This is a long one, so many dramas, gahhhh😂😂😂😂

The King’s Affection: Choi Myung Bin was a dynamo and also well cast. She doesn’t exactly look like Park Eun Bin, but they give me the same energy. I didn’t like how Lee Hwi and Jung Ji Un met as adults. The entire scene was set up so that he could see her as the beautiful woman she is, and I get it she was adjusting her wrap (as explained by helpful beanies), I still think it could have been better. Rowon doesn’t look anything like the child actor he is replacing, they also don’t give the same energy, ha. That being said I look forward to this drama and I hope it doesn’t end in tragedy, but the set-up is there.

Lovers of the Red Sky: I don’t understand what is happening. I didn’t realize the divine painter needed Hwancha and or why he needs him. I don’t understand why everything has to be completed so quickly. I don’t understand. I do understand noble idiocy though and it seems to be happening on Ha Ram’s side. Cheon Ki is doing a God’s work, literally, which painting this painting. HE is throwing her work away, for what, because her dad went crazy. I don’t know, lol. We are almost through though, so I shall continue watching,

High Class: I am so glad Yeo wool knows her trifling a$# husband is alive. He really is a POS. I hope she gets revenge on him and the siblings are able to hangout, they are the true victims in this.

Dali and the Cocky Prince: This drama continues to be a delight for me. Dali absolutely losing her cool on the thief was so funny. We still don’t know, fully, what happened between Dali and Tae Jin, but he was wrong for taking them back to their marriage apartment (which was impeccable). Sir, that is not the way to get your girl back. One of the few times I am glad a FL walks out of a pricey apartment. It was just tacky. Her heart to heart with Won Tak made me cry. They are so CUTE together. As for our cocky Prince, he seems to be growing some art sophistication. His father winking at him about the two girls was Hilarious, especially because he had no idea what he was doing. Also, I wish the men in Dali’s life would stop infantilizing her. She is an adult, tell her things. She is a good listener and always admits when she is wrong. So when you are investigating, tell her, when you take her to an apartment, tell her, and when she tells you she will take care of something, let her. Also Moo Hak needs to stop yelling in order to make his point, it is incredibly annoying.

Reflection of You: There is some masterful acting in this drama. Go Hyun Jung and Shin Hyun Bin are fantastic. This drama is like a glitch in the matrix. Everything seems okay and then there is a twitch. Hui Ju has this great relationship with Hyeong Seong and then you meet her bratty kids. Everything has an edge to it, even when it shouldn’t. Hae won is normal with the bar owner and her mother and then she is Jekyll and Hyde with Hui Ju. It is weird watching, but leaves you intrigued. Then you have...

Reflection of You (Episode 1-2) - Mood: B
To say I was hyped for this show is an absolute understatement: all the leads were indeed glorious in their performance as I’ve expected! Obviously, the more important thing is if the show’s writing holds up. From the premiere week, the one thing that was pretty cliche was this whole setup of the Taerim conglomerate and their propriety for respectability. But, I don’t think rich family nonsense has got anything to do with the wretched history between the two female leads. Or at least that’s what I hope it is, because it’ll go downhill very quickly if it’s a cover-up. How much does Hyun Seong know?

The King's Affection (Episode 1-2) - Mood: C-
After the other sageuk imploded in a spectacular fashion, this show was my next hope I had for 1 sageuk that’s at least somewhat decent in 2021. I guess Park Eun Bin and Nam Yoon Su also helped me tolerate the cliches: the premiere week was filled to the brim! I had expected the childhood connection (CPR is also a kiss but whatever) but star-crossed lovers too with the “your father killed my twin” nonsense? That being said, Lee Hwi does know everything, so I’m optimistic that the setup won’t give rise to contrived conflicts later on. Yet Hwi’s mother dying was ultra random?

Yumi's Cells (Episode 7-8) - Mood: C-
I had already wished for less external conflicts and more internal ones last week but the show decided to dump a lot of nonsense with the spectacled “friend” (more like enemy!), the ex and Sae Yi: why didn’t we just focus on something like differences in attitudes towards marriage as a deal breaker instead? That’s so much better? I also don’t appreciate the Reply-style teasing with the wedding photo: we’re inducing fan wars all over again, also, it’s pretty useless when all the spoilers are out there. As for Bobby, he comes across as a playboy to me: why does it feel like his “girlfriend” isn’t real?

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (Episode 13-14) - Mood: D
If the writer wanted to go the makjang route with the “he killed my father!” trope, she should have just gone all in with a bang by making Du Sik responsible for Hye Jin’s car accident instead: now not only is your story unrealistic but it’s also such a random twist? Also, with regards to the LGBT plot element, it feels like the writer wanted the best of both worlds by including it subtly: now not only do you leave LGBT activists frustrated if not annoyed at the poor representation but also enrage the homophobic crowd? I think it’ll be more interesting to not reunite the divorced couple but it is what it is.

Also watched:
- One The Woman (Episode 7-8) - Mood: C, Amnesia joke’s the highlight!
- High Class (Episode 11) - Mood: D+, Finally Yeo Wool knows!
- Dal-li and Gamjatang (Episode 7-8) - Mood: D+, They kissed but I’m not thrilled for the 2nd half at all.
- Lovers of the Red Sky (Episode 11-12) - Mood: D, So many overheard...

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha: Heavier pair of episodes. I didn’t expect that punch. I was frustrated with both Hye-jin and Doo-shik and felt for them both too. I was glad that they took some space but didn’t break up. I expect a separation in the finale week though. I really connected to Yoon-kyung’s storyline.

Yumi’s Cells: I’m not in a relationship, but I think my Male Recon cells went on vacation too. Jinyoung does nothing for me. I saw both sides of the Yumi and Woong fight, but overall the Sae-yi mess didn’t make any of them look good. I did like the hug in the elevator and Yumi putting herself first. I hope she keeps herself as number one in the future.

King’s Affection: Good start but can it keep it together for 20 episodes? Past experience says unlikely. They did a good job establishing the backstory. The child actress playing the twins was incredible. I wish we could have kept her longer, and the mother as well. Of course the love story will be as complicated as possible.

Reflection of You: Artsy melo. I’m not sure how much I liked it, but I did like the moody vibe. I also liked the color palate and of course, the acting. It’s nice to have Go Hyun-jung back. I didn’t see any of Jang Gyeo-wool in Shin Hyun-bin’s performance. I’m tired of the bratty kids already.

My Name: It was obvious who killed her dad and why from Episode 1, but I didn’t mind that the story was predictable since it was well executed. Han So-hee was fantastic. She more than proved herself in a role that is night and day from her previous ones. Park Hee-soon was great as well, not to mention sexy. The action scenes were well done. I really like the PD. This isn’t going to be another Squid Game, but it’s a tight crime/revenge thriller.

Romantic Hometown - I was much more interested in the side characters this week and some of their dialogues were pretty good. As a mom of 4 (and with 3 pregnancies behind me), Yoon Kyung's emotions and outburst touched me the most (...that untied shoe lace...).

I also liked dialogues of Dali and Muhak... and that even when they quarrel, each has a point. Taejin is smoldering, but he is manipulative and more obsessed with Having Dali than actually Loving her. (The hijinks of Muhak's family brought some needed laugh for me and I'm also enjoying the fact that Muhak and Stepmom are completely different characters from the actors' last drama Brahms 😁)

CRICKET - T20 world cup is starting in a few days.

Afganistan team is also participating - hmm. ICC is ok. Rule is if you not have official and approved female team then whole country can't have recognition and with that Male team goes out automatically from international approval. Well, most likely money is at stake so they are avoiding bringing it now and few months later you gonna see no Male team anymore either.

I had talked about how female cricket has made more inroads into unknown regions compared to male cricket. Female world cup is next year - ratings and live spectators gonna help know where it stands.

THE VEIL (Ep 7 & 8): Let’s add another secret organization (or two) to the collective spy dumpster., including one with family ties to Je Yi. We learned who is HJH’s inside man and it makes perfect sense. But HJH narrative is still too faulty as the series turns towards the home stretch. There are too many new plot elements thrown at us to divert attention from the original, unanswered questions. The most disappointing thing is that everything is starting to point to “politics.”

HIGH CLASS (Ep 11 ): All the skeletons are literally coming out the of closet. I was correct in my assumption that Ji Yong’s master plan was to have both Na Yoon and Yeo Wool fight each other then take the fall for his crimes.

The King's Affection I really liked the introduction of this show. The kids were lovely and great in their role (the small Eunuch was the cutest!). I'm excited to see the adult part.

Lovers of the Red Sky After 12 episodes, HCG doesn't really know Haram and still ready to sacrifice herself for him... It would be good if she knows that he's not only a nice astrologist but plotted a revenge during years and became powerful to do that.

Dal-li and Gamjatang For this one, KJM's charm doesn't work enough to make me like his character. Dali is the best and PGY is incredible in this role. The cop is just a cute puppy, I really like their brother-sister relationship.

Hometown I'm behind... maybe I dropped it?

The Veil I read they wanted to make a spin off for Park Ha-sun's character (2 episodes). I still don't know why she took this role.

Human Disqualification Slow and too many uninteresting characters.

Yumi's Cells Bye bye Snake-Yi \o/

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha I miss Doo-Shik's lively attitude. It's hard to watch him like that without anybody understanding the situation...

My Name After Heartless City, nothing can surprise me. So the story wasn't really strong. It's sad they chose an actress who can offer a single facial expression during all the 8 episodes... Park Hee-Soon was great! I liked the action part.

Dali and Gamjatang: This continues to be a fun watch, in large part because it allows its leads to be complex human beings while also highlighting their blind spots, prejudices and flaws. Most shows with this conceit come down hard in favor of either "culture" or "efficiency" and I appreciate the way this one recognizes the plusses and minuses of both, as well as the absurdities of wealth in general.

Reflection of You: Well . . . pretentious for starters. More style than substance, like "Mine" and "High Class." The show-off camera operator needs to calm down or get his/her own YouTube channel. Ko Hyun-jung is my idea of a great actress.

One the Woman: Suddenly ran out of steam in Ep. 7.

The Veil: Dropped.

High Class: Not sure. Maybe dropped.

White Lies: A 2009 daily soap. Delicious, malicious low-brow entertainment, the kind you can dip into anytime & that makes you want to talk back to the characters ("oh shut up"). Shin Eun-kyung & Kim Hae-sook tear it up. They don't cast dailies like that anymore.

Lovers of the Red Sky: I am a few episodes behind. I like it but the pacing is uneven.

The King's Affection: Solid start but how many times have I said that before a drama crashes and burns.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha: Okay, so I haven't watched episodes 13 & 14 and wonder if it is really necessary. All the spilling of the beans is gonna happen now and I might just jump into the last week.

Dali & Gamjatang: I really like this drama a lot. It's not that some of the tropes aren't there, it is what the writers and actors are doing with the same type stuff. I actually really liked the conversation between the leads when they were arguing about his making sure people showed up for the art show. They both had valid points so this drama has shades of gray instead of someone always being right or wrong and they manage to mix the drama with the comedic aspect well. I also don't dislike the 2nd ML as much as some others. He deserves what he's gonna get about thinking he could just start as he left off with an "oops, I'm sorry. My bad" on dumping her, but I'm interested in why and wish they had disclosed that in the last episode.
One of my favorite drama moments of the week was when the ML was in the coffin saying (paraphrase), "Some people just don't understand art".

This week was extremely light on drama-watching sadly.

ONGOING
Hometown Cha-cha-cha - 😢.

Lovers of the Red Sky - Was so irritated by the entitled SL and the bizarre storylines that I decided to postpone watching it to next week.

Dali and Gamjatang - Best couple of episodes so far.

COMPLETED
Hospital Playlist 2 - Finally finished the last episode 😅

PLANNING TO WATCH
Will start King's Affection and waiting to watch Jirisan next week.

C-DRAMAS
Was planning to watch Our Times but it apparently has a cliffhanger ending (?) so I noped out.

Prison Playbook⚾👮(16/16): The whole show was filled with sad goodbyes to characters that either got released or transferred to another prison, but this episodes I was happy to see Tiramisu Cake, Je-Hyuk and Papa Bear leave their cells for good. Captain Yoo might follow them soon, and his reaction was the good kind of heartbreaking to watch. Superficial note: Jung Hae-In has a deep voice…but whenever he sobs uncontrollably, laughs hysterically or yells buried underneath his cellmates, it raises a few octaves!😆What a hilarious adventure this gem was! I knew it would be very funny and touching, but I did not expect this show to remind me of the importance of humor in our darkest times.❤️

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha🌊🦷(14/16):🎵Lalalalalalalalala, Romantic Weeeekeeend🎵 Or not, because it was angst galore last weekend. I am probably a minority, but I actually liked episodes 13 and 14 the most, because we saw glimpses of the real Doo-Sik. Our chief has been hiding behind unhealthy behavioral patterns and coping mechanisms that were bound to wreak havoc once they started dating. While I fully supported Hye-Jin when she asked him to open up to her (eventually) and suggested the break, I did feel like the episodes put her on a pedestal. There is a reason why Doo-Sik has been in therapy and has not said a word about his past for all these years, and yet everyone was quick to side with Hye-Jin and scold Doo-Sik about their fight.🤔

Lovers of the Red Sky🖌️🦋👁️(10/16): As much as I breeze through the episodes, I am getting doubts about a happy ending for our lovers. Their relationship felt platonic until their moment in episode 6, and the story seemed to forget what it was supposed to do afterwards. It tried to distance the lovers in episodes 7 and 8, then changed its mind and sprinkled in some kite flirting and portrait gazing in episodes 9 and 10. I am fine with both of them, but I would like more consistency.

Dal-ri and Gamjatang 🖼️🐖(6/16): I am still a fan of our both leads, and not only for superficial reasons!🤭 Dalri continues to be my role model. The whole press conference was a very bold and cunning move to show her adversaries what she is capable of. It unnerved me as well, because what woman could calmly watch on while people watch proof of her getting assaulted?🥺 Moo-Hak seemed to agree with me, the poor guy certainly did not like it one bit!😍

Reflection of You - Great to see Go Hyun-jung back in another intriguing role. From the secrets and mystery to the creepy/unhinged characters, things got interesting right from the start. I'm already assuming Hee-joo's husband knows more than we think he knows.

The Veil - I don't know how they're going to wrap this up with the episode count that's left. There are still so many unanswered questions! They're not going to pull a "there will be a season 2", right?

One The Woman - After 8 episodes, chaebol family is still not funny. What is the deal with the housekeeper?

Lost (Human Disqualification) - The drama I look forward to every single week. What a treat it is to see these particular lead actors. It's an avalanche of feelings between these two, oftentimes without saying a word. I'm a bit fearful of what the future holds for Kang-jae and Bu-jung. I wish positive things for them, but we'll see what happens. I'm ready for anything.

Just wanted to put in a cheer 🎉 for the Netflix show The Chair, which I am loving. 6 episodes of Sandra Oh and a great cast as professors in a college English Dept. It’s so funny, the characters are super-flawed to say the least, and I can’t look away.

Yay for Dali and Yumi’s Cells as well 🎉 Every time Yumi starts to drag for me, a new Cell shows up and the fun starts again. And boy do I ever hate Sae Yi, this doesn’t happen often but I’d like to smoosh her face in.

I will try Reflections for the wonderful Ko Hyun Jung and will give Kings Affection a shot. Finishing Cha Cha, mostly for the bean I must admit.

Yumi's Cells: 8.4 "Male Reconnaissance Cells", "Guard Cells" :) New cell types are always a treat, but the human scenes are dragging a bit.

The Veil: 7.5 Confusing.

One the Woman: 8.3 Much less confusing. Much Less Than anagram-of-Evil confusing.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha: 5.0 Midwifing - the only skill Du-sik doesn't have a certificate for.

So I Married an Anti-Fan: 3.0 (day 12 / 14)

King's Affection: 8.5 Infinitely-deep little pond in the palace grounds - WTF! That's harder to believe in than the main premise of the show. Do sageuk palace groundskeepers not watch kdramas? Pond of Doom is like Kryptonite for royal females - see Last Empress, Mr. Queen, etc.
They appear to be laying the groundwork for detours into an unwatchable palace politics trope-swamp, but I can't downgrade them for what they haven't done yet. Oh well, if show goes down the drain later we can just re-watch the kids in the first week over and over instead of keeping current on a train-wreck.

Lovers of the Red Sky: 6.5 Never one of my favorites, but day 11 seemed especially lame right after day 1 of King's Affection. Day 12 somehow didn't compare so badly.
With only one pair of eyes between two leads who have swapped vision before, who ends up blind at the end? Or do they swap eyes back and forth like the Graeae of Greek mythology?? Go halvsies as Mr. & Mrs. Cyclops???

Dal-li and Gamjatang: 8.6

Hometown: 4.5 At least Lee Re is back, but I'm only sticking around for the Bean, and I'm disappointed in Han Ye-Ri / Yoo Jae-Myung / Lee Re for tricking me into starting this.

Reflection of You: 5.0 I'm stuck partway thru day 2 and unlikely to continue unless you all rave about it. Ko Hyun-Jung established herself as one of the best in shows like Queen's Classroom, Sandglass & Great Queen Seondeok, but her recent drama choices don't suit my tastes. I'm already suffering to earn my Beans for 2 Hometowns (Cha-3 & Cha-less), and I can't handle another now even for her. Your mileage may vary -- if you want to see a great actress in a sort-of dark revenge (melo?) thriller this might be right for you.

My Name: 8.0 (ep 1 / 2)

Hometown cha cha cha (9-14): The confession was so fluttery. Episodes 11 and 12 were so cheesy and cringey but I can't help watching it. They are so adorable together. I have fallen so deep into the KSH spell that I dont actually mind there is very little story. The show is all about the warmth . Like I feel so happy while watching it. I also loved the development between MS and the EC. I wish they have more screen space together.

King's affection (1-2): I love it. The story telling is good and the child actors have done a wonderful job. Although I wish they have not killed the prince. Imagine how wonderful the reunion of twins would have been when they grow up. I am not a fan of Ro woon but I love PEB and really excited to see the future episodes.

OLDER
World of Married (7-16): I have my set of complaints about the climax but overall it was a fine show. The cast had done a very fine job and the story was strong too. It definitely deserved all the high ratings. The son's character was a little off at times but may be its understandable since he was a part of the broken family and his parents definitely made quiet a few bas choices. I liked the character development DK got in the end

Imitation (9-12) : The final episodes felt kind of "meh". I was invested more in the story arc of the music couple than the leads towards the end. Overall it was a decent watch And I see myself rewatching the fav scenes in the future

Chesapeake Shores: Watched this last year when my country announced lockdown for the first time. And with the season 5 episodes out now I am live watching it but a bit disappointed. They could have wrapped Trace's arc decently. I know it was the actor's decision to leave but still they could have given him a better ending.Abby has the least development through out the series and they always portrayed Trace as the one with issues but Abby has her own set off issues too but those are less portrayed. And I dont know how I feel about Buckley's entry as a possible love interest for Abby. I will always remember him as Clay in one of my all time fav series one tree hills, but here I can't decide between him and Jay. There are chances that Jay might lose out since the other is a bigger name.

Age of youth S1 (12/12): Its been there in my watch list and an unexpected two day holiday from work set me in a mood for this.I loved it. It's so charming and the I loved how each house mate has been given equal importance.

Little things S4 : The little show is ending. I started this on recommendation of my colleague. Dhruv and kavya portrayed love more realistically than ever seen before on indian screens. We saw their journey from their honeymoon phase in S1 to their LDR in S3. Yet Dhruv summarizes their relationship success in one sentence that the reason they work is that they find reasons and solutions together. As the season progresses with the background of Allepepy backwaters, we see a Dhruv who is handling his anger...

Dali and the Prince Ep 1-5 - I'm not sure why this show got popular. Moo Hak is sweet but that's really all the drama has done properly until ep 5. The FL is supposed to be really smart but she acts crazy for no reason, the absurd coincidences and the mystery plot seem like a copy from other thousands of very forgettable romcoms.

HD Ep 1-8 - It's on hold for now, the first eps were nice but the others were too draggy, the main characters only had a few moments together each ep and the secondary characters were so boring and repetitive. It felt like a movie someone tried to turn into a series but did not know how to do it.

Hometown CCC Ep 1-10 - I must really like SMN, or seaside towns, because this is also very draggy and full of cliches but I'm still getting that beanie. My favorite characters are the cop and the kids.

Yumi Ep 1-9 - This might be the only kdrama to ever deserve a second season. I'm not saying this because it's better than most, though it is, but because the theme and the way it's being explored could easily continue with these or other characters as main leads. I'd never have imagined the animation could work so well or be so adorable. Yes, there are some stereotypes but I forgive them completely because Yumi and Woong are so believable and relatable. It's also great to have a plot that doesn't need crazy events and knows how to use ordinary people and situations to make the characters grow and the story advance in a natural way.

Lovers of the Red Sky: This week's episodes slipped in momentum and were a touch too overdramatic, but the episodes went by really fast and it still has a good balance of the various genres and I love the Chun-gi's support network. I'm confused as why everyone is so fixated on having the king's portrait be the vessel even after finding out that Ma Wang is in Haram.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha: Even with the break, there were so many happy moments in this pair of episodes. Then the ending of ep 14 slapped me in the face as we all now have to face Doo-shik's past. I'm scared to find out more.

King's Affection: Wowsa darker beginning than I expected and that child actor for the prince/Dam-yi was impressive. What Dam-yi is going through is life-or-death, so I'm wondering how the romance will the optimistic male lead will bear out with him seeing her disguise slip so early in the series and with his dad having killed her twin.

Off to catch up on Dali and Gamjatang!

Squid Game
I finally finished it earlier this week. Overall I enjoyed the acting from the main cast, the dark humour, the art direction, and the iconic games.
I did not, however, enjoy the last third of the drama nearly as much. The English characters mansplaining commenting the games was unbearable and the wrap up was a bit sloppy despite a good final plot twist.
For instance, what was the point of that police/brother subplot? It was predictable, had little impact on the main plot line, and it went nowhere. Wasted potential there.

Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung
I went into this with absolutely no expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. What a wonderful feel-good sageuk with a memorable cast of characters. This drama had heart! Despite presenting itself as a cute and fluffy romance, it was first and foremost Goo Hae Ryung's and the historians story. It even felt like a office comedy in hanbok more than a romcom at times which I loved.
Shin Sekyung, Lee Jihun, and Park Kiwoong were particularly amazing in their respective roles. I also loved that this drama was filled with strong female characters. It's rare to have a truly feel-good sageuk that does not dive into the depths of despair halfway through. I think this might have become my favourite fusion sageuk.

Tune In for Love [Netflix Movie]
A nice slow paced romance with Jung Haein and Kim Goeun. However, I wish the movie would have taken the time to flesh out its supporting characters more as well as the final conflict between the leads. The ending was cliché and a bit confusing. It was a sweet story but it could have been told better. The acting and chemistry was great at least.

Nowadays, whenever I see Jung Haein this line from a Taylor Swift song plays over and over in my head: " He's got that boyish look I like in a man". Why brain? Why.

My Name
I binged this drama yesterday. It was a great revenge action drama but it did not bring anything new to the genre. I was ambivalent about Han Sohee's acting but she impressed me in episode 6. I also liked Ahn Bohyun here more than in Yumi's Cells.

Yumi's Cells
I am behind because I was not really in the mood to watch it this week. I did watch episode 7...why are all the women in Yumi's life other than her coworker friend horrible or annoying? This drama would not pass the Bechdel test... Maybe Goo Hae Ryung spoiled me too much with its amazing female relationships and characters.
Despite my negative criticism, I am still enjoying the drama enough to stick with it.

I didn’t come this far to give up now.

@missvictrix Just gave us our new motto. Should I put a smiley-face emoji here or a sad face?

I watched ENCOUNTER all this week. This is an ultra-ultra romantic 2018 fairytale with a lovely and romantic soundtrack and lots of passionate kissing and hugging, but there’s never any suggestion Park Bo Gum and Song Hye Gyo might end up in a bed together. There’s not even a scene with a bare arm sticking out of a bed. The bedroom scenes, what there are of them, are of the I’ll-sit- next-to-you-while-you-fall-asleep variety. It’s so clean, it’s embarrassing. I like a drama that follows things to their natural conclusion. PG-13 seems to allow for a range of realistic relationship behavior, so why are some modern dramas so pure? Is it maybe because the actors involved don't want to be shown having any sexual thoughts? I just don't get this.

This week my wife binge watched the Chinese costume drama THE TWISTED FATE OF LOVE which was lovely. She then found that more episodes of the Chinese costume drama JUN JIU LING had now been subtitled and watched them as well as also watching the Chinese costume mystery/fantasy drama CHONG MING WEI.

The new weekend family drama YOUNG LADY AND GENTLEMAN is now well under way. One of the more charming sides of this show is that at some very special moments we hear Louis Armstrong singing in the background (and most recently a little very soft trumpet as well)- there is no mistaking Ole Satchmo’s wonderful gravelly voice. This week we have had two Birth Secrets, a lie by a grown but immature daughter who ought to know better and we ended with a our poor family about to be chucked out on the street. Lots of standard family drama tropes but that is OK if it is done well. In short- this story has raised steam and is now well under way.

In HOMETOWN CHA CHA CHA we finally have some idea as to the trauma in Du-shik’s past. Meanwhile our wonderful secondary romance was surprisingly accelerated: Instead of getting to watch Mi-seon struggling to find her new path and coming to a gradual realization about what she wanted her future to look like she is just suddenly there: She and Eun-chal are now dating with the intent of marriage (and they will have two kids). It was still cute though: She is the one who suggests this only to hear from him that this is what he intended all along.

This week we saw the start of a new Sageuk: THE KING’S AFFECTION. My wife loves it and Park Eun-bin is delivering a fine performance.

We are loving the LOVERS OF THE RED SKY. I think that my favorite deity/supernatural being in this show has to be the Mountain God who (maybe correctly) thinks that Sam Shin may be a few bricks short of a full load. In any case I am looking forward to the final episodes.

DALI AND GAMJATANG delivered some genuine belly-laughs this week- and some heartfelt moments as well. The romance is coming in a very natural way. We are starting to see a new side of Moo-hak, with much less yelling and posturing- even a more thoughtful side than we had seen before- and you can tell that Dali is bringing out a side of him that was probably always there but repressed until now.

HCCC: One ep left and overall, am in the minority of it just being ok 😅 A really strong supporting cast though, kind of reminds me of HP, and heard there are a lot of theater actors. Talented child actors too (watch ep 15!!!).

LotRS: Still watchable, as I've chosen to watch without thinking too much (like how could they love someone so deeply when they only talked a few hours in the past?!?) 😅

OtW: Am a sucker for this genre, and it's not too serious or dark. A light watch though am really pissed with the in-laws. Ugh!!!

Reflection of You: Unexpectedly intriguing... so will continue to watch.

3MaD: Doctors: If you love the HP actors that are the 99ers, watch this! Love seeing them just chatting and kidding around! 🙂 No crying here, just LoL with them.

Planning to watch King's Affection soon...

Mr Nam didn't come to The Veil to play. That forearm is no joke (*clutches pearls)

I dropped one kdrama cops/crime/mystery drama: HOMETOWN (after 6 eps.). Dramas that have plots that revolve around cults are just not my thing. Sorry Yoo Jae-myung.

In lieu of HOMETOWN and before the next onslaught of my anticipated dramas (RED SLEEVE CUFF, INSPECTOR JOY, JIRISAN and HAPPINESS). I am working in one
cdrama in cops/crime/mystery that recently became available on Viki: DOUBLE TAP. I have watched 6 (of 16 episodes). Gritty and gray. It was filmed last winter in China’s northeast and it really has grabbed my attention. Great performances so far.

Dal-li and Gamjatang: this is my ultimate favorite of every week, the one I agonize when there is no more 😭😭 lol. I love both leads, Dal-Li is one of my favorite female lead, with her quiet strength, her elegance, intelligence. Moo Hak is also a sweetheart. I can't wait for more!

Lovers of the red sky: I still like this, though I am taking it very slow, hence I am behind on all episodes.

Hometown cha cha cha: i haven't watched this week's episodes, but I have been feeling meh about this, so it's hard to pick it up. But I have to get my bean so I will probably finish all 4 episodes at once.

Lost: I stopped watching after episode 4. I was feeling like I wasn't really in the mood because I was finding it super slow. So I continued with the recaps , and picked it back up again at episode 12. I might actually just continue watching it.

Lovers of the Red Sky: not really surprised at all the muddled possession and politicking, the writing in this drama hasn't been tight since the beginning, sigh. Still on board because my expectations for this drama were just to feast my eyes in all the camp and all the prettiness, and drama is still delivering. Sidenote: Kwak Siyang is doing the best with what he's got - he's quite good and I hope to see him not playing a Baddie anytime soon.

Dali and Gamjatang: I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying this! It's fluffy and sweet, the acting and comedy are on point, and drama is introducing cool themes like privilege/obliviousness, access to the art world, the tensions between art as a business and the necessity of keeping art's "purity"... Very cool and watchable drama! Just hope murder mystery/shady dealings don't take over (and, no, I can't get used to Dali's hair, someone please keep her away from the hair gel)

Lost: ended up signing up to Iqiyi just because of this (they had an offer to get Premium VIP content for a month) and marathoned right into episode 12. It gives me Secret Love Affair feels. Love it
Yumi's Cells : need to catch up with this week's episodes. I know there's pain in store...

Whew! Earned a bean by finishing SQUID GAME, and that was one tough haul. I admire the production, writing and acting but this really isn't my preferred genre. Find it hard to believe people binged the show - 9 straight hours of nasty. I guess the door is wide open for a second season.
Speaking of second seasons, GREAT SHAMAN deserves maybe a season of 45 minute long eps? They could go off to college and fight the many demons lurking there (look in the faculty lounge).
KINGS's AFFECTION was trope-a-dope, saved only by excellent acting and production elements.
Slowly catching up on DALI & KMJ but I think I'll put it on the back burner so I don't have to wait for subs (we love you viki subbers).
Based on Beanie enjoyment I started ONE the WOMAN and have garnered a few chuckles. Again with the tropes: doppleganger/ToD/amnesia/first love/prosecutor bribery/evil MIL/chaebol misery... did I miss any? Really liked her connecting with the maid by conversing in Vietnamese - that's a new one.
Counting down to JIRISAN.

The great shaman Ga Doo Shim. What a cute little drama. Can’t recommend it enough. The ending was a bit rushed but we got goodies winning, which was totally expected. Loved the relation between DoShim and WooSoo.

Hometown Chachacha. Finally some answers. I guess it was all a terrible misunderstanding and an accident DoSik blames himself. Waiting for the finale and the happy ending.

The Veil So I was wrong about SooYeon still being alive. Well done, drama. You fridged the hysterical woman who was shown even more hysterical in the flashbacks. I still don’t like JeYi, probably because of the actress bland acting. But, I was right about Chief Ha. He was the one helping JiHyuk. It’s a pity the drama doesn’t really know where it’s going and it’s only sustained by NGM amazing presence and acting.

Lost / Human Disqualification I’m in love with this drama. As I have said many times before I love slow paced dramas in which nothing really happens (that are well done, of course). BuJung and GangTae Cinderella trip was such a delight to see: the smiles, the intimacy, the bonding. I hope both of them can find the way back to treasuring their lives. Regarding the side stories, I just don’t get SoonKyu and WooSam, tbh not what’s their part in the story, or what about the Akira manager (who just disappeared in the last episodes), not to talk about you know who. It feels the drama is extremely good written around the leads but all the side stories are like a refill and no one really paid much attention to it.

Lovers of the Red Sky. I guess we are having a failing sealing ceremony on Monday, because it’s episodes 13 and sealing MaWang can’t be that easy. I wonder why nobody took the time to investigate about the sealing. I mean: at first I could understand about the royal portrait because no one knew MaWang was inside HaRam, but know everyone knows it. So back in the day, the sealing was made using the King’s portrait because MaWang was inside the King, so… why on Earth has no one connected the dots? Shouldn’t we use a portrait of the guy MaWang is inside? Isn’t it on the First Course of Sealing Bad Gods? Did they skip the class?

My Name. I began it yesterday, stopped and decided not to continue, and then went back because it’s only 8 episodes and everybody is praising it, so I resumed this morning. I wish I could say it is Kill it done well, but I’m afraid I can’t. And it doesn’t have Nana on it.

HCCC - on hold for now. It was getting too hard to get immersed in the drama as a drama and not just a photo shoot for KSH.

So instead I went and watched ONCE AGAIN (hello PD! This time you are the dentist!) and as usual I should not be allowed near family dramas because I try to watch them all in one go 😅 I fast forwarded many of the story lines but I really enjoyed Da-hee’s story and to a lesser extent Na-hee.

Having said that I should stay away from family dramas, I am also watching INFAMOUS CHIL SISTERS - it’s very funny (unintentionally) seeing Lee Seung Gi in his first drama. His character’s cellphone ringtone is Because You’re My Woman and it cracks me up everytime it rings 😅. So far it’s actually a pretty engaging (albeit dated) watch.

DA-LI - I felt like this started really well, derailed a bit when suddenly this smart competent woman was completely struggling without really making it clear that she’s hugely grieving/way out of her depth, but is a bit more back on track now. I liked the last two episodes.

I tried out WHEN THE WEATHER IS FINE but I don’t know that I’ll make it all the way through - it’s not my style of drama, too much gazing in contemplation.

And my sister and I started ONE THE WOMAN - the first episode felt quite long but got more fun in the last ten minutes 😅 so I’m looking forward to the next episode.

The Kings Affection - Well that was one solid back story setup and great characterization by the cameos. Ro-woon hasn't really clicked yet into the story and why did they have to meet like that. That was too convenient a setup, and a 'meeting' in another form that could have happened in maybe ep 3 or 4 to have impact. Save for these, I'm enjoying this story and this story is on the way to clinching my must watch's.

One the Woman - One movie I must watch every week and I've never been disappointed. Yeon-ju kicked asses without her memory,and now that its back, coupled with CEO power, just kick more asses. That family dinner where she exchanged words with her Sister in law, I literally saw sword clashes in the air. And I think there's much we need to know about Kang Mina, cause clearly the only history she shares with Seung-wook is her semblance to Yeon-ju. How long has she known of Yeon-ju's existence?

Lovers of the Red Sky - I think she won't make a deal with HwaCha to complete her painting, clearly she seems more divine than her father , and she has SamShins backing. I don't like noble idiocies but I like it here because our OTP do not follow through at all, at least to this point. And who knows if the painting of HaRam will seal MaWang. And that reveal with respect to Painter Han, I was really surprised.

Reflection of You - Go Hyunjung is the reason I began this, and I'm not disappointed at all. Please, please and please, do not evoke Suzy Choi- Jung Seo-hyun conflict between Haewon and Hui-ju. In retrospective, one scene I admired was the actions of Haewon and Hyunsung at the table with his mom. He defended her before his mom and instead of her to just acknowledge and bow to him sort of, she brightened up instantly right in her husbands presence, and to crown it all, they had a conversation about the incident, something kdramas I watched most times fail to do.

Just finished binging Netflix's My Name.

Hollllllllly shittake mushrooms. Han So Hee was on 🔥. Entire cast was on 🔥.

We need a standalone post for My Name.

Dalli and Gamjatang
I'm lovin' it. Can't remember the last time I'm so attached with romcom like this time.

Confession
Lee Junho *blushing*
I'm always cautious when idols step into dramaland. It usually takes a lot to convince me that they can act, not just pretty faces. Junho and DO, for me, among those who passed the test with flying colors. I fell hard for him in JBL some years back.

2D1N
Youn Junghoon throws away his image and just enjoying himself immensely.
Ravi, I think he's the most cuddly maknae in show's history. He clings to Jongmin, leans on Seonho and hops in Seyoon's hugs.

3 Meals A Day: Doctors
In the series, it's Ikjun - Jungwan besties moments. In real life, it's Kyungho and Mido noona. He adores her.
Kyungho with Jo Jungsuk are actors I always follow. I've watched most of their dramas. When they were casted in HosPlay, I was so excited. Their endless bickering in the series are my drama treasures.
I just wish Kyungho puts some weight gain. He looks so skinny it worries me.

King's Affection
I'm not a fan of Sageuk because it usually involve heavy political issue. My brain just refuses to function when it comes to politics.
But I like first 2 episodes, so maybe.....

I've given up HCCC since episode 10, but probably will watch the last episode.

Dali and the Cocky Prince has become the current favourite. It's been a while since a rom com has really taken my fancy. While it has its wobbly moments, it does well in what really matters which is... the dynamic between the leads. They're both equally likeable and wonderfully fleshed out. (I hate it when shows sabotage one to elevate the other) I'm so glad that there's more to Moo-hak than meets the eye. It's hard to do an "opposites attract" storyline well but this one does it with charm and humour. I also enjoy what the show does with multi-faceted perspectives around prejudice and snobbery. Moreover the integration of themes and messaging is much better done than most shows of this kind. It is truly one of the better written romance dramas I've seen in a long time. The ex doesn't bother me that much. While I wouldn't say he's irrelevant, he's getting his comeuppance anyhow for putting money/power ahead of the girl. He's reaping what he's sowing and it's fun watching Moo-hak take him down a peg or two.

I'd like to give last year's C drama Reborn a bit of a plug because I finished it a couple of weeks ago. It's a cop show with a moody, noir feel about it but the storytelling is stellar. Definitely for those who can sit down to a good psychological thriller along the lines of Wallander or Beyond Evil.

The King's Affection was off to a very decent. I like the tragic set-up and my interest is piqued as to how the cross-dressing prince will be able to keep her enemies at bay much longer.

I'm still watching Hometown because I am in awe of the storytelling and genuinely intrigued by the antagonist's modus operandi. Also I'm ridiculously curious about cults. It seems to be a trend too with K drama thrillers this year to explore the role of cults.

Haven't had time to get to this week's episodes of The Veil.

The other half and I finished Squid Game after 3 weeks snatching a moment here and there. Hard to find time to suit the both of us. It's a well-made drama but certainly not for the faint of heart. Great performances all round but especially Lee Jung-jae. For a seasoned K drama watcher the hype is baffling.

Dal Li & Gamjatang : Love every bit of both episodes!

Sell Your Haunted House: Currently on episode 2; really wow!

Imitation (re-watching): This is the first k-drama that introduced me to the k-pop world and the reality behind it. I first watched it randomly.

This drama really opened my eyes to the hard world of k-pop idols; I used to assume that idols have only easy and beautiful rich life.

I never knew it was very hard to have a private life being idols, even tiny bits of action can be edited and people will misunderstand.

I also never knew that it's hard work for them; there was management policy and the president's goal (the money is not going solely to them), never thought song producing is something that's hard to do (k-drama The Liar & His Lover go into this theme deeper), even there are clothes styling for each song. Everything is curated.
One of the things that break my heart is they have to please their fans... Of course, fans kept idols group popular, but fans also should understand that idols are human beings, they are not objects.

Somehow this drama led me to pay attention to the well-known BTS k-pop group (I know only maybe 4-5 k-pop groups)
The way they bring themselves when they are bombarded with live or public humiliation; they are really matured for their age.

For this, I really really respect idols; for them to hold back their anger and frustrations (imagine ordinary me facing the same rumors; I think I will break down)

And for their hard work that most people don't really know about.

Hometown (Ep 7&8) - So we know that Jae-young is abducted by the cult and is with them. I'm wondering if they are planning for another attack on the town, this time on a larger scale? Also, Jung-hyun and her friends are definitely part of the cult whether willingly or not so it's interesting to see where does she stand in this....btw, Guru is definitely creepy :P

The Veil (Ep 9&10) - My theory about Ji-hyuk killing his colleagues is part correct :P At the moment a lot of the initial mysteries surrounding the few NIS big shot is explained and Baek Mo-sa seems to be the new public enemy no.1....or is he?

New shows huzzah!

My Name: 8/10 for the series - Binged it over 2 days, and it was real good. Han So-hee crushed it, and plays a very different role than she usually does. Action drama with that Netflix grunge attached. Our FL’s world is bleak and desperate but you definitely feel her motivation to do what she does. The whole cast is great and it has some good quiet character moments peppered into the great action. I’m not sure how much of the stunt work Han So-hee did, but there isn’t tons of shaky cam, and everything is well shot. Recommended if you’re in the mood for a solid action revenge series.

Dal-li and Gamjatang: I’m definitely warming up to our ML more. He’s still yelling a bit much, but he’s so genuine, and wants to make our FL happy that it’s rubbing off on me. They’re a charming duo, and our second ML is just a typical chaebol trying to win back someone he gave up for some dumb reason (noble idiocy incoming, I’m sure) in a horribly hurtful way.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha: Uuuuugh. Truck of Doom? Really?! I’m finishing this one for the bean. I’m not sure what I was hoping would be the big reveal to our ML’s backstory but could the writer really not think of ANYTHING else? Even liking both our leads, and having some fun side characters likely won’t raise this one above average in the end. I’m trying to think of the last rom com I really enjoyed, because all that’s coming to mind is ones with great casts that disappointed me for one reason or another (Dodosolsollasol, My Master). This one isn’t quite in THAT particular category, thankfully, but just one episode to go.

"Shreds your emotions" you say? Be careful what you wish for indeed. 🤣😭😭

#hometownchachacha

Lost - the pumpkin ride ended and things are ramping up. Oddly, I feel hopeful. Fingers crossed this drama doesn't suffer from Last-Episodes-Suck-Fever.
Dali & Cocky Prince - this drama continues to be a gem, Dali and Moo-hak are great. I wonder if Moo-hak ever considered doing a crash-course about art.

I'm a little late, but here goes..

Lost / Human Disqualification: I put the show on hold for a while I might as well have dropped it, yet I feel bad for giving up. I'm invested solely on Kangjae and Bujeong's journey to *live* again, and could definitely do without the side stories on the pharmacist and the husband's ex.

Reflection of You: Eerie, mesmerizing, full of secrets. Shin Hyunbeen is in her element here and Go Hyunjung is a goddess. I am hooked.

HOMETOWN CHACHACHA: Even though I loved KSH and all the cuteness, the town, its people, and the FL never fully grew on me. I love Shin Min-a but here it felt as if she was playing a part instead of fully breathing it.

DALI: The ultra rare show I watch for the FL. I'm glad the pathetic phase was short for her, phew. The ML is getting less annoying, which is really cool too. I almost dropped it but glad I didn't.

RED SKY: I don't understand the plot and don't care. I'm in it for the ML and the overall gorgeous feel of this drama.

KING'S AFFECTION: Good beginning. If it's an intense romance, I'll stay, if it's mostly palace politics, I'll leave.

YOUNG LADY: This one is a surprise as the women mostly drive me nuts. But I've grown attached to our main leads and the kids. That young boy is so precious.

THE GREATEST LOVE: An older one that looks promising. I'm only at episode 4.

PRINCESS HOURS: Those haircuts!! Please. LOL
Not sure yet but I know it takes at least 6 episodes for me to decide whether to go on.

Watching Lost , Jewel In The Palace , King’s Affection

Watching concerts on YT, also battles, from ancient times to recent times, audio books