the book it’s based on.

One Spring Night: This is my favourite of the year, so far. That's probably why I haven't touched the last two episodes - I just can't let it end!

Live: Rewatch! I'm glad I decided to do this, Live is so rich with good things to say. The ensemble cast is amazing, the cases gripping, the soundtrack poignant. Definitely one of the best shows of last year, and close to a perfect drama.

CRICKET - all energy for it. little bit of drizzle will make the final much more interesting. 14 JULY

Afro Tanaka - 1st episode translated. It was alright episode.

I won't work overtime or after hours - 8 out of 10.
Decent 2nd episode. Those real issues. Being working mother isn't as much easy. Then japan have creche problem and motherhood comes up with its own expectations from society.
If you tend to your kids then you lose, if you work then others make judgement on your feeling and responsibilities of being a mother.

Nurses in Action - watching 2 episode. can't say much

Are you Ready Hey You Girl - 6 out of 10. Damsel facing problems. Pretty face have nothing much to do other than being the attention of the hero. Even in manga Its the hero who has most of the screen time and character growth. Teengers would go kyaaah kyaah over this rom-com. Time pass. a bit long. Light entertainment. You watch it and you move ahead.
Kiss scene attracted my attention - as i normally show no interest in these scenes. maybe the way the kiss was done. yeah. That's the reason.

I finished One Spring Night which I really liked. I've also nearly finished Angel's Last Mission which I would have finished if Viki had subs for the last 30 mins. But, I don't really care what's going to happen anymore, so waiting is easy.

During the wait, I picked up Big Issue and I managed to watch almost half the drama in two days (am on ep 8 out of 16). In the beginning I wasn't that impressed. It seemed that the PD used all the toys they had to their disposal and thought they were really filming the next James Bond. The opening ep has: a motorbike, a car/truck of doom combo, a chase across a train - all to take one photo. The main characters are paparazzi and that didn't really appeal to me either. Then, it became clear that the drama isn't making out that these are good people. They're basically blackmailers to the rich and famous, taking photos of their misdeeds and threatening to publish these unless they pay up. The main leads are a top female blackmailer and a recovering-alcohol ex-con photographer, so yeah, pretty morally grey. And then, like with all great stories, those morally grey people stumble across something really bad. Anybody who has been following the news recently will have a pretty shrewd idea what that is. For our paparazzi, it bring up the question: should they take a pay-out or report it?

It's not an easy watch, I have to say, especially as it's so close to what's being uncovered in RL at the moment, but it's totally gripping and the two leads are amazing. In fact, the entire cast is top-notch.

I do need my two episodes of something lighter like WWW (calmly waiting until its 100% subbed to get the full benefit of sharp repartee) to even out my drama-watching diet.

Investigation Couple 2: So they wrapped up the Schizophrenic episode. It was okay. His behavior wasn't like that of a Schizophrenic though. Now back to the big bad. No Min Woo isn't particularly interesting as a big bad, but he tries so A for effort.

Designated Survivor 60 Days: The president is finally asserting his power. I love it. He is learning and I like that a great deal. The mystery is expanding and also yeah to 60 minute episodes.

Angel's Last Mission: I stopped watching last week, but Shin Hye Sun always deserves the spotlight for her excellence even in a terrible drama.

One Spring Night: Awww, it's over. I have to say I did not like the first half of this drama, but I'm glad I stuck to it. The ending was lovely. However, I don't think they executed their little break very well. Ji Ho was entirely justified in feeling just god awful about Yu Mi, Jung-In's reasoning for the break and blaming herself was off. It's fine, it worked out and I am content.

Search Query WWW: We are in it now folks. I need Cha Hyeon and our little resident cutie Ji-Hwan to get it together. You obviously like each, so date chaebal. Now as for Ga-Kyung and Jin Woo, get a divorce so he can woo you. They are both so sad and I want to see them smile together. As for Ta Mi and Mo Gun, I am glad they brought the marriage issue up because it will continue to be a roadblock and honestly I hope neither of them cave. You can love someone all you want, but if you each want something fundamentally different, it is not going to work. We will see how the writer handles it. also RAWR to that kitchen kiss, HELLO.

Watcher: I have to say this mostly because I was one of his early detractors. Seo Kang Joon is truly a talent. Initially I was confused as to why he was so bland and lackluster in Entourage (Adrien Grenier was kind of boring, but still had charm) and I now realized that is simply how he interpreted the character, bland and lackluster. That being said he has one of the singular most important skills of a great actor and that is nuance. Every character he has done has been different, in the way they carry themselves and in the way they emote. He reminds me a great deal of Seo In Guk, who is one of my faves. All that to say Watcher is great. Our three leads are interesting, scarred, and strong. This should be fun.

Chief of Staff: We are at the end of a fabulous little drama. Lee Seong-Min's suicide was so predictable that I rolled my eyes. SIGH. Aside from that the backstabbing and fight to oust Song Hee Seob continues to be fun. Poor Hye Won, Tae Joon was not for you.

Arthdal Chronicles: We are in it now, apparently now we are to wait until September 7th. That is so stupid, it's only 6 more episodes. However, now Eunseom is almost free and Tanya has power. Based on the previews, Saya's crush will come out, Tanya, girl, what will you? This will be interesting. Also @moonbean mentioned a dramatic meeting for Saya and Eunseom. I just realized...

currently watching Watcher which is really my cup of tea Thriller!. Also watching Perfume and done watching Angels Last Mission Love.

With long travel coming to end, time to dive in dramas, because who am I kidding, I 50% live for them.
WWW: The only bizarre thing that came out of this show is that I bought three books on cinematography and film editing, because I would love to quote from experts that the cinematographer and the directors of this show suck.
On the other hand, the actresses and script are amazing along with Lee Jae wook (JKY I expected a lot better, a lot better)
One Spring Night I am ready to binge its last 5 episodes... I have nothing to fear...
Secret Love affair Ep 8 and ep 9 were totally amazing, have taken away all my complaints about it...
Watcher "Whatever happens I will finish this show", remind me when I try to drop it, I should atleast finish one show by Seo Kang Joon, if I want to keep on saying that he is a fabulous actor.
On the other hand, I have mixed feeling for this shows, it feels like a cheap copy of Children of nobody and feels super insincere in depicting police (for which there is only one great show "Live"). The violence is unnerving because kind of it feels over the top and dumb and contrived.

Most of my dramas are winding up & only WWW remains. I am so happy to have been introduced to this world where women can do anything, but also a 21 year old Lee Jae Wook set my heart aflutter. ProduceX101 is on its last episode now, and my fingers, toes & ears are crossed.

I started Designated Survivor: 60 days but with all the new shows I want to watch, it may be too much. So with much reluctance, I've decided to drop it in favour of Watcher, where Seo Kang Joon blew me away with his acting. I was not expecting that improvement from where I last saw him - Cheese In The Trap. Also Watcher reminds me of Life on Mars & The Guest, because it seems like we'll have some fun speculating on the mystery of the show. Or so I hope.

Finally, I want to watch Hotel Del Luna & Class of Lies as and when they air in the coming days. Can't wait for these!!

Finished Taiwan's History 3: Trapped this week. I enjoyed this drama, as it is not overly dramatic. Two adults, already at the peak of their career, contented and trying to live their best lives. It's hard to find many Asian dramas this way. Wishing for more stories like this.

Finished Ep 8 of China's version of 24, The Longest Day in Chang'an. I think I found a Chinese drama I can recommend to beanies and to my FB friends. Production quality is da bomb. Pacing is tight and fast paced. Exciting. Action packed. Intriguing. Looking forward to the next few episodes.

Then there is Korea's Chief of Staff. I do watch, but it's not something I look forward to every week. Great casting here. But I can't seem to connect with them. I connect more with the intern, as he is the heart of the story. Everyone else, including the two leads seem to enjoy playing the game and backstab everyone else. When it comes to office dramas, my two favorites are Korea's Misaeng and America's The West Wing. Chief of Staff might have been phenomenal, if they aired before those two. As of now, they are not bringing anything new in this genre.

one spring night: such a lovely conclusion! will miss the main couple so much! the actors all did a great job.

a poem a day: this drama is so funny! i am definitely a ye-line supporter. it is my first time watch lee Jun-hyuk acting as a likeable romance lead and he is lovable as dr ye.

This month is a summer of political dramas with sprinkle of procedurals, and one odd raisin in mix.
I'm not fond of this new trend of splitting dramas into season and I hope Chief of Staff won't end in cliffhanger, I hate cliffhangers, I won't even comment on Arthdal going on hiatus right after it finally gather some momentum.
I actually enjoyed DS:60 ending this week, it's kind of a fun watching presidiantal staff trying to work around someone so unaccustomed to political power plays, and they finally adressed the amount of funerals they need to held, which weirdly bugged me during earlier episodes, how no one talked about it, and I'm digging the cute speech writer/press secretary.
Watcher premiere was pretty strong, although it was full of typical tropes, good writing and good acting make it work seamlesslyin my eyes, but I was truly shocked to find that Heo Sung Tae is 41 yrs??? He look sooooo much older than that.
Watching WWW this week I realised that Tami is like someone I can identify most in real life but Hyun is like this ideal I would like to be when I grow up (in next life ;)) and GaGyoung is heroine of tragic melodrama I would cheer on.

Search Query: WWW: This show has been consistently flipping tropes and stereotypes. From women running the workplace to women doing things mean have been doing for years in Dramaland: wrist grabs, piggyback rides, etc.
Rating: 8.5/10 for the trope switch, 11/10 for Seol Ji-Hwan and Cha Hyun, and 11/10 for the women

Angel's Last Mission: Love: We'reoon the final week and we got Noone of our questions answered and more questions to ask. The writer of this show doesn't even know how the rules of the deity works in her OWN universe. I will not give a proper review to a show who didn't took it's viewers and own universe seriously.
Rating: 999999/10 for the deus ex machina

Perfume: This show is weird in a good way. Seo Yi-do meeting Min Jae-Hee for the first time in years but being extra by making the meeting their first date and his wedding proposal was funny. I need to know what happens next.
Rating: 11/10 for SSR and 8/10 for this week's eps

Lookout: I knew what I was getting into when I started this show but I still ended up being a mess after that ending. Seo Bo-mi and Kong Kyung-soo are the cutest! THIS SHOW SAVED MY 2019. IT IS THAT AWEEESOME.
Rating: 9/10 for saving my 2019

The only show I'm following at the moment is Before We Get Married and with the 7th episode I started having a bad feeling that the point of the show isn't for Kehuan and Weiwei to find love with each other but for their bf/gf to redeem themselves and still get the happy marriage.

My rating will severely drop if this is the case. My dislike for Zihyan is still great as ever but Haoyi has really stooped in my approval.

Other than that, I found this website of translated asian novels. Let's just say, I'll occupy my self for a looong time.