#Kim Soul-Ji | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

t3kandson · 3 months ago

Text

Deathly Powers

Word count; 8,960

Fandom; A.C.E. & The Boyz

Pairing; Reader X Eric Sohn, Reader X Lee Donghun.

Characters; Lee Donghun, Eric Sohn, Park Junhee, Kim Sehyoon, Kim Byeongkwan, Lee Hyunjae

Mentions; Kang Yuchan, Ji Changmin, Lee Sangyoon, Ju Haknyeon, Kim Younghoon, Choi Chanhee & Lee Hyunjae

Warnings; Angst, Supernatural, Passing out unconscious, Spiritual world, Violence, Death, Devil worshipping, Witchcraft, Images of predicted death of Main Character, Ghosts including Eric, Knife, Blood, Choking, Unprotected Sex, Threesome (kinda).

Notes; Part 1/3. Set in 2033/2034

Check out A.C.E.'s new pre release song Anymore

Taglist; @nyu-topia

“The most important thing is to listen to me, especially when I feel it's not safe," Donghun said as you listened intently. "If I find a case too dangerous we need to contact Kim Byeongkwan & Ji Changmin. They are our Demonologist exorcists," he continued as you nodded.

Lee Donghun was your childhood school friend, one who you had gone on two different paths with. While Donghun was up the temples working hard on his spiritual path. You had a string full of broken relationships and failed job prospects. That was till your recent relationship disaster with Choi Chanhee. Who was caught having an affair with your work colleague Kim Younghoon. Turning to alcohol had been your saving till Jacob Bae had brought you to a Powerful Sharman Park Junhee. His spiritual gift or being a soul rescuer. You blamed it on the demands for a purpose in life. But their was a part of you that had fire in your stomach ready to take on the world. The last person you expected to be your mentor was Lee Donghun. His eyes raised in your direction at viewing you at his door. Not impressed by the jokes of him seeing it coming. Now you were sat in his Healing room, chest full of powerful intoxicating incense. Your head slightly a little dizzy from all the chants upon your arrival in old Archaic Chinese. "Y/N are you even listening to me," Donghun said snapping his fingers as you grinned your most amused expression earning a raised brow. "What did I do to earn this punishment," he said into thin air in frustration. "What did they say," you teased as he deadpanned your way. "Have you even seen a spirit?" He questioned as you shook your head. This gift upon you had only shown you eerily feelings and items thrown in your company. But you were yet to be face with a see-through person or a white sperm like dude. "That's because you're not taking this seriously," he grumbled as he gave up sitting on the floor as your sure he was secretly praying for you to disappear. "Are you even aware what I do?" He said looking at you with hope of a easy path. "You seek out ghosts," you said as he rolled his eyes. "More context Y/N," he said as you shook your head. "We find lost souls and help them. Just sometimes," , "Yes you already said sometimes it gets dangerous," you cut him off. "Your job is to communicate with them while I send them to the next land," he explained as you nodded in awe. "But how do I do that if I can't see them?" You asked as he looked a little baffled himself. "We have to train you up I think," he said unsure. "I thought you knew what you were doing, so much for being my mentor," you scoffed as he frowned your way. "I've never had someone to train, so I wouldn't know. Yuchan was already gifted when he came to me," he scoffed with a saddened expression. "Yuchan?" You asked. "Kang Yuchan was a fine Soul rescuer but he got hurt last time. It will be a long time before he will be ready to come back. That's if he can find his health to return back,” he said looking to the floor. "What happened?" You gulped slightly afraid for the response. "Dangerous spirit which is why I need you to desperately listen to me," he snapped as you nodded. "Right first let's see if we can find a way for you to communicate," he said standing up as you mirrored. "Let's go on a hunt," he said excitedly your way.

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"Where are we?” you asked appearing in the wooded area he walked you through. "You tell me?" He said arms folded. "Well if I knew that I wouldn't be asking," you said folding yours his way too. "Close your eyes," he demanded as you obeyed. "I want you to focus on your breathing, breathe in.... hold...... breathe out," he said in such a relaxing tone. "And again," he instructed you once more. "Keep going Y/N," he encouraged as you continued. With each passing breath you felt the world spin around you as you felt your self merge with the outside air. "Imagine looking out the open door into a world that isn't ours," he said walking towards you as you heard the crunch of the dried leaves under his feet. "Imagine the crisp fresh air in your lungs," he said barely a whisper in your ear, causing you to shiver aroused by his voice. "I want you to see if you can find any people," he continued. Eyes looked around the forest in what felt like your daydream world, but you could not see anything. "Listen out if you can't see anyone, listen for the sounds," he says as you shiver slightly. From the chilly air that you are not sure is real or imagination. "I can only hear you," you say out as he clicks his tongue to the roof of his mouth. "Can you sense anything even if you can't see it. Or feel words that flow that don't feel yours in your mind," he asks as you fall to silence. The only thing on your mind was food. Your tummy rumbling to help make your mouth salivate further. "Stop thinking of your stomach," Donghun moaned as your eyes opened up in excitement. "You knew what I was thinking?” you whispered in awe as he tilted his head with frustration. "Focus Y/N," he grumbled as your eyes rolled and went back to your imaginary world. Pressing his hands to your shoulder you took a deep breath in through your nose, holding it to release a couple seconds later. You could suddenly hear whispers, you tried to zone into the sound but they were barely audible. "You hear something?" Donghun questioned as you bite your lip nodding. "I think so but not enough to understand what, it's not loud enough," you said feeling goosebumps fall up your skin. "Well ask them to talk more clearer out Loud," he ordered as his second hand hit your shoulder. "Please Spirit speak louder and clearer so I can communicate with you," you said slightly a little apprehensive.

"Your mine," you heard whispered out as your eyebrows furrowed. Was it Donghun whispering those words? Was your childhood crush making you believe you could hear the words you wanted to hear. "Very funny Donghun," you said opening your eyes to him looking puzzled. "I said nothing," he replied as his sparkling brown eyes looked your way. "I'm not the one that likes to fuck around, that you," he said deadpanning you. "What did you hear anyway?" He questioned removing his hands. "Your nuts," you lied not wanting him to have acknowledge of your crush. Knowing he would question while you would have said that came from him. "Well guess the spirit truly knows you," Donghun teased as you scrunched your nose his way. "But on a good note you heard something so it's working, let's try again," he said with more motivation then earlier as you groaned. But trying again didn't work, your body was only swaying into the quiet without Donghun’s hands to keep you still. "Well we got a small progress, we're come back tomorrow and try again," Donghun said breaking you from your silent trance.

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"Hi Mrs Kim," Donghun said as your mother greeted you as Donghun dropped you off. "Lee Donghun is that really you? You must come in," she said not giving him a chance to back away. "You were with Donghun?” she asked in excitement your way remembering your one way crush on him. "Why are you even awake mum?" You questioned as she dragged Donghun to a table to sit. "Work overrun, what's both your two excuse," she said arms folded with a smirk between you both. "We're doing a temple project together," Donghun replied with a half lie. "Oooh temple work," she said excited before looking at the pot on the oven.

"I'm about to warm up some kimchi Jjigae, do you fancy some?" She asks as he nods being relaxed for the first time since meeting as adults. "Thank you that would be nice," he says as you admire the way his eyes small as he smiles.

"What?" He says as he catches you watching him. "Just amazed you know how to smile," you teased as he frowned. "Don't do that you might get frown lines permanently, don't let her ruin your perfect face," your mother said as he chuckled her way. "Mother he already has frown lines look," you teased pressing your finger to the lines his frown made in that moment. "Stop teasing him," she said slapping your shoulder. "I was trying to be a good friend, I know of a few people who could help out with Botox," you continued playfully despite loving his frown. "Yeah that be great always great to work on oneself. Shame we can't improve on your personality," he hit back as you aissh into the air pretending to strike him. "Can't I see you two have reunited," your mother said stirring the pot on the stove. "Yeah I've missed her like a hole in the head," he smirked seductively that had you roll your eyes. Not from his comment but the view he had given. Just why did he have to be so drop dead Gorgeous. "Do you want some?" Your mother said with a bowl In her hand. "No I'm ok I'm going up to bed soon," you said as your mum poured the warmed up meal into a bowl for Donghun. "Well don't let me stop you, your mums better company," Donghun said taking the bowl from her with a thank you added on. "Kiss ass," you spat out as he shook his head holding back a chuckle. "Kim Y/N language," your mother bit out smacking your arm once more. "See your here just to get me beat," you scoff at him rubbing your arm. "She's only doing what I wanted to do all day," he said eyes widening amused. "Whatever," you said clicking your tongue at the roof of your mouth. You didn't make it to your room as you threatened. Instead listening to your mother and Donghun chat about Temple life as they both ate up their food. "Oh wow, it's 4am, you must be tired, please stay. I can put you up in the spare room," she said as you smiled warmly her way. "That would be great we've got loads of work to do tomorrow, thank you," he said as she took his bowl. "Please let me wash up though," he said standing to take the bowl back. "I won't turn that down," she smiled back before turning to look at you. "You can help him, and be nice," she said prodding your arm making you wince. "Make sure he has all the bedding he needs too," she said as you nodded. "I will put up some of Y/N's brothers clothes up for you," she says before going upstairs. "How are Sangyeon and Haknyeon?" Donghun asked going to the sink. "Sangyeon’s married and with kids, we don't really see much of him, he's a Cardiologist," you said thinking of your elder brother fondly. "That's a shame I know you two was close," Donghun said as he passed a washed bowl your way to dry up. "It's ok I was pretty close to Haknyeon before he went to university," you said remembering the feeling of loneliness at home since your younger brother left. "Does he not come and visit much?” he continued to quiz. "He's in England at Oxford university, so no sadly," you said as he turned to you with sadness in his view. "You must have been so lonely without them," he said clearly feeling the emotions on your mind. "I wasn't till," you said pausing remembering Chanhee and the pain he caused. "Yeah I heard about that," he said as you looked to the floor. "Don't waste tears on people that aren't worth it," he said pressing his finger under your chin to look at him. His face full of concern, reminding you of the cherished friendship you had when you was younger. "New beginnings," you said taking a step back struggling with your over beating heart from his close contact. "I'll get your bedroom stuff sorted," you said as blood was rushing to your head a little too fast.

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"Come on lazy," came Donghun's voice before the impact of a pillow striking you. "We’ve got things to do, so get up," he continued as you groaned. "Just five minutes please," you whimpered keeping your eyes shut. "No five minutes, your eating into my time now, get up," he said continuing his pillow attack. "Ok, ok," you groaned sitting up to watch him smirk your way. "Good wash up, eat up and let's dash. We have got to see Sharman Park today," he said arms crossed on his chest in a thin white vest, his muscles easily noticeable. "Ok out my room so I can get sorted," you said gulping as he agreed. Why had your feelings for him suddenly hit max volume? You blamed this gift which was beginning to sound like a curse.

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"Hurry up," you said throwing your head over his car as you waited for him. His motherly act had him take your keys to lock up with your mother already having left for work. "Stop being impatient and get off my car," Donghun said as he pulled his arms around your waist to lift you from his vehicle. You groaned despite your heart beating so hard from the extra close contact with him. When your eyes took to a figure across the street. The energy from him was swimming in something strong that you couldn't put your finger on it. His expression mixed with anger and sadness as his eyes was heavily focused on you. You knew enough to know he wasn't alive. "Can you see that?" You said to Donghun without your eyes leaving the male. Who had started to walk towards you before he vanished as Donghun removed his hands from you. "Where?" Donghun questioned. "He's gone now, wait did I just see my first spirit?” you asked turning to face him as he glanced over your shoulder. "Did you really see nothing?" You asked as he shook his head looking at you puzzled. "Normally I can see the dead when I'm touching the person who can communicate with them," he explained. "But you were touching me," you said as his eyebrows furrowed. "Maybe with you I have to hold your hand or something," he said as he rubbed your shoulders with a smile. "But it proves your getting stronger. First a voice now a sighting," he said as he walked to the car. Your eyes raked where that man was once standing, now a complete empty area. But you felt as if his energy was still there causing a shiver down your spine. -------------------🔺-------------------

"What did you see?" Sharman Park said with his head tilting as he looks at you. "Why can I not see it?” he says looking frustrated as the wind blows the leaves from outside the temple. "Can you normally see what I'm thinking?" You ask despite knowing the answer. "If they mind letting their energy be seen," he whispers before looking to Donghun. "Or maybe I just have a different talent," you said causing him to smile his pretty little smile. "I held her and didn't see it neither. I can see even the vengeful ones normally," he said a little anxiously. "Do I need to hold her hand?" He asked the Sharman. "Well try it, see what happens," Sharman Park said as his eyes never left yours. "Y/N," Donghun said as his hands reached for yours as you looked between them both. "Calmly take it when your ready," The Sharman said, his eyes almost knowingly understanding your reluctance. Trying your best to gulp without Donghun noticing your apprehensions you pulled out your hands hoping they wasn't sweaty. Within minutes of touching the skin of your childhood crush.

Colour attacked you from the room as you felt dizzy, heart pumping fast that you knew it wasn't from your emotions towards Donghun. Then came darkness as you lost your vision collapsing into what fell like Donghun’s arms.

Taking a deep breath your opened to find the man you saw earlier. "Who are you?" You said in shakey breath as you moved from his warm grasps. "I'm Eric Sohn," he said as you suddenly realised his voice was the same from the woods. "Why am I here?" You said looking around the hallway you had entered. "Our house," he said watching you as you walked to a room to hold the doorknob. "Our?" You said turning to look at him but he was missing. Shaking your head you looked at the shut door. "This is just a dream," you whispered to yourself as you walked through to the room. The door slamming behind you leaving you alone. You took in the room, the beautiful pink decor with pink rose bedding on the double bed in the middle of the floor. By the headboard was the most beautiful wall mural you had ever seen. Ivy swirling around Angel cherubs. The detail told you that it was hand painted as you admired it. "It's beautiful isn't it?" You heard Eric's voice turning to expect to face him but the room remained empty. "It is, did you do this?" You asked to the empty room. "You did," was the only reply that came out. You turned to the voice from outside the door of the room. "My art is awful I can't do anything like that," you said walking to it hoping he would be on the other side of the door. "Only because you've locked it away, your artworks the most beautiful in the world," the voice said admiringly.

Opening the door, you saw him there leaning against the other side of the wall. "I'm confused," you said making your way towards him as he chuckled meeting you halfway. "You won't be soon, I promise," he said tucking a hair behind your ear. But before any words could follow through. The world you were sent to was taken from you, back to the outside surroundings of the temple.

"Y/N you ok?" Donghun said looking down to you full of concern. "Yeah I saw the man again, the one I heard in the woods," you said sounding wearily. "Did he hurt you?" Donghun asked as he sat you to sit up. "No, he didn't, he just confused me," you said looking at him as Sharman Park took your hands. "Anything?" Donghun said with concern as he looked to him shaking his head. "Is it vengeful?" Donghun said as Sharman Park looked at you more closely. "What did you see?" He questioned. "A house, a wall mural full of ivy and cherubs," you said briefly leaving out the words spoken between you and Eric. "I won't lie I'm unsettled. But I can't work out if that's because I can't see what she's seen, which I've never experienced. Or that theres something there we should be scared of," Park Sharman added as you looked to him confused. "You think Eric’s dangerous?" You said as the Sharman’s eyes opened wide hearing the name. "Is that his name Y/N?” he asked as you nodded. "He said his name was Eric Sohn, why does that mean something?" You asked as he shook his head. "No but it's something I can give to Hyunjae to research," he said smiling sweetly at you letting his hand leave. "Till then I don't want her working with me," Donghun said standing up. "I can see your concern, but we wanted her to work with her gift and she is. Let us not hinder it," Park Sharman said as Donghun tsssk into the air. "I won't lose her like I lost Yuchan," he said sounding upset. "Calm Lee Donghun, I can feel great things from her. Though she needs to be careful and not go thinking she's invincible. She will be ok as long as she's supervised," he said reassuring Donghun to no avail. "No I'm sorry I won't risk her not till I know that spirit is safe," Donghun said picking you up from the dusty wooded area floor. "Well as her mentor thats your choice to make. But a vengeful ghost will find her wherever she is. Whenever it is by your side under your watch or hidden away in a box," Sharman Park added. "I won't let her out my sight," Donghun added as he went to steer you out.

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"Right, I'm going to stay at yours till we work out who this spirit is," Donghun said as the car pulled up outside your house. "You automatically presume my mother will let you stay," you teased as he looked to you amused. "We both know she won't have any issue with that," he said as you chuckled his way knowing he was right. "Do you really think Eric is a vengeance spirit?" You asked as he looked at you with wary eyes. "I think he’s someone we need to treat as if he is, till we know for sure," Donghun said before getting out the car. You looked to the spot you saw Eric earlier but again it was empty.

As you both made your way to the door a gentleman appeared. His thick glasses with a geeky yet attractive visuals. "Are you Lee Donghun?" He asked as Donghun nodded. "I heard you deal with spiritual entities," he whispered looking anxious saying those words. "Yes, I do, but right now I've got an urgent case I'm dealing with," Donghun replied as the gentleman pushed his glasses up that clearly had slid down his nose. "I have a spirit that I'm sure is trying to tell me something, I feel him more then I see him. But when I do, he's angry, full of hate. It's like he wants me out my own house. I also have moments where I feel like someone else is in control of my body. Like I am just the spectator," the gentleman continued stuttering a little. "I know you must be terrified," Donghun sympathises as he touched his shoulder. "But we have a really important case right now that could be life or death," he says with fear in his own eyes. "But if you give me your details, I can contact you as soon as we are finished on this case," he adds. "Promise?” he asked with shakey breath clearly in fear of his entity in his home. "I promise," Donghun replied as the gentleman pulled out a card from his wallet.

"Life or death my ass," you said as you watched him enter his car looking depressed. "We could have taken the case on," you said jabbing him. "Y/N we can't it's dangerous for you," Donghun says his hands heavily on your shoulders. "Eric apparently is, who ever spirit he has, might not be," you said your face inches from his. "Y/N he said himself the ghost was angry it's possibly a vengeance ghost. Also Right now you seem to be extra sensitive that isn't what we need right now for you," Donghun glared. "Plus, I felt nothing when I touched him," he added as you shook your head. "You said you can see even vengeance ghosts. Maybe it's not with the data malfunction and it's you," you scoffed as he rolled his eyes. "Yeah both myself and Sharman Park are just having a malfunction," he said sarcastically. "Well who knows because you've had this issue twice with two different people," you bit back. "If its anything, it’s that my pain in ass past is annoying being some shield," he groaned as your eyes widened under his accusation. "So your saying it's me?" You whimpered. "Yes," he spat out as you threw your head back unable to find words to throw at him. "So in the meantime that poor bloke’s going to be scared in his own home," you said in another attempt to change his mind. "No we will deal with it when everything's been solved and it's safe," he said focusing on the word safe.

Noticing the man still In his car from the bathroom window, you creep down past Donghun chatting with your mum to go to him. If Donghun wasn't going to help him you wasn't going to let that stop. As Sharman Park said, Your talent should grow not be hindered. Reaching the car the man looks startled to see you standing there. "Hi," he said getting out and greeting you. "Why are you still here?" You asked suspicious hitting that he had waited around. "I don't know, I just haven't got it in me to leave, I'm just so desperate," he whimpered as you put your hand to his arm for comfort.

Like with Donghun the bright colours, racing heart, and dizziness causes you to pass out returning you back to the room once again.

"Really," you stomp your feet annoyed at the journey to get here. "Like could you have done it any other way then have me pass out," you scream into the air hoping Eric will reply. But instead the light bright room is empty of him or his voice. Instead the sunlight outside the room darkens. "Ok ok Eric I get it your vengeful," you spit out hoping for a reply as the room falls to pitch darkness. Fear creeps up you as you feel suffocated in this dark space alone from Donghun and the friendly features that Eric showed earlier. "Please don't let them be right about you," you whimper in fear hoping Eric will appear in the form you want him to. Instead gargled sounds and thuds on the floor hit out as you screech out. "This must be that man’s world," you whisper in denial. "Wake up," you hear Eric’s voice scream out in the distance. "I would if I could," you cry in panic as you walk towards the sound. Hands feeling for the doorknob hoping it will reach him like it did last time. "Wake up," you hear again a little angrier as your hands find the doorknob. Pulling it open the hallway is no lighter, your hands reaching out to walk forward till they bump into a body. "Eric please say that’s you," you say out hopeful. But instead, you see red angry eyes appear in your view. "I said wake up," Eric’s voice hits from the body your seeing draped in darkness and evil.

"Y/N," you hear from Donghun’s voice as you turn to the darken room. "Donghun I'm here I can't wake up," you scream to the silence as you feel your body shake. Bright lights attack your eyes as you wake whimpering to see Donghun’s worried face holding you once more. "It's ok, it's ok, I got you," he says as you shake in fear in his arms. "It was dark," you cry out not letting him know about what you saw with Eric. "It's ok, I got you," Donghun repeated as he sat holding you while the gentleman watched on. "Does she need anything?" He said with equal concern. "No Mr Kim," Donghun spat out with anger laced in his tone. "Let's get you indoors ok," Donghun said helping to lift you from the floor. Your eyes take Mr Kim and he looks at you with pure worry as his glasses slide down his nose. "I’ll be back to speak to you in a minute just please let me get her inside," Donghun says more calmer. "Ok Mr Lee, take your time," Mr Kim reply's as Donghun takes you inside.

But before you can get to the door he pulls you to look at him. "Why did you do that? I told you it was dangerous," he spat out. "Because I wanted to help," you reply as his jaw tenses in anger. "Y/N you fucking passed out and went somewhere we couldn't get you from," he growled. "I woke up though," you replied barely audible. "What if you didn't, I've already lost one person under my wing. I can't afford to lose another," he spat out. "I'm not Yuchan," you hit back feeling stronger. "No your not, he had years under his belt, he was stronger and he listened to me," Donghun spat out hurting your pride. "Anyway, I think that little experiment of yours is enough to tell me that this won't work," he said a little more strict toned. "What?" You gasped. "This is too dangerous for you, I won't work with you. Tomorrow you're going to the temple to somehow get this gift of yours removed. You need to be closed off instead of your third eye opened up," Donghun said almost like he was trying to convince himself. "You make it sound like I wanted this gift for myself," you cried out. "Knowing you you probably did," Donghun said tossing his hands in despair through his hair. "Donghun," you cried out hurt with his words. "Look enoughs been said you need rest, you've passed out twice with these encounters today, we will sort this out tomorrow," he said more softer. "What about Mr Kim?” you asked with concern. "I think Byeongkwan and Changmin can deal with his vengeance spirit, because I'm now one man down, again.” Donghun added as you rolled your eyes walking inside your home. Once in the quiet you threw your head at the back of the wall. No way on this earth you were going to let this go. You were going to train even harder just to prove a point, especially to Donghun.

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Sharman Park refused to accept Donghun’s demands, instead keeping you there to help train you himself. Each day made you feel stronger just from the constant mediation and deeply inhaled essences around the temple. Donghun had only visited once to speak with Hyunjae. His research hadn't proven fruitful and they couldn't prove or unprove if Eric Sohn was peaceful or vengeful. Donghun had only spoken briefly to you but that wasn't his fault. It was more to do with you pretending to meditate when he arrived. Just to put two fingers to him that you could be taught by someone that wasn't him. -------------------🔺-------------------

After a couple of weeks, you decided to leave the temple, Sharman Park happily authorising. Entering your quiet home you found a pile of letters on the table in your name. While opening one of them a get well card was pulled from its envelope.

I'm sorry if I caused any stress. Hope your feeling better soon

Mr Kim Sehyoon. Xx

"Ahh bless him," you said to the silence. You wondered if he got the help he needed. Knowing Donghun wouldn't update you, you run to your bag. Inside was the card with his details that Donghun accidentally dropped outside your house on the way to the temple. Ringing him you waited till he picked up.

"Hi Mr Kim, it's Kim Y/N here, I don't know if you remember me,", "I do how are you feeling?” the happy voice in the phone cut you off. "I'm good I'm doing much better thanks," you replied. "I was just wondering did you get your situation sorted," you asked as he breathed in deep in the background. "In all honesty, not yet, Mr Lee got me in contact with Mr Ji. But sadly him and his colleague are also working on an important case right now," he said with a sadden voice. "How would you feel if I came to yours, we could talk more about it. I'm not promising much as I'm not that talented, but I can try to help," you said waiting for the silence of the other end. "What's up Mr Kim?” you asked fearing the words you knew would come. "Mr Lee said that under no circumstances am I to meet you again," he said as your anger brewed. "Mr Lee is no longly working with me so no doubt that's why he said that," you replied as the silence continued for a short couple of seconds. "I'm sorry to hear that, he seemed to care a lot about you," Mr Kim replied. "It's a facade trust me. Look let me visit, if I can fix the issue then that's great. And if I can't Mr Lee don't even need to know I was there," you said down the phone. "I know your scared and I could maybe help free you from the fear your experiencing," You pleaded. "Ok," he reluctantly agreed. "But I would rather come to you instead of mine, incase it's too much for you," he replied as you agreed.

Waiting for the door to go you found him stood there, the face you hadn't seen in weeks. He was standing right behind Mr Kim who walked into your home with him following.

"Thanks for coming Mr Kim," you said as you sat down in the living room, your eyes between him and Eric. "He's called Sehyoon," Eric muttered for attention. "You can talk with me comfortably, call me Sehyoon," he said sitting down. Eric looked at you with the expression told you so, on his features. "Ok," you said smiling at him unsure of his reason to be attached this second to Eric. "Do you know a Eric Sohn by any chance?" You asked as Sehyoon pursed his lips in thought. "No I don't think I do, my memory isn't always great though," he said softly. "Why do you ask?" Sehyoon asked as Eric smirked your way. "Just a name that popped into my head," you lied as Eric chuckled. "Just a name am I?" He replied arms folded as you tried to block him out. Why was he suddenly appearing and for a lot longer then before. Had your talent got stronger? "So how long have you lived in your home?" You asked. "Only a year, I should have taken note that it been on the market several times. But I saw the bargain fee to buy it and ran like a fool," Sehyoon said as Eric bit back a chuckle. "Greed gets a man every time," Eric spat out as you inwardly rolled your eyes. "How soon did things begin to happen?" You questioned further. "Instantly as soon as I paid for it, I would get these weird flash of things I couldn't understand, bizarre dreams. That was before even stepping into the home. Once I was there theirs this heavy darkness feeling, like I'm not wanted. Things get thrown, I see shadows and worse I dream of nothing but death," he whimpers. "That sounds awful," you reply sympathetically. "Sounds like you pissed off hell," Eric grumbles as you look to him with annoyance earning him to smirk as he pokes his tongue into his cheeks. Closing your eyes trying to ignore how attractive he looked then, your eyes take Sehyoon's looking slightly taken aback. "Can you see someone?" He asks as your eyes widen. "Don't worry he seems to be my problem ghost not yours," you bit out looking at Eric. "Yours? told you you were mine," he said winking seductively as you shook your head. "Anything else happened bizarrely?" You asked as he ponders for a second. "My art inspiration is threw the roof I draw so many different kind of arts. Which isn't abnormal but always includes cherubs," he says as Eric shuffles in his chair. "Look I can show you," he says as he gets his phone to show, but Eric grabs it from him. Sehyoon looks in fear at what possibly looks like a dangling phone in the air. Leaning over you snatch it from Eric himself, his view a little more tense. "Hey I want to be nosey," Eric said reapplying his composure. "Well do it on your time not mine," you bit out as Your eyes took Sehyoon. "It's ok this ones harmless I promise, annoying but harmless," you add looking to Eric briefly. Looking at the photos of his art work you saw all the different art work with cherubs being his feature. Then one photo had you freeze to the spot it was a drawing of Ivy swirls around cherubs? Just like the one you saw in the house when you passed out. Dropping the phone you looked to Eric as he had his eyes closed full of anger. "What's going on why is that here? you said shakey towards him.

But before you could reach your hand to touch his shoulder, he throws his hand towards you. Like it some sort of power it launches you towards the ceiling as Sehyoon whimpers terrified. "Eric," you cry out but he looks angry, his eyes growling red. "You're not evil," you whimper as you feel a pressure around your neck. "Don't search any further, I won't let you," he growls as the room gets colourful once more. Instead of fear you feel ready to greet him in his world.

Opening your eyes you see the curtains of the bedroom as you realised your in bed. Feeling the naked skin of a body behind you you look to find Eric. "Morning Princess,” he says as you smile turning to face him. Instead of questions words fall from your mouth as if he's yours. "Morning," you smile wrapping your arms around his waist letting his toned chest flush against your face. "Did you sleep ok?" He asks as you nod enjoying the warmth of his tight hold. You feel happiness and totally in love with him. "I’ve got to get up soon and start painting," you say feeling foreign because art isn't your thing. "Can't it wait just some minutes, I don't want to let you go yet," Eric chuckles as he peppers kisses along your forehead. "I won't say no to that," you say as your own lips press kisses to his chest. He cups your face to look at you as his lips fall to yours. They are soft as he slowly tenderly lets his mouth roam yours. Laying you on your back he lets his kisses fall down your chest. His member heavy against your thighs lets you know he wants to ravish you. You want nothing more to have him making love to you right this second.

But instead of making love to him you're in the room a little more darker as night is upon you. Paint brush in your hand as you tilt to look at the art work you've done. Long swirls of ivy which has taken weeks to do over two angel cherubs. "That's so Beautiful our two future babies'," Eric said back hugging you as his lips fall to your neck. "I thought you wanted more then two," you chuckle despite feeling a little uncomfortable. "I do but if it's just two you want then that's what we got to go with. As long as your happy and healthy and so are they then I don't care how many we have," he says spinning you to face him. He looks at you with pure devotion in his eyes as he strokes your hair. But you feel something saddening in the pitt of your stomach. Like if he knows he won't want you no more. "I love you so much my beautiful wife," he chuckles as your heart feels like it's about to explode. "I love you too Sohn," you reply going onto tip toes to kiss him passionately.

Suddenly the room is pitch black, Eric is sat in a pentagon in candlelight. His tears red and angry you make your way to comfort him. But your hand just goes through his body like your the ghost. "Eric snap out of it," you whimper scared on his behalf. "Please, please, god hates me. He won't listen, I want death. I’ll do what ever you want me to do. Just give me death, let me go from this horrible world," he begs tears falling down his eyes in pure pain. "Eric please don't wish for that," you sob as a tear falls down your eyes too. But you know he can't hear your voice.

Falling to the floor you still realise your in the dark room, Eric’s world still continuing. Your feet feel wet as you pull them to you. But instead of water theirs enough light from the street light shining in the opening of the curtain, that you can tell that it's blood on your hands. Fearing Eric's death at his own hands you leap up to search the body. But instead of finding him you freeze to the spot when you find yourself. Heavy breath above you you look up to find a outline of a man. “Knife in his hand still dripping in the blood of the version of you on the floor. "Who are you?" You cry out shakily in fear hoping death in this world doesn't mean the same out there. The door behind is opened briefly to let in enough light that shows the face of your murderer.

Throat tightening you almost choke when you see Eric’s face looking past you at who ever’s standing behind. "No, No you didn't, why, why when you said you loved me," you cried out in fear as you crawled slightly backwards as you slipped on the blood hitting your head on the floor board.

"Y/N," you hear to your relief Donghun’s voice as you wake up in his arms. "Is she ok?" You hear Sehyoon behind in fear. Your eyes open briefly as you feel lightheaded struggling for focus. But through them you see Eric looking in fear at you. "Why? Why did you kill me?" You whimper as your focus takes him in properly. "No ones killed you don't be dramatic," Donghun said unaware of Eric's presence. "Eric answer me," you demand as you see tears fall down his eyes. "See I told you it's was some ghost called Eric. She said it was her problem ghost," Sehyoon said behind you. "Sorry, sorry," Eric said before allowing himself to disappear.

"Y/N what are you seeing?" Donghun asks shaking you. "He killed me," you whisper unsure what you saw even if you knew enough it wasn't real. "But I know he didn't mean to," you add as he tilts his head down towards you. "Who? this Eric guy?" Donghun asks for confirmation. "We were in love, crazy in love, and then he just killed me, he killed me after he asked for the devil. Wait was I the sacrifice," you splutter out as words was floating around your head, none of it really making sense. "Woah slow down your confusing me," Donghun said out. "But first let's get you off the floor," he said helping you to sit on a chair next to Sehyoon. "What happened, start from the beginning, don't leave anything out," he demands as you and Sehyoon explain the events that unfolded. Donghun stays silent listening occasionally throwing his hand through his hair looking uncomfortable. "Right let's get you something to eat, I will ring Byeongkwan and then we will go through this again,” he said as he looked to Sehyoon. "Thanks for ringing me, but I can handle it from now," he said to him. "Ok, let me know how you are later ok?" He says looking towards you as you smile his way. "No she won't. I knew she was too weak for this all, I don't want her part of this," Donghun ordered. "Donghun," you cried out as he put his hand to you to shhh you. "Ok I won't, I promise. I don’t want her hurt anymore," Sehyoon said standing up looking distraught. "I'll see myself out," he said, taking one look at you before he walked out. "Part of this? I'm already part of this Eric made sure of that," you cry out. "Or have you forgot he's my spirit not Sehyoon's," you add as he leans his head into his hands. "Donghun this is my job to fix this, my job to sort this," you said touching his shoulder as he glances at you. "Y/N your out your depth, this is Changmin and Byeongkwan's area of expertise to sort out,” Donghun says seriously. "But it's not happening to them it's happening to me, like you wanted it to. You were the one that took me to those woods," you shot out as he stood up straight. "And I regret it I truly do, because now you have an vengeful spirit attachment," Donghun says with deep concern laced in his voice. "Eric isn't vengeful," you spat out refusing to believe that despite everything you had witnessed. "Yeah because a friendly ghost pins their victim to the ceiling unconsciously. Takes her god knows where to witness her own future death," he shouts out. "Don't you get it if you saw your own death he's predicting it," Donghun continue shaking with anger. "How can he be vengeful if he’s pre-warning me, he's clearly trying to find a way to stop it happening. Which is easy because I just avoid falling in love with him then it won't happen," you spat out still numb and confused to what you viewed. "Love with him pfft," he added rather annoyed. "Well At least he acknowledged me, so it’s not that hard to think possible," you reply. "He's a ghost Y/N one who keeps hurting you, one we can't read or understand or know anything about him to that fact," Donghun says looking close to losing the will to live. "He has no footprint. No Eric Sohn has ever lived, not one that fits your descriptions," he says his eyes heavily focused on you. "What are you saying he gave me a false name to hide his evil background?" You question as he looks at you with a widened eyes smile, pointing out the obvious. "No, your men just are not talented like you think," you scoff out as he rolled his eyes hitting the table. "You've spent a few minutes in his company and suddenly he's an angel himself. Yet you've known me mostly all your life and can't trust me when I'm saying this is dangerous,” he says leaving words to fail you as silence falls. Enough’s enough we need to find a way to stop these sessions with Eric," Donghun said exhausted. "So no Sehyoon," he demanded.

"You going to remove yourself too?" You question arms folded. "What are you on about?" He asked rolling his eyes your way. "You forget that I've had these experiences with you too, in-fact more with you. You going to ban yourself from seeing me?" You ask as he chuckled mockingly. "As if I’m that lucky," he bit back hurting. "If you see me as the unluck in your life why did you come here then," you questioned hurt. "Because Sehyoon rang me crying in fear because my stupid ass friend was dead on the ceiling. What did you want me to do just go ok thanks for telling me just pray for her," he spat out. "You thought I was dead?" You asked more softly. "No I didn't, sehyoon did," he said more calmer. "But yes my heart did stop when I saw you on that ceiling silent and unconscious," he said looking up at you his hands looking like it wanted to touch you. "Because of Yuchan," he said trying to convince himself more then you. "You worried about me?” you said feeling confident to cup his face. His eyes watery looked your way. "It makes me feel good that you care about me," you whisper feeling the electricity shoot between you both. "I have to care about you I'm responsible for you," he reply's sounding once more like he’s convincing himself. "Please stop putting yourself in danger," he begs as a tear escapes. You press your forehead to his as he lets his hands fall to your shoulders. "I can't lose you too," he whimpers once more in pain. "You won't i promise," you said letting your lips touch his. As confidence you felt was alien to you hit through, you were taken back when he kissed you back. Tongues massaging yours as his hands pulled you closer to him. Hands falling to his back to grab hold of his T-shirt as you lose yourself.

He suddenly pushed you away looking at you with horror. "Sorry Y/N we can't, we shouldn't," he said standing from the chair as your eyes tried to search for his. "Donghun I like you, I always have," you said out unsure what was encouraging you to reveal yourself. "I can't do this," he said walking out the room as you threw your head to the table. What ever confidence you were sure Eric threw into you was in vain to bring your own rejection.

The living room door opened once more. Donghun returning. His eyes glazed over as he stormed towards you. "Fuck it," he growls as his lips hastily and much more desperate hit yours. His deep fierce kisses pushed you towards the walls, your hands falling to his hips as he rolled himself against you. Hands fall to his shirt as you remove in your heated passionate moment. Dragging your teeth down your lips at the naked top half on view. “You like?” he teases as you nod. "My turn," he growls as he pulls on your own as he hums with appreciation as he takes you in. Unzipping himself he pulls out his red angry cock. Your hands go to touch him, but he pulls your hands up above you. His lips taking a fresh amount of kisses before he continues. Pumping himself you let your bottoms fall as he smirks to himself. Flicking a leg behind his hip, his hands rest under the curve of your ass as he places his head by your entrance. Kissing you further he pushes in as you moan into his mouth.

But suddenly the kisses change to slow and tender, his vibe changing completely. His eyes red tinted as his expression switch to Eric's. He thrusts into you with desperation, fast heavy precise thrusts that have you crying in ecstasy. You watch as his view switches back to Donghun and your walls tighten around him. "Your mine," he says in Eric's voice and your torn from the seduction of them both. You should be terrified or scared but instead the view and sound of them both is having your walls choke around him. The difference in both of their moans a blended mixture of heaven to your ears. "Donghun," you cry out as you feel close to the edge. "You know it's me, say my name," Eric says as his face shifts back. "You belong to me, I will get you back to me again, I promise," he threatens. "Cum on this cock," he says nipping your jaw line as you meet his thrusts. "That's my good Princess," he coos as your hand finds his hair. But as they gel through, Donghun's features return. "Let go," he says deeply that has your stomach coil tight. Your high is so near. Lips fall back to your lips as they nip at you, the pitches of his high tells you he's close too. Growling as he fills you up with his warm cum spurs you into yours. Eric grabbing the last feature as your nails grip into his body convulsing violently as you fall apart from your orgasm. "That's right Princess, you came with me remember that," he whispers in to your ear as you lean onto him panting.

Silence fills the air as you both catch your breath. From the tone of his breathing you can tell it's Donghun back. "You should get some rest while I call Byeongkwan," Donghun said into the silence and sweet kisses he made against your crown. You nodded as you watched him get changed handing you your clothes back. "I’ll be outside taking this call ok. Please go to your room and get some sleep, You must be exhausted." He said reassuringly as you nodded. You watched him leave, your body rebelled falling into the wall.

What just happened? Did you sleep with Donghun or Eric? Or was it even both of them? The images Eric took you too earlier coming back to memory. Your mind felt like it was so overwhelmed with everything it couldn't even grasp what was going on. Who was Eric to you? Was Eric your future or was he your past?

----------------------🔺---------------- Donghun POV

"Byeongkwan we need to do something immediately, he’s going to kill her if we don't," you plead down the phone. "What's happened?" Your friend reply's as you close your eye trying to forget all the things you just saw. "I saw it with my own eyes, he’s going to use her as a sacrifice," Donghun cried out. "Please I can't lose her, we need to save her," you sob down the phone. "It's ok Hyung we got a plan, hold in there," he said reassuringly your way. Looking back towards the door to the house you closed your eyes adjusting to what just happened. You just allowed Eric Sohn to have Sex with the women you loved in your body.

Sequel Power Starved

Masterlist

A.C.E.'s Masterlist

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survivalistghost · 10 months ago

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2023 kdrama list

list of the kdramas i watched and loved in 2023

obviously this is quite late but to those who want to start a kdrama, this is it.

#10 - soundtrack #2

there is such a comfort in the soundtrack series. even soundtrack #1 was so good, but this new instalment, truly works on the og kdrama tropes. lovers to exes to accidental 'fate' encounter to forced proximity to lovers again. puppy dog male lead, angsty female lead, jealousy, wholesome second lead, it's got it all. and ofc, music.

#9 - king the land

many people did not like this drama. honestly, if you're watching a kdrama that is romance and comedy then why would be angry that it had romance and comedy. again, a true example of a classic kdrama, rich ceo guy with hardworking girl, mix in some trauma and employee-employer drama, and this is the perfect clichéd drama.

#8 - see you in my 19th life

honestly i just like watching ahn bo hyun. he is such a pretty man. storyline-wise, i feel like they did a lot of stuff, but the ending honestly disappointed me. shin hye sun, as usual, love the woman, what an actor, the second leads also did not disappoint, loved them all.

#7 - crash course in romance

such a heartwarming drama. choi chiyeol with the temperament of a wet cat, the stress of studies in all asian countries, not just korea. all the romances were so cute (barring the best friend and brother). one thing they could have done better was cast a younger actress for the female lead. even this love triangle was so cute and fun.

#6 - my demon

song kang and kim yoo jung really killed it with the chemistry. i mean, forget everything else, i'll just take 16 episodes of them hanging out. even behind the scenes reels will work. the plot was pretty solid, felt like a remake of doom at your service. song kang does a wonderful job at being both goofy and serious, and kim yoo jung did so good at the angsty ceo.

#5 - the good bad mother

am i surprised this ended up higher than my demon? yes. this was such a good show, the past and present layered together so beautifully. the villains seemed like actual villains, but you weren't sure who to hate until the last episode. really shows some aspects of motherhood through both the eyes of the kids and mothers. had a cute little romance as well.

#4 - the worst of evil

ji chang wook and wi ha jun. need i say more? i have said it once, and i'll say it again - so few do action like koreans do. i mean, vincenzo, my name, midnight runners, and now this, such action masterpieces.

#3 - daily dose of sunshine

park bo young wa sso cute in this one. i miss small kdramas with intense plots. mental illnesses were dealt with very well in this one. the romance was so cute, and chang ryul, my baby, i missed him so much.

#2 - alchemy of souls s2

i just. love. this series. so much. like, the characters are so well built, the storyline, the romance, the destiny, oh my god. please watch this.

#1 - welcome to samdal-ri

this comes as a surprise to absolutely no one. what a feel-good drama to end 2023. it was the perfect remix of hometown cha cha cha that we all needed. ji chang wook, my absolute gem of a man, and shin hye sun, queen of no shit given but too many shits given roles. adore the friendships, romance, calm setting, the love between everyone. please watch it.

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naksushadows · 3 months ago

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My 3 favorite Jung Somin dramas Alchemy of Souls This drama was one of the best experiences I've had in recent times. The mix of magic, fantasy, romance and adventure was so well done. I love Somin's acting in this drama, especially showing the duality of the character who was an assassin disguised as a servant and therefore needed to use humor and wit to survive. I highlight the change in tone of voice that the actress made when she was the real Naksu and when she was Mudeok the loyal servant. The Naksu/JangUk couple is iconic. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes This drama is so bittersweet. I will never get over, I have some reservations about the ending but nothing that will affect the experience. Seo Inguk continues to be the actor who had the most chemistry with Somin ✨️unsurpassed✨️ The couple starts off in a way that makes it hard to root for them, but as we discover more of Kim Moo Young's story we can understand why he is the way he is. I like to see Somin acting as such a sweet and human character, and I need to see her in more melodramas and thriller. Because This Is My First Life When I started this drama I didn't imagine I would like it so much. I loved how pertinent female issues were addressed, an eldest daughter who suffers from patriarchy and lack of recognition, and how the male character is different from the usual kdramas. His combination with the dear Yoon Ji Ho was great because she is very empathetic and relatable.

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bts-bangtanies · 6 months ago

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BTS ‘Map of the Soul: Persona’ 🗺️💜🍚🎭 (6th mini album - 12 April 📀) comeback lead single “Boy with Luv” MV 🎞️ shoot behind-the-scene photos 📷 - 15 March 2019 🗞️

#bts #bangtan #bangtan sonyeondan #map of the soul persona #jimin #Jin #Suga #Park Ji Min #Kim Seok Jin #Min Yoon Gi

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papillonmusings · 2 years ago

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ljw x gyj hb x syj

jcw x kjw khs x syj

aesthetic: my favorite bts photos of my comfort kdrama couples♡♡

#lee jae wook #go youn jung #go yoon jung #hyun bin #son ye jin #ji chang wook #kim ji won #seo ye ji #kim hyun soo #alchemy of souls #crash landing on you #lovestruck in the city #it’s okay to not be okay #my comfort dramas #i watch these whenever i’m sad

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dailyasiandramas · 1 year ago

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#the love by hypnotic #vincenzo #the tale of nokdu #love between fairy and devil #not me the series #lighter and princess #the romance of tiger and rose #flower of evil #alchemy of souls #love under the full moon #dailyasiandramas #asiandramasthrowback #throwback: polls #polls #tumblr polls #userxlh #userstorge #samblr #side note: by baek hee sung i mean the actual villain played by kim ji hoon

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youknowihavenochingu · 2 years ago

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Kdrama female leads of 2022

Kim Tae Ri- Twenty Five Twenty One

Kim Sejeong- A Business Proposal

Park Eun Bin- Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Suzy- Anna

Jung So Min- Alchemy of Souls

Yoona- Big Mouth

Kim Go Eun- Little Women

Kim Ji Won- My Liberation Notes

Go Yoon Jung- Alchemy of Souls 2

Seolhyun- Summer Strike

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nekorinnie · 4 months ago

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Like mother.. like son.. kinda... need to do an actual wip of these lol

#Mrs. Kim!#who does not yet have a name #is displeased about her husband and his friend and business partner talking about business at the table #unfortunately for Mr. Kim #who also does not have a name #It's too late...#tis in the Atla/LoK world...#meanwhile!#Soul-Ji is in the Naruto au... freshly adopted his new nephew #baby naruto #gets told by some peeps he cant do that #due to reasons #and he goes #Soul-Ji: >>> “....You think of *my* young nephew as a monster...” Silver eyes narrow as a chilling smile appears #“You haven't met ***me***”#bruhh the tag thing keeps resisting lol #ah well enjoy lol

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odanurr87 · 2 years ago

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Alchemy of Completed 2022 Kdramas - Part 1

Last year I watched a bunch of kdramas, too many for me to properly review at the rate I write about them. As a result, I'm gonna try something different and quickly review those dramas that released in 2022 that I watched, and maybe recommend a few alternatives here and there in those cases where the show didn't live up to the task. Considering it's been a while since I watched some of these dramas, I binged a couple of them again to better inform my commentary. If you're short on time, or just want to add kdramas to your ever-increasing watchlist, you'll find a ⭐ next to the titles I wholeheartedly recommend, and a 💀 next to those I feel should best be avoided, but you do you. If you still haven't watched some of these shows, this list will hopefully give you some idea of whether you'll enjoy watching them (or not).

A brief note on my rating system before we begin. I use bins for my 1-10 scale in the following way:

Anything between 5 and 6 is considered average

Shows between 7 and 8 are considered above average

Shows in the 9 to 10 range are the cream of the crop

Anything between 1 to 4 is considered below average, with the 1-2 range reserved for the worst offenders.

Thus, I have two possible scores for the average, above average, and cream of the crop categories, what I believe makes my life a little easier when rating shows. I have occasionally given half point ratings (e.g. 7.5) to certain shows when I feel they're halfway to a better grade, but that has been the exception rather than the rule.

So without further ado, welcome to my Alchemy of Completed 2022 Kdramas - Part 1!

A Business Proposal⭐

Episode count: 12

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: "You know I'm good at a lot of different things, right?"

We start with one of my favourites and the best short romcom of 2022. Based on the manhwa of the same name by Haehwa (original story) and NARAK (art), Taemu Kang (Ahn Hyeo Seop) plays the 'perfect CEO' stereotype who ain't got no time for love so, after several hilarious events, he eventually hires Hari Shin (Kim Se Jeong) to play the part of his girlfriend to fool grandpa. Unbeknownst to him though, Hari is his employee. Will their fake relationship turn into a real one? You bet your ass!

The show ticks almost all of the required tropes, subverts some -what was a pleasant surprise- and entertains throughout, making perfect use of its runtime. The second lead couple, played by Kim Min Gue and Seol In Ah, also turned several heads, not to mention the latter had great BFF chemistry with Kim Se Jeong. Week after week, I was looking forward to every episode of this show, especially considering how disappointing another romcom that aired around the same time turned out to be, and that you may or may not find in this list. You could say this show aired just in time for Samantha and Rachel to cure my FLAWless disappointment.

Again My Life⭐

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: Lawful Lawyer is back!

The better Lawless Lawyer of 2022. Kim Hee Woo (Lee Joon Gi) is a prosecutor who travels back in time to put the people who murdered him behind bars while the audience wonders which female lead he should date. And between Kim Ji Eun, Hong Bi Ra, and Veronica Park Kim Jae Kyung, well, he's definitely not lacking in choices. Fortunately, time travel is merely used as a trigger to tell the story (similar to 365: Repeat the Year in this respect), so we don't have to worry about kdramas' rather abysmal track record with sci-fi. The show keeps you hooked episode after episode, finding a good balance between the scheming, putting people behind bars, throwing some punches (has those trademark LJG action sequences!), all the while going after the next big fish. Last, but not least, it does an incredibly good job at managing an ensemble cast of characters, and there are a lot of them! If you're a fan of Lawless Lawyer or Lee Joon Gi, you can't go wrong with this one.

Alchemy of Souls - Part 1

Episode count: 20

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Watch a fantasy cdrama instead

Alternatives: Fights Break Sphere, Fighter of the Destiny

When I watched the character promos for this show I thought this could be Korea's answer to some of China's fantasy dramas, possibly Xuanhuan dramas, and I was all for it! I liked the male actor, Lee Jae Wook, in other dramas I'd watched with him (he was great in When the Weather is Fine and Search: WWW), and Jung So Min playing a master assassin and mentor in a fantasy drama was quite appealing. Of course, I was a bit worried when the teaser dropped, with its emphasis on some weak comedy, but I decided to give the show the benefit of the doubt. Sadly, Part 1 didn't live up to the task. It meandered a lot, definitely under-using its 20-episode order, focusing on every romantic relationship under the sun and then some, ultimately delivering an unsatisfactory hero's journey for the ML, while the antagonists played ping-pong with the alchemy of souls. At times, I was reminded of Hwarang, a show I have reviewed very poorly and that seems to have relied on the idol factor to garner popular appeal.

I've previously compared Jang Uk's journey to that of Xiao Yan from the cdrama Fights Break Sphere, in that I expected the former, from the previews, to undergo a similar rise to power as the latter, rigorously training under his master, slowly climbing his way back to power, but with the additional appeal of developing that romantic relationship between Jung So Min's character and Lee Jae Wook's, what would've made for a more rewarding journey for both the character and the audience. This is a tried-and-true formula, also used by the popular anime The Rising of the Shield Hero, to mention but one other example. Unfortunately for us, Jang Uk can hardly be bothered to train (supposedly, he "trained" with twelve masters for years and didn't learn a damn), except at the very specific, and limited, times that the script dictates, instead relying on luck and plot contrivances to "skip ahead" his way to power, what makes for far less memorable scenes. Additionally, the cdrama nails the master-student relationship thanks to the great rapport between Baron Chen's Yao Chen and Leo Wu's Xiao Yan, but there's hardly such a bond between Mu Deok and Jang Uk.

In the end, Part 1 of Alchemy of Souls should've been about Jang Uk's rise to power under the guidance of his master, and later love interest, Mu Deok, but it's too unfocused, its attention constantly diverted by comedy, love polygons, or caricaturesque villains doing dumb things under everyone's noses. Perhaps its only saving grace was the character of the Crown Prince, brilliantly played by Shin Seung Ho, who was able to nail both the comedy and the drama when called for. However, if you're looking for a good fantasy drama with a more traditional (or any) hero's journey, watch Fights Break Sphere instead, with the caveat only the first season has been released, and it's doubtful there'll be a second. I'd also recommend Fighter of the Destiny, with Lu Han. It probably doesn't have as good CGI or sets, but it has a better grip on the hero's journey than Alchemy and nails the camaraderie aspects.

Alchemy of Souls - Part 2

Episode count: 10

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 7/10

Verdict: Works better as a standalone watch

I should've probably left Part 2 of the show for Part 2 of my list, but I'm going in alphabetical order so that's that. This is one of the shows I decided to rewatch to refresh my memory and, to my surprise, it fared much better the second time around. Why's that? Read on to find out!

Part 2 of Alchemy of Souls starts strong, much stronger than Part 1 did, something many were doubting when the news hit that Jung So Min wouldn't return for Part 2, instead being replaced by the original Naksu actress, Go Youn Jung. Fortunately, she does an excellent job throughout, but especially in the beginning of Part 2, which comes across as more of a fairy tale (Rapunzel's), and where the show decides to embrace some of the typical marriage contact tropes, as Young Jung's character fake-marries the now uber-powerful Jang Uk in order to escape from her mother's tight grasp. Honestly, I wish the show had started with Part 2, in media res, and used the material from Part 1 for flashback storytelling, in a similar vein to how The Untamed did it. God, that would've been so good! Precisely because Jang Uk has become sort of a demigod he can boss around all of the useless supporting characters from Part 1 (I'm looking at you, Pathetic Assembly of Evil), and pretty much do whatever he wants, so it's quite commendable to see him return smarter and more measured in his decision-making.

As someone who watched Part 2 live back then, it started to lose its initial glimmer when an inevitable reveal kept being delayed episode after episode, hinting that it would obviously occur the next one. Of course, this never happened, but what made matters worse was the fact that the ML was kept oblivious while everyone around him found out and chose not to tell him because... reasons? I can understand one person keeping the secret for his own agenda, maybe a couple, but I find it astonishing that even Jang Uk's friends and family shared this same agenda, as they also kept the truth from him. Additionally, the more this delay continued the further the narrative possibilities were constrained and, thusly, certain scenarios conjured up by fans never came to pass. However, this will not be much of an issue for people coming in blind to Part 2 (or with a healthy distance from Part 1). Perhaps even the fact that the noble idiocy card is played, or that the main antagonist is obstinately preserved by the writers until the very last episode to little effect (when he shouldn't have made it past Part 1), won't present much of an issue to newcomers.

Having said this, I still feel the final battle for the fate of the world remains rather underwhelming and anticlimactic, not helped by the fact that certain characters are resurrected right before said battle. After all, if the show outright establishes death is not permanent, minutes before "the end of the world," why should I fear for any of the characters? Even Jang Uk himself, during this final battle, doesn't show an ounce of worry that maybe this time he will not make it out alive, regardless of his powers, making the fight seem entirely mechanical and perfunctory. The writers even throw in some half-baked plot device about the King's Star being powered by seven other stars, and since it had never been explained throughout the show a character has to exposition-dump it on our laps (there's quite a lot of exposition dump going around in Part 2, what helps newcomers to the show). It's a plot device prominently featured in the cdrama Fighter of the Destiny, which I previously recommended, so maybe it was inspired by it?

In the end, if you still want to get a taste of the Alchemy experience, I wholeheartedly suggest you treat Part 2 as the original show, with Part 1 being the prequel made to cash in on the show's success that, ultimately, you may not even need. Thus, as a standalone, I'm revising my original rating for Part 2 from a 6/10 to a 7/10, bumping it into my above average bin.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Better luck in S2

Alternatives: Good Doctor, Again My Life

Woo to the Young to the Woo started off with a bang and had me sold after binging its first four episodes (I had a bit of an offset), making me hopeful this could be one of my favourites from 2022. Sadly, it was thereabouts that the quality of the writing slowly started going downhill for me. Woo lost me on two fronts: the weak framing and execution of the legal cases, and the underdeveloped cast of supporting characters, who were mostly neglected in favour of Park Eun Bin's Young Woo. Don't get me wrong, Park Eun Bin nailed the character, and her conversation with her mom in Episode 8 was particularly poignant and well executed, but it wouldn't have hurt to give characters like Min Woo or Jun-ho a case that resonated with them, like "The Strife of the Three Brothers," which was relevant to Young Woo's BFF Geu Ra-mi.

I'll take Min Woo as an example because, out of the whole cast of supporting characters, he showed the most promise. The show mentions in passing that Min Woo is his family's sole breadwinner, what could explain why he's so competitive and regards Young Woo as a threat rather than a boon, but the show never tries to explore this when it has the perfect medium to do so in the form of the legal cases. So why not give him a case that echoes some of his struggles trying to support his family while making headway into the competitive legal world, thus allowing us and his teammates to get to know him a little better? In essence, show us, don't just tell us. How am I then supposed to buy his sudden change-of-heart in "The Blue Night of Jeju" when you've given me nothing to support the fact he's bonded with anyone in the team? (besides Jun-ho who was already his flatmate) Perhaps not surprisingly, this particular episode throws a bunch of arcs left and right for the supporting characters to try and grab hold of, but too little too late.

As a procedural, I feel Extraordinary Attorney Woo is pretty average. It either didn't know how or never intended to handle its supporting cast of characters and successfully integrate them into the narrative, similarly to how a show like Again My Life did. To draw a curious parallel, the final episode of Again My Life gathers all of "the good guys" at the restaurant of Hee Woo's parents. There are 14 of them in total, not counting Hee Woo and his parents, and I feel like they've truly become one big extended family by show's end. Extraordinary Attorney Woo has a similar scene, gathering everyone at Min Shik's place that is meant to convey the same feeling, but they don't quite feel like a team yet, let alone a family. Maybe in Season 2?

If you're looking for a show featuring another savant autistic lead, but with a better grasp on developing an ensemble cast of characters, as well as a romantic relationship between the leads, then Good Doctor is the show for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a kickass lawyer, well, you probably already know who I'm talking about.

Fanletter, Please⭐

Episode count: 4

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: A lot of heart in a small package

The first among three shows in these lists that feature Choi Soo Young and Yoon Park as either main or supporting leads. I'd only previously watched Choi Soo Young in So I Married an Anti-Fan, a show not without its share of issues, but her as the female lead wasn't one. Indeed, she was one of the highlights and I was looking forward to seeing more of her work. As such, I was looking forward to this mini-series, more so when I realised Yoon Park would play the role of a father willing to move heaven and earth for his daughter, what is not a typical setup in kdramas (in my watching experience, mind you). Off the top of my head, I can only think of Marriage Contract and Lie After Lie as similar shows, in terms of how much of a protagonist the child actor is. Both are shows I would wholeheartedly recommend.

As for Fanletter, Please, I was positively pleased by how much content and social commentary this show was able to fit into its 4-hour runtime without harming the storytelling, something that even full-length kdramas struggle to achieve. Having said that, I would've welcomed one or two more episodes to let it breathe a little bit more and, of course, to watch some cute family moments! This is definitely a case of so good you want more of it. Still, Choi Soo Young and Yoon Park make it work within the available runtime, what's a credit to them and the script. CSY was on a roll last year (as you'll find out in Part 2!) so I'll have to keep an eye out for more of her dramas, and it was very welcome to see Yoon Park play this devoted father character after the disappointing Forecasting Love & Weather (though he was pretty good in it). Give me more short dramas!

Forecasting Love and Weather

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki, Netflix

Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Couldn't forecast love and I have my doubts about the weather

Alternatives: She Would Never Know, The Rational Life

I have a soft spot for Park Min Young, having watched romcoms like What's Wrong With Secretary Kim? and Her Private Life, or even melodramas like When the Weather is Fine. And who can forget Healer, where she played the part of Lois Lane to Ji Chang Wook's Clark Kent (watch it, it's a classic). I couldn't remember a drama with her that I didn't enjoy watching, so it broke my heart a little to see what a disappointing mess Forecasting Love and Weather turned out to be. I should've heeded a friend's advice to steer clear of Song Kang dramas, even though the script was clearly the worse offender by far.

The show hooked us in with the initial romcom elements, and then decided to veer into slife/melo territory, as the relationships between the different couples started to fray, with conflict being driven at an accelerated pace by the issues that arose from poor communication, or an outright absence of it, and how the different couples handled (they often didn't) the results of their miscommunication. I didn't much mind at the time because I felt they were being somewhat mature about it without overplaying their hand, and because my weekly romcom fix was being delivered by A Business Proposal, but they were treading a fine line... that got utterly ground into dust in the last six episodes. At this point in the show, the nonsensical drama was amped considerably, to the point it could've given Young Lady & Gentleman a run for their money, setting us up for the inevitable breakup. Why? Because the kdrama gods have written that a breakup must inevitably occur in Episode 14 or thereabouts, and this show is not about to subvert that trope!

Like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Forecasting Love and Weather failed at properly handling its ensemble cast of characters, trying to juggle five relationships to some very mixed results, when it would've been better off simply focusing on the main and secondary couples. As a result, by show's end I could've cared less what happened to the main couple, and was actually a bit more invested in the secondary one, played by Yoon Park and Yura, possibly because they at least tried to talk to each other and work things out. Honestly, Yoon Park's Ki Jun got the better deal out of all the characters in the show. How do you make Ki Jun, the guy who cheated on his fiancée with Si Woo's girlfriend, a more likable, or at least interesting, character than everyone else? You have him grow from an immature baby into a more or less responsible adult. You could argue that the main leads experience growth of their own, but it struck me as a bit aimless, a bit hollow. I mean, 16 episodes for Ha Kyung's boss to tell her you learn more from your mistakes than you do your successes? Seriously? Just go to r/GetMotivated for that.

Would I recommend this show? Unless you want to learn a little about what goes on behind the scenes of a weather forecast, not really, but maybe it's my fault for having high expectations due to PMY. It's not a bad show though, just average. If you want far better executed takes on this concept, check She Would Never Know on the kdrama side, and The Rational Life on the cdrama side.

Glitch💀

Episode count: 10

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 3/10

Verdict: Watching an episode of Ancient Aliens on the History Channel would've been more exciting and a lot shorter too

Alternatives: Circle

Can I get away simply by saying watching this show was a glitch? No? Dammit. I should've known better than to watch a Netflix-produced kdrama, even if it does star Nana, 'cause they've all been a bust for me, but Glitch was one of the privileged few shows I watched in 2022 that made me feel I had utterly wasted my time, with no redeeming qualities about it. 500 minutes to tell a story that lacks focus and is all over the place, perhaps stretched thin to meet a Netflix episode quota, with a FL that is not particularly interesting to follow, as she goes through a midlife crisis and teams up with Nana to investigate a UFO cult that may or may not have kidnapped her ex to sell his kidneys. Okay, maybe I made up that last bit about the kidneys.

The comedy doesn't land, the mystery doesn't land, the drama doesn't land, and the UFO doesn't land either. Undoubtedly, the finale is the better episode of the show, not least of why because it marked the ending, but also because the show didn't have any more time to dawdle as it had been doing for the past nine episodes, what gave it some much needed focus. To make matters worse, the surprises and twists at the end of each episode just weren't good enough to keep you hooked, nor, I'm afraid, were the leads. I was tempted at the time to give this show my first ever 1/10 for the way it wasted my time over the span of those 500 minutes, with a story that was infuriatingly inconsistent and lacked a lot of common sense, but it's probably not that bad. Still, I would only recommend watching it to my enemies, probably alongside something like Sisyphus.

Good Job

Episode count: 12

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 7/10

Verdict: Good fun

Alternatives: Secret Royal Inspector

Another ENA network show, like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, but shorter and more entertaining, as we follow the crazy antics of Eun Soon Woo (Jung Il Woo), a chaebol CEO who doubles as a private detective (think Bruce Wayne/Batman), and Don Se Ra (Kwon Yu Ri), his newly-recruited superpowered assistant, as they aim to solve a 20-year-old cold case while uncovering other, smaller, cases, helping people and rectifying injustices along the way.

Good Job is just a fun ride overall, even if the comedy can be a little hit-or-miss sometimes, especially when it drags on for too long or tries the Marvel route of undermining certain scenes. The writing too could've benefited from another revision, as some events feel gratuitously delayed, like when a character refuses to reveal a certain name only to do so a few minutes later, while others are forced to a head, like Se Ra discovering Soon Woo's batcave. Oh, yeah, he has a batcave, of sorts, and even an Alfred, in the form of Lee Joon Hyuk's Director Hong, whom you may recall from Mystic Pop-Up Bar. He also has a talented sidekick and comedic support, Jin Mo (Eum Moon Suk), both a lawyer and a hacker, who also gets into a romantic entanglement of his own with Se Ra's best friend, Na Hee (Song Sang Eun). This is the mini-Justice League you'll see play dress-up (these scenes are so over-the-top fun!) from episode to episode, as they go undercover to solve cases and get one step closer to their goal. In this sense, this show could be compared to something like Taxi Driver, but, unlike the latter, Good Job doesn't take itself too seriously and neither should you for maximum enjoyment.

While the resolution of the final case felt a bit underwhelming, and perhaps a tad perfunctory (I did appreciate the brief redemption arc for one of the antagonists though), Good Job achieves in 12 episodes what Extraordinary Attorney Woo could not in 16, making its cast of characters grow into a team, one I would not mind accompanying in more adventures in future seasons. Will that happen? Probably not, so if you're looking for more fun adventures of the sort, and don't mind traveling to the past, I would not hesitate to recommend Secret Royal Inspector, with Kim Myung Soo and Kwon Na Ra.

Grid💀

Episode count: 10

Where to watch: Disney+

Rating: 4/10

Verdict: Another nail in the kdrama sci-fi coffin

Alternatives: 365: Repeat the Year, Reset, Circle

Sci-fi is one of my favourite genres, but kdramas have had a rather lousy track record at delivering good quality sci-fi and, sadly, Grid does nothing to change that. Our story starts in 1997, when a mysterious time traveler known as "the Ghost" laves a program for an energy grid to replace Earth's failing magnetic fields. This Grid is now managed by the Administration Bureau who intend to track down the Ghost and unlock the secrets of time travel... eventually. The show's comprised of only ten episodes, yet the pacing of the first half is slower than it has any right to be given the events depicted (hint: they aren't that exciting) and the dialogue isn't stimulating enough to sustain such a slow burner. This "season" could've been compressed into 5 or 6 episodes and it would've been stronger for it. Of course, then it would hardly qualify as a "season" (though Netflix seems to think it does).

The main plot line focuses around this serial killer and the fact that the Ghost is helping him evade capture. Why is this time traveler aiding and abetting a criminal? Honestly, this question was never interesting enough to fuel ten weeks of watching (the pain!) and it shows. Additionally, it is not answered conclusively, although there are some bread crumbs for the viewer to put the pieces together. In fact, this statement captures the show in a nutshell; it raises questions, but never provides any conclusive or satisfying answers, playing on the viewer's knowledge of other (better) time travel stories so they can come up with their own. Perhaps the worst example of this is the season finale, which is only meant to set up events for a possible S2 (in your dreams, or nightmares), thereby raising even more questions.

The writer behind this, Lee Soon Yeon, is apparently quite good, having written for Stranger and Stranger 2. I haven't watched either show so I can't comment on them, but time travel stories aren't for everyone. Having said that, the "mysteries" that are supposed to keep viewers hooked were also underwhelming. I remember reading an article that recommended Grid as a show that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I suppose it's possible to fall off your seat while asleep, right? If you want a show that uses time travel well, though in very limited fashion, merely as a trigger for the plot to unfold, watch 365: Repeat the Year. The cdrama Reset is a great exponent of using a time loop and one of my favourites from 2022. If you want kdrama's best exponent of sci-fi to date, watch Circle (review on the way).

If You Wish Upon Me⭐

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: The genie from Aladdin would be proud

First things first, there is a better version of this show if you take out the gangster storyline, which was entirely superfluous, and better integrate the sister storyline into the main plot. You can also drop the jealous doctor who added surprisingly little beyond being jealous at the required times (what a waste of a perfectly good character). Repackage it all into a shorter, 12-episode, season and this show could've reached 9-10 territory for me. Those are pretty much the weakest aspects of the show.

With that out of the way, it's a very good show. People have compared it to Chocolate given that it takes place in a hospice ward but, for my part, I dropped that show after 5 or 6 episodes, partly because of the ML. No such problem with Ji Chang Wook's character here, an orphan and ex-con with a heart of gold, and a cute dog he's named "Son." Despite all the abuse he's been subjected to throughout his life, he slowly starts to open up as he does community service at the hospice. Paired with Choi Soo Young's flirty Nurse Seo (love her!), these two alone make a powerful case for watching this show. Sung Dong Il also delivers a great performance and has some wonderful exchanges with Ji Chang Wook's character.

The show follows the "case of the week" formula for the most part, certainly during the first half of the drama, as Team Genie tries to fulfill the final wishes of the hospice's patients and often positively impact other people's lives in so doing. Be prepared and have tissues at hand. Beyond the gangster detour that wasted our time towards the end, and drew dangerously close to upending all the good will the show had garnered throughout its run, the final episode really brings it home, coming full circle and delivering a really satisfying conclusion to our story, one final surprise as Team Genie brings down the curtain on their show and bids us goodbye.

In short, yes, it could've been better with a tighter focus but, as it stands, it's one of the better shows to have come out in 2022, and perhaps Ji Chang Wook's best work since Healer (with the caveat that I have not yet watched Suspicious Partner nor Lovestruck in the City). And Choi Soo Young is now 2 for 2! (this girl's on 🔥🔥)

Jinxed at First💀

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 4/10

Verdict: Oh, it's jinxed alright

Alternatives: My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, Goblin, Scripting Your Destiny

I had measured expectations for this drama. Na In Woo had previously worked with the same director in 2021's River Where the Moon Rises, a show I enjoyed a great deal, though mostly because it was the first time I delved deep into the history behind the drama, namely the tale of Princess Pyeonggang and On Dal the Fool, and the history of the Three Kingdoms' period. He was brought in late, with production underway, to replace Ji Soo; he barely slept, had to adlib a lot of his scenes, and still managed to have great chemistry with Kim So Hyun and, to my mind, had the better grasp on the character of On Dal. I'd hoped Jinxed at First would give him another opportunity to shine, but, alas, that was not the case.

The first episode alone is a hectic storytelling mess (and, incidentally, River Where the Moon Rises alumni reunion), rushing through a lot of backstory and setup for the rest of the season. We're introduced to Soo Gwang, a bright student with a promising future and powerful friends, whose life takes a turn for the worse when he meets Seul Bi (Seo Hyun), a woman imprisoned since birth by his best friend's dad because of her strange ability to see a person's future through a single touch. Cut to a year later, where we find Soo Gwang working as a fishmonger under a different name, only for Seul Bi to track him down again, determined to remain by his side.

Honestly, I'm not sure what genre this show wanted to be, but I'm pretty sure it failed at most of them. For the first 6 or 7 episodes it tried to resemble something like My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, as Seul Bi is just as innocent and naïve as Miho was (even if Miho sold it better than Seul Bi did, to my mind), and both male leads were resolved to get rid of her. This is perhaps the strongest portion of the show, as Seul Bi adapts to her new environment and neighbors, making new friends while at the same time helping Soo Gwang get rid of his (never explained) bad luck. I even enjoyed some of the comedy. However, unlike My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, there is not enough chemistry between the leads to have them fall in love with each other over the course of 6 or 7 episodes. Well, not in Soo Gwang's case at any rate, as Seul Bi has been infatuated with him for years. Upon falling in love, the trope that naturally follows is a break-up, after which point the show starts to resemble more of a makjang, turning to corporate and chaebol intrigue and infighting. This is also around the time Soo Gwang's best friend, Min Joon (played by Ki Do Hoon, from Scripting Your Destiny), decides he's in love with Seul Bi (what?), something even more out of left field, especially when he's already engaged to Lee Ho Jung's (Soljiwan!!!) charming character, Ja Kyung, who effortlessly stole every scene she was in. Min Joon, if you don't want her, I'll gladly take her off your hands!

Seemingly having exhausted the depth of its narrative well, the show dragged its feet for several episodes, eventually deciding the story was better served by turning a character into a psychopath, who also wanted Seul Bi for himself and was willing to kill anyone in the process, an eye-rolling set of circumstances eventually resolved thanks to Seul Bi's expansive (aka nonsensical) repertoire of supernatural powers. And, of course, in a show of this caliber, the amnesia trope could not be absent, a card that is dealt in the very last episode and resolved at the very last minute. What a payoff.

When I first learned of this drama I recall reading an outline that went something along the lines of, "Unlucky man meets a goddess of luck." Would it have been too much to ask for a show fitting that description, but in the vein of the excellent Goblin instead? Or maybe something like Scripting Your Destiny, which is certainly not as good as Goblin, but is still way better than this, and much shorter too. If you want to watch a show that features a romantic relationship between a god and a human, I encourage you to give those a try instead, as well as the aforementioned My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.

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theadusa · 2 years ago

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All Dramas I watched in 2022

This is all the dramas I watched this year. I actually watched so many, more than I typically do. I wasn’t really going out a lot so I just watched dramas to spend my time. My goal next your is to not watch as many, lol. There were alot of good dramas this year, and I hope you enjoy my thoughts on all that I watched. Also as a warning I try to put spoiler warnings as much as possible.

Spring is Green at a Distance ( 2021, Ko Yeon-soo)

Main leads: Bae In-hyuk, Kang Min-ah, Park Ji-hoon

Episodes: 12, 60 min

Thoughts: I had high expectations for this drama. I have only heard good things, and how heartbreaking this drama was. I put it off, for this reason, in February I thought I was in the right emotional space for it. Due to all the hype, I was underwhelmed but I do still suggest it. Nam Soo Hyun (Bea In-hyuk) is the heart of the show and is such a fun character. Kim So-bin (Kang Min-ah) is the most relatable female character I have seen in a while, her anxiety is actually debilitating and not just played to make her seem cute. It is a heavy show, but it has light-hearted moments sprinkled throughout. Rating: It is pretty good, just be careful of building expectations.

All of Us are Dead (2022, Chun Sung-il)

Main leads: Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young

Episodes: 12, 53 to 72 min

Thoughts: This one weirdly took me by surprise. I typically don’t like horror/gore stories, but I love zombies as a metaphor. And when going into the themes of the show it is heartbreaking. When understanding how young they are, the people who they are taught to rely on become neglectful when they need them the most. This is a story about the tragedy of a Government that does not serve the people, both young and old. And the human desire to survive. I do highly recommend this show, however, I am not looking forward to season 2. Rating: a Zombie metaphor done right.

Move to Heaven (2021, Yoon Ji-ryeon)

Main leads: Lee Je-hoon, Tang Jun-sang

Episodes: 10, 42 to 62 min

Thoughts: Like the last two, this show was very much hyped. It was a sweet slice-of-life show about the process of grieving. I lost someone recently so it was comforting seeing people mourn in different ways. Lee Je Hoon was incredible in this as always and gave a moving performance. It isn’t my favorite show I watched this year but definitely worth a watch. Rating: Grieving takes time.

Familiar Wife (2018, Yang Hee-sung)

Main leads: Ji Sung, Han Ji-min

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: This drama is definitely under a man’s rom-com genre. Which is essentially a man taking a rough lesson in learning that he actually needs to be a decent person to his wife. You hate Cha Joo-hyuk (Ji Sung) for the first half of this drama, well at least I did, he was selfish, greedy, and couldn’t understand that he was the problem. I was shocked to see that people actually didn’t like Seo Woo-jin (Han Ji-min), like, she was ballsy and trying her best given the circumstances. This drama is definitely a cute show to put in the background or a fun pick-me-up. I wouldn’t put it on a must-watch list, but I wouldn’t discourage anyone from watching it. Rating: If you could change your fate… would ya?

Secret Royal Inspector and Joy (2021, Lee Jae-Yoon)

Main leads: Ok Taec-yeon, Kim Hye-Yoon

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: I originally watched this as it was coming out. I am a big fan of Kim Hye Yoon, and I was just done with Vincenzo. I however dropped it for a period, and finally picked it back up in February. This drama is funny and has found family vibes. The romance between the two main characters is also cute. It does drag a bit in the middle but it isn’t so bad. Rating: Guy Ferri in Josen

Coffee and Vanilla (2019, Shimoda Yuko)

Main leads: Fukuhara Haruka, Sakurada Dori

Episodes: 10, 23 min

Thoughts: Let me save you some time and don’t watch this show. I think this might have been the worst show I watched all year. The ML is awful, he is literally a walking red flag and not in a fun way. The FL is just stupid. I don’t have much to say except I hated every second I watched it, also just too many semi-sexy scenes with such a manipulative undertone, so it can be a bit triggering. Rating: Speed run on every toxic troupe

Dali and the Cocky Prince (2021, Son Eun-hye, Park Se-eun)

Main leads: Kim Min-jae, Park Gyu-young

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: This drama was sweet, and definitely picked me up from the last drama I watched. I like both actors and have been watching Kim Min-jae for a while now. The show is sweet and cute. It is a typical opposite attraction and focuses on when passion meets love. It has found family, a sweet and supportive couple, grief, and growth. Also, the relationship between the ML and the SML is actually so funny. It is just a heartwarming show that is easy to watch. Rating: Don’t watch hungry

Into the Ring (2020, Moon Hyun-kyung)

Main leads: Nana, Park Sung-hoon

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: This show is probably my favorite show I have seen all year, if not my favorite of all time. I love the cinematography of this drama and all the shot setups. It is quirky and fun. Se-ra (Nana) is such a fun and lovely character, who is truly interested in her community. I love political comedies, especially those that focus on small-level government. I also love Seo Gong-myung (Park Sung-hoon), he is unironically my dream man. It's cute, fun, and heartwarming, and everyone should watch it. rating: 10 out of 10 would watch it again

Marriage not dating (2014, Joo Hwa-mi)

Main leads: Yeon Woo-jin, Han Groo

Episodes: 16, 60 to 65 min

Thoughts: This show is typically the most recommended in terms of contract marriage, which I get, it definitely hits all your marks. Two people who despise each other are forced to have a marriage contract in the most contrived way possible. It is definitely a drama that was made in 2014 and has all the problems of that time. The man is just a little too toxic and the woman is a little too stupid. But you just can’t turn away. This show is also an example of why not all assembly drama characters need to be friends, that’s all I am going to say about that. Rating: The best part of this drama is the grandma.

The One and Only (2021-2022, Moon Jung-min)

Main leads: Ahn Eun-jin, Kim Kyung-Nam

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: This was a disappointing drama. I typically like underrated slow-paced dramas, and they have a strong theme of female friendship. The friendship was great, the romance was meh, and the plot was all over the place. Like it is an interesting concept to have a dying girl kill somebody, and an assassin as the witness, but I don’t know I was so underwhelmed by the whole thing. Rating: could be less underwhelming, and less simple

I Remember You (2015, Kwon Ki-young)

Main leads: Seo In-guk, Jang Nara

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: Fun fact about me, for some reason I made a goal to watch everything in Seo In-guk’s filmography and this one was up next. This drama is also known as Hello Monster, and it is one of those dramas that gets recommended. It is definitely before the 2016 era, in terms of how this drama feels. It is interesting, and I surprisingly liked it despite the appearance of Park Bo Gum. And I just really liked Seo In-guk being all moody and snarky in this tbh. Rating: A contrived drama is exactly what I signed up for.

King’s Affection (2021, Han Hee-Jung)

Main leads: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon

Episodes: 20, 70 min

Thoughts: Rowoon is in his chaotic bisexual era, and I think that is great. But this show is similar to Mr. Queen, in the fact it is so gay but it also refutes its gayness. But the first 10 or so episodes are so good. I love seeing Rowoon being a love fool and just the politics of it all. But then it got boring, and I got busy so I dropped it. I then picked it up again, cause I just needed to watch the last 4 episodes, and my god. They were a drag to get through. I do think the ending is fine. I don’t highly recommend it to anyone, but if you want to watch I won’t stop you. Rating: Identity crisis and bisexual panic the drama.

Something in the Rain (2018, Kim Eun)

Main leads: Son Ye-jin, Jung Hae-in

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: This drama, no joke, took me several years to finish. Years. I started it back in 2018, I remember waiting for it to finish so I could start it. And I loved it! Son Ye-jin is such a good actress, and Jung Hae-in is able to keep up. They felt so real, and I loved the moments when the camera would let them have a private moment. If you love any Meg Ryan rom coms you would like this. It does get kind of triggering in the middle, just with the whole family situation. And Son Ye-jin’s character is so complicated, circa women from 90s romcom complicated, and I just appreciate how sometimes she is sometimes wrong but isn’t vilified. Just this drama was so real. Rating: it is just like the month of November.

Love Rain (2012, Oh Soo-yeon)

Main leads: Im Yoon-ah, Jang Geun-suk

Episodes: 20, 60 min

Thoughts:I actually tried to watch this when I first got into dramas in 2016, and I found the flashback episodes boring (I still do). I am trying to watch every single thing in Seo In-guk’s filmography so I gave this another try. It gets a little more entertaining once you go to modern day. However, it isn’t the most interesting or good drama that you can watch. Rating: Sometimes bitchiness lasts a lifetime…

Find Me in your Memory (2020, Kim Yoon-joo, Yoon Ji-hyun)

Main leads: Kim Dong-wook, Moon Ga-young

Episodes: 16, 35 min

Thoughts: This show was decent, it was interesting to see how the two leads connect. I loved the atmosphere. I really like dramas that are set between winter and spring. It is such a pretty time. The romance between the leads started out rough but I grew to really like them. I think it is a sweet, definitely melodrama, and I do think it is worth a watch. Rating: Once upon a memory…

Sell Your Haunted House (2021, Ha Soo-jin, Jung Yeon-seo, Lee Young-hwa)

Main leads: Jang Na-ra, Jung Yong-hwa

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: I first watched this show in 2021 when it was coming out, and I quickly became obsessed. I, however, dropped the show around episode 12 for personal reasons. I eventually picked it up again, and I still really liked it. It is perfect for any spooky occasion, but at its core, it is a show about grief, and how to let go of that grief. This is something that I had to deal a lot with, and this show deals with it in an interesting way. However, if you are looking for romance, you will only find a vague silhouette of it here. Rating: watch out for the ghost.

Twenty Five Twenty One (2022, Kwon Do-eun)

Main leads: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk

Episodes: 16, 70 to 75 min

Thoughts: We all heard of this show, we all sob to it, and we know it all too well. This was an absolute masterpiece. Na Hee Do (Kim Tae-ri) is an optimistic girl with mommy issues, and Beak Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) is a down-on-his-luck boy coming into adulthood at the fall of his family. They in turn start to rely on and comfort each other, as they navigate the turn of the century with all its uncertainties. SPOILERS: These two characters are magical to see on screen, their love for each other is so great no distance can stop it til it does. This show was so good, but the ending seemed to have shoved me off a cliff, not only with the breakup but how everyone ended up. There were so many ways to get the ending they wanted that felt more deserved. Have the entire group fall out of touch or idk. The most devastating was where Yi-jin ended up, he was the most relatable for me. I also had to give up my entire future due to my family and seeing him and his depression was like looking in the mirror. And we never fully see him recover, he was just given more pain and trauma. END. But I do like this drama and highly recommend it but be warned of the tears to come. Rating: What I thought would forever be Twenty five, twenty-one… comes to an end on 9/11

Forecasting Love and Weather (2022, Seon Yeong)

Main leads: Park Min-young, Song Kang

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: I am a Park Min-young stan first and a human second. That’s why I even finished this drama, also I used it as an emotional rebound off of 2521 so I ended up baring this drama. Anyways it was incredibly boring. I almost fell asleep for half of it. TBH, I would skip this one. It has a bad case of the annoying second leads taking up so much of the screen time that it feels almost forced. Rating: I think we all knew that a show about the weather would be this boring

You are my Spring (2021, Lee Mi-na)

Main leads: Seo Hyun-jin, Kim Dong-wook

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: This is another show which I started when it was airing but dropped, cause I was busy with work. I liked it a lot, it differently had good winter/spring vibes, and I really like Seo Hyun-jin. I did go into it expecting a depressing story where the leads lean on each other and heal. And I wasn’t wrong, you also got an added plot of intrigue which does get boring after a while then picks up a bit at the end. I did like it, and probably most of its disjointed parts probably because I had such a long break between the start and finishing the series. Rating: the Balck cat will guide you.

Business Proposal (2022, Han Seol-hee, Hong Bo-hee)

Main leads: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong

Episodes: 12, 60 min

Thoughts: Now this is my true pick-up after 2521. I actually never read the webtoon, I just started it cause I heard so much hype around it. It is so good, it's cheesy and it knows it. The chemistry between the entire cast is off the charts. And you care about every single character. Also, Kim Se-jeong is literally born to be on screen. This show was such a pick-me-up, and I highly recommend it to anyone. Rating: This is one Business proposal you can’t refuse.

Our Beloved Summer (2021-2022, Lee Na-eun)

Main leads: Choi Woo-shik, Kim Da-mi

Episodes: 16, 60 to 70 min

Thoughts: This drama is so good. I watched it as it came out but I did drop it around the 9nth episode for similar reasons to the others. But this one is so slow-paced and so nice to watch. This one also had a love triangle that I didn’t mind too much cause I really liked all the characters. And without it being said, Choi woo-shik and Kim Da-mi’s chemistry is out of this world. The fact that Choi Woo-shik joined the project ‘cause Kim Da-mi was in it, is literally everything. I just really love this drama so much! Rating: My beloved comfort show <3

Private Lives (2020, Yoo Sung-yeol)

Main leads: Seohyun, Go Kyung-pyo

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: If you can’t tell I was in the mood to finish what I started in terms of dramas. I also started this when it came and loved it. I love Go Kyung-pyo for those that don’t know. I dropped this as always cause I was going through a rough period in my life, but I thought I would pick it up again. This drama is super interesting and refreshing, however like most dramas that rely heavily on intrigue it kind of wobbles near the end. Rating: I would do anything to just see Go Kyung-Pyo….

A Man Defies the World of BL season 2 (2022, Izumi Kawasaki)

Main leads: Atsuhiro Inukai

Episodes: 3, 24 to 29 min

Thoughts: This was a hoot to watch. Which was expected. I watched the first season and loved it and now I finally got to see the second one. Where the protagonist semi-gets a love interest. It is such a fun and easy watch. Worth like the 2 hours you spend on it. Rating: How can an opening song be so fun?

Youth of May (2021, Lee Kang)

Main leads: Lee Do-Hyun, Go Min-si

Episodes: 12, 70 min

Thoughts: Pain is the word to describe this show. The chemistry between Lee Do-Hyun and Go Min-si is off the charts, and their budding romance is sweet. Do be warned it is a tragic tale. A tale of the Gwangju uprising in 1980, I would highly recommend doing research on this uprising and the devastating massacre caused by the dictatorship government at the time. The show is devastating and heartbreaking, there are tedious parts in the middle, with Kim Myung-hee’s friend but it is definitely worth the watch. Rating: Will stick with you forever.

My Girlfriend (2019, Hu Xiaoshuai, Wei Xiaobao)

Main leads: Xu Weizhou, Qiao Xin

Episodes: 28, 37 to 42 min

Thoughts: This show was cute and predictable, and I really enjoyed myself while watching it. However, I actually can’t remember anything about it to actually form an opinion. It is a good watch when you want something in the background, nice and easy. Rating: I too am cursed by the love gods

Save Me (2017, Jung Shin-kyoo)

Main leads: Ok Taec-yeon, Seo Ye-ji, Jo Sung-ha, Woo Do-hwan

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: This show has been on my watch list since 2017, Netflix took it off their service and I had to go watch it somewhere else. I finally had the gumption to do so recently. The reason I wanted to watch it in the first place is because of Woo Do-hwan. I really liked him as an actor, and still do. This show is such a good thriller, your heart breaks for the people involved, and tbh I have a fear that I would accidentally get recruited into a cult so this applies to me. Definitely worth the watch, though it does get slow in the middle. Rating: Beware the cult…

Full House (2004, Min Hyo-Jung)

Main leads: Song Hye-Kyo, Rain

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: This is one of the shows when you start getting into kdramas it is constantly recommended. I actually never watched it, I did my time with Boys Over Flowers and Playful Kiss. However, after finishing 2521 I urged myself to watch it because they mention the manga so often. Anyways it was so bad like they were just arguing all the time. I didn’t understand why we the audience should root for them. They more often than not felt like petulant children. How can a show be so recommended, but so actually awful? Anyways save yourself and just watch anything else. Rating: How is the most romantic thing the 3 bears???

Clean With Passion for Now (2018, Han Hee-Jung)

Main leads: Kim Yoo-jung, Yoon Kyun-sang

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: This show is just boring. I did not care about any of the characters. Like it was good somewhat for the first like 5 episodes, and then it felt like pulling nails. The romance was cute, however, I just wasn’t interested. Rating: snooze town, population me.

Crazy Love (2022, Kim Bo-gyeom)

Main leads: Kim Jae-Wook, Krystal Jung

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: Now this is what enemies to lovers should be. These two characters literally commit war crimes against each other, but it evens out and they turn into the sweetest lovers. This is such a fun show! Kim Jae-Wook and Krystal Jung have such amazing chemistry. It does slow down a bit in the middle but the cast of kooky characters keeps this show exciting and eventful at every watch. The romance is fun, the characters are simultaneously awful and delightful. The show is great and such a great pick-up during an April slump. Rating: I too enact physical and psychological warfare with my boss

Devilish Joy (2018, Choi Ji-Yeon)

Main leads: Choi Jin-hyuk, Song Ha-Yoon

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: This is such a refreshing drama. It harkens back to the times of Ye old kdrama Melos that we all dearly love. It does have an Amnesia plot, but it actually adds value to the story. It's such a fun drama, and I actually really liked the romance so much. It is so good and heartbreaking, just like any old-fashioned melodrama needs to be. Rating: Will you remember me?

Falling into your Smile (2021, Jia Chang)

Main leads: Xu Kai, Cheng Xiao

Episodes: 31, 45 min

Thoughts: This show was okay. I mainly put it on as background noise, but I found it pretty boring overall. It has cute moments here and there, but sometimes I found the ML so annoying. If you want something that is easy to watch and low stakes this is the drama for you. Rating: Welcome to the boring world of Esports

Tomorrow (2022, Park Ran-i, Park Ja-Kyung, Kim Yu-jin)

Main leads: Kim Hee-sun, Rowoon, Lee Soo-hyuk, Yoon Ji-on

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: This show similar to Move to Heaven has a death of a week storyline or heartbreak (my heart) of the week storyline. It does deal with heavy topics of death, so if you are sensitive to that I would skip this one. It was really well done, and because of its sad setup, it has lighthearted moments which help not to bog down the show. It is well worth the watch. It also has the afterlife bureaucracy that I think kdramas do so well, which is great! Rating: I will love you in every life

Who Rules The World (2022, Yin Tao, Yu Yonggang, Shi Zhanli)

Main leads: Yang Yang, Zhao Lusi

Episodes: 40, 45 min

Thoughts: This is a material arts and romance drama. I watched it while it was coming out so the 40 episodes weren’t as daunting, and I had time to forget a lot of the plot holes. It is decent, I liked this because of Zhao Lusi. The romance was a little more developed, and the martial arts were fun, albeit with a lot of CGI toward the end. I wouldn’t highly recommend this drama. It was alright. Rating: The politics weren’t actually too bad in this.

My Liberation Notes (2022, Park Hae-young)

Main leads: Lee Min-ki, Kim Ji-won, Son Seok-Koo, Lee El

Episodes: 16, 64 to 80 min

Thoughts: This is probably my favorite drama of this year if not of all time. It is so good, the cinematography, the story, the writing everything. It is so special. I just love the soft-spoken moments, how people are so flawed but they just want to live peacefully. Son Seok-Koo and Kim Ji-won were such a delight on screen. Yeom Mi-Jeong (Kim Ji-won) is one of the most relatable characters in my entire life, all of them were. This show deeply understood me like no other media ever could. Rating: What if we Worshiped each other?

Again My Life (2022, J, Kim Yu)

Main leads: Lee Joon-gi

Episodes:16, 60 to 75 min

Thoughts: A little-known fact about me is that I will literally watch anything with Lee Joon-gi in it. This proves this point. This show was obviously not made for me. I thought the plot was too predictable, the male lead a little too perfect, and the woman a little too into him. This show sometimes made me stop and ask did a man write this? It is okay, just not my cup of tea. Rating: Apparently they want to make a season 2?

Radiant (2019, Lee Nam-kyu, Kim Soo-jin)

Main leads: Han Ji-min, im Hye-ja, Nam Joo-hyuk

Episodes: 12, 60 min

Thoughts: This show is actually one of the most original kdramas out there. The themes and plot are both heartfelt and new. I loved every moment I watched this. While it was incredibly devastating to me personally. I would argue this is one of Nam Joo-hyuk’s best performances. I would say for the others but I haven’t watched that many of either actress's back catalog. But Im Hye-ja was such a marvelous lead, and I wished there were more older leads in shows. It is so good. It is great. Rating: Makes me cry like a baby.

Best Lover (Kim Sang Rea Yoo Chul Yong, 2016)

Main leads: Lee Da Hae and Zhou Mi

Episodes: 12, 40 Min

Thoughts: I hate this drama so much. I wanted to watch this as a cute little drama as background noise for finals. It was a contract marriage, which I always like, and Lee Da Hae isn’t a terrible actress so I gave it a go. Also one note it is a Korean-Chinese drama so the characters will be talking in two different languages and no one mentions it. You will get used to it, anyways…Oh boy, where do I start? I’ll start with the FL Choi Hwan Yeong (Lee Da Hae), she was actually the highlight of the drama. She went through the most emotional growth and seemed to have actual importance to the plot. My problem starts with the ML Xie Cheng (Zhou Mi). First off Zhou Mi is a terrible actor- at least here I don’t know him very well- which I can forgive, but the character was also awful. So he was terrifyingly lifeless, and his smile started to creep me out a bit. He often berates the FL for being selfish and messy while being the most selfish and messy. And he never acknowledges any wrongdoing, and worse the narrative never acknowledges any wrongdoing on his part. I was done when [SPOILER] after she witnessed him kiss her stylist that looks like his first love, she runs away. He tracks her down and then berates her telling her that she is embarrassing him and she is entirely selfish, which makes no sense when he is playing with two girls outside his relationship with the FL. Also, any moves he made on anyone were also borderline non-consensual. Like she was hitting him to get him to stop kissing her [END]. But overall The FL is fun, but the ML is trash and doesn't deserve her. I just think I need two things from the ML, 1. Groveling at the FL’s feet, 2. Just an apology for once would be nice. Anyways save your time and watch Crazy Love (2022) now that ML knows how to grovel. Also, I didn’t go into the weird plot and editing choices, and just sound mixing cause my god we can be here all day. Rating: Best Lover? More like Worst Lover, am I right?

Love All Play (2022, Heo Sung-hye)

Main leads: Park Ju-Hyun, Chae Jong-hyeop

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: The style of the show is great, it reminded me a lot of Into the Ring which I love. The fishbowl straight-on viewpoint gives the show a nice stylistic cinematography. The story, however, I go back and forth on. I actually really like the characters even Park Tea-yang ( Park Ju-Hyun) whom many didn’t like. I found her relatable and very human, however frustrating that is. I did find Park Tae-Joon’s (Chae Jong-hyeop) mother to be annoying. And the relationship is kinda immature at times albeit cute. Rating: the park twins for the win.

Dear My Friends (2016, Noh Hee-Kyung)

Main leads: Go Hyun-Jung, Kim Hye-ja, Na Moon-hee, Go Doo-shim, Park Won-sook, Youn Yuh-jung, Joo Hyun, Kim Young-ok, Shin Goo

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: Noh Hee-Kyung is a known writer for writing very realistic people. This show definitely falls under this. The show has an assembly cast of older people and their lives. I love how you can see a generational divide, and how the main focus is between mothers and daughters. This relationship is at the core of this drama. I just have so many feelings about this drama, and I hope everyone watches it. Rating: I hope to keep those dear to me.

Our Blues (2022, Noh Hee-Kyung)

Main leads: Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Cha Seung-won, Lee Jung-eun, Uhm Jung-Hwa, Han Ji-min, Kim Woo-bin, Bae Hyun-sung, Roh Yoon-seo

Episodes: 20, 60 min

Thoughts: This show had several weaving storylines about the residents of Jeju. Some of the storylines and characters you liked better than others. It is complicated and kinda messy but overall I had a really fun time watching this drama. It was nice watching every week and seeing what people were saying. The drama has a very slice-of-life, lowkey vibe to it. I also just really like kdramas set in the countryside. A note about the teen pregnancy storyline made me so anxious. Fun fact about me: I am terrified of teen pregnancy despite not being a teen. Rating: Fish market rivalries for the win

From Now On, Showtime (2022, Ha Yoon-ah)

Main leads: Park Hae-jin, Jin Ki-Joo

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: I could not tell you why I watched this show? I don’t even like Park Hae-jin, I didn’t think he was that enjoyable here either. Jin Ki-Joo was great, and the ghosts had good comic timing. The story was so-so. Idk. Watch it if you have nothing better to do but there are better kdramas out there. Rating: I keep thinking the title is the Show Must Go on, but it is not.

Melo is My Nature (2019, Lee Byeong-Heon, Kim Young-young)

Main leads: Chun Woo-hee, Jeon Yeo-been, Han Ji-eun

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: She is the moment. This show is everything to me, the first episode alone will build you up and break you down better than most feature films do. There are many scenes that I can’t get out of my head. I originally watched this back in 2019, but I had to stop because at one point it got too emotionally intense for me. So take care while watching this. But this is one of the most beautifully written dramas about womanhood, and female friendships I have ever seen. It touched something deep inside me, and I loved every moment. Rating: I also love the subplot with the actress and her manager

My Mister (2018, Park Hae-young)

Main leads: Lee Sun-Kyun, Lee Ji-eun

Episodes: 16, 90 min

Thoughts: I have been recommended this show so many times throughout the years, but due to how sad it is I avoided it. Which, yeah. It does have a hopeful note letter on it. And I love how the focus isn’t romantic but platonic And it is about two souls meeting during a rough period, it is just completely beautiful. I love Park Hae-young’s writing. I am sad I put this show off so much. Rating: if you have daddy issues you might really like this.

Kiss Sixth Sense (2022, Jeon Yu-ri)

Main leads: Yoon Kye-sang, Seo Ji-hye

Episodes: 12, 60 to 75 min

Thoughts: This show is literally the most childish show I have ever watched, but it is most definitely for adults. I was actually looking forward to watching this ‘cause the concept seemed so fun but, it was kind of eh. It is only 12 episodes but there are better shows out there to watch, and I found the love triangle/ rectangle exhausting and just immature. Rating: If you can change your fate… Would ya?

Rooftop Prince (2012, Lee Hee-myung)

Main leads: Park Yuchun, Han Ji-min

Episodes: 20, 70 min

Thoughts: I have to be honest I had covid while I was watching this. I remember enjoying it. I also remember I had to do squats while watching it for some reason. But The cast is fun, I did find the ML to be lacking in comparison to the other assemble but it is a fun and easy watch. Rating: apparently Choi Woo-shik is in this???

Beautiful Gong Shim (2016, Lee Hee-myung)

Main leads: Namkoong Min, Bang Min-ah

Episodes: 20, 70 min

Thoughts: Let it be known most media I watched in July I had covid so, that is the vibe of this. I remember hating the sister, thinking the love/hate relationship between the leads were cute. That’s about it. I don’t see many people talk about this drama, I think it is definitely worth a watch, but don’t go in with too high expectations. Rating: How many squats can I do?

Night of Love with You (2022, An Ji Er)

Main leads: Liu Xie Ning, Guan Yue

Episodes: 24, 9 min

Thoughts: Love, Love, Love! This show is disappointingly short, yes is it messy. Yes is there so many plot holes, but the potential is enough. The concept is fun and it takes the concepts of the Villainess Mawha’s into a webshow format, which is so fun. I highly recommend this show for quick and light watching experience. Rating: Sometimes the unexpected is expected, and the expected is unexpected.

Link: Eat, Love, Kill (2022, Kwon Yi-young, Kwon Do-hwan)

Main leads: Yeo Jin-goo, Moon Ga-young

Episodes: 16, 72 min

Thoughts: This show was such a vibe. Literally the cinematography, and the aesthetics as a whole is so nice. The acting is great, Yeo Jin-goo and Moon Ga-young always deliver and they did not disappoint not one bit. There was the weird sister thing at first, but once that was gone it was so sweet. I highly recommend this show to anyone and everyone, especially if you have mommy issues. Also I just love when kdramas have three generations of women I feel like there is something so relatable with that for me. Anyways great show, great aesthetics, great acting, gets a little bogged in the middle but keep going. Rating:The Korean take on the 2010 film Eat, Pray, Love, Jk.

Jinxed at First Sight (2022, Jang Yoon-mi)

Main leads: Seohyun, Na In-woo

Episodes:16, 61 to 63 min

Thoughts: I was actually super excited about watching this, I really liked the first like 4 episodes. It just went down hill from there. The fantasy element was super interesting, and the set up for the world, but they never quite follow through. I was confused on a couple like- familial relations- that they kinda answered later. It was just messy overall plotting, the acting was subpar (sorry), and its just a bad script. I wished it was so much better than it was. Rating: I wrote a separate post praising this drama, and it literally turned out like this.

The Producers (2015, Park Ji-eun, Kim Ji-sun)

Main leads: Cha Tae-hyun, Gong Hyo-jin, Kim Soo-hyun, Lee Ji-eun

Episodes: 12, 80 min

Thoughts: This one actually shocked me with how much I really liked it. Kim Soo-hyun’s dumbass looks literally is everything to me. I just loved every second. SPOILER I just wished the romance between Cindy (Lee Ji-eun) and Baek Seung-chan (Kim Soo-Hyun) came to full fruitution but it didn’t really… while kind of END. Cindy was by fair my favorite character, I just love a bitch with a heart of gold. Ye-jin (Gong Hyo-jin) lowkey kind of annoyed me, I found her to be a bit of a pick me. I especially hated the relationship between Ye-jin and Seung-chan. Rating: surprisingly Funny…

Better a Lie than a Truth (2022)

Main leads: Niu Yu Kun, Simon Chen

Episodes: 7 + Bonus, 26 to 30 min

Thoughts: This troupe was made for me. I love contract relationships/marriages, I could watch them all the time. I think because it is a web drama there were some contrived and confusing plot and timeline issues, but overall I still liked it. It was nothing groundbreaking and could have been easily toxic but I loved it still. I like the FL, I thought she was charming, and I liked the fact she did not hesitate to beat a bitch. The ML was pathetic and head over heels for the FL which is great, though he definitely needs therapy. Rating: contract marriage for the win

Cafe Minamdang (2022, Park Hae-jin)

Main leads: Seo In-guk, Oh Yeon-seo

Episodes: 18, 70 min

Thoughts: This was such a fun drama to watch. Seo In-guk was charming and funny as always. Oh Yeon-seo’s character was such a fun character also. If you are a fan of the American sitcom Psych then you would love this show. It has shenanigans, mystery, and a lovely fond family. The cast was energetic and played off each other well. The mystery was fun and interesting. I would highly recommend this show. Rating: The most handsome Shaman I have ever seen

Today’s Webtoon (2022, Cho Ye-rang, Lee Jae-eun)

Main leads: Kim Se-jeong, Choi Daniel, Nam Yoon-su

Episodes: 16, 62 to 70 min

Thoughts: Do not watch this for romance there is no romance in this just very good chemistry. I think I have already said this but I will say this again Kim Se-jeong is a delight to watch on screen. She just has this energy that you want to continue to watch. However this felt pretty disappointing mainly because I started watching cause I thought it was a romcom it is infact nothing of the sorts, so with a change of genre reference I think I would have enjoyed this more. It does bog a bit in the middle but It picks back up in the end. Rating: I was really expecting a kiss…

Once Upon a Small Town (2022, Baek Eun-kyeong)

Main leads: Park Soo-young, Choo Young-woo

Episodes: 12, 30 to 40 min

Thoughts: This one is cute and sweet. There is nothing much to it except for that. The romance felt kind of childish, but there is an innocent charm in that. There is a lot of comparison to Hometown Cha Cha Cha mainly do to its setting of the Korean country side but it is far less melodramatic. Rating: Shockingly the love triangle isnt that bad.

Never Twice (2019-2020, Goo Hyun-sook)

Main leads: Park Se-wan, Kwak Dong-yeon, Youn Yuh-jung, Oh Ji-ho, Ye Ji-won, Park Ah-in, Song Won-seok

Episodes: 72, 35 min

Thoughts: This is an assemble sitcom with main focus on Park-ha (Park Se-Wan) and Hae-jun (Kwak Dong-yeon) romance. It is adorable and funny, and it has a cute child in the mix. At times it can be devausting but thats the heart of any good comedy. This show I feel like is underrated so definitely show this one some love. Rating: Rich man and poor woman, but this time murder is involved.

Jugglers (2017, Jo Yong-hae)

Main leads: Baek Jin-hee, Choi Daniel

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: It's a cute and quick workplace drama, and unlike a lot of workplace dramas it isn’t that toxic. The ML never really throws around his power over the FL, and they try to even it out by making her his landlady, which is definitely a power dynamic. I quickly devoured this drama, ‘cause I did homework while watching, so I didn’t really get the full experience of this drama. I do highly recommend this drama, I liked the characters, and especially the main couple. Rating: Don’t f*** your coworkers, but this is the only exception.

Arang and The Magistrate (2012, Kim Jin-man)

Main leads: Shin Min-a, Lee Joon-gi

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: This has been on my list since like 2017, and I have made attempts but nothing stuck. I have been trying to go back into the back catalog of kdramas and it is October so I thought, “Why not?” The show was okay, I feel like the cast was great but the story lacked or maybe I am just not used to a 2012 kdrama budget. I thought it was enjoyable, and I am glad I got to watch it. It has your typical magic/ghosts which is always fun for this time of the season. I also really liked the ending. I thought it was cute, even if those types of endings are frustrating. Rating: This was honestly a double win for me cause both Shin Min-a and Lee Joon-gi were in this drama.

The Witch’s Diner (2021, Lee Young-sook)

Main leads: Song Ji-hyo, Nam Ji-hyun, Chae Jong-hyeop

Episodes: 8, 40 to 55 min

Thoughts: This show is pretty quick and isn’t anything too special. I enjoyed sort of, and I do really likes its aesthetics. I just don’t think I payed enough attention to the story overall to fully enjoy it. It is pretty quick, and if you have the time this isn’t a bad watch. Rating: Be careful of what you wish for…

Little Women (2022, Chung Seo-kyung)

Main leads: Kim Go-eun, Nam Ji-hyun, Park Ji-hu

Episodes: 12, 77 min

Thoughts: I am still collecting my thoughts. I truly enjoyed every part of the show. I loved the usage of the Little Women archetypes in a thriller setting. It was new and it was fresh. I loved the complicated relationship between all three siblings and their fight for their survival. Kim Go Eun as In-ju was absolutely stunning as always. Also, her chemistry with Wi Ha-Joon is off the absolute charts. This was such a good woman running the show, and we just need more of these, TBH. I would highly recommend this show to anyone and everyone. Rating: Don’t let the poison sting you on your way out.

Black (2017, Choi Ran)

Main leads: Song Seung-heon, Go Ara

Episodes: 18, 85 min

Thoughts: I want to say honestly this has been on my list since it came out in 2017, but I had very little desire to watch. But remember it is the time of year when I will be watching all things spooky, so I thought I will give it a whirl. And before I give my opinion, I have two confessions: one, I have watched this through a rough period of homework, and two, I am not the biggest fan of Go Ara. The plot was confusing ( probably ‘cause I was doing homework). But I think I just didn’t have the best overall experience due to the setup, and just how long each episode is. Rating: 90 minutes for each episode of Grim reapers messing around.

Possessed (2019, Park Hee-kang)

Main leads: Song Sae-byeok, Go Joon-hee

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: SPOILER: For a comedy, the ending was very sad. And I for one have mixed feelings about it. END. I have been trying to watch halloweenie shows throughout the month of October, and tbh I don’t enjoy many thrillers in drama format. I tend to really vibe with character-driven shows. But this one starts off strong, and if you can get through the midway boredom, it isn’t too bad of a show. The characters are charming and have a lot of chemistry together. Take my opinion with a grain of salt, I have also been studying while watching. Rating: Maybe the true killer was the friends we made along the way…

Scum’s Wish (2017, Yoshihiro Izumi)

Main leads: Miyu Yoshimoto, Dori Sakurada

Episodes: 12, 24 min

Thoughts: I couldn’t tell you why I started this drama. This drama hurt in an unexpecting way, this drama haunts my inner soul. It reveals something about oneself, something you never want to admit. Hanabi (Miyu Yoshimoto) is a relatable character, in fact, she is actively desperate for love. And she is so lonely she is willing to take comfort in any warm body. Mugi and Hanabi are just using each other, but because of this awareness, they are able to create a deep relationship. Don’t get me wrong, this drama disturbed me. I think it will haunt me for a long time. These characters are children being manipulated by adults for sexual pleasure, and it's sad and heartbreaking. These characters are awful all around, they use each other and throw each other away. But I was 17, maybe 3 or 4 (?) years ago, and I could see my younger self in some of the teenage characters. I don’t think they handled the topic they were dealing with fully, but it was definitely an interesting perspective. I would never recommend this drama, and if SA (particularly with teenagers and adults) please keep away. This show was a visceral horror to watch. And I had to binge it quickly because they were taking it off of Viki, but this drama is to be consumed slowly and in small chunks. I feel disgusted now that I have seen it. I am now planning on doing a spiral cleaning while watching a nice movie. Rating: It’s complicated…also jail for that one teacher.

Girl From Nowhere (2018, Kongdej Jaturanrasamee, Aticha Tanthanawigrai, Tinnapat Banyatpiyapoj)

Main leads: Chicha Amatayakul

Episodes: 13, 37 to 50 min

Thoughts: This show has been on my list since 2018 when it came out. I am actually a big fan of Thai filmmaking, and oftentimes it gets overshadowed by more East Asian films. This show absolutely doesn’t disappoint, the horror isn’t in Nano (Chicha Amattayakul), a seemingly immortal being here to punish the wrongdoings, but the horror is within those she punishes. And at the core of being human, we have the ability to be cruel, if it means we can survive. I highly recommend it, even though Netflix will take the show by the end of October. Rating: Hi, it’s me. I am the problem, it’s me.

Girl From Nowhere 2 (2021, Kongdej Jaturanrasamee, Aticha Tanthanawigrai, Tinnapat Banyatpiyapoj)

Main leads: Chicha Amatayakul, Chanya McClory

Episodes: 13, 37 to 50 min

Thoughts: The second season kept up the same chaotic energy as the first. Starting off strong with Mpreg. This season we are given more characters besides Nanno, we are introduced to Yuri, a girl turned immortal who is more revenge focused than Nanno. It is such a good show, and I loved the ending. I am curious if that is the end completely ( which is fine cause it is a solid ending, but they left it open-ended enough for another season). This show is so good and I highly recommend it. Also note, please listen to any trigger warnings. Rating: Double the trouble…

Mr. Bad (2022, Lee Ching Jung)

Main leads: Chen Zhe Yuan, Shen Yue

Episodes: 24, 45 min

Thoughts: Was this drama contrived? Yes. Was it cliche? Yes. Do I fully enjoy it? Absolutely. This one kinda breaks my month-of-a-horror vibe, but I will make it up by watching another horror-themed show in November. But this show is cute and light-hearted. The main couple has nice bickering moments. And except for the main leads' occasional jealousy (TBH it was actually decently tame compared to others I have seen), their relationship is really cute and healthy. For dramas like this don’t expect much, cause like always it does get kinda contrived in the end. But overall it was a fun and cute drama to put on in the background. Rating: It was the Fairy all along…

Inspector Koo ( 2021, Sung Cho-y)

Main leads: Lee Young-ae, Kim Hye-jun

Episodes: 12, 70 min

Thoughts: This has been on my list for a while, and is my last spooky drama for the month of October. I am going to watch at least one more thriller/horror drama to make up for Mr. Bad in November but I am going to be watching romance to settle my bones after such a spooky month. This drama is good, I like the characters. It was very Killing Eve-esque. And TBH a theater major would be a serial killer. Also, the OST was so good. Like it had me jamming through this entire series, and it is only 12 episodes so it doesn’t really bog down. Rating: I love dysfunctional women.

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010, Hong Sisters)

Main leads: Lee Seung-gi, Shin Min-ah

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: This show looks and reads like a Hong sisters drama from the early 2010s. It is exactly what you would expect. Shin Min-ah is very fun in this and doing her goddamn best. It is fun and cheesy and I could not tell you the plot point of this show if you asked me. Rating: I watched it physically, I didn’t watch it emotionally.

Gaus Electronic (2022, Kang Go-eun, Seo Han-na)

Main leads: Kwak Dong-yeon, Ko Sung-hee, Bae Hyun-sung, Kang Min-ah

Episodes: 12, 45 to 48 min

Thoughts: This one picked up like 4 days before the final episodes came out. And man the way that I went through the episodes. It is literally so funny, and I love sitcoms so this was right up my alley. I love all the cast chemistry, and I love how they played off each other's dumbassery. I also loved the women in the drama, they were all individuals and were allowed to be just as ridiculous as the men. I also loved the Beak Ma-tan (Bae Hyun-sung) and Geon Kang-mi (Kang Min-ah) storyline. It had all the trappings of the poor girl and rich man romance narrative but they subverted it beautifully. And Beak Ma-tan is so funny. I love it when a character doesn’t understand what genre they are in, it is such A funny thing to witness. Rating: It is so funny

My Secret Romance (2017, Kim Ha-na, Kim Young-yoon)

Main leads: Sung Hoon, Song Ji-Eun

Episodes: 14, 45 min

Thoughts: I actually started this way back in 2017, I actually remember when it came out. I ended up dropping it, for an excellent reason. Reason: It sucks. After Business Proposal aired people were suggesting it as a similar drama. They are not wrong, it has the same makings. Weird Boss- employee relationship, cheesy, long-term friend second lead shorter than most kdramas. However, Business Proposal is definitely the better of the two. The ML is so pushy and obsessive, and the FL doesn’t actually have any desire whatsoever. TBH I didn’t even know when or why she started liking the ML; he was suddenly kissing her. Not great, the only reason I got through it was because I was writing an outline. Rating: Just watch Business Proposal again or there are so many other rich man, poor woman boss-employee kdramas out there… Jugglers come to mind… So many…

The Killers Shopping List (2022, Han Ji-wan)

Main leads: Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Seol-Hyun, Jin Hee-Kyung

Episodes: 8, 60 min

Thoughts: This show is super interesting and new if you are tired of romance or sad or serious thrillers this might be a good change of pace. It is a whodunit-style drama, following a group of local groceries trying to solve a serial murder case, that uses their store to deliver things to their victims. The mystery wasn’t that shocking, you can guess it pretty early on, but it is fun enough. I do recommend it just not that highly. Rating: I think there should be more whodunits in the world… I mean in media

Kingdom 1 (2019, Kim Eun-hee)

Main leads: Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doo-na

Episodes: 6, 45 to 57 min

Thoughts: This show is gory so be aware before going in. It is so good though. I watched The first episode back in 2019 and loved it. However I am a big romance fiend, and this has none so I dropped it. But it is good and very prevalent in today’s culture. I love Bae Doo-na's character Seo-bi. It is just such a good performance. I highly recommend this drama to anyone that likes Korean thrillers. Rating: Koreans know how to do a zombie metaphor, they really do

Midnight Diner s1 (2009, Yarô Abe & Takurô Oikawa)

Main leads: Kaoru Kobayashi

Episodes: 10, 25 min

Thoughts: I decided to watch one episode anytime I was up at midnight for whatever reason. And it was nice, this drama is an anthology of many different characters' lives, and we are just getting little peaks of those who are up at such a late hour. Who would eat at a bar at Midnight? A lot of people. A gangster, a businessman, a stripper, two young lovers, and I guess us ourselves. The people it follows aren’t always the greatest people but at the end of the day, they are human. And human beings are one of the most complicated things on this planet. And this show allows for that complication. Rating: a nice meal on a rainy evening…

Love in Contract (2022, Ha Goo-dam)

Main leads: Park Min-young, Go Kyung-pyo

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: This was my most anticipated show of the year. There are three things I love: Park Min-young, Go Kyung-Pyo, and contract marriages. This show has all three, and it should have been great, it had the recipe for success and blew it. The script was messy and didn't trust the leads. They just didn’t have faith in Go Kyung-pyo to lead for some reason, so they kept insisting on the second lead Kang Hae-jin (Kim Jae-young) unnecessary plot and air time. He was so bad as a second lead, and he fulfilled the real antagonist of the show. They retconned a lot of things. It was overwhelmingly disappointing. They had great things going for it, like the chemistry between Go Kyung-pyo and Park Min-young; Kang Hyung-Seok as Woo Kwang-Nam is such a fun character. Also, I so wanted Woo Kwang-Nam to get with the manager, and finish his arch. I’m just sad and disappointed about this show. I can not recommend it in good faith. Rating: I am Sang-eun and Jiho Shipper first, a Hea-jin hater second, and a Kwang-Nam and manager truther third… obviously a human being fifth

Kingdom 2 (2020, Kim Eun-hee)

Main leads: Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doo-na

Episodes: 6, 45 to 57 min

Thoughts: So good, this is the continuation from the first season starting where we left off. It is such an exciting show and keeps your attention. It is action so things do move fast. I typically don’t like shows like this but it is worth the watch. I also wonder if there will be a season 3? Cause they set it up for one but I haven’t heard any news. Rating: Just as good as the first part.

Shadow Beauty (2021, Bang Soo-In)

Main leads: Shim Dal-Gi, Choi Bo-Min, Lee Na-Gyung

Episodes: 13, 19 to 25 min

Thoughts: This show has been on my to-watch list for a while now, but I could never bring myself to watch. I heard it was good but the plot never quite interested me. It is an engrossing plot about a girl who isn’t considered beautiful but pretends to be beautiful online. It talks about beauty standards and the cruelty of people. No one in this show is that great of a person. But that is okay. It wasn’t my favorite show, but it isn’t bad and is so short. Rating: may the real Genie please stand up…

Psychopath’s Diary (2019-2020, Choe Sung-jun, Kim Hwan-chae, Ryu Yong-jae)

Main leads: Yoon Shi-yoon, Jung In-sun, Park Sung-hoon

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: I dropped this show a while back, but I decided to pick up again. It was fun, quirky, and decently thrilling. Yoon Shi-Yoon is hilarious as a pushover down on his luck Yook Dong-Sik. Also, he had immense chemistry with Park Sung-hoon. Another thriller in the book with unexplainable romantic tension between the killer and the protagonist. It is worth the watch, the 16th episode is kinda pointless. They wrap up everything in the first 20 minutes, so they are just filling the last 40 with whatever. Rating: This could have been gay…

Triad Princess (2019, Neal Wu, Emma Chen, Cheng Han-wen, Huang Shi-ting)

Main leads: Jasper Liu, Eugenie Liu

Episodes: 6, 35 to 47 min

Thoughts: This show is a 2019 Taiwanese Netflix short drama with only 6 quick episodes. This show follows a Gangster’s daughter who is a fan of a celebrity, and she becomes his bodyguard. Lo and behold he is also obsessed with gangsters, so obviously they fall in love. I actually watched this show up til episode 4 before dropping it back in 2019 to now finally finish it, so do with that information as you will. It is okay overall nothing to write home about. Rating: I don’t have enough of an opinion to write a witty one-liner.

Welcome to the Show (2011, Choi Moon-Kyung, Woo Chul-won)

Main leads: Im Seulong, Sulli Choi, Nichkhun

Episodes: 1, 80 min

Thoughts: So apparently this was supposed to be a series, around the fictional lives of actual kpop idols set at an award show that they have. Sorta like an unfinished The Producers, it even has IU. It was okay, I had a hard time finding it and ended up watching without subs, but I got the gist of it. Rating: I understand why it was canceled.

A Love so Beautiful (2020-2021, Choi Yoo-jung, Jang Yoo-yeon)

Main leads: Kim Yo-han, So Joo-Yeon

Episodes: 24, 21 to 25 min

Thoughts: I watched the original Chinese drama back in 2018, and I really liked that so I thought why not give this one a go. I would just watch the original, the cast had far more chemistry. Even though this followed the plot of the original to a t, it seemed more kiddish, somehow. It might have been because the male lead is much younger (and looks like it) than everyone who worked in the school days, but once a fast-forward seemed comical. Anyways it is short and sweet and you can probably watch it in a day or two if you have nothing going on. Rating: The original is always better.

Sound of Your Heart (2016, Lee Byung-hoon)

Main leads: Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Dae-Myung, Jung So-min, Kim Byeong-ok, Kim Mi-Kyung

Episodes: 20, 15 min

Thoughts: This show was such a fun show to watch. It was funny and light-hearted. I never realized that Jung Somin has such good comedic timing. It is such a good show for a quick pickup, and I highly recommend it. I also believe that Netflix has a season 2 that I might check out. Rating: Sometimes life is ridiculous..

Goedam (2020, Hong Won Gi)

Main leads: Various cast

Episodes: 8, 10 min

Thoughts: This show is an anthology of a spirit haunting different people. It is so short you can watch the entire thing in under an hour. If you want a quick spooky show this will do the trick. Rating: Is it a metaphor for our modern surveillance culture?

Soundtrack #1 (2022, Ahn Sae-bom)

Main leads: Park Hyung-Sik, Han So-hee

Episodes: 4, 36 to 57 min

Thoughts: I wanted something that had wintery vibes and this is definitely it. It is such a cute drama with such good vibes. You also have Park Hyung-Sik in his most natural environment, pining. And man does he put his heart and soul into it. It is such a good winter drama, everyone should watch it to get cozy. Rating: This is a puppy dog and a black cat couple.

Queen of the Ring ( 2017, Kim Ah-Jung)

Main leads: Kim Seul-gi, Ahn Hyo-seop

Episodes: 6, 30 min

Thoughts: This show is interesting in concept, but at the same time kinda uncomfy. This show is labeled as a fantasy cause we are pretending that Kim Seul-gi isn’t pretty. I do think that the main couple despite the lying and deception is kinda cute. However, the ending comes about in a very unnatural way. I think the writers didn’t know how to achieve their desired ending. Rating: I am glad they didn’t villanies Mi-Joo.

Revenge Note 2 (2018, Han Sang-im, Kim Jong-seon, Shim Min-sun)

Main leads: Ahn Seo-hyun, Samuel

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: It was okay. If you are like a young teen, you would probably enjoy this a lot more. Tbh the first one was better, I realize why I dropped this years ago. Also, it has a weird ethical question about the leads and revenge. Rating: eh…

Glitch (2022, Gin Han-sai)

Main leads: Jeon Yeo-been, Nana

Episodes: 10, 60 min

Thoughts: Jeon Yeo-been never misses. If she is in a project you absolutely know it will be well acted. This story is so new and interesting, and the mixture of mystery and sci-fi is just marvelous. It is a pretty short drama, so you can probably watch it in a couple of days or so. It is definitely one of the better dramas I have seen recently, I highly recommend it to everyone. Also, this is another one where it is so gay, but it never fulfills itself. Rating: is it Aliens or a cult or both…..

Nightmare Teacher (2016, Hyun Moon-Sub)

Main leads: Kim So Hyun, Lee Min Hyuk, Uhm Ki Joon

Episodes: 12, 15 min

Thoughts: This was actually surprisingly good. I had little expectations for this show with how short it is. It is a pretty interesting watch, with psychological horror missed into. Kim So Hyun is always a good watch, I really have no complaints. If you just want to watch a quick horror, this would be your guy. Rating: The teacher is an ick

Midnight Diner 2 (2011, Yarô Abe & Takurô Oikawa)

Main leads: Kaoru Kobayashi

Episodes: 10, 25 min

Thoughts: With my continuation with the series I am still watching when I am up at midnight. This show is such a comforting watch, and it is a reminder of the human condition. It shows every side of a person which can only be revealed in the late hours. I just love how people’s stories are weaved through one another. I highly recommend for just a comforting watch. Rating: What keeps you up at Midnight.

Welcome to Waikiki (2018, Kim Ki-ho)

Main leads: Kim Jung-hyun, Lee Yi-kyung, Son Seung-won , Jung In-sun , Ko Won-hee , Lee Joo-woo

Episodes: 20, 70 min

Thoughts: I watched this up to the 10th episode way back, but I kept seeing tiktok edits to this show that I decided to pick it up again. This show is more of sitcom style with an assemble cast, so if you like sitcoms you would love this show. It is funny, and relatable. All the characters are stupid but in an enduring way. Rating: I actually love when babies are in dramas ‘cause I think they are cute.

The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim (2021, Joo Brothers)

Main leads: Kim Sae-ron, Nam Da-reum

Episodes: 12, 20 min

Thoughts: This show is quick and simple, it also has the kid who is the younger version of everyone in it. It is actually pretty good for a quick webdrama. I don’t think it is a must see and you are missing out if you don’t watch, but it is pretty good. The cast is strong for how young they are, the script is okay, and it does keep you interest for the time it has it. Rating: Catch that ghost: Highschool edition

Meow the Secret Boy (2020, Joo Hwa-mi

Main leads: Kim Myung-soo, Shin Ye-eun

Episodes: 24, 28 to 38 min

Thoughts: This show from concept is incredibly strange. Don’t get me wrong I like cats, but the FL falls in love with the cat she rescued. And even weirder they meet when he was a kitten/boy and she was grown. I know cats age faster, it was just weird, and people took a human cat much better than I ever would. Anyways it is kind of cute, but it is incredibly weird in its inception. Rating: I actually liked the SML in this one.

True Beauty (2020-2021, Lee Si-eun)

Main leads: Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo

Episodes: 16, 73 min

Thoughts: I watched it while it was coming out, but I just had to drop it. I don’t like love tringules, and the entire focus of this show is the triangle. I know this is an unpopular opinion, I actually like Suho and Ju-kyung as a couple. I wasn’t head over heels over the SML, but I did like his character. I just really wanted this show to be gay, like I know the Webcomics it is far from it, but come on. Park Yoo-na (Kang Su-ji) and Moon Ga-young chemistry is good, also I think at one point Ju-kyung calls Su-ji the ideal boyfriend. And then they had to make Su-ji the typical jealous SFL which is so annoying. Rating: Please just recommend me Lesbian dramas

Lovestruck in the City (2020, Jung Hyun-jung, Jung Da-yun)

Main leads: Ji Chang-wook, Kim Ji-won, Kim Min-seok, Han Ji-eun, Ryu Kyung-soo, So Joo-yeon

Episodes: 17, 28 to 40 min

Thoughts: This show is in a style of a documentary, though they have out of documentary moments, that follow several young people and their relationships to one another. Somehow everyone knows everyone, and they are all dating one another to a certain degree. I liked it to a certain extent, however I found Ji Chang-wook’s character to be annoying and a crybaby. Like I understand his heart was broken but he was obsessive. I did like Kim Ji-won in it but I always like her. Rating: Its short and okay.

More than Blue: The Series (2021, Hermes Lu, Emma Chen, Fei Kung-yii, Tsai Fang-yun)

Main leads: Gingle Wang Fandy Fan

Episodes: 10, 42 to 50 min

Thoughts: I have watched neither films that this show is based on, so my only input on the story comes from this series. It is incredibly sad. I knew this going in, I genuinely thought it would be the cold of winter sad, but it is not it is the heat of the summer sad. I find that more devastating. The back-and-forth storyline confused me at first, but it does add a sense of mystery that can be enjoyable for the viewer. Overall it is a sweet, and sad love story. Rating: Forever isn’t enough.

That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013, Noh Hee-Kyung)

Main leads: Jo In-sung, Song Hye-Kyo

Episodes: 16, 60 min

Thoughts: Oh, wow. I have so many thoughts, and they are all over the place. First off, it's really good from a genre perspective. This is a classic Melo, it has everything you want. Because of this, it is refreshing, cause you just don’t get Korean melodramas like this anymore. And honestly, I am not a big fan of Song Hye-Kyo’s acting, but I thought she did alright. But oh man this show, um, the romance is technically not incest which is a bad start. Like it is a family melodrama, but oh boy was it painful to watch someone fall in love with someone they thought was their own brother. Like a fair warning to all. Rating: It was a melodrama.

Midnight Diner 3 (2014, Yarô Abe & Takurô Oikawa)

Main leads: Kaoru Kobayashi

Episodes: 10, 25 min

Thoughts: The show is still quiet and sentimental throughout its run, however, I feel like this season we spend much more time outside the cafe, which is interesting. And you build up the cast of outside characters more. I do thoroughly enjoy the continued soft-spoken moments and the aesthetics of quite the nightlife of the show. I do think this show is best seen at night. Rating: a little midnight treat.

Seonam Girls High School Detectives (2014 to 2015, Shin Kwang-ho)

Main leads: Jin Ji-hee, Kang Min-ah, Lee Hye-ri, Lee Min-ji, Stephanie Lee

Episodes: 14, 60 min

Thoughts: This show was definitely made with a younger demographic than me in mind, however, it does show someone jumping off a roof. It has Lee Hye-Ri doing what she does best, and the rest of the cast trying their best with the script they had. It was definitely fun to see bigger stars, back when they were picking up whatever role they were offered to them. The show itself is a boring mystery, and the script has the inability to create tension throughout the whole. If I wasn’t in the midst of school where I need background noise to function I would have dropped this. Rating: It is a win for the lesbians, sort of… not really

Fanletter, Please (2022, Park Tae-yang)

Main leads: Choi Soo-young, Yoon Park

Episodes: 4, 60 min

Thoughts: This drama is decently cute and simple. It is very fluffy, and weirdly enough good for a quick pick-me-up. It easily could have been so devastating because kids with cancer are incredibly sad, but they easily balanced the sweetness with the devastating circumstance. The show is short, sweet, and actually decently acted. The setup is wild but we don’t question anything in dramaland anymore. Rating: Lies always lead to the most extreme possible outcome ever.

Will it Snow For Christmas? (2009-2010, Lee Kyung-hee)

Main leads: Go Soo, Han Ye-Seul

Episodes: 16, 65 min

Thoughts: If you ever want a slow burn you got it in this drama. It is definitely fun to see a young Kim Soo-hyun, but this drama is the definition of melo. It is also kind of hard to follow especially after the time skip but its interesting, and has a good slow burn. Rating: Will it snow I don’t know

Behind Every Star (2022, Park So-young, Lee Chan)

Main leads: Lee Seo-jin, Kwak Sun-young, Seo Hyun-woo, Joo Hyun-young

Episodes: 12, 60 to 76 min

Thoughts: Apparently this is based off of a French drama, which I can definitely see elements of it. I go back and forth on this drama. I thought it fun seeing actors cameos on this show, and I really liked the main couple. But it can be kind of boring and overall unmemorable. Rating: I would react the same way if I find a man in my bathtub.

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (2016, Yarô Abe)

Main leads: Kaoru Kobayashi

Episodes: 10, 25 min

Thoughts: This is like the revamped version of the original. It is definitely interesting seein the quality changes over the several seasons. This season has more emphasis on the food I feel like- ending each episode with a recipe, a slight call back to season 2. The vibes are usual contentness and loneliness felt only at midnight. Rating: I think writing in my journal while writing this is great.

The Crowned Clown (2019, Kim Seon-deok, Shin Ha-eun)

Main leads: Yeo Jin-goo, Lee Se-young

Episodes: 16, 70 to 80 min

Thoughts: This show is such a vibe visually, and I think for me that is the most notable thing. Yeo Jin-goo does such a good job at portraying the two princes. And the story is interesting enough. I think I would recommend this drama to those that are interested in Korean historical dramas but haven’t fully taken the plunge. It has a nice balance of politics and romance, and the politics don’t completely take over the narrative. Rating: a solid mad clown.

Revenge of Others (2022, Lee Hee-myung)

Main leads: Shin Ye-eun, Park Solomon

Episodes: 12, 60 min

Thoughts:This show is definitely the thriller of the year, right behind Reborn Rich. The cast is great, and the characters felt so alive. There was a decent size cast and we understand and felt the motives of all the characters. It was heartbreaking in its set up, and fulfilling in its revenge plot. Also, Shin Ye-eun and Park Solomon’s chemistry is off the charts. Rating: if you are going to listen to me about anything, it should be watching this drama.

May I Help You? (2022, Lee Sun-hye)

Main leads: Lee Hye-ri, Lee Jun-young

Episodes: 16, 70 min

Thoughts: I Really enjoyed watching this drama week by week. It has a nice mellow vibe, with an underlying grief. This show can be really sweet at times or really devastating, and it balances these two emotions well. The main couple is sweet, and you are rooting for them from day 1. Overall I am really satisfied with this drama and how it ended. Rating: May I help you… find a good drama.

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories 2 (2019, Yarô Abe)

Main leads: Kaoru Kobayashi

Episodes: 10, 25 min

Thoughts: This is the last season of this series. I will miss the midnights I spent with the show. The people in the show are all questionable, but they feel real. We are kept up at night for multiple reasons. Despite our negative qualites we all deserve warm company and good food. Rating: There are more people than you would think.

Reborn Rich (2022, Kim Tae-hee, Jang Eun-jae)

Main leads: Song Joong-ki, Lee Sung-min, Shin Hyun-been

Episodes: 16, 70 to 80 min

Thoughts: Man Song Joong-ki the past couple of years really said, I am sick of capitalism. This is probably the thriller of the year. It is so good an interesting. I think this is a must watch, and if you are new to kdramas this is probably a good one to watch. It had similar vibes to Again My Life but this one actually stuck the landing. Rating: The ending did confuse me, so I had to rewatch the last episode… ooops.

Alice in Borderland (2020, Yoshiki Watabe, Yasuko Kuramitsu, & Shinsuke Sato)

Main leads: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya

Episodes: 8, 41 to 80 min

Thoughts: This show is so good. I have been putting it off, but with the new season coming out I just had to watch it. The characters are almost all incredibly flawed, but you are endured to them anyway. Arisu an awkward game-obsessed outcast becomes a hero alongside Usagi in the most deadly game ever. This show does have a graphic SA scene in the later half of the series which I wasn’t warned for, so just be warned. I do think it is worth a watch, but there is a lot of graphic violence. Rating: We built this city….

Summer Strike (2022, Hong Moon-pyo, Lee Yoon-jung)

Main leads: Kim Seol-hyun, Im Si-wa

Episodes: 12, 43 to 52 min

Thoughts: I actually didn’t see much promotion for this serious. But I love introverted couples, plus Im Si-wa plays the soft boy character very well. The couples in this are cute, and the vibes are immaculate, however the story is lacking somewhat. In the last 3 or so episodes it turns into a thriller, though viki does label it as such and there are hints of it in the beginning, it just feels out of place with the hometown vibes. Rating: If I had a nickel for every time a chill hometown vibe drama turns into a thriller I would have like 3 nickels which isn’t very much but it is weird it happened thrice.

Alchemy of Souls (2022, The Hong Sisters)

Main leads: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min

Episodes: 20, 60 to 70 min

Thoughts: Wowza, I understand why it is considered the drama of the Summer. It was actually so good. I wish I was able to see it when it was coming out, but now I don’t have to wait after that ending. It was so good, and I’m so excited to start the second part. Jung So-min doesn’t disappoint, plus her chemistry with Lee Jae-wook. It will definitely be different without her. The story and worldbuilding is also so interesting with very little complaints from me. Rating: a Wolf in Sheep's clothing.

Alice in Borderland 2 (2022, Yoshiki Watabe, Yasuko Kuramitsu, & Shinsuke Sato)

Main leads: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya

Episodes: 8, 41 to 80 min

Thoughts: Man what a ride. This season is arguably better than the first. It was such an interesting watch. I was so confused for a while at the ending but it all worked out. I just think this is such a good show, and if you have the stomach for it, you should watch. Rating: Alice, the white rabbit, and the queen of Hearts…

I am currently watching Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow. If there any shows that you think I should watch in the upcoming year please feel free to recommend me some. I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

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