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.
Korean businesses, especially TV and film producers and broadcasters, are highly sensitive to “real” world events or news about their actors or subject matter of the work as it plays to the general audience at any given time. Yonhap News reported this week, the movie "Virus" is set for its commercial box office release. The film features a fictional contagion with a critical twist: It induces overwhelming happiness and instant love in its victims. While it might sound appealing enough for many to want the infection, the virus is ultimately fatal. The film stars Bae Doo-na, Kim Yoon-seok, and Chang Ki-ha. This film concluded its production in late 2019, shortly before the global COVID-19 pandemic began in full swing. Consequently, the film was shelved for five years.
And the timing of “Virus’” release is also bad. The prime late winter box office season (late Nov to mid-Feb) ended in lackluster fashion with big movies like HARBIN and MICKEY 17 failing to draw big crowds (or make a profit). It was also reported this week that South Korean movie theaters experienced a sharp decline in attendance and revenue in March, as the lack of a major hit resulted in a failure to draw crowds. According to the Korean Film Council, local cinemas sold 6.44 million tickets in March, down 45 percent, or 5.26 million tickets, from the previous month.
And in a strange twist, this week it was reported that MBC may purchase the rights to Disney+ produced K-drama BIG BET (Korean title Casino) which aired in 2022. However, MBC’s internal production staff has objected to the move which would adversely impact its own studio production. This move is the reverse of past practice where networks would produce and air original shows then license them to streaming platforms.
I assume that in the future we will see a movie about a pandemic that will make women die the instant they become pregnant. That probably will be a big hit, specially in the 4B movement crowd. Of course I am ironic since this Virus one seems to flop, just as the one about dying after giving birth, WTSG, did.
warm clothes in this heat is - haha funny. I should buy new summer clothes. no fan, no ac.
I could hv handled this heat in 2019 but in 2025 - naah.
this is why u need that young powerful teenage body.
this is why my electricity costs r below even avg. usage.
Desktop eats lot of electricity n electricity not cheap.
Laptop eats 20% of desktop elec. so u save huge.
no fan, no ac, no heater - no electric cookware - low low elec. usage.
gas costs can be high but even there u save huge as u r into dairy n fruits - refrigerator not consume as much elec.
fruits cost a lot. meat is cheap but u want to go vegan.
politics - anything fun going on !!? naaaaaah
Chinese surely r indulged in lot of PR. neta boy bought 20months - erdo boy is playing tough too. donut is going golf. meloni trying to be the leader. boring week.
Stock mkt - big red candles - then green big candles. I was bullish - going big - i said n no no - i didn't go with d trade. 10k turned into almost 2.75 million. oh no.
this is hero or zero mode. proper gambling. i know many who made 5k-10k in d same trade n later got angry for missing this jackpot.
because of volatility 0 day n weekly expiry options even bi-weekly n monthly options did 300%-2000% moves.
this is April tariff volatility for you.
Seriously, missed good opportunities this April.
I would have put this PPl on my fan wall previously but nevertheless,
CDRAMA FANS
iQIYI currently is offering discounts (up to 40%) (through Apr. 27) on some subscriptions.
I guess back in 2022 I subscribed to iQIYI for one reason. It was the only (legal) way for me to watch Zhang Ruo Yun in his wonderful contemporary slice-of-life police drama ORDINARY GREATNESS (38 episodes). I loved it. Apparently there is talk of a ORDINARY GREATNESS SEASON 2 which I will definitely look out for.
Happy Friday, Beanies! It's been a busy week for both myself and LYN, who worked his fine ass off either in recording studio or on THE TREASURED VOICE filming set, often staying there well past midnight. And to add insult to an injury, they couldn't even feed my guy properly – seeing him munching on candies and cordyceps of all things was rather painful sight. Have show's organizers never heard of, yunno, sandwiches? Stuffed buns? Takeout lunchboxes?
He also livestreamed once more, being all hyped and chatty, but not singing much – citing being tired from recording music non-stop these days, but, as usual, gave in a little. “Children of the sea” was likely chosen because it's not THAT vocally challenging for his exhausted throat. Plus he lost (as in put he forgot where) that kazoo I cannot stand, so we got some human-made whistle instead! And then he teased fans with his impression of “catcalling guys” - something tells me “handsome ge” will bitterly regret inventing this meme in the days to come... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPMVls6rUg0
Today is TTV6 first episode airing, yay! From now on we'll get LYN performances weekly, hope their quality will be worthy of his efforts. For starters, here's shows theme OST MV with all the huge cast involved: Huangzi Hongfan, Jike Junyi, Sitar Tan, Wang Heye, Roy Wang, Yao Xiaotang, Zhang Bichen, Jane Zhang and Ning-ge himself, ofc. Song is titled “Those who shout to the sky”, and it's not the kind I find any memorable or impressive, but it serves its purpose well, I guess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICCMOSQgooE
Presscon cut (long one, you've been warned), including acapella snippet of “Looking for you”, being usual double trouble together with Huangzi and, of course, basin word puns))) I approve the anime look tho. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oPTMkADfws
First episode's song – heartbreaking ballad “Small/Laking talent (in love)” with Zhang Bichen, original by Shi Shi. I always love these 2 performing together, they're such a well-worked duo no matter what material you'll give them. Here they went hard with the feelz, didn't they? OG song is more melancholic chill, but their take is peak drama. Ning-ge even teared up, what a softie lol))) Also, so much pretty! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMFjbuFUz4c
But this? This was everything and then some, whoa! Not to mention that apparently it was the look for a sexy duo stage with dancing (oh? good luck with that, handsome ge!), skinship and pretend kiss? Someone's getting bolder, I see. No complaints tho^^ https://x.com/Y446834Yoshi/status/1912827629830651986
And a short video of manbun look, because photos alone don't even come close to properly displaying its merits. Can we have this hair in costume drama someday, pretty please? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDUaX8LaYVs
Upd.: THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY got license! I'll throw a proper party over the matter tomorrow, along with rumors of possible air date, but just so you'd know right away!
This was a really good Friday post, @gikata. Thank you.
May I ask, what is the setup of this television show, and how do they select performers?
That duet with Zhang Bichen was lovely, what a fine songstress. She's got an "everywoman" look to her, somewhat of a Liu Yi Fei doppelganger, very comely. Also, that's a good dress. Worth watching and rewatching!
I'm still waiting for more translation bits from today's episode - previous seasons weren't subbed, so this one likely won't be either((( - but general idea seems to be pairing cast members (permanent lineup, tho maybe one-time guests will happen too. our boy is a regular) in duos randomly (?) and then their performance is discussed/judged. I think newly formed team decides on the song/arrangement themselves - Yuning mentioned having to take other party's preferences into consideration and struggling at it since all his partners so far were ladies with drastically different pitch/style, heh - but they're probably given a list to choose from. I watched maybe half of episode one live and it looked much better than that early season performance of TJC I shared before - must've been an increased budget/upgraded tech team.
ZBC is Yuning's great friend, they always team up whenever being on the same show, often at galas, sang a few OSTs together etc. He guested on her concert few months ago, remember? And promised to invite her for his own too - once it FINALLY happens lol. Agree, her stylist is worth all their money - literally never seen the girl dressed less than very good.
Man bun caused a big stir - I saw it called "manga mafioso" look, quite a description, right? Outfits may be hit or miss, but that new guy doing his hair lately has my eternal approval!
Upd.: continued from where I stopped with the episode, and there's also a competition element: first between 2 teams (in order of performing? as in Team 1 vs Team 2, Team 3 vs Team 4 etc), then among them one team is chosen as the best in entire episode. Yuning and Bichen were ultimate winners today^^
Plus some solo performances - guests, I think. Don't think they are competing too - maybe producers are just testing people for next season's lineup?
You have a set line-up of resident singers for the season, and then rotating guest singers. The resident singers pick and choose who they want to work with and collab for the week from the line-up of rotating guests and they choose a song to re-work and sing a cover of. The song can be either of theirs or from someone who’s completely out of left field and not related to the show, but they do it simply because one or both of the participating singers wanna try out the song (for whatever reason). After each performance, said performance is critiqued by the resident judges whom are snooty and uptight industry “experts” from different perspectives (agency directors/CEOs, music producers/composers, singer-songwriters, etc.).
Similar, but different, from Our Songs (which I prefer, but I’m biased lol), but only when Our Songs doesn’t randomly decide to change up the rules 😮💨😒
@nessa right, you said you watched it before! We're currently at Season6, not 5 tho, but if at least one of them was subbed, then there is hope still, thank you for a good news)))
So far judges haven't been very harsh - maybe because it was first episode?^^
Oh wow, Season 6 already! In that case, seeing how things are, then that means Season 5 is probably currently being subbed as Season 6 is airing.
Yea, it might be because it’s still in the early days of the season. Or maybe it’s because the judges have received enough heat in previous seasons so they now know to tone it down lest they lose viewers and ratings
Fancy barista look was TOTALLY inspired by these handsome waiters from cosplay cafes in manga/anime and probably real life too, it's both formal enough to serve the kink vibe and yet somewhat understated with a little twist (neck scarf). If he added non-tanned shades to it (the more classical, the better), then it would've been even more in your face...
I'm afraid we need to wait ~2 more weeks for manga mafioso stage, but I already know it will be FIRE!
I just learned that in When Life Gives You Tangerines, when the son says "falling in love is not a crime/not wrong!" he was quoting World of the Married to the actor who said that line haha
Ahh, things are so much cooler when you know context or references
Once upon a time, a Korean singer came to the US and there really wasn't any promotion or information given about the event. The one time the promoters did give something, it was targeted specifically to Korean Americans/korean speaking people. It was said Americans/english speakers were welcomed to come and fans said they were going regardless because when else would they have such a chance. I asked would there be translators and I was criticized for this and called an entitled American. (FYI: there was a translator but they were bad; not professional, and then gave up)
The reason I mention this is because that "entitled American" line has always stayed with (and bothered) me. Fast forward from then to now, and once again that phrase came to mind when I think of certain kpop/kdrama promotions.
For a kpop group, when they were releasing their 1st mini album, there were a couple of youtube shorts (I don't know if it was other platforms too) that were BTS interviews from some people who know the artists as well as the artists themselves. Those shorts were never subbed. I thought maybe it would be a part of a larger video and that wasn't the case either. My first thought was "why wouldn't they sub the video for international fans?" and then I thought "am I being entitled by expecting them to give subs for an interview like this?"
Next, Weak Hero Class 2 is premiering next week and I've seen 0 promotion (aside from the teaser & trailer) or interviews for it. I happened to see that there were some Netflix interviews/content done but it was for Netflix Korea. Again, I wonder why. It's not like WHC1 was only successful in Korea or Koreans were the only people looking forward to the new season. So why aren't international fans getting anything?
I don't know what the promotion was like for the 1st season but I know I've seen subbed interviews here and there. I also don't know how far in advance promotions happen but I feel like for Bloodhounds for example, there was alot of promotion to watch until and after the show dropped (for international audiences).
A 2023 article in the International Journal of Communications noted " the availability of linguistic translation (e.g., subtitles) does not guarantee the audience’s attraction to particular transnational texts, such as K-pop and K-dramas." Though linguistic translation is a minimum requirement for transnational and transcultural media flows to reach overseas
audiences, the audiences’ valuation of the foreign content, through which its local relevance and meanings
need to be explored and added to its linguistic translation, to target a foreign market significantly adds significant costs. Costs that are unneccesary when the producers basic focus is only the local Korean market. The article noted the greatest source of translation is from actual end users and not producers.
I don't understand what this has to do with the things I mentioned. Considering both of those things having big international audiences and from big companies, they could pay the cost of doing subtitles and translations.
Especially with Weak Hero Class 2. Why isn't the any promotion for international fans? Then what was the point of Netflix swooping it up in the first place if it wasn't to make it more accessible (and somehow earn money off it)?
When Life Gives You Tangerines had content, didn't it? I'm geniunely asking because I don't know.
I believe that some promotion and entertainment content is produced for Kotean audiences. So they don't bother to translate onto other languages, and that's okay. There's plenty of promotion and entertainment content produced for English speakers, without translations into other languages, when the content is mainly for English speakers. Those producing content can decide who their target audience is. (Eventually Netflix, other platforms, and even individuals, make translations of Korean content to broaden audiences, thankfully. )
It might be a stupid question, but how does Netflix advertise dramas on it? The reason I am asking is that I never miss a new kdrama or cdrama, Netflix is showing me those first all the time. It also helps that I set up the algorithm that way, I have only those dramas on my list and I only give ratings to Asian content. All my subcategories are about Asian dramas, the only way I see others is when I scroll over top 10 lists. On a funnier note, they tried so much to make watch the tanserine show but they failed miserably because the clip that they were showing is when she was having the "i don't want an island man" in front of him while he looked like he needed some slapping from me.
I learned to maneuver the youtube algorithm by reporting the videos that I didn't want them to promote to me so now I get only what I want from it. The same way I did on Twitter, I blocked so much when I first got on it.
Grok (or I assume other AI) can translate videos and texts pretty accurately. X also translates posts very well, I usually type the drama episode and I can know in real time what happens in a episode.
Growing up in a country other than US made us learn and understand the language. Since probably I will never fully learn it, I only picked up about 10 words thus far, I have to do some work to find more about kdrama world. But is so easy now with all this technology, I would have gone crazy when it became popular afte reading some stories even here from Javabeans.
I have been watching mostly kdramas on Netflix for so many years that it only makes suggestions for korean content to me. Even when I begin a search, it immediately starts listing kdramas. I appreciate how their system seems to know my preferences so we'll. I wish Hulu and Amazon Prime could somehow figure out how to recommend new kdramas to me like Netflix does.
I don't have Hulu or Amazon so I don't know what rating system they have. I would try to place in your list and like all the kdramas or cdramas that they have. I don't know if they have a thumb down button, I would use it for the others if you do not watch them. I am assuming that they must have some sort of AI that will finally get the hint. Maybe you can write them and they will help you. They might be too agressive with pushing their agenda on you and you might not be successful. Before coming here, I would go on the dark sites just to see what is new and sometimes I still go because this site doesn't show everything that they air. Ultimately, you can go on the big channels Twitter page and they promote all the shows there or you can try korean newspapers that you can easily translate online.
I am watching Buried Hearts slowly and enjoying it despite its use of ALL THE TROPES. 🤣
Secret identity
Possible siblings
Adopted
Hospital(multiple times)
He’s not dead?!
Gold digger marriage
Enemies to lovers
White truck
I am sure I am missing some.
I waited all day today see how all the self proclaimed feminists beanies will celebrate the big win for women in the UK Supreme Court here. For the people that their algorithm have not made it inform them yet, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition for women is based on biological sex. Before I get accused again, I might inform you that Teump and MAGA did not ae anything to do with it and it is not a republican propaganda. This came from a very, very liberal country run by a very liberal government and prime minister. This is a huge win not only for women but also for free speech. The tyranny of the few to impose on the majority their way and their wishes, even if was not grounded on reality, is starting to crack. The canceling that was done in the last years and the control it over people had brought back many memories from the communist era. This was wrong and I cried yesterday with beautiful courageous women from Scotland! Well done, ladies!
Well, the "minority" has a right to EXIST too, and with DIGNITY! The day society starts working on the principle of absolute majoritarianism, it'll be hard to guess which community will be next in line to have their rights curtailed and their existence denied.
Have a good day 🙏
Of course that minority has a right to exist and with dignity. That law did not and should never do that. But their rights should not impose on our rights as women, also. And they should not define what we are and always have been. They should not distord reality to fit their agenda. Nobody denied their existance but they wanted to deny our existence. This is a win for women IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN OUR EXISTENCE AND OUR RIGHTS!
A good day to you too!
What makes Beanies cackle in delight and wail in despair at the same time?🤔
The K-drama schedule!🤣
Yup, this was me last night, visualizing the shows on my radar in a week planner format and well, I certainly will not be bored in May!😅Fortunately, Sundays are free for catching up on episodes and quiet time after weekly workdays and social Saturdays.
I just had a similar experience in March, but that felt different since my schedule was kept free to handle some unexpected work stuff and the episodes got squeezed in between work and rest. Just one more week to go and I go on (K-drama) leave!💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
Anyone watch Immortal Songs 2 - special 700 episode celebration called 7 Legends: the Next Wave? It is actually 700 and 701, featuring Korean music icons in several genres and younger musicians following their paths. It’s s a fun couple of episodes with endearing moments and great music.
![[Rate and Review] Resident Playbook](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ResidentPlaybook_reviewb.jpg)
![[Rate and Review] Crushology 101](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Crushology101_reviewb.jpg)
![[Beanie Recs] More Korea/Japan collabs, please](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BeanieRecs.jpg)
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1 welh
April 18, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Korean businesses, especially TV and film producers and broadcasters, are highly sensitive to “real” world events or news about their actors or subject matter of the work as it plays to the general audience at any given time. Yonhap News reported this week, the movie "Virus" is set for its commercial box office release. The film features a fictional contagion with a critical twist: It induces overwhelming happiness and instant love in its victims. While it might sound appealing enough for many to want the infection, the virus is ultimately fatal. The film stars Bae Doo-na, Kim Yoon-seok, and Chang Ki-ha. This film concluded its production in late 2019, shortly before the global COVID-19 pandemic began in full swing. Consequently, the film was shelved for five years.
And the timing of “Virus’” release is also bad. The prime late winter box office season (late Nov to mid-Feb) ended in lackluster fashion with big movies like HARBIN and MICKEY 17 failing to draw big crowds (or make a profit). It was also reported this week that South Korean movie theaters experienced a sharp decline in attendance and revenue in March, as the lack of a major hit resulted in a failure to draw crowds. According to the Korean Film Council, local cinemas sold 6.44 million tickets in March, down 45 percent, or 5.26 million tickets, from the previous month.
And in a strange twist, this week it was reported that MBC may purchase the rights to Disney+ produced K-drama BIG BET (Korean title Casino) which aired in 2022. However, MBC’s internal production staff has objected to the move which would adversely impact its own studio production. This move is the reverse of past practice where networks would produce and air original shows then license them to streaming platforms.
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Gikata
April 18, 2025 at 7:45 AM
There's too much post-modernist humor in this movie setup - death from happiness? Really? Unless it's brilliantly filmed, I suspect it'll flop anyway.
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Kodra aka Qanon something
April 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
I assume that in the future we will see a movie about a pandemic that will make women die the instant they become pregnant. That probably will be a big hit, specially in the 4B movement crowd. Of course I am ironic since this Virus one seems to flop, just as the one about dying after giving birth, WTSG, did.
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2 cat-cric-kat
April 18, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Weather - hot hot hot -
spring - naaaaaah - summer - yeah
Summer - can expect - awesome n beautiful - oh no no
Summer - new records - yeah - oh no no no.
Asia - expected but - Europe - seeing it too.
Rain - little drizzle. hah hah hah - too hot.
If heat - then big storms too - energy has to so at any place.
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cat-cric-kat
April 18, 2025 at 5:45 AM
warm clothes in this heat is - haha funny. I should buy new summer clothes. no fan, no ac.
I could hv handled this heat in 2019 but in 2025 - naah.
this is why u need that young powerful teenage body.
this is why my electricity costs r below even avg. usage.
Desktop eats lot of electricity n electricity not cheap.
Laptop eats 20% of desktop elec. so u save huge.
no fan, no ac, no heater - no electric cookware - low low elec. usage.
gas costs can be high but even there u save huge as u r into dairy n fruits - refrigerator not consume as much elec.
fruits cost a lot. meat is cheap but u want to go vegan.
eggs making ppl think - hilarious - seriously.
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cat-cric-kat
April 18, 2025 at 6:34 AM
politics - anything fun going on !!? naaaaaah
Chinese surely r indulged in lot of PR. neta boy bought 20months - erdo boy is playing tough too. donut is going golf. meloni trying to be the leader. boring week.
Stock mkt - big red candles - then green big candles. I was bullish - going big - i said n no no - i didn't go with d trade. 10k turned into almost 2.75 million. oh no.
this is hero or zero mode. proper gambling. i know many who made 5k-10k in d same trade n later got angry for missing this jackpot.
because of volatility 0 day n weekly expiry options even bi-weekly n monthly options did 300%-2000% moves.
this is April tariff volatility for you.
Seriously, missed good opportunities this April.
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3 RK123
April 18, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Hello!
It’s been forever and a day. Hope everyone is well.
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4 Soyesterday
April 18, 2025 at 6:27 AM
My sister and i are currently rewatching "When My Love Blooms"
Such an underrated and swoony melodrama, the four leads (young/old) are fantastic and the drama has held up so well
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5 bong-soo
April 18, 2025 at 7:19 AM
I would have put this PPl on my fan wall previously but nevertheless,
CDRAMA FANS
iQIYI currently is offering discounts (up to 40%) (through Apr. 27) on some subscriptions.
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Clios Servant
April 18, 2025 at 8:10 AM
After six months of building up a list of iQIYI cdramas to watch, I'm a new subscriber! Foot dragging for the win!
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bong-soo
April 18, 2025 at 10:48 AM
I guess back in 2022 I subscribed to iQIYI for one reason. It was the only (legal) way for me to watch Zhang Ruo Yun in his wonderful contemporary slice-of-life police drama ORDINARY GREATNESS (38 episodes). I loved it. Apparently there is talk of a ORDINARY GREATNESS SEASON 2 which I will definitely look out for.
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Clios Servant
April 18, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Oh Goody! Another one to add ...
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bong-soo
April 18, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Lol. Seriously 5 stars.
6 Gikata
April 18, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Happy Friday, Beanies! It's been a busy week for both myself and LYN, who worked his fine ass off either in recording studio or on THE TREASURED VOICE filming set, often staying there well past midnight. And to add insult to an injury, they couldn't even feed my guy properly – seeing him munching on candies and cordyceps of all things was rather painful sight. Have show's organizers never heard of, yunno, sandwiches? Stuffed buns? Takeout lunchboxes?
He also livestreamed once more, being all hyped and chatty, but not singing much – citing being tired from recording music non-stop these days, but, as usual, gave in a little. “Children of the sea” was likely chosen because it's not THAT vocally challenging for his exhausted throat. Plus he lost (as in put he forgot where) that kazoo I cannot stand, so we got some human-made whistle instead! And then he teased fans with his impression of “catcalling guys” - something tells me “handsome ge” will bitterly regret inventing this meme in the days to come...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPMVls6rUg0
And like half of Jay Chou's “Nocturne”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfw241stTvk
Bouncy Red Riding Hood in party animal mode lmao:
https://x.com/AJLYN456/status/1911447988523700528
Today is TTV6 first episode airing, yay! From now on we'll get LYN performances weekly, hope their quality will be worthy of his efforts. For starters, here's shows theme OST MV with all the huge cast involved: Huangzi Hongfan, Jike Junyi, Sitar Tan, Wang Heye, Roy Wang, Yao Xiaotang, Zhang Bichen, Jane Zhang and Ning-ge himself, ofc. Song is titled “Those who shout to the sky”, and it's not the kind I find any memorable or impressive, but it serves its purpose well, I guess:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICCMOSQgooE
Presscon cut (long one, you've been warned), including acapella snippet of “Looking for you”, being usual double trouble together with Huangzi and, of course, basin word puns))) I approve the anime look tho.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oPTMkADfws
For context of the latter:
https://x.com/fandoestrans/status/1912390862669246665
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Gikata
April 18, 2025 at 7:37 AM
First episode's song – heartbreaking ballad “Small/Laking talent (in love)” with Zhang Bichen, original by Shi Shi. I always love these 2 performing together, they're such a well-worked duo no matter what material you'll give them. Here they went hard with the feelz, didn't they? OG song is more melancholic chill, but their take is peak drama. Ning-ge even teared up, what a softie lol))) Also, so much pretty!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMFjbuFUz4c
Official solo fancam:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVSVrdjrsMg
Bonuses: more outfits from show's recodring – this one has a bit too much “fancy barista” energy for my liking, not impressed.
https://x.com/Y446834Yoshi/status/1912053407118201078
But this? This was everything and then some, whoa! Not to mention that apparently it was the look for a sexy duo stage with dancing (oh? good luck with that, handsome ge!), skinship and pretend kiss? Someone's getting bolder, I see. No complaints tho^^
https://x.com/Y446834Yoshi/status/1912827629830651986
Photos from recording studio – must be fans asking for more content doing the trick, despite all his grumbling that there is nothing else to show atm.
https://x.com/LiuYuningBrasil/status/1911988894096048370
More from today's stage – very preppy, ha)))
https://x.com/lifes_done/status/1913129150694735878
And a short video of manbun look, because photos alone don't even come close to properly displaying its merits. Can we have this hair in costume drama someday, pretty please?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDUaX8LaYVs
Upd.: THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY got license! I'll throw a proper party over the matter tomorrow, along with rumors of possible air date, but just so you'd know right away!
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Gikata
April 18, 2025 at 7:38 AM
@kiara, @jillian, @zindigo, @isagc, @wonhwa, @seeker, @mochakat9, @wishfultoki, @cliosservant1846
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Clios Servant
April 18, 2025 at 8:34 AM
This was a really good Friday post, @gikata. Thank you.
May I ask, what is the setup of this television show, and how do they select performers?
That duet with Zhang Bichen was lovely, what a fine songstress. She's got an "everywoman" look to her, somewhat of a Liu Yi Fei doppelganger, very comely. Also, that's a good dress. Worth watching and rewatching!
The man bun thing, hooo boy. Yummy.
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Gikata
April 18, 2025 at 9:34 AM
I'm still waiting for more translation bits from today's episode - previous seasons weren't subbed, so this one likely won't be either((( - but general idea seems to be pairing cast members (permanent lineup, tho maybe one-time guests will happen too. our boy is a regular) in duos randomly (?) and then their performance is discussed/judged. I think newly formed team decides on the song/arrangement themselves - Yuning mentioned having to take other party's preferences into consideration
and struggling at it since all his partners so far were ladies with drastically different pitch/style, heh- but they're probably given a list to choose from. I watched maybe half of episode one live and it looked much better than that early season performance of TJC I shared before - must've been an increased budget/upgraded tech team.ZBC is Yuning's great friend, they always team up whenever being on the same show, often at galas, sang a few OSTs together etc. He guested on her concert few months ago, remember? And promised to invite her for his own too - once it FINALLY happens lol. Agree, her stylist is worth all their money - literally never seen the girl dressed less than very good.
Man bun caused a big stir - I saw it called "manga mafioso" look, quite a description, right? Outfits may be hit or miss, but that new guy doing his hair lately has my eternal approval!
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Clios Servant
April 18, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Man bun look is elevated styling. Digging it, especially with that outfit.
Gikata
April 18, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Upd.: continued from where I stopped with the episode, and there's also a competition element: first between 2 teams (in order of performing? as in Team 1 vs Team 2, Team 3 vs Team 4 etc), then among them one team is chosen as the best in entire episode. Yuning and Bichen were ultimate winners today^^
Plus some solo performances - guests, I think. Don't think they are competing too - maybe producers are just testing people for next season's lineup?
Nessa🌹
April 18, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Pssst!! Season 4– a.k.a. Last season— has been subbed 😉
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLALWcC0VwjI4BJv9ImG7Bk-ISLVNoi37e&si=qIPzSLgWnIenjp-3
Nessa🌹
April 18, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The setup of the show is basically:
You have a set line-up of resident singers for the season, and then rotating guest singers. The resident singers pick and choose who they want to work with and collab for the week from the line-up of rotating guests and they choose a song to re-work and sing a cover of. The song can be either of theirs or from someone who’s completely out of left field and not related to the show, but they do it simply because one or both of the participating singers wanna try out the song (for whatever reason). After each performance, said performance is critiqued by the resident judges whom are
snooty and uptightindustry “experts” from different perspectives (agency directors/CEOs, music producers/composers, singer-songwriters, etc.).Similar, but different, from Our Songs (which I prefer, but I’m biased lol), but only when Our Songs doesn’t randomly decide to change up the rules 😮💨😒
Hope that helps!
Gikata
April 19, 2025 at 4:20 AM
@nessa right, you said you watched it before! We're currently at Season6, not 5 tho, but if at least one of them was subbed, then there is hope still, thank you for a good news)))
So far judges haven't been very harsh - maybe because it was first episode?^^
Nessa🌹
April 19, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Oh wow, Season 6 already! In that case, seeing how things are, then that means Season 5 is probably currently being subbed as Season 6 is airing.
Yea, it might be because it’s still in the early days of the season. Or maybe it’s because the judges have received enough heat in previous seasons so they now know to tone it down lest they lose viewers and ratings
🌸 Seeker 🌸
April 27, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Thank you Gikata. Your great descriptions make the pictures and videos so much more fun. 😍
I definitely couldn't have described that outfit but "fancy barista" seems legit. 🤦♀️
But all is forgiven with that "manga mafioso" look which you are right deserves to be seen in motion. 👏👏👏
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Gikata
April 28, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Fancy barista look was TOTALLY inspired by these handsome waiters from cosplay cafes in manga/anime and probably real life too, it's both formal enough to serve the
kinkvibe and yet somewhat understated with a little twist (neck scarf). If he added non-tanned shades to it (the more classical, the better), then it would've been even more in your face...I'm afraid we need to wait ~2 more weeks for manga mafioso stage, but I already know it will be FIRE!
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7 Britney
April 18, 2025 at 8:39 AM
I just learned that in When Life Gives You Tangerines, when the son says "falling in love is not a crime/not wrong!" he was quoting World of the Married to the actor who said that line haha
Ahh, things are so much cooler when you know context or references
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8 Britney
April 18, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Once upon a time, a Korean singer came to the US and there really wasn't any promotion or information given about the event. The one time the promoters did give something, it was targeted specifically to Korean Americans/korean speaking people. It was said Americans/english speakers were welcomed to come and fans said they were going regardless because when else would they have such a chance. I asked would there be translators and I was criticized for this and called an entitled American. (FYI: there was a translator but they were bad; not professional, and then gave up)
The reason I mention this is because that "entitled American" line has always stayed with (and bothered) me. Fast forward from then to now, and once again that phrase came to mind when I think of certain kpop/kdrama promotions.
For a kpop group, when they were releasing their 1st mini album, there were a couple of youtube shorts (I don't know if it was other platforms too) that were BTS interviews from some people who know the artists as well as the artists themselves. Those shorts were never subbed. I thought maybe it would be a part of a larger video and that wasn't the case either. My first thought was "why wouldn't they sub the video for international fans?" and then I thought "am I being entitled by expecting them to give subs for an interview like this?"
Next, Weak Hero Class 2 is premiering next week and I've seen 0 promotion (aside from the teaser & trailer) or interviews for it. I happened to see that there were some Netflix interviews/content done but it was for Netflix Korea. Again, I wonder why. It's not like WHC1 was only successful in Korea or Koreans were the only people looking forward to the new season. So why aren't international fans getting anything?
I don't know what the promotion was like for the 1st season but I know I've seen subbed interviews here and there. I also don't know how far in advance promotions happen but I feel like for Bloodhounds for example, there was alot of promotion to watch until and after the show dropped (for international audiences).
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welh
April 18, 2025 at 9:21 AM
A 2023 article in the International Journal of Communications noted " the availability of linguistic translation (e.g., subtitles) does not guarantee the audience’s attraction to particular transnational texts, such as K-pop and K-dramas." Though linguistic translation is a minimum requirement for transnational and transcultural media flows to reach overseas
audiences, the audiences’ valuation of the foreign content, through which its local relevance and meanings
need to be explored and added to its linguistic translation, to target a foreign market significantly adds significant costs. Costs that are unneccesary when the producers basic focus is only the local Korean market. The article noted the greatest source of translation is from actual end users and not producers.
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Britney
April 18, 2025 at 12:40 PM
I don't understand what this has to do with the things I mentioned. Considering both of those things having big international audiences and from big companies, they could pay the cost of doing subtitles and translations.
Especially with Weak Hero Class 2. Why isn't the any promotion for international fans? Then what was the point of Netflix swooping it up in the first place if it wasn't to make it more accessible (and somehow earn money off it)?
When Life Gives You Tangerines had content, didn't it? I'm geniunely asking because I don't know.
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Becky
April 18, 2025 at 3:15 PM
I believe that some promotion and entertainment content is produced for Kotean audiences. So they don't bother to translate onto other languages, and that's okay. There's plenty of promotion and entertainment content produced for English speakers, without translations into other languages, when the content is mainly for English speakers. Those producing content can decide who their target audience is. (Eventually Netflix, other platforms, and even individuals, make translations of Korean content to broaden audiences, thankfully. )
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Kodra aka Qanon something
April 18, 2025 at 4:28 PM
It might be a stupid question, but how does Netflix advertise dramas on it? The reason I am asking is that I never miss a new kdrama or cdrama, Netflix is showing me those first all the time. It also helps that I set up the algorithm that way, I have only those dramas on my list and I only give ratings to Asian content. All my subcategories are about Asian dramas, the only way I see others is when I scroll over top 10 lists. On a funnier note, they tried so much to make watch the tanserine show but they failed miserably because the clip that they were showing is when she was having the "i don't want an island man" in front of him while he looked like he needed some slapping from me.
I learned to maneuver the youtube algorithm by reporting the videos that I didn't want them to promote to me so now I get only what I want from it. The same way I did on Twitter, I blocked so much when I first got on it.
Grok (or I assume other AI) can translate videos and texts pretty accurately. X also translates posts very well, I usually type the drama episode and I can know in real time what happens in a episode.
Growing up in a country other than US made us learn and understand the language. Since probably I will never fully learn it, I only picked up about 10 words thus far, I have to do some work to find more about kdrama world. But is so easy now with all this technology, I would have gone crazy when it became popular afte reading some stories even here from Javabeans.
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Becky
April 18, 2025 at 6:35 PM
I have been watching mostly kdramas on Netflix for so many years that it only makes suggestions for korean content to me. Even when I begin a search, it immediately starts listing kdramas. I appreciate how their system seems to know my preferences so we'll. I wish Hulu and Amazon Prime could somehow figure out how to recommend new kdramas to me like Netflix does.
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Becky
April 18, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Obviously "well" not "we'll".
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Kodra aka Qanon something
April 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
I don't have Hulu or Amazon so I don't know what rating system they have. I would try to place in your list and like all the kdramas or cdramas that they have. I don't know if they have a thumb down button, I would use it for the others if you do not watch them. I am assuming that they must have some sort of AI that will finally get the hint. Maybe you can write them and they will help you. They might be too agressive with pushing their agenda on you and you might not be successful. Before coming here, I would go on the dark sites just to see what is new and sometimes I still go because this site doesn't show everything that they air. Ultimately, you can go on the big channels Twitter page and they promote all the shows there or you can try korean newspapers that you can easily translate online.
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9 Gramaryie
April 18, 2025 at 11:19 AM
I am watching Buried Hearts slowly and enjoying it despite its use of ALL THE TROPES. 🤣
Secret identity
Possible siblings
Adopted
Hospital(multiple times)
He’s not dead?!
Gold digger marriage
Enemies to lovers
White truck
I am sure I am missing some.
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Gramaryie
April 18, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Oh yeah: amnesia!!
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10 mmmmm
April 18, 2025 at 11:39 AM
I’m so glad there are 2 dramas I’m now looking forward to each week: Resident Playbook and The Haunted House!
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11 Kodra aka Qanon something
April 18, 2025 at 5:10 PM
I waited all day today see how all the self proclaimed feminists beanies will celebrate the big win for women in the UK Supreme Court here. For the people that their algorithm have not made it inform them yet, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition for women is based on biological sex. Before I get accused again, I might inform you that Teump and MAGA did not ae anything to do with it and it is not a republican propaganda. This came from a very, very liberal country run by a very liberal government and prime minister. This is a huge win not only for women but also for free speech. The tyranny of the few to impose on the majority their way and their wishes, even if was not grounded on reality, is starting to crack. The canceling that was done in the last years and the control it over people had brought back many memories from the communist era. This was wrong and I cried yesterday with beautiful courageous women from Scotland! Well done, ladies!
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Becky
April 18, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Very well done, indeed.
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Anne18
April 19, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Well, the "minority" has a right to EXIST too, and with DIGNITY! The day society starts working on the principle of absolute majoritarianism, it'll be hard to guess which community will be next in line to have their rights curtailed and their existence denied.
Have a good day 🙏
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Kodra aka Qanon something
April 19, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Of course that minority has a right to exist and with dignity. That law did not and should never do that. But their rights should not impose on our rights as women, also. And they should not define what we are and always have been. They should not distord reality to fit their agenda. Nobody denied their existance but they wanted to deny our existence. This is a win for women IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN OUR EXISTENCE AND OUR RIGHTS!
A good day to you too!
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12 TurtuallySarcastic
April 19, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Happy weekend Beanies and keep Beaning On!
What makes Beanies cackle in delight and wail in despair at the same time?🤔
The K-drama schedule!🤣
Yup, this was me last night, visualizing the shows on my radar in a week planner format and well, I certainly will not be bored in May!😅Fortunately, Sundays are free for catching up on episodes and quiet time after weekly workdays and social Saturdays.
I just had a similar experience in March, but that felt different since my schedule was kept free to handle some unexpected work stuff and the episodes got squeezed in between work and rest. Just one more week to go and I go on (K-drama) leave!💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
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13 owl 🦉 🫰
April 19, 2025 at 9:25 AM
I watched ep 1 Try? Choo-Ry on Netflix, a K-talkshow and first guest is Kim Jae-Joong's birthday celebration. Kinda fun. Anyone else watching?
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14 owl 🦉 🫰
April 19, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Anyone watch Immortal Songs 2 - special 700 episode celebration called 7 Legends: the Next Wave? It is actually 700 and 701, featuring Korean music icons in several genres and younger musicians following their paths. It’s s a fun couple of episodes with endearing moments and great music.
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welh
April 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
I have watched only part 1. It was good.
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owl 🦉 🫰
April 22, 2025 at 1:31 PM
I like the generational interaction and mutual acknowledgement
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