Secret Royal Inspector and Joy (up to ep 5): I'm liking how the team has expanded to include the two orphan group leaders so we've got 3 guys and 3 gals. The moment the ladies realized they had the ledger and immediately moved to get off the ship to tell the inspector was awesome. I guess the weirdly hot bad guy Tae-soo is poised to join the good guys by the end of the drama. Fun drama so far.

"... but that didn’t stop my friend and I from daydreaming about a completely unnecessary sequel in which all the characters have been reborn and find a happier ending in the present." @DaebakGrits, you might enjoy _Chicago Typewriter_. 🙂

@daebakgrits I recently rewatched Mr Sunshine as well and found it even better than I remembered. It’s just so darn beautiful and the performances are beyond great. A great OST. And all my tears 😭

I’ve always felt that Secretary Kim never got the love it deserved on DB, so I am glad you liked it. That ponytail is a character in itself and always reminded me of Barbie. I’d get distracted wondering how they kept it that way, it must have been extensions, right? And maybe a curling iron between each take 👱🏼‍♀️

Plot twist: I just realised we have been put to sleep with Sae Bom being immune but it is actually prob grandma. She has not gotten ill. She doesn´t exhibit thirst either. Sae Bom red herring?
and why in the heck would pastors´ cross work. perhaps it is not that. perhaps he is an alien. Or perhaps all the zombies are atheists.

I’m not watching anything currently airing but did just finish DALI & GAMJATANG - ultimately I liked it but I just wish it could have been a bit more ….something. Maybe it just needed more Moo Hak and Won Tak shenanigans.

Otherwise, I’ve been watching MY ID IS GANGNAM BEAUTY with my sister (it’s simultaneously a fun watch and Cha Eun Woo is the most wooden I have ever seen him - I get he’s meant to be cool and aloof but it is not working) , FROM FIVE TO NINE (Japanese drama - started out with weird priest stalking but has become really charming, really looking forward to how they resolve things) and Netflix variety show NEW WORLD. I’m liking it better than Busted so far, the idea is quite high concept but the execution is fun.

Dinner Mate: Almost done with it. Of course when everything seems better the men are going to go play in the street.
I definitely get the mixed reviews on this one. The leads are great with a nice chemistry and I wish they'd spent more focused time on them. They could of trimmed this show down a lot by focusing on the relationship and the premise of going out to dinner with each other. For a romance it's a great premise. The second leads are.....something. Our second female lead is out of her depth acting wise, but it amuses me that the writer just made their reasoning be obsession and selfishness with no sugar coating.

Koi Desu: Yankee-kun to Hakujou Garu: This is so good up to what I've watched. The one I'd look forward to the most if it was easier to watch. I'm watching it on a site that hasn't uploaded subbed eps for the last two and though it sucks because I'm enjoying it, I'm also glad that someone is probably protecting their work. But the eps I've watched have been a delight with a likable and fun heroine and an overgrown puppy of a hero.

Kieta Hatsukoi : a sweet highschool romance. The romance is very slow moving and slight but im just enjoying this group of kids and their friendships. I did like the beginning eps a little more which were slightly more restrained in the acting, but overall a good watch and coming to Viki.

Then I've ended up watching two marriage of convenience dramas.

We Married for a Job: I believe this is the one I kept seeing mentioned when Because This is our First Life came out, though they are very different. I am really liking the FL and the actress who is playing her. The ML is nice too and it amuses me that he is so unassuming, but the group he works with are so interested in him and his life. Though sometimes I wish they'd tell some of the people around them to mind their own business. I've just gotten to where they agree to hug on Tuesdays and their hugs are very cute.

Konin Todoke ni Han wo Oshita dake desu ga : I didn't like how the ML pushed her into the agreement and I think the FL has fallen for him too quickly, but otherwise I'm enjoying it. The last ep was a little painful because the FL has fallen for him and he is not their yet, but I dont mind a slower burn and a little angst.

Just finished watching Chestnut man a danish serial on Netflix. And started with The Alienist. Not watching any K-Drama as of now.

I'm in Sageuk Heaven. The King's Affection and Red Sleeve are both heating up. Both male leads are a visual delight, but I'm actually enjoying both FLs so much. Their characters have so much agency. On top of that the cinematography is exquisite.

I am also relishing the politics of Red Sleeve. For fictionalized history, I'm getting an insight into post-Sado trauma and why this time period still resonates. What would it have really been like for the historical King Jeongjo growing up in the shadow of his father, with such a terrifying grandfather? I love Lee Deok-hwa's King Yeongjo. He is irascible, sitting on the throne and getting his courtiers to agree that he did not confine his grandson and only took his books away so he would not lose himself in scholarship. Brilliantly accomplished. And it must have been a hard act to follow when you think that Song Kang-ho had already made the role his.

I'm also enjoying the romp that is Royal Inspector. It's shot like an old time black and white movie with a weird almost Western OST. Jun-ho, Rowoon, and TaecYeon are doing so well, and Jun-ho is everything. That bath scene...

I was busy as hell this week so I’m behind on almost everything except the sageuks, because all three are bloody amazing.

Happiness: Behind on this, but I swear I’m gonna catch up soon.

Inspector Koo: Santa NOOOOOOO!! Please be better. I want to like him so bad but he’s so shady.

Just Between Lovers: Rewatch is going strong. And yes, I am watching this instead of catching up with ongoing stuff because Junho ❤️.

The King’s Affection: God, I feel so bad for the new Queen. Hwi’s story still has somewhat of a chance to end happily, but there’s no way the Queen’s can be anything but tragic. She’s bound to be alone no matter what. On the other hand, I still love our OTP, but man was it stupid for them to kiss out in open. Even though it’s about time evil dad figured out the truth.

Red Sleeve Cuff: Holy shit, the show is actually exceeding my expectations so far. How is this even possible. Every aspect of the show is just riveting and intriguing in the best way imaginable. The scene where Yi San was behind the screen and Deok-im was reading to him….oh be still my heart. And then the altercation between the King and Yi San. The actors, especially Junho and Lee Deok-hwa, are SO GOOD. I could wax poetic about the show all day, but I suppose I have to leave space for other shows.

Secret Royal Inspector and Joy: If the last show is riveting, then this show is pure, unadulterated fun. It’s silly and absolutely ridiculous, but I have a blast watching every moment. Evil Bead Boy is still very hot and very evil, but I’m hoping for a nice redemption arc. In conclusion, 2PM is ruling dramaland and I am totally here for it.

Would You Like a Cup of Coffee?: I’m behind and worse off for it.

Kings Affection:
I dropped it at 9… 👀

Inspector Koo:
Dunno where it's going but I'll finish it.

Special Royal Inspector and Joy:
It makes me hungry. It’s dumb. I like it.

Jirisan:
Also Dumb. But not the same kind of dumb.
9+10 were a bit better by Jirisan standards, but by Jirisan standards, that's not saying much.

Red Sleeve:
San-ah~ 😭
If Junho was staring at me like I think I'd collapse on the spot tbh.

Inspector Koo: I’m not sure what happened but I’m suddenly very less excited about the show. This week’s broadcast was cancelled and I don’t miss it at all. The early eps made me feel for Kyung-yi’s guilt and shame for what happened to her husband, and then…I feel like she’s a stranger. Idk. I hate how Sook is using Jehee for her secret agenda and I hate the cavalier way that Jehee parted ways with her team esp Gyeongsoo. K going all out with her killings is not surprising but I’m less pumped about a crazy villain.

Reflection of You: Nobody’s likable and all the choices they make are frustrating to watch, but these are layered and well written characters imo. I wish Haewon would move on with her life, but that takes a lot more courage and tbh I can’t say I blame her for being so bitter; Heejoo and Woojae (whatever did she see in him?) meant so much to her. I also felt suffocated and trapped for Heejoo in the Ep 13 ending, at Woojae’s studio. All her life she’s never been free…

Wise Mountain Village Life: Their silence during Hosplay’s finale end credits was too loud and relatable. I’m glad there’s still a director’s cut episode next week! This show can’t end before Reflection!!

You Are My Spring : Recently finished episodes 11-12 and ooF tears were shed 😢. This series was initially under my radar, but the love I saw it got from Beanies convinced me give it a go. I'm happy to say I have no regrets (thanks everyone!) 🙏, as I'm very invested in our OTP, the characters around them, etc. Also, tonally this show reminds me of Age of Youth, b/c we've got both the slice-of-lifey moments and some unsettling vibes.

I have been watching She Was Pretty. I couldn't watch when it first came out because I found the female lead's reactions way over the top and obnoxious. Now I just find them comical. I have been thinking of watching What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, but I'm not a fan of Park Min-young -- is it worth it?

I've caught up to The King's Affection.. for me its just ok.. it has a monotonous pace and I need to force myself to pay attention sometimes. I have a question.. Ji-woon knows the truth now but has he realized the king is his first love Dam-yi? Theres no indication of that..

The Red Sleeve: Love this drama more and moreee! I think this is the second Sageuk I'm so much invested in (other than The Crowned Clown)

I'm swooning with
- The opening of episode 5 when I thought the Crown Prince and Duk Im will part ways, but no, Duk Im tried to win his heart. In my opinion, the Crown Prince did a great job at winning both Master Hong and Duk Im. Both of them are important to him, but Master Hong is too suspicious of Duk Im (or he has other motives)
- And omo, he confessed to Duk Im after their book shopping, right?
- When Duk Im read the book at the other side of the door when the Crown Prince was confined; eventually both of them read the book alternately together. That was so sweet!
- And Duk Im barged into the Crown Prince's room just to let him know that she'll protect him.
- And the ending of episode 6 when the Crown Prince asked Duk Im about her encounter with the lecturer to clear his suspicion (or because of his jealousy?) And him offering to help with the hot water... Awwww....

I love that this drama showed that the Crown Prince is sharp and wise, as well as Duk Im (even though she's just a court maid, not from the noble family), as well as Queen Kim, as well as the grandpa King who might look as if he's easily swayed by his ministers. But no, he's wise.

Duk Im's reply to Queen Kim was jaw-dropping. She's one smart girl! Her idea of how to put down Princess Hwawan without dropping anyone's blood or bad-mouthing anyone deserved applause!

The slice of life of the palace's people are also fun to watch; the banter between the friends when they're feeding the silkworms, them unintentionally peeping Princess Hwawan and Head Lady Cho (this is juicy gossip!), the Crown Prince's guard forgetfulness that he had to ask for Master Hong's help to revive his memory (this is hilarious!), the final scene when the court maids & Lady Seo to decide what to do with the Crown Prince's mood & when he was in the tub, the old court lady slightly fainted due to his bickering and the other young maids tried to trick Duk Im to replace the old court lady's job (I can't help it but rewatch this scene, hahaha)

I think Master Hong is right to worry about Duk Im influencing the Crown Prince's action. It never crossed my mind that he thought Duk Im was threatening his position... He's lonely and the Crown Prince used to be lonely, both of them used to support each other... Now the Crown Prince has his own crush and that must've made Master Hong feel invisible. It must've been tough for the Crown Prince to win both of his most important people.

I'm glad the Crown Prince asked Duk Im about her encounter with Master Hong without assuming anything to himself. Don't let it eat your heart away uri Crown Prince!

Omo the ending was so sweet! Can't wait for next week! I might rewatch the previous episodes while waiting because each and every episode are full of sweetness!!

Happiness: I'm rooting for...

THE RED SLEEVE: Junho is killing it in this one, but my favorite character is actually the bipolar (or something) king, the actor has incredible presence and delivery. Also glad there doesn't seem to be conflicting love interests.

SCHOOL 2021: I felt the first two episodes were kind of slow. I feel a strong second lead syndrome coming up and I just pray he'll end up happy.

HOSPITAL PLAYLIST: Having caught up to episode 8, I enjoy this season more than the first one. I find this season better balanced between patient cases, the doctor's personal life and am happy with the improved follow -up, showing that not everything is fine with both patients and doctors. But I miss U-ju, he was the star of season 1 and barely has screen time in season 2.

MOVE TO HEAVEN: My tears barely dried up during the final episode. this was a great show on human weaknesses and having a sense of belonging. Looking at Imdb, one might conclude there will be an american adaptation coming.

I tried watching the first episodes of HELLBOUND and WORK LATER, DRINK NOW but the former was too violent for my tastes and the latter gave me great insight as to why liver failure is a common occurrence in HOSPITAL PLAYLIST. Also tried watching the first episode of LOVESTRUCK IN THE CITY, but the storytelling format and Wookie's hair just felt off and I found myself mashing the ff-button so I'm thinking this is a sign to stay away.

RAINLESS LOVE IN A GODLESS LAND: Now this is my new crack! I couldn't stay away any longer and am now stuck in this lovely show, eagerly awaiting one episode a week. It shows us everything has consequences and everything interlaces which in turn never makes it boring. The small stories at the beginning are genius storytelling. I didn't see the connection of the two siblings and the water draught in the story at the time, but now I'm pondering if it's not Orad's story seeing as the show in ep 6 told us he had to sacrifice his sister and in return was made Katarayan's messenger. And this in turn has made me ponder if Toem might be his sister. I'd assumed her interest in him was romantic but he obviously doesn't share this interest so that got me thinking why he didn't kill her when she's an obvious threat to Tien-ti. These little details also makes the show improve on rewatch.

Idol The Coup: I may be one of the few viewers still entertained by this drama. Yes, it's very trope-y, melodramatic, and the Cotton Candy girls spend a lot of time angry, crying or yelling at each other, but facing reality means letting go of the dream what they worked hard for and yet still failed to accomplish, so I can't blame them for falling apart and being a mess. What I'm here for is to watch these downtrodden, disillusioned and ridiculed girls to make a (brief) comeback! Also CEO Cha can be such a jerkface that I hope they do quit on their own terms just to stick it to him and the company. This drama's strength is the makjang, because each time you think things might be looking up for Cotton Candy, you know in your heart there are only more struggles ahead for them. Also, there's music and dancing, which I love. Count me in to keep watching.

Secret Royal Inspector & Joy: This show delivers exactly what is on the tin: a comical saguek. For that I give it a thumbs-up. Whether it's the bad guys being over-the-top bad or the good guys being really dumb and/or funny, this is my entertainment dose each week simply due to the shenanigans and the silly acting. Joy (Joyi?) in particular is a rare breed - an independent-minded, tough young divorcee - which is quite refreshing as the female lead in a saguek. The writers probably don't even take themselves seriously since the political intrigue/murder mystery of the drama only serves to put the main cast into increasingly funny or awkward situations. 'Don't overthink it' must be the drama's tagline, and I really don't think at all while watching this drama. I just laugh.

Oh! Master: I finally got to watch this and by the end I felt like I had met a bi-polar drama that couldn't reconcile what it truly should have been and that ultimately gave me whiplash. The rom-com-ness was so strong in the first half of the drama, it made me fly high on the chemistry between the leads. It's been a while since I enjoyed a rom-com in general. I was pleased. But sadly a seed of doubt had been planted early on that the drama wasn't what it purported to be, that it was in fact a weird fantasy melodrama simply masquerading as a modern romance drama. Everything was thrown out of tune based on one single plot thread about this man who should have died but instead mysteriously got a short extension on life, only to realize his days were numbered just when he fell in love. In fact, so many people were dying in this drama, it was kind of hard to miss the whole theme of loving in the moment, but honestly? His ordeal was overkill on top of everything else. And pointlessly frustrating. It only served to leave me angry that price for this dumb, poorly executed and even more poorly explained plot thread was the main couple's happily ever after. The only reason I finished this show was the power of the main leads' stellar acting, some surprisingly kind and doting...

I guess it is impossible totally eliminate the noble idiocy ‘virus’ from kdramaland.
It appeared in the 2Dae Coffee Shop in episode 10 of WOULD YOU LIKE A CUP OF COFFEE. Boss man doesn’t want to include his solo employee in on his lease difficulties so decides the best thing is to cut him loose by way of firing. I know it won’t stand but please.

Watching and re-watching a lot right now. JIRISAN: I like it. The jumping back and forth doesn't bother me; it's a story being told backwards. Not only that, I'm being forced to remember things and get engaged a little more than your average mystery drama. Also, our comatose hero being one with the mountain intrigues me to no end. The forest fire episodes were nicely intense, showing fire as a living thing. It also showed how easily a fire can start, even if you think you're experienced and careful. (Humans are dumb)

THE KING'S AFFECTION: Pretty solid show, nothing too out of the ordinary. It's fine. SECRET ROYAL INSPECTOR AND JOY: Kind of a car crash comedy that's working better for me sageuk-wise. There are sooo many shows, I feel bad for the translators! I'll be patient with the slow subs; I appreciate their work so much!

BEYOND EVIL: I nearly dropped it so many times. At the halfway mark, it started to come together. It had the most satisfying ending I've seen for awhile.

MOVE TO HEAVEN: So many cathartic tears. So many times I looked around my house and room wondering what story my possessions would tell to someone who didn't know me (Besides being a fabric hoarder and a lover of Kpop). Have to give the cast mad props, particularly Lee Je-hoon, for all those tears. An American adaptation worries me a little because death isn't viewed the same way. If they can stick to the storyline (with no sex!) I'll probably check it out.

DALI & GAMJATANG: I wanted to like it. Needed less Dali (Ugh those curls) and more Moohak/Wontak interaction. Totally needed more artists and their eccentricities, and more focus on why art is important. I will, however, take Kwon Yul as a bad guy any day.

NOW WE'RE BREAKING UP: Only watched the first episode. Another Song Hye-kyo vehicle with her as a frigid ice princess. Sigh. One night stand or not, you would at least remember the face of the person you were initially attracted to. And running into him again, wouldn't you have the same reaction? I did like the reversal of roles; he remembered and she didn't, but still... When I pick it back up, it'll be for the fashion around them (and also Sehun spotting).

ONE THE WOMAN: I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a fun watch. The chemistry between the leads was a bit awkward, but it worked for the plot. Way more believable as friends than lovers.

YOUNG LADY AND GENTLEMAN: A lovely train wreck of tropey goodness. It's got every.thing. and it's only 20 episodes so far. ONCE AGAIN set the bar high, but this one is pretty fun.

COWBOY BEBOP: Definitely better than expected. A little less Vicious would've been better, but it didn't take too much away from the story. Really made me want to rewatch Firefly though...

I did re-watch WWWSK, but I think I liked it a little less. Really wish she'd taken her break then came back before the proposal. Or accept the proposal with a caveat. SHE WAS PRETTY is definitely a product of its...

The past week I said I was very disappointed in the Red cuff sleeve... well, I'm very happy to take my negative impression back. I still think the second episode tried too much to be funny and really failed. Still the episodes after that were very good and some scenes were quite stunning. I still hate when the drama tries to be funny but I really love it when it is more serious and quiet. Very glad that in the end I decided to keep watching.

Happines... I'm really invested in the two main characters. I LOVE the FL, she is strong and brave but not in the usual irritating way. She is very balanced. Unfortunately I can't believe how stupid all the other characters are. I know that is pretty much the only way to make a horror move forwards but I find myself rolling my eyes too many times. Still, the drama is fun so I won't complain too much.

Melancholia: I'm sad to say this drama is quite disappointing. The writing is simply not very good. I liked the math part in the first eps and the passion shared by the two leads but pretty much everything is very superficial and I'm not able to care for those characters. The FL is just oblivious and keeps doing things that will harm her. And I think Lee Do Hyun is a bit too old for the part. The characters don't have much depth. And the part with the parents and teachers and politicians is simply boring and irritating. I was really hoping to love this one but I fear I will end up dropping it. I'm waiting for the time jump to see if things will change a bit.

Found ourselves out in the hinterlands in a hotel with basic cable. We flipped around and happened on CLUELESS. Now I may have watched all or part of this adaptation of Austin's "Emma" 15 or 20 times but there we sat laughing and giggling at the wonderful pacing and witty banter. Paul Rudd was quite cute, too, just sayin'.
As I watched I thought that Emma would be a perfect Kdrama romcom (places offering on the drama goddesses' altar).
Got home and caught up on KING'S AFFECTION and I am holding my breath. Can this show keep up the all around excellence for 20 eps??
Then came RED SLEEVE which is also knocking me sideways. Umm, the tub scene is available on y-tube as is the preview with eng subs, for serious research, of course. Until these two sages, my favorite of the year would have been BOSSAM, hands down. What a great year for sageuk fans.
CUPPA COFFEE keeps chugging along in its wonderful quiet way, and I'm always glad after I watch one. Started MY LOVELY SAM SOON because its a classic I haven't seen. Great OT!
Lastly, hub and I began our shared watch of My Ahjusshi and I even have him reading Beanie recaps so he can enjoy the speculation. The show is so good it hurts.

THE SECRET ROYAL INSPECTOR. Love love love this show and Taecyon in anything. The drama has been underrated so far but the plot is growing more interesting and we get our steady diet of zany humor from the hilarious cast. After the end of a long day at work, I don't need to stress over zombies, missing hikers or political sageuk strife. Give me a fun loving Kdrama to destress and a gorgeous leading man to fawn over. My only take so far is that VIki is testing my skills for delayed gratification with the extra slow subbing to English. While I definitely appreciate the volunteers, it has been an excruciating wait to watch the next episode.

YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY. I have been late to the KSH bandwagon but have been saving this drama for the wait between his projects. KSH in a romantic comedy is pure gold and this drama is just such a delightful watch. I hope the industry gives KSH a fair chance to return to his fulfill his potential as an artist. He definitely has the chops to match his boyish charm and will be good in any genre.

My only drama atm is Work Later, Drink Now. It's loopy in this oddly charming way and I LOVE the three friends and wish there was no love interest cause the show is best when it's So-hee, Ji-yeon and Ji-gu being the boozy three musketeers. Also I love Jung Eunji and it's good to see her in a drama again.

(yes I know they drink too much. I'm looking for a drama to entertain me, not be a lifestyle/morals guide)