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Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

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…

 

tipsymocha


The King: Eternal Monarch
: It’s. Over. *throws confetti* OK, is that mean?? That feels mean. Especially because, if I’m being totally honest, there were some enjoyable aspects of the show that I appreciated, most of which consisted of me laughing at the utter ridiculousness of some scenes. (That sword-swinging showdown in the middle of downtown Busan had me in TEARS laughing; I mean, c’mon, they rode in on a cavalry of HORSES). And I did respect that the cast and crew didn’t appear to phone it in even when it became clear that the show wouldn’t be the mega-hit they all expected it to be. With, of course, the glaring, conspicuous exception of the writing. This is where the show had me pulling my hair out in frustration, right up ’til the bitter, bitter end. You’d think that once I got to Episode 15, I’d just accept the fact that the writer and her team had thought of no internal logic to speak of, but I made the fatal mistake of making up a whole backstory that would actually make (most) of the show make sense. Like, for example, how the universe split in two because that ancient, magical tree in the opening credits was cut down, and the reason why Gon’s Korea fared better throughout history is because Prince Sohyeon decided to make that goddamn wooden flute out of the tree’s wood in his world, but not the other. I even had a whole backstory for the origin of that tree, why Head Court Lady Noh was brought over as a young girl, and who that yoyo-ing boy (man?) is. But then, we got that extended fanservice montage in the last episode where there appears to be an infinite number of universes, which totally decimated my theories and destroyed any legitimate attempt at logic – I ended up torturing myself with questions like, if time is not linear across the different universes and in that in-between space, how in the world (heh) are the main couple managing to go on their universe-jumping trips for just one weekend at a time? And are they even managing to know which tower/beam/stalk of light leads back to their own worlds? Does my legitimately being frustrated over these questions make me a masochist? Maybe. I blame the sunk-cost fallacy. It won’t be the first time I fell for that trap in dramaland, and I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last.

Mystic Pop-up Bar: I don’t really know why I’m enjoying this show so much. It feels like bits and pieces of plot points that we’ve seen before, but it’s all held together in a charming, quirky way that manages to tug at my heartstrings at the appropriate beats. There are moments when the show feels almost nostalgic because it pulls out well-worn drama tropes that were maybe more in vogue 10 years ago, i.e. the two-dimensional villain, and the merry-go-round of noble idiocy fueled by unexpressed, pent-up remorse and tragic love that could be somewhat resolved by having some long overdue conversations. Except, I feel like the stakes are great enough that these main characters deserve an emphasis on the Noble, though the idiocy is still there in the background. I mean, you can’t really get higher stakes than an eternity of suffering for your child or an eternity in, you know, hell. Additionally, I’m loving the fact that this makeshift family may not actually be makeshift, which gives an undercurrent of bittersweetness to all their moments together and a dramatic oomph to the fact that they managed to unknowingly reunite despite literal heaven and earth trying to keep them apart. I’m pretty sure that we’ll get a happy ending with this one (*knock on wood*), but the obstacles in the way of that are sufficiently high enough that I’m actually worried how they’re gonna all make it safely to the other side.

Who Kissed Me: I’m not really an avid watcher of web dramas, but for whatever reason, I decided to watch a quick 15-minute episode of this when it popped up on my Youtube suggestions. Rookie mistake, of course, since I binged the entire series in one night and I ended up awake at 3:30 AM with bags under my eyes the next day. It’s a whodunnit show with the lowest, cutest of stakes (see: title), and it’s also a really satisfying friends-to-lovers rom-com that’s well-acted, which is definitely not a given in a web drama. It doesn’t hurt that the actors are super easy on the eyes, either. To anyone looking for a low-commitment watch, I highly recommend this show. I don’t doubt we’ll be seeing more of its stars in dramaland too, sooner or later.

 

missvictrix

Currently weecapping: Backstreet Rookie

Unfamiliar Family: Should I like this show less? I feel like I should, but I can’t stop myself from loving it. The acting is off the charts, and every episode I’m so impressed how the melodrama is grounded by fantastic performances, a great script, and some awesome direction. How can a drama with so many melodramatic moments and plot lines feel so real at the same time? I just love it. Also Eun-joo.

 

quirkycase

Currently recapping: My Unfamiliar Family

Good Casting: Everything ended pretty much as expected. My opinion of this drama stayed consistent throughout. It was okay overall, but I never felt that invested. I think my main issue was that the overarching plot wasn’t interesting to me, so the mystery and their actual operation fell flat.Although it wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, I did enjoy some of the character moments (but bleh to the pushed romance between Ye-eun and the manchild) and comedic aspects.

Mystic Pop-up Bar: Now we’re really delving into the past life angle. I’m glad for the character focus, but I’m not super into the stereotypical first love that endures forever thing. I don’t know why we can’t just have people come together spontaneously rather than having to have relationships be fated all the time. Sometimes I just want to see random people connecting and bonding without it being preordained.

 

selena

Currently recapping: Will You Have Dinner With Me

Mystic Pop-up Bar: I expected myself to fall in love with this show right from the get go, but was admittedly having a hard time connecting to the characters emotionally for the first half of its run. I was always more drawn to the Wol-ju of the past than the one of the present. However, I just caught up from last week and I’m all-in now! I think Manager Gwi is spectacular and deserves everything good in the world. The trio are the most adorable little family and I can’t wait for the dramatic reveal of Manager Gwi’s identity… and then the even more dramatic reveal of Kang-bae’s. Speaking of Kang-bae, he and Yeo-rin are such a riot and I’m rooting for them all the way hehehe.

 
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I'm behind with nearly everything. And that's because I dived into Tiger and Rose and enjoy it so much! Well, it actually began when I was checking the first two episodes of Lost Romance, a Taiwanese drama about a girl who suddenly gets inside a Harlequin novel with overbearing CEO 😁 ...and I was getting bored with the first episode with all that chaebol evilling (or evil chaebolling??)... and couldn't stop thinking how Tiger and Rose was captivating from the first minute. I did finish the two episodes, but can't say I was impressed. Maybe third time will be the charm? Anyway, I then went back to Tiger and Rose and 16 episodes in I still love it. And I still think it is very well written. The first layer is a comedy, sometimes with silly situations and jokes... but I still laugh a lot (and I looove those two sidekicks of our leads!! Their expressions at the background are often gold 😁). Then there is the storytelling when the general events of the original script are kept and yet altered by the changes the heroine makes. (And vice versa, even when the heroine alters some things, the main events still happen.) I also like how everyone has different agenda and it is often fun to see how they are trying to play each other and how some actions lead to totally opposite effects.
The characters have purpose and are not abandoned randomly. Some even have their own story, like the Second Princess who is slowly turning evil because her mom hasn't given her the attention she longs for.. and the envy is eating her up. And last, but not least, there is the layer of criticizing our gender stereotypes and prejudices. To sum up, I feel that the writers know what they want to say and how and that they know where they are heading to... and respect my intelligence 😁 There is also enough laugh, love and pretty... and I love the credit songs and often find myself still watching and listening to the closing song when an episode finishes.

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The only other show I still watched this week was Dinner Mate. (That was before I went back to T&R 😆). And boy did I get angry at Dohee (or the writer, because it felt so not Dohee). When she realises who Haekyung really is and sets up the meeting, I honestly thought she was going to come clean about who she is... but... instead she only says those hurtful words... and ABANDONES Haekyung! Like his mom... 😤
She gets a second chance later... and again ruins it! Haekyung on the other hand was awesome, especially how firm he was with Jaehyuk. Btw, Lee Ji Hoon is great as the manipulative psychopath, the signs were here from the beginning (I wonder whether the pills are for treating some mental disorder) and this week I got shivers from Jaehyuk. Well, I am still not sure I am happy with the sudden thriller tone... luckily we got all those imaginations and CLOY references to lighten it up 😁

Looking forward to catch up with Pop-up Bar and Baby.

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I'm using your comment to post my view. intention clear from start.

There are dozen Japanese food dramas and various realty shows all over the world where main theme is eating food outside/ in unknown places/ places hidden in big cities/ street food art and food exploration. This isn't something new or original but still far better idea than having useless side characters whose only purpose out there is to fill the time.

Eating food together has so much meaning to it but incompetent writer is unable to use any food related symbolism. It feels like writer himself/herself self-insert into characters. I can feel writer's sorrowful soju days.

It would have been more fun if both main leads each week find a new unknown place that provides quality food. Through food engagement we should be able to see the relationship growth. Also side characters revealing the identities of main characters is pathetic writing.

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I like what you wrote... and am sad the show didn't take that route. Also should check whether the U-shape table jdrama got subtitled.

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One of the best SKoran food shows was hidden in Forest of Secrets. Seriously, how was there not a spin off of Cho Seung-Woo & Bae Doo-Na do Pojangmacha?

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Apologies....SKorean

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“ Eating food together has so much meaning to it but incompetent writer is unable to use any food related symbolism.”

This is so perfectly on point!

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Did you watch the ending of Tiger and Rose yet? Do tell me what you think!

I really really enjoy Tiger and Rose. And the sidekicks are seriously golden lol They're soooooo hilarious. Their side comment is my everything

About second princess: I honestly think that she's written that way because of the crappy script at first lol But then again, I can see why she becomes evil because of her mom issue

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I’m watching on Viki and they don’t have the last few episodes yet. It’s such a darling show though. I loved it from the very first episode! It’s so clever, and the layers are amazing and it’s so much fun to see her calculating what’s gone wrong and how to fix her plot.

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I use wetv. You can see it there :)

Yeah. We all know that it's crappy from the start so we really have no expectation. But it turns out to be so good and so fun

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The "real" story has more depth than the original script 😁
And those writers' meet-ups with discussions about Orange, Banana and Apple always crack me up 😂

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It shows everything can happen in drama script lol

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Another Lost Romance viewer!!! I personally think, that show is kind of lame. Lame may be a big word so I'll say underwhelming and that is so because there have been three shows who have done this setup quite well. Extra ordinary you was good too but The romance of tiger and rose was the best. Hence, LR seems a little 2013 ish and the characters aren't really growing on me. However, I still tune in because such stories are a little addictive . I haven't still finished Tiger and rose but I love it except for what HS did in ep 19 which sort of destroyed his character for me. But it's quite well written.

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I am trying to think that the two episodes were just a looooong setup and the real (good) story will start in episode 3. Hopefully.

I watched only 16 eps of T&R... and a bit of 17... so far only scared of future Noble Idiocy... and still hope part of the plot will return to the modern times.

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I dropped Lost Romance as well, but will probably pick it back up once the silliness is over and it gets to the real stuff.
Tiger and Rose, huh? I didn't like it, but I'll try again since you liked it so much. I'm liking Love a Lifetime so far, but then I really like the two leads a lot so that should keep me invested awhile.

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Same! I couldn't make it through episode 1 of lost romance

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I agree completely, The Romance of Tiger and Rose is worlds better than Lost Romance. The story line of The Romance of Tiger and Rose stayed interesting throughout all of the episodes and they managed to give us a good ending, which with transmigration/time travel dramas doesn't always happen.

I hope the evil, murderous half-sister plot line in Lost Romance won't have significant air time going forward as that plot line completely drags down my enjoyment of the drama.

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This is why I love reading DramaBeans! Beanies like you, @dorotka inform the rest of us, clueless, about gems that they are watching right now! There was another beanie, who recommended Taiwanese's Someday or One Day, and I just binged it, and now you, recommend Tiger and Rose, which after 4 episodes, I'm addicted to! I could never get into any of the Mandarin-speaking dramas, and thank you so much for suggestion. Tiger and Rose such a pleasurable viewing: it's written more as a sitcom (about 30 minutes per espiode), which I definitely enjoyed (especially after getting irritated with recent K-drama trend of hour long episodes, filled with fluffy filler), delightful characters, interesting plot and THE love chemistry. I don't know much at all about C-dramas, so I'm hoping for a satisfying happy ending. People warned about propensity of Taiwanese dramas to have open-ended epilogues, which frankly One Day was kind of disappointing in this regard, but still discovering gems like that through your recommendation is a pure delight. Thank you!

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I think that in my opinion, the ending of Romance of Tiger and Rose is quite satisfying in many levels. I hope you enjoy this gem of drama! :D

If you ever want to watch another c-drama, I would recommend Under The Power. It also has a lovable chemistry between the leads that make you support the couple from beginning to end. It's also one of the highest rated show in web-drama category

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Tiger and Rose is great! A bunch of us Beanies loved it. It definitely has its flaws but it was so enjoyable with really fun main leads and very talented actors (Ryan and Lu Si).

I love that more Beanies are finding cdramas 😆

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Me too! :D

Love it that I can discuss c-drama with everyone too :)

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We have a discord channel for Beanies where a bunch of us squeal over cdramas (we all raved over Tiger and Rose). Should join us 😆

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Do give me the link to the discord channel :D

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hi, Im a longtime lurker and was wondering if I could possibly get an invite too??? sorry for butting in but i was skimming and just saw this! id love to have a place where I can talk dramas with people instantly!

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Started watching tiger and rose after reading this recommendation.. loving it so far. It is so hilariously silly with exaggerated acting. I love how she is plotting to save orange.

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Orange will later play a very prominent role 😉

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I watched the entire thing.. it was very cute except for the Su Mu part I enjoyed it.
Yes Orange was the mc.

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The Romance of Tiger and Rose: I think that this could be the biggest Chinese rom-com drama in 2020 in its genre. What makes this drama great is the chemistry between the two leads and its self-awareness about the current state in c-dramaland. The female lead, Chen Xiao Qian/Chen Qian Qian, is a scriptwriter who writes crappy drama script and when she woke up after her apparently short nap due to exhaustion working on the script, she found out that she’s stuck in her own drama script. It’s so funny to see the female lead trying to survive in her own crappy drama script with all the nonsense and illogical situation between her and the male lead (Ding Yunxi who played Han Min Xing), with all the old tropes that makes rom-com a rom-com, which is totally hilarious. The side characters are really refreshing, for example the attendants and the friends. The ending left me confused at first but then my most favourite c-drama reviewer explained why the ending turns out to be like that, I feel like all my doubts just disappear and I finally could make peace with it and accept the ending as it is. All in all, I think that this drama is worth to be watched by everyone who like rom-com. Score: 9/10

And I couldn’t wait for Kim Soo-hyun’s It’s Okay Not To Be Okay to air soon! And it’s so cool for Netflix to actually get the copyrights for this drama so I could enjoy it legally (and with good subs too)

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I loooove Tiger and Rose! 💕
Though you are scaring me with the ending now... 😬

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Nah the ending is a bit confusing at first. If you don't get the ending after watching it, try watchinng Avenuex Youtube channel. Then you will get clearer intention of the ending :D

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Ok, thanks!

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I had a different take than AvenueX. I kinda felt she was reaching with her conclusion.

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I don't care if it's spoilerish, please tell me the explanation of the ending! Thanks...

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WARNING: SPOILER (to the ending of Romance of Tiger and Rose)

So what we need to do is to believe that transmigration to drama script is something that could happen to anyone. In this case, both FL and ML transmigrated into the script, but on different time. The ML went first, a half and a day earlier than FL so we can presume that he actually grow from baby to the present state ala Joy of Life but with no memories of the future. FL then transmigrated later into the script and have memories of the future. And that's why in the ending we could see that both ML and FL could remember their story within the script. I think that it has to be vague due to the censorship but basically that's how it goes

I can't really explain it clearly so you might want to check avenuex youtube channel for better information :)

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Ah, Avenuex ...

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Yes. She's my mist fave c-drama reviewer

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Yaaaaa.. I dont agree with this. I feel like AvenueX was really reaching. I don't agree that the ML went into the novel or that he went in first, I think the FL transmigrated into the novel and had control over her actions, but the ML only dreamed it and could only view the events as the character but didn't have any control over his actions (he even said he had a weird dream).

Especially since the ML had no clue what oxygen was or reacted in a way that someone from the modern world would react when he learned the FL was also from the modern world which is why I believe he had no control of the novel version.

This is my take on it.

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But what Avenuex said is also plausible. I choose to believe in her version because it's much simpler that way, especially knowing that rebirth, transmigration, and time travel is banned in China

I think what you said is also a good theory. I was just confused when they showed us the ending so having a good explanation about the ending actually make me like it :)

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I love Tiger & Rose too 💕💕💕 My first ever C-drama that I truly enjoyed and mildly obsessed with (fine, that’s an understatement of an epic proportion 🤣🤣)

And I totally agree with your assessment of this drama. One of the most satisfying rom-com of the year.

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There are many good c-dramas starting on 2018-2020 in my opinion :) If you need more recs on c-drama, just email me (harunomasu at gmail dot com) or message me in my social media account! You can find me everywhere as my username is the same lol

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Thanks Haru!

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I’m going to am watch the last 4 episodes this week. I’m really liking this drama too. I think I may have watched more cdramas this year than kdramas so far!

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I've been watching more c-dramas since 2017 I think. The k-dramas just didn't interest me for the past few years. I did watch one or two, but after that nothing interest me so I'm back to my comfort zone, which is c-drama and j-drama

And I hope you like the ending of Romancr of Tiger and Rose! :D

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Will You Have Dinner With Me Not sure to like the new creepy side of the story. During the last episodes, the FL was not her...

Sweet Munchies It deserves its ratings...

My Unfamiliar Family I love this show very much. So many usual tropes but well acted and directed!

Oh My Baby Yi Sang is my favourite character : his Gum Gum's family, his cuteness, doing aerobics, his will to become a father, etc.

Backstreet Rookie I liked the gender reversal and the way they kept the manhwa genre with humor and fight scene. The Sunny parody was a nice touch.

It's Okay to Not Be Okay Waiting for it impatiently.

Lost Romance Very disapointed by the story. I was expecting so much from the actors but the scenario is a mess...

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I am very disappointed with Lost Romance as well. Especially when I compare it to Tiger and Rose, a drama with s similar premise. I still have this tiny hope that episode 3 will be much better...

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As things have taken a darker turn on WYHDWM, I'm praying this lovely show doesn't go off the rails. In terms of our second ML, it's been interesting to rewatch Jae-hyuk's scenes, realizing that things aren't as they seem.

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I'm glad to see that Dramabeans will be recapping Backstreet Rookie because I just finished watching the first episode and I have a lot of thoughts (and they're not good ones).

I need to catch up on Mystic Pop-up Bar. I feel like I'm suffering from drama fatigue lol, so much out there but it's hard finding something that keeps my attention.

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Politics + debates - real time entertainment. Far more engaging and have direct impact on your life. Enjoying politicians through rotten tomatoes at each other at the expense of their citizens. 2020 2nd half gonna be as much lively as 2019.

Japan -

High Position - 6/10 got translation. watching now. actual rating next week.
Tab Mikako's new OL show in July.

Love of Sheep and Wolf - trash. 3/10

Korea -
Diner Bait - 4/10
Gay Chef bait - 3/10
Chang Wook - 4/10
Divorce family - 4/10

China

True Colours - 6/10
Sexual Harasser Boss - 3/10
My Girl - 4/10
Parallel Love trash - 3/10

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Okay - feels like milf looking at young meat.

3 airing shows and all 3 of them deserves to be sued.

I have said it half dozen times that Chang Wook needs a good agency and manager. This guy can't pick good projects so he should leave the real work to his manager. Maybe his ability to pick low quality stuff includes manager too. Your fans deserve pity. This guy better stay in variety shows.
1st episode was horrible on various levels. And what was director thinking? If that actress is so young, then i'm a toddler.

As i'm saying it from start - Gay word was huge bait. a step writer used to further his/her career as writer. cheap cheap trick. puckworthy.
Diner's writer is surely is high on something. If sympathy not works, make character go full tangent. that side actress does best acting lying unconscious in hospital bed. Thankfully her plastic face isn't as much puffed as was in last show.
Divorce family is just stuck there, meandering for nothing.

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that side actress does best acting lying unconscious in hospital bed

Ouch! But also true.

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Yes that line really sums her up doesn't it? Got my first giggle of the day with that one.

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Saw 2019 stats at Mydramalist
https://i.postimg.cc/GmdJm5ZT/stats.jpg

True Colours - 6/10 above average Chinese show. romantic relationship buildup is now visible. But i'm more interested in growth of both main leads which mostly likely is not much. Development can be fake and mostly is temporary but growth is always real and lasting. That's why i always pay attention on growth. Character development is a tool too much affected by whims and fancies of a writer.

Rest 3 are trash. but i'll talk about Boss-secretary. bleh. no sense at all. Those who talk about skin colour and watch asian shows should also speak about their idols or actors with painted faces aka bleached faces.
Few identities talk about Boss's acts as sexual harassment and the same identities love other Asian romance dramas where hero does one of the many acts boss does. Selective criticism.
That's why i don't take most of the foreign audiences views seriously. Not only that in many instances story portray it as heroine seeking attention aka heroine happy being given so much response.

Manga to movie - Writer failed completely and created a low quality product. Movie has nothing to give you. Main characters have nothing to show you. That itself tells you how much trash of a movie is. complete time waste. They saw that manga is interesting, have some idols as main leads and milk money but all they did is making fool of audience. better check the manga to get the perspective.

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@catocat
That must have been a hard slog this week. Your ability to disassociate yourself while you watch must be huge - surgeon-esque. That much underperforming tv in a week would send most of us screaming.

Picking poor projects appears to be a wide spread SK Drama disease. Interesting to watch Fukuhara Haruka from role to role (Hitsuji to Okami no Koi to Satsujin is a hoot). It looks like she is starting to be very good at picking projects and seams to be those with directors who not only work to her strengths but really structure the story/action to avoid taking her to far into where her craft is still developing.

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When my love blooms. Nice wrapped. It would have been much better if it only had lasted 12 episodes, the final weeks felt like a refill. Young actors were the best of it, not only the leads but all the supporting roles.

My unfamiliar family. I just don’t know what to think about ChanHyeok, because I get all kind of signals from him. Kim Ji Suk is fantastic, as always. Regarding all the mysteries and secrets, I’m willing to learn more. Also, Eun Hee, hard as it is to ignore such a sassy hunk, please read the signs and listen to your gut. He’s dangerous. A lot.

Will you have dinner with me. I was jumping on my couch like a teenager with the confession at the end of episode 8. I’ve never been this emotional while watching a drama. I find myself talking to the screen and sqeeeing every time HaeKyung is on screen. This has a name, hahahaha. Also I nearly died laughing with DoHee hiding behind the cartoon figure at the pizza restaurant, and the “subtle” references to CLOY!!

Oh my baby. I love how real is shown the struggle for HaRi and YiSang. I hate JaeYoung. A lot. He’s crossed the line in so many ways… he needs serious counseling.

Mystic Pop Up Bar. I remember the good old days when I said I would watch just because it was only 12 episodes. Now I’m crying because it’s only 12 episodes. And I will cry even more if I don’t have a happy ending. I love how the path of the episode has moved from comedy to this final episodes. I shared so many tears in episode 10… my poor Prince… my poor WolJoo.

I’ve tried to begin some old dramas but it seems I’m not in the right mood, and they’ve all suffered from the second episode curse. And this week I will begin It’s ok not to be ok. I’ve been missing Kim Soo Hyun sooooo much!

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OMG, are you me? lol. We are the same for My unfamiliar family, Will you have dinner with me, Oh my baby, and Mystic.

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And also It's okay not to be okay, 😂😂😂😂

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I've already rad your comment.
Yes. We are very much the same person 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

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Me watching HK's confession: "Omo ... Are his eyes filling up with tears?! Aaaaaaaaaaigoooooo!"

A good friend from work just asked me to share a starter list of Asian movies and dramas for him to share with his wife. Will You Have Dinner With Me will definitely be on the list. It captures the classic elements of kdramas—all in a lovely, fresh package. The rom-com is my favorite genre and it gives me so much joy watching two actors better known for their serious roles absolutely KILLING it. Symmetry aside, I'm not sure if Song Seung-heon is a particularly gifted actor. But there's something magical happening with Seo Ji-hye. Their chemistry—off and on camera—is delicious.

For behind-the-scenes shenanigans, @dinner_couple's Instagram is my vitamin! The crew and cast are very playful. To be clear, I'm not shipping SSH and SJH but it's quite fun to see how they tease, touch/tap/slap each other a lot.

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Yes it is!!
I also agree about SSH. It's just that the chemistry the OTP share is just fantastic. It's a long time since I've seen this.
Also the rom-com is fantastic, although I guess we're going to see some dark moments in next episodes involving creepy ex.

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Re. SSH, I'm not sure he's had this much chemistry with any of the actresses that he has been paired with. The last time that I thought he looked great with anyone was with Liu Yifei in The Third Way of Love. I agree that SSH has been magical as Hae Kyung.

SJH just continues to be amazing in Dinner Mate that she just radiates onscreen. I just admire how she easily shifts from comedy to melo.

What I am disliking is what they are doing to LJH's Jae Hyeok. Seriously, why does he need to be a psycho? Come on.

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The last time that I thought he looked great with anyone was with Liu Yifei in The Third Way of Love.

Omo! And SSH was actually in love with the future Mulan!

If Jae-hyeok has to be a psycho, it's a blessing to have a good actor inject some nuance into his creep. Now that we know he's gone off piste, I rewatched earlier scenes with JH. The earnestness behind his placid mask that initially irritated me, now frightens me. After guilting Do-hee into driving him home, he told her twice to keep her eyes on the road. "We can have a car accident." (Dum, dum, DUUUUUUM.)

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ToD!!!!

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Will you have dinner with me?: When I say I was grinning from ear to ear when he was waiting to give her his card. When she rejected him, I screamed a proper melodramatic Waeeeee? Then his confession at the end of Tuesdays episode. ❤️❤️❤️❤️. I knew the name thing wouldn't be a big deal. Now as for the 2nd leads, the main leads are good enough for this drama, so drama writer FOR WHY do we have such bloody terrible 2nd leads. One is a stage 87 clinger and the other one is insane. That was disturbing. What a psycho.

My Unfamiliar Family: Tae Hyung is AWFUL. He is abusive both physically and emotionally. He is also an insane gaslighter. What an awful human. Why marry Eun Joo? She deserves better. As for Eun Hee, girl please get your whole life together. Geon Joo is a creepy stalker man with a great many issues. He cheated on his girlfriend and he is your boss. what a gross man.

Mystic Pop Up: I love this show and it's little family of dream repairers. Wol Ju is a saint. Hwang Jung Eum knocked this character out of the park. This show is truly a gem, it starts off rough and then gets polished and cut. I'm sad it is ending next week.

Oh My Baby: Ha Ri is so freaking mature. He heard him out she listened and decided their love was worth it. I love it. As for Yi Sang, he is trying. I am also glad they addressed the adoption as well as childless/free couples and couples with children. The pros and the cons. A++++ drama.

It's okay not to be okay: Please be good please be good.

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Hello, other me 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

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"One is a stage 87 clinger" - I am still recovering from my laughing fit!

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Mystic Pop-up Bar (Episode 9-10)
I must say I’m quite disappointed with the way the show made it so easy for the antagonist to succeed in his evil plans by making Death his father which allowed him to easily absorb Death and presumably the Queen as well as spy on the protagonists. Also, Won Hyung’s arc is so lame for a villain and the Queen’s reappearance is lazy writing. Even without Won Hyung in the story, I believe that Gwi being the Prince who Wol Ju believed had betrayed her and Kang Bae being the soul she desperately wanted to save would have been enough dramatic tension. In this alternate story, there could be a twist where it was actually the jealous villagers who set the fire and killed Wol Ju’s mom with Gwi keeping mum of his identity as an agreement for secretly helping Wol Ju achieve her target (he killing the villagers responsible himself).

Sweet Munchies (Episode 7-8)
The picture of Tae Wan screaming on my fan wall remains very apt for describing how I felt after watching Episode 8. It is so agonising to see him headed down the road of heartbreak and devastation: just when he figured the truth out (Jin Sung isn’t even hiding it), Jin Sung’s forced gay declaration due to the ex confuses him once more and Ah Jin clarifying about Jin Woo gave him hope that he had a shot with his feelings in spite of Jin Woo’s vague warning. I don’t really like Jin Woo as his happy ending since pairing them would be a total cop out but the setup seems to point in that direction.

My Unfamiliar Family (Episode 5-6)
Someone asked me a question after this week’s episodes: ‘Radily, what would be one game-changing twist you’ll write after the Gun Joo one we had?’ My response was: ‘Well, maybe make barista’s boyfriend be Ji Woo! He also mentioned a girlfriend when Seo Young asked him! Plus he needs a secret as well.’ And then I realised what I just said and thought it was too makjang even for this drama. But who knows? I’m already feeling the Reply husband angst from that ending.

Old School Intern (Episode 17-20)
The comedy is somewhat back this week! Tae Ri being Man Sik’s daughter is one really funny twist and it does explain a lot of stuff that happened in previous episodes. But unfortunately the dirty company politics had a role to play again this week with Director Koo’s backstabbing that everyone saw from miles away, which sadly cheapens the show’s look.

Will You Have Dinner With Me (Episode 13-16)
Last week I was still thinking that No Eul was the crazier ex but this week’s episodes have totally changed my mindset: Jae Hyuk is a total psychopath himself! I theorise that he disappeared five years ago because he ruined Keanu’s life in some way then and had to go off the radar. But Keanu is also off the radar himself: is it just Jae Hyuk he’s hiding from?

Also watching: Oh My Baby (Episode 11-12)

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I was also thinking Won Hyung is not worthy of Mystic. He is not realistic and feels like plot device, I've disliked him from the first moment and being the son of a force of nature? It doesn't even match the rest of the mythology in this show. It's cheap.

I don't think Jin Woo has any chemistry with Tae Wan, too much of a fan relationship. Sweet Munchies is that kind of terrible bad show that has one adorable character who will drag you to the last ep of that show.

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Trot Lovers rewatch!!! Jo Geun Woo~ you're indifferent, sometimes also nosy but overall you're too sweet to be real. My heart hurts that you don't have a chance to get the girl~ ngahaha 🤣

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Planning to watch Oh My Baby...because I saw Yisang dancing and also his fascination with Moai statues/items gifs. Such a departure from his gangster character in The Fiery Priest. Go Joon 🤩~~

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I'll never be able to take Go Joon seriously as a bad guy again after his turn as Yisang. He's adorable.

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Hehehe. The same happened to me after I watched SSR in The Last Empress and Perfume. Go Joon will be next~ my villains are messing with my dramabrain 😆

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Did you watch "Three dads, one mom?" I LOVED SSR in it!

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Yes 3 dads and 1mom! 🤣

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@jillofalltrades yes! I've watched and also rewatched 3 dads 1 mum 🤭. Na Hwang Kyung Tae was the best daddy candidate. Hahahaha

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Oh My Baby: Jang Nara and Go Joon are immensely funny and cute, drama handles fertility issues with sensitivity, and Hari and Yisang are well-rounded characters
My only quibble here is the awful second lead. Really lovely drama. And Go Joon is 💚💚💚

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Currently watching:
Mystic pop-up bar: I am stock-piling last 4 episodes. I think this might be my favorite supernatural k-drama of the year.
Oh My Baby : The show has become more than what was promised at the beginning. I think I should blindly trust Jang Na-ra for her choices.
Once again : It is still going strong.
Finished:
Romance of Tiger and Rose: This drama was quite a treat. The chemistry between leads was off the charts. Supporting characters – Zi Rui and Bai Ji were a hoot. The world setting could have been bit better. First 16 episodes were perfect, then it derailed a bit. Overall, it was a worth a watch.
Dropped:
Backstreet Rookie: I did not like the setup. It was too much web-toonish. Some part of it was quite offensive. I am not going to watch it further unless it dramatically improves.
Ga Doori’s Sushi Restaurant: A very weird and awkward experience. Did not even finish single episode.

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Re: Romance of Tiger and Rose
I think eps18 the drama start to be good again? And I really love Zi Rui :D

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Yes. I did not like 2 episodes where Xiao Qian took actions without involving Han Shuo, but it did not last long. Zi Rui and his facial expressions were scene stealer.

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Besides the two leads, my most fave character in the drama would be Zi Rui. He's just golden

Yeah. Fortunately the bad parts didn't last long. So it's still a breezy watch

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Been awhile since I came on this thread.

I don’t have any kdramas on my plate. After Hospital playlist there is a huge void. Somehow nothing really worked for me. So hoping it’s ok not to be okay to get me out of this kdrama slump.

I caught up with a few cdramas.
Tiger and the Rose it wasn’t a perfect drama but I loved the set up and the OTP was adorable.
Reset Life Ryan fans here raved about this short 5 episode drama and it was totally worth all the hype.
Fox and Miss Rose I can’t say it’s great or very funny but somehow I am on the 23rd episode. I like the leads and the story itself is interesting. there is no unnecessary angst or terrible second leads. It’s a pleasant watch.

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Romance of Tiger and Rose is the rom-com drama of the year for me :) I think that it's the best in its genre

Still haven't seen Fox and Miss Rose yet. Is it really not good?

And I'm waiting for It's Okay Not To Be Okay too! I really hope Kim Soo-hyun pick a good script because so far I see nothing good that the k-dramaland offer this year

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I like Fox Rose. I don’t know how to explain this. Basically the premise is about a girl who lives in a tribe isolated from modern world. She ends up coming to the modern world. The first two episodes require plenty of suspension of disbelief. Once you cross that it gets better.
Overall the ML is nice and I find it interesting that he is in a shady business. The chemistry between the leads is natural and pleasant. And the FL is not a pushover or stupid person. Overall I like it. I do wish there were more OTP scenes.

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Thanks for the summary. At least I get the gist of it :)
Sounds promising and light enough. Somehow I've been watching too many republican and wuxia drama. Need a break D:

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Fox and Rose has a odd premise but like blue I'm also enjoying it (I'm on ep 24). There isn't high drama (atleast up to what I watched) between the leads which is nice. I really like both leads. She might be ignorant to the modern world but she is smart, strong and fun. He is in a dangerous and cutthroat business but he is still kind, caring and patient with the FL. And both actors are doing a good job and have good chemistry. I also like how the drama addresses gender roles and how society tries to place women (and men) into specific gender roles and it shouldn't.

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It sounds like a very good story. I think I need to watch them next. Still in the middle of watching Ever Night so will put this on my to watch list. Thanks for the explanation!

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I felt like Backstreet Rookie was like watching "Strong Girl Bong Soon". I think it was the fight scenes in the begin. I was even wondering if the sisters were the twins daughters they had. I liked it. But I also wanna know how they gonna fill 16 episodes with just that.

Currently watching TKEM and trying to picture LMH playing the main in Backstreet Rookie. I cant.

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Thank the goddess. He has better taste.

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Will You Have Dinner With Me?:
I agree that the words were hurtful, but I actually thought what Dohee did this week on the grand scale of things make sense. She wanted to be more than just casual "dinner mates" and wanted to break off the contract at the picnic but she backed out last minute. When she found out Haekyung is No Eul's ex, of course she backed out entirely. Dohee is the type of woman who stands up for her fellow female friends and puts her female friends before her love life. She stood up for No Eul during the debt crisis. Both of them were just starting to be come business partners who swore to support each other. When she had to pick between the guy she potentially like and the girl she promised to rise to the top together, she picked the girl.

Honestly, I don't even know how it's going to play out now that Haekyung knows Dohee's true identity and actively pursuing her. Although I do not like No Eul, I like her budding relationship with Dohee and would hate to see another bitch-fight between woman over a man. I won't even feel angry at No Eul for feeling awkward about Dohee and Haekyung dating. It's like having your colleague date you ex.

And omg Lee Ji Hoon scares me this week. Originally I thought Lee Ji Hoon went to prison for hurting the Coffee Tent dude guy, but now i'm starting to think that it's the other way around. Coffee Tent dude guy gave Lee Ji Hoon the wrong medication. The Coffee Tent dude guy's family did not die, but disowned him.

Also watching C-Drama Joy of Life. A little late, but loving every minute of it.

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Your interpretation of Do-hee's actions are interesting. I do very much like Do-hee's supportive and professional attitude towards Noh-eul. It's an unexpected way to connect the two women, before they discover their respective relationships to Hae-kyung. Do-hee protecting NH without hesitation from the falling light was another way to help them bond.

But it hadn't occurred to me that Do-hee was pushing Hae-kyung away because of loyalty to Noh-eul. She barely knows the woman and she's heard how much Hae-kyung was hurt by their breakup. I saw her as more concerned about her own embarrassment at being the foul-mouthed PD, hurting Hae-kyung, and protecting her own heart. She crossed the line and didn't yet have certainty about Hae-kyung's feelings.

Your interpretation points to a potentially enticing arc for Do-hee and No-eul that I hadn’t even imagined. As irritating as I find her**, it would be pretty progressive for Noh-eul to find her own “shining self” under Do-hee’s mentorship—without trying to recapture the love she shared with Hae-kyung. Additionally, Do-hee needs to build her confidence that she can produce high-quality work, beyond her the crass B-level work she currently pumps out now. Is it possible for this adorable trophy drama to actually go beyond the “bitchy ex-girlfriend”? I hope so!

**Honestly, I'm confused about what I dislike more.—the character of Noh-eul or the actress playing her.

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I don't think DoHee and NoEul are friends. Sure, NoEul wants them to be friends, but that's not how friendship works. For now they are working mates, and DoHee hasn't shown an special attention to NoEul as far as I've seen. I really don't see why she would give up on HaeKuyng for some stupid sense of loyalty to a woman she barely knows. The reason she's been avoiding him is because she feels embarrassed about the "Si bel homme" moment, mainly. I don't think NoEul has anything to do with that.
On your last comment, I can tell you the actress doesn't help a little bit to give some life to No Eul. She's totally expressionless and plain. She's just a pretty face who can't act.

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I don't think they are friends yet either. But a coworkers who wants to succeed together are not strangers either. Being coworker alone is enough reason to cause Dohee to think twice about dating Haekyung. If No Eul/her relationship with Haekyung did not affect Dohee, Do hee wouldn't avoid No Eul at work. It's not No Eul's fault that Haekyung turns out to be Haekyung or that Dohee said "Si bel homme". Dohee avoids No Eul cause of guilt, shame, confusion, possibly jealousy rather than hate. She's not indifference to No Eul.

I guess things will become clearer next episode.

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Joy of Life is excellent. My biggest issue is that it's only season 1 out of 3 😔 how am I supposed to patiently wait for season 2 and 3!? I think I'll need to do what @pinklolipop did and read the gigantic book lol 😆

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Read it!!!

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Is the cdrama as good as the book?
Generally the televised/movie versions are always a let down to the books.

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I would say yes! Though there's a few storylines that got changed in the drama for film purposes i believe. But i enjoyed the books.

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SOUL MECHANIC: Feel like dropping it because blatant medical-ethical lapses in story. Hard to be invested when most of the staff at the hospital are unstable.
MYSTIC POP UP BAR: Continues to be a delight. No lingering on who is who from the past life or their motivations. The ying and yang couple will probably save the day.
OH MY BABY: At least Hari has THOUGHT about adoption! JY has turned from brother/friend to stalker which is an unnecessary plot line.
ONCE AGAIN: The theme of repairing relationships is now in the forefront. The pace of the show is still good.
SNOWPIERCER (US): On a train going to no where, the plot has also gone no where. Dropped (probably should watch the movie instead.)
HOW TO BUY A FRIEND: I liked Kim So Hye in the underrated "Best Chicken," but her character here has less meat on the bone. This is a short series so the episodes quickly roll through the dark and uneven story line.

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I love Jennifer Connelly and I hear she's amazing in the show, but meh looks boring. It got renewed for S2 and was almost in completion before the pandemic.

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Will You Have Dinner With Me - I'm so done with both exes .... since episode 2!

Oh My Baby - I'm also completely done with Jae-young. Don't you even knock on that door, Jae-young!!

Sweet Munchies - Had to stop after episode 2 due to my own time issues .... but Tae-wan was interesting from the get go.

Soul Repairer - Still trying to wrap my head around the whole "dating my patient" situation.

Mystic Pop-Up Bar - Really enjoying this one and everyone in it! Particularly Manager Gwi!

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Mystic Pop-Up Bar wasn't on my radar at all until I saw the effusive Beanie praise. Everything about it makes my heart sing—the mythical world, our lovely little family, Wol-joo's amazing costumes, and the poignant stories. Manager Gwi makes me swoon for sure. (2020 is looking like a great year of hot ahjussi.)

Pop-Up and Will You Have Dinner With Me are the two shows I've finally been able to latch on to since CLOY and Hyena.

Like many people, I've been stuck in the endless doom scroll news cycle of the pandemic, social unrest and American politics. I cannot overstate how healing good television can be—beyond just being a distraction.

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WolJoo amazing hanbok dresses are a dream!!

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@eazal Yes! They are wonderful.

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@tsutsuloo Glad to hear you're enjoying the two shows also! I agree with you regarding Wol-joo's outfits. Her hanbok fashions come in an array of prints that I don't recall seeing before but they totally work here and look great.

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I'm with you, totally done with the second leads in WYHDWM and OMB.

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Enjoying Old Time Intern / Kkondae Intern tremendously. The official (?) synopsis is a bit misleading, as the show isn’t about vengeance at all. The previously put-upon main character gets something like 5 minutes of lording it over the kkondae who’d abused him, after which things become a lot more interesting. Unusually, one of the show’s themes is how challenging leadership is - how difficult it is to take control without becoming tyrannical; to be fair and honest without losing control; to be accountable to those below as well as above you in the hierarchy. If that sounds too serious, let me add that Old Time Intern is one of the funniest dramas I’ve ever seen (and I bet at least half the humour has been lost in translation). I love the fact that the main character is neither SuperManager nor romantically flawed hero. Often having his mistakes exposed and regretting his own acts of kindness, he isn’t even particularly competent or cool. But he is very real, very sympathetic, and in Park Hae-jin’s vanity-free performance, absolutely hilarious.

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I don't know why I keep calling it "Old Time" Intern when it's obviously "Old School"...

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Your comment makes me want to watch it.
I haven't read much about this drama, so thanks!

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You're welcome! As described in the Dramabeans recap, the first two episodes focus on the Kim Eung-soo and Park Hae-jin characters being mean to one another, and hence are not exactly feelgood viewing. But what's really impressive about this show is that it seldom goes where you think it'd go. I've already mentioned the PHJ character. We expect him to be a great boss, the diametric opposite of the KES character who'd made life hell for him. Instead, the writer gradually undermines his Sensitive New-age Boss image to show how strong the grip of the old ways is, how easy it is even for new generations of bosses to revert to them.

Conversely, we expect the kkondae (the KES character) to be taught a lesson by the PHJ character. What we actually get is the senior intern bonding with the other interns, and occasionally even uniting with his fellow office drones against their boss. Nor has he completely abandoned his kkondae mindset. The two men have an interesting discussion about this issue in one of the latest episodes. When PHJ laments his loss of control over his team, KES breezily tells him to continue "whipping his subordinates" when the going gets tough. PHJ argues that that's the kind of kkondae thing he is trying to avoid, but as noted by KES that's exactly what he's already been doing.

Ok I think I've gone on long enough about the show here. Off to my fan wall to post some screengrabs, cos there's no way I can do justice to its visuals via description alone...

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Will You Have Dinner With Me: at this point, i dont care about the exes backstory i will hate them until the drama ends. im frustrated about Dohee's behaviour but i kinda understand because she thought Haekyung still have feelings to Noeul. but after Haekyung tells his feeling i wish she back to our confident girl and date Haekyung asap. please.
The King Eternal Monarch: i have to sit down and talk about the ending with my friend because im so confused with... everything. but our conclusion is same: its so frustrating to watch because the drama could be better and we feel sorry for the actors.
Team Bulldog Off Duty Investigation: i just watch this but im curious about Cha Taehyun's backstory (i dont even remember the lead name sigh)

Erased (Netflix life action): i loveeeee it. the whole series becomes more thrilling than the anime. i love the series focused more on the murderer and kenya. we can see satoru's struggle finding his lost memories, kenya helping him and satoru's emotion too. the ending is more satisfying too (little satoru is so so so cute)

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Oh mannn @tipsymocha ‘s version of TKEM sounds real good.

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Lately the korean dramas that I've just watched and completed, were to say the least disappointing. I'm going to briefly write about my opinion, here it is:

Laughter in waikiki: Yes, that drama that everyone seems to love but I just didn't. I liked it, but it wasn't the show for me. I felt like the extended episodes made the drama worse, as it dragged on with the main couple whose love I could never buy into. Friendship maybe, but love? Not so much, anyways when I'm more interested on the side characters rather than the main, then it does become a problem for me to watch a show.

Psychopathic diary: *sigh* I don't hate it but honestly I felt like I wasted my time on this. I disliked the humour, the main characters, and I felt indifferent towards the plot. The only thing good I can say about that drama would be the actor who acted as the serial killer.

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I only made it a couple of episodes into Waikiki and couldn’t work out why everyone loved it so much. I’m glad it wasn’t just me!

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@tipsymocha I'm definitely checking that Webdrama! 😊

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i binged watched dinner with me.. SO SO GOOD..

SSH back in a romance drama is soooooooo good

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I still need to finish Hospital Playlist (3 more eps to go). Love the drama, but the length of each episode tires me out a little and makes it hard to press start. Hopefully next week now that my obsession The romance of Tiger and Rose is over (and that I've watched it twice lol).

Dinner Mate continues to be a surprisingly low-stake engaging watch, despite No Eul - the writer doesn't seem to be trying at all to redeem her, or give her any sort of layers. I'm actually very pleasantly surprised by the turn in Jaehyuk's character. I prefer this psycho angle over some sort of noble idiocy tragic past! It makes him more interesting, a real external threat to the romance, and a chance for Lee Ji Hoon to strut his (acting) stuff. Hand Towel Oppa keeps being dreamy, and I finally got over my residual negative vibe for Seo Ji Hye from her previous bitchy SFL role.

My Girl/99 Points Girlfriend got my interest simply because it's from the writer of Tiger & Rose, because the premise sounded confusing as heck. So far, it reminds me of Kill Me Heal Me with the multiple personality angle, and with the fact that the "dark" personality being WAY more interesting than the "principle" personality. It has a few great LOL-moments, though I really can't buy the core trauma/drama driver of the show: the FL has a scar on her face and suffers PTSD from it, and for some reason the scar is still SUPER visible 10 years later? (ok, I know someone who had a face scarred with a knife in real life and let me tell you, it fades). This show will require a huge suspension of belief and some eyeroll at the "drama", but cute and funny if you're in the mood for something like that.

Oops! The King is in love, or alternatively, Wish I was the star and you the moon. @kimbapnoona told me about the title and I checked it out to see if it is as stupid/funny as the title makes it sound, and was very pleasantly surprised to find that it is funny,  not stupid, and actually really well made for a seemingly low-budget drama. There's a solid plot with high stake in place as well. I've only seen 2 out of 24 eps, so hope that it'll stay good till the end!

After finishing Tiger & Rose 2 weeks ago (with a binge till 3am! for the early VVIP release), I felt so empty that I've cycled through a bunch of similarly-sounding dramas and not many stick :/ Here's some semi-informed opinion in case you're looking to do the same.

To Get Her: similar premise to T&R, this time both ML & FL got stuck in a game. They're a couple in real life, and a married couple in the game, but FL is the evil second lead whereas ML is the main character! And he doesn't remember who she is! She has to get them both out of the game, has only 3 "lives", and if she dies in...

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To Get Her: similar premise to T&R, this time both ML & FL got stuck in a game. They're a couple in real life, and a married couple in the game, but FL is the evil second lead whereas ML is the main character! And he doesn't remember who she is! She has to get them both out of the game, has only 3 "lives", and if she dies in the game she dies in real life. It sounds really high stake, but it doesn't feel high stake at all. It's very prettily filmed, but somehow I just couldn't get invested. Put your head on my shoulder fans might get unwelcome flashbacks as the ML here was the annoying SML there, or so I heard :D 

Fake Princess: this is also cute, and super low stake due to the OP ("overpowered") nature of the FL. She can do everything, and I really mean everything. I'm not at all worried for her. They also fell in love pretty early, so I'm also not worried for their romance. I'm left what I should care about, so I just left it on while doing work as background :D (Eleanor Lee is great, and it's ocassionally funny, so still a good light watch if you're not picky about stakes like I am).

Lost Romance: Vivian is great here, and there are some meta jokes, but it's kinda meandering, and with the 1-ep-a-week cadence, meandering means lost interest :/  
 

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Ditto on Lost Romance. This show would be better marathoned because the first 2 episodes didn't pack much punch and it is meandering.

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You're so right - Lost Romance should be better marathoned when it's over. I just don't give up on T-dramas.

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To Get Her was heavier on comedy and didn't play with FL's limited life count so it feels low stake. I didn't finish this one but I remember loving the evil second prince, he was so funny lol.

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I dont need a show to have life and death stake, just...any stake so I care, you know? Especially emotional ones. To get her 's comedy is hit or miss for me, so it doesn't make up for the fact that there's very little we should care about in the drama :/ and yeah the evil Prince is one of the funnier characters for sure :)

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the romance of tiger and rose is such a well-written cdrama for its budget and I loved the humor (which is surprising as the screenwriter is known for her tragic stories...) I liked To Get Her as well and I'm thinking if I should try Fake Princess next

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I think you're thinking of the producer, Fei Wo Si Cun, who was the writer for Goodbye my princess. The writer for Tiger Rose is Nan Zhen. She's actually only written comedy so far: My girlfriend's boyfriend, Unexpected, and now My Girl. All of these dramas have great comedy, but suffered from uneven writing or mediocre directing. And agree Tiger Rose is so well made, I think all the stars aligned such that directing (though not necessarily cinematography), acting and writing have such a great synergy!

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I don't know whether I would watch My Girl. The pairing is from Wait My Youth drama. I didn't like them then (they're so bland!) so I'm not sure whether I would want to watch them again in My Girl. But do review the drama more so I could pick up the courage to watch >.<

I'm still in the craze of Tiger and Rose lol Didn't rewatch them but I've been watching their interview and it's so fun to see Ding Yunxi all flustered in front of Zhao Lusi lolol

Re: Fake Princess
This is actually on my watch list. But I'm not sure whether to watch them or not

Oh right. You should try Love is All. It's very fluffy and light. Very easy and breezy watch

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One of the problems of NoEul is the actress playing the role.
Maybe it's not that there are character doesn't have layers, it's just that Son Na Eun can not show them. A very bad casting here. Totally expressionless... I don't think it's not the writer that doesn't want to redeem her, because I think he wants, showing us how badly she wants to be friends with DoHee because she genuinely likes her, but failing because actress can't act.

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Oh My Baby is the only series currently that has me anxiously waiting for new episodes. Jang Nara's performance is so subtle in this show that it reminds me of mid-career Meryl Streep.

I just finished my fifth rewatch of My Mister/Ajusshi (including my fifth re-read of the Dramabeans recaps). That's a record for me, I think. No other series have I gone back to so often.

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Dear My Friends- Picked it up after it recently released on Netflix. God! I have no idea how this absolute gem of drama missed my radar all these years. Too good!
Also when you put in a bunch of seasoned, experienced actors, it just shows!!!!
Can Jo In Sung, sign up some drama? I miss seeing his pretty face in dramaland.

Backstreet Rookie - I tried. For my love of JCW I tried. But my cheese and fluff material tolerance seems to have gone down exponentially over the past few years.
But having said that for the sake of JCW I hope this one is better than his last goof of drama and hope for him atleast this fares better.

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I finished the Taiwan drama A Thousand Goodnights this week and want to recommend it to Beanies as a really low-key but beautiful drama. Lots of beautiful aerial shots of Taiwan, and a sweet story. It encompassed a feeling of nostalgia for the old ways that are disappearing - small town living and relationships, and figuring out how to be true to yourself in your life path.

On the K-drama front, I'm watching Unfamiliar Family (love it), Oh My Baby (finally gave it a try this week and love it - laugh out loud funny - am mid-episode 8 now). Also watching Mystic Pop-Up Bar.

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Thanks @okiejune for the A THOUSAND GOODNIGHTS (available on Netflix) recommendation. I would love to visit Taiwan and my only experience so far is transferring at the airport in Taipei.
It looks like a great always to see some of the country.

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I second @marcusnyc20's (bong-soo) thanks for recommending A Thousand Goodnights. It's been on my watchlist for a year and I fear most of my list will go unwatched unless other Beanies remind me of these not-to-miss gems. (Seriously, I have 164 dramas and movies on my "Plan to Watch List" at mydramalist. Not even a pandemic has helped me watch anything on that list.)

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Wow @tsutsuloo 164 dramas! I am not sure even with all those alternate universes in TK: EM you could get to them all.
I am catching up (through ep. 4) on a drama I dropped when it first aired in 2019 and enjoying Junho’s CONFESSION on ODK.
One well received Cdrama I have queued up on Viki for the ‘longest’ time and even hunkered down during the pandemic have not gotten to is THE LONGEST DAY IN CHANG’AN.

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Yaaasss! The Longest Day in Chang'an was one of my top 5 dramas of 2019—but I still haven't finished it! 😂I've got about 20 episodes left. (Aigoo, Chinese dramas! Once you crack 40 episodes, anything's possible.)

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there are so many tdramas that are hidden gems. I really liked The World Between Us and The Making of an Ordinary Woman as well!

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This maybe the only Saturday WWW where we get a Ji Chang-wook
two-for: his image up at the header and at the beginning of the post.

His latest drama seems to be bringing out comments from unregistered beanies which is good.

Here is my PSA: PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
“Unregistered” beanies please seriously consider registering. It makes reading your comments easier on the eyes for some of us. Thank you.

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OK. As it is said in court, “objection noted”.

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LOL!!!! I wonder if @javabeans and @girlfriday know about this silent protest 😆

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Yes, register. It does make the comments easier to read. There's no downside except you may spend eternity running errands for us :)

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I’m really tempted to register but hesitates. Is it a “secure” site?

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No. Not an https site. It's a good question though—why not?

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I don't think it matters much. Unless things have changed, you don't have to enter anything here except:
1: Your email, which half the world knows anyway. And don't you have to enter it to make comments even if you aren't registered?
2: Your user id. Ditto re commenting w/o registering.
3: Your password. Just don't re-use passwords.
Even if you want to throw money at them, you do that thru Paypal and it's Paypal's security you want to worry about.

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