Missing: The Other Side (Episode 3-4) - COULD WE HAVE A EPISODE 1 REVIEW AT LEAST PLEASE
If I was to be very critical of the story, the minor downside so far would be the introduction of the overarching villain as the big bad organisation: it’s an easy bogeyman for the troubles our protagonists go through which is written with little nuance. The stories from the array of village characters as well as the familial struggles of our two whisperers and the cop was sufficient plot material in my opinion, though I admit that a corporate struggle as an obvious plot device does work well in tying up everyone together. I do find myself wanting a surprise twist where Kim Wook isn’t the missing heir.

Do You Like Brahms (Episode 3-4)
I was thinking after the premiere week that Joon Young’s friendship trio was the one with more toxicity as compared to Song Ah’s but it turns out this week that both are equally toxic! CEO Yoon is the counterpart of Jung Kyung: he is trying to keep both Song Ah and Min Sung close to him without going too far with anyone. Unfortunately in the game of love, I believe in the famous words that the one who loves more loses, so we have poor Hyun Ho and Min Sung getting burned by the manipulators. The flames are rushing straight towards Joon Young and Song Ah now: I hope they can evacuate!

Record of Youth (Episode 1-2)
With Park So Dam of Parasite fame headlining this show for her drama comeback, there was no way I was not going to check it out despite the terrible creative output from the writer’s history. There must have been something she saw in the script that attracted her, right? Lo and behold, the dialogue between the OTP’s first meeting is awkward and we are served a relationship built on lies (okay I did exaggerate here) and unbalanced power dynamics. The more juicy part is the friendship of the male trio: I want it to last forever but Hae Hyo’s mom already passed the point of no return.

Alice (Episode 3-4)
The linear timeline theory was blasted to bits when the grandfather paradox was invoked by the time travelling mother who killed her own past self so there wasn’t the need for that parallel universe presentation but I guess it was there for the newbie drama viewers. Aside from the increasingly confusing story developments now that retconning is officially a part of the narrative, there was honestly no need for icky romance angles in this show as it isn’t that kind of love being explored here! For a 2nd female lead, Do Yeon has had zero narrative purpose so far: no, being jealous does not count.

Also watching: Flower of Evil (Episode 12-13)

I fell for Brahms. Deep. I live for the shared moments of our main protagonists, for their conversations... and for their silences... for their laughs... and fleeting glances... for their mutual understanding... and support in pain. Soulmates. (And it does remind me a bit of the kdrama Soulmate.)

(I also love the visulas, *cough* Kim Min Jae in a black shirt *cough*)

Do You Like Brahms?: YES YES, 1000x yes. Kim Min Jae is simply sublime in this role. Park Eun Bin is delightfully awkward. There is a groundedness to their characters that is rarely seen in kdramas. They are both very sure about certain things, but also awkward, and nervous. Their blossoming friendship is so sweet and kind. This drama is so refreshing and I am obsessed.

Record of Youth: The first episdoe was BORING, which is a cardinal sin in any TV show. The second episode was much better. Hopefully it continues to get better. I am still watching for Park So Dam. I honestly find all the other characters kind of bland. That being said I am so glad they showcased the predatory behaviors of people in the business, whether gay or straight it is icky and wrong.

Flower of Evil: I rolled my eyes all the way to the back of head in episode 13. The stupid way they used to get him arrested. The fact that he didn't tell his wife any of the things he was doing to protect her. His turnabout from practical person to whatever it is he doing right now. The fact that our accomplish can not only walk but with strength. SIGH, this was not good. Hopefully they clean up these last 3 episodes. This was dumb.

Forest of Secrets: I continue to love this drama. I have no other words.

Record of Youth: A decent premiere week but I’m hoping for more. Give us more Jungha! I like Hyejun, but I’m not sure he’s relatable in the way maybe Choi Aera was in FFMW. There’s still something about him that feels a little remote. Still, I’m happy to see Park Bogum on screen again. His beautiful eyes!

Do You Like Brahms?: My unexpected favourite!! Dare I say this is the best role Kim Minjae’s taken on so far? He’s killing it. And him and Park Eunbin are so wonderful together. I love our pair and I can’t wait to see them get closer. I just watched the main 4 on Running Man and they’re so great! I’m so glad I started watching. Hopes for next week: that Jungkyung and Hyunho break up sooner rather than later.

Alice: I’m behind a week, but all I have to say is that I hope we don’t get an Oedipus situation in any way, shape or form. Please no.

Cricket - England vs. Australia. ODI. good match. Good fielding and initial bowling won Australia the match.

Japan -

My HouseKeeper Mr. Nagisa - 7/10 This is me being quite generous.
Waiting for last SP episode. Meanwhile side character's spin-off demands translation.

We are not Ourselves - 4/10 This one is keeping its shoujo trash. Same old story keep on repeating. Better Josei are out there that can be turned into good Tv drama than watching this soap opera.
I like hamabe but calling her an actor is insulting the whole art. same for all new girls and boys. The least they can do is attend few months of theatre and learn acting skills. Well, i don't have much impression of most of Asian actors. That's why i rarely talk about acting. They don't deserve that mention at all.

Super Radical Gag Family - 7/10 Proper Gag. Good one. for those that can stomach Japanese Humour.

16 Shoku - 4/10 Trash. typical story ans characters. Seriously, why waste resources on such low quality product?

Shinbun - 6/10 I hate scary stuff but it has Shiraishi Sei, the only one from young generation that put some efforts into her acting. She commands to be called an actor. manga to live-action. Interesting, Yeah it is. Scary but interesting.

I shared my Husband - 6.5/10 - This one is same as Guilty that generated lot of comments. Fun and fast movement with good twists.

Do You Like Brahms I love this show and every interactions between our lovely leads! I need more classical music!

Record of Youth I really liked the first episode. The second one was kinda the same than the first one... The story didn't really move forward : the parents are against, the mother is creepy, etc.

When I Was the Most Beautiful I don't really like any character except the father. Ji Soo's character didn't show any growth during those years... But I love the scenery.

Alice How many different personnalities has Yoon Tae Yi? She's so different between the badass woman during the fight scene, the tired mum and now the scientist.

Missing: The Other Side They really lack communication. They all have informations they kept for themselves...

Forest of Secrets 2 It's weird, it's already the 9-10th episodes and I'm still feeling like we're at the beginning of the story and waiting for the big investigation.

Do You Like Brahms? -- Joon-young wants to see Song-ah because she makes him smile. I feel the same way about this show. Somehow no matter how messy or disappointing or painful some moments can be, JY, SA and their sweet friendship are like a balm over it all. My heart feels warmed and I want more.

Record of Youth: I thought the first two episodes were boring. That's how I felt about the writer's previous works so maybe her style doesn't suit me. Park So Dam's character was okay, but I didn't like anyone else. Maybe it’s my aversion to Park Bo Gum, but I just had zero sympathy for his character. I didn't like his family, but I still wanted his dad to tell him to move out if he didn't want anyone telling him what to do with his life. Basically these episodes made me feel like an old lady shouting "You kids get off my lawn."

Do You Like Brahms: I really like Song Ah and Joon Young but their friends suck. Song Ah and Joon Young somewhat awkwardly becoming friends and hopefully something more is what I'm here for.

Flower of Evil: Episode 12 was good. Hyun Soo and Ji Won turned off their brains in Episode 13.

Alice: The story is moving quickly. I liked that they set out some of the time travel rules in Episode 4. I like Jin Gyeom's matter-of-factness.

Lie after Lie: The story has been laid out well and despite the crazy premise, it is moving forward in an understated way, while knowing it is a makjang revenge-melo.

Missing: The Other Side: Episodes 3 and 4 had too much going on outside the village. I just want them to find missing bodies and let the souls move on without the nonsense with the bad guy offing people who might be the long lost heir of the company he wants, and of course, it will probably all be tied to the male lead.

Once Again: Everything is wrapping up as we head into the final week. I approve of giving long lost sister a handsome man who likes her for putting him in his place.

Missing: The other side. I’m still liking it, but I can see the tropes coming while I wonder if there was ever a happy orphanage in SK. Someone is killing orphans to prevent the old CEO to find her long lost grandson/granddaughter… And I can’t understand why Kim Wook is not telling both Det. Shin and YeoNa the truth. So many childhood traumas altogether in this show… A very light watch considering it’s OCN.

Men are men. Agony is over, and that’s the best I can say. I’m sorry for the drama that could have been, because I only saw hints of it in some episodes (women being independent not bowing to social conveniences), but they throw them down the toilet. It joins DOTS and Melty in the category of most nonsensical drama.

Do you love Brahms. I loved this week’s episodes. It’s delicious to watch the progressive fondness and intimacy between Song Ah and Joon Young, their wide smiles at the end of episode 4 tell everything. I can’t stand the other four angles of the hexagon, specially DongYoon (was it really necessary to tell MinSung that he never cared for her? Just the night after they spent together… hey!!) and Jung Kyung (will she ever wipe that annoyed look from her face?). I can relate a little to MinSung, but only a little because it’s always a bad idea to be friends with the guy you dated if you still have feelings for him (be wise: he won’t change his mind), and I still think Hyun Ho doesn’t want to see the truth that his girlfriend cares little or nothing about him. OMG, her expression when she got the ring!! Run away from that toxic relation, you fool!!

Flower of Evil. My eyes can’t stop rolling while I watch this. The rhythm is right, the actors are great, but all the makjang is killing me. I still watch because there are only three episodes left. I recognize I was pleasantly surprised by MiSook being alive, that’s a good point, but all the rest… sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed while watching: the comatose guy who woke up a week ago after 15 years in a coma strong enough to kill a healthy woman, two cops accepting that someone who’s been seeked by Justice for 18 years remains living with a fake identity, Police letting a suspect lead the investigation…

Stranger 2. Everything feels so exhausting and suffocating… Is everything a conspiracy? Is this really happening again to Shi Mok?

LIES OF LIES: (Episode 3) This is a really well written and well acted show. The moments of silence for character reflections sets a true dramatic tone. Episode 3 ends with Yuri's character having a noble idiocy choice (to go back to jail) or to tell the truth to the one person (the reporter-dad) who can help her.
ONCE AGAIN: The lost aunt and the filmmaker's love line really makes no sense but this weekender is determined to have everyone have a happy ending. The magic bullet pregnancy was a surprise acceleration of the divorced couple's re-marriage.
Variety:
THE SIXTH SENSE: The mystery of the fake business is still well done, but the four female cast members bonding as sisters to the detriment of Jae Suk is even more entertaining.
HOW DO YOU PLAY? The Refund Sisters is less about the music formation now than how Jae Suk survives another round of four strong independent women. With these two shows, Jae Suk is a comedic glutton for punishment.

After It's OK to Not Be OK finished, I thought I would be taking a bit of a drama hiatus... nothing really stood out to me, but suddenly I find I am busier than ever with shows that are surprisingly gripping.

My total favorite right now is Do You Like Brahms, and thank you to Dramabeans for providing a space where we can geek out about this show. It's not just that it presents classical music and classical musicians in a thoughtful, realistic manner (and HOORAY for hiring actors who have at least some level of proficiency) but it turns out its a subtle and interesting relationship drama as well.

My 2nd favorite is When I Was the Most Beautiful, because the cinematography continues to be fabulous (I've never seen such an artistically lighted dorm room, lol) and I have has a soft spot for Ji Soo since Angry Mom so it is great to see him looking and doing so well. I am also thrilled that they have given Kim Mi Kyung, my favorite actress, such a fabulous part; I thought it was going to be your typically downtrodden mom, but she's ... selfish, single-minded, almost menacing. And realistic. Is she in the right drama? I came for the makjang and stayed for the gritty post-prison re-assimilation.

Rounding out the top trio is Flower of Evil--what is it about all these current shows and the fabulous acting?? I am getting spoiled, not an idol for miles. I find the story here pretty silly and unrealistic but I have to stick with it for the way this marriage is portrayed; it's amazing and unusual and fascinating and the leads are killing it.

I am also about to start Flower Boy Runway (Record of Youth) for fun, and am also watching I-Land with my daughter... it's so manipulative but so addicting. I'll never forget the look of horror on one contestant's face when he realized that he not only had to be talented and hard-working and a team player, but he also had to capture the capricious and shallow attention of a world-wide audience. I feel for the poor little sods, I really do. I hope they all get some much-needed therapy after this.

Flower of Evil: 7 - I didn't hate the end of day 13 -- quite as much as some of you :)

Alice In Kdramaland: 9 - In between time-hijinks, show seems to enjoy poking fun at kdramaland and the world.

Missing: The Other Side: 7.5 - Behind all the ghosts, starting to look like a standard chaebol succession / murder story. Yawn. But the ghost gimmick still has some legs.

Record of Youth: 1.2 - Stock obnoxious secondary characters + stale writing = out after 12 minutes.

Queen In-Hyun's Man: 8.5 - Rewatch, day 12.

Find Me in Your Memory: 6.5 - Catch-up, days 5/8. Parts are ok, parts are so bad it's -- still not good. Female lead does not impress but I'm not sure if she's just bad or if the PD or someone told her to act that way. She didn't grates like that in supporting roles I've seen her in.
And will dying kdrama murder victims ever learn to say who did it instead of just saying "Sorry"??? 😠
Kim Seul-gi is a delight, as always -- when we actually get to see her. It's too bad that the things she seems best at are not necessarily lead-actress things, so she may be stuck forever as a supporting actress no matter how much we want to see her as a lead.

Entirely enraptured by DYLB. Might I say Kim Min Jae has officially entered my Hall of Fame for actor's with beautiful voices? Yup, he'll join the ranks of Kim Seon Ho, Jang Hyuk, and THE Voice, Lee Sun Kyun! Kim Min Jae just has such a deep soothing voice. I'm in love lol.

Regarding Record of Youth. I liked it but I'm apprehensive that my bias towards PSD might be making me like it a little more than I normally would. I'm not sure if I would have kept watching with a different cast. I hope next week picks up a bit and we delve more on her character.

Live: I started watching mid-point because I get tvN on my cable provider, and started watching out of curiosity. I just finished watching the last episode and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Well written characters you feel for and situations and interactions which felt sincere and realistic. Loved the pacing. May circle round to the beginning to catch up on what I missed out. I managed to stumble across the informal Beanie watch thread since DB didn't recap the drama, and that helped to fill some gaps. As a relative newcomer to K-dramaland, this is the first drama by writer Noh Hee-kyung which I've watched and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for her past and future works. Will also be keeping an eye out for Jung Yumi's upcoming drama The School Nurse Files which looks like a tonne of fun.

Yessss, quirky case 🙋🏼‍♀️ ! Ooooh, I hate Jung Kyung in Brahms. She always looks so constipated. What a pill.

Binged Memorials/Into The Ring and finished it in 4 days... best 4 days ever!

Do You Like Brahms?: I haven't fallen this hard and fast for a show in a while. I love the nuanced characters and am looking forward to their slow revelations. This is the most natural romance I've seen in a Kdrama since One Spring Day.
Record of Youth: It started to pick up for me in the second episode. I'm looking forward to watching these new friends continue to bump into each other. I'm digging Park Bo Gum's more mature look, too. I liked Temperature of Love, which I realize is a minority opinion, so I'm curious to see where this goes.
Flower of Evil: Um, this had better be part of an elaborate game our OPT is playing with the accomplice or this will get ugly. Yelling, screaming, angry posting...
Stranger 2: This isn't going to go down in history like season 1, but it's a solid mystery and I still love the electricity whenever our leads get to share the screen. They play off of each other so well. #weasellives
Sense 8: I watched season 2 for the glimpses of Bae Doona and Son Seok-koo. Wow! I love him already, but hearing how naturally he speaks English makes me wish he'd get more attention from Hollywood. I think there aren't nearly enough things to watch Son Seok-koo in, yet. I also liked how their storyline took a decidedly kdrama flavor. Childhood (well teenage) connection, "I miss you." is next door to saying "I love you.", enemies to lovers, and a couple of other things made me chuckle.

I have nothing to contribute since I seem to be in a drama slump. I feel too lazy to start anything, be it a book or a drama. I'm wanting to start Brahms though. I really want the leads to abandon their toxic friendships. It just seems really sad that our leads are going through so much but aren't able to talk about to anyone. It must be really lonely if you aren't able to talk about your problems with your friends

I’m patiently waiting for Monday because of Do You Like Brahms and Record of Youth.

Agree with the general consensus of both, though it feels like I went into Do You Like Brahms with too low of expectations and Record of Youth with too high expectations. The first episode was a bit slow, I read by @saya on twitter that the Netflix translations strip away the charm and the wittiness and I totally believe it, but I still liked the second episode more than the first. The interactions between the leads still sparkled. I love our plucky routine based heroine and how she swoons without swooning, even at her most nervous she stays true to herself. I love their banter about unfairness, looking down on oneself, the repeated lines “did you look into me as well?” From the two male leads, the bromance, etc.

Do you like Brahms is a total gem. Simple, smart and Kim Min Jae seems to be doing the job in top form, this is what I’ve wanted to see from him since Goblin. And our heroine here too, while reserved, awkward and sometimes unable to stand up for herself has moments of inspiration, attempting to stick in the concert. The gestures they make to defend and protect one another really makes me feel all soft in the middle.

I started Once Again last week and I’m already 60 episodes in! *cries in drama all-nighter* I’m mostly into all the siblings and their parings, though Da Hee has given me much pain, there is a lot to love about this show. Had no idea it shared the same director of Father is Strange but that makes so much sense. He really knows just the right amount of ridiculous to sprinkle in a family drama. The La La Land dream dance scene, loved it. It’s also fairly predictable (someone mentioned a spoiler above and I thought OF COURSE THAT HAPPENS) but in a way still makes you want to take the ride anyway.

Have yet to finish but still excited to complete Into the Ring, started after it went off air. Do I love Nana now!?

Stranger 2: Only watched the first episode so far, and hmmm it feels different. The case hasn't hooked me in as much as the first episode in season 1, but I don't plan on dropping it either so I'll hang on and keep watching

Hospital Playlist Throwback: WAaaaAhhhHHH :'< I never thought we'd be saying goodbye to Chi-hong like this :((( I was so certain that he'd be coming back in the second season and I was anticipating to see more growth in his character as the new chief resident. It's quite sad to hear that his character was only intended to be the driving force for IkSong, when there's still so much more room for him to continue developing :( I hope they at least bring him back for cameos because his ending in season 1 clearly didn't feel like closure ahhh this only makes me more anxious that the second season won't live up to the first :'/

Besides the Kdrama talk...
Mulan: Just watched it with the family tonight and it was ok.. I don't really like Disney adaptations anyways so I already had mixed feelings about it even before watching, especially with it being wrapped up in more controversies recently. Pushing these biases aside though, as a stand-alone movie, I think it was alright but didn't leave a strong impression on me. A lot of reviewers criticised the lack of emotion in the movie, and after watching it, I definitely understand where this statement is coming from. It just felt.. rather hollow? I guess this is why I typically avoid live-action adaptations :/

Anyways, that's all from this week~~ Hope you all have a lovely week and remember to take frequent breaks!

Korea:
Do You Like Brahms/ To Be Friends - I have fallen so deep i cannot climb up anymore. I didn't expect this to hit me so hard, I just tried it because of the music and Kim Min Jae. I should brace myself for the next weeks to come.

Record of Youth - I'll continue watching this, hoping for a spark huhu

Thai

The Gifted - I really like how fresh/innovative the series was, and *fingers crossed* that the second season which is currently airing lives up/ becomes greater than the first one!

China

Le Coup de Foudre - I really love the characters and the past storyline. I skipped a lot of scenes in the present timeline...I was hoping for Xiaoyi to comeback as a scriptwriter but oh well. Nonetheless, it gave me happiness in the form of Janice Wu, a ball of sunshine.

To watch (I'm thinking on what to watch since I feel like I'm not 100% satisfied with what I'm currently watching):
1. Once Again - I've heard that it's almost as good as father is strange, so I want to try it but I'm also not sure if I'll like it
2. Hot Stove League - everyone's been raving about this show, but I'm not really a baseball fan, would I still enjoy this?
3. Can someone recommend any drama)series from s.korea/other countries w/ slice of life genre?

thanks!

Do you like Brahms?

My unexpected favorite right now. I could watch an entire two hour movie of Song Ah and Joon Young awkwardly bowing to each other non stop because that’s how adorable they are. The tone of this drama is soft, deep, tragic and yet heartwarming. Something about meeting your soulmate in the form of Kim Min Jae is so so good. He looks beautiful, he plays really well, his voice SLAYS and the way he smiles just makes you warm at your heart. For real though, he’s a visual God. And I’ve only seen Park Eun Bin in Age of Youth and the characters are SO different so I admit I expected Song Ah to jump up and down and create chaos, to be honest. Lol. The only bad thing about this is that I absolutely hate Jung Kyung. So much. And CEO Yoon is keeping both girls by his side, which makes me hate him even more.

Record of Youth

I have to admit I went in with high expectations: my favorite actor, Park Bo Gum and Park So Dam who comes after the big success of Parasite. So I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. But I can relate to the families and their struggles. I adore the friendship between the boys and they are so cute. I too hope that Hye Hyo can kiss Hye Joon one day as he promised. Lol

I’m waiting for Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol to air now.