Team Dramabeans: What we're watching » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

296 August 3, 2019August 3, 2019

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…

The Dude in Me: I mainly sat down to watch this because I wanted to prep myself for the premiere of When the Devil Calls Your Name with some Park Sung-woong movies. Unfortunately there was far less Park Sung-woong than I wanted. But that is where my criticism of this movie ends. Making up for the dire lack of Park Sung-woong was lots of Jinyoung. Up till now, the only time I’d seen Jinyoung act was in Miss Granny as a supporting character. I didn’t know what to expect, but he was incredible here as a high schooler who switched bodies with Park Sung-woong–he nailed all these little ajusshi/Park Sung-woong characteristics. Without giving too much away, he sold the character’s growth and made it feel organic and true. Any plot that involves a body switch lives or dies by its execution and this one was pitch perfect. The Dude in Me leaned into the absurdity but grounded itself with its plot points about family and second chances.

mary

Currently recapping: Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung

When the Devil Calls Your Name: The premiere was packed with a lot of stuff, no thanks to tvN’s 80-minute format. But Devil did some magic and turned its intro episodes into a fun ride. That’s partly thanks to the main cast who can all deftly switch from comedy to crime to chaos in a single scene. Ha Rip’s and Mo Tae-kang’s interactions are the best! I love that Ha Rip is a weak human. He wants to do the right thing but easily folds under fear and temptation. Meanwhile, the Devil is bored and petty enough to be unpredictable, giving our hero a fighting chance, but not enough for us viewers to relax. So there are a lot of moments where you’re sitting there laughing at Ha Rip forming a cross out of teaspoons or licking a talisman to stick it on Tae-kang’s forehead, while simultaneously worrying if that’s what will set the Devil off and earn Ha Rip an express ticket to hell. I can’t wait to see more of them. Even the Devil admits to being highly amused! So maybe Ha Rip will survive this after all. Maybe.

A Moment at Eighteen: Hnnnngh so much cute this week. And tragedy, but we’ll get to that later. First, let me enjoy the completely “anonymous” partner-picking shenanigans, crumpled uniform talk, and that thrill of receiving messages and overthinking your reply or why you didn’t get one. (I swear, read/unread markers are one of the evilest communication inventions of the 21st century.) I just wanna hug all these poor babies who are trying to figure out life and love and friendship. And that includes their well-meaning but weak ex-assistant-homeroom teacher. Now to the sad parts… What I really like about Joon-woo as a character is he isn’t actually dumb or weak as outsiders assume. He’s had a difficult life and knows that good and evil come in different forms, so he isn’t taken in by Hwi-young’s fakey fakerson act. Joon-woo just chooses not to engage because some fights aren’t worth it. But that world weariness also allows him to see through a lot of bullshit. Despite the tragedy that befell sweet Jung-hoo’s life, I felt vindicated in that last few moments when Joon-woo heard who paid for the bullying and immediately connected the dots. He understood that the kids who assaulted them aren’t the real problem. He understood that Ki-tae isn’t the real problem. It’s Hwi-young and his obsession with unleashing all his frustrations and pent up malice on Joon-woo that led them to this. And boy, did Joon-woo let him have it. That snakey little forker couldn’t even defend himself because he knows it’s true. I’d wish hell on Hwi-young, but I’m afraid he’s already living in one with his mother. Unlike Joon-woo who copes by trying to live quietly and knowing when to hold back or let go, Hwi-young and his mother resort to spreading their misery around to feel better. I don’t want Hwi-young to get away with what he did, but I do want that kid and his mother to get out of that household fast and maybe start living a life where they don’t have to step on innocent people for stress relief.

Designated Survivor: 60 Days: Terrible, terrible week. First, my Secretary ship sailed–with a funny third party to boot–only to sink in a span of two episodes. Second, I’m mad at Park Moo-jin for crossing the line of nobility and into complete idiot territory. Does he really think the media painting his son as conceived through an affair is better than just telling the truth that he’s the stepfather but he loves him like his own son? I’ve praised the show’s writing before in pushing President Park to make hard decisions, but this week’s “scandal” was stupid. Go sit in a corner, Moo-jin. Preferably one with blast-proof walls. Meanwhile, I’ll be here, spying on Team Tailor and eyeing every well-suited guy in this show. For uhm… national security.

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1 Dorotka

August 3, 2019 at 4:02 AM

I'm watching... Love Affairs in the Afternoon... because of the actors, mainly Lee Sang Yeob and Ye Ji Won. But the more I'm watching, the less I understand why they chose this project... and the more I'm thinking that rewatching Madol in Top Star and Jennifer in Still 17 would probably be a better investment of my time. If anybody saw the Japanese original, let me know if it is worth to finish the series, as I'm seriously thinking of dropping it.

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Cloggie

August 3, 2019 at 4:11 AM

I watched the Japanese version and really liked it. A lot.

I'm also purposefully not watching the remake, as I'm worried that the 16-ep Korean version will destroy what I loved about the 12-ep original.

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Dorotka

August 3, 2019 at 4:14 AM

Thanks. Maybe I will then check the Japanese original.

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seoul_searcher

August 3, 2019 at 4:25 AM

im pretty sure the remake is also 12 episodes

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Cloggie

August 3, 2019 at 5:47 AM

Interesting, I didn't know that. I just assumed it was 16

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drunkfairy

August 3, 2019 at 4:22 AM

Thought I was the only crazy watching this. I like it, but then sometimes I don't. I honestly don't know how to feel about adultery when I'm usually against it but then the show keeps justifying crap like I'm annoyed then but I watch it anyway?! Someone help me!

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cat-cric-kat

August 3, 2019 at 5:54 AM

I'm in for park ha seon and enjoying those slow-motion romantic scenes. Those scenes are like a slap on generic kdrama romance. Ye ji won is into sliva exchange program but her relationship is working out with park ha seon.
Sang Yeob was crying for his hero in last drama and is into affair himself in this drama.

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Lixie

August 3, 2019 at 8:47 AM

I don't know the original but I like Love Affairs. The four main characters are interesting and there is a realistic concept even though some scenes are a bit too dramatic like the hotel in ep 7 but still unless people think it's slow paced or have something against the subject I don't know why it doesn't get more love.

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2 Dorotka

August 3, 2019 at 4:04 AM

Search WWW - Tami and Morgan were not my favourite couple and I often found them overthinking and overtalking (and yes, sometimes also boring 😆), however they did feel the most real.

I read some discussions about Tami's decision of not marrying and for me, as someone who lives in Western Europe, this is nothing extraordinary. I myself got married and find it a very important ritual, but I have friends and family memebers who never married... and have kids and still live happily together. For some it's financially advantageous (the tax policy is really different from country to country), some don't like the official binding (though they are more faithful and responsible than some married couples I know), some rebel against the peer and family pressure...

What I think is a much more important question that Tami and Morgan will have to address one day is whether to have kids or not. But for that it's way too early, I find. They obviously missed each other very much. So let's try living together without thinking too much for some time and see what the future brings. Opinions can change 🙂 And they may find a way how to be together and be both happy.

And here my personal story: my husband, then boyfriend, once explained to me that he had thought hard about us and that he thinks that because of our (then current) personal circumstances we have no future and that it's better to split up. I told him that we don't know unless we live it through and reach that point. 18 years later we are still together, married, with 4 kids 🙂
***

This was longer than expected 😆, especially given that I originally only wanted to say I loved our three heroines and I also loved that the final scenes were theirs! You go girls!! 😘😘😘

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outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

August 3, 2019 at 5:59 AM

What a delightful story! It's true that life isn't always about planning and carefully considering all things. Sometimes, you just got to take that leap of faith and do it.

For me, marriage was natural step and married life was not very different from a dating relationship. I took a much longer time to decide to have children. People change and so do their perspectives. I have friends who were quite adamant not to have children(also made it clear to their partners before marriage) and ended up with 4 kids and became excellent parents! Then there were those who were very set on children and ended up struggling with parenting, not liking it.

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Beverly

August 3, 2019 at 8:05 AM

I always feel bad for parents who realize after having a child that it might not be something you like. Especially for women because a part time dad will still be praised.

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outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

August 3, 2019 at 9:22 AM

Parenting is the most challenging but rewarding thing I've done in my life. Those who found out that parenting wasn't what they expected, still love their child and I think, can't imagine a life without them.

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Beverly

August 3, 2019 at 9:32 AM

Oh, definitely. It is just I've seen the part time dad's get praise and with the mom's it seems to be more shame. Not that being part time means you dont want to be a full time parent sometimes that is the way it is divided. But it doesnt seem as acceptable for the woman to say I want visitation because of my job or because I want to move and so on.

outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

August 3, 2019 at 9:53 AM

I think fathers are now more involved in parenting than say a generation ago and they are also expected to. Almost every father I know tries their best to be as much a part of their children's lives as possible.

In my own case, I took a step back in my career to spend more time with the children. It was purely my wish and I needed my husband to support it. His work takes up much of his time and energy. He tells me that he wish he could be in my shoes because he feels he's missing out a lot in our children's growing up years. I do feel sorry for him but one of us have to make the sacrifice.

stpauligurl

August 3, 2019 at 8:26 AM

Reading the comments in this thread has been so interesting. However, my story is a wee bit different.

When I was a kid (#6 in a family of 9 children) my dream was to be an artist and live FAR away from home. I really didn't entertain thoughts of marriage or children for that matter.

Fast forward - dropped out of college in my sophomore year when I realized art education wasn't for me. Through a series of decisions I ended up with a drafting degree so I could work through school to become an interior designer.
Then I met an engineer where I worked and fell in love (I think that's what it was) who was the first 'normal' guy I dated and my parents liked. So, to please my parents we were married a year later. I was wife #2 for him.

We were married in July and seeing a marriage counselor before the end of the year. (should have seen the signs)

So. The natural progression is that we have kids right?
That proved impossible so we ended up adopting a baby boy from Korea (this was in the mid-80s) and moved to MN. I thought maybe if I lived farther from my parents I'd start to love my husband more. hah (my mom and I had become very close by that time)
FF a few more years and many hours of counseling. I know - lets adopt another boy!

But I couldn't do it. I LOVED my sons - don't get me wrong - but marriage was very hard living with a man who was very passive aggressive and I had such low self esteem.... bad combination.
This is the hard part.
I left my husband of 11 years and 1 yr old and 3 yr old son in May of 89. I didn't feel like I deserved to be a mom.
That is a decision I've regretted for the past 30 years - even though I was very involved as the non-custodial parent - I was there for EVERYTHING in their lives. We were very close.
18 months ago my sons cut me out of their lives - and to this day I don't know why. I have no clue and of course the first thing I thought was that I was a bad mom.
In reality I was just a different mom. But the pain of their rejection is beyond painful and I've struggled with such sadness and grief. I can only hope that someday they reach out and tell me what I did wrong. (and boy will they owe me big time!)

I'm writing this to say we all get married for different reasons and become parents for different reasons. The hope is that we grow as human beings through the choices we make and didn't make.
Do I regret the marriage? You bet. Do I regret becoming a parent? ABSOLUTELY not.
And I admire the people in my life who have remained married for decades even when it isn't comfortable at times.
To all the beanies who have made the decision to marry and make it work - awesome!
To the beanies who have made the decision not to marry - go for that too!
The point is for each of us to learn to love ourselves first and in the process learn how to love others.

Now I'll get off my soapbox and back to the garden so I can chop things down and dig things up - stress relief ya...

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outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

August 3, 2019 at 9:33 AM

*big hug* @stpauligurl

I cannot imagine the pain which you are going through. I hope your sons will one day come back to you and at least talk it over. The bond between mother and child is much stronger than between wife and husband.

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stpauligurl

August 3, 2019 at 1:01 PM

Thanks @outofthisworld - I wrote that, squeezed my eyes shut as I posted, then ran away.
For some reason I feel this sense of shame and guilt (not needed I know) that not only did I opt to be the non-custodial mother - but that they have rejected me.
this is when I try to remind myself that until they tell me what's going on - this is their problem.
But the grief at times makes me double-over and I cry to get it out of my system. then I go back to work in the garden or tune into a drama.
But connecting with Beanies around the world is wonderful.
I hope that bond is strong..

oppafangirl

August 3, 2019 at 10:56 AM

*hugs girl*
I hope that one day your kids will come back to love you and see that you still loved them!

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stpauligurl

August 3, 2019 at 1:03 PM

Thanks for the hugs @oppafangirl - I can only hope so too. They live in another state and I was there for a weekend in May and didn't contact either of them. I've decided to respect their decisions.
But now I tell everyone: "if you are mad at your parent - tell them!"

fgb4877

August 3, 2019 at 11:18 AM

Dear @stpauligurl , my heart goes to you. Personally after falling in love with a person that seemed like a great person and had, lets say, a Hyde side, I decided to stay single. It is better to be alone than ill accompanied.

I hope your sons go back to you, but probably they will need time to rediscover you. They probably will come back when they have their own children/difficult partner, as they will be under similar hurdles you found. They probably emphatise then, and probably will seek your advice.

Or probably they find themselves going through a very rough patch and they don't know how to speak about it, or don't want to worry you.

Please make yourself available, and wait for them while keeping living your own life. Sometimes the only thing a boat needs to find a safe port is to see the faint light of a lighthouse.

Please be well

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stpauligurl

August 3, 2019 at 1:08 PM

Thank you for your kind words @fgb4877 - I like the idea of them rediscovering me.
My oldest actually is married to a wonderful woman and they have a child who will be 3 in October.
I don't know - bulah bulah, bulah!!!!!
But I sent a letter to the two of them to say I'd back out and respect their wishes.

After being single now for 30 some years, it is much easier on my own than trying to add another person into my schedule.

(Then again if he was like Ji Jin-Hee, I'm sure I could make room.)

But thank you for your kindness and compassion.

fgb4877

August 3, 2019 at 2:09 PM

@stpauligurl , you're welcome. Life is full of suffering and heartbreak, once people understands that, then kindness is just natural.

Please be aware that even if making yourself available is important, the most important thing is for you to KEEP LKIVING YOUR LIFE, A COMPLETE AND FULFILLING ONE. They could be still trampled as remembering a botched part of your parenthood (selective memory on their part), eventually they will discover the hidden side: that you were a person all along (and not just "the parent" role: a complex, living person with all the paradoxes, virtues, defects, fears, points of view, values, etcétera etcétera etcétera) doing the best you could, under given circumstances.

But sometimes it can happen that they don't get you at all while you are still living, and when they remember you THEN they starts to see you as a person and value you more, even remembering with love. It happened with my relationship with my father.

That is why you should keep making yourself available (so if they look for you they know they will find you), but keep living your life at its fullest (so you don't have any regrets, and if they come back, you will have lots of great stories to tell them and your grandchildren). Remember that a big part of your work with them is already done, so your life is yours and you should enjoy it.

Please be well, and keep on rolling!!!

Dios te bendiga

egads

August 3, 2019 at 4:57 PM

@stpauligurl, I'm so very sorry that this is happening to you. I hope that one day soon, you and your sons will be able to come together and work out whatever it is that has caused this to happen. And maybe someday they will begin to understand the choices that you made. *hugs*

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spazmo

August 3, 2019 at 7:20 PM

you were completely honest with yourself and your husband when you made that decision to leave. mostly you, but everyone would've suffered had you stayed and remained miserable - you made the right decision, albeit a very difficult one.

gardening (actually pruning) works to relieve stress for me as well!! my rhodedendrons are hacked back, i chopped down an ugly camelia tree that was choking one of my rhodies, and i've consulted a tree service to remove 2 other ugly trees and to prune my japanese pear tree so i can manage it...

stress relief, YAS!!!
i told my husband that i'm doing the Morticia Addams thing, how she would cut the rose buds off the stems...

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stpauligurl

August 4, 2019 at 6:02 AM

Thank you @spazmo - it is very hard to be an adoptive mom who chose to leave a marriage and become the non-custodial parent. To this day I haven't met another woman who has done the same thing.

I wish they (my sons) knew how much my life revolved around Wednesday nights when I would drive from wherever I was working to pick them up from school so we could have an evening together. They were special times. I think I've told them over the years. Up until the week before Christmas in 2017 I talked to them both and the calls ended with I love you and talk to you on Christmas! Then nothing. sigh

Pruning? Oh yeah... I whacked down all the rhodies in my yard, then 3 camelia trees as well! I pruned back two large trees and would joking tell my neighbors that if I didn't hear from my sons I was going to cut down all the trees in the neighborhood. And we have some very tall evergreens on our street.
I also painted the house and at the end of the summer ended up with hands so swollen I could hardly write with a pen.
In the meantime I wrote letters to my granddaughter and sent gifts to her and letters to my other son just to tell him I was thinking of him.
Nothing.
This year I'm removing some raised beds around the house and redoing the whole garden.
stress relief to be sure.
(Oh, and the rhodies and camilias came back just fine this year!)

bea

August 3, 2019 at 7:25 PM

hugs and even more hugs
💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

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stpauligurl

August 4, 2019 at 6:04 AM

Thank you bea - I'll take all the hugs I can get. That is the worst part of living alone - the lack of physical touch and hugs...

bea

August 4, 2019 at 6:22 AM

@stpauligurl
Let me know when you need more! gives a never ending hug

Have you tried taking some recreation classes or community work? You can interact with people while having fun or help out.

stpauligurl

August 4, 2019 at 7:15 AM

@beasassy - Actually I do volunteer with our local hospice organization and I can't begin to describe how wonderful it is to give respite care to caregivers.
Next weekend I'm driving a grandmother from a memory care place to a wedding out of town. She is actually living in the place where both my parents were so it should be fun!
Exercise? I'm supposed to do that? haha I try to walk at lunch at least 3 times a week.
Good suggestions too.
I'm thinking about looking for a camera/photography club also.

bea

August 4, 2019 at 8:29 AM

Haha, I think you tagged someone else but I’m glad it’s still under my comment so I could see your reply. My username is lugirl131415, by the way! Sorry if that confused you.

Ooooh, weddings are always fun!

Taking walks are always nice and relaxing. Although, I prefer biking since I like the wind in my face and it cools me down.

And joining a photography club sounds so much fun!!! I’ve always liked taking pictures of skies and pretty landscapes. Let me know if you actually do end up joining one!

growingbeautifully

August 3, 2019 at 7:32 PM

Thinking of you with a prayer in my heart. Fighting @stpauligurl!

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stpauligurl

August 4, 2019 at 6:08 AM

Thank you @growingbeautifully - last night I was watching Hotel deLuna and took a break to check in on DB and read all the replies.
Everyone's love made me cry and I didn't feel so much alone like I did earlier this week.
It took me the longest time to tell my story here, and I was afraid that I don't know, I was just afraid to be honest.
I love how conversations on the thread here become so personal and thoughtful and thought-provoking. What a fantastic bunch of people from all over the world.
Com-sah-me-dah!

mugyuljoie is preciousss

August 4, 2019 at 12:37 AM

I'm so sorry. I hope they eventually tell you why because not knowing is torture. Please take care of yourself.

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stpauligurl

August 4, 2019 at 6:12 AM

Thanks @ndlessjoie - that really is the hardest part. The last time I talked with both of them we had our normal conversations and said I love you and talk with you on Christmas. Then neither of them called and I was very hurt and sent a text telling them so. And then they didn't call - or respond to my voicemails, or emails or texts or letters. Nothing.
So I love them from afar. At least my youngest son didn't unfriend me on FB. My oldest isn't on FB and his wife is on Instagram but I don't have the nerve to ask to follow her.
But I have my dramas, you beanies and my garden!

3 sorrynotsorry

August 3, 2019 at 4:07 AM

Rookie Historian: I had only watched the first episode and decided to jump back in and ended up zipping through 5 episodes over the last few days. It's fun. I like how it appears the leads are going to be getting out of the palace soon. Yes, the lead guy is green but it's not bothering me at this point in the drama.

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4 Izie

August 3, 2019 at 4:12 AM

A moment at Eighteen: I like seung woo in Masterkey. I like him more in this drama. He portrayed his role so well. Never thought that boy could act. So sweet yet so strong. I found Hwi Young are pitiful; but pulling revenge made him more hateful especially when he portrayed such a kind image in front of everyone in school. I hope one day Joon Woo took 1st place in class and made Hwi Young seat in corner crying out loud.

Rookie Historian Go Hae Ryung: Shin Se Kyung chose saeguk project well. I've watched her in almost all her drama. Probably all. Deep rooted tree, 6 flying dragon and now RHGHR. Though I felt Prince Do Won / Cha Eun Woo kinda awkward, but this drama is what I am looking forward to. Park Ki Woong as a prince was hearthrobbing. The bickering between our isolated prince and his Historian were cute. and the least the unspoken chemistry between SSK and historian LJH. I hope sunbae didnt get his heartbroken.

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5 💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜

August 3, 2019 at 4:13 AM

currently watching:
NOT just one show anymore. Yay!

Hotel De La Luna
Yeahp. It's a thing. That exists in the same time as I do. The canapes are greAT.

A Moment At Eighteen
Started this anyway despite finishing something by the same writer mere days before and not liking it. Am already more invested in the characters than GG79. It kinda reminds me of Sassy Go Go in its characters, but sadder and more depressing because SGG has Kang Yeon Doo and there will only ever be on Kang Yeon Doo ever. I would like to adopt sad Ong Puppy though. Is that allowed.

Tree With Deep Roots
Finally and I do mean FINALLY started this thing. It's early stages yet and I did already spoil the end for myself by accident cos I'm an idiot but that's ok because I would be invested in this anyway for linguistic reasons and if I end up geeking out about writing systems, or fangirling over King Sejong in the near future I do apologize.
Also depending on how long this takes me to finish I will be watching two Jingoo dramas, and two Joong Ki dramas... Which... Lol. I'd be lying if I said I can't already tell you right now X episodes in which drama and performances are bettterrr... *Ahem*

You know completely off topic, but can I defenestrate
The Crowned Clown again? Like can I just please? I'm so mad that HdlL made me watch an entire filler episode that didn't farther anything in the plot just to make an entire hour of TCC meta references. Too much meta is not always a good thing! UGH!
Yeah I'm gonna defenestrate TCC again. *smashing noises*
Thank you for accomodating me.
That made me feel better.

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Wag-a-muffin

August 3, 2019 at 6:30 AM

Not gonna write a spoiler. Must.make.my.hand.not.write.a.spoiler. . .Okay. Tree With Deep Roots--here is how I had to "rewatch" it. Quit with one or two episodes left and make up your own ending.

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💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜

August 3, 2019 at 3:01 PM

Oh no I completely don't mind haha. I have all show to make myself ok with what happens. She'll be right. ;)

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wonhwa

August 3, 2019 at 8:50 AM

Tree is incredible, and it's one where knowing the ending doesn't really matter much, since most of the amazing stuff happens between episodes 8 and 20. If you geek out over language, and all the ramifications of literacy and how the way we put words into symbolic form shapes our worldviews, that section of the show is pure gold.

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💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜

August 3, 2019 at 3:03 PM

I'm a huge language and linguistics nerd. Like i could talk all day about them haha. I'm honestly waiting quite impatiently for said section.

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6 Kairoskat 💐

August 3, 2019 at 4:14 AM

I'm rewatching The Last Empress. Currently at ep 2 out of 26 eps. I'm taking my time enjoying the makjangness and cray2. I love it. Haha

Putting on hold: Devil. Hopefully I can join the fun other beanies are having soon.

Also I noticed I might have a preference in bright coloured dramas. TLE and Perfume are so colourful and bright, and I feel Devil's colours are muted and washed out. Huhuhu

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mary

August 3, 2019 at 4:21 AM

*slides Rookie Historian across the table* this one is colorful and gorgeous too.

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Kairoskat 💐

August 3, 2019 at 5:16 AM

I noticed the beautiful Rookie gifs on the fanwall. I'm considering to watch it next. Maybe half way through so I can binge watch. Hehehe

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Silvermoon

August 3, 2019 at 2:32 PM

Oh my gosh, yes! I’m waiting for your recap for rookie!!!!!!!!!! This drama is really delightful!!

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Ally

August 4, 2019 at 5:31 AM

So glad you’re recapping Rookie Historian! It needs a good recap! We’re trying to figure out what king is on the throne right now. None of the history adds up to know who it is yet. Maybe you can help???

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mary

August 4, 2019 at 5:40 AM

Ohnoes I’m afraid it’s just going to be an Open Thread/Short weekly review cos I don’t have time for more T___T

They did joke about Yeonsangun being a tyrant some time in ep1-4, so a little bit after Seven Day Queen’s setting. And it’s possible that it’s a totally made up king..?

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Ally

August 4, 2019 at 5:51 AM

Maybe totally made up, but it would have been nice to have I’m fit into history somewhere.

mary

August 4, 2019 at 7:42 AM

The Ho Dam thing is hinting about a deposed king and a very quick (unreliable, don’t quote me!) search mentions Yeonsangun and Gwanghaegun as candidates. It can’t be Yeonsangun so it has to be the latter.

If the deposed king is based on Gwanghaegun and the current one is based on King Injo, then Crown Prince Jin soooorta fits actual Crown Prince Sohyeon’s profile..? (Forward thinker who urged his father for reform.) Injo hated him for that and what happens to him is explained here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Injo_of_Joseon

Sohyeon is succeeded by Prince Bongrim (son of Injo) instead of one of Sohyeon’s own sons.

Ally

August 4, 2019 at 11:22 AM

But what about the book burnings?

Ally

August 4, 2019 at 11:24 AM

Sorry, it seemed like the books were 18th-19th century books.

mary

August 4, 2019 at 11:54 AM

Which is why I don’t think the show is very accurate. If you limit it to 1774 and later because of Werther’s book, then remove the last two (they switched to using Emperor title), you’re left with 6 Kings, none of which sound similar in character or story to RHGHR’s reigning king.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Joseon_monarchs

Ally

August 4, 2019 at 12:31 PM

And I’m pretty sure the first episode said it was set in the early 19th century.

mary

August 4, 2019 at 12:48 PM

That limits you to 4 kings then, if you reaaaally want to correlate the story to only those kings at the time. But I read their wiki biography sections and none of them matches the one in the show. (And with that, I'm bowing out of this convo, since I don't think we'll get anywhere arguing the historical veracity of the show.)

Ally

August 4, 2019 at 12:54 PM

Which my cursory reading also confirmed. Guess they took some creative liberties. That’s fine as long as I know they are.

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7 PMSahjumoni

August 3, 2019 at 4:22 AM

I think I finished more dramas this year alone that the last 2 years combined. There are some really fresh offerings and pairings this year. I’m also in a more melo mood compared to last year where I was watching more mysteries and thrillers. So I’m passing on dramas like Watcher, Doctor Detective, Dr. John, Mr. Temporary, Justice, Designated Survivor – all of which I would have picked up and loved last year, and find myself gravitating towards more melo and romance/fantasy this year.

WHEN THE DEVIL CALLS YOUR NAME – Wow, this one came sprinting out of the gate! I love that they laid down the rules and set the scene all in the first episode and by the end of episode 2, there is a new interesting setup for next week. I liked it more than I thought I would. I also really loved the 2 songs sung/composed by Lee Seol.

GOLDEN GARDEN – There’s something comforting and assuring about watching Han Ji Hye and Lee Sang Woo together in a drama that makes me feel no matter what a train wreck the drama is, everything will turn out alright anyway, plus watching them is just so healing. I love how he keeps calling her “unnie” hahaha. I can watch these two bicker all day.

LOVE AFFAIRS IN THE AFTERNOON – This would have made for a really nice slow burn romance story, but alas everyone is married and this is an affair story. So I am intrigued to know how badly it will end for all couples involved.

LEVEL-UP – Ahh I love this so much. I’m starting to dig Sung Hoon’s brand of comedy.

MOMENT AT 18 – I’ve never liked school dramas but this looks fresh.

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8 WishfulToki

August 3, 2019 at 4:42 AM

I’m only watching A MOMENT AT EIGHTEEN. I started it as a filler drama while waiting for the next sageuk, since it seemed a light-hearted youth drama, judging from the posters. However, I quickly realised that it’s not a light, fluffy watch, which actually suits me great! I had been craving something deep and slice-of-life (but not preachy), and so far this fits the bill. 😊

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9 liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack

August 3, 2019 at 4:45 AM

Hotel Del Luna::
I really liked the development of this show's romance department in that it doesn't shove the romance up on our faces but it instead built it up so we can finally see Man-wol and Chan-sung's chemistry. I am still #TeamSinkingCaptainShip HOWEVER I would be down to the main romance if show decides to make Chan-sung someone new and not a reincarnation of Captain or Yeon-woo. I am also hoping that the female second lead would be a refreshing character and not the standard second lead Hong Sisters have been giving us in their past dramas.
Rating: 11/10 for IU as Man-wol and 8.5/10 for hooking me this week

Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung: This is my happy pill right now. I really couldn't care less about the palace politics but I really love the Crown Prince so I'm watching it form him. Rim is a really sweet and entertaining character and Hae-ryung is an awesome female historian who speaks and fights for the right things while still having a LOT of room for growth. I hope the light tone is kept until the show ends.
Rating: 8/10 for making me smile this week

Class of Lies: Everyone is evil in this show except So-Hyun HAHA and this show is keeping me entertained. Jun is just amazing as evil-but-not-so-evil Beom-Jin although I really miss his bromance with Choi Kyu-jin on Avengers Social Club.
Rating: 9/10 for Jun hehe

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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack

August 3, 2019 at 4:51 AM

A Moment At Eighteen: Is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. I both had tears of joy and sadness from this show. Everyone needs a hug.
Rating: 8.5/10 for the tears

When The Devil Calls Your Name: This show immediately filled the time slot and gap left by WWW and I am already sold on the first episode. The songs were really great and I even felt emotional for Yi-kyung. Jung Kyung-ho and Park Sung-woong are really great and entertaining here.
Rating: 11/10 for the songs and 11/10 for the characters

And I am dropping Watcher this week. As much as I find the show clever and entertaining, my tiny bit of attention span can't keep up with it.

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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack

August 3, 2019 at 4:55 AM

Also, my mom finished The Secret Life of My Secretary and even re-watched the whole show. She really liked how the show ended with Min-ik not getting magically cured and running to Gal-hee whenever he can see faces. Her comment "The Beauty Inside (the drama) won't be able to relate with this show" was really funny. HAHA

And she also started The Light in Your Eyes. I am looking forward to see her reaction with the plot twist plus her tears. Hehe

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mary

August 3, 2019 at 5:13 AM

Sending prayers for your mom’s tear ducts.

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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack

August 3, 2019 at 6:59 AM

I hope my mom stays hydrated whenever she watches an episode of this show so she can avoid dehydration due to tears. She was so serious while she was watching episode1 earlier!

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Dorotka

August 3, 2019 at 5:27 AM

Does she know about the twist?

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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack

August 3, 2019 at 7:07 AM

She doesn't! My mom blind watches all dramas that I have watched and filtered out for her. She just watches whatever dramas I give her HAHA

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Dorotka

August 3, 2019 at 7:23 AM

Good! Now I'm really curious what she will say when the twist comes...
(And you are a good filter 😄)

growingbeautifully

August 3, 2019 at 7:18 PM

I'm still loving the fluff and romance of The Secret Life of My Secretary. My fave couple in a long, long while.

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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack

August 4, 2019 at 12:18 AM

My mom really loved the main and the secondary romance! I can't wait till she decides to watch Lookout so her KYK-loving heart will be broken by that show!

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growingbeautifully

August 4, 2019 at 2:30 AM

Heheheh! Too cruel! 😆

10 oppafangirl

August 3, 2019 at 4:45 AM

Comment was deleted

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11 oppafangirl

August 3, 2019 at 4:46 AM

Well, work going in some decent flow, I spent a lot of time reading books and catching up on some movies and a new premieres, I have a large number of dramas on my currently watching list:

Finished
WWW I was so happy with this drama,I loved all the ladies, they were awesome! And then we have a new puppy love, Lee jae wook! And now I am looking forward to his new drama.
(And I refuse to believe that JKY was billed as a main actor, he should have been billed as a supporting actor in this show)
Han Gong Ju I have never in my life seen such a sensitive movie about a rape victim and this one was heart-breaking and empowering at the same time, it was giving hope and then devastating! I think everyone should really watch this movie, especially all those who make crime movies about violence against women, they can learn so much from it.
Books:
The Vegetarian (by Han Kang, eng. translation) This is going to the book closest to me ever. Highly recommended! (now time to read the Korean version, and I have it sitting next to me on my bed!)
The Widows of Malabar Hills Wow, I never knew such a wonderful book existed and it is very well written and edited! Its a story of crime but what we are left wondering is what crime did one do to be born a woman and making some choices...
In Blink of the eye Finally, the first book on movie editing (yes, www's absurd light flares made me read) and it made me completely sure that the director and cinematographer of www need to be sent back to film school. Also with the editor and director of Class of lies.
Dramas:
Moment of 18 Just break my heart, will ya!!
When Devil calls my name I loved the premiere, the OST is killer good and I did a tone deafness test (Unlike the devil, I passed). I like the fact that the show is not taking itself very seriously, but did you say it was 80 min episodes, hmmm, I never noticed..., this must already say how good the show is.
I can never get enough of Lee el and Park Sung-woong! They are so charismatic and I have to applaud Jung Kyung Ho for being such a convincing old man (kudos to the make up team as well) .
Rest everything on hold! (10 dramas aprrox)

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sph_7

August 3, 2019 at 8:17 AM

I watch Han Gong Ju at last on Amazon. So upsetting.

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oppafangirl

August 3, 2019 at 8:49 AM

Reality is really scary and upsetting!

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CS

August 3, 2019 at 9:47 AM

I watched Han Gong Ju last year, and was so moved and upset by it. I didn't really know what I was getting into when I started the film due to vague description. It was so honest and raw. You are right, every film maker who even thinks about making a movie with violence against women should watch this first. It broke my heart, but the main characters tenacity and desire to live were really touching, too. I ended up reading a bit about the case the movie was based on and that made it even more poignant - to know that this is a real thing that happened to real people.

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Kurama

August 4, 2019 at 3:25 AM

Han Gong Ju joins together with Silenced for the saddest, unfair and upsetting movies.

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oppafangirl

August 4, 2019 at 3:38 AM

Yes, Silcenced is just another of most impactful movies, the most uplifting part of the movie, is the social change that the movie itself bought! I would not have been able to watch if I did not know what happened after the movie was released. Reality is the most upsetting genre.

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12 purplesheesh

August 3, 2019 at 4:48 AM

Completed: Go, Go Squid--which is delightful, cute, and fluffy!

Currently Watching:
Devil-- The first episode is good but not really looking forward to the next ep. Although I have a strong feeling that this will change after I watch the 2nd ep.
I Don't Love You Yet (Boku wa Mada Kimi o Aisanai Koto ga Dekiru)-- Jdramas are great because they're short and they don't waste screen time on useless things. This is the Jdrama ver of In Time With You (which I loved) and The Time I've Loved You (which I hated).

Today is also my rest day so I'm planning to watch Rookie Historian.

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tesshan

August 3, 2019 at 5:38 AM

I loved Go, Go Squid

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cat-cric-kat

August 3, 2019 at 6:01 AM

I Don't Love You Yet is just too good - 8.5 out of 10.
In kdrama, CNdramas their is just too much filler content just to fill in ads. Side characters have their full blown stories and at times they overshadow the main plot as well as main characters. Side characters 1 main purpose is to supprt the main leads but in CN+K they start to compete with Main story itself. All for generating profit through advertisements.

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SadKDramaLama

August 3, 2019 at 9:55 PM

@catocat
RE: "I Don't Love You Yet"
Adachi Rika is hitting just the right note. She gives Yo enough "ordinary" that we can believe her character, yet with that beautiful bit of Jdrama lightness so she can flip in on and off in an instant without loosing us.

You know a jdrama is good when you never notice how basic the staging is...and it just takes you along for the ride.

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13 Starrynight

August 3, 2019 at 4:55 AM

Watcher' s two last episodes........

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14 Kay

August 3, 2019 at 5:02 AM

Having WWW Search withdrawals, and with JKY as my new discovery ( My Ajusshi doesn't count), I am starting to watch Come and Hug Me. I don't usually go for intense dramas, but so far Come and Hug Me is absolutely engrossing.
Hotel DeLuna has been put aside for WWW and will continue to be shelved for Come and Hug Me.

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javinne

August 3, 2019 at 6:58 AM

But My Ajusshi is the best!!!! Although, you must not necessarily see it because of JKY...🤔 He doesn't have so many scenes....

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13infamyss

August 3, 2019 at 7:00 AM

Na Woo of Come and Hug Me is by far Jang Ki Young’s best performance. There’s a reason why Baeksang awarded him a new actor award despite its lacklustre TV rating. His performance was that memorable. 😀

I wish Jin Ki Joo got awarded too, she was great in this drama too.

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purplesheesh

August 3, 2019 at 8:02 AM

Go watch Go Back Couple!!! JKY was amazing there.

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CS

August 3, 2019 at 9:50 AM

I really loved JKY in Go Back Couple, too. That show is fantastic. I don't usually get Second Lead Syndrome but he could give it to even the most immune.

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15 Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)

August 3, 2019 at 5:03 AM

When the Devil Calls Your Name: A-/B+: The stealing-other-person's-good-fortune bit seems like a ripoff of Lovely Horribly. Or should I say Ha Rip-off ?

Hotel of the Moon / IU Fashion Show: A-/A-: Any bets on whether the room 13 evil ghost was a spy cam victim?

Designated Survivor: B+/A: OK, they had good reasons for the oddities last week. Points for that. They're keeping it interesting and pacing is good, but they're making the conspiracy a bit too big & complex for my taste and didn't pay much attention to how to govern this week.

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung: A-/B: It's really just an ordinary rom-com except set in Joseon, but that's enough to make it a bit special. Whatever you think of Shin Se-kyhung's acting in general, she's good at this kind of role, and it seems fresher in Joseon than in a modern office.

Doctor Detective: B+/B:

Doctor John: B/B:

Watcher: B-/B:

Moment of 18: C-/B: Likely drop. Too slow.

Investigative Couple / Partners for Justice: B+/C:

Joseon Survival: They finally started filming again with a new male lead last weekend, still no subs. Grrr.

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16 bong-soo

August 3, 2019 at 5:08 AM

I am so glad that the early returns for WHEN THE DEVIL CALLS YOUR NAME are so positive. Thank you Viki for picking it up. I thought the tvN episodic length might be a deterrent but I see they have also picked up Ji Chang-wook’s (nod to the guy above) upcoming tvN drama MELT ME.

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cat-cric-kat

August 3, 2019 at 6:04 AM

Devil Calls - is mashup of jpop,kpop,jazz,rap and everything else. is typical kdrama then pulls some indie, then goes into fantasy.
Director though the more messy the episode the better - the general trick. You complain but it works. Quality content.

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17 Kafiyah Bello

August 3, 2019 at 5:20 AM

Investigation Couple 2: I guess there is going to be a season 3. UHGHGHFAKWRAkr, I hate cliffhangers and Korea what is with the seasons.

A moment at Eighteen: When a show captures your heart with all the dreams and love. Excellent, just excellent.

Designated Survivor 60 Days: I am really sad, because I was on the Secretary ship too. However that is how the American TV show went, so they are just following the script.

Justice: The is one of 3 shows that just has a cast of terrible humans. Initially I thought the Chairman was the villain, but no no that is reserved for the actual psychopath that is the VP of Junjin. He is awful. Tae Kyung is also not a good person either. The good people are the Chairman's son and Nana's character. This week we were just about to get answers and then nothing. SIGH

Doctor Detective: 2nd show with terrible humans. Her ex's family is straight up trash except for little Seo Rin and her nanny??? Her ex- Husband is seemingly forever trying to get into his father's good graces, but doesn't seem quite smart enough. His father is an exceptional asshole and his minion is even worse. I hope both our doctor and her funny team lead Huh take them down.

Class of Lies: Horrible People everywhere in this drama. From the children to the adults. My god, jealousy, arrogance, murderers, psychopathy, stalking, bullying, etc etc. When he finally shows all these terrible terrible people for who they are the level of satisfaction I'll feel will be huge.

When the Devil Calls Your Name: Fabulous. Lee Seol is excellent in this. She comes off really young though. The rest of the cast is perfection though so I look forward to this.

Doctor John: I am probably going to drop it soon. Honestly it really drags and .000001% of diseases they find is getting annoying. I am only staying for Hwang Hee. We shall see.

Watcher: RUh ROh, memories are fickle things and trauma can exacerbate them into remembering things that didn't happen. This is what is happening with watcher. How long will he believe Team Jang-in is the murderer? Hopefully it resolves itself soon.

Hotel Del Luna: It has found its stride and I am fully immersed in this show now.

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18 Kurama

August 3, 2019 at 5:31 AM

Investigation Couple 2 I didn't really like this season. The characters didn't really evolve, the investigations were pretty messy, I missed Lee Yi Kyung's character and the all this story for a season 3...

A Moment at Eighteen I'm happy that the main character is getting out his "coma" because I was kinda bored in the first episodes. The OST is great by the way.

Designated Survivor: 60 Days Terrible, terrible week. First, my Secretary ship sailed–with a funny third party to boot–only to sink in a span of two episodes. I agree with you, mary. It was so frustrating. I refused to think that he's a villain!

Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung Between how the Prince Dowon is written and how is acted by CEW, it's hard to ship him with GHR. She has more chemistry with the Crown Prince and the historian (I juste loved the scene with the clerks and after that). It seems that in the next episodes, Prince Dowon will finaly become useful....

Doctor Detective This drama is kinda weird between serious stuff and humor. I would have prefered different investigations than one big case.

Class of Lies So many villains, it's pretty fun.

When the Devil Calls Your Name The duo is still great :D I like the music too.

Watcher Noooo. I don't want any of the 3 to be a villain :(

Hotel del Luna This drama is really a nice one. I like how all the story, the places, the costumes make me feel in a new magic world. I think it's what Arthdal Chronicles couldn't make me feel and failed.

Go Go Squid I watched this drama only for the male lead. I didn't really like the FL. But the last episodes were very frustrating. They really edited it badly. They cut all the parts I was interested in >_<

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Kurama

August 3, 2019 at 5:36 AM

Level Up I like it. They don't force the romance for once.

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KeikoAnn

August 3, 2019 at 9:31 AM

Totally agree with you on the last episodes of Go Go Squid, it was like they had multiple endings but could not decide which one to use. Oh well, I now have a new actor to fan girl over! Go Go Li Xian. 👀 🥰

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Kurama

August 3, 2019 at 9:35 AM

They put a lot of flashbacks we already saw. I don't know but it was frustrating to learn that Solo team won 5 matches without seing them. I mean it was the strongest point of the story and they just cut it.

Yeah , for Li Xian. He was really great in this drama.

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13infamyss

August 3, 2019 at 9:45 AM

Not sure if you guys had heard - they cut out all whole bunch of scenes to pass censorship, and that included competitions. They didn’t air 3 episodes; I don’t want to imagine what else we could have missed.

I’ve mentioned it before but I’m super bummed I didn’t get to see Gun touching the ground then raising his index finger up from the opening credit.

Perhaps they added those flashbacks in the last couple of episodes so that they at least had 45 mins clip to show.......

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KeikoAnn

August 3, 2019 at 9:56 AM

Oh thanks for the info...censorship? I also wanted to see the scene where Gun touched the ground...I am glad they did not cut the scene where Gun made his cute “funny face” back at Tong Nian. Love the way he says her name, too. Ok, I am going to stop fan girling over Li Xian.

Kurama

August 3, 2019 at 10:04 AM

Censorship? How gaming was an issue?

Yeah I guess, because the final it was the same. It was flashbacks and tadaaa they won. It was pretty weird and super frustrating.

13infamyss

August 3, 2019 at 10:12 AM

Here is more info about it @keiko

https://twitter.com/midnightbliss01/status/1155911325677051904?s=21

https://twitter.com/midnightbliss01/status/1156344063299207168?s=21

Now Go Go Squid production team is under fire too and being reviewed by the Chinese Government as to why they did not include the entire China including its territories when they showed the map in Ep 39. The production team reasoned out it was a competition map. But the Chinese govt really knows how to take away the fun out of their dramas.

Link here https://thetaiwantimes.com/chinese-drama-go-go-squid-might-be-punished-for-excluding-taiwan-from-chinas-territory/896

Tencent Video have deleted the episode and replaced it with an updated version with corrected territories.

😑😑😑 what else have they deleted and replaced.......

13infamyss

August 3, 2019 at 10:22 AM

@kurama this was posted recently on the fanwall. The Chinese govt recently imposed banned on dramas that promote “entertainment” beginning August 1st. We are lucky Go Go Squid finished on July 31st or we might not have a closure of this drama after all

Link here : https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3020970/no-period-dramas-or-pop-idols-chinese-censors-say-patriotic

http://www.dramabeans.com/members/bebeswtz/activity/843058/

Like I can’t even stop from watching Chinese dramas because they’re too addicting to skip out, but this really sucks!!!!!

KeikoAnn

August 3, 2019 at 10:56 AM

@13infamyss thank you so much for providing links and insight regarding Go Go Squid disjointed ending having to meet censorship rulings.

Linda Palapala

August 3, 2019 at 11:36 AM

@kurama @keiko @13infamyss
I was going to post about this "censorship" too, as it might affect my obsession right now with THE UNTAMED. My favorite drama ever...I'm even reading the novel.
They can only air dramas that emphasize the 70th anniv of the founding of the Republic/communism and the heroes, and not show any historical or idol dramas. Does this affect only tv dramas or does it also affect web dramas?
This could be why I've suddenly seen so many Previews of much later episodes of Untamed and why they're making the last episode available on the 7th (for extra money) instead of the 20th.
I am so bummed...

CS

August 3, 2019 at 12:14 PM

China does not mess around with its maps and showing all of its territories. I bought a t-shirt for a friend who lives/works at a prestigious university there that had an outline of China, but didn't show Taiwan. She said she can't wear it. Especially as a foreign worker, it could be misunderstood as a political statement and she can't risk losing her job over it. I was surprised that it would be considered that big of a deal, but it is.

Kurama

August 4, 2019 at 12:19 AM

@13infamyss Thank you very much for your explanations! It's pretty crazy...

@linda-palapala I hope your drama will be great until the end.

zzthorn

August 3, 2019 at 2:39 PM

On Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung, lately I have wondered a bit about the similarity in the sound of the name of the young prince, Prince Dowon and in the name of the book that seems to set the palace into a frenzy. (Is it Do Han?) I wonder if there is some sort of a connection that would have been a reason that they hid Prince Dowon away for all those years. Speaking of which, not to be critical exactly, but how old is Prince Dowon supposed to be? He seems to act about like a 12 year old sometimes, which I find really irritating.

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Kurama

August 4, 2019 at 12:23 AM

He's 20 years old on dramawiki, GHR 26, the Crown Prince 28.

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Ally

August 4, 2019 at 5:38 AM

So, I don’t have to worry about the Crown Prince dying? Per the timeline of when this drama is supposed to be occurring, the Crown Prince dies at 20 y/o.

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Kurama

August 4, 2019 at 6:00 AM

I have no idea. I didn't think that the characters are real ones in fact...

I don't want him to die :(

Ally

August 4, 2019 at 5:39 AM

The book is “The Story of Ho Dam.”

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zzthorn

August 4, 2019 at 7:37 AM

Oh thanks. I was way backwards on that! I am anxious to find out what that is all about.

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zzthorn

August 4, 2019 at 7:54 AM

After your comment, I went and read some older reviews of the drama since I was so wrong in my guessing and it says that the prince was hidden because he was disgraced(he seems to be too young to have disgraced himself very much) and the book (Ho Dam) ... "The book seems to have something to do with the king’s bloody seizure of the throne twenty years ago"

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Vespertyne29

August 3, 2019 at 3:53 PM

Re Go Go Squid, I could not agree with you more. I could barely get through the last 2 or 3 episodes, and especially the last one, which was full of the unconvincing, non-sexy "romance," combined with repetitious flashbacks/voice-overs, so was a complete waste of time.

And - to add insult to injury - they didn't even show the major competitions that were the entire focus of HSY and his team!!! Seriously, I rewound and watched the episode where the former Team Solo members played the "celebrity match" against the current top-rated gamers, before I figured out that the game had taken place "off camera," and Team Solo had won. And even worse, the last game - which was NOT the "world championship" that had been the focus of HSY's ambition for the entire drama, but merely the multi-regional Asian-Pacific championship leading up to worlds - was also played off camera, so we're left with those stupid, repetitive (as in already seen as original scenes plus one or more times as flashbacks) scenes of the Team Solo break up and reunion, and the "romance" between HSY and TN.

If I ever watch this drama again, I will FF all scenes about the FL's boring life, and only watch the gamer stuff and Li Xian's scenes as boss of his team, and the past and current scenes of him with the Team Solo crew and his grandfather.

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Kurama

August 4, 2019 at 12:22 AM

Yeah. It had to be frustrating for the production team if they cut all of that because of censorship...

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19 miss h

August 3, 2019 at 5:31 AM

When The Devil Calls Your Name: I was hoping this would be my 'fun' drama, but I just thought it was weird and slow.

Designated Survivor: 60 Days: Can my Secretary Cha just be guilty of stealing scenes and wanting to have chicken and beer with the woman he likes, pretty please.

Doctor John: I love it. I like the characters and their interactions with each other and their patients, and I really like how this drama is bringing up ethical issues and making me think about my own beliefs.

Watcher: I knew YG’s dad was a dead man walking, but his death was still sad. Father and son only had one breakfast together, darn it.

A Moment at Eighteen: I still don’t know how I feel about this drama. I like Joon Woo, Soo Bin and Teacher Oh but not sure I’m in the mood to watch things get worse before they get better.

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20 outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

August 3, 2019 at 5:35 AM

WWW Also called What Women Want.

Go Go Squid Got pulled by the Kraken and sucked 20,000 leagues under the sea into the abyss of GGS BTS videos, Li Xian interviews and more Li Xian.

TienTsin Mystic If only it stayed more investigative and forensics instead of mystical and paranormal. Little River God(Li Xian) though is such a charming rascal, I'll just watch his parts and gifs.

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oppafangirl

August 3, 2019 at 6:04 AM

okay, its official, I am going to accept this as the full form of WWW: what women want!
Nobody says otherwise!

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Beverly

August 3, 2019 at 8:18 AM

Lol. All of a sudden I feel like half the fan wall is Li Xian and the other half Lee Jae Wook

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KeikoAnn

August 3, 2019 at 9:34 AM

Hmm not a bad to look at 👀🤤

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21 tesshan

August 3, 2019 at 5:37 AM

Go, go Squid: finished all 41 episodes and I loved it.
A Moment at Eighteen: love it although it is not the usual light school drama.
Mr. Fighting: I absolutely adore it. It has the right mix of serious and hilarious moments.

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frabbycrabsis loves KBS Drama Specials

August 3, 2019 at 5:48 AM

I saw Mr Fighting is on Viki, and I was thinking about trying it! Would you recommend?

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tesshan

August 3, 2019 at 7:01 AM

Yes, totally. I mean: it is not a fluffy story like Go, go Squid but it has lots of funny scenes. The main character is a washed up actor who is trying to get his career back on track with the help of a group of underdogs. The acting is very good and no use of the typical tropes we usually see in c-dramas (and that most of the time make no sense).

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13infamyss

August 3, 2019 at 7:09 AM

I saw this popped up on Viki and gasped that this was a Deng Lun drama 😍 I will start soon and I hope it will be good. I love Deng Lun, but his choice in dramas aren’t really making me love him more ☹️

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CS

August 3, 2019 at 8:49 AM

Thanks! This makes me want to check out Mr. Fighting. I saw it pop up on Viki but was still trying to finish Go Go Squid, so didn't give it a lot of thought.

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tesshan

August 3, 2019 at 7:05 AM

Forgot to mention: subs on viki come out the same day as the episode aires. Hunan TV also posts them on their YT channel. Love the super fast subbing.

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22 frabbycrabsis loves KBS Drama Specials

August 3, 2019 at 5:47 AM

Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung: Everything came together properly this week, and now I have absolutely no complaints. You have my heart, Show, so don't break it!

Doctor Detective: I was... hesitant to watch this week's episodes. As much as I love the two leads and their blossoming partnership, everything else has been a little convoluted so far. I will be watching this week's episodes soon, I swear!

Doctor John: I'm watching right now, and Shi-young's full backstory made me cry like a baby. I'm glad this drama is finding its groove and asking some big questions.

Live Up to Your Name: I thought I'd done a lot of changing in the last few years, but nope, I'm still the same person I've always been. I'm still an incoherent puddle on the floor when it comes to time-travel romance. I finally listened to you, @cloggie!

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Cloggie

August 3, 2019 at 8:14 AM

I'm glad you liked it!

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tsutsuloo

August 3, 2019 at 8:44 AM

Live Up to Your Name was my first and forever favorite k-drama. Just thinking about puts a huge grin on my face.

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linc

August 3, 2019 at 10:30 PM

So glad to see someone else who loves this drama too!! I loved everything about this drama and still think KNG and KAJ’s chemistry is one of the best in kdrama land.

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tsutsuloo

August 3, 2019 at 10:01 AM

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tsutsuloo

August 3, 2019 at 10:03 AM

Speaking of time-travel romance, I'm currently speed watching Bpoop Phaeh Saniwaat (Love Destiny), a charming 2018 romance time-slip boran—a Thai lakorn set in old timey history where everyone dressed in perfectly draped textiles. The role of Buddhism and merits play a key role in this story about a kind archeology student who—moments after dying in a car crash—encounters the soul of a terrible woman being dragged to hell. The awful woman begs the archeologist to take over her body to do merits and correct her life. The student is reborn in the past—bringing the nasty Karakade back to life—and begins the process of undoing all the damage caused by her horrible predecessor.

This show is unexpectedly funny and here's what I like so far in the first quarter.

(1) The sweet soul has her work cut out for her. Karakade was exceptionally cruel and everybody—including her betrothed—hates her. It's fun watching her kindness disarm and confuse people.

(2) The show doesn't gloss over hygiene issues. If you're like me, I bet you've shouted at the TV: "How do people clean their teeth? What do you do about menstruation? How do you wipe your ass?!" Our archeologist has to apply her book learning to real life and handles it well.

(3) Our modern archeologist is learning to adapt to the sociolinguistic realities of her new world. She screws up honorifics, her boran dialect is peppered with modern Thai and, overall, she speaks in a direct manner that’s practically alien to her surroundings. There’s one scene where she encounters a trio of arrogant Portuguese traders. When one of them talks trash about her in French, she calls him on it—in French.

(4) Buddhism a constant thread, connecting Karakade’s modern and past lives. She might not know the correct way to address her future in-laws, but she’s completely grounded and at home in her Buddhist practice.

(5) This is a slow-burn romance. Karakade is a modern woman who grows to love a man very much of his time—and that man grows to appreciate her sensibilities.

(6) At least in the beginning, Karakade briefly adapts the persona of a lakhorn drama villain when she tries to act tough. Watching her practice her imperious sneer and eyebrow lift in the mirror is a delicious meta moment.

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frabbycrabsis loves KBS Drama Specials

August 3, 2019 at 1:24 PM

That sounds interesting! I've never watched a Thai drama before, bar an episode of the adaptation of Full House. I like the writer seems to be thinking hard about worldbuilding.

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tsutsuloo

August 3, 2019 at 2:37 PM

Let me know if you ever stumble upon a good time travel/time slip drama. I love 'em too!

It was another Beanie who warned me that Thai lakorns were ... problematic and cautioned me to choose carefully. To date, I've only seen 2 dramas and 2 films. Lakorns are notorious for sensationalizing sexual violence—it's a symptom of pervasive inequality. Thai media critics are calling more attention to the "slap kiss" or "rape leading to love" but these horrid tropes bring in ratings and advertising dollars. It's a chicken-egg situation with pop culture both reflecting and shaping toxic attitudes towards women.

On the positive side, Thai dramas almost always feature gay or transgender characters. Even this time slip drama has a transgender background character in the village. She's big 'n tall and looks like she could crush you but she's just doing her own thing.

If you're ever curious, I recommend the sweet epistolary romantic movie Teacher's Diary (recently made into a Bollywood film this year.) Waen Dok Mai is a family drama with a wonderful friendship-turns-to-love romance. I did a lot of fast-fowarding with that one but the main couple is one of my favorite screen pairings.

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Bellamafia

August 3, 2019 at 5:43 PM

I’ve seen BBS, it’s one of my fave lakorns (the other one is kluen cheewit). Do you know they are making a sequel since the rating was so high? The leads are back. And the best part is BBS doesnt have evil 2nd FL. I quit watching lakorns since I don’t like how they usually portray a woman as a conniving b**ch. They like to make her so degrading, no dignity and cheap just to make the ML to like her. Usually it’s 2nd FL’s character. It’s really embarrassing to watch how a woman can be like that.

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tsutsuloo

August 3, 2019 at 7:06 PM

Ha! Evil 2nd FLs are cringeworthy indeed.😬

I recently skimmed a 2009 Kdrama called Creating Destiny. I was curious because the lead actors married 2 years later and now have child together. It's barely watchable because of the cray-cray, fake-eye-fluttering, oops-I-hurt-my-ankle-and-need-to-hold-your-bicep second FL. The ML flat out tells her he doesn't like her and this poor character keeps plotting ways to make him love her. It's a relief to see Kdramas moving away from this tiresome trope!

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23 Aya

August 3, 2019 at 5:50 AM

Search WWW - I loved this show so much, yes it was borderline unrealistic and yes a little bit cheesy but it was still a lot of fun and the ladies all did such an amazing job and mo gun now occupies a tiny space in my heart. I have so much to say but that would be too many paragraphs so yeah I’ll just leave it at that. I can’t wait to see what the writer comes up with next because this is definitely top 3 of my favorite shows this year.

Moment at Eighteen - Ong is doing such a beautiful job as Junhwoo, the last scene of episode 4 was so well done. Through his silence you could still feel every emotion and it was just acted really well. I will say though it’s getting harder and harder to see myself ever sympathising with Hwi Young especially now that he’s basically paid to have someone killed just because he doesn’t like the new kid at school. He’s pathetic and no matter how bad his home life is there’s just no excuse for his behaviour and I just know he’s gonna get away with it.

Hôtel De Luna - I watched the first ep weeks ago and fell asleep and then just completely forgot about this show but I marathoned the other 5 eps over the last couple of days and I love this show now. IU is absolutely killing it and I especially love when Man Weol gets all frustrated and starts yelling, it’s so funny. Yeo Jin Gu is great as always and PO is so cute I can’t stand it. The banter between the leads is also so fun and the side stories with the ghosts continue to be interesting. I’ve never seen a Hong sisters drama before and I’ve heard mixed things but I’m really enjoying this and I hope my first experience with them continues to be a good one.

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24 mano

August 3, 2019 at 6:10 AM

DERRY GIRLS season 2
Growing up in the late 90s during political unrest in the country, I feel Erin and her friends told a story of my life. I also went to religious school, was and still is a huge fan of Take That and a little bit boy crazy (which teenage girl who wasn't?). I remember Bill Clinton was a president/celebrity in the 90s. During diplomatic visit here, he went for jogging around hotel where he stayed and took picture with cleaning service staff, the next morning every newspaper and magazines plastered with picture of Bill Clinton with short, white shirt and Nike sneakers. If there's a TV show that relatable with my life, I'm sure one of them is Derry Girls.

DESIGNATED SURVIVOR: 60 DAYS
I dropped the original mid season, so please tell me who is going to die next week? My guess is Assembly Oh, am I right?

THE LONGEST DAY IN CHANG'AN
Where should I start? The cost to produce The Longest Day in Chang'an is 87 million USD, so it's more expensive than most BBC dramas and on par with American cable series. You can expect the production value this drama is beyond any Asian dramas you probably ever watched. Then, the heroes are f**kin' awesome. One of the main lead is not a royal or nobility, he's a convict waiting for his death sentence (His name is Zhang Xiao Jing and I'm in love with him ❤️❤️❤️). The other one although comes from a noble background, he doesn't get much trust from the powerful people in the palace. I love The Longest Day in Chang'an so much that I found it hard to enjoy other dramas at the moment.

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tesshan

August 3, 2019 at 7:03 AM

I live in NI now and I find Derry girls hilarious. I did not grow up here but I have been here long enough to appreciate the humour used to describe the times of the Troubles.

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mano

August 3, 2019 at 8:04 AM

I'm also not from NI or ever visited there. When I wrote 'the country' and 'here' I mean 'my country' and 'where I live'. I'm sorry, I wish there's an edit button, I was writing it with my home in my mind.
Derry Girls is hilarious. They walked pass tanks and soldiers, but were worried more about jackets and boys.
I can't relate with teenagers on TV nowadays, hence i never watch youth dramas/series. They think too much. they are so considerate, they care about the world peace, environment, body shaming. It's good, but I found it less realistic. The thing is I'm a teacher now and I know my students are not that different from me back then or The Derry Girls.

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tesshan

August 4, 2019 at 8:54 AM

NI is a very peculiar place because of its past. That show depicts the weirdness of those times with lots of sarcasm and humour. I asked some locals about it and most of them love it. They said the way those kids live their lives as if all that was normal was exactly how it was for them. Bomb threats and riots were a daily thing.

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mano

August 4, 2019 at 1:01 PM

I'm happy the local love it as much as fans around the world 🙂

drawde2000

August 3, 2019 at 7:29 AM

Yehey, more love of The Longest Day in Chang'an.

I was already in awe of the daytime scenes. But the lighting at night is pure awesomeness. I'm grateful for the $87 million production costs. I don't watch a lot of Cdramas because their quality is just below par for many of them, specially fantasy. This one do not disappoint.

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mano

August 3, 2019 at 8:29 AM

I think we can expect cdrama will keep getting better and better in the future. I thought about Nirvana in Fire, oh this it. Maybe there won't be any cdrama better than this, then we get The Longest Day in Chang'an.
Cdrama has the market and resources (read: money).