Young Actors retreat❤️
This is the highlight of my weekly drama watchlist. Bogummy was my only reason for giving this a chance but once I met the other participants I was in. I don’t like variety shows so this will be my first time watching one. I think this is a great concept especially as the director said it is to benefit the actors who need to promote their shows but find it hard due to their introverted nature.

Once upon a time in a small town
Loving this drama it’s so cute and funny.

Law cafe
Giving this the four week test to see if it is worth continuing to watch. I liked it but I was easily distracted while watching it and it wasn’t a laugh out loud which I thought it would be.

Mimicus
Web drama that was releasing 2-3 episodes a week for some reason will have the last episode on it’s own next week. It’s been an enjoyable watch, the two mum characters have been truly awful it’s a wonder their children have come out with any social skills.

Today’s webtoon
This week the frustration continues to be around the rookies not keeping their supervisors in the loop. There were some cute and funny bits but I am finding the common pattern is taking a couple of episodes more than I would like to resolve issues a prime example is the sister storyline.

If you wish upon me
So sweet to see Gyeorye back in the found family appreciating being rescued and pleased to have a place to belong.

Let me off the Earth Web drama on YouTube
Coming of age fantasy rom com teen drama. Groundhog Day but stretched over a 3 year period so the poor student has to go through his school years aged 17-19 years 33 times and counting. No one else is aware of the situation so he becomes an online school fortune teller and everyone loves that he is so accurate in his predictions. I like the issues it raises and the way it addresses them.

COMPLETED
Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist - It didn't suck the way a lot of shows have recently but also doesn't merit multiple seasons.

ONGOING
Adamas - This show just doesn't let up. Soo-hyun trying to beat up Woo-shin was funny.

Good Job - Drunk antics, piggyback, fake dating have all been used already. Wonder which trope will be next. At least the villains are smart enough to figure stuff out. I do think the cousin may not be as evil as he's being made out to be by Sec. Kim.

Big Mouth - Well at least he's out of prison now. I'd be okay if Chang-ho ganged-up with Ji-hoon to take down Do-ha.

Today's Webtoon - Laughed out loud when Jun-yeong was trying to change the ends-up-with-sunbae storyline 😂. Way to be self-aware show!

The Good Detective S2 - I hope the subber hasn't abandoned this. I hate not being able to complete shows.

STARTED
The Law Café - Like it. Nothing new but who cares it's CUTE.

Once Upon a Small Town - Drama seems sweet overall. Nice to see Santa again 🥰.

Narco-Saints - Only 4 episodes in so far but it's good.

C-DRAMAS
See You Again - Nice background watch. Might be the first time I'm liking Hu Yitian in a drama.

Little Women: Not sure how I feel about this yet. It’s beautiful, but I’m just not totally sold. The intro might be my favorite part so far? And the orchids. Definitely the orchids.

Once Upon a Small Town: Cute and fun. I really enjoyed the drama so far, and I feel like it’s delivering on all the expectations it set. I find myself once again immune to SLS – that peach farmer might be cute, but if he has spent decades living next to his crush and not doing anything about it, that’s on him.

Bulgasal: Immortal Souls: Started this one because I wanted something darker after the cuteness that was Our Beloved Summer last week. I’m loving it so far! So glad our hero’s brooding face is on point cause it sure is getting a workout in this drama, but I also love that he’s one of those people whose smile cracks his whole face open and makes him look like a totally different person. And Lee Joon has got a manic, unhinged, Moriarty-from-Sherlock vibe that I’m really here for. This is my first time encountering him but I’m excited to check out what else he’s done. When he loomed out of the shadows in the backseat of a car I legitimately got chills, it was so good. I love that we get a little more of the past revealed bit by bit – at this point I have no idea what to believe, but I’m excited about it! And when Do-yun showed up I knew immediately that we were going to get some overeager dongsaeng/reluctant hyung (why don’t we romanize this “hyeong”?) moments and I was not disappointed! It’s a good thing Hwal was a monster hunter 600 years ago because that knowledge is proving unexpectedly useful in the present, and I think it’s so interesting to see the incarnations of the monsters as psychopathic humans.

Adamas - This one is really intense. Some unexpected happenings that proved fitting when you think about it a second time. This penultimate week set everything up for next week’s finale. An unexpected death I didn’t see coming was Chairman Kwon’s. The man was saved from death’s door only to be killed the moment he came to. The thought alone has me in applause.
Hye-soo loves Minjo dearly and I am banking on that love.

Unicorn - Monica vs Ashley was the crème last week. Won Jin-a noh really wowed with her range of reactions.

Good Job Ep 4- No much laughs but quite many little doses here and there. Here I was thinking that Han-byul was Eun’s unknown child.

It’s Beautiful Now - The fight for best daughter-in-law continues. Who gets pregnant first is not a competition and it ruins the mood and foils uneasiness cause I was uneasy with the pregnancy competition. Dolt couple should have just announced without the drama they caused when there is funny daughter-in-law war going on underground.

Her Private Life and Monthly Magazine Home re-watch is exciting. It’s a re-watch but it still feels as fresh as new.

Poong the Joseon Psychiatrist - completed; liked it but was totally surprised by season 2! Becoming Witch - love Ma-ri but this week made all of them pathetic; Today's Webtoon - still keeps me engaged; Good Job - first two episodes made me want to watch more; The Law Cafe - watched first episode and can't believe the premise of the plot but okay, I'm giving it 2 more episodes; Once Upon a Small Town - liked the fish out of water scenario but I really don't like the common belief that people just come and go in "your" house even when nobody's home - to think that the male lead was attacked by the cops trying to get inside his own grandfather's house but the same cop doesn't do anything when the ahjummas or the young boy do the same

Little Women: What a great opening week! PD Kim Hee-won has quickly become the best in the business. The cinematography is outstanding. The acting was solid too. I liked the sibling relationship between In-ju and In-kyung. In-kyung’s relationship with the great-aunt was interesting too. I didn’t even know Chu Ja-hyun was going to be in this, but she stole the first episode. I hope we see more of her in flashbacks.

Adamas: This drama continues to have me on the edge of my seat. The last thriller that I can think of that kept the tension going like this was Kairos. Ji Sung is always good but he’s crazy good here. The low ratings and lack of buzz kill me because everyone is bringing their A game. Both twins better survive next week. I don’t want Hye-soo to betray Woo-shin, but I hope she comes out on top.

The Law Café: I’m on the fence with this one. The reunited high school sweethearts reminded me of Our Beloved Summer but those characters instantly had my heart and these just gave me a headache. I like Lee Se-young better in restrained roles, like in Kairos. She’s giving it her all though and does have decent chemistry with Lee Seung-gi. I hope Kim Seul-gi and the other supporting characters have more to do moving forward. The legal aspect and corruption angle are tired and lazily handled. I actually didn’t mind characters breaking the fourth wall though.

Good Job: This week’s episodes were really fun. The Ghost inspired dough-kneading scene with Jin-mo and Na-hee had me rolling. Those two are my favorites though I like Se-ra too. I love a slo-mo squad walk.

Narco-Saints: I liked this series though the English was often awkward. The story didn’t break new ground, but it was engaging. I don’t think I’ve seen Ha Jung-woo in anything since he mainly does movies. I really liked his In-gu. He was smart and kept his wits about him even when he stumbled into a dangerous situation.

Today’s Webtoon: The comic was an in character way for Shin Dae-ryuk to ask for help, but Ma-eum really should have gotten him professional help. Now, his mother is back and everything is going to blow up. I don’t want to see him hurt.

Adamas - Still intense. Still suspenseful. Still keeping us on the edge of our seats with the unexpected twists .... and it's already up to episodes 13 & 14! It's so good! Dear Beanies, watch this show!

Little Women - Gave this a try and I watched the first two episodes. The thing is, I watched those first two episodes in less than an hour as I found myself fast-forwarding through it. It wasn't awful or anything like that, and I still don't know why I "fast-forward-watched" (is that even a term?) the show. That usually isn't a good sign, so I may not continue this one, at least for now.

Once Upon a Small Town: watching this thinking it would be fun and tropey, but turns out it's not as fun as i hoped for. The 30 minute episode format is a good idea, but perhaps they should make this as a mini series and not 12 episodes cos not much is going on. Sad to say i'm dropping this. I may be the minority here.

Run On: this is completely unexpected because: 1. Run On was never on my watchlist. 2. I'm experiencing whithdrawal syndrome(?) because of MLN. I just don't want to say goodbye to the siblings. 3. I actually don't like Shin Sekyung so there was no reason for me to start Run On. But here i am.
And it's very cute, weird, and refreshing so far. The colors too! Is this a coming of age drama? I think it is cos the characters look so young. And speaking of so young, i'm loving Sooyoung's character here🤭🤩

THE WITCH IS ALIVE (Becoming Witch) (Ep.11) I have said this before, these husbands are really, really, really hard to kill. Less laughs this week and more dark angst. The only bright moment this week was Doc’s daughter visiting Hee-Soo at the hospital. Mu-Young finally got her to the hospital, but his anger and demands over Hee-Soo’s wishes brands him an irreversible jerk.

Jin-A got lucky in cleaning up her grubby spouse-gangster-insurance fraud-stock scam men in her life, but dumping a sack of money in the harbor is not going to re-set her life to her happy, easy going lifestyle. I don’t know if Ma-Ri got lucky about Nak-Gu having more lives than a cat. Her not reaching out to her daughter was a major mistake--- and that did not get resolved at all. That bugged me. Everything is still up in the air (in a good way) going into the finale.

TODAY’S WEBTOON (Ep.10-11) How “work” is portrayed at this major IT company is now very distracting to me. It is now beyond ridiculous that thew webtoon department would be preparing IP proposals for its artists, let alone having rookie PDs doing it. Neon is an massive IT company--- those contracts, M&A, and renewals would flow thorough IP lawyers and accountants, not editors. It sours to the story that a Neon suit was not at those meetings to give it credibility. I think the show has strayed from its original intent.

Also Jun-Young’s apparent hate and distrust for the webtoon directors based on his sister’s unrelated death was unwarranted and out of character. He would have known what had happened but again, he never fully grieved until her read her office notebook. But maybe he is not as smart as we are led to believe; his potential double cross was unexecuted and too late. The only person who can save the team is Neon CEO and the partnership with Studio Moh, and not the team itself.

STOCK STRUCK (Ep. 7-8) Sun-Woo’s backstory is slowly coming to light (as well as his feelings for Mi-Seo). But the psychological damage for his role in a security firm’s “operation” which infers stock manipulation, actions against clients, or both seems like a writer’s crutch to give him some grand redemption moment. I think that will be hard to swallow since all the investor friends are TOO trustworthy to be burned by his truthful confession or help. I really think the Tutor Kid needs a real grandfather to support him and letting him be a kid now and again.

I really think Han Ji-Eun has done well being the lead actor as Mi-Seo as her scenes are the more engaging ones.

GOOD JOB (Episode 5-6): K-netizens are angry about the leads acting. The comparison to Bossam is wrong: they are two different types of shows. This is comedy-mystery genre which tends to go cheesy like in original Batman TV series over gritty realism. The kidnapping caper resolution was supposed to be a farce. The second lead loss of memory bed trope was expected.

Se-Ra put into the lion’s den to spy on prime suspect was also predictable...

Honestly, I am still feeling the absence of live watching AoS and EAW. Thank goodness for Lee Seung Gi!

LEE SEUNG GI—I was counting down the days to LAW CAFE and watched VAGABOND—what a comedy!—and I didn’t (I should have) anticipate the Lee Seung Gi effect. So, I had to go back to enjoy some of his projects. I am in the middle of YOU”RE ALL SURROUNDED—forgot how much fun this one is—and the LSG/CSW chemistry is worth another look so I went back to HWAYUGI (A KOREAN ODYSSEY) where I left off on my last re-watch. And yes, these two together on screen in these roles are a hoot. But, oh dear. The episode I left off on was right before THE KISSES episode and I forgot how uh….potent Monkey is.

MIMICUS—One more episode left and I have to say this is in my top favorite web dramas. I have enjoyed the storytelling ,which is grounded in our characters. No matter how crazy the premise is, it doesn’t feel makjang.

GOOD JOB—I don’t know. I enjoyed the first two episodes and then stalled on episode 3. Perhaps I am not in the appropriate mood?

Once Upon a Small Town It's cute and simple. Th SL is cute but the guy had years to declare his feelings. Now, it's our hot vet turn :p

The Law Cafe The first 2 episodes were disapointing. I don't like when a drama mixed too many genres together.

Good Job It's a fun drama. The story is kinda ridiculous but for now, it works. But 16 episodes seems already too many.

The Good Detective 2 The story turns around and the fact the subtitles take time to get out doesn't really help to stay engaged.

Today's Webtoon The sister story was kinda disapointing.

Little Women I loved the first 2 episodes. They chose great actors for some little roles. I wish the best for these sisters!

Young actors It was funny to see them interact so awkardly. I'm happy they have Kwak Dong-Yeon because he's good at this kind of things. Hwang In-yeop is such a cute kid being so nervous to meet new people. I was really happy to see the cast of Moonlight together. Ji Chang-Wook knows a lot of members : Kim Yoo-Jung, Na-Ra, Ryoo Kyung-Soo.

ADAMAS How are we already near the end? Also, is it next week end! What a fantastic ride it has been. So thrilling and not a dull moment.

Let’s meet now It’s a cdrama. Saw 4 episodes on Iqiyi. Hu Te is cute. An easy light fun watch. Total of 20 Episodes it shouldn’t get too bad.

Waiting for the new cdrama on Sep 11 “Are you Safe! “. Loved Tan Jian Ci since I watched Under the Skin. Can’t wait!

Today's Webtoon: 6.0 They have talked a lot about making webtoons fun, but for a few weeks they've neglected to make the kdrama fun.

Big Mouth: 7.5

Little Women: 6.0 Possibly good, but just not to my taste. 🥀 Bye.

Law Cafe: 6.5 Almost harmless. Needs more Kim Seul-gi and less corporate evil. So does real life, for that matter.

Once Upon a Small Town: 7.0 Mostly harmless. Looking forward to the day when they outgrow slipping and falling in mud / pig poop.

Poong the Joseon Psychiatrist: 5.0 😠👿😧 The point of 12-episode shows should be to squeeze out the fillers and just tell the story, not to turn around and give a lame show a lame sequel with quick turnaround time.

Good Job: 8.5

Narco Saints: 5.0 for day 1. It was probably necessary background, but it didn't interest me. I expect big changes next but it doesn't look like to kind of show I go to kdramaland for. Unlikely to come back for more.

Both Law and Small Town were 7.5-ish after day 1 but lost ground on day 2.

Once upon a small town: This was adorable. It is a cliche upon cliches, but still watchable. Plus the episodes are short and to the point.

The Law Cafe: I liked it. The noble idiocy at the beginning was weird, but hopefully they have gotten out of the way and we won't see again. Our leads have great chemistry, I am in. Also having cousins in dramas is a nice change.

Poong: The drama draggeddd and now I know why. The episodes were too long and this does not need two seasons. The didn't utilize our leads like they should have, so I will pass on season 2.

Good Job: Getting drunk in a sloppy way is not cute. It is not cute for the boss or the employees. I wish kdramas would find other ways to show cuteness because drunkenness isn't it. I still love the show, the lawyer's crush after one night on the baker is kind of hilarious. Sir, give her time.

If you wish upon me: Talk about the definition of toxic abuse. My God, that was awful. Gyeo Rye needed out of there. Also the gangster who is in love with Joon Kyung is trash. You pimped her out, why would she like you. All of the characters need healing and Joon Kyung is not going to get from Gyeo Rye or the hospital people. I would flinch everytime someone called me pretty if I were in her shoes.

Adamas: I am going to miss this show, what a fun ride. Ji Sung does it again. These last two episodes should be great.

The good detective 2: I hope they sub the last few eps.

Little Women: I hope the writer truly explores alcoholism and the mystery, otherwise why bring it up.

Today's Webtoon: The lack of communication on this show, my goodness. Why?

Little Women (Episode 1-2) - Mood: C-
I don’t understand why every story involving money has to include some sleazy politician, granted, maybe there’s a big twist where the culprit behind the murders isn’t a rich person (but I highly doubt it given the setup). I would’ve certainly loved if the source of the money was lottery winnings, with the plot being about whether Hwa Young committed suicide (just imagine a progression like 13 Reasons Why). I’m not optimistic about the arcs of both the 2nd and youngest sister with the reporter chasing narratively uninteresting murders and the artist seemingly headed down for classic betrayal?

Adamas (Penultimate-week series review) - Mood progression: D+ / D+ / D / D / D- / D- / D- / D- (most likely)
LMAO, talk about being overdramatic with the Chairman’s murder scene when the gunshots should’ve killed him? For a writer who’s aspiring to write a great thriller, here’s a good tip: you can’t seriously think of writing a classy makjang like what happened here. A journey to take down an evil conglomerate isn’t thrilling because you already know how it ends!

Good Job (Mid-series review) - Mood: D+ / D / D+
With a predecessor like Attorney Woo, this drama had extraordinarily large shoes to fill. Well, after 6 episodes, I’m afraid to say that this has been severely underwhelming from the childhood connection to the plot armour to the so very wasted Yoon Sun Woo as a straight antagonist. Comedy, romance, vigilante procedurals are all just not it.

Big Mouth (Episode 11-12) - Mood: D+
How coincidental is it that there just happens to be a sinkhole in the mountain just when Mi Ho goes to visit it, also, the psychopath inmate who just saved her life just happens to be working there and she finds herself returning the favour? I don’t think the plot armour’s the issue here, rather this whole sequence was meant to up the narrative tension when it is revealed that Mi Ho might get leukaemia because of exposure to whatever it was and that’s just lazy writing. Hye Jin and the new warden had very boring deaths: as for the room leader, show’s dragging it again by not showing the body.

Today’s Webtoon (Episode 11-12) - Mood: D
Despite how annoying that cliffhanger was, there’s one good thing about this week’s episodes: Pomme’s assistant was just a red herring and a good one at that! It’s sad to think about the potential that could’ve been with an artist who has difficulty communicating socially (and that’s my Woo Young Woo withdrawal syndrome, I guess). In fact, you’ll notice a lot of moments where the show could’ve pivoted on the artists’s arcs for a better story but sadly we’re getting this very cliche corporate takeover arc which has no relation to the drama’s main subject matter. The romance isn’t needed too!

Also watching: Unicorn / The Law Cafe / Once Upon a Small Town

It was probably me missing Alchemy that I checked Love Between Fairy and Devil as xianxia usually is not my cup of tea. And I did nearly drop it because of the Fairy's infantile voice (and behaviour), but then... then they introduced the Devil and I just love his annoyance - like Mudeok his inner voice is threatening with killing 😁 but he can't actually do it because of some spell (kisses and bodyswapping being part of it 😁). I have also great fun with all his gestures being misunderstood as romantic (they are in reality measures to save and protect himself, but totally look super romantic 😆) and the Fairy pitying him for his unrequited love 😆 (she also doesn't know he is The Powerful Devil King).

Law Cafe - I'm constantly misremembering it as Love Cafe. 😆 What perhaps summarises the drama the best - it's more Love than Law (which is a kdrama law and I could do without it) and I'm here for all the banter and chemistry Lee Se Young and Lee Seungi create. (I'm also waiting for more of Kim Seulgi!! ❤️ ).

Little Women - yes, the inspiration from Alcott is (very) vague and yet I feel like reading a classic, though probably more like Dickens (crossed with Brontë. 😁 ) I also see traces of Handmaiden (the writer) and Money Flower (the PD), works I liked. I do have to admit that I'm not really interested in the corruption and the blue orchid mafia (Money Flower definitely sucked me in faster + that music!), it's more the sisters (and people around them, *cough * Wie Hajoon *cough *) who keep me watching. And the cinematography. It is great.

A surprising favourite is now GOOD JOB, I can easily forgive any plot holes and the flat villain and various tropes for our two leads, they are just marvellous together. It is all so much fun and very relaxing.

The opposite of relaxing is ADAMAS - what an excellent thriller. I have no problem recognizing which twin is in any scene, Ji Sung's acting is that good . The script is tightly written and I was at first surprised that agent Choi Tae-sung did not manage to kill Chairman Kwon, until I realized that his death was going to be even more dramatic. Again, great acting of housekeeper Kwon.

A lack of acting skill is a disappointment in ONCE UPON A SMALL TOWN. I was looking forward to it and 'Santa' aka Choo Young-woo is delightful and charming, but there are just too many rookie actors in roles that are a little bit too much for them. I cannot help thinking that smaller parts would be more beneficial for them to grow as actors (and for me as a watcher). And why are middle aged ladies in the country side always portrayed as shrill? I think I will sit this one out.

The last two episodes of IF YOU WISH UPON ME were good and Ji Chang-wook seems to have his mojo back, although I am a little surprised that the hospital did not move the suicidal girlfriend to a psychiatric hospital - she did actually jump off a building.

I am slowly starting to accept that the room leader really was Big Mouse and not just another red herring. At least Jerry is back in action!

Started LITTLE WOMEN (looks very good so far) and LAW CAFE (mixed feelings about this one).

Again, a short holiday at Lago Di Garda, so I didn’t have a chance to watch, read or post anything. In the meantime:
Finished Alchemy of Souls: I didn’t have a problem with the ending at all, it had a good buildup and it was clear that Naksu would come back. Visually, it was wonderful, and I’m looking forward to season 2. Finished Joseon Psychiatrist – I was not the only one to realize that this was to be continued only at watching the end of Ep. 12, I guess. The fact that it had only 12 episodes was one reason for me to watch this, and I’m not interested in a season 2. It had way too little of the titular psychological stories, and otherwise it was rather unremarkable.
Today’s Webtoon (Ep. 13)
Some background stories have been cleared up, and now our webtoon department is fighting for its survival. Will the romance ever go anywhere? Ma Eum is clueless, and Jun Yung is still holding back… What I most appreciate at the moment is Kim Do Hoon as artist Shin, great acting!
Big Mouth (Ep.13)
A lot of reveals in Ep. 13, but we’re still not at the truth behind everything. So Chang Ho gets to be Big Mouse in style now, love the wardrobe!
Tell me Your Wish (Ep. 10)
I loved the date and the kiss in Ep.8, and that the separation was over after one episode, Gyo Re’s smile is back again!! The development between Joon Kyung and the gangster was surprising but satisfying, but if they show that she will be healed of her mental issues in a couple of weeks it would be totally unrealistic.
Good Job
Caper comedy romance, I love it! The second couple was totally adorable and funny, the main mystery is not so important to me right now.
Law Café
Law comedy romance, funny so far, I love the outfits and the bickering!
Little Women
I totally expect this to be a great drama, and so far I’m all in.
Tale of The Nine Tailed
The current watch with my friend (rewatch for me) we both totally enjoy it, this is just our cup of tea. Next one will be Golden Spoon!
There’s also usually something we watch not together, but at the same time, and it needs to be on Netflix in Europe. Right now, she recommended Taxi Driver (which had been on my list already), so I’m in the middle of this great show, and I in turn recommended Signal, which she finds great too. We both love fantasy and romance and these shows have none of that, but these dramas are just so perfect…

ONCE UPON A SMALL TOWN: Parts of this are cute--I love the peach farmer, the animals, and the little coffee spot--but sometimes it feels like it's trying too hard to be whimsical and fun. Both the writing and the acting from the leads could be better (Joy is lovely and has a sweet persona, but without a very strong script, I think her lack of nuance and inability to effectively use her eyes to convey emotion are both more obvious) and some of the small town antics read as more annoying than endearing. But I'm curious to see how this one handles the actual romance when it happens.

LAW CAFE: Lee Seung-gi could play this role in his sleep, but he's still charming and pleasant to watch even when his character hasn't quite grown on me yet. Like SMALL TOWN, sometimes it feels like the writing is trying too hard. The whole concept of a law cafe is weird, and finding out that the FL can't even brew coffee made it seem even weirder. The fourth wall is fine so far, and I think it was needed to make the characters more likeable, but I'm not sure how it'll work longterm. The leads do have chemistry, which is the most important thing for me with a romcom, so I'll give this another week or so.

GOOD JOB: This continues to be delightfully silly, and the two couples at the heart of the show are really what makes it work. In both pairings the man is the one who has fallen first for a mostly oblivious woman, and that's always my favorite trope. I also remain hopeful that the evil cousin will emerge as slightly more complex with at least one admirable quality.

OH MY BABY: Started this because it's on Netflix and was surprised how much I like it. Jang Nara really does pick interesting projects, and I love how this one has mostly avoided the predictable cliches that usually come with a story about a single woman nearing 40 who wants to have a baby. I like all the guys, too, and legitimately am not sure if she should end up with the photographer, the long-time best friend, or no one.

GOOD JOB and, after a certain period of acclimatisation, LAW CAFÉ provide a good mood.

It's a pity that ADAMAS ends next week. I'm sure the writers would have a few surprises in store for several more episodes.

IF YOU WISH UPON ME: I feel sorry for SFL on the one hand, but on the other I'm glad that this toxic relationship has hopefully come to an end now.

I won't be watching ONCE UPON A SMALL TOWN any further due to the unsympathetic FL.

I binged JUST BETWEEN LOVERS and probably because of that I just wasn't in the mood when I took the first go at LITTLE WOMEN. Luckily I gave it another try when my head was clear and enjoyed every minute.

Watching :
K dramas:Little Women, Narco Saints, Fiery Priest

C drama: Liu Yong Pursues The Case

J dramas:The 13 Lords Of The Shogun, Cinecon e Ikou! , Kateikyoushi no Torako

Young actors retreat! Oh my goodness, I was squeeing so hard with all the call-backs to moonlight drawn by clouds. I’d forgotten that OST ENTIRELY, so when then first few bars played, all the emotions came flooding back to me. Yoo Jung is smart and sweet and I love her. In Yeop from The sound of Magic is just neurotic enough to be adorable, and Bogummy is considerate as always. Park Seo joon is so flighty it’s funny. I’m liking the chemistry between the teams as well.

Good job is still doing a great job making me laugh.

Little women is just dark enough for me and the cinematography is so good.

And I tried Small town with my daughter, but she couldn’t get past the dog being trapped, so we had to stop there. Animals suffering is not her thing and she hates the FL for not saying anything to the farmer that trapped him. So I might come back to this, but not with her.

That’s all for now!

Dropped: Alchemy of Souls. I tried but I couldn't go on.

Finished: My Mister. It's on my top 5 of Kdramas.

Current: Little Women. I read the book. The 1949 movie, starring the very young Elizabeth Taylor, is my favorite film version. The Kdrama feels like Nancy Drew meets Little Women because of the artwork used in the intro. If you have the Nancy Drew Mystery books printed in the 60s and 70s, you'll know what I mean. I'm going to enjoy this no matter what.

We love the new show ONCE UPON A SMALL TOWN. Unit did such a good job of describing why this show works so well that I cannot improve upon it.

My wife and I also continue to love GOOD JOB. The show is not perfect but frankly we don’t care.

For my wife and I the jury is still out on THE LAW CAFE. We may keep watching for the romcom but Iwas quite put off by the initial courtroom scenes in which our lovely female lead behaves in a remarkably unprofessional and even totally counterproductive manner. It is stuff like that which is the reason I do not like most law shows. The contrasts with EXTRAORDINARY ATTORNEY WOO could not be greater- a show that, even if greatly simplified, got the law and the ethical issues of the practice of law right. In any case I can see why Unit might not continue with this one. We might not either.

My wife finished POONG, THE JOSEON PSYCHIATRIST and liked it, although it was not her very favorite show. Her favorites for the week were the Chinese costume drama PRINCESS AGENTS and IMMORTAL SAMSARA which continues to post new episodes. She is now also enjoying NOVOLAND: PEARL ECLIPSE, another Chinese Costume drama. She is wondering how it is that no one has yet discovered that the FL is not a guy yet. In case anyone has wondered why I know so much about what my wife is seeing it is because she is not a silent watcher- she gives a running commentary when we watch together and when not I get a periodic commentary instead, often with tremendous insights.

My wife is also completely into LITTLE WOMEN.

The final story arcs of the weekender IT'S BEAUTIFUL NOW have begun. Of course, how could our story be complete without a a major illness- in this case cancer? Talk about reaching into the Trope Chest! But on a much lighter note, both of our daughters in law are pregnant- and still in the race to be Mom’s favorite Daughter In Law. A race they have already both lost because mom is realizing that she really wants Yoona back- and this will be a major part of the rest of our story.

On an unofficial site I have finally devoted significant time to a weekender that many beanies have recommended: OJAKKYO BROTHERS. It is indeed really good. I generally shy away from using unofficial sites but sometimes there is no alternative. Even so, I generally forego using such sites even if it means not getting to watch a show and only make an occasional exception.

Poong Joseon Psychiatrist: Wol lives!!! The palace stuff was sort of dragging the final week down, until Wol's entrance. At least the bad guys are put away so hopefully the next season will be more slice of life. Overall, I enjoyed this drama

Good Job: Uber-contrived situations (the sting operation at the teen club was pretty cringe and filler-y), but I'm entertained and the drama's got fun dialogue and repartees delivered wonderfully by the actors.

Secretary Life of My Secretary (ep 29/32 ): The mistaken/false identity thing finally resolved! I love how we have two couples - one ridiculously innocent and one that runs a little hotter (never thought about the correlation being biking and being good in bed!) I'm rooting for the Queen Secretary to defeat the evil executive.

Dream of Splendor (cdrama, ep 1-6) The synopsis sounds like a cliche costume rom-com, but the execution puts this drama is a totally different class. I love the thoughtfulness and restraint in the storytelling, characters, and acting. I'm liking the characters a lot. Casting department struck gold with this.

Good Job - the start of episode 5 made me consider dropping the show. Perhaps the best way to summarize is its disappointing. Perhaps if second hand embarrassment doesn't make you want to shrink into the fetal position and make an epic escape this might not come off so bad. I don't get that if you could get all those kids to shoot nerf guns at the drug dealers, you could certainly have gotten them to just go undercover for you.
Trying to make a work injury into a punchline is a line I can't cross. There isn't anything funny about getting your back thrown out.

Once Upon a Small Town - I got to the part where he was getting angry the local woman's club just came into his grandparent's house without permission, didn't even introduce themselves, and they called him rude. And I can't go further, its just a no for me. A pretty big no. The ML seems to have pretty reasonable boundaries and everyone's just pretending they don't exist. It makes me want to yell at him to get out now like its a horror show.

Maid's Revenge - must recognize that the ML didn't need to take his shirt off in EP1 but somehow can't complain. Can't say I paid too much attention to the story but the production choices entertain me. A shot for every time he shows off his muscles?

Girlfriend Project Day 1 - wish it was longer, had a lot of promise and very cute.

Being slow with Today's Webtoon and Love Between Fairy and Devil. Going to try watching The Law Cafe on Kosmi this Sunday.

Good Job is good fun. Like others here, I don’t care about the almost total lack of plot because the leads’ highjinks are so fun, and most of the tropes are dispatched with verve. I’m viewing it like a 60s caper comedy. The blind date was a big plus but the drunk scene was a big minus - there should be a kdrama moratorium on those.

I started Bottom of the Ninth with Two Outs, a 2007 series recommended by a number of beanies. It’s an enjoyable and thoughtful friends-to-lovers story and doesn’t seem really dated except for the clothes. Lee Jung-jin is hot like fire. I was only able to find it on YouTube, broken up into little segments; it’s obvious some bits have been omitted here and there but not so much that I can't follow the story.

WOW, ONCE UPON A TIME was very disappointing for me. Always looking forward to beautiful rural locations, but always end up hating how they are depicted. The country vs city theme has been abused way too much and I'm really tired of its meddlesome, crazy inhabitants. Plus, the ML as a vet is not belivable. I'm not a vet but surey if you want to catch an animal, running after it it is not the way. Second lead is the only thing that deserves to be saved because... SANTA <3

Really liked LAW CAFE, especially the first episode. The second one was a bit messy. It has some serious OUR BELOVED SUMMER vibes (well, they are very different) that I could not resist. Plus Lee Seung Gi is just way too cute <3 He is irresistible!

LITTLE WOMEN was a real surprise. I didn't know what to expect but it really captured me. Especially the character of the protagonist's friend. Well acted, beautifully shot. I hope the drama will be able to maintain all this quality.

Shows these days have such long names and my memory is trash so I don't know if these are the actual titles:

If you wish upon me (EP8): I started this yesterday. I'm tired oof crying but I can't stop watching. Adeul😭 the best dog of the year.

One Upon a Time in a Small Town: I like most of the characters, they're fun and cute. The FL and SL have a cute relationship, I ship them for now.

It's Beautiful Now: the mom needs to get Yoo Na and Soo Jae cookie back together.

Law Cafe: I like the leads, their fun and have a good heart. BUT WHERE'S SEUL GI.

Good Job (EP4): I like the comedy, but sometimes I hate the ML so much. That kid could've died if he missed the flight. I know the writer's intentions of redemption with the helicopter, but nah, he's selfish.

Little Women
i believe this one is going to be very very good. liked the first 2 eps.

Adamas
i like this one, in spite of the icky violence every now and then... still marvelling that Sun was supposed to be Mu Deok-i....

Stock Struck
Hong Jong Hyun is cute in this. he's the same quiet, unassuming character he always plays. actually, he seems he's like that IRL. funny lengthy fast-explaining stock tutorial (but accurate) as 5+ minute epilogues...

If You Wish Upon Me
had to drop it... didn't keep my interest, was so hoping it would.

Poong, Joseon Psychiatrist
was watching, might finish when i have nothing else to do...

Currently watching:
Today's webtoon: I didn't like the direction they were going with the sisters death arc.. If they would have made it where he could see her and speak to her, and then find a way to fit it into the main story's plot it wouldn't have been wasted potential then… Am I the only one not liking the subtle love triangle that's going on? I don't see why Daniel Choi's character needs to have a crush on the FL? There isn't a spark between them. They wouldn't have found him another woman that is better suited for him?.. I also don't believe her thinking about the ML is her developing feelings for him, it's more like curiosity if anything. I think it could do without the romance and just have the trio be good friends.

Youth Actors Retreat: I loved every bit of the first 2 episodes. The mixing up of the teams was a great idea to break the ice. I do believe that even if either team wins the prize that they will share it with the others whether on or off camera. Especially Bo-gum Oppa, he's such a sweet soul.. Let's talk about the ladies, I'm not sure how any of the males can keep their cool around them. They are so beautiful, lots of hearts will be fluttering lol.. I hope they keep the series going and invite other kdrama cast members to reunite for another season. This show has the potential to reach Running man's popularity..

Once upon a small town: This show gives "first crush" vibes and I'm loving it. My girl Joy (FL) is doing a wonderful job in this show. I hope this show opens many doors of opportunities for each case member!! Loving the aunties 😅 How is it that no one seems to remember their so called friends/crushes when they were younger lol. I'm 27 and remember things from when I was 3 and up. 🤦🏽

Completed:
Cafe Minamdang: This show had it's one charm despite all the negative reviews it's been getting.. Definitely not something I can sit through twice though.

Mad for each other: There's not much to say but whoever came up with this script…. I hope they eventually are able to come up with a better story…. Both leads portrayed their characters well. The writing just lacked a lot, I was disappointed because It started off good to me but went downhill after like episode 2.

If you wish upon me:
They stepped up the angst quite a lot in episode 9… Sadly, I can totally relate to the sea of emotions the ml is feeling when he reencounters his toxic sister. I used to date someone whom I was afraid of leaving because every time I tried breaking up with them, they threatened me by saying they'd take their own life if I left them. That's manipulative behavior and I'm so happy he was able to get away from her but I do hope she can get the help they need. I was proud of the Fl for offering to help her after all she has done to her bf.. Loving the fact that the ml is able to thrive as a caretaker in a healthy manner and with people who will love and cherish him… the 4th floor patient has definitely piqued...

Today’s webtoon (12-13): I am glad that the misunderstandings between the leads are solved. I don’t know where the story is going since I expected the plot to move a little further than what we have shown. Artist Sin’s plot sad. People of your past always come back when money is involved. I mean why to bring the mother back that too at ep 13? Just let the guy be happy. And I wonder why Maeum or no one else convinced him to get actual professional help like with therapy or something. The childhood traumas like this cannot be healed with just encouraging words. The scenes of PD Kwon this week was really touching. I hope he got the much-awaited closure.

Good job (5-6): Still enjoying it.

Once upon a small town (1-3): Not exactly a good start. I find the FL needlessly mean at times. Imagine running from job with too much stress only to deal with large animals he is not used to, being tired, covered in mud coming home only to find uninvited guests and a lady officer who give him eyes for marking boundaries?? Breaking and entering just because someone you know did it, is not at all justifiable. Will give it one more week before dropping.

OLDER
Eve (9-16): What a messy plot. FL falling in love with ML was totally unnecessary. I mean I don’t get it. He ignored the mother’s plea, and benefitted the most in terms of finances and ambition but still she loves him? What a nonsense. I personally felt the FL’s crying scenes were bad and her psycho scenes were cringe. They looked so forced. Not to mention how bad the ML was in terms of acting. I liked the actress who played Han So ra though. She totally nailed the character. And what about the kids esp Da bi. KYK died and HSR went crazy so what will the kid do. They just conveniently did not show the kids at all. And coming to FL’s daughter., I guess she also does not have a mother and Idk what happened with her father since they actually did not show him ending up in jail? Or did they? I did a lot of FF so I actually does not remember it there was a scene like that.
Like some commentor said before, this drama will be on “Refund my time” list.

Kiss sixth sense (1-9): Totally loving it

To fill the vacuum left by Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo, I started two shows recently:

Little Women - This show received such an effusive reception from some beanies, I couldn’t resist checking it out, despite not wanting to live-watch anything at the moment. Whoops. But after the first two episodes, I’m waiting to read the weecaps for the next episodes before watching them as the mystery/thriller element is too much for me!😅 I’ve found it quite engaging so far, and I like the moral ambiguity surrounding a number of characters. It’s intrigued me enough to want to keep watching, and as a lot of other beanies have noted, it’s beautifully shot. Strangely, the dynamic between the sisters makes me think that the second sister is actually the eldest. I haven’t seen Nam Ji Hyun since Shopping King Louis, so I’m enjoying her in a very different role. I also love seeing Choo Ja Hyun after having enjoyed her performance in My Unfamiliar Family. She plays such an intriguing character here and the circumstances surrounding her situation leaves her arc quite open! All we have is what other characters have pieced together, and I quite like that.

Yumi’s Cells - This is now free to watch without a subscription on Viki, so after seeing love for it in comments and fan wall posts, and comparisons to Inside Out (which I adore), I’ve jumped right in and inhaled several episodes at a time. It’s lovely, and such a fun way to understand our inner lives. I was surprised to see that there weren’t as many comments in the episode open threads, because I would have loved to see more beanie discussion about it. Some of it hits quite close to the bone for me, so it’s made my binge-ing a bit more measured than it may have been otherwise. I wish it had been around when I was younger, and that I had learned earlier in life the importance of repairing the cause of conflict in a relationship, as well as the relationship itself. It’s so easy to neglect the former because we think the latter is enough. The show has also made me realise that I am basically one giant sensitivity cell!🤣🙈 There are certainly aspects of it that could have been better (and I’m hoping I can articulate them once I’ve finished the first series), but I think it’s been executed really well overall. I’m more invested in the character development and insights than the love line, so I’ll be fine with whatever ending. I’m just sad to see that the second series hasn’t been as good (according to reviews). I’m hoping to check out the webtoon if it’s available in English.

Today's Webtoon: I totally agree about the truck of doom and the sister. I didn't understand how anyone rational could connect the truck of doom to Gingertoon. The driver was falling asleep behind the wheel. It was clearly the driver's fault.