ONGOING
Miss Night and Day - SML was uncomfortably stalker-ish. I don't like the side note we got on Im Sun's body beginning to feel old and tired.

Red Swan - Seo Yi-sook is my favourite thing about this show because she is leaning into the drama and comedy of the premise. The outfit clash and press conference were hilarious.

My Sweet Mobster - While I loved all the romantic shenanigans, my favourite part was the petty fight in Ep. 9. It was hilarious watching Ji-hwan vent frustrations he probably didn't even know he had 😂. There are so many tiny comic moments in each episode, I keep rewinding and rewatching to catch everything. COVID-19 🤣!

STARTED
The Auditors - This is even sillier in its approach to auditing than Numbers and that's saying something. It also felt rather boring and joyless. Will give it another week.

WATCHLIST
Planning to try out Good Partner.

C-DRAMAS
Completed Follow Your Heart. Despite the expected last-minute separation, at least this one had an actual ending.

Still watching The Princess Royal (up to Ep. 20) - We're in that period where Li Rong's actions are quite frustrating but hopefully we'll pass this hump soon to get to the good parts 😉!

As Beautiful as You is paused because I have no time 😭.

Currently Watching
My Sweet Mobster: 🍭🦞 The actors and PD are bringing so much more depth and complexity to their roles than what's there on paper. Uhm Tae-gu is bringing regret for the past and for who he is, resignation about what others perceive him to be; hope that he can pull his employees (i.e., his only friends) out of the mire and keep them on the straight-and-narrow; self-sacrificial love for the people he considers under his protection (re: everyone + our FL); and disbelieving joy at the FL's affection. The FL also has depth... she likes our sweet mobster, and she's showing patience, empathy, and understanding not only for him and his journey to accepting her affection, but also for the other ex-cons, who she's developing the most lovely cameraderie with. This show has heart and humor, and I love it. Plus, it's hilarious!!!

The Auditors: Numbers 2.0 let's goooo!!! I was sold from the opening sequence and dramatic music. Lee Jeong-ha skipping around like a Disney princess, Shin Ha-kyun stalking around like a grumpy cat, Jin Goo looking hawt, A CAR CHASE (*I hoped against hope for this*)… I enjoyed the setup a lot!!! Our sweet boy ML is too naive, but is already (hopefully) losing that innocence pretty quick, because this company is RIFE with corruption. He'll be ready in no time to help our jaded ML catch all the rats. The villain (?) is an enigma wrapped in a man-bun - and he has a normal family?!?!? One of the best plot twists of the year👏👏👏

Finished
The Double: absolutely excellent. Enthralling, engrossing, and engaging for 40 episodes! The dialogue was fantastic, the villains were complex and fascinating (they all had compelling reasons for what they did - not excusing their actions, but adding complexity), the FL was motivated by justice, was a brilliant strategist, and had some of the BEST lines. The ML was also fantastic - he has more charisma and presence than many actors more than a decade his senior. The ending was hard - why save all THAT for the last fiften minutes?? But, the "special episode" confirmed what the last minutes previewed: our leads really, truly, finally, got their well-deserved happy ending together. Now I'm listening to the full OST, which miraculously showed up on Spotify.

In other news... For my dad's birthday, we watched... *Continued*

Live watches

The Auditors
I enjoyed week one’s episodes so we will see how this week plays out but, I am fairly confident, at this stage, that I am in this for the duration.

My Sweet Mobster
This show, every week there are so many laugh out loud moments, it is such a joy to watch. I am concerned about the potential attack on the couple being dragged out next week. Please kill it off quickly so we can return to the fun.

My Name is Gabriel
Loving this variety show, the poor actress who made the mistake of saying she had worked in a restaurant in her early twenties and was then given her worst nightmare as her 72 hour adventure🫤
Anyone watching this have any ideas why they are all playing with their ear pieces in the studio shots every week throughout the show. Is it translations of the other languages or studio staff giving prompts? I have not seen any other show where the actors pull them in and out their ears while they are still on air.

Binge watch corner

Tiger with wings - Japanese
My first ever Japanese daily. I am absolutely loving this 15 minute, 130 episode drama that I can’t thank @johnb enough for mentioning in his WWW comment last week. If you liked The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko house or Kitchen knife and green chilli pepper you will like this too. It follows a group of women who strive to become part of the Japanese legal profession during the 1930’s and beyond. It is beautifully written and directed and the actors are doing a great job bringing the characters to life.

Miss Night and Day (Episode 7-8) - Mood: D
Now that the already predictable mystery has been confirmed, the show barely has any hook to keep viewers watching. I’m not amused by the stalker-like tendencies displayed by the 2ML and the classic episode 8 kiss feels tacky so romance isn’t an option for me too. The show tried to do something with the fantasy and Mi Jin feeling old but I bet it’s just to build up the future hostage cliffhanger when she confronts the killer. As for the ageism theme, again, they tried, but it’s just plot device.

My Sweet Mobster (Episode 9-10) - Mood: D
Ah yes, confessions and pregnancy kits, what an innovative pair of arcs to drive the romance plot forward. And yes, if there is someone who just pulls me away when I’m having a conversation with someone else, that’s a major turn-off: just why did the show think that possessiveness was a great display of love? I really hope that kit was a false positive, as an unintended kid can ruin actual relationships much less one filled with uncertainty between Il Young and Mi Ho. No kidnappings, please?

Meetings in the Deer Kingdom
I'm happy that the comedy is still there even during the sort of separation part and all those meetings of the Deergang and their silly strategies always make me laugh. Also... Covid test??? 🤣🤣
On a more serious note, I'm glad that Uri Prosecutor stopped being blinded by his conviction and started asking questions and properly investigate. I had my faith in him (and in *cough* Kwon Yul *cough*).

Currently No Beauty, Nor Romance
It was satisfying to watch Seaside Halmoni to talk back to Selfish Unrepentant Mom and put her in her place (my bet is Halmoni is just pretending having a memory loss spell 😁). And I think the actor playing Doshik had quite fun as well. 😄
Unfortunately, most of the rest of the show only frustrates me and I miss good old weekenders with proper multiple stories. Where are you, My father is strange, Five enough, Family's Honor, Ojakgyo Brothers or (the condensed) My Unfamiliar Family??

Despicable Me 4 - open air cinema screening
A huge disappointment. Scattered, unbalanced and actually missing a main coherent theme. I wish they focused on the new neighbourhood and making new friends there (both kids and adults), with deeper connections and dialogues. Teenage Villainess was the most interesting (and entertaining) part (just a pity there was not more interactions among the girls). Lucy and her undercover job on the other hand... no, Lucy deserved better.

Live Watches
Miss Night and Day: The little moments of vulnerability from Ji-ung are so sweet; I love that Mi-jin and her family bring that out in him. This week, I’m hoping Won and Ga-young will meet as the two people in on her secret, and that the dead fish turns into something better!

감사합니다: Aw, I missed Shin Ha-kyun! This is off to a fun start and I’m excited for new episodes. Will it be a case-of-the-week situation? Our mangnae’s trust in people has come in handy once already, but I hope he and Cha-il reach a nice place in the middle of their two viewpoints by the end.

Recent Dramas:
The Atypical Family: (finished!) Wow, Beanies were totally right that this show keeps getting better as it goes on. I liked it a lot (and a lot more than I was expecting to), but I definitely liked the whole thing better once the scam was out in the open. I thought Bok Mom’s arc was plausible, but I didn’t really buy Sauna Mom’s realization. She was very awful for a very long time, and even though I thought they were all adorable at I-na’s dance competition, it was hard to connect that with her previous characterization. The ending was also way better than I was expecting! Having read what happened ahead of time, I felt poised for ridiculousness, but ended up pretty happy with it. Was it convenient? Sure, but it was also *fate*. Thanks to @isagc @marcusnyc20 @laurensophie @elinor @moomoomoondog @seeker and @kurama who helped me decide to watch this one!

Freaking Fairy Tale Show: (finished!) This was such a delight from start to finish. I want to watch a supercut of all Cha-min’s dance moves. And maybe another one of all the moments that he and Jae-rim fantasized about each other. And then a short one that is just every time someone winked in this show. They were all so much fun! I’ll be watching again when it becomes available legally for me. Until then, follow your joy, Beanies!

CONNECTION (Ep. 13-14) In one sense, this was not just a police procedural or murder mystery, but a nostalgic, rusty roller coaster ride without any safety equipment of old friendships, greed, betrayals all set in motion by Joon-Seo's sentimental attachment to his high school club days after his adult life fell a part. It was a very complex structured story line that leap frogged to the finish line. It was well acted and directed with a fast pace of twists and cliffhangers. The theme of investigating what "friendship" actually means in class conscious Korean culture was the core to character motivations. I would recommend the series to anyone who likes fast paced action entertainment where even the good guys have bad secrets.

THE AUDITORS (Ep. 1-2) Bravado, leaps to conclusions and bluffs seems to be the hammer for the new Audit Team leader. His premise is like a stranger wandering into a corrupt old Old Western mining town and thrust into position of sheriff to clean it up. At the end of the first episode, I felt that this series would really be told through the eyes of Gu Han-soo, the clueless youngest member of the team (who as a hacker should have made a complete back-up of the laptop), and Yoon Seo-Jin, the super-serious one (with one really big secret). In fact I picked up this drama to watch Jo Ah-ram, whose short resume has been stellar in all of her performances.

There were many face palm moments and you really had to suspend all belief to accept the special audit quick showdown (for the lack of competent evidence) to move the story along. I think CHIEF KIM was more realistic in auditing while THE AUDITORS is more super hero, quasi-police driven crime investigation premise.

Player 2: It had hijinks and cleverness. A fun sequel to a fun beginning.

My Sweet Mobster: Awwwwww, he finally admits his feelings. The way our adorable gangsters are rooting for our OTP is so very adorable. The side romance is so interesting because it is so Makjang in comparison to the rest of the drama, one night stand, a pregnancy, what will they think of next.

Red Swan: I laughed so hard at the baby momma drama. It is so absurd. The matching outfits was random too. The drama is probably funnier than it is supposed to be, but I am enjoying the ride.

Good Partner: Korean divorce laws are STUPID. Why must anybody regardless of gender suffer in a marriage they don’t want. WTF. This poor woman. That man is abusing her and everyone is real casual about the abuse. Very disgusting. I will keep watching because our attorney Han has A LOT to learn. If she had done what she was told, this woman would have been out of that evil marriage.

The Auditors:😁😁😁, I love it. It is like a better Numbers, so 100% gets my vote.

Miss day & Night: Okay, let the romance begin!!!

My Sweet Mobster The show started to repeat itself a little bit so I'm happy their relationship finally started. I'm still think 16 episodes are too much.

Miss Night and Day The FL is still pretty immature.

Good Partner Excited to start it.

The Auditors Not convinced by the first 2 episodes yet. Nothing was really new in the writing. I hoped the theme would make it different but it just looks like a police drama.

Red Swan It looks like they put a lot of money in a not very good show...

Connnection - completed. Easily among the top dramas this year for me.

My sweet Mobster - Has my whole heart 💙 love this show to bits and keep rewatching scenes.

As beautiful as you (cdrama): On ep 19. I like the scenes with the leads.the slow burn romance is working for me. Han Ting is kinda awkward in all non work situations and it’s fun to watch him fumble along. I don’t mind the other couple too (content creator and bar owner). But the office drAma is too much at times. And I Ff Fhe ex and friend arc completely.

I need a new show to watch.

Connection - I almost missed watching this piece because of some dramas I ended up dropping. And now, it is the last man standing in my currently airing watchlist. Now that it is over, the week has just been there. I'm still scouting for what to begin. Most likely, it'll be The Auditors. I'd have began this already but my first foray into this was skipping to and watching the last minutes of episode 1 and I was greeted with Shin Cha-il being hit on the head by a goon. To see the buildup to that moment from the beginning now seems like a task.

My focus shifted entirely from Ji Sung to Kwon Yul in the finale episodes. Even after Tae-jin's death, it kept lingering. I'm very much pleased Kwon Yul took this role.

I've saved a date to watch the movie Feng Shui (2018). That should be done this coming week.

Our House aka Bittersweet Hell

This was the most beautiful show I have ever watched. Simply breathtaking!

The show is a black comedy thriller, which was something I am not at all used to, so I was watching very slowly at first, but when I hit ep 7 I couldn't stop any more. In the End I loved every single moment of it.

I loved most of the characters' arcs, and how they matured/evolved before our eyes. It was fascinating.

The Veil

Seems to be a drop. The story is very interesting. The acting is topnotch. But the director ruins every single scene with the dumbest editing choices. If I was NGM I would never work with them again...
Then I look at dramawiki and see that they went on to make My Dearest together!!! And I start howling with laughter!! Just how is that even possible!! I haven't watched MD but I'm sure it can't have this horrible editing!

Just Between Lovers

Beanies Community Watch/rewatch.

I was all set to start Freaking Fairytale after Our House, but now I'm in such a thriller mood. So, Connection it is.

Hi beanies! This is my favorite section in Dramabeans, so here we go.

What I am watching:

_ Sweet Mobster (10/16). I like it, and there are very funny and enjoyable moments or details in this show, but my favorite episodes still are 5 and 6.

_ Racket Boys (10/16). This drama is so cute and sweet! I don't get bored for a moment. The kids are great, funny, natural and charming. I love the way all the characters care for one another. And how they secretly prepared Coach's birthday, or the party for the 90 years old granny. The landscapes and the music are beautiful too.

_ Gu Family Book (11/24). I had put this on hold while I was watching Joy of Life 1 and 2. So here I am again inside this fantasy story which still reminds me a lot of King of Baking (same writer, Kang Eun Kyung. She is the original creator of Atypical Family too. She definitely knows how to write hooking shows).

_ C-drama An Ancient Love Song (3/14). This was on my list and I have started it because of the great rating in Douban (8'6). It has been interesting so far; you know time travels are my catnip. And there are two very handsome male leads, a charismatic female lead and an endearing young Emperor.

What I have finished:

_ Joy of Life Season 2. Amazing. I'll miss this show and its great and complex characters.

LIVE WATCH:

1.THE AUDITORS - So far, so good. Hooked and looking forward to coming episodes. Who knew I'd be interested in watching a drama about accountants? LOL!

ONGOING

1. THE CURSED - Watched the first 2 episodes and so far it's delivering. Since it's from the PD-nim of TRAIN TO BUSAN, this should hopefully be a real rollercoaster of a Horror drama. Currently free to watch on Tubi.

COMPLETED

1. MILITARY PROSECUTOR DOBERMAN - Quite entertaining. Jo Bo-A nailed every single scene and I managed to bear with Ahn Bo-Hyung.

2. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE IN THE SKY - A 2010 J-Drama Romance about a public affairs officer of the Japanese air force whose flying career ended due to an accident and a journalist who was demoted from the newsroom to the lifestyle features section. They meet when she is assigned to cover air force publicity events and the romance is a slow-burn antagonists-to-friends-to-lovers story. It has a slice-of-life feel and is quite good.

ON PAUSE

DOCTOR SLUMP and A GOOD DAY TO BE A DOG are both on pause for now as I'm not in the headspace to watch either.

The Player 2: Master of Swindlers (11-12): And that's how you go out with a bang! From time bombs, stabbings, kidnappings, to action, humor, and ripping one's shirt off in the middle of battle, to Lee Sung-kyung randomly showing up to kill the main villain, these last 2 episodes had everything I wanted, and then some.

Good Partner (1): I really liked the first episode. The so-called "win" of the first case felt very much like a depressing loss though... Immediately sets the tone that not all of these cases will have the desired outcome. Also, they certainly didn't wait to reveal that Eun-kyung's husband was cheating, did they? But anyway, I kinda hope we see her daughter a lot, because I'm interested in how she is as a mother vs how she is as a lawyer.

Hospital Playlist 2 (9-12): While I don't think this season was as strong as the first one, I still loved it, and it had some excellent episodes, especially in the second half, where even the romance department mostly sorted itself out after some initial problems. Very happy with how the finale turned out. Had a surprisingly heavy focus on medical cases, but I didn't mind, it's still partly a medical show after all (and I like those), and aside from a few minor nitpicks, I don't really have any complaints. I'm gonna miss these friends, and of course all the side characters as well.

Reply 1988 (1): Honestly, they had me when future Deok-sun basically called all of her friends idiots. Wouldn't say I'm fully loving it yet, but I really enjoyed the first episode. Can't wait to watch more.

My Perfect Stranger (11-12): In a way, this show is about the leads facing the past, in order to face the present, to then ultimately face the future. I still think the ML's family is suspicious, but more than that, I'm really curious to find out why his mother left him (and why his father basically did the same thing afterwards), because there's obviously a story there.

A test stick with two lines must be a Covid test, lol. Best joke this season in any drama! SWEET MOBSTER is killing it, my favourite comedy this year, even though the last scene with Mobster acting like an obsessive, controlling boyfriend did strike a sour note for me.

There is not much else I look forward to watch at the moment. In DAY AND NIGHT GIRL I prefer Day girl Lee Jung-Eun, but I do admire how she and Jung Eun-Ji match in their joined character.

Shin Ha-Kyun is not an AUDITOR as I know them to be (having been one for a while myself), but he is just so good as an actor that I'll watch. It makes sense that Jin Goo is also not a typical business man, but I like the hair.

UNCLE SAMSIK is really good, not a surprise with this excellent cast even for smaller parts, but life is too short to watch something like RED SWAN.

Sweet Mobster (through Ep. 10): Grateful for the return to comedy and romance in Episode 10. Love the found family of matchmaking deerlings. But, but, but ... what is the writer doing with Mi-ho? You can't give this refreshingly direct character some of the best lines in a show with lots of them and then throw her into an unplanned pregnancy plot. She deserves so much better.

The Auditors (through Ep. 2): Was not expecting auditing to be such an action-packed endeavor. Han-soo's naivete was a bit grating at first, but at least he seems to be a quick learner.

Player 2 (completed): The finale wrapped up the season nicely, but I wish some of the Jeffrey backstory had been presented in earlier episodes to give the show more emotional depth before the last two weeks.

Beauty and Mr. Romantic (through Ep. 32): Less screeching, but we're still heavy on the angst and conflict. I'd really just like to see more of the two couples I care about: Do-ra and Pil-seung, and Ma-ri and Do-jun. At least the latter are communicating and growing closer. Meanwhile the villains don't seem to have learned any lessons from Do-ra's first life and "death." Isn't it about time some just desserts get served?

C-drama section: I've been enjoying The Princess Royal with my daughter, who otherwise usually stays away from historicals. However, we both groan whenever Su Rongqing, the SML, comes on the screen. She has dubbed him "Sussy Su," to use some Gen Alpha terminology. As Beautiful as You is a bit heavy on the business plots and is taking its time on the romance front. Another succession battle between older sister and younger brother. Sigh.

Happy Saturday, Beanies! I didn't watch much this week, so it's gonna be mainly news.

WHEN ENDS ATTEMPT TO JUSTIFY MEANS FOLLOW YOUR HEART: This drama had no business to have such a cute, wholesome romantic (triple wedding! a whole episode dedicated to just that!) ending after such a lackluster run. Once again proves how important is to have a good script – when there's everything but that, nothing will really work. Unless you let actors to makeout half of the whole time, like in LOVE IS SWEET, but here makers shoot themselves in the foot by restraining main leads (but not 2 other couples – eh? we need an explanation here, show!)for some reason, so... Gorgeous costumes tho. Too bad LYX's injury prevented him for joining Bollywood-like closing dance - that's exactly how I'd like to see more dramas to finish.

“Drama news” segment :

- STRANGE TALES OF TANG DYNASTY 2 on 18th – previous rumor was a week early, unfortunately. New trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3y9lR4gCwM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrbH0UCvRBM

- iQiyi's remaining summer lineup – confirmed version:
https://x.com/ForCdrama/status/1811630457378996334

- Youku's next after THE PRINCESS ROYAL show is gonna be DASHING YOUTH (Neo Hou, He Yu, Hu Lianxin - wuxia), prequel of THE BLOOD OF YOUTH. No confirmed date yet, but here's a trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWlHjtv1xnA

- for Tencent the next drama after LYF2 would be HIDDEN CHARM/LIU ZHOU STORY (Zhang Wanyi, Wang Churan – historical romance). I believe I posted its trailer recently already.

- Mango's summer lineup – time to start psyching myself to stomach horrendous AI subs, mwahaha! *pained laugh*
https://x.com/ForCdrama/status/1812103929595117852

- drama wraps for Youku: LIGHT TO THE NIGHT (Pan Yueming, Wang Hedi, Ren Min – mystery thriller):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq4b9MXIfPw

Drama watching is picking up for me recently!!!

I really enjoyed the first episodes of THE AUDITORS, which had me rub my hands and laugh maniacally at times. Why would an auditor need 00 agent skills?! I cannot tell you, but I love it. Bring on the pyrotechnics next, please!!! 🔥💥

I also started BITTER SWEET HELL, and wowza. Scenery, locations, filming, uuummm I guess you call it “art direction”?! Top notch. Love the drone shots and the OTT drama. I’m only two episodes in, so it’s all still a mystery to me, what will turn out how, and how bad everyone really is. Looking forward to continue this one!

Also, against my better judgment because of the topic, I watched the first episode of GOOD PARTNER, which just frustrated me to no end. That first case? Argh! Not blaming the actors, who are great, and the opening credits have a very melancholy late 80s vibe to them which I like, but this show is clearly not for me. Moving on…

… to MY SWEET MOBSTER, which was more on the silly/hilarious side this week (well, compared to the last), but also left me with a little bad aftertaste at the end of episode 10. Afraid this lost a bit of its initial charm for me… 🤔🫣 But I’ll continue and see if it gets back on track.

Also still watching c-drama AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU, and really enjoying it. The romance is a sloooooooooooooooooow burn. Like really slow. But I don’t mind that, because the rest of the story keeps me interested. I like the overall ensemble (all but her ex, sheesh), including that lovely cat!

🫰☕️🍰

WATCHING
That Pink Show 🦞
I think what I love so much about MSM is that it feels like the perfect k-drama rom-com. Nothing is too heavy, but all the little details add up to a high quality production with really appealing characters and plenty of squee. The dialogue and the acting are so on point. I never feel anxious, bored, or ready to fast forward when I'm watching. I just sit back and enjoy the preciousness of it all.

FINISHED
Til the End of the Moon c-drama 2023
I was deep into the melo of this intensely emotional Xianxia. Bai Lu is stunningly beautiful and Luo Yunxi haunting in roles that will be hard to forget. I can't imagine any other actor playing the ML. He has such subtle acting depth and range, plus a magnetic physical presence. There were some draggier episodes plus occasionally crappy CGI and enough spurting blood scenes to last a lifetime. But overall, this was an unforgettable story. Loved it!

Have a great week beanies! 🤗

My What We Are Watching Posts happen long after watching the discussed episodes nowadays, so memory loss watered them down as a result.😉

Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale👠☂️(10/10): Fourth Bean of 2024!🥳Things got a lot more interesting once Jae-Rim started liking him back!🤭 The skinship and blushing increased, as did the self-reflection. While I disliked the Dan-ah tantrums, they did not bother me too much, because I knew our OTP would make it work in the end.🥰 For those still on the fence as I initially was, this is an excellent binge!👍

My Sweet Mobster🦌🏰(8/16): Do not talk to me about penguins, I will start giggling uncontrollably.🤭

18 AGAIN - it gives me Go Back Couple vibes, but that's a good thing. 4 more episodes to go.

Battlestar Galactica - the cliffhanger at the end of Season 3!!!

I feel like a disgruntled viewer this week, because every drama I've watched so far this week, I have something not-so-good to say.

GOOD PARTNER: Or whatever it is called. I've started it, jsut the first episode so far, and I am not impressed at all. Granted, I am not a lawyer, and this is also fiction, but I just couldn't suspend my sense of appallment. Who allowed Nam Ji-hyun's character to go to court with such an abysmal level of preparation? How was she able to pass law school? (Even I know hearsay isn't admissible in court, kmt). She may be a newbie, but at least display a minimum level of competence. Also, trapping someone in a marriage, who doesn't want to be there for whatever reason, is a huge ick, so just...no. Jang Nara's character also seems to have very little redeeming qualities about her, from what we've seen so far. I'm watching, but I am not impressed at all.

MY SWEET MOBSTER: In this case, it's me. I like this show, and I like the characters very much. But I HATE slapstick comedy, so it's definitely preventing me from enjoying it as much as I probably could have. Uhm Tae-goo is also a fine actor, but his comedic timing could use some work. That last scene from episode 10 was amazing, though :D.

CDRAMAS:
Follow Your Heart: A bust. Such a shame.
THE PRINCESS ROYAL: I'm just gonna wait till it's over to binge it all.
AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU: After 10 episodes or so, I don't think Ji Xing is actually a good character. She's quite selfish and mercenary in her interactions with her friend - bc how can your friend tell you she's okay after being slandered on social media and you don't even give her a second thought? Just ok, and move on. Her business partner is a certified idiot, and there's no sensible person who would invest their money with them given their approach to business (why are you sending a nervous idiot to give your pitch?) I can't suspend disbelief.

CURRENTLY WATCHING 👀 😌
THE DOUBLE
I'm slowly but surely falling in love with the shenanigans in this one. I'm only on episode 5 but already enjoying Duke Su's long hard gazes and the FL's smartness and single focus on her purpose. Here is a woman who isn't just existing to be wanted and loved by a man (though she certainly deserves that too). I love this. I want this. I support this.

MY SWEET MOBSTER
We got our first kiss this week 😘😘 Though it didn't land quite the way I had expected but hopefully, there's more. It does feel like Ji-hwan has some growing pains coming up. Nothing about his situation has changed re: he still has enemies out to get him and that puts him and his lady love in danger. He will also need to balance his feelings of protectiveness, love and vulnerability. Not an easy task for any man, especially one navigating love for the first time, but hopefully he can rise to the occasion. If the writers stick to the character they have been endearing us to all along, this should end beautifully.

GOOD PARTNER
I'm in with this one. The first episode felt like a breeze to watch. The acting is superb👌 I haven't watched Jang Nara in a while so she feels refreshing 😍 She has a natural charm that feels accessible.

THE AUDITORS
The jury is still out on this one. It feels like the show I need but I'm resisting. I need some convincing.

THE RED SWAN
Also on the fence here. Rain is yummy. But I can't survive on his body alone. Some emotional depth is needed but why am I looking for that in a melo? Good question. If next week falls flat again, I will need to say bye bye to Rain 🌧 🙃

Jumping all over this week between kdrama and cdrama land.

MY SWEET MOBSTER. The highlight this week was their rapid fire petty squabble; that cleared the air! Continue to love the big cast of characters. How can you not be fond of this show?

RED SWAN. Yay Hulu! Not sure I understand what's going on with this uneven show. But, Rain! As they would have said in my day ... Hubba Hubba.

THE STORY OF MINGLAN. My happy watch of the week goes to Gu Ting Ye (Feng Shao Feng), the male lead. Although the story is ostensibly about Minglan's growth, it's really the complex character of Gu Ting Ye carrying the story forward. I loved their Ep. 52 conversation in the coach where Minglan tells Gu Ting Ye what his mother would have wanted most for him was to grow up safely and healthy. That felt so real, and it was so beautifully done. Impressive storytelling. Thank you again, Old Lawyer and Mrs. Old Lawyer. For me, complex character studies are the best use of my viewing time and this is a perfect followup watch to NIRVANA IN FIRE (which continues to occupy a space in my head). That's part of the definition of really good storytelling -- it stays with you.

AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU. Liking the script here. It's intelligent, and challenges the viewer. There are so many obviously infant CEO stories, but actor Xu Kai is selling me as a CEO. He's kinda scary, you know?
Also, looking back at some of his earlier roles, he's become a darn good actor. Hard worker.

THE SWORD AND THE BROCADE. Halfway through and my FF finger is getting itchy. Too much intrigue.

And, just to satisfy my curiosity about actor Luo Yunxi, I caught the first five episodes of LOVE IS SWEET with Bai Lu, a good actress. It's not a groundbreaking story, but there's glimpses there of a performer whose a natural in front of the camera. So. Intrigued.