Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching
by DB Staff
So, what are we all watching this week?
What kept you reaching for more (or agonizing when there was no more), and what made you want to throw your remote through the screen? Time to weigh inβ¦
SailorJumun
All of Us Are Dead: I π loved π this π show. It was everything good about Sweet Home and Kingdom in one drama, making it the perfect wild ride. Just fantastic zombie choreography, interesting twists and turns, and kickass characters in a surprisingly charming coming-of-age story. The high school kids were cute and funny, yet also smart and resourceful, which was super satisfying. And, at the end of the day, they were realistically just kids dealing with a scary as hell situation. But — I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — why do these zombie dramas always have to have asshole villains? Like the bloodthirsty zombies aren’t stressful enough?
Our Beloved Summer: It took me a while to sit down and watch the last three episodes, mostly because the drama’s already slow pace was starting to drag. But once I did finish this up, I was reminded of why I love it so much. There was a lot of great humor in how relatable Woong and Yeon-su were, but beneath that was a lovely introspection of their true fears and feelings. I cried many times as the couple discovered things about themselves and worked to make changes in their individual lives, as well as their love life together. Might be early to say, but I’m calling this a favorite of 2022.
Bulgasal: Immortal Souls: They’re really gonna make us wait until the final week for the entire backstory, huh? The tension is so high at this point, and it feels like there’s still a lot of conflict we have to go through — I hope the last two episodes aren’t too rushed.
missvictrix
Currently weecapping: Bulgasal: Immortal Souls
The Negotiation: Can’t seem to start any new dramas right now (I’m waiting for all the new juicy shows to start), so I found myself watching a movie (!!). It’s a few years old, but I had so much fun watching this. Sohn Ye-jin is a crisis negotiator and gets called in to talk to a crazy criminal who’s taking hostages and making mayhem… and is played by Hyun Bin. Best part of this whole movie is the fact that these two play such great foils, and have such great chemistry, and yet they’re not even in the same scenes for 99% of the film. It might have been a little predictable, but I didn’t mind one bit. I was too busy loving Sohn Ye-jin’s performance, and enjoying Hyun Bin enjoying the heck out of being a dimply bad guy. Enjoyment, after all, is contagious.
DaebakGrits
Currently weecapping: Moonshine, Ghost Doctor
Through the Darkness: Iβm so over the new lazy, misogynistic chief. I know itβs true to real life — in that thereβs always that one jerk who canβt get behind change — but heβs so obnoxious that I find him a distraction for the good parts of this drama. And itβs otherwise extremely captivating! Iβm not usually someone who obsesses over true-crime podcasts, but this show is definitely making me want to go down that rabbit hole.
While You Were Sleeping: For our next virtual watch night, my friend requested a drama that had a little fantasy and maybe even a time-travel element to it. Since our options were a bit limited by her available streaming services, I suggested While You Were Sleeping. Not quite time-travel, but close enough, right? Anyway, sheβs really immersed in the story, and Iβm happy to rewatch this series for the third time. In terms of writing and acting, this is one of my top romantic fantasy dramas.
RELATED POSTS
Tags: All of Us Are Dead, Bulgasal: Immortal Souls, Our Beloved Summer, Through the Darkness, What We're Watching, While You Were Sleeping
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1 miss h
February 5, 2022 at 6:07 AM
Ghost Doctor: The scene where Seung-tak was trying to figure out what Young-min did with his body that produced happy hormones was funny. I love them.
Uncle: This drama was like a 16 episode weekender. So many bad things happened to the family. There was even the requisite last minute health crisis. Despite the makjang-ish elements, the characters and relationships grounded the drama, and it had tons of heart. Iβll miss it.
All of Us Are Dead: Episodes 7-12: The drama had its faults, but it was an entertaining binge watch. For me, the studentsβ story hit the right emotional beats.
Reset: Since there is not much on right now, I gave this a try since Beanieβs have been talking about it. Iβm on Episode 4 and itβs okay. I like time slip dramas, but unfortunately, the things that bug me about Chinese dramas are on full display here. I could do with less cops.
Yellowjackets: Iβm diving into some American series since dramaland is mostly on hiatus right now, and this one is like my dream premise: Plane crash, survivors going all Lord of the Flies. I love the actresses.
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2 miso
February 5, 2022 at 6:07 AM
With the Winter Olympics taking over Korean TVs, I spent this week binging shows for this year's r/KDRAMA challenge.
COMPLETED
Hometown - This is one show that might actually be better live than binged. Watching all 12 episodes at one go just gave me a headache what with the multiple timelines, the real vs dream sequences, and the cult dramatics above it all. The leads were very good of course, especially Uhm Tae-goo. But I was just tired by the end of the show.
Welcome 2 Life - Ghost Doctor made me realise I haven't watched much of Rain's work. This was a nice enough gateway into it. But I kept comparing it to something like Train and how the OG-world vs Alt-world dramatics were handled so much better there. We never do get much of an explanation for the Alt-world for example. Also the violently abusive OG-world FL was super annoying.
ONGOING
The Ghost Doctor - Already posted in the open thread - still like the bromance, still don't know what the point of the FLs is. I hope Young-min wakes up soon otherwise the plot's becoming a bit repetitive.
Rookie Cops - This show is very much a Disney version of a police academy given how rapidly the institute changed its whole orientation training. The comedy, the abuse and Kwak Si-yang's death conspiracy in the background - I'm not sure what this show is trying to be yet.
No Moonshine, Through the Darkness or Tracer this week π.
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jerrykuvira
February 5, 2022 at 7:19 AM
'Hometown - This is one show that might actually be better live than binged.'
Now I am wary, cause I was putting it down for a binge. I'll mentally prepare myself.
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miso
February 5, 2022 at 9:12 AM
It really did feel relentlessly dark to me but I have low threshold for that to begin with. Still better to be prepared!
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jerrykuvira
February 5, 2022 at 9:18 AM
Prepared. I am prepared. I survived Reflection of You's energy sapping. Having to binge Hometown and then Human Disqualification/Lost has to be a piece of cake.
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3 Dorotka
February 5, 2022 at 6:08 AM
I'm actually glad that kdramaland was quieter this week, because I could continue with my other dramas. π
Rainless Love (finished) - if one takes it as a lovestory, it's not bad... but I was disappointed that they dropped the ecological aspect and the being-God aspect (so much potential there!) towards the end. The first half (2/3) was great though and I loved the animated Taiwanese mythology stories.
Reset (finished) - such a great watch! I admit that I would prefer the final story to be more scattered through the whole series to shorten the final reveals and exposition time, but that's a minor complaint and all the rest worked so well for me. I actually liked the 2 different paces (one fast and full of action and thrill, one slow to digest what happened and to go deeper) and I didn't mind that not everything was explained (there are just hints here and there). And the main couple totally sold me every step and emotion they experienced and how from strangers they became a couple - they went through so much together (that unforgettable Episode 8!).
Kishibe Rohan 2 (finished) - I liked the first season more, but I still very much enjoyed Takahashi Issei as titular Rohan and Iitoyo Marie as his assistant.
Koisenu Futari - Takahashi Issei again π I like the topic of the drama and the heroine is great. My only complaint is that Takahashi's character sometimes gives me more autistic vibes (I have a son on the spectrum) than asexual and that then gets me out of the story a bit (= it brings forward the autism and not the asexuality and aromanticism).
Still enjoying Ghost Doctor and looking forward to today's episode of Thai Boys Over Flowers.
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Beverly
February 5, 2022 at 6:17 AM
Would Reset work for a binge? Iam intrigued after you and Beanies have talked it up and after a stressful work week a weekend binge (even if I don't finish) sounds perfect.
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Dorotka
February 5, 2022 at 7:13 AM
Yes, it's definitely bingeable. Though my weak heart probably wouldn't manage π
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tsutsuloo
February 5, 2022 at 12:46 PM
I agree with @dorotka. Reset is an outstanding binge. I've been watching with my family in spurts. Last Saturday was Ep. 1-3. The following Friday (yesterday) was Ep. 4-8. We'll likely finish this weekend. The pacing is very well thought out. And it's sustained my teen's interestβa miracle in and of itself.
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Doppelganger
February 5, 2022 at 10:51 PM
Reset is optimal for a binge. You shouldn't watch it any other way. My friends went nuts waiting for new episodes to be released and I was lucky enough to catch it on the tail end so I had to only wait 2 days for the final episodes to be released.
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joykim
February 6, 2022 at 3:30 AM
Yes i binged over a wkend. Great one.
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Lixie
February 5, 2022 at 7:12 AM
I loved Takahashi Issei in Nagi's Long Vacation and a movie, so I will try Koisenu! Thanks for the rec I was wanting another jdrama.
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Dorotka
February 5, 2022 at 10:59 AM
Nagi - that's where he first caught my eye. I then watched Miracles with him and it was fantastic!
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4 sorrynotsorry
February 5, 2022 at 6:14 AM
Uncle: I skimmed through the last 3 episodes as it was definitely too long. It jumped the shark toward the end and that is too bad but it was overall a solid drama that I enjoyed. Less of the chaebol family would have been better.
Several shows on hold due to Olympics, which I honestly wouldn't have realized had started if it hadn't hindered my drama watching.
Netflix: Started Sweet Magnolias which is kind of schmaltzy but I'm ok with it because the pacing is solid.
Amazon Prime: Reacher. Haven't started yet. Some of the earlier books were outstanding though I gave up reading the newer ones years ago. I wish writers could stop writing a beloved series when the juice ran out. Soooo many writers phoning it in or letting the ghost writers take over.
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beffels
February 5, 2022 at 11:38 AM
Haha same with the Olympics. I usually pay attention but they snuck up on me this time π
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5 knewbie
February 5, 2022 at 6:15 AM
Through The Darkness continues to take the road much travelled by, but it does so with subtlety, intelligence and attention to detail. In fact itβs how the little details add up that I love about this show, like the way a wedding before a prison visit leads to the team swopping t-shirts for suits, or the reveal of the contents of Ha-youngβs thermos flask. And itβs absolutely wonderful to have a female character express herself as calmly and precisely as Tae-gu does.
The other drama I watched this week is the fansubbed manga adaptation Shimobee (available on all dodgy streaming sites). The only thing it has in common with TTD is its highly generic nature. But which genre exactly? At first I suspected that the premise - mysterious middle-aged man goes to high-school girlβs aid whenever she summons him with a magical app - was a fairytale inversion of the sugar-daddy/baby relationship. But Shimobee seems to be much simpler and more innocent than that. In fact it looks like a Doraemon story, with hapless heroine Yurina as a Nobita for the 21st century, and Shimobee, Doraemon in the shape of a saturnine, slightly sleazy-looking oji-san. The last time I saw Yasuda Ken, he was all sexy swagger and threat as the villain in WOWOWβs Zekkyou. As Shimobee, he gets to show how good he is at sweetness and comedy. And all without saying a single word.
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6 Radily
February 5, 2022 at 6:15 AM
Rookie Cops (First impressions, Episodes 1-4)
In my humble opinion, this drama has made the mistake many others have done in the past: trying to spice up romance with some sort of underlying conspiracy that has zero link to the school slice-of-life? It wouldβve been fine for Eun Kang to bond with Seung Hyun as her unrequited crush sends her into an existential crisis. It wouldβve also been fine if it was more serious and approached how far the means to an end can be justified as a generational divide complicating work in the police force. But by trying to do it all, you get the strengths of neither story while having the weaknesses of both.
Ghost Doctor (Episode 9-10) - Mood: C-
I guess one silver lining is that Seung Tak agreed to the usage of his corporeal form as a stand-in for Young Minβs date, but we really couldβve done without the now inevitable reunion between Dr Jang and our ghost. I mean, even the rather random couple between the ghosts is more romantic and has more narrative meat? Tess being Soo Jungβs grandfather does help bring some relevance to her character but heβs already got better backstories with both male leads. I wished we explored the fantasy parts more rather than lazily relying on them for a cliffhanger, but I canβt say I expected much.
Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (Episode 13-14) - Mood: D
Itβs mildly surprising that the shaman died when Do Yun had plot armour earlier on but I guess everybody getting out in one piece isnβt realistic for this story. The backstory was finally revealed but itβs too little too late for me.
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7 Kurama
February 5, 2022 at 6:21 AM
The One and Only I like the actors and the characters but not the story. They couldn't mix well the terminal illness part and investigation/murderers part.
Rookie Cops I have no idea why Chae So-Bin accepted this drama. In the promotion of the movie The Pirates 2, Lee Kwang-So said she wasn't athletic while there are a lot of exercices scenes. The story is badly written, the characters too. The ML looks like a supporting character, the actor has no acting experience and he's just there...
Through the Darkness It's the best airing drama and I miss it.
F4 I like how the characters act like their age and not mini adults.
I'm waiting for the new dramas with a lot of hopes!
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Lalla32
February 7, 2022 at 6:47 AM
Oh, God, yes... how can Rookie Cops be so bad?? I'm not even able to criticize the ML because after watching a episode I struggle to remember if he had any lines or if he actually did anything. I feel sorry for Chae So Bin... It's quite amazing but there is not a single thing I like in this drama. The passing of time is all weird... how can you do a melancholinc flashback montage of what happened after just 2 episodes??! GAH!
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8 TurtuallySarcastic
February 5, 2022 at 6:27 AM
Because This Is My First Lifeππ π(4/16): No, I am not nearly five years late. I started this K-drama at the right time in my life and was hooked immediately!π Ji-Ho and I are confused thirty-year-olds yearning for our own place, in real estate and in this society. In this first quarter she has already gone through a lot, and I admire her because she managed to hold herself together just long enough to stand up for herself against her family and her colleagues before breaking down. The Graduate poster is a nice reference to her current life crisis and I am curious whether the show will pay attention to it or not. Aside from our female lead I am 100% team Se-Hee and collecting data on the other 4 characters.π€ Ho-Rang has her work cut out for her at the moment. Speaking of data collecting, Se-Hee mentions in his presentation how women pick men based on how capable they are and men pick women based on their looks. I found this very ironic considering how society likes to claim the opposite.π€
F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowersβ(6/16): Ren is back and I am wary about what this will bring for Gorya. Based on what I witnessed in the original manga and heard about other adaptations, this is a rebound relationship disaster waiting to happen. However, the scenes between Ren and Gorya gave me some hope that the production team is going to work their magic on this relationship as well. Rui and Tsukushi had a special bond that needed development to flourish into a beautiful friendship, so I am cautiously rooting for my platonic ship!πͺ
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9 kimchiturka
February 5, 2022 at 6:29 AM
I'm lighting all my candles in hope that Bulgasal does't have a heavily shitty ending. Also, rewatching Mandalorian (because Pedro).
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kippeum (ft. liberation and bath robots)
February 5, 2022 at 4:27 PM
Another Mando fan!!! *dum dududum dum*
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Lily left the valley
February 5, 2022 at 11:55 PM
If you haven't heard, Mando pretty much hijacked two eps of The Book of Boba Fett.
Although my partner and I really like both shows, we found this an annoyingly poor choice by Disney, even if the hijacks at least take place on the same planet for the most part. The seasons are super short as it is.
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kimchiturka
February 6, 2022 at 4:53 AM
Oh I know, that's why I started rewatching this time ;) I'd say that those hijacks are a result of Diney obviously not actually having any idea what exactly to do with Bobba Fett himself, it's like they didn't bother to think his story through properly. So they're filling in the gaps with Mando.
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Lily left the valley
February 6, 2022 at 5:30 AM
Which is both hilarious and pathetic considering there are already so many stories about Boba (both those considered canon and not) that exist. Disney's marketing madness overtaking common sense has been apparent even before the campaign to make Deadpool a Disney Princess. (Which I thoroughly enjoyed the heck out of for all the wrong reasons, TBH.)
Disney really needs to stop buying up intellectual properties they will never understand and thus handle so poorly. π
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10 welh
February 5, 2022 at 6:36 AM
Watching no Kdramas at the moment.
I did start watching the current season of BattleBots, the robotic combat fight reality show. Engineering + dangerous weapons = geeky drama.
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11 kadota
February 5, 2022 at 6:44 AM
I had no intention of watching Rookie Cops but I ended up giving it a go. I don't know how Chae Soobin does it, but she's always such a joy to watch. Even though her characters tend to have candy set-ups or do questionable things, she makes it work.
I haven't seen anyone else who can play these kind of roles with such natural charm. I won't bother commenting on the ML's acting but I like their dynamic at least :)
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kadota
February 5, 2022 at 6:49 AM
Also I seem to be one of the few who didn't watch Police University so I guess that helps with my impression of this show.
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saturtledaisy
February 5, 2022 at 7:01 AM
so much about this show is questionable but chae soobin is a joy to watch. im not sure if i would love her character if played by any other actress, but as it stands i would protect flailing baby go eunkang with my life
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12 kellie
February 5, 2022 at 6:45 AM
Reset was quite a watch. The last 10 min. or so of Ep. 12 was a stunner, great work by the director and editor. I didn't care for the heavy dose of nationalistic uplift at the end, felt like I was getting a message from the board of censors. "Forget everything bad you have just seen . . ."
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13 Jayneβ€
February 5, 2022 at 6:49 AM
Ghost Doctor
Just started and now on episode 4. Thereβs almost nothing not to like but Eunsang shares same hospital with Yulje. There are numerous time I expect to see the lacking five having coffee at the garden. Or interns/residents walk through the door of office setup. Or Daehak chases Junhwan from the escalator. At those times, I still feel clenches on my chest. I miss them so much it hurts.
Immortal Songs
Itβs been one of my fave music shows for so many years. I wonder why I never wrote them down before.
Joon Dongha will appear next week, my eternal bias. I hope he will get trophy No. 16.
Reply 1988
Finally! I started to watch the epic drama. Still on episode 1 but brought me back to my carefree younger days already.
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DancingEmma
February 5, 2022 at 8:21 AM
@jayne - I enjoyed it so so much and loved everyone in it but one which I will keep to myself. You are in for such a treat.
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hacja
February 5, 2022 at 11:29 AM
Amazing how I inadvertently end up watching similar shows to people whose comments I admire! But here I am going to be really obnoxious. I watched 4 episodes of Reply 88. I did not love it and probably wonβt watch any more episodes.
Now, this has lead me not to question the quality of the show, nor the judgement of ALL the other fans and critics, but rather my own taste. Why is it that a contrived kiss between a reformed neβer-do-well chaebol son and a beautiful robot gumiho who has time-traveled from the Joseon era brings a tear to my eye, when a slice of life drama about the triumphs and travails of a set of ordinary families in a close-knit neighborhood leaves me cold?
I think in part its because this show was based in the 1980s, which comprised my real life 20s, and was a terrible period for me both in terms of jobs and relationships. Perhaps if it had been called βGood Riddance My Twentiesβ I would have liked it better.
But, more seriously, I was born at the very end of the βbaby-boomβ era in the U.S. And that generation, of which Iβm nominally a part, has always been prone to pop culture nostalgia, often evoked by music and obsolete technology. I just got tired of it, even in its most sophisticated form. So even sensitively written, well acted portrayals of periods of my past youth tend to trigger my grumpy old man, anti-sentimental modeβthereβs no such thing as the good oleβ days! On the other hand, I did really enjoy the toddler drinking whole bottles of coke and gnawing on massive sausages. That fit my child rearing philosophy exactly!
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DancingEmma
February 5, 2022 at 11:46 AM
@hacja - May I start by reassuring you that not only I didn't think your comment was anything remotely obnoxious (as your comments are always thoughtful and interesting) but in fact it strongly resonated with me in parts because I hated my twenties in the late 1980s, was grief stricken because of migration to a new country and feeling dislocated as well as alienated from my new peers, and most importantly feeling unmoored, frightened and in deep mourning because of the devastating diagnosis of a neurological condition for my precious mum whose life it brutally destroyed and agonisingly destroyed some 7 years later.
I think I came to Reply 1988 with all of my trepidations but still found it beguiling because it was so different to my miserable 1980s life in a new country. I loved that the characters were so close and loving as friends and neighbours, that they could rely on each other through thick and thin, and even personal heartbreak didnβt rend asunder the loyalty and love they felt for each other. As I was watching the eps, it occurred to me that this might have been a lovingly idealised version of someoneβs life but it wasnβt mine at that period so I took solace in it perhaps even more than I would have otherwise if I had an easy ride through my twenties in that decade in a new country.
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currypuff
February 5, 2022 at 12:43 PM
What a thoughtful comment. You've expressed so eloquently how our viewing is never entirely objective and dispassionate (and I do think there are so many reasons why K-dramas in particular render themselves especially relatable!); and the ways in which our experiences color our perceptions.
Perhaps that's why I loved Our Beloved Summer so much, at least in part. Because it *felt* so believable to me (even if it actually wasn't! I found Beanies' critiques re: tropes and character development perfectly valid, yet remained emotionally invested) ...and I think a big reason was because it sent me back to my own college days. (My college friends and I joke that our melodramas were content enough for their own soap opera, ha!) I could see the leads' choices as so utterly believable -- even as I could see how the lack of resolution for some of the arcs was objectively frustrating!
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bomibeans
February 5, 2022 at 1:07 PM
What a thoughtful and wonderful discussion. Itβs always a pleasure to read comments from you, @hacja and @dncingemma I understand where BOTH of you are coming from. When I immigrated to the US in my teens in early 2000βs, it was such a struggle. I cannot even imagine anyone making a drama about early 2000βs that doesnβt awoke visceral feelings I had about it: horrible, horrible fashion I was expected to somehow look good in, public shaming and outrage about few reality starlets that somehow reflected my own awkward phase to fit in, lack of information (in those days internet was a wild wild west of pop culture but few helpful resources.) It was like a void that was both too colourful, too bright, too overwhelming to handle. I have a hard time coming back to that period whether itβs in movies or historical videos, but sometimes I wish there was a sensitive drama written about early 2000βs that would let me pause, and kinda go, βwell, it wasnβt all that bad as my mind has conditioned itself to imagine.β Alas, thereβs no show like that yet. And no matter how much I cringe painfully every time I see bare stomachs and hipbones picking from the very low jeans, I still would love to imagineβ¦ I have couple of shows (surprisingly some from Korea like Sam Soon, etc) that do cushion that blow that allow me to imagine that that period could have been fun or interesting to live in, if handled properly. For the record I only watched Reply 94, which I found enjoyable, so I have no thoughts on 88.
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DancingEmma
February 5, 2022 at 1:26 PM
@bomibeans: Back at you regarding your comments. I feel for you and empathise as we migrated when I was a late teen. I felt deeply awkward for an entire decade.
And, I hear you about abominable fashion. The eighties gigantic shoulder padded jackets, leg warmers,mand the blindingly big hairdos for women! And, the less said about what passed as fashionable for men in that decade, the better! Aigoo to the nth degree.
hacja
February 5, 2022 at 1:57 PM
@bomibeans and @dncingemma Thanks for your support, even when I go off on my own irrational tangents! But, DancingEmma, I hope you aren't suggesting that my rugged looking jeans jacket over a plaid flannel shirt failed to project the macho, but sensitive image which I thought it did! Maybe that's why I couldn't get a date!
DancingEmma
February 5, 2022 at 3:06 PM
@hacja: No, no. What you described most def not on my list of crimes against fashion in the 80s. Your dry spell shouldnβt have happened if there was any justice!ππ
bomibeans
February 5, 2022 at 4:43 PM
Nah, @hacja that style is all the rage even now. Itβs just now itβs called lumbersexual. ππ€£π
FlyingTool
February 5, 2022 at 7:43 PM
βGood Riddance My Twentiesβ
Thereβs a drama behind that title waiting to be madeβ¦
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thimble
February 6, 2022 at 8:17 AM
Amen to that!
CS
February 5, 2022 at 11:05 AM
Hooray for Reply 1988! I wish I could watch it again for the first time. While there are moments and interactions I love in each episode, I think it really hits its stride in ep.4. When I do a re-watch, I often start there since it's when the storylines really start to move forward.
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currypuff
February 5, 2022 at 12:53 PM
@CS Like you, I adored Reply 1988! (For the love of God, will someone please teach me how to "bold" characters?!)
@hacja, @DancingEmma, I completely understand your perspective, see earlier reply (hurhur) above!
The characters so fully inhabited their roles (and the cultural context of that moment in time) and, man, the humor! I'd have tears running down my face at times because I was laughing so hard through so many scenes. It was one of the few dramas that paced itself so well throughout and finished well, too.
But, aigoo, SLS was severe in that one. Let it be known I have great love for the particular ml in question, (no spoilers for Jayne) ...but whyyyyy? *broken heart emoji*
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DancingEmma
February 5, 2022 at 1:32 PM
@graceofbeing: I am there with you re the SLS. That was my introduction to the concept of SLS, and boy, did I come to feel aggrieved on his behalf as well as being mad at him for letting that precious moment slip from his grasp. Why isnβt there a broken heart emoji on my stupid keyboard? How I have come to love that actorβs work since then.
And, if you learn how to bold in comments, could you please teach me as well?
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Dorotka
February 5, 2022 at 2:02 PM
Bold: you use brackets *less than* and *greater than* to give a html command. b = bold, i = italic. So for bold text you first close b into those brackets, then write your text you want in bold and then put into the brackets the division symbol and b (the division means END).
Emoji: you Google the emoji and copy paste it into your text π
DancingEmma
February 5, 2022 at 3:01 PM
@dorotka: You are a gem. Thank you. Sometimes, I am such a ludditeπ
currypuff
February 5, 2022 at 3:13 PM
@Dorotka: Thank you!
currypuff
February 5, 2022 at 3:21 PM
Same, @DancingEmma, Reply 1988 was my intro to SLS, too! Followed by Start Up...
@Dorotka, ooo! Let me try it out and see if I understand: Thank you!
miso
February 5, 2022 at 3:33 PM
For emojis, if you use Windows, just press the Windows key + semicolon (;) or Windows + period (.) and an emoji pop-up will appear. If you type the emoji you want you will see it appear in the pop-up. So windows key + ; followed by broken heart will give you π.
DancingEmma
February 5, 2022 at 3:50 PM
@miso2019 - Thank you! You are a gem too!π
CS
February 9, 2022 at 7:25 AM
@graceofbeing I agree about the SLS in this one. It's one of my only cases. I really thought it was going to turn around until way past the point of no return. BUT, this is one of the only shows I've really come around to the ML. I re-watch it now and blame the SML for blowing all his chances and am happy for the love found between the leads. I still love that SML, though. How could you not?? We the viewers got to see all the things that Deok Sun did not. I have watched this one more times than I care to share, and it always amuses and touches my heart. I actually bought a set of (surely pirated) DVDs when it went off of Netflix for a beat.
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currypuff
February 9, 2022 at 9:07 AM
@CS, I just felt ML's character was a little too passive for me to truly root for him and feisty Deok Sun...and the older, adult version of the ML did not help to endear himself to me either. (Now if ML had played his Record of Youth character, I might have felt differently, ha.) And lovely point about the perspective viewers were privy to that Deok Sun wasn't. Gah, SML's broken heart was just too much to bear, sob. But your remarks have made me reconsider my perspective. Currently rewatching my faves while waiting for February's drama dump, so might just have to add Reply 1988!
thimble
February 5, 2022 at 3:10 PM
With Reply 1988, I could never understand the romantic pairings of Bora and whatβs her name played by Hieri. Wrong guys! I fumed over this for ages.
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14 wonhwa
February 5, 2022 at 7:02 AM
Sword Snow Stride: Soooo many set-ups, so few payoffs - remind me to stop watching shows angling for multiple seasons. It's a pleasure to watch Zhang Ruo Yun, though, so there's that.
Reset: After 4 episodes, it's intriguing. Will see how this goes . . .
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OldLawyer
February 5, 2022 at 9:08 AM
My wife also watched SWORD SNOW STRIDE and had much the same reaction to it as you did.
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wonhwa
February 5, 2022 at 1:42 PM
Yeah, a whole lot of going around collecting people, objects, alliances and odd pets. I'm sure they'll all turn out to be relevant in season 8 twelve years from now.
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15 Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)
February 5, 2022 at 7:04 AM
All of Us Are Dead: 8.0 for eps 5/12. I really have too many things to say, but briefly
- I hope they don't do a sequel, especially not until OUR virus situation is resolved. It would be too depressing.
- Talking about a virus that changes so fast that it is impossible to cook up a treatment or vaccine, is hitting below the belt.
- For a while when people were dropping off one at a time I thought the title might be a spoiler. Now I'm not sure what it meant.
- *flame suit on* it dragged a bit in the middle. (And a flame suit would have been a good thing to have).
- Overall pretty good, especially if you need something to keep you awake.
Bad and Crazy: 6.5 So I catch the finale right after a zombie binge and I see someone being killed by having his neck bitten. What show am I watching now?
Bulgasal: 7.0 Then I go to day 13 of Bulgy and see another fatal neck bite. OMG! The zombies have overrun all of kdramaland π¨π± Is Bite the new Truck?
Ghost Doctor: 8.0
Rookie Cops: 7.5 Their noodle subplot got soggy. The early dorm rooms with bunk beds had 4 beds but just 2 desks. But that's ok. How many desks do you need at once to write petitions and letters of apology?
Moonshine: Missing but not missed.
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beffels
February 5, 2022 at 11:42 AM
π bite IS the new truck
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bbstl π§Ή
February 5, 2022 at 12:47 PM
LOL The Bite Of Doom.
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16 tabong is ironing the crosswalk
February 5, 2022 at 7:11 AM
My Husband Got A Family (EP 45): That ahjumma with the "Yoo Bin Over My Children" cartel telling her daughter that Yoo Bin understands her better *rofl*π
Life Is Beautiful (EP 4): I don't feel bad for their dad. At all. I wish family dramas didn't try to make children forgive their bad parents just because. For me it only worked in Homemade Love Story because the dude became really nice when he lost his memory and even when he got it back he actually tried to be better and not only expected people to treat him nice because they were his family.
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17 superwhopotterlock
February 5, 2022 at 7:12 AM
Having nothing to watch, I finally got around to seeing Extraordinary You. I remember this drama being all the rage when it aired back in 2019 and the number of beanie comments on the initial episodes reflect that. I found the first few episodes extremely enjoyable. Eun dano who played the role of a cheerful, spunky high school girl to a tee. I loved when she became self aware and internally kept cursing the writer whenever she was forced to do a stage with kyung acting all lovesick while kyung repeatedly kept hurting her then giving him back just as good in the shadow. I loved haru who is one of the sweetest leads I've ever seen and Rowoon really played the part well. I loved Lee dohwa who had one of the bestest friendships with dano and haru when he became self aware as well, though I missed their bonding in the latter episodes. Lee jae wook gave such an amazing performance as kyung and I couldn't imagine him being the same guy who played the goofy best friend of SKJ in I'll go to you when the weather is nice. And of course Kim dae young was so terribly hilarious as the protagonist of the manhwa with a penchant for making announcements and delivering utterly cringeworthy lines with a straight face.
The drama did falter in the latter half with kyung delivering the same dialogues again and again, dano becoming a damsel who always needed haru to save her and not enough of dohwa and namju. Even juda being self aware could have been explored more but the drama totally sidelined them for the main love triangle. Of course, Lee jae wook was amazing and so were Rowoon and hyeyoon. But like other people, even I got frustrated at the drama's lack of explanation for the events happening and I can't imagine how could the writer keep recycling the same plots and characters without even bothering to change their names! No explanation was given as to how characters became self aware and why it was usually the same ones who kept becoming self aware. I don't know about the manhwa, but it would have been nice to see a face attached to the writer. The ending was bittersweet but it kind of felt fitting. Overall, it definitely wasn't as good as it was in the initial few episodes but it was a decent watch overall. I'm not sure I would've continued watching it if I had to wait for new episodes so it was a nice decision for me to watch this drama now.
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Dorotka
February 5, 2022 at 7:38 AM
At the end, I think I enjoyed Kim Young Dae the most π
He was also great in Cheat On Me, If You Can.
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superwhopotterlock
February 5, 2022 at 7:47 AM
Pity that he was sidelined for most of the drama. Even though he was the lead in the manhwa,unfortunately he was a supporting cast in the series. Also he was much kinder than gu jun pyo even though his A3 was a copy of F4.
I haven't watched the other series you mentioned but I'm looking forward to his drama with Lee sun kyung!
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Dorotka
February 5, 2022 at 7:55 AM
Me too!!
That A3 π I laughed during the first 4 episodes so much! π
And then the strawberry pullover in the last episode π (if I remember correctly)
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superwhopotterlock
February 5, 2022 at 8:09 AM
Yes, him with the strawberry pullover and drinking strawberry milk.
Kurama
February 5, 2022 at 7:57 AM
I don't agree with the comment about the writer. This drama never was about the writer. It's not important that the writer liked her characters and just reused them in other stories, it often happens in comics. It was about our will against the fate, the writer being the fate in this case. Danoh wasn't a damsel in distress, she was a strong woman who wanted to choose who she wants to love and not just be a dead soon person. She could live and see the end of the manhwa because she fought for it.
Why it was the same ones who became aware? Because of their real personality (Danoh and Haru will always find each other) and their role in the story.
I don't think the end was bittersweet. They're both extracharacters so they don't have scenario to follow and they have way more time to be together.
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superwhopotterlock
February 5, 2022 at 8:18 AM
It was bittersweet for me in the sense that they can only be together for the length of that manhwa and with no guarantee that they will be drawn again in the manhwa after that and in what capacity.
Danoh was initially fierce and independent and she did take initiative in trying to change her fate but ultimately, it all came down to haru because he was the one who could change the stages. And I felt in the later episodes, it was all about haru who was the only one who could save her life. So in a way, she did put her fate in the hands of haru and didn't actively play a part in changing her fate.
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Kurama
February 5, 2022 at 8:43 AM
It's kinda the life... We live only one, for now they were given 3.
Haru was the only who can navigate without the writer noticing him but at the origin, it's always Danoh's will. She's the one who initiates their plans.
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Erica
February 5, 2022 at 3:40 PM
Totally agree. ExU first half refreshing and intriguing, second half faltered.
Kim Hye Joon and Lee Jae Wook were credible, didnβt look like they were newbies. Not only I didnβt suffer, but I enjoyed their acting.
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Lily left the valley
February 6, 2022 at 12:08 AM
Funny you mention this show because just this week I found what seems to be the fullest eng scanlation of the original webtoon, July Found by Chance. which I've been slowly reading through as time allows. (Back when the show aired, I could only find random bits instead of the entire series finished.)
Related but not drama relevant--I really wish dead wood pulp publishers would release more manhwas with Eng translations. I am trying to learn hangul, but there are only so many hours in a day, darnit! π
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superwhopotterlock
February 6, 2022 at 12:47 AM
Great that you can read the manhwa now. I'm not really a fan of reading webtoons but I've read yumis cells and I agree with you. English subbed manhwas would be very nice if available especially the ones which are adapted to dramas because I would atleast want to read it if I'm interested in the drama.
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Lily left the valley
February 6, 2022 at 1:20 AM
I didn't used to seek them out until making dramas from them became more frequent as I have enjoyed a few of the adaptations I've watched so far.
Personally, I see the process similar to adaptive eng movies/shows from books, and I find that only very rarely do I like the original less than the adaptation. So that's why I've been seeking more original content out in recent times.
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18 jerrykuvira
February 5, 2022 at 7:13 AM
Shall We Have a Cup of Coffee β Hmmm. I could spend eternity drooling and squeeing about this. I donβt know anything about coffee, but I take it once in a long while. SWHACOF gave a very good documentary, I could see myself okaying the affogato + gelato menu like I was amongst the tasters. Since Iβm not a person for a bitter palate, I might try out espresso some time, SWHACOF says it isnβt that bitter a coffee. Now to the actors. Park Ha-Sun isβ¦ I canβt exactly name it, but he was really memorable here. How can his stifled smile or grin be so affectionate and warm. Then the wide smile plus laughter he gave at the end of ep 12, I melted. Kudos to all the cast, it was a well done ensemble.
On my re-watch list, I have Angels Last Mission β Love. Shin Hye-sun nailed this one. Curently at ep 4, but I jumped to go watch ep 15βs Giselle performances. It was just as it was praised in the recaps. Then Hospital Playlist 1 currently on episode 7. Oh I noticed Kim Jun-wan holds his waist region most of the times he is standing while addressing patients pre and post surgery, mostly post.
Currently in a Drama Slump with the on-going dramas. Artificial City and Show Windowβs mood affected my eagerness to watch ongoing series, but I hope to get back to it soon. Despite this, kudos to moonshine for giving me a very strong female lead. With the discussions I had with a fellow moonshine watcher plus the weecaps, its my first stop once my slump ends.
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snancy
February 5, 2022 at 2:13 PM
Cup of Coffee was one of favorite watches, ever! I tend to fast-forward, but not here. I luxuriated in the warm, contemplative pace. Not perfect, but as you said, jerrykuvira, what a cohesive ensemble!
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bong-soo
February 6, 2022 at 7:36 AM
One of the things I didnβt like about COFFEE was the introduction of noble idiocy late in the drama i.e. owner Seok not letting Go Bi in on the fact of his financial precariousness. He just pushed him out (for his own good supposedly).
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snancy
February 6, 2022 at 1:16 PM
Totally agree, bong-soo! That was precisely the reason I said it wasn't perfect. We all hate noble idiocy. Why do the writers keep putting it in?
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19 Scottie
February 5, 2022 at 7:28 AM
The drama I am enjoying the most despite it being difficult to watch at times is THROUGH THE DARKNESS. I just close my eyes and ears during the hammer scenes. Sadly a long break ahead, but I will come back once it resumes.
Meanwhile I use the drama slump to finally watch THE SLAVE HUNTERS/CHUNO. What a wonderful drama, I particularly love the colourful language, the fight scenes are brilliant and the scenery in the shots so picturesque. I am also reading the fantastic Damabeans recaps, they must be some of the best ever.
GHOST DOCTOR is ok and still quite entertaining. Still watching ROOKIE COPS, but may drop it, if does not get better (plot and acting).
Finished SNOWDROP - it really does not deserve the controversy, it was just not good enough. Oh the plot holes, a ripe old Emmental cheese has fewer holes. Yo-Inna's character manages to go in and out of the dorm unseen (and naturally not shown how), nobody else can, because the dorm is surrounded by snipers everywhere, but that is because she is a super spy. Then the cheese melts, for the really cheesy end of ML. He successfully escapes, but returns to the dorm to save his girl and dies in a hail of bullets, protecting her. The girl naturally refused all chances to escape herself, to stay by his side. Well, I did not need tissues to wipe dry eyes.
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jerrykuvira
February 5, 2022 at 7:36 AM
Thank you so much for the Snowdrop recap. I was piqued by Yoo Inna's starring in Snowdrop in supporting category so I'm satisfied knowing she was a distinguished spy.
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Scottie
February 5, 2022 at 7:43 AM
I cannot blame the actors, they were all pretty good, even Jisoo was alright. The script was rubbish.
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LaurenSophie
February 5, 2022 at 8:16 AM
Personally, I thought Yoo Inna was one of the best things about the drama. But I wouldn't say her performance alone is a reason to tune in. I agree with Scottie's take that overall it was a letdown.
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jerrykuvira
February 5, 2022 at 9:14 AM
Yoo Inna was the reason I wanted to watch it. And yes she's one of the best things to happen about the drama. And yes, it was a letdown. I got bored by episode 5, and the weekly submissions by viewers on blogging sites dampened the spirit to keep on watching. And it wasn't that it was already spoiled on the sites, it was that as Scottie said: 'it was a total letdown'.
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Kurama
February 5, 2022 at 8:00 AM
As a Swiss person, I'm really happy who talked about Emmental and not Gruyère. Thank you!
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bomibeans
February 5, 2022 at 1:31 PM
πππ Iβm glad those snippets I watched here and there of Snowdrop has been rewarded with at least this: I learned today the difference between Emmental and GruyΓ¨re cheeses.
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Kurama
February 5, 2022 at 1:59 PM
People often thinks that the Gruyère has holes but it's not the case, it's the Emmental. So I'm happy when someone is right about it :p
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Lelly19
February 5, 2022 at 1:36 PM
Loool!! Such an accurate review of Snowdrop! xD
I was laughing during majority of the finale, and not because it was funny, but for the absurdity of it!
The last few scenes were sad for me though; I might have shed some tears there, and I guess it must have been the great use of the soundtrack, or something, because I really didn't care that much for the show during its run, tbh!
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Snow Flower
February 5, 2022 at 6:42 PM
Chuno is the best!
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20 Fly Colours
February 5, 2022 at 7:47 AM
All of us are dead: it's not flawless, but it's a fun ride if you're into k-zombies (I am). Really good action scenes, and the best was watching the kids' resourcefulness and teenage concerns. Jokes were fun too! The Baddie was a bit much, but I've found Yoo Insoo super charismatic. I'm voting Namra (Cho Yihyun) for Prez.
Bad and Crazy: lovely bromance. Have no idea how DID works, but am fairly sure it's not like that. Still, I loved Sooyeol's development, from getting his ass kicked by K until ultimately realising that he loved him and accepted him as part of himself. A true King π
Chief Kim: completed ep 12. Very fun. Go Countability Team!
Great Shaman Ga Doo Shin: watched this with my eldest. We both liked it, but it was a bit too short and predictable. Fish-eye kiss alert, my kid was dying from watching it with me π€£
Vincenzo: still on ep 15, I'll pick it up again.
Non-kdrama: Komi can't communicate: what a lovely anime. It's very sweet, light on romance and heavy on friendship-building for our socially anxious lead. It depicts typical high school situations and events (water park outing, cultural day at school, going to a shopping centre), and shows how our assumptions about people sometimes have nothing to do with the real person and what they are going through. My kids loved it. My only quibbles are a) the extreme lookism everybody manifests in relation to Komi, the high school goddess, b) the typical old-school bouncy-bosom closeups and random pervy stuff, which were downright weird and jarring (I get it that in part it's a comment on hormone-ridden teenagers, but still... Nope)
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Dorotka
February 5, 2022 at 8:01 AM
I switched my brain off during Bad and Crazy and just enjoyed the crazy comedy with Wi Hajoon and Lee Dong Wook at the centre. They were great together. Kings and Heros π€©
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Fly Colours
February 5, 2022 at 8:07 AM
Yes, I couldn't be bothered to follow all the police investigation and the details of getting the Baddie... I was just in for the fun and the bromance, and those were really good βΊοΈ
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Fly Colours
February 5, 2022 at 8:04 AM
How could I fail to mention Our beloved Summer? Episodes 11-12 were so cuuuute. Not waiting until the weekend, and being there to receive your girl with a couple of corndogs! Also, the best back-hug I've seen since Healer π
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21 Fly Colours
February 5, 2022 at 7:59 AM
Also, I'm here to announce another small step for SK entertainment towards world domination: went to my local comic bookshop to purchase my hardcopy of Lore Olympus in Spanish (yay!) and spotted several Korean webtoon translations, including What's wrong with Secretary Kim, just mixed up with Japanese manga. So, it's here: k-content branching out from the internet into the book business
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Beverly
February 6, 2022 at 11:04 AM
I keep meaning to try Lore Olympus. So many seem to love it.
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22 thimble
February 5, 2022 at 7:59 AM
Two dramas starring Kim Sun-Ah:
SCENT OF A WOMAN (2011) Aside from too much time spent on standard-issue subplots and Lee Dong Wook who is not IMO at his best in romantic roles, this is one of the best melodramas Iβve seen so far. Heavy stuff β Kim Sun-Ahβs complicated romance with LDW, her relationship with the doctor, the way he grows as a physician and how she grows as a person following cancer diagnosis, coming to terms with her situation. The erotic tango dance scenes get across really well her desperation as well as newfound thirst for life. There is some sugarcoating, like cancer treatments that do not lead to serious side effects. Bottom line, an extraordinary drama and a great performance by Kim Sun-Ah.
CITY HALL (2009) Epiβs 1-16: A one-of-a-kind romcom and fast-paced robust parody of small-town government and elections. Kim Sun-A and Cha Seung-Won are terrific together. CSW is not just the usual arrogant rich guy, but a complex, cynical political operative as well. And how could I not love a rom-com in which beauty pageant contestants are put on a fishing trawler in one event and made to catch and fillet what look like smelts. The winner is crowned βMiss Smelt.β I'll be in grieving mode when this is over.
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Becky
February 5, 2022 at 8:46 AM
2 great dramas, even with all their problems.
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bbstl π§Ή
February 5, 2022 at 1:01 PM
Thanks, I will try both of these while Iβm in my slump. Iβve never gotten past about 5 of City Hall and donβt understand why not, I love both actors.
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bomibeans
February 5, 2022 at 1:37 PM
City Hall is one of my all-time faves. Tragically underrated and not as popular as other k-dramas of that era. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to see two pretty smart (politically) but pretty clueless (romantically) leads. Itβs a hoot!
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PYC
February 6, 2022 at 12:25 AM
City Hall is my all time favorite too. A superb smart script by Kim Eun Sook - and I mourn her not able to deliver any other comparable dramas since then. The adult chemistry between KSA and CSW is to die for - a very charismatic turn from both. Itβs hard to see love as sizzling as theirs these days.
@thimble donβt forget to check out the excellent recap by @samsooki at Dramabeans - the first ever guest recapper in DBβs history.
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bomibeans
February 6, 2022 at 11:11 AM
Funny how we lament the loss of βearlyβ Kim Eun Sook. Itβs like whenever she has this ambition of writing a big blockbuster, she forgets (or is misled?) that a good drama is still good writing, not a grand ambition, famous actors and productionβs bells and whistles. I refuse to believe that she wrote Eternal Monarch. Itβs like someone switched her or ghosted her, like you could actually tell which parts of the dialogue were written by her or slapped together by someone else. She needs to re-read her own Gentlemenβs Dignity, Secret Garden and City Hall to understand what an amazing writer she is. I often wonder thought if the reward isnβt just there, meaning that Korean awards circuit is too focused on production value and epics in their dramas, instead of rewarding genuinely well-written story.
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mindy
February 6, 2022 at 11:27 AM
The last dramas to win Best Drama/Daesang at the Baeksangs were Beyond Evil, When the Camellia Blooms, Hot Stove League, My Ajusshi, Mother, and Stranger, all of which were critically acclaimed with well-regarded writing. KES did win the Daesang with Goblin several years ago, but I think itβs safe to say sheβs much more concerned about writing something commercially popular rather than critically acclaimed or having her eyes set on a Baeksang. TKEM was panned by Korean critics and completely ignored by award shows except for the SBS Drama Awards (which hardly counts).
23 LaurenSophie
February 5, 2022 at 8:14 AM
SNOWDROP: I struggled during the last several episodes to remember to accept it on its own terms--as a plot-driven action drama with a side of political satire. But it was hard not to mourn what could have been. The writer clearly does not have a hand for romance, which is a shame, because the drama desperately needed for at least one of the attempts at a romantic arc (the main one, the two ANSP agents, and the unrequited love Dr. Kang had for the ML, the latter of which I found completely ridiculous considering the 20 year difference in age and life experience between them) to resonate. Thinking about all the controversy that surrounded this drama, all the big-name talent, all the money obviously spent on it, it's deeply disappointing that it was almost completely forgettable.
I do want to give a shoutout to Yoo In Na's performance--she played against type beautifully. In fact, all of the actors did well despite very thin characterization; I felt especially bad for Ji Soo--she was natural and believable, but the writers couldn't even be bothered in the last five or six episodes to write real dialogue for her. Tears don't count as words or character development and that poor girl had to spend nearly every episode weeping and shaking. Jung Hae-in fared better because his character was allowed several different relationships to explore (I liked his bromance with the ANSP agent the best), and he did admirably sell the death scene and his character's love for the FL, but overall, I was unmoved despite his efforts.
THE ONE AND ONLY: In contrast to Snowdrop, this show is much better written and the central romance is actually romantic. I loved their fake fight and most of their couple dialogue is touching and believable, so it's easy to believe that these two are made for each other. It's also dark and sad in spots, but there's a quirkiness and hopefulness to it that makes it watchable. I do miss the detective, though.
BULGASAL: I have a feeling the ending might disappoint me, but I won't regret watching this. If nothing else, I greatly enjoyed seeing Lee Joon completely immerse himself in his role. And the OST is pretty good, too.
OUR BELOVED SUMMER: Quieter and more contemplative than I anticipated, but all the better for it. The writing and acting were assured, and the storyline developed at exactly the right pace. All the relationships felt real to me. Definitely going to be one of my favorites of the year.
I saw that THE BEAUTY INSIDE is now on Netflix. I watched a few episodes of it a long time ago and thought it was fine, but for whatever reason never went back to it. So I'm going to re-start that soon.
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CS
February 5, 2022 at 10:50 AM
I am curious why you put a 20 year age gap between Jung Hae-In and Yoo In-ah's characters. I didn't read it that way at all. He was working on graduate degrees and had been in
Germany studying for several years. I assumed he was around 30. She was a doctor but also someone young enough to play the mistress to a man in his 40s. I was putting in her mid-30s as a character. Plus the actors only have a 6 year age gap.
I agree with you that JHI's bromance with the ANSP agent was one of the best parts of the show, though.
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LaurenSophie
February 5, 2022 at 12:08 PM
Here's what made me feel that the age gap was around 20 years: She told him she had been working on her current assignment (being a doctor in the South and then ending up the mistress of a powerful man) for 20 years so I put her at around 40. Since he posed successfully as a student and was in love with one, I took him to be in his early 20s. I understand that he was working on a graduate degree and had been in Germany for some years, but I still didn't feel that put him anywhere near 30. I understand the actors aren't that far apart in age, but to me, the characters really seemed to be and I just couldn't buy her feelings for him and felt they had more of a mother/son vibe. But I can see how others may have viewed it differently.
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la wants to feel liberated too
February 6, 2022 at 5:11 AM
About snowdrop, before the drama aired, there were descriptions for few characters including age. And if i'm not mistaken, Yoo Inna's character was 35 years old and Jung Haein's was 27 years old. So the age gap between them wasn't big
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Atlas
February 6, 2022 at 10:54 PM
I remember reading abt the character descriptions before the drama started airing. Young Ro is 21 yo(in kr) and Sooho was 26 or 27. So Dr. Kang must be in her mid to late 40s
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okiejune
February 5, 2022 at 2:45 PM
The One and the Only is still the only show keeping my active interest these days. Every week my husband and I look at each other and say "What a great show!" at some point during an episode.
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Scottie
February 6, 2022 at 4:57 AM
I also really enjoyed seeing Yo In-na playing a different character. I have always liked her and she has certainly pulled it off here as well. I agree about poor Jisoo who had to cry at least once every in episode.
It was disappointing to see Kim Hye-yoon in the dreadful Sky Castle style again. After watching her in Royal Inspector and Joy, I prefer her as a comedy actor, she has the talent for it.
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thimble
February 6, 2022 at 8:41 AM
Because I love Lee Min Ki, I checked out one episode of Beauty Inside to see if I could tolerate Seo Hyun-jin enough to get through it, but nope! Still cringing over her histrionics in Another Miss Oh.
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24 OldLawyer
February 5, 2022 at 9:16 AM
Like Missvictrix I am waiting for the raft of new shows. I am also caught up in the Olympics. We are streaming it through a premium Peacock subscription- definitely the way to go. I will be unsubscribing after the Olympics are over. When or rather if I ever subscribe to Disney+ it will be on that same temporary basis. I previously did this with On Demand Korea to watch PEGASUS MARKET. Streaming offers this kind of flexibility and that is a good thing.
This week I continued to watch SEO YOUNG, MY DAUGHTER. This is a good weekender.
I also started the older show BRIDE OF THE CENTURY.
For something light we are watching the C-drama CUPIDβS KITCHEN, which stars Ethan Juan.
My wife watched the Chinese Costume drama THE PLOUGH DEPARTMENT OF THE SONG DYNASTY (which is not about agricultural implements but solving mysteries). She thought it was good. She followed this with THE GLAMOROUS IMPERIAL CONCUBINE on Netflix- also a very good show. But now the Olympics are here, and she is watching that instead. She has several shows lined up for after the Olympics but for the moment the Olympics have taken over. I noted that I thought that the Koreans did a better job with their Opening Ceremony four years ago and she looked at me and said, βOf course they did- what did you expect?β.
The final story arcs have begun for YOUNG LADY AND GENTLEMAN. We are once again confronting the central issue of this weekender: The age difference. Our Young Ladyβs dad has blown right through the roof. One of the things I like about this show is how human her father is: He has had a hard life and that life has left its mark on him- this is a scarred and damaged man who carries a lot of anger, which is realistic given his history.
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beffels
February 5, 2022 at 1:07 PM
Iβve also been watching Bride of the Century! I finished it last night, I liked it a lot.
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kellie
February 6, 2022 at 4:37 AM
Bride of the Century! I don't know why but that remains one of my all-time fave k-dramas. I was really charmed by it and have gone back to rewatch it 3 times since it first aired. Nice to see it get a mention here.
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25 debbie
February 5, 2022 at 9:47 AM
Nihao.
Watched Cdrama, Shining for One Thing and I can tell you it is a good drama. My heart broke so many times but I was happy the FL saved the life of the ML in the final episode. I just couldn't bear loosing the ML.
Ghost Doctor, still a joy to watch. I love their bickering.
No Through the darkness and I am guessing The Gentleman man and the young lady.
I hope the Gentleman and young lady pick up the pace. Already tired of the drama.
Looking for any Japanese Drama to watch. Please recommend anyone. Thank you
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Dorotka
February 5, 2022 at 11:03 AM
Like Any Currently Airing or Just Any (even old ones)?
And what's your prefered genre?
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debbie
February 5, 2022 at 9:50 PM
Any genre is OK with me. Thank you.
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Dorotka
February 6, 2022 at 1:28 AM
There are plenty of good Japanese dramas, but if this is your first time diving in, be prepared for a different type of storytelling, acting, directing.... and for a special Japanese humour π
(Also, I'm not an expert on Japanese dramas and watch them only here and there, there are definitely Beanies who are more knowledgeable than me.)
If you are in the mood for a true Japanese manga humor, then try Hana Kimi (2007). I rewatched it fairly recently with my teenaged sons and we all had a blast π
Another classics: Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers) from 2005, It Started With a Kiss - Love in Tokyo (2013) and Nodame Cantabile (2006). There was also recent Promise Cinderella.
For less manga flavoured romances: I liked old classic Long Vacation, Love Shuffle and We Married as a Job (Nigeru wa Haji).
There are plenty of slice of life dramas Japan can do so well, I loved Miracles and You and Me on a G String (violin course for beginners) for example.
Japan also has many crime procedurals, I don't watch it too often, but I really enjoyed the old but still good and funny Hero (2001) with famous actor Kimu Taku as the main prosecutor. Then there is the darker Border.
Well, that's maybe enough for now π (I'm sure I'm forgetting many shows π)
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vlkBadWolf
February 5, 2022 at 11:36 PM
Recommending some Japanese drama I enjoyed even though they are not perfect:
Last Cinderella (2013), Kurosaki-kun no Iinari ni Nante Naranai (2015; The Black Devil and the White Prince), Nodame Cantabile (2006), Minami Kun No Koibito (My Little Lover), 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made (From 5 to 9), Hapimari: Happy Marriage!? (2016), A Girl and Three Sweethearts (2016), Good Morning Call, Haken no Hinkaku (The Pride of the Temp, 2007), Kimi wa Petto (You are my pet, 2017)
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Kurama
February 6, 2022 at 2:35 AM
There are so many good Jdramas.
Nodame Cantabile is the drama that made me pass from Japanese animes to dramas. I was watching the anime and I discovered there was a TV show with real actors. It was really fun. The actress, Juri Ueno, was perfect for this role.
The actor Oguri Shun has a lot of classics in his CV : Hana Yori Dango, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e, Tokyo DOGS, Rich Man, Poor Woman, Ouroboros, etc.
Nobuta Wo Produce is pretty famous too. The 3 actors had a great career. I'm sad that Horikita Maki left this field to take care of her family.
Otherwise:
- Liar Game
- 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made
- Todome no Kiss
- Love Relationship
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Dorotka
February 6, 2022 at 3:40 AM
Oh, yes, Nobuta Wo Produce was great. I think I even cried towards the end.
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Kurama
February 6, 2022 at 3:48 AM
I think we all hoped for "more", but their friendship was lovely.
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Dorotka
February 6, 2022 at 3:57 AM
I actually didn't mind. I did enter the series with some expectations, but when it finished, I loved it for the journey of Shuji... and his friendship with Akira (and Nobuko).