Open Thread #846
by DB Staff
Happy Friday everyone!
Here is your Open Thread, which is here for you to chat about anything you want, whether it be drama-related or not. Nothing’s off-topic here! Spoilers may be rife, so proceed accordingly.
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1 Seon-ha
January 5, 2024 at 5:02 AM
Who else is ready to have all our weekend shows back? I sure am. It’s been a long time since I’ve not been engaging with like FIVE live-watches at a time, and my life felt a little empty last week. 🤓🫰😃
Also, hello Mr. Gu. You really drank a lot less at a time than most Koreans during fictional drinking scenes. It was just every damn day.
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john
January 5, 2024 at 5:49 AM
I watched some old Hollywood. Barbara Stanwyck as Lily Powers in Baby Face (1933)
From the barroom to the boardroom via the bedroom.
Racy stuff from 1933, pre censorship code.
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ScreenName
January 7, 2024 at 4:41 PM
I can’t believe you watched this because I did too! I binged a bunch of old Stanwyck and Crawford movies for free on Pluto and Plex. Those channels are a treasure trove of old films. I loved Baby Face and 1939’s The Women. Great stuff!
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ryunami
January 5, 2024 at 12:18 PM
I am so ready to get back to Death Games Part 2, Gyeongseong Creature Part 2, My Demon and The Story of Park's Contract Marriage.. for the first time my new year weekend (last week) was so boring.
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KDramaJoy
January 6, 2024 at 10:03 AM
.. but perhaps Mr Gu's drinking 4 bottles of soju every evening was balanced by his exercise walking back and forth into town between the first 2 and the second 2. I was more worried when he left soju behind and hit the hard stuff (albeit top-shelf). I guess he was saving all those empty bottles to recycle.
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2 welh
January 5, 2024 at 5:02 AM
Change of pace from recent weeks of bad news:
Rarest native Korean surnames:
Noe
Mangjeol
Hwangbo
Gae
Geun
Sam
Tae
Chun
Ya
Jeup
Boo
Kan
Ong
Kal
Dong
Paeng
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Unaspirated
January 5, 2024 at 5:36 AM
...or basically everything except for Lee, Kim, and Park! Do you happen to know how the huge imbalance in family names happened over time? Were those just the most powerful and most numerous families? I just looked at some numbers and it's wild how few people have some of the names you listed.
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welh
January 5, 2024 at 6:22 AM
If I recall my ancient history correctly, only the King could grant a person a surname which gave that person and his family status and position. Over time, I think surnames were adopted as a means of census and bloodline registry: by name and geographic location of each clan (called bongwan (본관)). There are approximately family names in Korea, these names can be accurately traced back to 36,744 different clans.
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welh
January 5, 2024 at 8:22 AM
"300 family names"
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welh
January 5, 2024 at 6:24 AM
As for the little number of people still with certain surnames, I think the family name probably died out with the custom of children having only their father's surname. (Recent changes in SK law now allows children to have their mother's surname with the father's consent.)
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bong-soo
January 5, 2024 at 9:57 AM
I have a friend who was telling me about this korean guy he dealt with for years at his car dealership. I said, well he is either a Kim, Park or Lee. My friend said: Lee.
(I consider myself an ‘honorary’ Park: Park Bong-soo lol).
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jerrykuvira
January 5, 2024 at 9:45 AM
I'm surprised Hwangbo is rare. Families having the name Hwangbo are powerful. Like powerful powerful, royals in their own rights.
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bong-soo
January 5, 2024 at 9:50 AM
For me one of the more unusual Korean surnames is: Namkoong as in Namkoong Min.
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welh
January 5, 2024 at 10:56 AM
I thought it was a stage name until I looked up his bio.
Apparently Namkoong is a popular surname in Chinese-Korean communities.
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Unaspirated
January 5, 2024 at 11:35 AM
I looked it up when I first learned about him too! It seems so rare to have a two-syllable surname, but there are definitely a handful of them. Do people with longer surnames usually have shorter given names so that it's the same length as everyone else?
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Unaspirated
January 5, 2024 at 11:41 AM
Maybe someone can help me out here: I usually try to avoid saying "surname" and instead say "family name" because "surname" sounds like "last name" to me and most East Asian names are not arranged that way, and I don't know, I guess it seemed more inclusive. But is "surname" fine? Does that not have the positional implications I'm assuming it does? Does anyone care about this at all, or am I imagining a need for inclusivity?
This is not necessarily directed at you @welh640 except that you often have this kind of info. But I'd love to hear from anyone! Please advise.
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welh
January 5, 2024 at 12:47 PM
I think the terms are interchangeable.
Why the surname is first in Asia writing? I believe it started in China. In China, what is most important about a person is that he/she has a family, or is part of a family, hence the last name comes first. It also may have been to give respect of their ancestors.
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Unaspirated
January 5, 2024 at 1:33 PM
Right, I understand the logic behind the order of the names, I was just never sure if "surname" was an appropriate term because of my association with "last" name. Probably this is not actually important to people and I'm overthinking it. Certainly wouldn't be the first time!
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LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 5, 2024 at 2:03 PM
Surname is the right term. It doesn't actually mean 'last name', it means 'family or hereditary name'. The 'first name' and 'last name' nomenclature seems to have gotten more common but it doesn't matter where your surname goes in order.
The prefix 'sur', from the Latin 'super' means 'over, above or in addition to'. So etymologically, you have a name and a name over/above your name. This name designates your family or origins.
Unaspirated
January 5, 2024 at 2:21 PM
@leetennant Thanks! Some Latin etymology was exactly what I was hoping for. I think I was getting confused because other words with a "sur" prefix felt like things that got tacked on after the fact, but "over" and "in addition to" make more sense.
9TailedVixen Loves Hanging Upside Down
January 5, 2024 at 10:42 PM
Those of us in Chinese families in former British colonies just refer to it as our surname.
But really, the most accurate description would be either "family name" or "clan name", because family/clan is so important that that name comes first, followed by the generational name and then our given name.
Not sure if it's the same for Koreans and Japanese folks but that's how we of Chinese heritage roll with regards to naming conventions.
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3 DK-Drama ❤️🎄 Giffing n Space Cadetting 👼🏻🌟
January 5, 2024 at 5:06 AM
Weird little hands
Have you guys noticed how characters grab each other’s clothes with closed fists, so they don’t get a very good grip, but their hands look smaller and more pathetic, which must be the purpose of this?
The self-patheticising annoys me every time – do you have another interpretation and/or opinion on the matter? Or do you grind your teeth a little bit each time, like me?
I’ve made an example of how not to hold your hands here. It’s an embrace, not an attempt to make someone stay, but it’s still awkward. https://imgur.com/MYj5Lck
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redfox
January 5, 2024 at 5:12 AM
to avoid fuzziness from movement. hands are the main reason for NGs LOL. as an extra we also had to "close our hands" in like running and close up scenes. if you spread our your fingers the picture lags and it is trickier to edit
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DK-Drama ❤️🎄 Giffing n Space Cadetting 👼🏻🌟
January 5, 2024 at 5:17 AM
Interesting!
I can see it has a practical purpose, then. I wouldn't have guessed that, so thank you!
But as close-up of the OTP it looks ... not natural, that's for sure.
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redfox
January 5, 2024 at 5:21 AM
yeah it usually goes for background movement i have never been a main
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Koalatown
January 5, 2024 at 8:11 AM
@redfox Thank you for your insight. Another example of how cool Beanies are and the random things I learn scrolling through this site!
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 5, 2024 at 9:42 AM
Thank you. It is a cool bit of "cinematic" knowledge.
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KAddicted
January 5, 2024 at 11:03 AM
In your example, perhaps she has her hands closed to avoid the temptation of grabbing parts of his anatomy. 😁
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DK-Drama ❤️🎄 Giffing n Space Cadetting 👼🏻🌟
January 5, 2024 at 12:43 PM
They are around his neck, so she should be okay. I don't think she was just about to strangle him.
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KAddicted
January 5, 2024 at 5:13 PM
😁
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4 redfox
January 5, 2024 at 5:09 AM
yo
we just had a guy here saying he will crush all our computers with an axe. it is his new year ritual. he has a warning for the same thing last year.
also there is heavy snowstorm and phone connection is bad so I keep hearing people wrong. I heard someone claim they are extraterrestrial when they just said "in the center". I also heard jänes (rabbit) instead of järjekord (queue) and wondered why somone would want me to put a rabbit between a book for her but she wanted to place hold.
oh yeah, the shelling. nasty business. hope everyone from the island is evacuated by now. Next week we are supposed to talk about those border islands and show pictures. what a timing....
anyone can recommend me a newer oddball japanese drama would be great.
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DK-Drama ❤️🎄 Giffing n Space Cadetting 👼🏻🌟
January 5, 2024 at 5:13 AM
Hugs, I think?
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DK-Drama ❤️🎄 Giffing n Space Cadetting 👼🏻🌟
January 5, 2024 at 5:39 AM
Also, if he got a warning last year, isn't it time for him for having the tradition of spending a few days somewhere locked from the outside?
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redfox
January 5, 2024 at 5:42 AM
no worries I live for these moments cause im pretty psycho myself and with this type of guests I have an excuse to be nasty. rest of time i gotta pretend im nice
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redfox
January 5, 2024 at 6:16 AM
oh yeah one more library thing. we have a few pairs of twins coming here and with all of them one twin is a troublemaker and has debt and misuses computers or speaks loud on the phone and the other is normal and follows rules and we had them all coming today so the info desk person got confused and told one "Didnt I just tell you to leave? why are you coming back?" but it was the other one
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DK-Drama ❤️🎄 Giffing n Space Cadetting 👼🏻🌟
January 5, 2024 at 8:25 AM
I second-hand know of a couple of twins where the parents explained to the school that A was a troublemaker, B was not. The school then found out the parents actually couldn't tell the difference and just assumed whoever was currently naughty was A.
Those kids were so confused.
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Midnight
January 5, 2024 at 11:21 PM
This is actually very sad.
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DK-Drama ❤️🎄 Giffing n Space Cadetting 👼🏻🌟
January 6, 2024 at 12:53 AM
Yes, it is. But it's a long time ago. Those kids are grown-up now.
Here's to them doing alright. 🍶
5 Soyesterday
January 5, 2024 at 5:14 AM
an unpopular opinion for my fellow fans of crime dramas.
Tunnel (2017) is a better drama than Signal (2016) l, even though the former is often dismissed as a ripoff of the latter.
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Snow Flower
January 5, 2024 at 6:47 AM
I agree.
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Midnight
January 5, 2024 at 6:50 AM
Imho Signal had many many story flaws and plotholes. The sleek execution and acting acted as a cover.
Tunnel had a much better story, but less charisma in other areas.
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Becky
January 5, 2024 at 6:57 AM
I don't think they're that similar. Tunnel was better overall, but Signal was more exciting.
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Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 7:22 AM
I think they focused on different things despite the similar genre/premise - TUNNEL was very character/relationship driven while SIGNAL seemed more plot centric (can't say for sure since I dropped it after maybe 5 episodes or so). But yeah, I prefer TUNNEL too.
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zindigo
January 5, 2024 at 8:50 AM
I haven't seen Tunnel but have to admit I didn't like Signal at all.
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Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 9:08 AM
It's such a heartwarming, sentimental story despite the dark premise and genre. Give it 3 episodes, you'll know if it's to your liking by then.
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hacja
January 5, 2024 at 9:06 AM
I definitely agree with this in terms of the plotting and overall effectiveness of the crime procedural. I would watch Tunnel again, whereas there is no point in watching Signal again... except...Signal has Kim Hye-Soo! So I'm going to have to reject your hypothesis on the grounds of willingness to watch random scenes with the sound and captions off.
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 5, 2024 at 9:46 AM
I loved Tunnel and I haven't watched Signal. So easy choice - 🚇 Tunnel FTW!
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darwi
January 5, 2024 at 1:37 PM
I have yet to watch Signal.
But I had to rewind a lot when watching Tunnel because I was distracted by Choi Jin Hyuk voice and could not focus on anything else. First and only occurrence of this phenomenon.
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cozybooks
January 5, 2024 at 6:37 PM
Hmm this one is hard for me.
Signal at the time felt like such a revolutionary drama in terms of how the plot, directing style, editing effects, OST and acting really worked together as a cohesive whole- like it really raised the bar for 10 star dramas moving forward. I still see it that way in many regards; particularly the OST was just so well matched to the drama in my opinion. Jo Jin Woong's acting as well hit an emotional \ chord with me (the movie theater scene, sniff) in a way that I didn't feel quite as hard in Tunnel, even though there are some great heartstring tugging plotlines.
That said, I think Tunnel has a rewatchable quality that Signal is missing, in large part because of the relationships and characterizations the actors brought to life. The bickering between the two detectives is hilarious and easily replayable. The dynamic with the female profiler is also super fun, especially as the show progresses. I also think that Choi Jin Hyuk really shined in bringing a conservative 1980s mentality to the 2010s, which is not an easy feat.
To sum it up I think Signal still stands out to me as a better production, even though Tunnel ranks higher for me in rewatch value based on the relationships and characterizations the actors gave. I'm not super picky about plot holes/open endings, so I haven't tried to compare them there.
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6 Ally
January 5, 2024 at 6:51 AM
OT, reprise! Hi Open Threaders! Hope you’re having a good start of your weekend! It’s been a while since I’ve been on the OT. So why am I here, you may ask? I do like to write and have been so busy with work that have really neglected this part of my life, so I thought this would be a good place to start. There was a time I wrote religiously on the OT every week (for like over 100 weeks). Also, I’m watching a ton of dramas, for me, and usually have more to say when I’m actually watching kdramas.
Musings of this week: It’s finally gotten colder here and some snow in the forecast after being somewhat warm in my area for the past month. It’s dark outside my window right now as I’m waiting for my day to really start, so it’s shaping up for some stormy snows.
I’ve been enjoying all the shows I’m watching:
My Man is Cupid where Nana is being as extra as I like, and Dong-yoon is just as cherubic as I remember him. I really didn’t think I’d stick this one out, but I really like the mystery element here, and now that I am certain of the serial killer, I’m happy to see it resolved soon.
Park’s Marriage Contract : Can Bae in Hyuk be any cuter??? I don’t think so. I’ve liked watching him for a while and so really enjoying this pairing with Lee Se Young. I’ve liked her since her zombie stint in Hwayugi, loved her in Red Sleeve, and she’s so wonderful here too.
My Demon: Another great pairing. Song Kang is one of my kdrama adoptees, so I’ve always watched him with a mother’s pride. LOL! He’s doing well here as well. Love that he’s Netflix’s boyfriend. And Yoo Jung is as effervescent as ever. Dang, that girl makes my cheeks hurt because I smile every time she does.
A Good Day to Be a Dog: I really don’t get the appeal of Cha Eun Woo, but I must admit, his face is pretty dang perfect. And he seems like a genuinely nice guy. Park Gyu-young is never the same character twice and so I do like how she is such a chameleon. This last episode tied all the past lives together, all the misunderstandings, and Lee Hyun-woo’s character’s revenge plot turns out to be all for naught. That must be frustrating. This show would definitely have been better as a binge watch with some liberal fast-forwarding.
Marry My Husband: Probably my most exciting drama right now. Just 2 episodes and I’m hooked. Speaking of, I found out last night that my 15 y/o daughter has read the manga/manhwa. I was telling her the premise as I started the 2nd episode and the conversation went like this:
Daughter: What’s this?
Me: A new show I’m watching based on a manwha.
Daughter: *Starts watching with me* Oh, I can see all these scenes as manga drawings. HaHa!
Me: Well, it’s about a woman with cancer and finds her husband is cheating on her…. with her best friend. Then she goes back in time and gets revenge on them.
Daughter: That’s messed up… but sounds familiar at the same time.
Me: I’m sure the premise isn’t that original.
Daughter: No, I...
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Ally
January 5, 2024 at 6:52 AM
Daughter: No, I’m good, have fun watching!
Me: *Left anxiously wondering what will happen in the show*
Moral of the Story: Worlds collide, but I still can’t watch a kdrama with my daughter.
2nd Moral: Watching a kdrama may be anxiety provoking even after you know the ending, apparently.
3rd Moral: But keep watching! It’s worth it all!
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spazmo
January 5, 2024 at 10:10 AM
thanks for the reminder about nana's drama! and your daughter has grown up -- seems she was just in grade school!
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Ally
January 7, 2024 at 3:05 PM
She’s definitely growing up too quickly!
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spazmo
January 9, 2024 at 11:01 PM
dammit how they do that, right? my girl turned 30 in june...
: O
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jillian
January 5, 2024 at 11:47 AM
I agree about Bae In Hyuk and Song Kang. They are both doing great in their dramas.
CEW on the other hand, the guy is pretty and looks like an anime character come to life. But he doesnt entice me to check his dramas. It usually his co-stars that get me interested. About the Dog Show I paused ep1 and planned to pick it up later once its done. But reviews about the show is discouraging. If I do pick it up, I will possibly using ffwd liberally as you recommend.
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7 Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 8:43 AM
First Friday of the year so I'm gonna
allow myself to be annoyingtry give yall a bit of festive mood by flaunting my newest favorite boy *gremlin smile* These last weeks were full of heated discussions regarding his acting, looks,lack ofkissing skills, future projects and even what I call alley cat roots, so now let's get to the REAL deal - them out of this world pipes. Ofc there is A LOT to cover here, butcommon sensecharacter limit and DB filter (pls don't be triggered with links!) won't allow me to, so I'll keep it short. Relatively^^First ever track of his I've heard and arguably his most famous to date - LBFAD OST:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCP_EyaiIe4
Lol at stylists dressing him like a love child of Moon and Fairy tribes, so cute! I suspect he avoids acting in xianxia on purpose, but surely playing a
sexydemon once in a blue moon wouldn't hurt...Next's a glimpse of his non-OST stuff - gosh, I love this song! Ignore microwave quality of the video - it's the sound that matters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKsnM9IvCyo
"How to slay on a singing show", textbook example. Also this stage has such a peak hot threesome energy that it probably should come with an age restriction and trigger warning *fans herself*:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFauqi-pk0U
This is simply epic - the scale, the "Star Wars meets 5th Element" space opera stage design, the song, the whales (are these holograms?). Extreme reverb is a bit too much though:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkGp5w1ykRg
Comedy bonus: roasting of kdrama shower scenes. Even if you couldn't care less about the music above, don't ignore this one, it's pure gold:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDgfyTCLz2o
Fully expect karma to bite him in the ass someday with a tropey romcom role and all the fanservice it requires, but sure, laugh while you still can, darling!)))Required fields are marked *
zindigo
January 5, 2024 at 8:56 AM
😂 That video on the filming of shower scenes was lol, especially when he notes that we can all easily picture what he's describing because we've seen it so many times.
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Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 9:05 AM
Even if we didn't, his nothing short of brilliant reenactment would've done the trick for sure... Btw, why is HE so familiar with the matter?)))
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jillian
January 5, 2024 at 11:06 AM
He was particularly knowledgeable in the description of shower scenes in dramas 🤣 even if he hadn't filmed one
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Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 11:40 AM
Totally studied for pointers lol.
Don't tell me you actually believed this giant - in all senses of the word - troll! Shower scenes - perhaps (he has one modern romance that's yet to air, and based on a not-so-vanilla source material anything is possible), but he 100% did bath scenes in both AJTL and THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY (thanks for spilling the beans, PD-ge!). Coincidentally both were ice baths - maybe cold waterfall was not that bad of an option after all... I'm particularly interested to see with my own eyes how much censorship neutered the latter, since in the novel it was hella wild. And homeboy was caught on camera with flaming ears denying the very existence of such scene, ha!
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jillian
January 5, 2024 at 2:04 PM
I typed a reply to this but I blanked out since I can't find where it went.
Let me just try to remember what I was about to say.
He can't deny that he hasnt filmed a bath scene now. I sure hope we get to see TPoB so we can study that scene PD spoiled for the fans.
I started The Long Ballad and currently at ep28 (with use of ffwd for some characters) I zipped through it since I have so little dramas this week. I do agree with your observations that he is still green in it but the most striking for me was how skinny he was. Alen Fang was so skinny too. Its nice to see them both in this eventhough the characters they play are not as friendly as in AJTL.
Also I did see that he was too little scenes compared to the leads. I don't understand the hate that he allegedly stole scenes. Well, I may be proven wrong on later episodes but I do not see any problem if his character get fleshed out it later scenes. More than halfway the drama he has too little screentime so it would be nice to see other characters arcs developed.
Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 3:36 PM
@jillian oh no, you've been infected with weekend lag!((( Is your device threat-sensitive? Mine usually gets better once I mention a hammer...
All men - esp cute ones - do is lie, so I won't hold this smol innocent act against him))) He still spoiled so much about the drama anyway, bless his loose tongue! I'm awfully hyped for it now, it's not even funny anymore...
And here I thought that early Tang was a relatively prosperous period lol. In all seriousness, he did it on purpose after debuting - weight loss I mean. To get rid of baby fat and gain more sculpted face. Those yummy shoulders that got so much love
from mein AJTL weren't there a few years ago either, boy really worked hard for his celebrity glow up. Can't say the same about TLB's stylist tho - seems like only ML and his epic wig/fur-lined armor has gotten any real attention in terms of male fashion. Girls mostly looked great, esp Lusi.His screentime significantly increases in the second half, but pay those complaints no mind, they are just ridiculous. Show had 49 episodes ~45 minutes each and he was like in less than 5 hours of it despite being technically billed as SML. I can name shows where 3rd leads
LTG says higot more time to shine! The only SOMEWHAT logical explanation here would be about his role having more drastic character development/satisfying resolution than what main leads got, but that's on writers and the whole controversy around this adaptation (it was made without author's permission and 2nd leads stories are 99% non-canon, that's why it's a more coherent part). There were actually some huge plot points cut from him as well, but focusing on that won't fit haters' narrative ofc. I still liked his acting there, green or not, esp how he basically did 80% of it with his eyes alone.Alen Fang was 100% done dirty though, poor guy was just there to look mopey 24/7 and unintentionally cause trouble on cue. AJTL is literally the best thing that could've happened to him career-wise, far above another ML role in some forgettable nonsense - and nope, I do NOT agree that he'd make a better NYZ like some people claim *rolls eyes extra hard* Seems like folks nowadays lost all their ability to think critically - or enjoy nice things without turning everything into dumb fanwars...
jillian
January 5, 2024 at 6:13 PM
@gikata I will gladly blame it on weekend lag. My device is also allergic to hammer but does not mind being dropped a few times. It survived my clumsiness.
He did achieve the sculpted face but not the body of a supposed warrior/martial arts expert. So I am glad he bulked up since he looks better now.
Its annoying that LTG got more scenes but was not maximized on character growth. The writer was so wishy washy with him that he almost became a plot device instead of a character. They should have used the screentime on other characters or use other means to generate conflict by changing a few things on the story progression. It was just an endless cycle of obsession with his shifu.
I like Alen Fang but I couldn't imagine anyone else as Yu Shi San. He was perfect for the role. Same with Ning Yuan Zhou, its only for Liu Yuning. They embodied their characters fully that nobody else couldve played them imo.
Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 8:27 PM
@jillian it's TOTALLY weekend lag, I've been having this issue nearly every single time for months now. Few weeks ago I had to wait a whole day for my lost comment to show up (no, it wasn't in moderation since there was no questionable content nor "in moderation" preview). Just copy your post before sending - I forget to do it from time to time and then bitterly regret it lmao.
Ahaha, you're right, poor Hao Du had the moves and murderous smirk, but hardly the elite swordsman's physique. Badly tailored robes didn't help either - I can get behind dull colors and wallpaper patterns given what personality he had to portray, but none of that is an excuse for wrongly sized robes and misplaced belt! He certainly looks his best ever now, down to the way he holds himself/moves. Showed him to my bestie whom I always discuss
mendramas with (and real tall guys enthusiast unlike me) and she was like: "Damn, he's HUGE! Are you into mountains now?")))LTG was such a missed opportunity - every single time I thought his character is finally getting somewhere he was back onto his BS in the very next scene. I really don't get what was the point or if there was supposed to be any at all...
See, such comments shocked me greatly, because I was sure EVERYONE, haters included, understood deep down that this was the rarest drama where just about every character is perfectly cast (except that Wu Prince-turned-Emperor dude - actor looked pretty lost in most of his scenes). Isn't that why they kept bitchin' but still made his NYZ the talk of the town and clear winner of all popularity polls/metrics possible? Well, apparently intl-fans can be even more delulu than rabid cnetz sometimes *shakes head in disbelief*
Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 9:00 AM
@kiara, @jillian, @zindigo, @wapzy - I feel like you're gonna like it)))
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jillian
January 5, 2024 at 11:09 AM
Thanks for tagging me. He has such a beautiful voice. Hearing him sing makes him more attractive in my eyes.
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Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 11:53 AM
Honestly, with a voice like that his other attractive points kinda feel excessive. One of the reasons I didn't pay much attention to him before aside of downloading every single OST of his I've encountered in dramas - no way the guy could match such hotness in other aspects, right? Well, joke's on me in the end)))
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kiara
January 5, 2024 at 11:17 AM
I don't read C-netzs comments. If I like an actor/singer, I don't give a *s* what they say. I see him as a human being with faults, prone to making mistakes like you and me. I know that it's hard to avoid these comments when you want to read about your fave.
I would have liked a little more passion from our AJtL couple, but I think he has a lot of respect for his married veteran co-stars. He's always making sure he didn't cross any boundaries and apologizing for holding Liu Shi Shi too tight, etc. (In my observation.) Liu Tao was more of a mentor relationship.
My first was "One Love As Always" from The Long Ballard. Also, my first Yuning drama. (Yes, we are on a first-name basis now, haha.) It was a positive first experience, but not enough for me to follow him until Ning Yuanzhou. It's been wonderful seeing him grow, and he has a lot of potential, so I'm excited to see where it'll take him.
#1- have.
#2- love, adding to playlist.
#3- Adding to playlist.
#4- Star war-ish setting. I was waiting for Palpatine to pop up from somewhere. 😂 I like it a lot. Adding to playlist.
#5 - Hilarious! He is right, though. Who the heck showers like that? Didn't he get a taste of it already with the ice bath or whatever you call it? 🤣
Thank you for sharing! I'm always up for more from Liudao Hall!
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Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 12:56 PM
Oh, I meant just here on DB - and maybe few other sites operating in 3 languages I can speak. Not knowing Chinese certainly saved me a lot of braincells during show's run because I: a) have a perfect eyesight, b) am highly allergic to BS.
You're probably right, it's not 100% him being shy, rather just lack of experience and fear of messing up. Those skinship rehearsals with PD first were something else lol))) While I was preparing this post it struck me how NOT awkward he is with ladies when it's about singing. I also wonder how he'll perform with a more fitting costar - restrictive marital status aside, both actresses in question are also big seniors to him, which hardly helps establishing a casual rapport. TPOB remains a giant question mark so my next best hopes are on ZLS and their new project - girl knows what's up, two of them are on good terms
and no parrots were spotted at the filming set so far.I adore his TLB OST, but apparently he never sang it live on stage, what a pity((( Makes me even more grateful that we've got multiple performances of "Offer".
Ikr, that stage design is a total Republic's Senate ripoff, they weren't even trying to be subtle about it! No complaints here tho, our huge boy and his huge voice deserve this massive playground.
Well, if you say so, I'll think about doing Part2)))
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kiara
January 5, 2024 at 9:16 PM
Here at DB, I take no offense. We've always talked openly, and it's good to hear other beanies' views on my faves, even when it's harsh. My poor Lee Joon-gi was loved but also received some criticism for overacting, which I understand back then, but look at him now. I have other favorites who aren't good actors, but I love them for sentimental reasons.
ZLS is cute, but I think Song Zu Er would click with him better—just a feeling from BTS videos.
I noticed he's a Marvel fan from his collection. My family displays our Clone War collection, just like his Marvel characters. Fun hobby!
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Gikata
January 6, 2024 at 7:57 AM
Well, it was not entirely wrong critique back then... Is sentimental cringe a thing? That's how I feel about TIME BETWEEN DOG AND WOLF, for example lol. LJG's early career was quite an insane ride too, I've been reminded of it many times lately - esp the whole "you cannot be ML with monolids" issue, where did we hear that again, I wonder?
SZE is more of a "hot beauty" while ZLS is a cute one. I think it'll work with both of them, just with different vibes. I've been watching this variety he and SZE did together (more on that in WWWW thread), and while they don't interact much, few times they did it was quite the sight visually. Wonder if that was what led to TPOB casting... He effectively makes his female costars look like tiny dolls and fairies next to him lol. Must be a desired trait in male actor btw since many of them literally rival, if not outshine actresses in prettiness and elegance.
Marvel, anime, lightsaber bought to "practice swordsmanship for dramas", all his cosplay wigs... Boys and their toys)))
Aaand LYN and FYL (feat QZ's actor online) just had 5 hours long outdoor
datestream to celebrate LYN's upcoming birthday!LYN: *being a spoiled whiny girlfriend who wants a grand romantic date with boat riding, aquarium and expensive dinner*
FYL: I don't have much money... But whatever my princess wants))) Here's a thermos with homemade lotus tea btw.
*squeals* They also took selfies with giant AJTL posters they randomly saw, answered questions about drama (sorta), promised to make another duo stream from gym (?.. !!!) and sang "Offer" together:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEfbqQIjmC8
Fan translations: https://x.com/fandoestrans/status/1743520716035891657?s=20
I cannot with all this cuteness
and no makeup prettiness, that's a personal attack, guys)))8 Beverly
January 5, 2024 at 9:08 AM
I'm sure everyone has seen all those In/Out lists going around for 2024.
What is one thing you'd put on a drama one?
I'll start:
IN. OUT
Gong Yoo. Serial Killers
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Gikata
January 5, 2024 at 9:15 AM
Oh, looks fun!
IN. OUT
Competent scriptwriters. Mountain gods (seriously, enough is enough!).
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Midnight
January 5, 2024 at 9:25 AM
I'm glad I looked up the definition, because when I first read your post I thought it means Gong Yoo should stop playing serial killers in 2024, and I was confused 😂
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Beverly
January 5, 2024 at 9:31 AM
🤣🤣
I also tried to space it in a way that didn't work when it posted. It pushed everything together.
Honestly, if Gong Yoo played the serial killer in a Romcom it would probably mess with my mind. I'd probably end up shipping him and the FL and believing if any serial killer can be healed by love alone, it's one played by Gong Yoo.
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Qingdao: likes scented candles
January 5, 2024 at 10:11 AM
IN. labeling time periods
OUT. noble idiocy
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KAddicted
January 5, 2024 at 11:17 AM
IN. Adult women with all their charms and flaws. OUT. Adult women behaving like silly emotional children.
That's going to be more work for writers, but hey - earn your money.
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hacja
January 5, 2024 at 12:28 PM
In: Dressing up 32 year actors in uniforms and having them play high school students.
Out: Blaming contemporary relationship problems on Joseon era curses.
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Elinor is back on Sweater Patrol
January 5, 2024 at 12:36 PM
IN: deviousness
OUT: being Too Stupid To Live
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KAddicted
January 5, 2024 at 5:08 PM
That's a good one.
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tabong is ironing the crosswalk
January 5, 2024 at 3:27 PM
IN. Multiple couples trope.
OUT. Love triangles, squares, or just any type of geometric figure they try to create for the romance.
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Beverly
January 5, 2024 at 4:41 PM
Yes, I'd rather have multiple love lines. Or any relationship story line over the triangle. Let the SL rebuild a sibling relationship or find a found family with the MCs. Or anything other.
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tabong is ironing the crosswalk
January 5, 2024 at 5:08 PM
I like the found family idea!
If a guy actually cares about a girl it doesn't have to mean he's in love with her. They can be close, like family, or maybe just friends??
Kdrama gods, please hear our suggestions. Other type of relationships between women and men exist. Stop the triangles.
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Midnight
January 6, 2024 at 12:07 AM
At this point I don't even know any more if it is hilarious, ironic, or tragic that my immediate answer to every single kdrama criticism has become: Watch King the Land!
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tabong is ironing the crosswalk
January 6, 2024 at 1:37 AM
😂😂
I have it on my watchlist. 😉
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Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
January 6, 2024 at 2:46 AM
Loving your new name tag, which drama is that from?
tabong is ironing the crosswalk
January 6, 2024 at 11:49 AM
@reply1988 Tell Me That You Love Me and Like Flowers in Sand. 🥰
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
January 6, 2024 at 2:46 AM
Love this blanket answer🥰 proper couple communication, no serial killer, no forget therapy get a love interest just glossy, warm hearted lovefest.
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zindigo
January 5, 2024 at 5:21 PM
IN: Mature actors.
OUT: Excessive drinking.
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redfox
January 5, 2024 at 8:38 PM
OUT
reincarnated first love that you killed in past life for no reason except your MIL is a bitch get over it
IN
weird pets
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9TailedVixen Loves Hanging Upside Down
January 5, 2024 at 11:20 PM
IN: Cinnamon Roll MLs like Baek-Du in LIKE FLOWERS IN SAND and Prince Yi Rim in ROOKIE HISTORIAN GOO HYE-RYEUNG.
OUT: Endings that make no sense and ruin an otherwise awesome series.
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tabong is ironing the crosswalk
January 6, 2024 at 1:39 AM
I'm waiting for the day cinnamon roll MLs becomes the trend.
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Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
January 6, 2024 at 2:49 AM
Second this one, as these kinds of endings can leave such a dissatisfying feeling it makes the previous hours of watching feel a complete waste of time.
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mmmmm
January 6, 2024 at 8:43 PM
IN - OUT
Truly healing drama - Toxic relationships or bent mindsets
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9 bong-soo
January 5, 2024 at 9:41 AM
POSSIBLE UPCOMING SAGEUKS AND PERIOD DRAMAS (CONDENSED VERSION)
1. MBC’s KNIGHT FLOWER (Viki). Airs: Jan. 12.
2. tvN’s CAPTIVATING THE KING. Airs: Jan. 21.
3. Disney+’s UNCLE SAMSIK. (1960s). Airs: ?
4. MBN’s THE CROWN PRINCE HAS DISAPPEARED. Airs: Mar. ?
5. tvN’s JEONG NYEON. (1950s). Airs: ?
6. TVING’s QUEEN WOO. (Paramount+). Airs: ?
7. Netflix’s HONG RANG. Airs: ?
8. TVING’s THE LOVE STORY OF CHOON HWA. Airs: ?
9. tvN’s WON KYUNG. Airs: ?
10. JTBC’s TAKE OF MRS. OK. Airs: ?
11. Disney+’s MURKEY WATER. Airs: ?
12. tvN’s SERENADE. Airs: ?
13. Apple TV’s PACHINKO SEASON 2. Airs: ?
14. JTBC’s HAESI’S SHINRU. Airs: ?
15. HANDWRITTEN (SIG ?) Airs: ?
16. tvN’s MILJU. Airs: ?
(As you can see there are many question marks above. It is possible I have missed announcements of upcoming sageuks and period dramas. Feel free to correct, amend or add to the above list.)
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bong-soo
January 5, 2024 at 9:44 AM
Correction (already):
10. should read: TALE OF MRS. OK.
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kiara
January 5, 2024 at 11:21 AM
You are the best @marcusnyc20! Thank you <3.
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bong-soo
January 5, 2024 at 3:06 PM
You are welcome.
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zindigo
January 5, 2024 at 5:29 PM
Comment was deleted
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zindigo
January 5, 2024 at 5:40 PM
There's a drama called Memoirs of the Mercury Palace that I've been tracking for a while. (Also called: Secret Memoirs of the Seusong Palace.)
It's described on hancinema as: "A work based on a classic novel and contains a record of love and secrets written by 'writer' court lady Eun-yeong and 'reader' Crown Prince Hyang." Both hancinema and MDL are now showing a 2024 release date but not much else. It does not appear to be cast yet.
Screenwriter: Kim Ji Eun (upcoming: "Wonderful World" and "Between Greetings" with Han Ji Min and Lee Joon Hyuk) (others: Why Her?, Lie After Lie)
Director: Park Soo Jin (Why Her?, Hymn of Death, While You Were Sleeping, Dr. Romantic)
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bong-soo
January 5, 2024 at 7:38 PM
Thanks @zindigo. I will add it to my list. It is another project of which not much is known.
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bong-soo
January 7, 2024 at 11:17 AM
Another late addition to period dramas: MBC’s CHIEF DETECTIVE 1958. Airs: Mar. ?
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10 Lostpanda is celebrating My Ajusshi 💔
January 5, 2024 at 11:48 AM
from @elinor a public service announcement that Tell Me that you Love Me is going to be on Hulu on Jan 24th in the USA.
Hoooooooray!
Elinor mentioned that this is on the Hulu's press page.
My initial response is "Hulu has a press page?"
Is it run by interns who have to google "what is marketing?"
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Elinor is back on Sweater Patrol
January 5, 2024 at 12:23 PM
I tried to reply to you there, but DB ate my comment - maybe the links are Forbidden. It’s press [dot] hulu [dot] com, but I actually saw it on the ‘Guides’ page, which is linked from the 'Press' page but not from the main Hulu site. 🙄 There is, however, a tiny link to 'Press' at the bottom of their main page, because of course that's where a reasonable person would look for info on what's coming soon, right? 🙄 🙄 🙄 That page seems to be available even if you don't have a Hulu account or aren't logged in.
Their online interface is absolutely ridiculous. As I've said before, it's as if they don't want people to find things to watch. I should put this somewhere more US beanies will see it because this question ("is it coming to Hulu?") comes up frequently and it's SO not their fault they can't find it.
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 5, 2024 at 12:46 PM
Waaa ... the site is a nightmare. 😱
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KDramaJoy
January 6, 2024 at 11:03 AM
Wow -- thanks. With your instructions, I found the announcement for Tell Me That You Love Me by clicking guides on hulu page, then “Dec 30, 2023 what’s new on hulu Jan 2024” within the page. I’ve been waiting for this drama, but I failed at finding a US streamer for it by googling. Of course, this Hulu guides page is likely to change, so the announcement may prove illusory -- but I will check for it Jan 24th 😊.
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LaurenSophie
January 5, 2024 at 3:26 PM
So happy to hear this! Thanks to you both.
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11 Olivedreams
January 5, 2024 at 11:54 AM
Anyone else discovered My Man is Cupid? I subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch Death’s Game and ended up downloaded My Man is Cupid to watch while traveling home for the holidays.
This show is a gem. I absolutely love the lead couple…the FL is funny and vulnerable and I love how she lets the ML know unequivocally that he is the one. The other element I am enjoying is the mix of mystery and romance. So often dramas get this dead wrong (see Crash Course in Romance) but here the mystery is as compelling as the romance.
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merry
January 5, 2024 at 1:56 PM
Park Ki Yong? Which no-fee platform can I watch this in NZ?
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Ally
January 7, 2024 at 2:49 PM
I really like it. It’s been on some beanies’ radars for a while. It gets a bit repetitive (see my beanie fan wall—lol) but overall a strong mystery and I like that too.
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 10, 2024 at 3:01 AM
It is indeed a good fun watch and the OTP is a hoot!
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12 Britney
January 5, 2024 at 2:45 PM
Why do people keep saying kdramas are being westernized?
Also every time I see "the west/western", it's almost in some catch all slur type way. "Kpop isn't kpop anymore because they're trying to appeal to western audiences", "Korean actors aren't satisfied with just working in SK and/or are turning on their domestic fans so it's good for them when they fail in western projects or attempts", "Moving & Extraordinary Attorney Woo were successful because they were Korean at their roots despite their budgets"
If people were drawn to korean projects *because* they offered something different, what would be the appeal of making it like everything else?
Is there some conception that western audiences *enjoy* bad shows and storytelling vs kdramas that used to be so great before western audiences and interests got their grubby little hands on it?
Sidenote: there *are* actually good western shows out there (granted I can't name any since I've mainly been watching kdramas but do exist).
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welh
January 6, 2024 at 5:02 AM
I think the westernization complaint involves fundamental changes in kdrama production.
1. The use of split or second seasons for a drama.
2. The pre-produced series that drops in one batch for the Netflix binge business model (which is contrary to live shoot kdrama standard --- which has its own flaws but at times can change the direction/writing of show based on network and viewer reactions).
3. More 19+ scenes and subject matter.
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13 tabong is ironing the crosswalk
January 5, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Joo Won ahjussi from Moving is that 2023 kdrama character that I will never forget, because everytime I go out, I get lost and I think of him (because that's his thing too, getting lost). He makes me feel less alone in this world. 🥺
Happy friday, beanies de mi corazón. I hope you had a great first week of the year! Have a nice weekend. 😊
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 10, 2024 at 2:35 AM
🫶
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14 9TailedVixen Loves Hanging Upside Down
January 5, 2024 at 9:29 PM
9TAILEDVIXEN'S NEW YEAR WEEK 2024 RECAPS:
1. I bought the very last ticket for The Rose's London concert* since I'll be there on a long-planned trip anyway. YAAASSSS! Woosung Oppa here I come with white roses in my hair!!!
The weirdest thing is that it's not too much more expensive than the nosebleed tickets. Huh.
I did peek at StubHub and the scalpers there are selling nosebleed tickets for at least double what I paid for a nice ticket package bought direct from the venue.
*To be precise - it was the very last ticket package that includes early entry to skip the queues, lounge access, drinks and snacks etc and most importantly - a clear and fairly close-up view of the stage so my petite self can actually not get my line of sight blocked by taller folk (which is 95% of everyone). If I am going to go all the way to London for this event, I'm going to make darn sure I can see Woosung Oppa.
2. Welcome news regarding women from Korea - Korea's Navy has officially commissioned its first-ever female submariners, becoming the 14th nation to include women in submarine crews:
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/01/113_366400.html
Meanwhile, the bad news for the marriage prospects of Korean men continues with a recent report by Statistics Korea showing that only 1 in 4 Korean women in their 20s want to get married:
https://asianews.network/only-1-of-4-women-in-20s-in-south-korea-want-to-get-married-report/
Power to my Confucian culture sisters in Korea! LYSISTRA THE HECK OUT OF THE MISOGYNIST MEN!
3. My friends who are BTS ARMY have been waging a relentless campaign to make me a Baby ARMY. Right now I have been labelled "Potential Baby ARMY" and they have been bombarding me with cute videos and pictures of the BTS boys.
I'm slightly dreading 2025 when the Magnificent Seven are all out of the military - they'll be dragging me to a BTS concert next...
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Ally
January 7, 2024 at 2:50 PM
Have fun seeing and singing with Woosung!
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9TailedVixen Loves Hanging Upside Down
January 8, 2024 at 9:44 AM
Oh, I will! I've been wanting to see The Rose live since I first discovered them back in mid-December 2023.
Woosung Oppa's voice is really something else!
And it doesn't hurt that he's gorgeous!
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15 Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
January 6, 2024 at 3:12 AM
Chae Jonghyeop is in a Japanese fantasy drama called Eye love you which comes out 23rd January. Looking forward to seeing it🥰 Sounds like they got the memo re he is a bright cheerful person and will be playing to his strengths. It’s about a woman who can hear people’s thoughts when she looks people in the eye which is overwhelming for her but as he is a Korean student in Japan she can’t understand his thoughts so can finally build a different kind of relationship.
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Kurama
January 6, 2024 at 3:29 AM
It looks fun!
I'm still waiting for news about his drama with Kim So-Hyun.
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 10, 2024 at 2:25 AM
Thank you for this PSA. @HopefulRomantic did you know?
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HopefulRomantic 🦋 Tigermoth 🦞
January 10, 2024 at 4:23 AM
I didn't know!! Thank you for the PSA!! 😊❤️
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 10, 2024 at 5:39 AM
Mother Bean always has the best-est of PSAs. 👏
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Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
January 10, 2024 at 9:18 AM
😊 we have to share the joy amongst the beanies whenever we hear news like this.
16 TurtuallySarcastic
January 6, 2024 at 5:20 AM
🎇Happy New Year and a Happy Weekend Beanies! Keep Beaning on in 2024!🎇
I am super late to Open Thread and it totally fits with this transition period! 😂 I did not manage to finish everything in 2023 before I left to celebrate the new year elsewhere, and I tried to pick up where I left off as soon as I came back. Add to that the metaphorical hangover after all the food comas and holiday magic sharply decreased to imagine all the functioning delays.🥱😂
Aside from sleep, I am mostly caught up now and ready to properly start real life in 2024 from Monday onwards. First of course, there is the weekend dilemma of picking the new books, K-dramas, tv-series and movies to entertain myself with!☺️
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 10, 2024 at 2:33 AM
Take care and enjoy!
PS - I'm even more late here so what does that say about me. 🤷♀️ To live life at one's own pace.
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17 kakuzeh
January 7, 2024 at 3:17 PM
So I've watched all the year-end award shows - SBS, KBS and MBC. But where are all the other shows awarded?
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 10, 2024 at 2:30 AM
^^ @kurama - can you please help to answer this. 🙏
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Kurama
January 10, 2024 at 2:47 AM
Me?
I'm not sure how to answer to this question.
At the end of the year, there were more music award shows than Kdrama ones.
There was APAN Star award that was aired by TVN.
Seoul International Drama Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, Blue Dragon Series Awards, etc will air later in the year.
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🌸 Seeker 🌸
January 10, 2024 at 2:58 AM
Thank you!! 😊 As I understand what were aired were basically channel awards for their own dramas. The upcoming ones that you have mentioned would be more inclusive.
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kakuzeh
January 10, 2024 at 8:36 PM
Thanks!!
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