#Castaway Diva Season 2

[animeupdates247]

Castaway Diva: Exploring the Heartwarming Conclusion and Season 2 Possibility

Castaway Diva, the heartwarming K-drama that captured audiences with its inspiring tale, recently concluded its first season on Netflix, leaving fans with a sense of fulfillment and optimism. The romantic comedy, featuring Park Eun-bin as Seo Mok-ha and Chae Jong-hyeop as Kang Bo-geol, delivered a finale that tied up loose ends and showcased the characters' growth and success.

In the concluding episode, viewers witnessed the resolution of Sang-doo's health concerns and the reconciliation between Bo-geol and Woo-hak, who regained their jobs and adopted their adoptive father's surname. The narrative beautifully unfolded, portraying Mok-ha's dedication to her singing career and the eventual realization of her dream of becoming a successful singer.

The drama concluded with a heartwarming family breakfast scene, highlighting the improved lives of all characters. The positive and conclusive ending left fans wondering about the possibility of a second season.

Castaway Diva Season 2 Renewal Speculation:

Despite the optimistic conclusion, there is no official confirmation from tvN regarding the renewal of Castaway Diva for a second season. The first season's success, however, has sparked interest among fans, leading to speculation about a potential continuation of Mok-ha's journey.

The show's popularity on Netflix and its global impact, reaching the top ten most-watched shows, raises hopes for a renewal. The increasing viewership in Seoul, with a significant jump in the number of watchers after the second season, adds to the anticipation.

The Potential Storyline for Castaway Diva Season 2:

If Castaway Diva returns for a second season, fans can expect a continuation of Mok-ha's journey in the spotlight. The show may delve deeper into the challenges Bo-geol's family faces, especially with the looming threats from Jung Bong-wan.

The relationship dynamics between Mok-ha and Kang Woo-hak may take center stage, exploring the consequences of Mok-ha's decision to break her promise to Ran-joo. Additionally, Ran-joo's past may be further explored, unraveling her connection with Bo-geol's family and introducing new plot twists.

Bong Wan's vendetta against the family may intensify, creating more suspense and drama. As Mok-ha achieves stardom, the show might explore her struggle to balance fame with a desire for a quiet life away from the spotlight.

Cast and Release Date Expectations:

While the main cast, including Park Eun-bin, Chae Jong-hyeop, Kim Hyo-jin, and Cha Hak-yeon, delivered stellar performances in the first season, the return of Castaway Diva Season 2 remains uncertain. Park Eun-bin's confirmation as Seo Mok-ha will be crucial for the show's continuity.

As of now, TVN has not officially announced the second season, and the release date remains unknown. If the show gets renewed, fans may have to wait for several months for an official statement and subsequent filming.

In conclusion, Castaway Diva's first season provided a satisfying ending, but the possibility of a second season is still up in the air. The global success of the show and its compelling storyline create hope for a continuation, offering fans the chance to dive deeper into the enchanting world of Mok-ha and her journey to stardom.

[dangermousie]

2023 End of Year Post - kdrama edition

Yes, we have a some of December left, and I want to check out Death's Game but whatever. I got time for this now and not sure if I will have later so here goes.

This is only going to cover kdramas that aired in 2023; if I watched it but it was made in a different year, it’s not on the list. This was an excellent kdrama year, the likes of which we hadn't had in a long time.

DRAMAS WATCHED

In order of liking from least to most as opposed to pure quality so pls don't come for me, fans of some popular dramas that are on my nope list. Also, I am including if I’ve seen enough to make up my mind; yes I realize that’s inaccurate, but that’s my list.

33. The Escape of the Seven - this is so aggressively stupid and mean that it feels like the makers are playing a practical joke seeing how much their audience will take. This has a season 2 coming, so the answer is a lot.

32. Behind Your Touch - the FL gets superpowers by touching people's and animals' butts. Yes, you read this right. Do I really need to add anything?

31. King the Land - yes, it was a hit. Yes, it stars popular actors. I HATED IT LIKE IT TOUCHED MY BUTT TO GET SUPERPOWERS!!! Plastic people in paint by the numbers story, with about as much genuineness or retability as a barbie aisle in walmart. I never expect much from Yoona so whatever, but to have LJH go from The Red Sleeve to this boggles the mind.

30. Mrs Durian - this is so dumb that I think I lost a few IQ points watching this, but its insanity becomes entertaining - I mean what kdrama can you name where a daughter in law declares her love and lust for her mother in law at a family dinner?

29. The Matchmakers - there is nothing offensive about this drama at all. But there is nothing in the least interesting either. If elevator music took drama shape, it would be this show.

28. Destined with You - sorry, Rowoon, I am still fond of you, but you are two for two in drama duds department this year. This is a drama where I loved ep 1, liked ep 2, was indifferent to 3 and...you get the point. Each ep was worse than the one before, and I bailed before I was dragged into a cosmic singularity.

27. Oasis - great first two episodes. Unfortunately it was not a two ep show. The performances are solid but the story is just not there - the effect is like a fancy chef making an amazing sauce to put on pig slop.

26. Boyhood - it's not you, it's me in action. I can see why people would like it but a 34-year old playing a high schooler in a Weak Hero Class 1 Slapstick Edition is no go for me.

25. Castaway Diva - it's so precious and kooky in the most annoying ways, with the most well-adjusted abused castaway in history. I like magic realism when done by Jorge Amado, but this ain't Amado.

24. Island - it had a good concept, good cast and fun visuals but the execution deserved one of ML's swords through the neck.

23. The Worst of Evil - if I wanted an American show, I'd watch one. Very solid performances though.

22. Song of the Bandits - period edition of what I said about The Worst of Evil.

21. Welcome to Samdalri - and goodbye to any hope of emotional involvement.

20. Joseon Attorney - I have yet to like a single sageuk centered around a profession and this was not an exception. I guess it could be worse but it also could have been so much better.

19. Twinkling Watermelon - everyone loved this drama. Everyone except for me. It's the kind of precious that sets my teeth on edge and I couldn't stand half the main characters we were supposed to root for. I guess I like my fruits to shine steadily.

18. Our Blooming Youth - probably the biggest disappointment on this list. This is not a bad drama by any means, but with that cast and that story (I loved the novel), I was hoping for a memorable sageuk not merely all right.

17. Vigilante - it has the emotional complexity and nuance of a punch to the throat but it gives us quasi-gay openly-murderous dudes going after psychos and Yoo Ji Tae holding feral Nam Joo Hyuk by his hoodie at his feet.

16. The Forbidden Marriage - expected nothing but it was a surprisingly enjoyable trifle of a costume drama that was also quite pretty.

15. Arthdal Chronicles: Sword of Aramun - a hot mess but such an entertaining epic one. And it gave us TWO Lee Jun Kis in period gear and who am I to cavil at the bounty of God?

14. The Story of Park's Marriage - it's a trifle, a souffle, so light it might blow away, but it keeps my attention and is so fun and sweet.

13. My Lovely Liar - a huge surprise, that manages to mix a murder mystery and a romcom, and shocked me by showing Hwang Minhyun can act.

12. Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 - the original ToNT was my fave drama of its year and I did not think it needed a sequel. But this is not a sequel but more of a side-quel and is such a total delight with brotherly love, adventures, romance and hijinks. It's a joy.

11. Perfect Marriage Revenge - it's actually very hard to do a soap right but this slim 12 ep drama managed. So fun, so crazy, such a good ship!

10. My Lovely Boxer - not really about sports, but about two broken people finding salvation because of and in each other. Also, if you like age gap romances, this is delicious. Sort of loses steam by the end but c’est la vie.

9. The Secret Romantic Guesthouse - this was a sageuk that was not on my radar with a bunch of actors I was not familiar with but it took my heart away. A good plot that was perfectly paced, characters and ships I adored, a logical ending. This is one of the biggest positive surprises of the year for me.

8. Tell Me That You Love Me - a slice of life remake (sort of, it's more "inspired by") of my favorite jdrama of all time. It's not as good as the jdrama because nothing could be, but it's an aching lovely story with some incredible performances.

7. See You In My 19th Life - funny and romantic and haunting and hopeful and odd. This was one of my favorites of the year.

6. Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow - it's rare for me to like a (1) sequel (2) with FL actress change (3) that is a Hong Sisters drama. But this was such a gorgeous, surprisingly achy story of love and loss and love regained with some cool monster fighting in the middle. Between the two seasons, this is the first Hong Sisters' drama I enjoyed from beginning to end in well over a decade.

5. My Demon - so tropey (chaebols, supernaturals) but it proves that these tropes are popular for a reason. The chemistry is fire, the story is unpredictable and the whole thing is an addictive delight. A rare drama where I like each new ep more than the last one.

4. Goryeo Khitan War - an old school sageuk in every meaning of the term (no romance, no eye candy, lots of bearded men, battles and politics), this feels like watching an epic movie more than a drama. The vast cast all earns their place and the performances (mainly from character actors given a chance to shine) are incredible.

3. Call It Love - two very very damaged people finding love and healing with each other. This is a narrative very hard to do to my satisfaction but when it's done well, as here, there are few things that can hold a candle to it.

2. My Dearest - a masterpiece of cinematography, narrative, performances. This is an old-school epic romance in the best sense of the term. If it doesn't make you swoon or break your heart, there is something wrong with you. A story of two untraditional, strong-willed, flawed people who fall in love in the middle of the horrifying Qing invasion of Korea and have to deal with all that the world throws at them, this is a bona fide masterpiece.

1 - Moon in the Day - who knew my favorite kdrama of the year will star a store brand Domyoji from Extraordinary You and an actress I was never familiar with. But this part period/part modern fantasy tale of doomed cursed lovers is everything I knew I wanted and everything I didn't know I wanted but did. Two lovers where their love did not save them and in modern day it might not again, has got me obsessed the way I haven't been in years.

FAVORITE DRAMA

Moon in the Day - if there is such a thing as a drama made perfectly for me, this gorgeous, emotionally haunting, utterly romantic, twisty tale is it.

WORST DRAMA

The Escape of the Seven. This drama is proof that demons exist and not sexy ones like Song Kang but horrible nasty ones who delight in the torment this hot mess inflicted on its viewers.

FAVORITE MALE CHARACTER

Do Ha, Moon in the Day - a Silla general and a consummate killer who committed atrocities on the orders of his monster father and yearned to die for them, who found the meaning in life in loving his enemy but it did not make him better, a man so obsessed he literally was around for 1500 years of horrifying ghostly existence and still went "worth it" for a woman who killed him as long as he knew she loved him while she did it. He's intense and competent and beyond fucked up and has never had a normal day and I love him so so so very much from a safe distance.

FAVORITE FEMALE CHARACTER

Gil Chae, My Dearest - she starts out as vain and spoiled but the horrors that break so many others bring out all her fierce survivor potential and she becomes such a force of nature - capable of incredible love but also sacrifice and strength and compassion.

Runner Up: Shin Hye Sun's reincarnator in See You In My 19th Life - quirky, damaged, strong, so odd and so vulnerable at once.

NEEDS TO BE MURDERED

There are a lot of characters who fit that category (King Injo in My Dearest? My God) but the crown belongs to So Ri Bu from Moon in the Day. You think you've seen abusive parents but until you've seen a man abuse his son his whole life and then continue for 1500 years after his death, you ain't seen nothing!

FAVORITE SHIP

The doomed by the narrative OTP of Moon in The Day. Only thing that's better than enemies to lovers is enemies while lovers and their impossible relationship where her killing him is a supreme act of love and his refusing to let go is so strong that he stays around for 1500 years watching her, helpless as she dies over and over again, is everything you ever want.

Runner up: Jang Hyun/Gil Chae, My Dearest. They are so strong and so damaged and it takes them so long to figure out what they feel and what the other person feels but their love and sacrifice and complexities are perfect.

FAVORITE SECONDARY OTP

Kim Shi Yeol/Hong Joo, The Secret Romantic Guesthouse - an assassin bodyguard pretending to be a carefree scholar and a widow of the man he killed to protect his king (and whose life was destroyed as a result.) I enjoyed the main OTP of this drama but I was utterly and completely unhinged for the secondary couple.

I'd have probably picked Rang and his mermaid from TotNT 1938 even over them, but they really were the main OTP of that drama.

NOTP

King the Land couple seems like an easy target but honestly, they are both so terribly bland and antiseptic and marketing by committee, they kinda deserve each other. So I am gonna go with Destined with You, one half of which thinks supernaturally roofying someone into loving them is cute and the other half thinks dating one woman while wooing another is totally a-ok. Ugh.

FAVORITE SCENE

There is no competition for the scene in the slave market in My Dearest, where Jang Hyun finds Gil Chae - the way he screams and tries to clutch the hem of her skirt will live in my head forever.

And the scene where he 'wins' that horrifying bet, or the scene where she finds him in a pile of bodies - they are as good also. Or when he fights off a squad to protect her even though he's sick. That whole drama is perfect.

Runner up: the scene of Do Ha executing Ri Ta's family, covered in blood, as she looks at him from the crowd in Moon in the Day.

Or the scene where he talks about how he cannot live as a person but at least maybe she will kill him and he will die as one. Or when her confession in the past intercuts with his walking in the present, or when he comes home in his bloodied armor and she finds he has a fever and it's the first tender touch he's probably ever known. Her murdering So Ri Bu saying she knows she's going against filial piety in loving her parents' murderer, the way they hug, both bloody, as he says "let's live." The way she says she can't go on as she's hit rock bottom and he replies she cannot quit because she must accompany him to his rock bottom now. Honestly, the drama is a font of amazingness.

Also, the opening scene of Goryeo Khitan War or the scene of Yang Gyu ordering to shoot the captives and having to do so himself.

The OTP meeting again at the intersection at the end of ep 1 of Tell Me That You Love Me. SHS comforting ABH as he's having a traumatic breakdown in 19th Life. The love-making scene in Call It Love. There were a lot of great scenes this year.

BIGGEST CRUSH

Lee Jang Hyun, My Dearest - is that even a competition? He's flawed - vain, often emotionally closed off, not great at processing emotions, lashing out when hurt. He is also incredibly heroic in a real, knows the cost but bears it, kind of way. Whatever he does, he commits utterly but it's never without understanding the cost. He felt both larger than life and utterly real. He went through hell and maintained his soul and the way he loved Gil Chae was breath-taking to behold.

Runner Up: Yang Gyu, Goryeo Khitan War - an experienced military commander who wins an impossible victory even as it ravages his soul. Competence is sexy as fuck.

BEST SCENE STEALER CHARACTER

Rang, Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 - 1938 really was Rang's chance to shine and he took it. For a character I started out disliking in the original, he really stole my entire heart in this drama. I am so glad he got his happy ending with his brother and his girl.

Runner Up: Crown Prince, My Dearest. He started out as a sheltered, spoiled aristocrat, convinced the world owed him for existing. He grew up slowly and painfully into an amazing man. And then was murdered for it and I cried.

NEEDS A SEQUEL

Arthdal - it leaves the story at a good stopping point but it's very much a "world in flux, adventures and conflicts continue" ending and I would love to see more of these characters. I know we won't but it would have been nice.

NEEDS SCISSORS TAKEN TO IT

Behind Your Touch - should have been snipped at birth.

TOO MANY SCISSORS TAKEN TO IT

Vigilante - I don't mean it had scissors taken to it because it's not cdrama and there is no NRTA, but this drama would have benefitted from being longer. I mean, I love fights and gay polycules as much as the next tumblr person but a bit more character development would not have come amiss. (ahaha - I said come. Leave me alone.)

TROPE THAT NEEDS TO DIE

I don't care about cops/doctors/trash collectors/whoever - workplace drama centering on their "cases" needs to die. I hate procedurals from any country and Korea is no exception.

FAVORITE TROPE WE’VE SEEN A LOT OF

Supernatural critter devoted to their OTP with all the power of their long life.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Our Blooming Youth - it was far from terrible but it was a giant meh. I was so excited to see Park Hyung Sik in a sageuk (that wasn't the hot mess that was Hwarang) and I adored the source novel. It actually started well and then...it's like Revenge of the Beige!

BIGGEST GOOD SURPRISE

I want to say Moon in the Day but to be honest, I was excited by posters and trailers so it wasn't wholly a surprise despite not having much of an opinion on the actors before I saw them. So I am going to say My Demon. I was bored by the trailers, I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a Kim Yoo Jung drama and before this year I would have said Song Kang was an incredibly limited actor in everything I've seen him in and not appealing to me at all. And here I am rabidly rabiding for this drama!

If I am not limiting myself to dramas but can use this for actors - Hwang Minhyun in My Lovely Liar. I genuinely did not think the man could act and then he gave such a pitch-perfect, nuanced performance out of nowhere!

2023 DRAMAS I HAVEN’T SEEN THAT I MOST WANT TO WATCH

I have actually watched all the kdramas that aired this year that I wanted to check out except for Evilive. I am saving this for when I have time.

BEST NON-2023 DRAMA I’VE WATCHED IN 2023

I don't know if I'd say it's the best but Say You Love Me (2004) with Kim Rae Won as a quasi monk seduced away from his true love by an evil older woman was a hell of a ride.

MOST ANTICIPATED

Love Song for Illusion (Lady assassin falls for her royal target who has two personalities), Captivating the King (lady spy falls for her royal target who is tormented) - notice a theme? Also Flower that Blooms at Night because Honey Lee in a sageuk, The Life of Mrs Ock (Lim Ji Yeon in a sageuk), The Love Story of Chun Hwa (an "erotic" sageuk, hmmmm, what?!), Hong Rang (Lee Jae Wook in a super angst sageuk), Queen Woo (that cast and set in Goguryeo!), Wong Kyung (about Lee Bang Won's wife and I love the cast.) Basically, if it's period, I am there with bells on.

[k-nonsense]

My updated rankings/reviews of all the k dramas I have seen so far (up to 56 now). I would recommend any show I gave a C grade or higher, which is most of them. I bolded recently added shows.

1. Hometown Cha Cha Cha: An absolute masterpiece. It’s a heartwarming fish out of water story about a big city girl who finds herself in the quirkiest little seaside town. I wanted to stay in Gongjin forever. Grade: A+(Netflix)

2. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (S1): Delightful! Never have I ever rooted for a lead harder. She is the most endearing lead you will ever find. And the male lead is so so swoony. Grade: A+(Netflix)

3. Alchemy of Souls: The wildest of rides and the perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, mystery, comedy, and romance. The characters are just so lovable, you’ll never want it to end. Season 2 just as good as Season 1. Grade: A+ (Netflix)

4. Lovely Runner: the most beautiful love story ever told. ImSol and Sunjae forever! In every timeline! My only wish is that the drama would never end. Grade A (Viki)

5. My Demon: This show had me utterly enthralled, it was so mysterious and suspenseful and yet incredibly goofy and romantic. My new favorite main couple in all KDrama land. Yes it wasn’t perfect but I enjoyed it so much, it really encapsulated everything I love in a tv show. Grade: A (Netflix)

6. Love To Hate You: New fastest binge of my life. 10 episodes and I didn’t fast forward at all. There were no bad/slow parts. Also the funniest KDrama I’ve ever seen. Just watch it. You won’t regret it. Grade A+ (Netflix).

7. Business Proposal: It’s got every trope you can think of and it does them all to perfection. Plus it’s hilarious. Grade: A (Netflix)

8. Healer: This super romantic action mystery drama will keep you on the edge of your seat. Ji Chang Wook is equal parts sexy and adorable which is a seriously winning combination. Grade A (Viki). One caveat: I was very disappointed by a certain wardrobe decision in episode 3.

9.Her Private Life: Super funny and charming. The romantic leads have incredible chemistry. The premise is so good! Might be the one of the most rewatchable kdramas. Grade: A (Netflix)

10. Castaway Diva: Just utterly heartwarming. An instant classic. Ultimate underdog, redemption, story that teaches us what real love and family is. Also Ki-Ho is the new standard by which all men will be judged. Grade: A (Netflix)

11. Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung: Great strong female lead. Very good messages. Couldn’t stop watching. The most adorable prince I’ve ever seen 💜Cha Eunwoo💜 Grade: A (Netflix)

12. Bad Prosecutor: Absolutely thrilling and hilarious. It’s like a heist, detective, lawyer, action comedy that will keep you wondering who is outsmarting who? Super shocking plot twists. Amazing OST. Stuck the landing with a truly satisfying finale. Grade A (Viki)

13. Sh**ting Stars: Probable the biggest turnaround of any show I’ve seen (The “Africa” part was so problematic). However it turned out to be one of the funniest and swooniest KDramas out there. There are 5 couples and you will cheer for all of them. Grade: A- (Viki)

14. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon: The main couple is absolutely everything! Just fast forward through pretty much every side plot (they are not important) and you’ll love it. Grade: A- (Viki)

15. So I Married the Anti-Fan: It’s campy, fluffy, goodness, with a fierce female lead and a K-pop star enemy/love interest. 2nd fastest binge of my life. Grade: A- (Viki)

16. 100 Days My Prince: An absolute classic period drama romcom. Who knew D.O. could kiss like that? Such a great strong female lead. I LOVE a show with adorable, quirky, townspeople. Grade: A- (Netflix)

17. Romance is a Bonus Book: Might be the most romantic K-Drama I’ve ever seen. Nothing about the trailer or setup intrigued me but I’m so glad I watched it anyway. It was a truly beautiful love story. Grade: A- (Netflix)

18. Because This Is My First Life: This drama really does everything right for me… A slow burn romance built on mutual love and respect. Supporting characters who I genuinely cared about and had incredible side stories of their own. A critique of the patriarchy. Women supporting women. An adorable cat. Maybe a bit melodramatic at times but not too much. Grade A- (Netflix)

19. Start-Up: Exceptional acting, compelling storylines, intriguing plot twists, great cinematography, intense love triangle. It’s just all around high quality. Grade: A- (Netflix)

20. Run On: Cute, fun, silly and pretty light. I especially loved the supporting cast. Strange storyline but it was a fun easy ride. Grade: A- (Netflix)

21. Forbidden Marriage: This is a weird show, but weird in the best way. It’s like a comedy, horror, romance, fictional-historical. I don’t know how to describe it but it’s really fun. B+(Viki)

22. Soundtrack #1: Short and beautiful. I just loved it. No one does heart eyes better than Park Hyung-Sik. Grade: B+(Disney+)

23. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo: A bad-ass yet vulnerable female lead. The main couple just had a lot of fun together. Refreshing. Grade: B+ (Viki)

24. Doctor Slump: This show was a really nice journey of both mental health and romance. Grade: B+ (Netflix)

25. Welcome to Samdalri: Very heartwarming and beautiful story about love, family, friendship, and going home. It has quirky townspeople and Ji Chang Wook 😍 what’s not to love? Grade: B+ (Netflix)

26. My Lovely Liar: Creative and engaging premise, intriguing mystery, and a swoon worthy romance. A very fun viewing experience. Grade: B+ (Viki)

27. King the Land: This drama pretty much has no stakes or conflict and the main couple has THE MOST chemistry I have ever seen in my entire life. So if you just want to turn your brain off and be happy, this is the drama for you. I absolutely loved it. Grade: B+ (Netflix)

28.Law Cafe: This drama has so much to love, a strong/fierce/brilliant and morally righteous female lead, lovable side characters, steamy romance. But what I loved most was how the show spotlighted important issues like consent and abuse in nuanced and progressive ways. Yes it’s a fun rom-com but it felt like the beginning of a new chapter of more egalitarian storytelling which made me really excited for the future of k-dramas. Grade: B+ (Viki)

29. Not Others: A lovely Gilmore Girls type show about the relationship between an immature mother and her very mature adult daughter. It was a pleasure seeing them grow in their relationships with each other, others, and themselves. I want more! Grade B+ (Viki)

30. Cheer Up: Sports, comedy, romance, mystery, suspense, coming of age, this show had everything. The female lead was the lovable, feisty, driven, and brave. The male lead was adorkable, considerate, and sweet. It’s all very enjoyable and wholesome. Grade: B+ (Viki)

31. I Am Not A Robot: Zany premise but it was surprisingly pretty grounded for how crazy the set up was. It’s funny, emotional, good story telling. Great character development. Grade: B+ (Viki)

32. The Atypical Family: A really good healing family drama. I was a bit bored at times but it was overall very good. I liked all the mysteries a lot. Grade: B+ (Netflix)

33. See You in My 19th Life: The shared experience of watching this mystical mystery drama week to week made it a really enjoyable watch. Not sure if it was totally satisfying, or that any of the couples’ chemistry felt authentic, but it was a very interesting and creative storyline. Grade B (Netflix)

34. Summer Strike: This show made me cry a lot. It’s heartbreaking yet healing. I’m still not sure if I liked watching it or not but it was a beautiful story of found family. Grade B (Netflix).

35. Shopping King Louie: Adorable! So many light fluffy feels for this show but it does drag a bit in the second half. Grade B (Viki)

36. Fight For My Way: Such lovable leads. Love the fierce female lead and adorable himbo male lead. It’s like a coming of age story but for 30 year olds. Storyline was ok. Second couple was skippable. Grade: B (Viki)

37. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim: More PSJ is always a good thing. This drama did all the tropes in ways that didn’t always feel fresh, but it was very romantic and hilarious. A true classic. Grade: B (Viki)

38. Touch Your Heart: If you can just stick it out through the first few very shaky episodes, you will enjoy this adorable, fluffy, series. Grade: B- (Netflix)

39. Doom at Your Service: It was sometimes real sad yet ultimately a heart warming mystical story. Grade: B- (Viki)

40. True Beauty: Fun, cute, teen drama however, it’s a little too “antsy teen” for me. Cha Eunwoo though💜 Grade: C+ (Viki)

41. Destined With You: The chemistry between the main couple was absolutely sizzling. Rowoon was both hilarious and next level adorable. However, the plot and the characterization of women occasionally made me very frustrated. Grade: C+ (Netflix).

42. Suspicious Partner: Great story, great characters, attractive actors, beautiful romance, interesting plot, sometimes funny, sometimes suspenseful, but with 40 episodes, the plot was dragged. Grade C+ (Viki)

43. Crash Landing On You: The first half is GREAT but the second half is way too melodramatic for my taste. It’s a very interesting storyline, the main couple has insane chemistry, and there are very lovable side characters. Grade: C+ (Netflix)

44. Secret Romantic Guesthouse: First few episodes were a fun scooby gang mystery, middle episodes were super boring, last 3 episodes were crazy fast paced and thrilling. It ended well- I’ll give it that. Grade: C (Viki)

45. Dear.M: It was inoffensive and decently entertaining. If you like school dramas, you’ll probably enjoy it. Grade: C (Viki).

46. A Good Day To Be A Dog: The storyline is bonkers but very intriguing. It started off so well but the storyline lost its way in the back half. But hey, Cha Eunwoo + dogs, it’s worth the watch. Grade: C (Viki).

47. Angel’s Last Mission: Love: This drama was very similar to Doom At Your Service but it was more a bit more redundant with all of the tragedy and crying. I LOVED the chemistry of the main couple but I found myself fast forwarding a lot. Grade: C- (Viki)

48. Marry My Husband: Episodes 1-11 were phenomenal. Such an interesting premise with shocking twists and turns. After episode 11 it seemed like there were new writers who had never seen the show. Very disappointing but top tier villains. Grade: C-

49. Our Beloved Summer: I LOVED V’s “Christmas Tree” OST however I struggled to keep watching. Boring storyline but great acting. Grade: D+ (Netflix)

50. Heavenly Idol: An absolute hot mess. It was completely convoluted and just low quality but I also weirdly liked it. I can’t bring myself to rank it higher because I know how bad it was but I actually enjoyed it better than many shows I ranked ahead of it. Grade: D+ (Viki)

51. My Secret Romance: The story of a total screw up female lead falling for a manipulative, gaslighting, hottie. It was problematic yet fun? So 🤷‍♀️ Grade: D+ (Netflix)

52. My Man Is Cupid: Pros: many cute dogs, sometimes those dogs wear human clothes, cute ending. Cons: Makes no sense, not much chemistry, murder plot takes up too much time. Grade D+ (Prime).

53. She Would Never Know: As handsome as Rowoon is, I found his character problematic at the beginning (no means no buddy) but he did get a lot better as the show went on. I just ended up skipping to watch just the scenes with the main couple, which made the show way more enjoyable. Grade D (Netflix)

54. My Love From the Star: I found myself fast forwarding a lot through all the parts that didn’t involve the main couple and most of the flashbacks. Grade D (Viki)

55. Goblin: The age gap is too disturbing for me, like call the police disturbing. However, the Grim Reaper who is one of the most adorable characters I’ve ever seen. Grade: D- (Viki)

56. Extra-Ordinary You: I have never felt so betrayed by a second half of a series as I did in this one. All of the character development that it seemed to be leading to was replaced by a pretty sickening codependent relationship. Grade: D- (Viki).

Currently Watching: My Sweet Mobster

Dramas I’m Thinking About Watching: Gaus Electronics, Bad and Crazy, Hospital Playlist, Another Miss Oh, Oh My Venus, My Roommate is Gumiho, She Was Pretty, Crash Course in Romance, Soundtrack #2

Dramas I just couldn’t Finish (I’m sorry I tried): Today’s Webtoon, Once Upon a Small Town, Love in Contract, Hotel Del Luna, Kings Affection, Record of Youth, Behind Your Touch, Sparkling Watermelon, Tale of Nine Tailed 1938, Strong Girl Nam Soon, The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract, Wedding Impossible

What are your thoughts on these shows? Do you agree or disagree with my rankings? Any k-romcom recommendations that are not on the list yet?

[fake-married-my-dead-fiance]

Castaway Diva Season 2, the Prequel: Song Ha-jeong & Lee Uk, complete strangers in a fake marriage situation, pretending to be really married in front of Woo-hak and then falling in love for real because Lee Uk is such a sweetheart

[joanyio]

TOP 9 DRAMAS I WATCHED IN 2023

inspector koo (2021) - everyone here is a different flavor of fruit, crime show exclusively made for girls and gays and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me

when i fly towards you (2023) - this is what happiness is all about

doom at your service (2021) - “love me to the point that you want to destroy the world for me” that’s it that’s the line

love all play (2022) - wfkbj for people who aren’t annoying

little women (2022) - second half felt like a makjang damn the writers were spiraling and i couldn’t stop watching (gay little women i love you)

twinkling watermelon (2023) - worth the hype

bloodhounds (2023) - i remember my letterboxd post for this saying you can almost smell the testosterones through the screen but it was absolutely binge worthy, kinda homo if you ask me!

daily dose of sunshine (2023) - park boyoung is the loveliest human being

law school (2021) - is it insane to beg for a season 2 the chance is low but nonzero… right?

HONORABLE MENTIONS

hidden love (2023) - im tired of people saying the word chemistry about the main couple but it’s true they invented it

designated survivor: 60 days (2019) - maybe political dramas aren’t always badly written, also han nakyung please give me a chance

celebrity (2023) - user joanyio stop finding invisible gay subtext in every show you watch challenge failed

the good bad mother (2023) - such a gem *continues to ignore mommy issues*

time and him are just right (2022) - cute and perfect for mindless watching in the background while you do other work

the worst of evil (2023) - instead of forcing the love triangle turned love square the writers should have made all four hot main characters make out with each other it would have been perfect

and because of love all play (2022), see also:

castaway diva (2023), witch’s diner (2021), and unlock my boss (2022) (although i haven’t finished this one yet) chae jonghyeop is my new lee dohyun (read: male actor i enjoy watching multiple projects of simply because he doesn’t give me the ick). i also rewatched hot stove league (2020) for park eunbin and jonghyeop after castaway diva, still one of the all time best dramas i remember it used to be my twitter handle years ago baseball is so cool i wish it was real

DRAMAS I STARTED LATE DECEMBER 2023 AND FINISHED EARLY JANUARY 2024

shining for one thing (2022) - please don’t watch this show it was made only for me and i’d like to gatekeep it forever

reset (2022) - never watched a drama execute time loop plot device as perfectly as this did

UNFINISHED BUT PLANNING TO CONTINUE SOON

derailment (2023) - i was baited by a tiktok i thought it’d be a cute silly little high school drama but boy was i surprised

one day off (2023) - she’s living the dream

[crayonflop]

all the dramas i watched in 2023 unranked:

*favorites

A Time Called You

Black Knight

Bloodhounds

Bump Up Business

Castaway diva

Call It Love*

Crash Course in Romance

Daily dose of sunshine*

Death’s game 1*

D.P. Season 2

Destined with You

Doona!

Drama Special Season 14: Love Attack

Duty After School

Evilive

Interest of love*

Island part 1

Joseon Attorney: A Morality

Trolley*

Love to Hate You

Love Tractor

Mask Girl

Moving*

My dearest*

My lovely boxer

Bora Deborah*

My perfect stranger

Not others*

Our blooming youth

Our dating sim

Queenmaker 

Recipe for farewell*

Revenant*

See you in my 19th life

Song of the bandits

Story of park’s marriage contract

Sweet home 2

Soundtrack #2 

Tale of the nine tailed 1938

Taxi driver 2

The glory 

The eighth sense*

The matchmakers*

Breeze of love

Worst of evil

Twinkling watermelon

A good day to be a dog*

Vigilante

dropped

Secret romantic guesthouse

Strangers again

currently watching:

tell me that you love me*

Delightfully deceitful

Kidnapping day

The deal

Strong girl namsoon

Boyhood

A bloody lucky day

Night has come

[ebsite]

Year in Review / My Top K-Drama’s of ‘23 

Destined With You

Our Dating Sim 

King the Land 

Crash Course in Romance 

My Lovely Liar

The Eighth Sense

The Matchmakers

Daily Dose Of Sunshine

See You in My 19th Life

Perfect Marriage Revenge

Death’s Game Pt. 1

Honorable Mentions:

GyeongSeong Creature Pt. 1

Castaway Diva 

Our Blooming Youth

Behind Your Touch

Moon In The Day

Bloodhounds

Divorce Attorney Shin

Black Knight

The Glory Pt. 2

Love to Hate you

Not Others

~~~~~~~~~~

Shows I’m still working on ( So many shows, too little time 😭 ):

Island

Call it love

A time called you

Worst Evil 

My Dearest 

Our Heavenly Idol 

Joseon Attorney

Heartbeat

DP (Season 2)

Uncanny Counter (Season 2)

Twinkling Watermelon  

The Secret Romantic Guesthouse

Strangers Again

Oh! Youngsim

Song of the Bandits

[psalm40speakstome]

Castaway Diva.

It was perfection and amazing and I still would watch a million more episodes so any drama gods that might be listening season 2?

[leekimdramas]

2023 Drama List

Here are some of the dramas I have finished this year. If it has bold font, I gave the drama a 10 and if it has italic I really enjoyed it but it’s just not a 10 for any reason.

I write the reviews for all of the dramas I finish, so you can just click away and enjoy the reviews!

Last year’s list: 2022

Kdramas:

1. Unlock My Boss

2. Island Part 1

3. Work Later Drink Now 2

4. The Glory Part 1

5. Missing The Other Side 2

6. Crash Course In Romance

7. Island Part 2

8. The Glory Part 2

9. Delivery Man

10. Divorce Attorney Shin

11. Taxi Driver 2

12. Bora! Deborah

13. Doctor Cha

14. The Good Bad Mother

15. My Perfect Stranger

16. See You In My 19th Life

17. King The Land

18. Heartbeat

19. Not Others

20. Bloodhounds

21. The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch

22. My Lovely Liar

23. Moving

24. The Worst of Evil

25. The Kidnapping Day

26. Evilive

27. A Time Called You

28. Twinkling Watermelon

29. Doona

30. The Escape Of The Seven: War For Survival

31. Daily Dose Of Sunshine

32. Vigilante

33. Castaway Diva

34. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Dramas From Other Countries:

1. Love Between Fairy And Devil (Chinese drama)

2. Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu Season 3 (Japanese drama)

Web Dramas:

1. Semantic Error

2. Love Playlist 3

3. Finland Papa

4. My 20th Twenty

5. One Day Off

6. Drama Special Season 12: A Moment Of Romance

Movies:

1. Unlocked (Korean)

2. The Witch: Part 2. The Other One (Korean)

3. Dream (Korean)

4. One In A Hundred Thousand (Japan)

Variety Shows:

1. Love Catcher in Bali (Finished)

2. Single’s Inferno 2 (Finished)

3. HyeMiLeeYeChaePa (Finished)

4. The Devil's Plan (Finished)

Dropped:

1. Trolley (ep 3) 

2. Agency (ep 7)

3. Call It Love (ep 3)

4. The Heavenly Idol (ep 6)

5. Delightfully Deceitful (ep 5)

6. Numbers (ep 4)

7. Misty (ep 4)

8. Destined With You (ep 8)

9. The Killing Vote (ep 8)

10. Strong Girl Namsoon (ep 5)

[iamacolor]

every month of 2023! tagged by @okaysign and @lenteur (thank you💜💜 )

rules: link your favorite and/or most popular post from each month this year <3 (it’s totally fine to skip months!) and tag some CCs you love!

tagging (feel free to ignore of course since this was supposed to be done in 2023 and i am very late or if you've done this before and i've missed it): @khaoray @songkangsbottomteethcirca2020 @whenfatecollides @strhwaberries @liveasbutterflies💗

ps: i kind of took a hiatus from watching dramas and making any sort of content for months in 2023 for various reasons so this goes directly from january to september, i still feel a little rusty when i'm giffing now lol

january: (i made 3 posts in one week and then stopped for months) - most popular post: compilation gifset of jang uk and naksu as light & shadow in alchemy of souls season 2 - favourite post: compilation of the different outfits in sanha and moonbin's madness mv (the lace gloves !!!) - this is my last kpop edit so far 💜

september: - most popular post: rowoon as jang shinu in destined with you glueing himself to his non-gf's side - favourite post: this lovely boxer ep11 set with all the touches!!

october: - most popular post: rowoon and jo bo ah in destined with you: the morning after...parents surprise visit edition - favourite post: hae na & yellow in a good day to be a dog

november: - most popular post: the haena/seowon first kisses as human in a good day to be a dog - not surprised lol - favourite post: compilation set of kiho/bogeol looking at mokha (and as a bonus this one too because i really like the colouring i did and it's kind of an addition to the previous set) in castaway diva

december: - most popular post: kiho and mokha's first kiss in castaway diva - favourite post: this "first reunion as kiho: dream vs real" set and this secret santa set of park joonggil in tomorrow (first time blending + it was fun to play around with text placements)

[hsfavoriteworlds]

CURRENT TAG GAME.

*slides in to do this almost 3 months late ��‍♀️*

thank you for the tag @dribs-and-drabbles and sorry for being so late!!

Current time: 2:36 pm

Current activity: still in bed lmao, woke up late today because I slept in for the first time in like 6 months, and lowkey don't feel like getting out anytime soon

Currently thinking about: what i'm gonna eat for lunch and all the cleaning i need to do. Also I have a wedding coming up in like a week and i still don't know what to wear so im thinking about where i need to shop

Current favorite song: oooh that's a hard one. I've been listening to Pluto by Shin Joo Hyop from the OST of castaway diva on repeat, so maybe this one or Sleepwalking by James Arthur

Currently reading: I've barely had time to read lately but I've been switching between reading Happy Place by Emily Henry and random fanfictions

Currently watching: ok so 1) last twilight which I'm absolutely in love with 2) been watching kinou nani tabeta for the first time (im so late to the party ik) I'm now in season 2 and it is wonderful. 3) cherry magic-- karan and achi my loves!! 4 and 5) love senior and castaway diva, two very enjoyable shows as well. Finally although i am not watching it rn, im planning on doing so very soon so im gonna add it: percy jackson

Current favorite character: goddd, if i have to choose, it's mhok from last twilight-- the warmest man alive (day is wrong, okay?)

Current wip: hmmm other than some random thoughts and poems, nothing really. My work basically consists of me writing stuff so my mind is pretty much fried any other time lmao

Tagging: @grapejuicegay @pure-plums @frostluvrs @purekwon @tswizzlesfan @alexshenry @alan-apologist

(and anyone else who wants to do the tag! Also if you're tagged and have already done it or don't want to do it, please feel free to ignore this)

Happy New Year, everyone! ✨️

[secangkircoklatsusu]

List Dramas & Others TV Shows I Watched in 2023

Selamat datang di halaman arsip blog saya! Di sini kamu akan menemukan kumpulan review singkat dari berbagai drama Korea, drama China, drama Jepang, variety show, dan film yang sudah saya tonton sepanjang tahun 2023. Setiap review mencakup sinopsis singkat, tags, dan rating untuk membantu kamu memilih tontonan berikutnya. Semoga bermanfaat dan selamat menikmati!

[Disclaimer, rating ini hanyalah penilaian pribadi, bisa saja selera kita berbeda, jadi mohon tidak salty ya!]

[List berdasarkan yang lebih dulu ditonton]

[Review akan diupdate perlahan]

Korean Dramas

Alchemy Of Souls S2: Light and Shadow

Work Later, Drink Now S2

Island

May I Help You

The Forbidden Marriage

Agency

Crash Course in Romance

Love to Hate You

Island Part 2

The Heavenly Idol

Kokdu: Season Of Deity

Duty After School: Part 1

Duty After School: Part 2

Bora! Deborah

Family: The Unbreakable Bond

Doctor Cha

Tale of The Nine-Tailed 1938

Bitch X Rich

Dr. Romantic S3

Into The Ring

Celebrity

Not Others

King The Land

The Uncanny Counter S2: Counter Punch

My Dearest

My Lovely Liar

Moving

Behind Your Touch

Destined With You

Boss-dol Mart

Twinkling Watermelon

Strong Girl Nam-soon

Castaway Diva

Perfect Marriage Revenge

Boyhood

The Matchmaker

The Story of Park's Marriage Contract

Welcome to Samdal-ri

My Demon

My Man is Cupid

Chinese Dramas

The Starry Love

Hilarious Family

Japanese Dramas

Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san

Nagatan to Aoto: Ichika no Ryourijou

Yuru Camp

Kimi ga Suki.mp4

First Penguin

Yuru Camp S2

Variety Shows

Single's Inferno S2

Seventeen in the Soop S2

Jinny's Kitchen

Boys Planet

DNA Mate

Things that Make Me Groove S2

The Genius Paik

K-Food Show: A Nation of Kimchi

EXO's Ladder S4

Jinny's Kitchen: Team Building

Need For Womance

Single's Inferno S3

Exchange S2

The Devil's Plan

Diary of a Rich Man: Impossible Time

The Genius Paik S2

Unexpected Business in California

Express Delivery: Mongolia Edition

GBRB: Reap What You Sow

Movies

Little Forest: Summer & Autumn (Japanese)

Cafe Midnight: Missing Honey (Korean)

Do Revenge (West)

Royalteen: Princess Margrethe (West)

The Portable Door (West)

I am Home (Korean)

Love Life (Japanese)

[dramatothethirdpower]

December End of Month Summary

Favorite completed drama- Castaway Diva

Favorite airing drama - I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama

Still watching

You From the Future (China) iQiyi

Pitbabe (Thailand) iQiyi

My Demon (Korea) Netflix

Cooking Crush (Thailand) YouTube

New dramas

Sweet Home Season 2 (Korea) Netflix

Welcome to Samdal-ri (Korea) Netflix

My Man is Cupid (Korea) Prime

I cannot reach you (Japan) Netflix

Cherry Magic (Thailand) YouTube

Death’s Game (Korea) Prime

I Became the Main Role of a BL (Japan) GaGa

Dropped dramas

Middleman’s Love (Thailand) YouTube

A Good Day to be a Dog (Korea) Viki

Playboyy (Thailand) GaGa

Completed dramas

Castaway Diva (Korea) Netflix ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I cannot reach you (Japan) Netflix ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

[fake-married-my-dead-fiance]

tagged by @dangermousie

1. why did you choose your url?

It's a joke about Alchemy of Souls Season 2

2. any sideblogs? if you have them name them and why you have them.

This is my sideblog. My main is Musings on Jane Austen

3. how long have you been on tumblr?

2 years total, but less for this sideblog. Maybe 1?

4. do you have a queue tag?

No, I find those odd.

5. why did you start your blog in the first place?

Because I can't be gushing about Kdramas on my main, I keep my blogs very subject pure.

6. why did you choose your icon/pfp?

It's from Alchemy of Souls, which I was obsessed with when I made this blog.

7. why did you choose your header?

It's from Moon in the Day, another Kdrama I love.

8. what’s your post with the most notes?

The runner up is a Lovely Runner text post

9. how many mutuals do you have?

Don't know how to check

10. how many followers do you have?

652

11. how many people do you follow?

Sideblogs can't follow, but around 200 total. Probably 5 Kdrama blogs that I really like.

12. have you ever made a shitpost?

Yes

13. how often do you use tumblr each day?

Too much. It's my highest use app usually.

14. did you have a fight/argument with another blog once?

I don't know if I have on this blog.

15. how do you feel about ‘you need to reblog this’ posts?

Die.

16. do you like tag games?

No

17. do you like ask games?

No

18. which of your mutuals do you think is tumblr famous?

Dangermousie?

19. do you have a crush on a mutual?

Lol, no. I would need to be able to see them for that to be possible.

20. what is the last song you listened to?

Something from the soundtrack of Love Between Fairy and Devil

21. what are you currently watching?

An anime called Love is Hard for Otaku, also The Forbidden Marriage at the same time

22. sweet/ savoury/ spicy?

Sweet and savoury

23. what is your current relationship status?

Married with kids.

24. what is your current obsession?

Flower of Evil, The Forbidden Marriage... I was obsessed with No Gain No Love recently but the ending didn't wow.

25. what are nine albums/ songs you've been listening to lately?

I've mostly been listening to Kdrama OSTs: It's Okay Not to be Okay, The Forbidden Marriage, Alchemy of Souls, Castaway Diva, Doom at Your Service, Feel You from Flower of Evil, Happiness, Lovely Runner (especially the Eclipse stuff), Sh**ting Stars, and Moon in the Day

[sivvan]

Hello! This is your secret santa! :D I hope you're doing great this weekend! What's on your favorite shows for this year? What about an old one you really love?

hello dear secret santa!! honestly this year has been a bit of a slow one for me - romcom/mystery is my jam and there's either been very little of those or they've let me down. i think there's only 4 i've completed and loved ashfdskjfs - king the land, taxi driver season 2, perfect marriage revenge and just recently castaway diva! it's late but i think castaway diva is my fave this year. it took me by surprise (i originally was never gonna watch it) but i fell in love with the characters and the family dynamic ahh. an old drama.. can't go past weightlifting fairy <3

[tvrundownusa]

tvrundown USA 2023.12.03

Sunday, December 3rd:

(exclusive & streaming): Lawmen: Bass Reeves (Para+), "Holiday Party with Andrew and Zoë" (MAX special, midday)

(streaming twice weekly): Castaway Diva (netflix, season 1 finale), Welcome to Samdal-ri (netflix, Korean rom-com, day 2 opener)

(original made-for-TV movies): "Yuletide the Knot" (UPtv, earlier, ~2hrs), "Christmas with a Kiss" (HALL, 2hrs), "The Jinglebell Jubilee" (GAFam, 2hrs), "Mistletoe Match" (LIFE, 2hrs+), "Chowchilla" (CNN, 1976 kidnapping documentary, 2hrs)

(earlier - hour 0): AFV: America's Funniest Videos (ABC), 60 Minutes (CBS)

(hour 1): Krapopolis (FOX, special time) / . / The Simpsons (FOX, special time), Mayor of Kingstown (SHO), The Chosen (theCW, 90mins), Yellowstone (CBS, 2hrs), The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown (FOOD), Lucy Worsley on the Mystery Queen (PBS, Agatha Christie docuseries, part 1, 90mins)

(hour 2): Bob's Burgers (FOX) / . / Family Guy (FOX), Beacon 23 (MGM+), Fellow Travelers (SHO), The Gilded Age (HBO), The Chosen (theCW, contd), Yellowstone (CBS, contd, season 2 finale), Holiday Wars (FOOD), Lucy Worsley on the Mystery Queen (PBS, contd)

(hour 3): The Curse (SHO), The Great Christmas Light Fight (ABC)

(hour 4 - latenight): Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO), Rick and Morty ([adultswim]) / . / Aqua Teen Hunger Force ([as])