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…
stroopwafel
Let Me Hear Your Song: I’ve only seen episode one so far, but the show hasn’t quite hit the “must-watch” mark for me. It’s not terrible, it’s more that the show’s elements and acting feel out of sync with each other. Everyone seems to be acting in a different genre of drama, with Kim Se-jung in a coming-of-age drama, Yeon Woo-jin in a psychological thriller, Song Jae-rim in a comedy, and Jiyeon in a weekender. That said, there were plenty of fun moments in the first episode, and I never knew I could enjoy off-key singing so much. Though I’m not on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the next episodes, my interest has been sufficiently piqued so I’ll be watching for at least a little while longer.
A Moment at Eighteen: I can’t get over how much I love this show and how talented the cast is. Every emotional beat, each story arc, and narrative choice is just so sure-footed and real. My heart hurts and flutters all over the place during episodes. The fluttering is easy to explain: a heart murmur the budding romance between Soo-bin and Joon-woo and the sweet friendships between the students. And how could I not hurt for Joon-woo and his loss? Even Hwi-young–despite the terrible things he’s done and will likely continue to do–has my sympathy. Nothing can excuse what he’s done but that doesn’t stop me from feeling just awful for him and his abusive family situation. I want someone to stop him (and help him) and I hope he doesn’t destroy himself and the people around him while he attempts to maintain his perfect image. I might have feared for the old Joon-woo, but the new Joon-woo is slowly opening up and growing more assured while staying his quiet, sweet self.
Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung: I will admit that I’ve never found Shin Se-kyung a particularly interesting actor so this drama wasn’t high on my watch list. But then when @mary mentioned how much she’d enjoyed it, I gave it a chance and I’m so glad I did. I’m having so much fun watching this, and Shin Se-kyung is so good here. It’s been surprising how well the drama executes familiar tropes and turns some of them on their head. For instance, I’m used to seeing royal brothers who are at odds with each other, eager to amass power and ascend to the throne. It’s delightful that our royal princes here aren’t sworn enemies, but two brothers who genuinely care about each other. It makes for a more interesting dynamic and more time can be spent on developing Hae-ryung’s romance and delving into her work as a royal historian. I know that the romance is a big part of the plot, but I’m more invested in Hae-ryung’s career (for now at least). It’s no question that she has the intellect to be a historian, but it’s also obvious that her sense of justice won’t let her remain an impartial observer, so where does that leave her?
mary
Currently recapping: Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung
Be Melodramatic: ‘Fess up, Beanies. Which of you authorized JTBC to make a show about us? The opening scene where our main gang was watching a drama’s ending and arguing about the literal, personal, and future implications of it was like a beer-and-pajamas version of a K-drama forum. Be Melodramatic did great in introducing everyone’s backstories in under 60 minutes (take note, tvN!) thanks to the show’s masterful directing. It’s zippy and hilarious but also knows when to pause to let you mourn the girls’ pain or revel in that short burst of happiness in their lives. And I’m thankful for it because with the girls’ backstories, this could easily turn into a sobfest. Thankfully, it doesn’t. It’s just like a jaded, grown up Age of Youth. Which, ♥♥♥. The only downside is I’m already attached to these ladies and know I’ll be in a sad funk after we say goodbye to them when the show ends.
Great Escape 2: I had great expectations for the prison escape. The scale! The genius of an actual prison break! But it ended up being the most lackluster challenge so far. It even put me on a Great Escape hiatus. I liked that they’re connecting past challenges to the present, but these two episodes lacked the puzzle-solving and jaw-dropping eureka moments that’s characteristic of the show. Jang Jangval practically fed them the whole escape plan. The team’s involvement was limited to stealing uniforms and a walkie or two. I think it would’ve been better if the team was locked up inside Jang Jangval’s old cell and had to decipher the mad scribblings of a guy which turns out to be elaborate plans for an escape. It doesn’t help that they failed ten seconds after they started, too. Too much meh setup, zero payoff. I almost wish they let Kang Ho-dong off a little bit with the searchlights so we can get to see the rest of the plan’s execution, because the sets of this show is one of the awesome things about it. Also, I really just wanted to see P.O gagging on the fake corpses. *pouts*
RELATED POSTS
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (August 3, 2019)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (July 27, 2019)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (July 20, 2019)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (July 13, 2019)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (July 6 2019)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (June 29, 2019)
Tags: A Moment at Eighteen, Be Melodramatic, Let Me Hear Your Song, Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung, What We're Watching
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1 Radily
August 10, 2019 at 4:01 AM
Designated Survivor: 60 Days
I’m pretty sure I screamed in joy at that glorious cliffhanger! Who cares about who the VIP and the Blue House mole is, when we can enjoy Secretary Cha grinning like a fool, lighting up like a Christmas tree and almost bursting into tears of happiness? On that note however, I believe many will suspect that the mole is Secretary Han, but I actually also placed my eyes onto Se Young since Mayor Kang received the info about Cha’s investigation as well as Hee Kyung since she is the person who takes meeting minutes (bomb simulation leak) and Soo Jung had consulted her about the calling data.
A Moment at Eighteen
It is enjoyable watching the drama, but we are already approaching the end of the first half and there are still students with virtually no screen time (did you know there’s someone called Go Dong, Gyu Nam and Shim Bok in the class?). If I consider character development, Bo Mi’s insecure, jealous and delusional arc is something so cliche and overdone in a drama (it reminds me of the classic 2nd female lead tropes) and I don’t think we’re going to get a sob story unlike main character Hwi Young. That being said, I still look forward to students like Oh Je: Joon Woo needs one male ally as well!
Hotel del Luna
According to the preview, Chan Sung will face his Matrix decision next week. I actually somewhat hope he will take the blue pill and let Man Wol chase after him but narratively speaking, my guess is that he takes the red pill and continues to stay by her side. I do feel quite mixed about the weekly procedurals: they do offer quite a bit of social commentary + character development for Chan Sung as he adapts to serving ghosts, however, the main story is now progressing very slowly and the hotelier ghosts’ arcs are crawling with only Hyun Joong’s having inched forward slightly. Rushing is bad!
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growingbeautifully
August 10, 2019 at 5:26 AM
@radily and those who are watching Hotel (de la) Luna
I thought I'd just mention that if you feel that the side ghost stories are just that, then consider a different take on them. They could be (and I think they are) meant to give us the clues on what Man Wol will face, or the decisions that she'll make, or to help us in interpreting future events... one article on it is here:
http://bitchesoverdramas.com/2019/07/23/hotel-del-luna-episode-4-the-ghost-roundup/ (there are more examples if you read the other posts).
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PYC
August 10, 2019 at 7:15 AM
"Who cares about who the VIP and the Blue House mole is, when we can enjoy Secretary Cha grinning like a fool, lighting up like a Christmas tree and almost bursting into tears of happiness?" Totally!
Secretary Cha is the scene stealer of DS: 60 Days despite such a great stellar cast! My first time watching Son Suk-ki. I'm now thinking to start matrimonial chaos for him.
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KSKalways
August 11, 2019 at 5:12 PM
Secretary Cha is my fav character of the Show!
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2 nightmoon
August 10, 2019 at 4:03 AM
LET ME HEAR YOUR SONG: So far, so good! It does seem to tick off all the cliches but, honestly, they use some of my favorites, so no issues there. And I’m kind of loving our female lead. She’s super bubbly but not in a way that’s irritating (which usually is the case). (ep. 1-3)
ROOKIE HISTORIAN GU HAE-RYUNG: I’m warming up to this one! I actually found myself wanting to immediately click play on the next ep. Might try to catch up to this one, so I can participate in discussions. (ep. 3-4)
Finished Airing
COFFEE PRINCE: This drama is just so relaxing. The chemistry between the cast is wonderful to watch. I really hope they kept in touch all these years later. (ep. 4)
EVERYTHING AND NOTHING: Well this ended up being a lot darker than I expected… (ep. 1)
MY STRANGE HERO: Bok-soo is something. A good ‘something’. The drama isn’t quite pulling me in, but I’m starting to like our female lead a lot more. And the chemistry between the two is kind of great. (ep. 9-10)
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mango
August 10, 2019 at 6:19 AM
EVERYTHING AND NOTHING went somewhere nobody expected and that's why it is interesting (for me, at least).
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Clauie
August 10, 2019 at 8:53 AM
So glad someone is liking Sejeong!😊 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what you are currently watching. It is very helpful to filter out what to watch 😅
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Sol Giménez
August 10, 2019 at 6:29 PM
Coffee prince ♡ my #1 drama I love it so much, is nice to see someone who are watching it now (sorry for my english).
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3 agoodheart
August 10, 2019 at 4:07 AM
Hotel del Luna. The past story in ep 10 totally got me invested. No wonder Mal-wol couldn't let go of Mi-ra. Mal-wol's emotions were so raw, broke my heart to pieces. Kudos to Ji-eun who portrayed it so well, I was fully immersed in that world.
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4 liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack
August 10, 2019 at 4:12 AM
We've got 2 show premiering this week and I couldn't be more excited to see both of them!
Female-centric showMelo Suits Me wowed me with its first episode. The tone it set was pretty different and the way the episode unfolded was fresh. My expectations with the show was pretty different because the teasers showed us a show with a different tone so I didn't expect that I will both cry and laugh in the first episode. I really liked our housemates and this show is giving me the same vibes that Age of Youth gave me in its first season. I am now looking forward to my Fridays and Saturdays because of this show.
I expected mixed-genre romance mystery show Let Me Hear Your Song to have a mess of a first episode but holy cow this show surprised me in a good way. Although I was looking forward to this show for its leads, I initially made fun of the show's premise but it proved me wrong by making me see comedy, mystery, and classical music could mesh well together. The mystery is thrilling and the characters are interesting enough so I am looking forward to see more!
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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack
August 10, 2019 at 4:20 AM
Also, my Mom finished The Light In Your Eyes this week. She really enjoyed the first ten episodes because she really loves Kim Young-soo and she really felt for the characters' struggles, especially Hye-ja's. Her reaction to the plot twist? Nothing. She was just silent after episode 10. When I had the chance to ask my Mom about her opinion on the plot twist, she just told me that she didn't like it and it felt like the drama started going backwards...
Also, she started Top Star Yoo-Baek today and she's been laughing for 2 hours straight now. HAHA
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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack
August 10, 2019 at 4:25 AM
It was really hard to get her opinion on The Light in Your Eyes and she watched the drama without knowing anything so I kind of get her. She just feels cheated because the twist would've worked better if the show was a film instead.
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💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
August 10, 2019 at 4:39 AM
Your mum and I have similar opinions about TLIYE it seems...
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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack
August 10, 2019 at 4:58 AM
I know my Mom's tastes in dramas have changed over the years but I was actually expecting her to hate the plot twist. I just know she wouldn't like it but I never told her about it to get her real opinion on it which was fun HAHA
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
August 10, 2019 at 5:27 AM
@sensationalfantasy
Pffahaha yeah I went in blind too... I think that possibly made me dislike it more... pfft
Moonbean
August 10, 2019 at 4:41 AM
I am so glad I dropped that show after episode one. It can be a really really good show but I hate sad endings and heavy drama.
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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack
August 10, 2019 at 4:59 AM
Like you, it seems like my mom hates heavy dramas. She couldn't even get past 5 mins of Dear My Friends even though I told her it is a good show.
Moonbean
August 10, 2019 at 6:01 AM
I never even started that one.
Funny enough, in my case it is partially related with age. I used to read heavy Russian classics or other classics that end in tragedies in my teenage years and twenties (Jude the Obscure comes to mind). The older I get the more I want to escape into a fantasy world of happy endings since the real world has enough sadness and pain. Watching the news is enough to give me depression, I don't need it in my art and entertainment as well.
wapz
August 10, 2019 at 7:56 AM
@moonbean I always wondered why people won't want to watch sth tragic because at times they are the ones that bring the good in a show. You know in the "it hurts so good" sense. Also the actors bring their best to the table. But now I realize why one would not wish to watch any sad endings. The real world can be really messy that atleast our escape should be away from all worries.
sph_7
August 10, 2019 at 8:11 AM
I also avoided TLIYE because I expected a tragedy. I don’t mind heavy dramas, I love watching them if the for the acting and storytelling. My vetting criteria is NO to any topic that may hit home. This case, about aging, is not something I can watch while my parents are entering the stages of deteriorating health. It haunts me harder than any ghost story. So @sensationalfantasy I can imagine how someone of a certain age not needing to watch My Dear Friends.
Moonbean
August 10, 2019 at 8:14 AM
@wapzy I agree they are usually better stories and stay with you longer. If Romeo and Juliet didn't end in tragedy would it have been so memorable? Think of your favorite love songs. Much more would be about breakups and heartache than happy relationships. They definitely give more inspiration to artists.
But I wonder if we have a quota of heavy and sad stuff that fills up as you age? Or maybe it has nothing to do with age but personality, changing tastes due to various circumstances, different people going through different phases at different points in their lives, who knows? Teenagers are by nature very dramatic, take everything seriously, listen to sad songs. I could never listen two two Pink Floyd songs in a row, they depressed me so much.
Maybe one day if there is more happy news in the world I will look at art for dramas and tragedies. For now it's my escape from the harshnesses and injustices of the real world. That's why I appreciate uplifting stories such as WWW and avoid even teenage angst.
Clauie
August 10, 2019 at 8:58 AM
Hahaha It is really enjoyable when you see your parent's reaction on a drama you finished. 😆😆😆 I remembered making my parents watch Top Star Yoo Baek last month and then my father was saying "Ata!" for almost a week. 😬😬😬 Haha
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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack
August 10, 2019 at 3:48 PM
I can see my Mom saying "Ata" and "Top Star-ssi" for the whole week HAHAHA
Beverly
August 10, 2019 at 9:36 AM
You knew your mom would hate it but you suggested she watch it?
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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack
August 10, 2019 at 3:50 PM
It was 50/50 since her tastes in dramas have changed over the years so I was wondering if she would like the show and she did but without the twist. It was only the execution of the twist that she hated haha
PMSahjumoni
August 10, 2019 at 6:27 AM
I am also in agreement with you mother about TLIYE. I felt it could have been wonderful if it had just ended at ep. 10. It could really do without the draggy last 2 episodes which did nothing for it.
I felt cheated after watching the last 2 episodes and I am starting to realized maybe that's why I resented Han Ji Min afterwards because I started the show for her, she wasn't in it half the time, I ended up loving (the real) Kim Hye Ja instead, so much so that I felt the ending didn't do justice to what her character went through.
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5 growingbeautifully
August 10, 2019 at 4:12 AM
Hotel (de la) Luna - This show is so tightly written that it feels like every scene is giving us hints and clues as to the fate of Man Wol and Chan Sung and the reasons why, as well as links to the past. And while we're trying to grasp and grapple with all these, we also have to bear in mind that some of the parallels with current ghost situations may actually be parallels in reverse for eg. where the ghosts show up as a man having problem A, then in the past the parallel was a woman having a similar problem. Really keeps us on our toes, this show!!! Love it!
A Moment at Eighteen - I think I speak for the Beanies who are commenting positively that we are totally drawn in and invested in these kids. It's feels so good watching them progressing, I almost feel like a proud mamma heheheh! And we now have a Bike of Love (with a pet name, no less!!) and a Car of Doom (off camera unfortunately!). I guess even the less likable kids need a chance to become better persons, and some of the adults really need to have a growth arc too.
When the Devil Call Your Name - I'm still trying out this show, but it's not got me convinced yet. There were some funny moments and sparky moments, but although it has reached Ep 4, has not yet got me invested in any character. Some of the scenes puzzled me as if the editing had cut something out in between …like err..when the devil's secretary took the short way down from the office by being pushed out the window, did he not die?
Doctor John - Waiting for the backstory as to why the Prosecutor and the Nurse have it out for Yo Han who has already done his time. So show is dropping medical clues but I feel too uninformed to have benefitted from them LOL! Finding out how the next disease is going to be diagnosed and cured is actually quite interesting. Then the undercurrent arc of Shi Young's dad in a coma and the prospect of euthanasia feels like a conspiracy is brewing. So is bringing Yo Han on board at that hospital, a means to get euthanasia done without the hospital getting into trouble?
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 10, 2019 at 5:37 AM
If you swap Doctor John with Welcome 2 Life we'd have the same list. I'm on the fence about Devil too. I love the actors, so I'll stay with it awhile longer.
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growingbeautifully
August 10, 2019 at 5:42 AM
What our ambivalence about Devil Calls tells us, that regardless of how great the actors are, if there's something off with the execution or the character development, it will affect our love for the show.
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Kairoskat 💐
August 10, 2019 at 5:55 AM
I agree. I'm such a big JKH fan...but I can't warm up to Ha Rip. Also I find the tone/editing/execution/writing off. Hua3
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Blue (@mayhemf)
August 10, 2019 at 6:12 AM
From what I gathered Doctor Cha performed euthanasia on a patient who was a criminal accused of kidnapping children who died. One of the dead child is Prosecutor’s son.
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growingbeautifully
August 10, 2019 at 6:28 AM
Ah thanks! @mayhemf I missed that. Was it in Episode 1?
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Blue (@mayhemf)
August 10, 2019 at 6:36 AM
Yeah, earlier episodes they mention that he was a kidnapper and that few boys died. And they show prosecutor looking at his sons photo and going to a memorial I think. As a kdrama viewer I took the liberty to put one and one together :))
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growingbeautifully
August 10, 2019 at 6:38 AM
Ah yes, I sort of saw that part. Obviously I was not doing addition properly!! LOL. How about the nurse who was protesting and later talking to the Prosecutor?
zzthorn
August 10, 2019 at 7:29 AM
As for the nurse who was protesting earlier and later talking to the prosecutor, isn't she the same nurse we see in flashback who forces the semiconscious patient/prisoner to sign the experimental treatment form? Is it simply that the prosecutor and the nurse wanted the patient/prisoner to suffer more or what? Is that why they are so angry with Dr John, that he saved the patient/prisoner from some of the suffering he would have had while he waited to die? It seems ridiculous to me that the nurse and the prosecutor should be so upset if that is the case. After all, the patient/prisoner ended up dead and dead is dead. It looked to me like he was suffering quite a bit as it was. Why would the nurse and the prosecutor waste their lives following after Dr John with so much hate? It will not bring back their lost children.
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Blue (@mayhemf)
August 10, 2019 at 7:43 AM
Yes there is something to do with the new experiment for the cancer.
Some people have strong belief systems (pro life) and cannot accept this. They are worried that this might become acceptable and eventually more people will fall in line with Dr.Cha’s belief. And then it could become a law. Some people would want to stop this at all costs.
zzthorn
August 10, 2019 at 8:10 AM
@Blue mayhemf Yes, no question, I was totally ignoring the politics of the matter (even though I am aware) and here is why: Once the connection is made between the prosecutor and the nurse and children they may have had that died at the patient/prisoner's hands, then politics was out the door because it became personal. Actually, I had missed the part about the prosecutor having a child that likely died but another Beanie seems to have caught that.
I personally live in a state (Oregon) that has a Death With Dignity Act that allows euthanasia under certain circumstances. I personally don't think life and death should be a political matter, but should have personal, spiritual and medical decisions.
Also, I was grateful that I was able to put my dog to sleep when his life had become too miserable and painful to go on.
miss h
August 10, 2019 at 8:20 AM
Yeah, I think they were angry and in pain and transferred that anger onto Dr. Cha since they wanted the murderer to suffer as long and painful of a death as possible. Grief isn't always rational. Or that's what I get from the nurse anyway. The Prosecutor seems to have strong beliefs and be genuinely worried that euthanasia will become more accepted because of Dr. Cha.
FlyingTool
August 10, 2019 at 8:44 AM
Devil Calls: The short way down seems to be a memory eraser. It was used that way for the musician that Ha Rip dragged there. So I assumed the devil did the same thing to his secretary.
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michykdrama
August 10, 2019 at 9:28 AM
GB I’m finally done with my Medicap for the fighter Hyung Woo. Omg. Sorry it took so long! But it’s only part 1 for episode 5-8. Dealing with euthanasia, DNR (advanced medical directive) and the more philosophical parts of death and medicine in part 2. Which I hope to have out soon!
https://mydramalesslife.wordpress.com/2019/08/11/doctor-john-medicap-episode-5-6-7-8-part-1/
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growingbeautifully
August 10, 2019 at 9:32 AM
Thanks very much @michykdrama!! No need to rush. I'll take my time and enjoy reading you! 😇
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miss h
August 10, 2019 at 3:48 PM
Thanks for doing these! I enjoy reading them.
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6 Kairoskat 💐
August 10, 2019 at 4:15 AM
I Wanna Hear Your Song ep 1-4 : music and mystery. Intriguing drama with likeable characters.
In Seoul ep 1-2 : A story about a hardcore BTS fan trying to get into Uni in Seoul and her relationship with mum. Fun and zippy webdrama.
Devil ep 3-4 : ...........so many questions, not enough answers. But it's still early. No rootable/likeable character yet.
I'm gonna try watch Be Melodramatic next. Hehehe
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Beverly
August 10, 2019 at 9:45 AM
I started the first ep of Devil but haven't had time to finish it. I keep meaning to try this show. But the FL whose talent is stolen isn't likable or sympathetic?
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Kairoskat 💐
August 10, 2019 at 2:14 PM
I kinda symphatize with her but I don't find myself rooting for her, which is weird, considering she has the characteristics of a very rootable character: stolen talent, family problems, poor, abusive childhood(?), got evicted, treated poorly by powerful people, etc2.....
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7 Athena
August 10, 2019 at 4:18 AM
Finished First First Love and it was cute but not earth shattering. Hotel Del Luna continues to amuse. Rookie Historian is amusing even though I have never been a fan of either of the leads. I just caught up with Doctor John and it keeps me watching. The big winner for me this week is Devil Calls. I am really liking it and also not sure where it is going, but I can't wait to find out. The big loser for me this week was Doctor Detective. Frankly, I may drop it. It isn't bad, yet it lacks that something that makes me want to keep watching.
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8 shichybot
August 10, 2019 at 4:20 AM
HOTEL DE LUNA- never thought I'd watch something with scary ghosts in it, but here I am!😂 Man-wori is such a mood! What I'd give to raid her wardrobe though! And Chan-sung is the straight guy to just make right our bad girl. Wuv them. Make sure to check out the instagram account fullmoon.long to see what she's been posting!!!
MELO SUITS ME- already, the first episode pulled me in. Can't wait for the next one tonight!
ROOKIE HISTORIAN- Cha Eun Woo is better playing tsundere types. This is something light and fluffy and just candy for the eyes.
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9 lemoncello
August 10, 2019 at 4:21 AM
I JUST LOVE CHA YEONG-JIN in "DS60D" in the last few episodes when he's moved by President Park and he's dare enough to be so ANGRY to Oh Yeong-Seok! I WAS SO SATISFIED! Cha is someone who's usually under control... But he lost control to see what OYS has done during this time becoming another Acting President....
I've never or rarely cried watching thriller, and "DS60D" had me teary in each episode. Maybe it's because of the Ji Jin-hee's mellow charisma.. I don't know... I was tearing when his wife said, "I'm afraid that he might muster up his courage (to run for president..." and I love how Protocol Park is super emotional when Moo-jin was shot.....
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10 thatstp
August 10, 2019 at 4:30 AM
I Wanna Your Song: I started this solely for the actors because I didn't like their last few dramas. I've never heard of the actress but she seems to be pretty good.
Story wise, completely confused. What is it supposed to be about?
Welcome 2 Life: Surprisingly good. Waiting for the day Kwak Si Yang isn't a bad guy or unhinged but I am digging it so far.
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 10, 2019 at 5:43 AM
Kwak Si Yang hasn't struck me as a bad guy yet. Did I miss something? It's entirely possible because Rain's voice is all consuming.
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thatstp
August 10, 2019 at 8:36 AM
I just assumed so from the synopsis. I would love to be wrong!
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shach
August 10, 2019 at 5:55 AM
Ha, me too, whenever I see Kwak Si Young, I expect him to be villain.
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Beverly
August 10, 2019 at 9:52 AM
We are opposite with I Wanna Hear Your Song. I only know the actress, but very impressed with the two actors so far.
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11 Moonbean
August 10, 2019 at 4:33 AM
I have seen three episodes of When the Devil Calls Your Name and I’m totally invested now. I am so happy that it is delivering the laughs in spades. Ha Rip’s scenes with the devil are really hilarious and I am loving his antics when he is afraid. I thoroughly enjoyed the singing lessons and Devil’s off key singing. Ha Rip and his roommate are also fun to watch.
I am still totally rooting for our unfortunate heroine. I haven’t seen the latest episode yet but am also intrigued by the fact that she knew pre-soul selling Ha Rip more than as a casual fan (I know the ages won’t allow it but also I am so glad this isn’t another childhood connection).
This show had really big shoes to fill and I'm glad it didn't fall short.
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Moonbean
August 10, 2019 at 4:35 AM
I am current with Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung and continue enjoying it. I am not a sageuk fan. I have watched very few fusion dramas. Maybe that’s why but one of the aspects that really interest me in this drama is the profession of historians. I find it fascinating that everything the royals discuss needs to be recorded. I would appreciate it if someone can give me some information on that. Since what date did this custom existed? Is it only in the Korean court or widespread in the region? (There were discussions of customs of Chinese courts earlier in the drama).
Our arrogant but lovable prince is totally jealous of the male flies around his female historian and already in love. He is a hoot to watch. Crown Prince’s ship also seems to be sailing. I am liking the developments there as well.
I am mildly curious about the fact that King isn’t Rim’s father.
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Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)
August 10, 2019 at 7:09 AM
No expert, but the historians seem to have been a thing throughout the Joseon dynasty but not elsewhere or elsewhen (?). Joseon even cared enough to keep copies in separate parts of the kingdom, which came in handy during the 1590s Japanese invasion when 3 of the 4 copies were lost.
And as the show says, the subject being recorded was NOT supposed to see what they said about him. Records were for the edification of future rulers and the historians were supposed to not have to worry about offending the current king.
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Moonbean
August 10, 2019 at 7:27 AM
Thanks @lordcobol. What an amazing idea and practice! Before the drama started I didn't know what to expect in terms of what the historians would be doing from the title and synopsis of the drama as in my mind history is something you examine in hindsight. This truly is history in the making.
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tsutsuloo
August 10, 2019 at 11:40 AM
Ha!
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candycane
August 10, 2019 at 2:25 PM
I am watching Rookie Historian too. The story is refreshing, a light watch and it makes me happy. SSK is indeed a sageuk expert, I like her way more here than her previous rom-coms. CEW is still very green but his inexperience totally fits in with the prince's character. I love the Crown Prince, what a great actor and he is very handsome too. Don't you find the two princes look alike? I hate the King.
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kiara
August 10, 2019 at 10:47 PM
I'm no expert either and I'm not watching ROOKIE HISTORIAN but having a female historian during the Joseon dynasty is unheard of. The historiographers were government officials and women were not allowed to hold a government office.
From early Korean history to Joseon, the history was written by male scholars.
The Dongguk Tonggam: chronicle of the early history of Korea (Gojoseon etc). Compiled by Joseon scholars during King Sejo's reign.
Samguk Sagi: historical record of the Three Kingdoms (Shilla, Baekje and Gogoryeo). Compiled by Goryeo scholars led by Kim Busik during King Injong'e reign.
Goryeosa: history of Goryeo was compiled by Joseon scholars under King Sejong the Great.
Annals of the Joseon Dynasty: written daily by professional historiographers. It had very strict rules, even the king was not allowed to read what was written about him.
"I find it fascinating that everything the royals discuss needs to be recorded.Since what date did this custom existed? "
Annals of the Joseon Dynasty: 1413 to 1865
Every other historical records were written much later.
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Moonbean
August 11, 2019 at 4:37 AM
Thanks for the information @kiara. I know the female historian bit is not accurate. The histories of the earlier kingdoms and the land written afterwards are the traditional way history is written (or what I thought of history before this series). So what we are talking of here is the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty which was recorded day by day while the events were happening.
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kiara
August 11, 2019 at 7:23 AM
Right and Joseon history would be more accurate than earlier historical records.
Historiographers were expected to record facts without their personal opinions.
bong-soo
August 11, 2019 at 5:11 AM
@kiara,
I haven’t picked up RH either but I figured you would be the one to answer @moonbean’s question.
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kiara
August 11, 2019 at 7:29 AM
I probably will skip it and wait for MY COUNTRY.
I'm trying to watch 3 dramas (18, WATCHER, MELO) and I'm way behind with all of them.
WishfulToki
August 11, 2019 at 9:13 PM
@marcusnyc20 @kiara I watched a bit of ROOKIE HISTORIAN Ep. 1. It’s pretty and fun, but sadly I don’t think I’m in the mood for a light sageuk set in a fictional Joseon. I like to learn a bit of history from my sageuks, so the whole premise of a female historian getting into the palace doesn’t work for me. Even crossdressing would be better, but that was done in MOONLIGHT DRAWN BY CLOUDS (another fluffy sageuk that was too saccharine for my taste and ended up dropping).
In conclusion: I guess NOKDU FLOWER withdrawal is real. 😜
kiara
August 11, 2019 at 10:41 PM
@marcusnyc20 bong-soo and @wishfultoki
Sageuks is definitely my genre but I have never been a fan of dress up rom.com sageuks for some reason. It can be fun but does nothing else for me so we are on the same boat.
MY COUNTRY for sure will give us something to talk about.
I love PD Kim Jin-won and I'm super excited for the veteran supporting cast. Jang Hyuk, Kim Young Chul, Park Ye Jin (so glad to see her back),Yoo Oh Sung, Jang Young Nam etc.
bong-soo
August 12, 2019 at 5:34 AM
@kiara, @wishfultoki, @pakalanapikake,
Re MY COUNTRY. As usual with a cable drama I have availability angst.
Viki seems to have developed a relationship with JTBC (BEAUTIFUL WORLD and now MELO) so I am hoping Viki will license MC which follows MELO.
I will be pushing the Viki request form.
Please request MY COUNTRY here:
https://vikiinc.wufoo.com/forms/z1ovcsxe011lqq2/
Moonbean
August 11, 2019 at 5:21 AM
PS. A couple of years ago there was a new drama to be produced called "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty Talk". I wonder what happened to it?
http://www.dramabeans.com/2015/05/history-gets-an-sns-makeover-in-webtoon-adapted-cable-drama/
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kiara
August 11, 2019 at 7:52 AM
I don't know but it would have been fun to watch :).
MBC also produced a long series of Joseon's 500 yrs history (1983) and it took 8 yrs to complete.
Moonbean
August 10, 2019 at 4:37 AM
I am also current with Level Up which is quite predictable and cliché like all low budget small channel dramas but entertaining for what it is.
I have finished my first Thai drama Together with Me and will be watching Bad Romance for Korn and Knock’s further adventures but that may wait for another week until I finish my holiday and head home.
I was able to watch a few episodes of Unstoppable High Kick but Hotel del Luna is still on ice and I gave a break to Mother of Mine this week but next week I will catch up on that.
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12 Karmen ~ 🍜🏢🎭 ~ 📚☔🦋 ~ 🪂🌱💘 ~ ✨🍊💫 ~
August 10, 2019 at 4:35 AM
HOTEL DEL LUNA: eps. 7 and 8 were really beautiful; I was so angry when that... man said: "She was only one among the others"...
Now I can't wait to see the next ep. (and not only because of IU's outfits).
WELCOME 2 LIFE: it's beautifully done. Mini-ep. 2 was intense, but I'm glad the show isn't entirely so heavy.
I WANNA HEAR YOUR SONG: I love the use of classical music, but I don't know yet what to think about the story.
JUST BETWEEN LOVERS: the story is good so far (2 eps.). I hope it will be a healing drama.
LOVE AFFAIRS IN THE AFTERNOON: on hold. I am waiting for the last episodes, so, if there will be a disaster, I'll be able to watch it all at once.
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Kafiyah Bello
August 10, 2019 at 4:42 AM
Just Between Lovers is a fabulous healing drama
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Karmen ~ 🍜🏢🎭 ~ 📚☔🦋 ~ 🪂🌱💘 ~ ✨🍊💫 ~
August 10, 2019 at 8:15 AM
I'm glad to read it :)
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growingbeautifully
August 10, 2019 at 5:18 AM
@carmen I second @kafiyah-bello
Just Between Lovers is so very healing a drama. Hurts good and heals better!
Hotel (de la) Luna - I wanted to continue to screenshot her lovely clothes but I've no time and the screenshots were not all that sharp *sigh*. I really liked a couple of her outfits in Ep 8.
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Karmen ~ 🍜🏢🎭 ~ 📚☔🦋 ~ 🪂🌱💘 ~ ✨🍊💫 ~
August 10, 2019 at 8:19 AM
It's good to know, I was a little cautious about Just between lovers.
MW's clothes are almost all beautiful. If I took screenshots, I would need 3 hours per episode!
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 10, 2019 at 5:26 AM
Happy to see someone else watching Rain, I mean Welcome 2 Life.
Just Between Lovers is the best! I hope you love it.
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Karmen ~ 🍜🏢🎭 ~ 📚☔🦋 ~ 🪂🌱💘 ~ ✨🍊💫 ~
August 10, 2019 at 8:22 AM
Welcome 2 life piqued my interest and I was satisfied by the 4 mini episodes. It's a surprise, because I'm not a legal-drama person.
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tsutsuloo
August 10, 2019 at 1:49 PM
I briefly dipped into Welcome2Life. Who knew watermelon pajamas and farts could be so adorable?
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Karmen ~ 🍜🏢🎭 ~ 📚☔🦋 ~ 🪂🌱💘 ~ ✨🍊💫 ~
August 11, 2019 at 1:48 AM
They were, weren't they? :)
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13 Kafiyah Bello
August 10, 2019 at 4:37 AM
Welcome 2 Life: Hmmm, the first episode was not very good for me. Detective Ra was abusive. That stuff is not funny or interesting. The fact that Attorney Lee isn't a good person, doesn't mean Detective Ra should get to assault him, especially because she know he will let her get away with it. That being said the 2nd episode was much much better and I will continue to check it out.
A Moment at Eighteen: My love for this show continues to grow exponentially. Soo Bin and Joo Won are just so so adorable. Their mutal confessions were so cute, I hope Bumbi approves. The other thing I keep noting is how small Soo Bin is compared to her male leads, it is so adorable. As for Ro Mi and her arrogance, girl bye. Hwi Young, his family life is not healthy, he needs strong therapy and both he and his mother need away from his father. That being said I am rooting wholeheartedly for Sang Hoon to be number one, because he is smarter and deserves it, but also because Hwi Young is such an ass at school. At the same time I don't want Hwi Young to be beaten, ahhhh so conflicted.
Designated Survivor 60 Days: Here we are, nearing the end of our run. Our President has finally decided to run, he is healthy. Now the drama begins. Fighting President Moo Jin. As for Secretary Cha, he needed some happiness in these past two episodes, so I am glad he got something out of this debacle.
Justice: OOOOOOOH, the plot thickens. Here I thought he was accessory to murder. He is not. The crimes he should be convicted of are assault and battery. I realized while watching this drama that it is a love story. It is a love story between two men who were brought together due to necessity and/or circumstance. Watching Tae-Kyung's heart break when he found out the Chairman has something to do with his brother's death was so sad. The Chairman is also clearly resisting getting rid of Tae Kyung because he loves him as well. As for what happened 7 years ago, I'm placing big bets that it involves the Chairman's son and some weird revenge plan. The resolution to this drama should be interesting.
Doctor Detective: As our resident doctors are fighting corporations or TL to be more specific, Doctor Do is struggling to work, be free, and just see her kid. Tae Young is trying to get rid of Mo Sung Gook, rather badly. The Chairman has been poisoned and Choi Min is being groomed or manipulated. This drama is a mess and kind of dig it.
Class of Lies: Class of horrible humans more like it. We are finally at the halfway mark. The lines are clearly drawn, we know our good guys and our bad guys. What we don't know is who killed Soo Ah? I'm thinking it is either Jun or his father. Those two are very scary, what psychos.
When the Devil Calls Your Name: If that is Lee Seol singing, she has a beautiful crystalline voice. It is so pleasant to hear. Our resident devil seems to be resistant to the idea of taking her soul, hmmm, the mystery deepens. As for Ha Rip, he is a hot mess, and I...
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shach
August 10, 2019 at 5:59 AM
I really hope they'll release her version of that Liver and Gallblader song, and Love Trap.
I had the same thoughts on Welcome 2 Life, the second episode was so much better.
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PMSahjumoni
August 10, 2019 at 9:19 PM
Why is the FL so abusive in Welcome 2 Life? I mean I like watching Rain getting his smug face slapped around as much as the next person but the violence was so unwarranted. If that is the tone of the show, I don't think I can keep watching.
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 11, 2019 at 12:00 AM
She wasn't that way in the second hour.
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Kafiyah Bello
August 11, 2019 at 6:15 AM
Seconding @ndlessjoie, she was much better in the 2nd hour, I would've stopped watching if it continued in that vein.
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14 💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
August 10, 2019 at 4:38 AM
CurrENTLY VatcHING:
Tree With Deep Roots, Episode 13-
I am addicted. I don't care if it's over dramatised as heck.
Hotel De La Luna, Episode 8-
If Chan Seong doesn't search the ends of Seoul to find Man Weol and then just kiss the @#$% out of her this week, then what is the point.
A Moment At Eighteen, Episode 6-
Hi, thanks, just gonna go bury all my repressed memories from high school that you bought up ha ha ha I'm fine.
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 10, 2019 at 5:30 AM
Maybe we should take bets on ep 8 HdL? Will they follow K-drama kiss law or nah? I hope they torture us by showing more flashbacks and keeping them apart with Chan Seong searching his heart out.
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💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
August 10, 2019 at 5:35 AM
Are you advocating this separation, mugyuljoie? Are you advocating Your Queen losing her mind? How dare you. They have to make this bearable for me in some way or I shall not be able to take it! Gimme the damn kiss! That more more blood...
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 10, 2019 at 5:39 AM
I kind of enjoy people losing their minds on the fan wall. As long as IU is still in great nails and tossing boss looks, I'm happy.
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💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
August 10, 2019 at 5:43 AM
Ignoring the fact that I was never sane in the first place, I am taking this as an act of treason. OFF WITH YOUR HEAD.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 10, 2019 at 5:45 AM
If I find coconut melona that can be shipped to NZ will my head be reattached?
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
August 10, 2019 at 5:49 AM
*strokes beard* That depends on how well you behave during your probation period after the execution.
I may enlist Man Weol's help in judging your fate. You better be a good ghostie... or else no matter how many coconut melonas you send me ... *poof*
Kafiyah Bello
August 11, 2019 at 6:18 AM
ooooooh you are from NZ, I'll be visiting you there in October. I'm excited for the future *wink, wink*
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sph_7
August 10, 2019 at 8:42 AM
What’s the point of betting when ep8 was aired last week?
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 10, 2019 at 9:58 AM
I assumed she meant 9 (or even 10 since she lives in the future).
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tsutsuloo
August 10, 2019 at 11:45 AM
This is true. New Zealanders actually do live in the future.😜
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
August 10, 2019 at 2:21 PM
Zee Episode count here is where I've watched to. The comment was about tomorrow or well actually today that is the future that is episode 9/10 ^-^
15 oppafangirl
August 10, 2019 at 4:39 AM
So, this was a long mixed week, I was in a partial slump, but I managed to still watch some shows (maybe I was not in a slump, ok whatever...)
A moment at 18 I know how it feels to be stuck with a classmate like Hwi-young, in short, it sucks and you can't wait to plan your revenge, mine was pretty well achieved, though now I hope that my frenemy is doing well in whatever she is doing. .. Fighting Joo Woon! You can do it!
Happy if you died I finally finished the manhwa and it is one of the finest stories written in term of character growth and never preachy. I just don't get how could they make that TV show out of this, but anyways Karma got to them for messing up with the story and now I wonder if the ML is thinking it would have been better if there was really a time loop, or is he not redeemable? This author is gifted (in a lot of ways, and her predictions have been giving me goosebumps) and the number of meta refrences killed me, it was just phenomenal. Thnak you @leetennant, because without you I would have missed out this master piece work. This is now on my to buy list of books from Korea in Korean!
Devil There is no chemistry (even as a father-daughter or mentor-mentee or as an antagonist one because her soul is going to pay the price of his freedom as well) between the female lead and JKH. But there is ample one between JKW and PSW along with Lee El to keep me watching. And Editor-nim, please do a better job, can you, huh? the tones are super awkward.
17 year old condition This was a dark horse of a gem (even literary).
Be Melodramatic Yessssssssssssss, I am ready for it, the first 10 minutes had around 200 dialogues, this should explain how much they talk in this show, usually the shows have around 100-120 dialogues in 10 min slots...
But the talking purse killed me!! Let's go on girls!
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16 Tiara
August 10, 2019 at 4:54 AM
Currently watching and enjoying Rookie Historian while waiting for Love Alarm. I've never disliked Shin Saekyung but I've also never liked her this much. The plot has a good balance between romcom and intrigue and I love how the regular tropes have been reversed in many ways. Watching the Crown Prince and Historian doing manual labour was hilarious.
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kiara
August 11, 2019 at 10:54 PM
I'm waiting for LOVE ALARM too and I was surprised to find an article about it on ScreenAnarchy. I frequent this site for film info and reviews but this was kind of cool.
https://screenanarchy.com/2019/08/love-alarm-trailer-korean-ya-romance-rings-bells.html
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17 maono
August 10, 2019 at 4:55 AM
Moment at eighteen : Still my favorite drama this summer. I'm just feeling so many things as I'm watching... I thought at the start Jungwoo and I were alike, but he grown up so much in few episodes, he's already way ahead of me lmao. It's such a comfort drama. I wish I could hug all those kids.
Hotel Del Luna : I'm definitely not a big Hong Sister's fan, but this drama just keeps getting better and better. I'm loving the "past" - part, and i cried so much last episode. But the "present" part, is just as good honestly. The last episode was amazing, and I loved seeing Man Wol's doing something bad, like really bad, with is pretty rare for a drama protagonist. IU's acting is great, really.
Let me hear your song : Had no expectation, but it was fun. I strangely keep thinking about it. It wasn't THAT good, but i'm curious about what will happen next week.
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Karmen ~ 🍜🏢🎭 ~ 📚☔🦋 ~ 🪂🌱💘 ~ ✨🍊💫 ~
August 10, 2019 at 8:32 AM
The scenes with the bride in Hotel del Luna was of great effect.
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snowy
August 10, 2019 at 3:10 PM
"I thought at the start Jungwoo and I were alike, but he grown up so much in few episodes, he's already way ahead of me lmao."
IKR?!
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maono
August 10, 2019 at 4:39 PM
I KNOOOOOW.
I thought i would hate him to evolve so much, so quickly, when i've been stuck in the same damn place since forever, but... It strangely makes me happy ? Like when he said "We're just eighteen" ??? I mean i'm much older but i can't believe i've been cheered up by that kid's words.
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snowy
August 10, 2019 at 5:36 PM
Yes. I too feel stuck in some aspects of my life, and I saw a lot of myself in him at first. Even though he progressed faster than I expected, I’m happy for him. It gives me hope that maybe I could do the same 😀.
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18 miss h
August 10, 2019 at 4:59 AM
Designated Survivor: 60 Days: The Secretary Cha and Secretary Jung ship is stalled, but the Secretary Cha and Park Moo Jin ship is sailing. Secretary Cha's smile - so cute.
A Moment at Eighteen: JW and SB are cute but my heart is with JW and Teacher Oh.
Doctor John: I’m glad SY is gaining confidence and solved two cases herself. Yo Han being a CIPA patient explains a lot. I shouldn't ship the two because of the teacher/student aspect, but I kind of can't help it.
Watcher: I knew “Boyfriend” was suspicious.
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 10, 2019 at 5:32 AM
My heart is also with JW and Teacher Oh. Not really a bromance, more like brotherly love.
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zzthorn
August 10, 2019 at 7:52 AM
@miss h On Dr John, I hated the plot twist that shows Yo Han as being a CIPA patient as it seems such a burden and so unnecessary. To me it seems as if that is just throwing too many logs on the fire. There was already enough going on in that drama to keep us busy watching. The CIPA just was so disappointing to me. And really, how the heck did he make it through 3 years of prison? It's like the writers threw in the CIPA just for some extra drama even though we already had enough drama going on.
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miss h
August 10, 2019 at 9:37 AM
I don't disagree. I didn't hate it, and I do find it interesting, but there is plenty of drama going on with the euthanasia stuff, SY's dad, and whatever plans various people have for CYH.
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Blue (@mayhemf)
August 11, 2019 at 6:13 PM
I did facepalm at that!! And he survived prison by suturing himself by spraying hand sanitizer. (Didn’t they show that in episode 1/2?)
I think that whole thing is introduced to start the romance.
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19 PilTa
August 10, 2019 at 5:05 AM
I just finished Remember a week ago. After such a serious drama, I wanted to watch something light. Started with Rookie Historian Goo Haeryung and I find myself enjoying it so far.
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20 cat-cric-kat
August 10, 2019 at 5:07 AM
I don't love you yet - 8 out of 10
Nagi's vacation - almost dropped
Kamitoons - 7/10
Korean:
Hear Song - 7/10
Hotel - 7/10
Devil - 7.5/10
18 - 3/10 trash
Be melodramatic - 8/10
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cat-cric-kat
August 10, 2019 at 8:53 AM
I'm Back. Thanks buddy. As i said in 2017,2018 and now in 2019.
Ep07 of i don't love you yet had worst scene and acting. that's why i had to reduce the rating.
Nagi's manga won award but the show is so slow and still Nagi's is standing at 1st episode that Drop is a certain option now.
Its KAMITUNES my friend - well toons is quite fitting too.
Daughter of- is a must watch now for comedy action.
Coffee - read comments. everyone likes this trash. Demand and supply. If audience is like this then writers will come up with this nonsense again and again.
Okazu Kun - okay
My Brother's Husband - popular manga. got movie. episodes translated now. Try it.
Chase - Tsubasa Honda. try it.
Welcome to Our Home - Try it.
Heaven - 1st episode translated. watched. its humour is not for everyone.
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cat-cric-kat
August 10, 2019 at 9:01 AM
And Live - 7.5 out of 10. 1st episode aired. translated.
watched. Arimura Kasumi is looking good but I'm a bit disappointed with overly dramatic story. It looks kinda forced and it appears Writer is taking advantage of 2011 event. MUST WATCH IT.
SACHIKO - 8.5 OUT OF 10. QUALITY demands lot of chant and shout.
As i said earlier in 2017,2018 and now in 2019(continuously) 2nd half Kdramas most of the times are better than 1st half dramas. Narrowmind personalities link my criticism of kdramas as insult of them and ignore whatever else i say.
Any Drama getting 6+ score is above average in my views.
DEVil is irresponsible Humour and Kyung Hoo is so good at it.
Hear Song - a typical story but main characters are better.
Hotel - Women fighting over a men. Lately too many heroines are in heat. this one is 1000+ years in waiting.
Side stories are better done than main srory. Sancheez Voice has that nice tech touch.
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candycane
August 10, 2019 at 2:31 PM
Heaven - I like it. True, its humour is not for everyone. I enjoy it very much.
Have you started Coffee and Vanilla? Do you recommend it?
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candycane
August 10, 2019 at 2:32 PM
ooops pardon me - you did mention "Coffee", so it is trash huh... ok I won't start then. Don't really like the male lead...
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PakalanaPikake
August 12, 2019 at 6:29 AM
@catocat,
Thanks for the news that MY BROTHER'S HUSBAND now has English subtitles. I've been keeping an eye open for it. I can't wait to watch it. ;-)
Now if only there were English subtitles for the 2006 Japanese film CHOSYU FIVE, so NOKDU FLOWER (and MR. SUNSHINE) fans like me could geek out to the true story of the samurai sent from Chosyu Domain to study Western technology in London in 1863. My hair stood on end when I recognized the names of two of the Japanese officials who appear or are mentioned in NOKDU FLOWER. It definitely threw an interesting sidelight on later events in Joseon. After recently coming across a note in my Kdrama log with a pointer to Beanie @alua's lovely review of the film, I tracked it down and watched it raw last week. Very interesting, and would be even more so in translation. Luckily, there is some English dialogue when the setting shifts from Japan to London and Glasgow.
http://asianwiki.com/Chosyu_Five
https://alualuna.wordpress.com/2013/07/07/review-chosyu-five/
Kudos for a great synopsis and historical background notes. One of the Chosyu Five studied shipbuilding in Glasgow (much as Tsar Peter the Great did in the Netherlands), and became acquainted with "Auld Lang Syne." He brought the song back to Japan, where the melody has been used for alma maters. In one of my first Open Thread posts back in 2016, when I asked about a different Western-sounding school song that is sung in TAMPOPO when the Ramen Guru retires, @alua kindly gave me the pointer to this film. Be sure to check out more great reviews on her Otherwhere blog, which includes Korean as well as Japanese movies. ;-)
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cat-cric-kat
August 10, 2019 at 9:07 AM
Be Melodramatic - 8/10 Yes i'm giving a Kdrama 8 in its 1st week. Well, its 1st week so rating is high from me. 1st Tempory writer's story is told in abrupt manner so a bit confused me but other 2 heroine's story is quite simply told and is even predcitable. Heroine with a kid did one stupid stupid act and look at her life now.stupid girl. That guy looked charming because of his own odd personality but he was a big danger right in front.
3rd one is Already a patient and all others are letting her go. Why? because they fear THE CHANGE. wow.
Overall pretty nice predictable 1st episode. You could easily see something gonna go wrong with every girl and 3rd girl having some mental issues.
18 - School Porn trash. that's the only description this show needs. Its literal porn.
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shach
August 10, 2019 at 9:11 AM
You mean Moment at Eighteen?
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cat-cric-kat
August 10, 2019 at 9:18 AM
CHINESE - Mr. Fighting - is good. I thought it gonna be another idol romance nonsense with all the troupes and cliches but it actually is quite better than that.
Novoland -I want fights. more fights. Too much flattery and to long to take action. so skip most and move toward real meal.
Gank Your Heart - 3/10 trash. 22ep watched. skip nonsense. Not much gaming. ridiculous drama all around. Heroine is sexually assaulted and 10minutes later forgotten. heck, this issue was never even brought up. Audience can see assult happening and hero make superhero entry and then get surprised to see heroine in the car.
Other girl's nude, semi-nude pics taken and blackmailed. but it is wrapped up in 1 minute. YES 1 MINUTE.
SHOW is mow quality trash.
JOHN - This doctors show is another level of trash. Forced Romance gonna ruin whatever credibility this show ever had.
No rules, regulations, privacy in this show. One must ask whether these doctor even have any license.
Love is Deep - big big headache. Trash. skip watched. Someone save Chinese Audience from all of tv media's torture. These writers are there to mentally torture the audience. Mentally preparing the to accept the brutalities of their 1 and only 1 party.
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21 snowy
August 10, 2019 at 5:07 AM
A MOMENT AT EIGHTEEN - Ep. 5-6
Still loving it. A lot.
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Pennyroyal
August 10, 2019 at 11:03 AM
Moment of eighteen being TRASH and Devil getting a 7.5 is the BIGGEST JOKE of the year LOL
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 11, 2019 at 12:03 AM
It's been really good so far.
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22 shach
August 10, 2019 at 5:12 AM
My watchlist is long but I'm truly invested in dramas where I care about character and that would be MOMENT AT EIGHTEEN, DS:60 DAYS and WATCHER. This are not perfectly scripted drama (looking at you DESIGNATED SURVIVOR) but actors really make those character come alive to me and interested in their outcome in their respective drama.
On that note I was irritated by characters writing in ROOKIE HISTORIAN, DOCTOR DETECTIVE and CLASS OF LIES and started considrering dropping them.
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mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 11, 2019 at 12:05 AM
Have you watched the first episode of Melo Suits Me? You might like it.
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shach
August 11, 2019 at 1:10 AM
Yes, I watched it later and loved it, hope it continue be this good.
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23 WishfulToki
August 10, 2019 at 5:22 AM
A MOMENT AT EIGHTEEN (Ep. 6): Love it. ❤️🚲 It’s bringing back memories of golden days when I was eighteen, like having impromptu pyjama parties with my friends. The drama balances the cute with a whole lot of difficult, awkward, and embarrassing moments. I can’t relate to being bullied but I do remember being stuck with an unwanted desk partner lol.
ROOKIE HISTORIAN: I couldn’t get into the light mood of Ep. 1, but I have downloaded all the episodes to binge later. Forgive me, Crown Prince!
Cdrama
NOVOLAND EAGLE FLAG (Ep. 14): It’s unusual for an epic because the main hero is a pacifist (so far). Asule (Liu Haoran), a sickly prince born with a curse that he’d destroy the kingdom one day (yay), actually wants to save lives rather than take them. I like him a lot, but I hope he becomes more proactive so the story can get moving. And he should stop swearing eternal friendship with Ji Ye! It’s making me nervous.
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news
August 10, 2019 at 5:39 PM
I checked out NOVOLAND EAGLE FLAG and will most likely drop it, but the Novoland world is intriguing and the production quality (i.e. cinematography, costume, music) is saga worthy. Unfortunately, the pacing is slow after the first few episodes, so I've relied heavily on the FF button.
Here's a link that gives a comprehensive overview of Novoland:
https://liuhaoranintl.com/2019/05/30/an-introduction-to-novoland-eagle-flag/
Be Melodramatic is my current favorite drama. I need the song at the end of episode 2.
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24 Pensola
August 10, 2019 at 5:23 AM
I am mainly watching Rookie Historian, though as I said in the recap earlier, I am still waiting cautiously for the moment the drama turns from the female lead to be about the men and their problems and drama, with her either 1) anxiously watching somewhere, or 2) working somewhere completely different, 3) happily standing in the sideline writing what they do, or 4) in a coma. To be honest, the third thing might work considering a big flaw of hers in this career is that she should not get involved with things, but at the same time, I am just waiting.
However, one thing I was thinking when watching the drama, was how I thought the crown prince and female lead could be a thing, if the drama wanted for that. And I realized why: It reminds me sort of of the relationship between Dong Yi and the King in "Dong Yi", where two smart but dorky people meet and have a professional but friendly relationship for a while before they slowly realize that their fondness turned to affections to love, and I think it would have been an interesting thing to watch the female lead have a romance in that regard.
However, I do find myself liking Yi Rim more now that they are outside and interact with more subjects than before. I just think, for now, I am more interested in the female lead and her career, like Stroopwafel said, and I am just waiting for her to become a supporting character in the story of Yi Rim and the palace drama. Which, I hope, hope won't happen.
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25 mano
August 10, 2019 at 5:24 AM
DS: 60 DAYS (k-drama)
The only currently airing drama that I'm watching. I suspect the mole in Blue House is the previous Chief of Staff who's also Sec Cha's mentor. I will be sad if I'm right.
THE WANDERING EARTH (c-movie)
It's like Armageddon but...worse. I don't understand any technical aspect in this film. Unfortunately unlike Armageddon, it's also failed in showing warmth among the characters and it doesn't have great rock Ballad OST like 'I Don't Want to Miss A Thing'. Despite all the things I have mentioned, it's still watchable and getting better in the later half. I give it 6 out of 10.
HOW LONG WILL I LOVE U (c-movie)
Can we have Lei Jiayin and Tong Liya to be paired in another project, preferably in a 40-70 episodes drama. I can't get enough with their chemistry. They're so cute together. Score: 8 out of 10
LAST (k-drama)
I'm having difficulty to finish this drama. I can't connect with the main hero. An actor can make or break a drama. I don't know if he's anxious, deceitful or holding p**p. I'm already at episode 15, one more episode to finish so I can log it as completed on MDL.
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shach
August 10, 2019 at 6:03 AM
DS:60 DAYS, wasn't Sec. Han cleared? He wasn't even in Korea that day, it was found out that other people could have access to those files. I hope that no one in presidential team is a mole, I grew attached to them.
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mano
August 11, 2019 at 2:02 AM
I don't know..maybe someone hacked the immigration record, he did go but went back with fisherman boat. I know I'm not making sense here 😄
It just the other staff who have been cleared are the transcriber lady and two protocol guys. None of them seems have any desire for power.
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tsutsuloo
August 10, 2019 at 11:51 AM
😂😂😂 This makes me want to make my own fake movie poster with negative quotes.
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26 Kurama
August 10, 2019 at 5:26 AM
Let Me Hear Your Song A weird story but a charming Yun Woo Jin whom I was missing.
A Moment at Eighteen It's a nice drama but I don't find it better than other youth kdramas.
Designated Survivor: 60 Days I only watch it for Secretary Cha and this week was so satisfying!
Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung I like everything about our heroine! But the ML's arc and CEW's acting make it difficult for me to root for their couple...
Doctor Detectiv I didn't watch these week episodes.
Class of Lies The scenes between Mr Temp and the students are so great! The guilty or nor guilty part was pretty intense.
When the Devil Calls Your Name I love the humor but overall I like this OST!
Melo Suits Me I didn't expect so sad stories... But I liked the first episode.
Watcher They finally formed a team! Minus the rookie and her "boyfriend".
Hotel del Luna I love everything! The flashbacks, the present and the ghost's stories.
17 Years Old Condition It wasn't what I was expecting but it was really nice to have a youth drama addressing these themes. It's so rare in Kdrama even for the ones taking place at university. The young cast was really great.
Level Up RIP Monkey
I Don't Love You Yet I really like this japanese version of In Time With You. The main actors are great together. My only complaint is the choice of actors for the young worker and her ex, they were way hotter in the original version :D
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mango
August 10, 2019 at 6:59 AM
17 Years Old Condition: I wished it had more episodes and expend more on the girl's "activity". It could've given a deeper view on sex seen by teens.
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egads aka Dame Maggie
August 10, 2019 at 12:01 PM
I went into this one completely blind, and the end of episode one blew my mind. I was as gobsmacked as that boy when he found the condoms left by the tutor, and then the girl at the door. I feel like there are more appropriate ways to incentivize studying.
I almost wish there were two mirror episodes from her point of view. While I appreciate the drama taking on the topics it did, the limits of two episodes meant that we didn't delve deep enough into the lives and motivations of characters.
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Kurama
August 10, 2019 at 12:04 PM
I don't think they could release a long story on a public channel about it... It's sad because I would love to see it.
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SadKDramaLama
August 11, 2019 at 9:11 PM
@egads @kurama & @mango
A drama that followed the rationale for her sex-work would be a different story and would probably end up in a Makjang Cul-de-sac it couldn't escape from.
I like that in this drama her sex work doesn't define her or how we see her (how big a change is that). This show really does pull the bandaid off to reveal many of the fallacies about relationships and family in SK - at points it is brutal and heartbreaking.
"17 Years Old Condition" is a fantastic 2 ep drama in the traditions of an Ernest Hemingway short story (it's like you get on a train and overhear part of an other passenger's ongoing conversation only to get off the train before they finish - it's just a moment in time)
This for me is looking like one of the best dramas of the year - However, I prefer its alternate title: "Everything and Nothing".
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Hellofromtheotherside
August 10, 2019 at 4:37 PM
I don't understand the girls motivation for sleeping around. I thought maybe she's saving money for something important but at the end it was revealed she wasn't saving it but she just couldn't spend it. So why was she doing this. As a punishment to her mom. Or copying mom? Or wanting her attention by getting caught. Someone please explain because it just didn't make sense to me.
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egads aka Dame Maggie
August 10, 2019 at 8:34 PM
I think the writers left her motivation for working as a call girl ambiguous on purpose. You've listed several plausible reasons, but I think it could also be argued that it was a way to have some control and autonomy over her own body. Is it a a logical decision? No. But then adolescents are not famous for logic.
I don't think it's necessarily supposed to make sense. What she is doing is reacting to the very strict control her mother exerts over her life, and even, invasively, over the natural functions of her body. Anyways, that's the read I got on her actions.
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mango
August 10, 2019 at 11:59 PM
I agree with @egads. Even if I wanted to know her motivation behind it, the writer left it to the viewers to guess.
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tsutsuloo
August 10, 2019 at 11:55 AM
My favorite aspect of I Don't Love You Yetis the warm friendship between the leads and their families. I haven't watched the most recent episode yet because I expect to cringe a lot with her ex back in the picture.
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Kurama
August 10, 2019 at 12:02 PM
Actually, he's not here yet. But I saw him in the teaser. For the friendship, they kep it like in the original and it's really nice. I loved In Time With You and I'm really happy to see a good remake.
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27 seoul_searcher
August 10, 2019 at 5:37 AM
Be Melodramatic: i didn't catch any of the promos for this show so i had no expectations. I was quite wary about the tone being too crack coming from the 'twenty' writer/director but i'm already so hooked on all the ladies. Boy am i glad to see Chun Woo Hee on the small screen again after two years and the reporter from 'Save Me' in a definite girl crush role. The three girls friendship and cohabitation already have my heart and i can't wait to see them laugh and cry over relatable situations
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mango
August 10, 2019 at 6:07 AM
I followed the promo but didn't expect this melo ton. What a well fitted title! I hope we'll get to see more of Chun Woo Hee in dramas, even if I like her in Chungmuro too.