#Love Next Door Korean Series Review

[afabstract]

‘Love Next Door’ Review: Rom-Com That Forgets How to Deliver Either

'Love Next Door' begins as a breezy romantic comedy between childhood best friends but falters with a plot twist that disrupts the light tone and draws out the story unnecessarily.

⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 2.5 out of 5. Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram) Korean drama ‘Love Next Door’ (it’s on Netflix) starts off with four ajummas (aunties) talking about their kids, plastic surgeries, while one of them constantly farts away to glory. It’s an adequately fun start for a romantic-comedy series spanning sixteen episodes about a Tom-and-Jerry like couple. But come episode eight, and the…

[deafening-enthusiastic-dreamer]

Love Next Door

I loved this shot - giving thriller vibes

Finally we got to see how their relationship came to an end. I liked how they showed it, it felt true to the story, something we could see happening in real life and no matter how much its hurts, its still the truth.

I felt soo bad for him. But the dialogue where he says, no matter how much i like you, you don't get to tell me how i feel for you.

It hits different, ngl It hits hard.

Kill Me Now, Ahhhhhhhh I can'ttt

Cryinggggggg

I can only imagine how hurt both of them must have been, and for her to go through all of that just unbelievable.

[btsqualityy]

Y.O.U (Years Of Us), Chapter 2: “Gotta do what I gotta do”.

Jimin x half black/half Korean OC

Genre/Rating: 21+, established relationship, idol!AU, smut, angst, and fluff

Summary: Kamaria gives Jimin an answer to his question. Kamaria and Nari have a conversation that only best friends can have with each other.

Warnings: A passing mention of a drug overdose and mention of rehab.

WC: 2.1K

Author’s Note: The songs mentioned in this series are, of course, real life songs but for the sake of the story, we’re gonna pretend as if they’re not lol! Hope you enjoy it!

Song Of The Chapter: Michael Jackson- You Rock My World

8 YEARS AGO

Once Jimin’s debut solo album, Here I Am, along with the accompanying title track ‘You Rock My World’ that Kamaria had starred in the music video for came out, the response was astronomical. Jimin found himself shattering every record that seemed to exist for a solo artist and Kamaria found herself dealing with the newfound fame of having both a number one film and staring in the music video to a number one song and album at the same time.

As a way of thanking her for her involvement in the music video, Jimin had gotten in touch with Kamaria’s manager, Nari, to invite her out to dinner. 

“Well, well, well,” Kamaria smiled as Jimin breezed through the front doors of Ryunique. “I would’ve been fashionably late too, had I known we were doing that.”

“Sorry,” Jimin apologized sheepishly. “Everything has just been so crazy since the album came out, I’ve barely been able to breathe.”

“I was joking, Jimin,” she laughed and after a beat of silence, Jimin found himself laughing as well. After the owner of Ryunique, Ryujin, showed them to their table, they quickly ordered their food and drinks before falling into casual conversation. 

“So, I invited you out tonight because I wanted to thank you,” Jimin began. “In all the reviews of the music video, people are mentioning how you made it more than just a typical video with your dance skills and your charisma.”

“Well, it was only possible for me to do that because the song is that good,” Kamaria responded.

“And I wanted to thank you for that too,” he added. “For some reason, when you told me that you knew the song and album would be a hit....I believed you and you turned out to be right.”

“Music is in my blood.”

“Speaking of that, I didn’t know that Choi Sora was your mother and that Quincy Jacobs is your father,” Jimin mentioned. “Though now that I’m seeing you again, I want to slap myself because you look just like her.”

“Yeahhh, wish I could say that I haven’t heard that all my life,” Kamaria joked. 

“You don’t like to talk about her?”

“Given the fact that for most people, she’s almost as well known for overdosing as she is for being an icon in Kpop?” She laughed bitterly. “Not really.” An awkward silence fell over the two of them then, Jimin not having expected that reaction from her.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured and Kamaria sighed heavily.

“You don’t have to be sorry, I didn’t mean to snap like that,” she told him. “She’s my mom and I love her dearly but I want to be known for my gift more than just being her daughter.”

“I understand that,” Jimin nodded. “That’s why I chose to do my solo debut now, so that I can establish an identity outside of Bangtan.” 

“You’ve definitely done that,” Kamaria smiled, making Jimin do the same. 

“So, what are you going to do now? Another film? TV shows?”

“What makes you think I have anything planned?”

“Please,” Jimin snickered. “You’re signed to SM Entertainment and if I know anything about them, they’re always looking for a way to capitalize off any hint of success.”

“This is true,” she admitted with a giggle. “I actually had a meeting today about my next album. They’re giving me about a month to write some material and then I go into the studio.”

“Well, since you helped me out, I’d love to return the favor,” he offered. “I have a duet that I scrapped from my album. Maybe you could take a look at it and tweak it to your liking?”

“That sounds amazing. One condition, though.”

“What’s that?”

“That you tweak it with me and we record it together,” Kamaria said and Jimin chuckled. 

“I’d love to.”

..............................................

An asshole. A wide, gaping asshole that had been fucked with the force of a thousand elephant dicks. 

That’s exactly what Jimin looked and sounded like right now. 

“Bubs?” Jimin called, reaching out and snapping his fingers in front of Kamaria’s face. “Did you hear me?”

She couldn’t believe the audacity and gall of the man sitting in front of her, having the nerve to fucking ask her to-

“D-did you just ask me t-to,-”

“Be my surrogate, yes,” he confirmed. 

“Are you clinically fucking insane?!” She spat and Jimin instantly shushed her, glancing around himself to make sure that none of the people sitting at the tables around them had heard her. “Do not shush me right now, bitch!”

“Stop yelling,” he hissed. 

“I cannot have a baby with you,” she shot back. “You’re married, even if you don’t want to be! You can’t go off and have a baby with your ex-girlfriend! What the hell do you think Hye-ja is gonna say when she finds out that you chose me?”

“Well, Hye-ja doesn’t even know that you and I dated for three years,” he revealed. “So in her mind, you’d just be helping me out because you’re a close friend, which is what everyone thinks about us anyways.”

“Everyone else thinking that is different,” Kamaria sighed. “When we were together, we made the joint decision to keep our relationship a secret. You don’t think that you wanting me to have your child necessitates you telling your wife about what we had?”

“No because I know how she’d react.”

“She’d react like any woman with a fucking backbone would!” She exclaimed. “She’d be rightfully pissed that her husband of less than six months went out and asked his ex-girlfriend to carry his child!”

“She kept the fact that she didn’t want children from me, even after I explained her to that I did when we were still dating,” Jimin explained. “So I think it’s fair if I keep this to myself.”

“I swear, you turn into the most spiteful man on the face of the planet when you don’t get what you want,” Kamaria chuckled as she set her elbows on the table and ran her hands through her hair. “You’re 33 years old and the best solution your brain could up with in response to your wife not wanting to have kids was to have me be your fucking surrogate?”

“Bubs, come on,” Jimin pleaded. “You’re the only person that I can see myself having children with.”

“You’re so full of shit,” she snapped. “You obviously didn’t feel that way when you married Hye-ja.”

“Unless you really want to have that conversation with me, then you should stop while you’re ahead.”

“Fine. Here’s a question for you though: did you really think I was going to agree to having a child with you and not have any ties to it?” Kamaria questioned. “Because that’s what surrogacy implies.”

“No, we’d share custody but we can figure all that out once you’re actually pregnant,” Jimin said. 

“Oh, I’m not agreeing,” she clarified with a laugh. “I’m just trying to understand your fucked way of thinking. Another thing, how was I supposed to get pregnant? Because I’m a lot of things but a homewrecker isn’t one of them.”

“Ha, 21 year old Kamaria would disagree with you,” he laughed and she rolled her eyes at the situation that he was referencing. 

“Mina was a bitch and she deserved it but that’s not the point,” she huffed. “Look, I don’t know what the fuck is up with you but if you think I’m going to have a baby with you just so you can take it home to the bitch that you married to essentially get back at me, then you’re sadly fucking mistaken.”

“Bubs,” Jimin said, gasping when Kamaria got up from her seat so abruptly that the table shook, causing her wine glass to topple over. “Kamaria, please.”

“You know, just when I think you can’t get anymore fucking selfish, you always prove me wrong,” Kamaria spat before turning around and storming out of the restaurant. Ignoring all of the camera flashes, she shielded her face until her bodyguard opened the car door for her and she was able to get inside. 

“How could I be so stupid?” She chastised herself as she leaned back against her seat, her bodyguard pulling away from the curb and into the streets. 

Well, that was a waste of a good ass dress.

..............................................

“I think you should do it,” Nari shrugged and Kamaria snorted loudly. The two of them were in the living room of Kamaria’s penthouse, enjoying their weekly movie night complete with wine, popcorn, and chocolates. 

“He’s married, Nari,” Kamaria reminded her.

“If he had to come and ask his ex-girlfriend to carry his child, clearly it’s not going that well,” Nari pointed out. 

“He’s the one that married her out of spite,” Kamaria replied. “I am not going to save Jimin’s ass, once again, because he made yet another decision that he didn’t think through. It’s about time his impulsivity bit him in the ass.”

“But he loves you and had you not rejected him, you would’ve been the one he married instead of her.”

“I couldn’t!” Kamaria whined. “He had just gotten out of rehab, Nari!”

“That’s bullshit and you know it as well as I do,” Nari replied calmly. “You and Jimin were together for three years, as soon as he got back from his enlistment, and he asked you to marry him at least as many times as that. Hell, he probably asked you more than that because that man loves you. Now, I’m not saying you didn’t have valid reasons to turn him down because you did but the relationship between the two of you wasn’t all bad, either.”

“It’s easier if I act like it was,” Kamaria murmured as she picked up her glass of white wine. “It helps the fact that he went off and married someone else hurt less.” 

“I know sweetie,” she sighed, reaching over and grabbing Kamaria’s free hand in hers. “And I know how much you were hurt by what he did to you.”

“You were there so of course you know,” Kamaria chuckled ruefully, making Nari laugh. 

“I was,” she nodded as she reached up and wiped the tears that had begun to fall from her best friend’s eyes. “But I also know what the two of you had and how he felt about you; Hell, how he still feels about you. He texts me at least once a week and asks how you’re doing.”

“What?” Kamaria gasped. That was news to her. 

“He asked me to not tell you because he knew you were angry with him but he was still concerned about you,” Nari explained. “Now, what you said before was right. His impulsivity is a downfall for him, it’s true and it’s gotten him into a relationship that he didn’t think through but think about it. Jimin’s one of the biggest stars in the world who could have any woman carry his child if he chose to but he wants you.”

“And that’s supposed to make me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside?”

“No but it should remind you of what you two had,” Nari replied. “Who does he have in his will?”

“Me,” Kamaria sighed. 

“Who is his mother leaving her expensive china to when she passes?”

“Me,” Kamaria echoed. 

“And who is the woman that he wrote an entire album of songs for?” 

“Me,” Kamaria finished. 

“One last question,” Nari said. “Can you genuinely see yourself ever having children with someone who isn’t Jimin?” And that had Kamaria retreating into her mind for a few seconds. While Jimin hadn’t been her first boyfriend or even the first man she had given herself to, he was her first love and the love they had shared was unlike anything she had ever experienced in her life. 

The man had his faults, many of which Kamaria was intimately familiar with but the thought of creating a family with someone who wasn’t Jimin had never entered her mind. Even know, when her heart was aching from his betrayal and she wanted nothing more than to gauge his eyes out and feed them to him, it was still him. 

It was always going to be, at least in some part of her disjointed heart. 

“No,” Kamaria finally admitted. 

“I know it’s unconventional but it might be worth it to think it over,” Nari shrugged. 

“I can’t, at least not right now,” Kamaria shook her head. “I have to get through promo for ‘Taming’ and then I want to get back into the studio to finish the album.”

“Oh speaking of promo, you have that in depth interview next week,” Nari told her. “It’s your first one since Jimin got married so what are you going to say if they ask about him and you?”

“The same thing I’ve been saying for the last eight years anytime they ask about us,” she shrugged. “We’re friends and that’s all we’ve ever been.”

“Given everything that’s happened though, you think you’re gonna be able to lie like that?”

“I have no choice,” Kamaria replied with a shrug. “Just gotta do what I gotta do.”

..............................................

Tag List: @dunixxd @namaslaylife @shabbamadapot​

[rafaellaberso21]

Sweet Home series review: watch it or skip it?

The story is compelling enough to make you want to know how it ends. There are some attempts to develop the characters in order to explain their motivations.

Adapted from the same-named web-comic, Sweet Home is an action-packed struggle for survival as humanity approaches extinction. A group of eccentric apartment complex occupants are compelled to work together when people begin transforming into creatures outside. Naturally, cabin fever, anxiety, and paranoia consume our characters. This is exacerbated by the fact that a few individuals are falling prey to the infection they are attempting to eradicate.

When the creatures do make an appearance, Sweet Home delivers four consecutive episodes of frenetic action. We don't actually pause and learn more about the characters we've been following until the middle of the show. This is a metaphorical long inhalation preceding a climactic season finale that leaves the door wide open for a second season.

Several key characters are at the center of this conflict, along with a strange collection of supporting characters who are along for the chaotic, bloody journey. Reclusive and despondent The primary character is Hyun-Soo, but he is accompanied by the mysterious Sang-Wook, the musician Ji-Su, the firefighter Ji-Kyung, and the religious Korean language instructor Jae-Hun.

However, there are a great deal more characters here, and this large cast is one of the show's major flaws. Given the number of characters vying for screen time, Sweet Home has little time to distribute character development and growth evenly and must slow down in the middle to flesh out the characters further.

In a sense, this allows you to recover your breath after the relentless action, but it also feels like it should have occurred much earlier so that you could have understood who these characters are and what they're fighting for.

In fact, the show's slightly erratic pacing is one of my greatest complaints. Considering the limited number of characters to work with, Something Kingdom and Love Alarm can get away with short running periods. However, the cast here is nearly as large as one of the larger Korean drama productions, and given that those are typically 75 minutes each, the shortened running time is certainly noticeable.

Sweet Home makes up for its lack of complex characters with graphic violence and gore. This is not a display for the faint of heart, as blood literally spurts from orifices and covers features and walls. Additionally, some of these moments feature extremely close-up shots. If you are prepared for some extremely brutal violence, you should have no problems with this one.

Sweet Home may not be the next big thing like Kingdom, but it is a perfectly original slice of monster horror. If you're prepared for a dramatic finale, Sweet Home is a promising and gratifying horror anthology if you watch all ten episodes. It's not without its flaws, but this is another excellent horror that hopefully will produce bloody tendrils and be renewed for a second season!

[secangkircoklatsusu]

List Dramas & Others TV Shows I Watched in 2024

Selamat datang di halaman arsip blog saya! Di sini kamu akan menemukan kumpulan review singkat dari berbagai drama Korea, drama China, drama Jepang, variety show, dan film yang sudah saya tonton sepanjang tahun 2024. Setiap review mencakup sinopsis singkat, tags, dan rating untuk membantu kamu memilih tontonan berikutnya. Semoga bermanfaat dan selamat menikmati!

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

[List berdasarkan yang lebih dulu ditonton]

[Review akan diupdate perlahan]

Korean Dramas

A Shop for Killer

Marry My Husband

Flex X Cop

Under The Gun

Wedding Impossible

Doctor Slump

The Atypical Family

Lovely Runner

Frankly Speaking

Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale

The Pork Cutlets

Delightfully Deceitful

My Sweet Mobster

Miss Night and Day

Cinderella at 2 Am

Good Partner

Serendipity's Embrace

Romance in The House

Bad-Memory Eraser

No Gain No Love

Love Next Door

Hidden Love

Spice Up our Love

Iron Family [Ongoing]

Dear Hyeri [Ongoing]

Seoul Buster [Ongoing]

The Judge from Hell [Ongoing]

Chinese Dramas

Her Fantastic Adventures

Japanese Dramas

House of Ninjas

Komugi no Manpukuki

Meshi wo Kurahite Hana to Tsugu (Ongoing)

Another Country Series

One Day

Variety Shows

Apartemen 404

Nana Tour with Seventeen

Europe Outside Your Tent: Southern France

Real or Reel

Whenever Possible

My Sibling's Romance

The Backpacker Chef Season 2 [Ongoing]

Possessed Love [Ongoing]

Jinny's Kitchen S2 [Ongoing]

Shaman: Whispers from the Dead [Ongoing]

Fresh off the Sea [Ongoing]

Country Life of Gen-Z [Ongoing]

Little Forest: Winter & Spring (Japanese)

Movies

Exhuma (Korean)

Mentalese Express (Taiwan)

Nothern Limit Line (Korean)

[tcm]

In Memory of Brian, Fred and Jerry by Susan King

I mourn the loss of Hollywood legends, especially those I have interviewed over the years. I broke into tears when Debbie Reynolds died four years ago, recalling our last chat together in 2016 when we did a duet of “Moses Supposes.” And I still haven’t watched TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (’62) since Gregory Peck died in 2003. I had the opportunity to interview the handsome Oscar-winner at his now torn down home in 1997 and 1999. He was everything you’d hope he would be – sweet, intelligent and funny. He also loved Bob Dylan. His last words to me as he walked me to my car were: “You are a most interesting young lady.”

In 2020 alone, I lost over 20 former interviewees including Kirk Douglas, whom I interviewed eight times between 1986-2017, and my beloved Olivia de Havilland, who I found to be delightful and a bit ribald in the two interviews I did with her. I got more than a little misty when Brian Dennehy, Fred Willard and Jerry Stiller died this year. They were supremely talented and made our lives a little brighter with their performances. And, they all were great guys and fun interviews.

Brian Dennehy

I interviewed Brian Dennehy, who died in April at the age of 81, several times in the early 1990s when I was at the L.A. Times. The former U.S. Marine and football player was intimidating at first sight. He was tall, burly and barrel-chested. He had a no-nonsense quality about him, and he spoke his mind. But he also was funny.

In 1991, discussing how hard it was for some actors to land parts after starring in a TV series, he noted “coming off a TV series is a tough deal, and you go into limbo land for a while, if not forever. Most actors go immediately to the ‘Island of Lost Actors’ and stay there. Troy Donahue is the mayor.” Dennehy never went to that island. Not with the complex and often memorable performances he gave in such films as FIRST BLOOD (’82), SILVERADO (’85), COCOON (’85), PRESUMED INNOCENT (’90) and as Big Tom in the comedy TOMMY BOY (’95).

He was nominated for five Emmys, including one for his chilling turn as serial killer John Wayne Gacy in the miniseries To Catch a Killer (’92).

I had one of the most extraordinary evenings at the theater in 2000 when Dennehy reprised his Tony Award-winning role as the tragic Willy Loman at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles in the lauded revival of Arthur Miller’s masterpiece Death of a Salesman. It was a gut-wrenching performance that left me emotionally exhausted. He earned another Tony in 2003 as James Tyrone in the revival of Eugene O’Neill’s superb Long Day’s Journey into Night. And he never stopped working.

Shortly after his death, the drama DRIVEWAYS (2020) was released on streaming platforms. And it could be Dennehy’s greatest performance. He plays Del, an elderly widower and Korean War vet who sparks a warm friendship with Cody, the young boy next door. The reviews for the film (it’s at 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and Dennehy have been glowing. The L.A. Times’ Justin Chang wrote that Dennehy’s Del is as “forceful and tender a creation as any in this great actor’s body of work.” And Jeannette Catsoulis of The New York Times stated: “What we might remember most, perhaps appropriately, are Dennehy’s warm, weary features and rich line readings. In a lovely final monologue, Del advises Cody to avoid rushing past the experiences in life that matter, as they pass so quickly on their own. Much like the careers of beloved actors.”

Fred Willard

I first encountered Fred Willard as the clueless sidekick of sleazy talk show host Barth Gimble (Martin Mull) in the late 1970s on the syndicated comedy series Fernwood Tonight and its continuation America 2-Night. I quickly became a fan, and that admiration grew when he became a member of Christopher Guest’s stock company of zanies in such comedies as WAITING FOR GUFFMAN (’96) and BEST IN SHOW (2000). In the latter, he played the equally clueless dog show announcer Buck Laughlin who quipped in his color commentary, “And to think that in some counties these dogs are eaten.”

Willard told me in a 2012 L.A. Times interview that he didn’t think he was funny until he was an adult. “I always loved comedy growing up – Bob Hope, Red Skelton and Danny Kaye,” said Willard, who died in May at the age of 86.

Willard got a serious part in Tennessee Williams’ one-act in a summer theater group when he was in his 20s. “I was getting laughs on all the lines,” he noted. “The director got upset because the audiences were always laughing. I didn’t try to do it deliberately. Then I realized I would say things around people, and they would laugh. I didn’t mean to be funny. I have always been relaxed around comedy.”

Just as Dennehy, Willard kept working. In fact, he received an Emmy nomination posthumously for his hilarious turn as Ty Burrell’s goofball dad on ABC’s Modern Family. He told me he wished he could try to do more dramatic fare like in Clint Eastwood’s World War II drama Flags of Our Fathers (2006). Willard even called his agent to see if he could get a role in the movie. “Clint Eastwood’s people called back and said, ‘We love Fred, but we are afraid if he appeared on the screen, they might start to laugh.’’’

Jerry Stiller

Jerry Stiller was a real sweetie and also very thoughtful. He sent me a lovely thank you note when I interviewed him and his wife, Anne Meara, in the early 1990s. When I talked to him for his son Ben Stiller’s remake of THE HEARTBREAK KID (2007), Stiller sent me a lovely bouquet of flowers. Ditto in 2010 when I interviewed the couple for a Yahoo! Web series Stiller & Meara: A Show About Everything. I also received Christmas cards until Meara died in 2015.

Baby boomers remember Stiller, who died at 92 in May, and Meara for their smart and sophisticated comedy act, in which the majority of the humor came from the fact that he was Jewish and she was born Irish Catholic. They recorded albums, were popular on the nightclub circuit and did The Ed Sullivan Show three dozen times. They split up their act when musical variety series went away.

Both were terrific dramatic actors. In fact, I saw Stiller in the 1984 Broadway production of Hurlyburly, David Rabe’s scathing look at Hollywood, and he did a 1997 production of Chekhov’s The Three Sisters. Of course, Stiller garnered even more success in his Emmy-nominated role as Frank Costanza, the caustic father of George (Jason Alexander) on NBC’s Seinfeld (1993-98) and was the best reason to watch CBS’ sitcom The King of Queens (1998-2007) as Kevin James’ acerbic father-in-law

But I most remember that 2010 interview where Stiller and Meara bantered back and forth much to my enjoyment. Here they talk about Ed Sullivan:

Anne: I never liked him.

Jerry: You are out of your mind. You never liked him?

Anne: He scared stuff out of me. I am talking about Mr. Sullivan himself. I wasn’t the only one. There were international favorites throwing up in the wings—singers and tenors and guys who spin plates. It was live. We were scared.

Jerry: Ed Sullivan brought us up to the level that we knew we never could get to – him standing there on the right side of the wings laughing, tears coming out of his eyes and then calling us over and saying, ‘You know, we got a lot of mail on that last show you did.’ I said, ‘From Catholic or Jewish people?’ He said, ‘The Lutherans.’”

[kdramacrybaby]

A compiled list of all dramas I've watched so far, with links to their respective reviews 💙

I have a more in-depth Masterlist here as well, where I write a couple of lines about the plot if you're unsure about whether the drama is for you or not.

✶100 Days My Prince (★★★★★) Comedy, Historical, Romance

✶A Business Proposal (★★★★☆) Romance, Comedy

✶A Korean Odyssey (★★☆☆☆) Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, Horror

✶A Love So Beautiful (★★☆☆☆) Coming of age, Romance

✶Alchemy of Souls (★★★★☆) Romance, Historical, Fantasy

✶Arthdal Chronicles (★★★★☆) Historical, Fantasy

✶Bad and Crazy (★★★★★) Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Action, (Comedy)

✶Be Positive (★★★☆☆) Web series, Drama, Romantic Comedy

✶Big Mouth (★★★★☆) Law, Crime

✶Black Knight (★★★☆☆) Sci-fi, Dystopian, Action

✶Burn the House Down (★★★☆☆) Mystery, Suspense

✶Castaway Diva (★★★★★) Romance, Comedy, Life

✶Cherry Magic (★★★☆☆) Comedy, Fantasy, LGBT, Romance

✶Cinderella and the Four Knights (★★★☆☆) Comedy, Romance

✶Crash Landing On You (★★★★★) Romance, Comedy

✶Descendants of the Sun (★★★★☆) Romance, Military, Action, Melodrama

✶Doctor Slump (★★★★☆) Romance, Comedy, Medical

✶Doom at Your Service (★★★★☆) Romance, Fantasy

✶Everyone Loves Me (★★★☆☆) Romance, Youth, Comedy

✶Extraordinary Attorney Woo (★★★★☆) Romance, Legal drama

✶Falling Into Your Smile (★★★☆☆) Comedy, Romance

✶Fight For My Way (★★★★☆) Comedy, Slice of Life, Romance, Friendship

✶First Love Again (★☆☆☆☆) Romance, Fantasy, LGBTQ+

✶Happiness (★★★★★) Action, Thriller, Fantasy, (Zombie)

✶Her Private Life (★★★★☆) Comedy, Romance

✶Hidden Love (★★★★★) Romance, Comedy, Youth

✶Hometown Cha Cha Cha (★★★★☆) Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life

✶Hotel Del Luna (★★★★★) Fantasy, Romance, Horror, Mystery

✶Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (★★★☆☆) Historical, Romance, Youth

✶Imitation (★★★☆☆) Romance, Music, Friendship

✶Itaewon Class (★★★☆☆) Life, Romance, Youth

✶Joseon Attorney: A Morality (★★☆☆☆) Law, Romance, Historical

✶King the Land (★★★☆☆) Comedy, Romance

✶Lawless Lawyer (★★☆☆☆) Action, Law, Romance

✶Legend of Fei (★★★☆☆) Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Wuxia

✶Legend of the Blue Sea (★★☆☆☆) Fantasy, Romance, Comedy

✶Light on Me (★★★☆☆) Romance, Comedy, LGBT

✶Love Next Door (★★★☆☆) Romance, Comedy

✶Lovers of the Red Sky (★★★☆☆) Romance, Fantasy, Historical

✶Mad Dog (★★★★★) Crime, Investigation

✶Marry My Husband (★★★☆☆) Romance, Fantasy, Revenge, Time travel

✶Memories of the Alhambra (★★★★★) Fantasy, Mystery, Suspense, Sci-Fi, Romance, Melodrama

✶Miracle That We Met (★★★★☆) Romance, Melodrama, Fantasy

✶Miss Hammurabi (★★★☆☆) Law

✶Missing 9 (★★☆☆☆) Adventure, Melodrama, Mystery, Suspense, Tragedy, Comedy, Romance

✶Moonlight Drawn by Clouds (★★★☆☆) Historical, Romance, Melodrama, Comedy

✶Moon Lovers; Scarlet Heart Ryeo (★★★☆☆) Fantasy, Historical, Melodrama, Romance

✶Mr. Queen (★★★★☆) Comedy, Fantasy, Historical, Romance

✶My County: The New Age (★★★☆☆) Historical, Romance, Political

✶My Demon (★★★★☆) Fantasy, Romance, Comedy

✶My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (★☆☆☆☆) Fantasy, Romance, Comedy

✶My Lovely Liar (★★☆☆☆) Comedy, Romance, Mystery, Supernatural

✶My Roommate is a Gumiho (★☆☆☆☆) Fantasy, Romance, Comedy

✶Navillera (★★★★★) Life, Family

✶Our Blooming Youth (★★★★☆) Mystery, Romance, Historical

✶Psychopath Diary (★★★★☆) Comedy, Thriller, Mystery, Crime

✶Put Your Head on My Shoulder (★★☆☆☆) Comedy, Romance, Youth

✶Ready, Set, Love (★★★☆☆) Comedy, Romance, Mystery

✶Rich Man (★★★★☆) Comedy, Romance

✶Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (★★★★☆) Comedy, Romance, Political, Historical

✶Sell Your Haunted House (★★★★☆) Comedy, Fantasy, (Mild) Horror

✶Semantic Error(★★☆☆☆) Romance, LGBT

✶Sh**ting Stars (★★★★☆) Romance, Comedy

✶Sisyphus: The Myth (★★★★★) Mystery, Sci-fi, Action, Dystopian

✶Soundtrack #1 (★★☆☆☆) Romance

✶Squid Game (★★★★☆) Survival, Mystery, Thriller

✶Start-Up (★★★☆☆) Romance, Business, Youth

✶Strong Girl Nam-soon (★★★☆☆) Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

✶Strong Woman Do Bong-soon (★★★★☆) Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

✶Suits (★☆☆☆☆) Legal drama, law

✶Tale of the Nine-Tailed (★★★★☆) Romance, Fantasy, (Mild) Horror

✶The Double (★★★★☆) Historical, Romance, Revenge

✶The Glory (★★★★☆) Revenge, Thriller

✶The Great Seducer (★★☆☆☆) Melodrama, Romance, Friendship

✶The Heirs (★★☆☆☆) Comedy, Friendship, Romance, School

✶The King’s Affection (★★★☆☆) Historical, Romance, Comedy

✶The King: Eternal Monarch (★★★☆☆) Romance, Fantasy

✶The Last Empress (★★★★★) Mystery, Thriller, Comedy, Action, Romance, Political, Suspense

✶The Red Sleeve (★★★☆☆) Romance, Melodrama, Historical

✶The Silent Sea (★★★★☆) Mystery, Sci-fi, Thriller, Dystopian

✶The Tale of Nokdu (★★☆☆☆) Comedy, Romance, Historical

✶The Uncanny Counter (★★★★★) Mystery, Fantasy

✶The Untamed (★★★★★) Fantasy, Xianxia, Adventure

✶Twenty Five Twenty One (★★★★☆) Romance, Life, Youth, Friendship

✶Vincenzo (★★★★★) Comedy, Crime, Law, Romance

✶When I Fly Towards You (★★★★☆) Romance, Youth

✶While You Were Sleeping (★★★☆☆) Romance, Fantasy, Comedy

✶Who Rules the World (★★★★☆) Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy

✶W: Two Worlds (★★★★☆) Fantasy, Romance, Thriller, Action

✶Your Honor (★★★★☆) Legal drama, Romance

[captainstarkky]

I'm planning to watch Doom at your Service.

I've been baffled by the reviews from my Korean friends, can you change my mind, please?

Hello, CHINGU!

I don't know why I'm the person you asked this question to, or if I'm even qualified to answer this one. But since you asked, I'll give you my answer.

But I hope that my opinions wouldn't discount your friends' reviews. Please keep in mind that everything I will mention in this post is my views alone. I know you're only taking a second opinion, so I hope this second opinion would make you watch the drama.

So if we're clear, then let's go!

Doom at your Service is a fantasy-romance drama that talks about the love story of a terminal patient Tak Dong Kyung and the messenger of the Gods and humans, Myul Mang.

This is the type of dramas that I usually want to watch.

It deals with fate and death in a mystical perspective. And I couldn't ask for more.

Unfortunately, death is often misunderstood in our society. Just as Myul Mang said in this drama 'no one truly loves me, people either want me, or hate me; some even fear me' which is absolutely true. Everyone is afraid of the thought of dying. Because, no one wants to die; without knowing that our ultimate fate as humans is to die.

That's one point to reconsider. We cannot accept anything that deals with death because no one wants to die. But in reality, we need to know what is death and we need to understand it so that we can accept it. Only acceptance could diminish our fear of death. Because if we continue on fearing death, then we won't be able to appreciate life.

This drama tells us something about death that is rarely taught to us by movies and dramas. And I think that is one of the most important thing to point out at this point.

One does not talk about death alone. Death is a sensitive topic and is often misunderstood after all.

However, Doom at your Service was able to tell us a few perspectives about death that we need to appreciate:

Death and Life

Fate and Death

The importance of life in the midst of death.

Death and Life

Doom at your Service does not talk about death alone.

This drama is unique because of the premises it introduced to the general audience. If you watched/checked the series' first episodes, it's clear that it talks about the death of Dongkyung. But as we go on through the episodes, it actually changes to the life that Dongkyung will live in.

That's weird because most of the premise that other drama series introduces us into is: life and then death. They introduce 'happy life' and then 'death with no regrets'; some introduces a sentiment that says a life lived will give you a satisfying death. But the question there is: where can we draw the line between fear, acceptance and satisfaction?

As such, we can actually argue that: unless death won't knock on your door, you won't have any idea how scary it is. no matter how much you lived your life to its fullest.

However, because Doom at your Service reversed the normal cycle, then they actually gave us a complete cycle of fear and acceptance in terms of death when they introduced 'death' and then 'realizations of life'.

Which is true, actually.

Humans are hardwired to regret everything after everything is done. I think that is what the writer wants us to realize by writing the script.

Tak Dongkyung's journey to accepting her death actually made her realize the beauty of life itself - the gift she is unknowingly receiving every single day - and the reasons to accept it wholeheartedly. If you read between the lines, as the audience, however, the life of Tak Dongkyung would tell us that 'we should appreciate life every single day' regardless as to what will happen next.

Fate and Death

Fate is something we need to accept. That's kind of a fact. Since we cannot do anything to change it - or to cancel it out, we don't have a choice but to embrace it.

And I don't know if it's fortunate or not but our ultimate fate is death. Although we have these finalism that Philosophy tells us, it cannot be denies that our final goal is to die.

Since we're talking about philosophy anyway, I'd like to weigh in about human being's main mission according to some philosophers. It is actually to be happy.

That's why, we can actually say that: 'Acceptance is the key!'

And when we talk about acceptance, a greatly acclaimed theory was also elaborated beforehand for you to check out.

Overall, the drama teaches us that fate is inevitable. Even if we are given the chance to change the course of our fates, we cannot avoid it. It will eventually catch up, knocking. The same is through with death. So we need to really enjoy our lives while we still can and not become the people who would only find the beauty of it when they're already in their deathbeds.

The Importance of Life and Death

I think I'm giving away too much. This section is actually learnings from the series; we have different learnings because our minds are hardwired differently. My learnings aren't necessarily the same with yours.

So why don't you explain this to yourself on your own after watching the drama?

But of course, this is considered a must-watch because of our leads! We have a pretty strong team - acting and visual-wise - for this drama alone.

Doom at your Service is considered as Park Bo-young's return in TV dramas after the booming success of her previous JBTC drama: Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (which is also rumored to have a second season) and tVN's Abyss; Park Bo-young is known for her stunning visuals and her magical chemistry that seemed to go along with every leads she has.

Likewise, Doom at your Service is also Seo In-guk's return as a leading man in TV dramas after his Hundred Million Stars From the Sky (which is a sad drama by the way), although he's had a few cameos in Abyss and Navillera, DAYS is his ultimate comeback - as an actor and a singer.

Although this isn't the first time Seo In-guk and Park Bo-young shared the screen together (Seo In-guk had a quick cameo in Oh My Ghost and Abyss), the chemistry of both actors can be seen as we go on with the episodes (though I don't know why can't they see this part in the drama - aish, seriously)

We also have Lee Soo-hyuk who plays as the cold-hearted team manager, Cha Joo-ik. He's best known in his roles in High School King of Savvy, Scholar Who Walks At Night, and many more. Kang Tae-oh who plays the charismatic coffee shop owner, Lee Hyun-kyu. He is best known for his roles in Tale of Nokdu and Run on. And of course, Shin Do-hyun who plays as a writer and the main lead's unnie, Na Ji-na. She's known for her appearances in Hospital Playlist S1 and Love with Flaws.

Of course, we also have a few familiar faces that would surprise you as you watch the drama. The most notable one was of Nam Da-reum who just celebrated his birthday last few weeks ago (and his movie is also making rounds in the social media: The 8th Night). He plays the role of a cheeky writer that has a crush on Dongkyung. He's our Myul Mang's love rival and nemesis.

Of course, we also have a very good director and a witty writer-nim.

There are a lot of special things in this drama, but I will leave you to discover them on your own when you watch it. So, go start binging Doom at your Service at your legal streaming sites.

PS: I forgot that this draft existed so I apologize to the person who asked this question. Lol.

[samnyangie]

Personal reviews on RSL filmography

Rsl, iI thought it’d be a good idea to record my thought on each films rsl was in, it was something I always wanted to do...

Rsl in total, was starred in (excluding tv series etc) 27-ish films, to be honest, considering his years as an actor(approximately more than 30 years) he wasn’t starred in that many. We all know why lol

Just saying I’m not a film expert, therefore the list is very subjective.

The reviews with trigger warning (r*pe, g*re etc): Tape, Killer: Journal of Murder, A glimpse of hell. Tho in the writing I’ve censored them with * since I don’t feel comfortable saying them here

There isn’t particular spoilers except for dps, tape, and ground control

The favourites (literally my life time films)

Dead Poets Society

I assume many would agree, and as many would have, it was my first ever rsl film, like I was on the plane and it was one of the films they offered, and I was like, oh I think i heard of this, so I watched and instantly loved it. The message is very relevant to this day, the cinematography is very beautiful and somehow nostalgic. I was horrified with Neil’s death. Tbh now I’ve seen too many memes and all kind of things from the fandom (which I’m grateful for!) I thought the heartfelt I once had would deluded a bit, however when I watched it again last April with my family at the cinema and it still moved me very deeply.

The age of Innocence

Okay, unpopular opinion here, I love this so much. It’s my all time favourite rsl film. It even outruns dps tiny winy bit haha. Aside from how he had tiny winy screen time, appearing at the end but the fact that he played quite an important role and him being gorgeous in it just<33 I couldn’t help but smiling! It just the whole film was so much of my cup of tea? The melodrama and the hypocrisy hidden by elegance among the upper social classes in 19th century is just what I needed. The more I watch it, the more I understand the characters and their emotions, it’s one of those films you should keep visit to discover the things you weren’t aware of before. I watched it again this morning and i couldn’t stop thinking about it. However, I know some people find it boring and I understand why, my sister is one of them lol(except for a bit where rsl was in) but i think it’s more complex than what it appears to be at a first glance haha. In conclusion, it became one of my comfort film to watch time to time. 

The ones I like<33

Swing kids

At first viewing, I didn’t expected much because it had underwhelming reviews but when I actually saw it, I thought it was quite decent and more and more I watched it, I felt like it was underrated. Yes, I think some directing choices were bit old fashioned and cheesy especially the ending, I’m not saying it was a perfect masterpiece but it deserves more recognition than it has now. Also in spite that there’re some parts being too simplified, it touched on something other films about ww2 normally don’t. It was interesting to see the German perspective on it than Jewish or the allies perspective like many of them does, but of course the latter perspectives matter, it could be argued that they more valid than the former, which partly was where sk criticised for, however, the portrayal of the varied reactions of the German people (in this one particular the teenagers) has its value in their on way. Anyway along side with it, the music and the dance scenes were great, without exaggeration, though Swing kids isn’t my fav, peter’s solo dance scene is my favourite scene in any movies I’ve ever watched. I mean that scene had both visuals and meaning as it demonstrated Peter’s determination as well as resentment with a hitch of unsureness. Rsl acting in that scene was just phenomenal, it’s not about showing off the dancing skills but he portrayed every mixed emotions peter has from his expression and the moves, I just can’t talk about this enough especially this scene was the reason I started fallen for him. lol

Much ado about nothing

Much ado is something I never seen anything like so it was a refreshing exprience. I barely watched Shakespeare on screen kind of thing. Though I felt there were some bits too cheesy for me but they are also the charms in the same time, and the cinematography was pretty also Claudio aka rsl, it was like an official announcement of declaring my worship on this man. Especially it was after SWING KIDSSSS so I couldn’t help it now everyone knows how I fallen for him but no one can blame meeeeee Anyway, it’s a really good film to watch when you want be relaxed with cup of tea maybe hehe

In the gloaming

I heard about it before I watched it, that it’s a heart wrenching, tearful piece, though I didn’t managed to cry, it’s just.... painful and in a way heartfelt. I liked that story telling was calm and collected rather than forcing you to join the sob party, just showing the characters to carry on. And thanks to the great acting from the cast, the characters could be emphasised and understood, personally the older sister was the most relatable character for me, well, eldest complex lol. In short I liked it but it’s not something I would watch it often.

Last days of Disco

As a person who looks at aesthetic in films, I simply enjoyed this for that tbh. I don’t know, I just liked the feeling. But I don’t think it’d be everyone’s cup of tea. I love the day time clothes the girls wore in the film. Tbh I love the music too, I think I love all the films of rsl with music in it. Speaking about rsl, oh rsl, he’s.... His character might be bit unlikable but he was just.... This is why I can’t unlove his characters even the debatable ones<33

They were decent! (I would recommend it)

Married to it

This is the first and last ever attempt of rsl of romcomssss The film itself is cliche to be frank it’s like love actually but it’s about marriage life + it’s not christmas but I like heartfelt cliche stories like this, if anyone also loves this type of story, it’s really worth watching, it’s one of my comfort films, also, rsl is so pretty I mean he always is but to see him being a office man with a baby face made me go awww my baby grew up heheh I wish he did another romcom like this or more preferably, melodramatic romance, I’d have made a shrine of it and worship it every morning lol

The boys next door

I kind of smiled while watching it throughout, if you want something that is heartfelt and touch on some serious topic about social workers and the people with mental disorder, Rsl plays a character who has (I think it was) Schizophrenia and troubled relationship with his father(Deja vu I know) but general atmosphere tend to be quite humourous. I don’t get me wrong, though it’s light hearted, it doesn’t mean they treat the topic in the same way. There’s a scene where the protagonist imagining the one of the characters with the disorder talking eloquently and honourably at the court on the rights and the dignity of the people with mental disorders deserve to/should have and they’re just the same people as the people without mental disorders. It was a powerful scene.

My two loves

Rsl’s first ever screen debut film! Hehe it’s about a woman who is discovering her sexual identity and the conflicts within I personally thought it was fairly sensible depiction but I can’t say for sure whether it was accurate or else, since I don’t think it’s my place to say it:) But if you’re interested, it’s on YouTube, you can just search for it or go to this post I made. Fun fact: since it was his debut film, it credits him as he’s real name, Robert L. Leonard, I just find it amusing haha

Tape

It’s another type of film I don’t encounter that often, I enjoyed it, especially with Neil and Todd’s reunion lol. Rsl mentioned how he enjoyed it because it felt like doing a play, my first impression was that the structure is like a play, though the camera work made me quite dizzy haha. But the dialogues, the acting, I think it was quite spot on. Especially the human contradictions and hypocrisy side of it. The most people assume the baddie in the film is Jon the character rsl played and has a distaste for him. I mean how can anyone love a character who is accused of r*pe but to be honest, Vincent for me seemed just as problematic, both of them are hypocrites for sure in their own different ways but in the end we can’t be sure what’s really the truth or not. It’s about the vagueness, and phychology and the uncertainty from the audience on who to believe(well, myself included, most would trust on Amy’s claims since she’s the victim in the accusation, but by her denying the claims, making everything way unclear,) so I don’t know. I don’t really have an opinion haha tho I don’t believe nothing happened because Amy denied so, even Umma Thurman who played her, said that her interpretation was that Amy lied. I felt it’s endless rabbit hole this film. Sorry I couldn’t worded it better.

My best friend is a Vampire

It’s cringey and weird but there’re odd charm to it. Vampire rsl’s so cute as well.... and I think it’s the only film, he acted kind of flirty ? So for that itself I’d like to appreciate itttt And it’s so 80s/90s, like it has general odd nostalgia like all films from that age has. I saw a Korean blog about rsl films and this was mentioned, that- they said- it’s a bible of rsl’s adorableness and I think that sum up the film perfectly.

Mr&Mrs Bridge

Before this was in ‘I mean it was fine” category, but I watched it again and now I want to retract my statement lol Still isn’t my fav but I noticed how delicately depicted each characters are, Mr and Mrs Bridge in particular. This film is alternatively about the changes in the young generation regarding liberty, feminism, free expression especially on sex. It’s in the perspective of the bridges, the mother and father who is old fashioned and conservative (as it was normal in their previous generation) and the children who are the young generation, and the misunderstanding and conflicts between them. After all it all happened not only because of the difference but also the lack of communication, which rsl emphasised in his interviews. I found it interesting that they made it seems like the Bridges truly existed with the video footage and (with the ending) describing what happened to each family member in text with photos. When I watched it at first I was really confused if it was based on a real life. I think what they wanted to suggest was that the Bridges every typical American family at the time. It was something everyone was going through. I said previously I didn’t get why Rsl’s character (the youngest in the Bridges) treated his mother so coldly. Honestly I do get why, but I guess I felt so bad so the mother haha

I mean it was fine

The safe passage

It was okay but to be honest it didn’t stood out to me. It was okay. The story, the characters weren’t that interesting. I wish they extended it longer to go depth with their family relationship or something.

A painted house

I find it likeable, it has a chill, old folk story vibe, but same as previous one. it didn’t really stand out except for shirtless rsl, do close ups you cowards

Bluffing it

I was really fond of the premise of this film and I think it has great intention. It was specifically made to promote the awareness of illiteracy and how to get support. However, I don’t get the reason of Jack the protagonist’s illiteracy. Unless, it was common occurrence in America at the time, I feel like it’d have been more convincing if he was in poor family hood, so there was no time to learn at school due to working at young age...? I mean, just finding it hard to believe he passed the high school just like that, I mean the teachers or anyone should have noticed it, maybe I’m missing something here but it seemed unlikely to me.

Ground control

Again, I liked the message, as it depicted how frightening and difficult job the ground controller is, by one mistake could take away the lives of hundreds, especially as someone who goes on planes a lot... But it was quite cliche throughout, I just couldn’t get engaged to it. But I do admit at the end when the protagonist runs off to the landing zone see the pilot who he had just saved, they acknowledged each other and have eye contacts was truly wholesome. Rsl as cocky, bad boy was such a icing on the cake, I loved it so much. Chewing gum in every scene lol I hope he plays these sort of characters more often. I saw someone criticising him saying he has narrow spectrum of just playing nice boy roles like Neil but I really wanted to debunk the narrative and this could be one of the examples! 

Chelsea walls

I knew that this has split reviews but nonetheless I think worth to watch it, 1. Ethan and rsl re union, 2. Ethan is the directer of the film and rsl sing in it. But I have to say, it’s one of those hard to follow art indie film so I couldn’t finish it on one go. I feel like I have to devour it over and over again. Maybe later on I grow fond of it more lol But his character, I loved him so much. He’s just has everyone don’t touch me, I’m a cocky artist vibe, there’s a scene where his annoying friend annoying him and he looks up and says: ‘Fck off’. Absolute golddddd not to mention he sings and plays guitar so beautifully<333

Well... it’s not my cup of tea

The Manhattan project

I don’t think the film it self was that bad, it’s about high school boy who find out the existence of some nuclear energy research lab and stole the energy to make his own nuclear bomb. I just don’t get the thinking process of the protagonist. It really frustrated me. He seemed apathetic and unlikable I disliked him throughout and that’s why I didn’t really enjoyed it. I mean it has humour and ridiculous storyline might be humorous to some. But more importantly there was such little screen time for rsl!! LIKE WHY? WHY PEOPLE?? HE LOOKS LIKE A FRESH HUMAN MOCHI!!! It makes me soooo mad to think about it

Killer: Journal of Murder

Well, first of all, it had a lot of graphic things than I imagined, brutally murd*red bodies, execution, and r*pe scene, gosh I was strucken by it when I saw that, I had to skipped that scene. It’s based on a real event and a real criminal called Carl Panzram, so if you’re aware of it, it might be more intriguiging to see. But personally for me... meh, I don’t think directing was good as it failed to portray it enough for me to comprehend fully.

A Glimpse of Hell

This is also based on a true event of a tragic accident in the us battleship in Iowa in 1989. They shows tragedy lin a blunt, brutal way by showing horribly damaged bodies of the soldiers torn into pieces, all the horrid things directly so be warned about that. I was quite alarmed because i didn’t expect to see it haha there’s no much to say. The film quality was so so for me. I feel their approach wasn’t appropriate, they were clearly trying to make it dramatic which is fine but in a melodramatic emotional way. It didn’t work because first, there aren’t enough portrayal of the characters for me to get attached, secondly it added the unnecessary exaggeration it prevented me from being emotionally involved or even to think about it. In my opinion, I think it’d have been better if they made it more restrained, dry, focus on the accuracy. For example like 1987 or Zodiac, I mean both of them has dramatic elements since they’re not a documentary but they were not overdone, in a contrary added emphasis to their message/conclusion. I know it’s easier said than done but it was something I consistently felt during it.

Sir.... I’m sorry but-

Standoff

Haha... it’s very peculiar... the directing is off and it just weird. I knew it was bad already but I watched it because rsl as a cop with gunssssssss just... so rare and just.... something else. There’s no way of me missing that seriously. Tbh him doing an action stunt isn’t what I imagine when it comes to him and there’s really any actions scenes anyway but it really was something. Like the character he played here really became my soft spot Hehehehe he was pretty and plus, tbh it’s kind of film I’d make fun of while watching so everything was (alomst) forgivable. There is a recent thing I think about, since this is about a cult, I kind of hope he’d at some day play a role like Eli Sunday from There will be blood: a manipulative, deceitful and maddened priest with twisted faith. Though Paul Dano did a grand job, the idea was in my head the whole time. Well, it’s a shame he wasn’t any of those here lol

Driven

From what I seen, the majority of people seem to unanimously hate this film, and after watching it I became one of those ppl. At least Standoff could be make fun of and rsl held gunssss but this...... I want to say so many things... I feel like they should have chose either fancy, fast paced, thrilling racing film or detailed depiction of emotions/relationships with the racers and people involved in it, I know both can be done, but I think that was outside of their ability, but since they tried to do that at once, it became a mess that doesn’t go either way. And the characters, any of them, including rsl’s are narrow or impossible to understand. I mean rsl did great himself, it was not about acting, the problem lies on the script and editing in my opinion. Also there were so many unnecessary characters made me question of their existence. Luckily rsl’s character isn’t one of them, however because of them, he had to squeeze in and unable to elaborate, which is a shame as he was an interesting character and someone rsl rarely plays; a arrogant and opportunist agent/brother of the protagonist, who would do anything for success... ha.... whyyyyy

This is it. If I watch other stuff I might add to it in the future. Overall, I know I’m biased but I do like His filmography, I do have appreciations in every one of them in different way to the good ones to bad. He may have disagree, but I love his acting on screen, well, I barely seen him on stage (crying)

Edit: as some of you could see, I’ve edited this over and over again haha elaborating on thing or the contrary. I can say with a glimpse of hell I practically managed to watch every rsl films out there lol except for the i inside and the short film he did called a dog race in Alaska. But with the former I’m not interested and already know the storyline, and the latter is just impossible to find, trust me I did my best;; 

So to sum up: I HAVE MASTERED THE RSL FILMOGRAPHY!

[livefordrama]

Reviewing Dramas I Have Watched Part 6

It’s been a while; I haven’t been able to watch a lot between school and just life. Not to mention the time I do have is spent doing buddy watches of kdramas I have already seen with my friends and family (On teleparty of course.) Again, here is my rating system:  1- Did not like, 2- Enjoyed but probably wouldn’t watch again, 3- Enjoyed and would watch some episodes again (or for movies may watch again), 4- Enjoyed and would watch again, 5- Loved

Korean Drama

Melting Me Softly: 3/5

Melting Me Softly is about a guy and s girl who get cryogenically frozen for an experiment for what was meant to be only a day. Unfortunately, something happens, and the 24-hour experiment turns into 20 years. Now they have to deal with the changes of not only their family and friends but the world and society as a whole all while trying to uncover the darker secrets behind the experiments.

I gave this a 3 because while the earlier and later episodes were amazing and hilarious, the episodes in the middle of the season bored me. I am not much of a romance person unless it is either subtle or played out a specific way and the romance in this wasn’t my personal cup of tea so it just got boring for me. On its good episodes though, it was funny, sad, and cute. I really did like the dynamic between the two main characters and the romance is pretty good, just a little slower in the middle of the series. The relationships with the family members of the two were so cute and so sad, I loved the all the scenes where the mains got to interact with their families. I did feel awkward and weird about the second-lead, I’m not sure if he counts as a second lead but for lack of a better term that’s what I’m calling him. I love Choi Bo-Min as an actor, and it had nothing to do with his acting, just the whole situation was uncomfortable to me. That other guy who doesn’t even deserve to be the second-lead, if you watch it you know, the stalker one, I despise that man. Not once during the entire show did I like one of his scenes. That could be why I didn’t enjoy the middle scenes as much cause he found a way to worm his way into almost every scene and I would get so annoyed with him. This show does have its good points and bad points, so I would recommend it for those who like romance with a little bit of suspense and humor.

Welcome to Waikiki (season 1): 3/5

Welcome to Waikiki is about a group of friends who own and attempt to run a guesthouse together. When they find a baby left behind in one of their rooms, they have to find out how to take care of her and find her mother. This becomes even more complicated when the mother returns in tears saying she had no where else to go and didn’t want her baby to suffer. After hearing about her troubles, they decide to take the two in, in exchange for help working at the guesthouse. It follows the group and mother as they try to figure out how to take care of a baby, save their failing guesthouse, and achieve their own dreams, all while falling in love.

This show was hilarious, I watched it because everyone was talking about how funny it was and I agree. I especially love how it focused on all the characters instead of picking just one or two and focusing on them. I love when shows really work on all their characters and this show played it out so well. Not one was neglected and I didn’t feel like any of them were underdeveloped by the end, and Sol was super cute! I loved every single one of her scenes, she was so funny and sassy and I know she is just a baby but she is amazing. I watched some episodes on the tv and my sisters even made comments on how cute she was when they looked up at the TV, even though they didn’t watch it. I enjoyed the ending and how it all played out and tied together nicely. 

It was a delight for the first two thirds of the season. However, yet again that romance hit and the humor kinda dissipated to be replaced by the romance for a good few episodes. While it was admittedly cute, and I adored the romance scenes in the last few episodes, most romance scenes gave me such second-hand embarrassment I had to pause the show for a while and gain the courage to restart it. I did enjoy it but would probably only ever rewatch the first two thirds and maybe the last two or so episodes. It reminds me of Love With Flaws in the second-hand embarrassment romance scenes, so if you enjoyed that show, definitely give this one a chance. If you like romance, humor, and can handle the second-hand embarrassment stuff I highly recommend this one! It’s super cute and hilarious!

Missing Nine: 5/5                                

Trigger Warning: Plane crash, Blood, Injuries, Suicide attempts, Murder

Missing Nine is about a girl who gets hired as a stylist for an arrogant and cold idol. On her first day, the plane they are all riding on to an event crashes on a vacant island. Only nine of them survive the crash and must now fight to survive and be found all while struggling with the betrayal of one of their friends who began to murder them one by one.

I really enjoyed this one, it was my perfect type of show; angst, suspense, subtle romance, crime, found family. The only issue I had with it was the unrealistic ending, I just don’t understand how it is possible and don’t know how I even personally feel about it. I am also probably one of the very few people who didn’t watch it for Chanyeol, don’t get me wrong I am an Exol too, but like really new Exol. You can skip this parenthesis if you want, it’s a kpop tangent. (I am a huge multistan. I love all the kpop groups I have listened to so far and have all the dalcomsoft games minus Gfriend even though I love them, cause I feel like it’s going to be a BTS superstar and get deleted so it’s not worth my time or efforts. Feel free to talk to me about any group and any member. If I don’t know them, I would be happy to find new ones so even if they are not well known or new, don’t feel worried about squealing to me about them, I would love to make kpop/kdrama loving friends.) I watched for Jung Kyung-ho and only when I started did I see Chanyeol which was cool to find. This also means POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT I wasn’t disappointed or biased after a certain episode like many of the people I saw raging in the Tvtime comments, not saying this in a bad way just stating that since I am neutral on certain events, I will be focusing on specifically the plot and how I felt about said plot versus how I feel about characters. SPOILER ALERT OVER

Overall I really loved this show, it was certainly an emotional roller coaster. I felt that it could have had a second season or a spin off to tie up that last little cliffhanger but I personally and satisfied with how the main issue wrapped up, other than that one weird ending scene. If you like angst, suspense, crime, and a little romance seen in an enemies to lover type of trope then I highly recommend this show. I gave it a 5 cause I personally loved it and am already planning on rewatching it with my friend. It does have a lot of blood and injuries so if you are sensitive to that, I wouldn’t recommend it to you. 

Because this is my first life: 5/5

Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault, Attempted R@pe (but it didn’t get far at all, just be careful)

Because this is my first life is about a woman (Ji-ho) who has to find a new place to live as her brother is getting married and her parents gave the son the apartment that they had bought for both their children. Because of many misunderstandings and coincidences, she accidentally rents a new apartment with a very strict and stoic man (Se-hee). Due to more problems, the two come to an agreement that they should get married since they both can gain something from it. The woman gains a place to stay and the man gains a tenant to help pay the bills, no more, no less.

Okay, so while I said that I didn’t like romance this is the exception, much like Shopping King Louie, it was just a really cute slow burn that I thoroughly enjoyed watching. Many people in the fandom, on TV time at least, were giving Se-hee a hard time and saying he was using and manipulating Ji-ho but I didn’t see it that way. She consented and never voiced anything other than that and the deal was for her to stay in the apartment since she needed a place to live and he needed someone to help pay bills. He didn’t ask for anything more, she was already following his schedule before the marriage issue and was just fine and accepting when they decided to get married. Neither had any expectations of falling in love, they just both needed something that marriage would help them gain and both consented to it. Later on, Se-hee even asked her if any advances were okay and backed off when they weren’t with no questions asked which I find admirable. Okay, rant over. It was cute and at times annoying cause you just want them to get together already. I laughed so hard in so many episodes and cried in a few too. The cat was so adorable and I love the interactions the main’s had with the little fluff. The best, and sometimes most painful, bonding moments between the main’s were the ones that dealt with the cat. I wasn’t too fond of the love triangle but was pleased with how it actually played out with the two women actually accepting each others presence instead of being horrible to each other for the most part. Highly recommend it to any romance lovers, and especially to those who are fans of shows like Shopping King Louie as mentioned above.

Flower boy next door: 3/5

Trigger Warning: Stalking, Panic Attacks, Sensory overload, Bullying, Teacher Crushes and Manipulation of Such

Flower boy next door follows Dok-mi, a young woman with crippling social anxiety to the point she never leaves her apartment. From her window she watches her across the street male neighbor every day, taking note of his entire schedule. This all comes back to bite her when her neighbor’s brother comes to visit from Spain and catches her. What starts as an attempt to make her stop stalking her brother, quickly progresses into a mission to help her overcome her past, anxiety, and to get out of the house and adapt back to a healthy social life. As this mission goes on the two begins to realize they have feelings for each other, but Dok-mi’s own next-door neighbor has his own mission of getting her to stay inside and fall in love with him. He has been writing a web comic about her being a modern Rapunzel and has been in love with her for many years.

I enjoyed this one, I watched it cause the actor from Psychopath Diary starred in it and it was really cute. The romance was adorable, and the whole telepathy thing was a great addition that made me laugh. I love the whole adorable dork male with quiet cold girl trope so much. I didn’t like the whole stalking situation very much, it’s just kinda weird and was something that made me really uncomfortable during the first few episodes. I wasn’t a huge fan of the next-door neighbor, he just seemed like an enabler to me and I found myself angry through most of his scenes, as well as through most of Dok-mi’s childhood friend’s scenes. Other than those two characters, I enjoyed it well enough. I know some people can get annoyed by each characters flaws but I usually am good with morally grey characters as long as they learn from their mistakes. Some did in this show and there was a lot of character development and some didn’t which is realistic but makes me kind of sad. I recommend it to people who like a cute romance show with some angst and don’t mind morally grey characters.

Web-drama/Mini-series

Ghost Vros: 4/5

Trigger Warning: Suicide, Death, Some gore, Jump scares.

Ghost Vros follows two young men who are trying to start up a business where they hunt ghosts using virtual reality software. The main character is able to sense the ghost through his ears turning red and his friend programs the virtual realty to make sure the main has everything he needs to catch the ghosts.

I liked this one, it was fast like many web dramas are, but really interesting. I did attempt to translate it myself with my, admittedly little, Korean knowledge before finding the English subs (which you won’t be able to find now that Youtube has rudely removed community subs, unless it’s uploaded somewhere else. If someone finds it please let me know.) I was always engaged during the show and wasn’t bored at any point. It did have some confusing points and I wish we got more backstory as there was mentions of some interesting things that was never explored further, but it is a web drama, so that is more than likely too much to ask for. Recommend to anyone who enjoys a quick comedy ghost story.

 Cats Taste and Cat Bartender: 5/5

Cat’s Taste and Cat Bartender follow three cat gods who run a bar at night to make money for their injured owner. At this bar, they give upset humans cocktails which enable them to either posses said human or go into a dream world, this isn’t really clear, and correct the issue in exchange for items the cats find interesting on top of the alcohol cost.

This show was so cute, I absolutely loved and couldn’t stop smiling. I got the first season, Cat’s Taste, on my youtube recommend and decided to watch it since I was bored. I am so glad I did, I got super excited when I saw that there is a second season as well and spent forever trying to hunt it down before a kind person on MyDramaList put a link to the English subs in a comment (if anyone needs it, I will be happy to send it.) Both seasons were amazing, and I am hoping for a season three as the ending looks like it might be set up for one. The way they showed the bartending moves was so pretty and satisfying and I liked how all three cats got to show their moves instead of just the one.  I don’t like alcohol, have tried many kinds many times to but just don’t, however this show makes me want to drink the mixed drinks even though I know I would hate the taste.

Also, is it just me or does Ms. Hana remind anyone of Johnny from NCT? I don’t know if she looks like him or what, sometimes someone reminds me of someone else and the two look nothing alike. Don’t know what that’s all about but let me know because I could not shake the feeling that she reminded me of Mr. Johnny from Chicago. Anyway, tangent aside, I highly recommend to someone who like a quick but cute drama.

Korean Movies

Beautiful Vampire: 3/5

Beautiful Vampire is about a female vampire who tries to avoid people due to her nature, but has all that shattered when she runs into her landlady’s son one night and begins to fall in love.

This movie was pretty good, but a little confusing. I couldn’t even write a proper plot explanation cause I was just so confused. I honestly felt like a fever dream, though a relatively interesting fever dream. I wish we had more information and backstory cause it just kinda felt like a rollercoaster ride of pining. It ended okay; I mean I was bored at the time, so it was something to do. If I am bored in the future, I might watch it again. I agree with most on TvTime when they say, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good, it was just something to do. I feel like the story line needed more work done and that it ended too fast and progressed in such a way that it was hard to follow. If you are bored or have nothing to do, give it a try, you might like it more than I did.

Chinese Drama

Take My Brother Away: 3/5

Trigger Warning: Alcohol Abuse

Take My Brother Away is based on a web comic about two siblings living with their alcoholic, debtor father in China, after their mom filed for a divorce and left. It follows the two as they go to school, work, and try to live a normal life. The sister hates her brother for being lazy and not being able to help her get what she wants, and the brother gets annoyed at the sister for always getting violent with him and nagging him.

I loved this one, it was really interesting to see the dynamic between the family. I felt that the brother should have been given more credit in the beginning for all he does for his sister and I felt really sorry for the sister because she just wanted to be like the other students who could afford to read web comics or go on trips. Some episodes were hilarious, some were heartbreaking, some were admittedly annoying, some gave me secondhand embarrassment. I just love it all, the only reason I give it a three is because I wouldn’t watch all 50 episodes again, I loved it but some were more on the boring side like filler episodes and I just, don’t think I’ll ever watch the whole series again. I can defiantly say however, I will probably watch most of the episodes again. I enjoyed the ending though it was admittedly on the strange side, and felt it was wrapped up nicely. There was a lot of character development too which is always great. I recommend this to those who enjoy some dysfunctional family humor and some angst and who are able to commit to long seasons.

 Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

[afabstract]

'Love Next Door’ Mid-Season (episodes 1-8) Review

Childhood friends and neighbors Choi Seung-hyo and Bae Seok-ryoo re-unite after Seok-ryoo quits her job in the U.S and moves back to Korea in 'Love Next Door'. Can the friends finally turn into lovers?

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram) Korean drama ‘Love Next Door’ (it’s on Netflix) starts off with four ajummas (aunties) talking about their kids, plastic surgeries, while one of them constantly farts away to glory. It’s an adequately fun start for a romantic-comedy series spanning sixteen episodes about a Tom-and-Jerry like couple. But come episode eight, and the entire tone of the series…

[deafening-enthusiastic-dreamer]

Love Next Door

Finallyyyyyyyyy

After 7 episodes he tells her - man, k drama writers sure know how to make us WAITTT .

[popsiclemania]

My 2020 in K dramas (+1 J drama)

I began watching k-dramas in 2018 but I’ve never watched as many shows, Korean or otherwise, as I have in this one. 2020 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I think what helps me really enjoy this over Bollywood+Malayalam+ American pop culture I grew up with is that a smirk on the wrong character’s face doesn’t make me seethe with rage and want to burn everything down. It’s not like growing up with SRK on screen and then having SRK wannabes leave you with lifelong trauma in reality. I can just move on. It’s removed enough from my everyday life but still familiar in a generic Asian family way. Does that make sense? It’s not perfect and it’s not free of its own harmful stereotypes and narratives, but there’s enough of the good stuff to make you stick around. This year I fell in love with Nana, Kim Hye Soo, Han Yeri, Park Eun bin, Ahn Eun jin, Kim Bum, Kim Yong ji, Flower Boy’s Go Dok Mi and Search:WWW’s Bae Tami. Cancelled Ji Chang wook (bye). Desperately missed Kim Jae Wook. Had thoughts on Hwang In Yeop, which were mostly heart eyes. Discovered J dramas and fell in love with Cherry Magic’s Adachi.

My year-in-review below:

LOVED

Into The Ring - I am so glad I saved this for a rainy day because it’s exactly the kind of upright citizen shenanigans my unemployed ass needed at the end of the year.

Goo Se Ra thinks the govt should work for the people but that doesn’t mean her own moral compass always points north. Her purpose is to make steady money, and I love seeing her go hard to survive and cobble together what she needs. The thing that really works for me is that she wants to be good, but she isn’t always. And you get to see her be disappointed, upset, embarrassed and hurt from being publicly kicked in the gut as she navigates a job where she appears, on the surface, to be a supremely confident, self-serving, accidental politician. What you see as her naiveté is mostly just her being a regular person in an environment dictated by backhand deals and rich people politics. She gets hit again and again, and you see what it does to her sense of worth to get back up again, how she grapples with her self. And through all this the show is funny?! Se Ra is what writers of manic pixie characters think they are doing and not doing at all. Love her friends, and Jang Hye-jin is *chef’s kiss*!

Hyena - Kim Hye Soo’s Jung Geum Ja is perhaps Se Ra’s older and darker contemporary.  Geum Ja is a survivor and will get what she wants and where she wants to, however many hells she has to cross. She’s single-minded about her success, ruthless and has no qualms about bending morals to get the outcome she needs. She’ll never compromise on who she is or justify how she lives, can build people up and also tear them down, but she also knows care and kindness.

I turned to Signal for more Kim Hye Soo but was disappointed in how the first few episodes seemed to shortchange her. May try again in 2021.

(Highly recommend @saltr0se​’s  fic series which just GETS Geum Ja so well. Fic writers are the best)

Search: WWW (Finished in 2020) - It took me half a year to finish this. I started watching Search in Oct 2019 and raced through the first 6 episodes because I couldn’t take my eyes off the rollercoaster of Bae Tami’s life. And then I had to take a break because it was a little too close to the frenetic pace of my own industry. As @drivingsideways wrote, a lot of Search is premised around ‘patriarchy? who dat?’, which is why watching its politics play out is so fascinating.  It’s also deliciously turmoil-y to watch a very clear-sighted, weathered Tami put on rose-tinted glasses for her romance and then frequently peer over them to evaluate whether it could actually meld into her life.

Catch The Ghost - Kim Seonho oozes charm and perhaps Startup was a showcase of how effectively he can be a typical male lead. But Catch is exactly not that. Go Jiseok and Yoo Ryeong have moulded their lives around to meet their most desperate wishes in life and in the process also left parts of themselves untended. There is guilt, pain and need. Now guess who will tend to whose wounds? Their dynamic is electric even when the central mystery flags towards the last few episodes of the show. I really hope Moon Geun Young is doing well and gets more amazing roles soon. She is so good here.

(Highly recommend @melonatures​‘s fic for putting that sizzling on-screen chemistry into words. HOW?!) Cherry Magic - Stories about painfully awkward people are my jam and Eiji Akaso gets Adachi’s shy, nervy energy so right. Cherry Magic is straight up just 12 hours of 🥺🥺🥺. 

Stranger/Secret Forest - I’ve been devouring the entirety of Agatha Christie’s work this year after Stranger reminded me how comforting murder mysteries can be. I love Bae Doona. I also love characters who don’t get social norms, not always because they are out to flout them but because that’s just not how their mind/brain works. (have to watch S2)

Flower Boy Next Door -  Honestly, the opening scene introducing Park Shin Hye’s character Go Deok Mi sold me on this immediately. An introverted, penny pinching copy editor living alone and working from home thanks to extreme social anxiety? Love. All the side characters are a lot of fun and I’ve never loved Kim Seulgi and Go Kyung Pyo more. It’s a warm show, slowly rounding off the sharp edges of every character.

JUST FUN

The Spies Who Loved Me -  It’s been a year of disappointing rom-coms and Spies kind of quietly turned it around for me. I want to be the fly on Yoo In Na’s wall as she figures how to play her characters. I’ve only seen her in 3 roles but somehow she always manages to be in character arcs that don’t short change her. Spies could’ve been and sometimes is the regular heterosexual fare, but In Na ups the ante over and over again, coming out on top as the smartest person in the room.

ENJOYED WITH *RESERVATIONS*

I have to watch A Piece Of Your Mind again because I don’t understand how Jung Hae In and Chae Soo bin built SO MUCH warmth and crackling chemistry with barely a kiss. I was iffy about how the whole AI thing started off and the tortured musician plotline (angsty male artists will forever be an eyeroll for me).

Park Min Young is a queen who never disappoints and When The Weather Is Nice is everything you want in a winter romance. My reservation was in how they explore so much of domestic abuse and the complex ways its traumatised the women in this family. I’m ok with the characters having imperfect ways of processing and understanding the violence, I welcome it. I’m not ok with the show dancing around whether the pivotal crime was justified/ self defence (it was).

A lot of dramas did this. I loved Han Yeri and Choo Ja Hyun in My Unfamiliar Family, I didn’t like the free pass the show gave their dad’s abusive character. 

Hwang Jung Eum’s comedy style is generally not my thing but she was pretty great in Mystic Pop-UP Bar. But I’m side-eyeing the sanctity surrounding motherhood. Maybe I should read more about babies and Korean folklore.

Hospital Playlist was my comfort watch through June and July. I think its wholesomeness and non-plot writing came at a good time for me. But I noticed then that the throughline for all main characters was moral superiority and hence what I then saw as *wholesomeness*. It’s kind of what makes it a grating rewatch in parts. Plus the real life of misogyny of Yoo Yeon Seok makes me want to push his angelic catholic character off a cliff. (For context, i was raised catholic). I want to continue loving Chae Song Hwa, and for that the showrunners need to stop cornering her with overbearing romantic interests (let that woman breathe! she literally ran away to another city!) 

Hospital is good at creating moments of comfort, so much so that I went to watch Reply 1988 after it, but had to drop it coz I couldn’t get into it. Maybe I’ll come back to it next year.

Once Again is what I call joint family propaganda. What it does well is lay bare the mechanics of living in a society that prizes the heterosexual family structure, the loops you have to jump through to hide when you break its rules and what happens when you are found out. I love the characters, their fights, their frustrations. I just don’t love the validation of joint families. (context: i grew up in an oppressive joint family lol). In my au, Nahee and Gyujin don’t get married again or immediately have children, but take the long route to figuring out how to love the person the other is. Gahee is openly dating Hyo shin and her parents have to figure out how to process her success and her romance. Young dal and Ok boon have to learn to stop dictating their children’s lives.  Joon sun runs his company from home, so his wife Hyun kyung can work on what she wants. Choyeon, Joori and Ga-yeon go back to being flamboyant AF and the market learns to not judge. Gyujin and Jaesok have to actually work on the relationship with their mother and what sent her into depression. Just a lot of learning involved.

Just Between Lovers was a nice watch, i just don’t get how Kang doo and Ha Moon So’s relationship will survive his constantly simmering anger. 

Crash Landing on You was so much fun until the main romance turned angsty, but it gave us North Korean soldier shenanigans and the epic romance of Seo Dan and Alberto Gu that we needed more of.

Tale of The Nine Tailed is probably what Goblin wished it was. I, however, will never be over Lee Rang. (Also, when can gods stop meeting their love interests as babies? Asking for my sanity)

I literally ignored everything in Oh My Ghost except Park Bo Young and Kim Seulgi and it was amazing. 

NOPE

Goblin, Dinner Mate, Oh My Baby and My Secret Romance were a whole lot of NO, NAHI, ILLAAA. 

I loved hate-watching The King:Eternal Monarch with the rest of k drama tumblr but someone please take away Kim Eun-sook’s access to gigantic budgets and all-star casts.

It was painful to watch Do You Like Brahms squander away its potential but I’m glad to be introduced to Park Eun bin. Age of Youth is next on watchlist.

More than Friends to me is only Ahn Eun jin. Someone give her amazing lead roles asap.

Why did Record of Youth do that to Park So Dam and her clothes? Just why

WANTED TO WATCH, BUT COULDN’T BECAUSE *INTENSE* 

World Of The Married, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay, Sweet Home, Extracurricular, Penthouse, Flower of Evil, Lie After Lie

WILL WATCH NEXT YEAR

SF8, Stove League, Birth Care Centre but I’ll start the new year with School Nurse Files coz it looks very good.

[btsslowburnfic]

BTBY Chapter 3

Series Summary: For Namjoon, the moment he set his sights on being the #1 rapper, he pushed the symbol to the side and hated it. Love should be chosen, not forced on you. He didn’t believe in fate and this mark on his wrist was a big “fuck you” to all that.

Chapter Summary: Practice, Day one

Previous chapter found here

Robert’s studio had been fully cleared out for you guys. The three of you walked in and were greeted by the owner, Robert Mayes. “[Y/N] good to see you again, Xavier, always a pleasure, and you must be with the band,”

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you sir. I’m RM. Thank you so much for letting us use your space,”

“Ah it’s my pleasure. Really. You should thank [Y/N]. She coordinated all of our classes to be at their studio and my daughter is a huge fan.” he hands [Y/N] a set of keys. “I'll leave you to it. When is a good time for me to bring Ella by?”

You do some mental math. “Around 5 will be good. We’ll probably break for dinner at 6. Thanks again Robert,” you wave as he leaves the studio. Ok, time to do your job even with the grumpy jerk soulmate in tow.

“Alright guys, this way please. Restrooms are in this hallway along with showers if anyone needs one after practice. This room right here is where the back up dancers can get ready. They won’t be here again until tomorrow.  The kitchen is also on this floor. Catering is arriving with snacks and drinks in half an hour, dinner arrives at 5:30 with a 6 pm dinner time. The main rehearsal area and your guys green room is upstairs,” you review the location with them as you arrive at the stairs.

“Xavier would you mind waiting at the reception desk until Melinda gets here? She should be here in about ten minutes. I don’t want any studio clients accidentally showing up and not having anyone to talk to.” you rummage through your workbag as best you can with your bandaged hand, “here are some flyers with the alternate classes in case they are old school and don’t use the app.”

“Yep, you got it.” Xavier takes the flyers and heads back to the front door area.

You start walking up the stairs, “Come on, I have the main space blocked out already let’s go check it out.” you yell behind you. You reach the top of the stairs and continue the brief tour. “There are more bathrooms over there. The room over there is where you guys and your staff can get ready.  And this space,” you walk ahead to the large studio, “is the main dance room. I know it’s not even close to being the same as the venue, which I’m honestly still really pissed off about, but we are going to make it work.” you turn back and look at Namjoon taking the space in.

“Sorry about your arm,” he says, avoiding looking at you. “Do you actually want me to pay for it?”

For a moment you forget how to speak because you are so surprised he is being normal to you. “No thanks, I was joking. I mean it is $900 but it’s fine. I’ll just steal food from the catering service later,” you smirk at him.  “I can teach some standing classes for a while or fill in at the front desk. It will be fine. Ok, check the tape marks against where you guys normally are and see what you think. I can do minimal light and sound but that’s definitely Rafael’s strong suit. I’m going to get the mic pacs set up.” You walk over to the boxes you had set out earlier in the day and sit down next to them.

Namjoon works through the choreography lightly of the two songs they will be performing. You try not to look but you can’t help it. You really like watching people dance. And he’s a really good dancer even though he’s just lightly moving through the steps. You fight with the mic packs. They are very difficult to get tuned with one hand. Ugh. This is so frustrating.

To your pleasant surprise, Xavier, Rafael, and the rest of the group enter the silent room. Rafael heads straight for the console and starts setting things up. Xavier was trying to communicate with the guy you had learned was JHope. The bits of broken English are adorable. RM walks over and catches the band up on where they could take their things and get set up. Xavier comes over and starts helping you get the lav mics set up. “Thanks dude, this is really hard one handed.”

“It’s no problem. Oh my goodness, these guys are hilarious. I don’t speak Korean, clearly, but their energy is amazing.”

You smile as you are not having the same experience at all but you don’t want to be rude.

Once the lav mics are set up you grab your label maker. “Ok, go see if Rafael is ready and we’ll do just the choreography a few times through. I’ll go see if the guys are set up.” You get up and go downstairs to check in with Melinda about who to let in and when they should arrive and then head on up to the makeshift green room. You knock on the door and don’t hear any objections so you go in and see the guys finishing up a makeshift team meeting. “Alright? Ready?” you say, trying to keep the wording minimal.  

“Let’s go!” JHope yells excitedly. You can see why Xavier was having fun talking to him, his smile is infectious.

“Yeah ok, you know. Let’s go dancing,” the tall one who your research has told you is “Jin” joins in.  You laugh and turn to lead the way over to the practice area.

Xavier and Rafael get the lighting and sound set up once the guys are on their marks. They look so fucking cool. Having them in the studio makes it almost look like a stage. The music starts and they start the choreography. The first round is just to test the set marks, so it’s not the full moves. It looks like they are using it as a warm up but honestly it still looks amazing! Once the marks are all confirmed they run the full version. You sit there trying not to stare at RM but you can’t help it.  He looks so good. They all do, but you can’t take your eyes off of him. Damnit. Stupid rude soulmate. You sigh. Today was shit. Your wrist was throbbing, you had zero sleep, and your soulmate hated you.

“Alright that’s a wrap on that part guys. It looks amazing!” you give them a big  thumbs up. “Let’s get the lav mics on you guys and we’ll run with audio.”

You hand the labeled mics to each band member and help them get it adjusted as best you can. When you get to RM he takes the lav mic and becomes determined to place it himself. “Oh my goodness. You are ridiculous.” you say under your breath to him. “You better make sure that thing stays on,” you chide him.

“It’s not my first performance sweetheart, I think I can manage.” he responds arrogantly.

You roll your eyes and head on over to JHope who is much friendlier. “Thanks so much,” he says.

“You’re welcome,” you say smiling. Why are literally all of them nicer than your soulmate? You look over at him to see him giving JHope a death stare, which JHope returns by shrugging his shoulders confused. You move on to Yoongi who politely lets you place the mic.

“Alright, we are all set. Mic check please,”

“Ok let’s go,” you hear RM through the speakers. The other guys take turns speaking into the mics.

“Check check, Rafael?” he gives you a thumbs ok, “Ok. Let’s run it.” The music starts and this time it’s full choreography and singing.  The sound is really stable and they look great. About halfway through the second song, RM accidentally rips off his lav mic and yeets it to the floor.

“Stop.” you shout.

“Sorry guys. I’m sorry.”  He immediately stops and picks up the broken mic.

The guys are all breathing heavily and don’t seem too shocked by this turn of events, half of them wander off to grab some water.

You walk over and take the mic from RM’s hands. “I'm sorry.” he says to you and for a second you forget what a dick he’s been to you. You sigh examining the pac. “It’s fine. I have an extra one. This one is beyond my repair skills.” you walk over to the side of the studio and grab another one. You walk back over and look up at RM, “I’ll give you another. The deal is you have to let me put this one on, ok?”

For a few seconds he drops his “too cool” act “Yeah ok.” You reach around his back to reposition the lav mic and hand him the earpiece.

“Don’t worry, I won’t bite you.” you say as you readjust it along his back. You feel him relax a bit. “Unless you ask me to.” you wink awkwardly at him. He rolls his eyes at you.

“Thanks again for getting us this practice space. ” he says, surprising you,  

You finish the adjustment. “Just doing my job. Of course, the rest of my job is really hard with a splint on my wrist,” you give him a dirty look.

“I am sorry about that,” he says quietly.

You look around make sure no one else can hear you, “Look, it’s been a fucked up day for me too.” you look into his eyes, “ And I don’t want this either. I have a boyfriend actually and I like my job here a lot. You don’t have to worry about me chasing you down or anything.”

“Oh,” Namjoon is taken aback by this. He had always assumed if he ever met his soulmate and delivered the news he wasn’t interested, they would be heartbroken. Apparently not.

“Oh. Ok. Good.” is all he was able to get out.

You sigh as you walk back a few feet to make sure it looks ok with the lighting and everything.  “You should be all set now.” you turn to the sound crew, “Mic check! Take 3.” Namjoon does his mic check and it sounds great. “Ok everyone let’s run it from the top.”

You walk over to the front of the room to watch and listen to the full production. This day has been exhausting.  

Xavier sits down next to you and hands you a water. “Thanks dude,”

“These guys are fucking sick. They are favored to win their categories.”

“Really? That’s awesome. Do you have your outfit picked out?” You ask, embracing a moment of normalcy in your life.

“No, Joe and I are going tonight to look at rentals. Do you want to come?”

“No thanks, I haven’t seen Ben all week and I’m just going to wear something from my closet. I’m thinking my New Year’s Eve dress from last year.”

“Ooo that’s a good One. I’ll get a coordinating tie.” Xavier smiles at you. “Do you have a bias?”

“Uh what?”

“Haven’t you read upon this group? You pick a favorite and that’s your bias.” Xavier sips his iced coffee.

“That is ridiculous. They’re just people. Like every other group we’ve worked with,” you roll your eyes.

“I don’t make the fandom rules honey. My bias is Jimin. Look at that dancing.” Xavier proceeds to stare at Jimin for the remainder of the first song. “Ooooo but if there’s another one they’re your bias wrecker.”

“Please start speaking English again.” you playfully shove him.

“What were you and RM chatting about?” He arches his eyebrows up and down.

“Lav mics. And more specifically why I am the one who is supposed to place them and not overconfident performers,” you huff.

“I’m gonna put down Jhope as your bias and RM as your wrecker.”

You roll your eyes and stand up for the second song. Xavier continues to eyefuck Jimin.

You once again find your eyes drawn to RM. He’s not the best dancer but he’s taller than the rest of the guys and has a certain swagger when he raps that commands the room. It’s sexy as fuck and you get annoyed at yourself for thinking that. The second song ends. You, Xavier, and Rafael burst into applause.

“Great job guys! That looked and sounded Amazing. How did you feel about it?” you direct your question to RM so he can translate. He and JHope discuss a few things. You walk over to them to gather any feedback. Suga has wandered over to Rafael and is looking at the console with him. You giggle as you watch Xavier try and think of something to say to Jimin and you almost get secondhand embarrassed for him.

“Ok guys, any changes or anything?” you ask as RM and JHope grow quiet.

“No. We just need to run it again a few times. When our filming crew arrives they will record it for us to share online with ARMY so we want to make sure it’s good before then.”

“Ok. sounds good.” you take out your phone and rescan the schedule. “You have an hour and a half before they arrive so you just let Rafael know when you’re ready to go again for practice” your phone chimes, “I have to go meet with catering and I will be right back.”

The rest of the practice session runs smoothly. Their BTS production team arrives to film content for their fans and you and Xavier feel like a bunch of perverts watching them stretch but it doesn’t stop either of you from doing it.

“Oh my god you guys,” Rafael laughs at you two. “Stop.”

“Stop what?” you ask, trying to sound innocent.

Rafael rolls his eyes. “Y’all thirsty. Don’t you guys have boyfriends?”

“Our boyfriends do not look like that,” Xavier gestures to the group. You just grow red and try not to laugh and distract them.

“Stop it you guys. You’re being really unprofessional.” you say through suppressed laughter

“Yeah, stop it guys,” Rafael mocks you and the three of you laugh as their song wraps up.

“Great job!” you yell. “We have time for one more run through. Grab some water and we’ll do one more set before dinner.” You walk over to RM. “Hey, the studio owner’s daughter is here and I told her she could watch as long as she doesn’t take pictures or anything. Is that still ok? Did you check with everyone?”

“Yeah, that shouldn’t be a problem.” he says, his voice huskier than normal from the exertion of practicing for hours.

“Here,” you hand him a bottle of water and head down to the first floor.

Robert’s daughter, Clara, is a super excited ten year old who is trying to play it cool but she keeps making adorable squeaking sounds. “Hey! Are you super excited?” you greet her and Robert.  She just smiles more, unable to form coherent words “I just need you to either give me your phones or put them in a locker.”

“Sure thing,” Robert hands you their phones. “Thanks again. I’d say this would make her day but it’s probably more like her year or her life,” he smiles.

“Of course. Happy to do it.” you start walking up the stairs with them, “I know we can watch them and they might have time to chat afterwards but they have also had a really long day, so don’t be upset if they seem tired or anything, ok?” you prep Clara.

She nods enthusiastically and then starts crying when she enters the room. “Oh God,” you say and you gesture at chairs you had set out for them.

“Ah youth,” Xavier remarks as you walk over to the console. As you turn around you are surprised to see that one of the members, Taehyung has walked over to Clara and is trying to get her to stop crying and it is the sweetest thing ever.

“I don’t even have ovaries and they’re aching,” Xavier whispers in your ear. You suppress the urge to laugh and agree with him and walk over to make the introduction.

“This is Clara, and her father Robert. This,” you gesture” is Robert’s studio.

“Oh. Thank you Robert. And Thank you Clara for being ARMY,” he smiles at both of them. “We dance now, ok?”

Clara enthusiastically nods her head.

“Thank you so much,” you say to Taehyung as he turns to go back to the stage area.

“No, thank you.” he smiles an adorable smile at you and holy shit is this how they lure all these fans?! With their dancing and adorable smiles?! You make a mental note to watch some Youtube videos later tonight and walk back to your position in the front of the room. The guys are all back in their spaces.

“Mic check 1 2.” you go through the pre-check again.

The last performance of the night is perfect. Clara sings along to all the words and you even see a tear or two fall down Robert’s face as he is so happy to see his little girl’s dream come true. Wow this has been a day. You are thankful you ordered coffee to be delivered with dinner. The band members are all kind enough to walk over and say hi to Clara and thank Robert one more time.

“Thanks again [y/n] it really means a lot to us,” Robert shakes your hand.

“Of course. Thanks again for the space. I’ll see you around the studio.” you hand them their phones back as you escort them to the front door. You poke your head into the kitchen and confirm food counts with the caterer and grab yourself a coffee.

“Alright guys. Dinner is in the kitchen and ready when you are. There is also a stocked shower if anyone wants to take one here. Great work today.” Everyone on the BTS production unit makes their way to the dining area. Some of the guys stop and change clothes before dinner, some don’t. It’s been a long day. You, Rafael, and Xavier clean up the dance room so it will be ready for tomorrow.

“What are you guys doing tonight?” Rafael asks as he covers the console.

“I’m going suit shopping with Joe for the awards show. Do you want to join?” Xavier responds.

“Nah, I’m going to wear my funeral suit like usual.”

“Boooo!!!!” you and Xavier both yell at him, like usual. He loves that boring ass suit and it’s the only one he owns.

“There’s nothing wrong with it.” he laughs as he defends himself.

“It’s boooorrrrriiiinnnngggg. This is a fun awards show. Plus me and Joe and [Y/N] are going to look so pretty. Don’t you want to also?” Xavier finishes helping you gather the recycling.

“No. I’ll stay boring and scruffy to help make you three look better.” he smiles. “I’m grabbing dinner here. Anyone else?”

“Me.” you raise your working arm.

“I thought you were meeting Ben tonight?” Xavier interrupts.

“Change of plans. I spaced that I have to be the one to lock up tonight so I have to be the last one out. I don’t want to rush anybody so I’ll just stay here and work until everyone else is finished.” you sigh. “But, I am getting free dinner.”

“Always the optimist.” Rafael pats your shoulder, “that’s why we love you.”

You smile and grab the bag of recycling to carry downstairs. As you round the corner you once again slam into RM. “Jesus,” you yell, forgetting professionalism for a second.

“Sorry.” he takes the recycling bag from you, “Do you guys need help with anything else?” He asks cooly.

“No, we are all finished,” Xavier responds, turning off the lights. “Thanks dude.” he starts down the stairs oblivious to what’s going on. “See you all tomorrow!” he happily yells as he leaves.

“So in love.” Rafael comments. “Gross.” he jokes as he begins down the stairs.

“Agreed,” you follow him, “Are you coming?” you turn and ask RM.

“Yep.”

You slow down a bit so Rafael is all the way down the stairs, “Back to being an asshole?” you ask him, your voice lilting in a joking way.

“Absolutely.”

“Fantastic. Thanks for carrying the recycling, Asshole.”

“Sure thing. Is Rafael your boyfriend?”

Did he really just ask you that? Before you can form words you just start laughing. “Ahahahahahahaha. No. Hard Pass. No. We have worked together for 5 years. We are very good friends. Ahahaha. I can’t even. Wow. No. My boyfriend does not work with me. Otherwise we would probably kill each other. Why? Are you interested in Rafael? I can get you his number?” you  laugh again.

“Oh my God. No.”

“Why do you care who my boyfriend is?” you ask, nearing the bottom of the stairs, “Jealous?" You tease.

If you would have been looking you would have seen the moment of hesitation on his face before he responded, “Don’t flatter yourself.” NEXT CHAPTER

[we-be-writing-bts-stuff]

Love Through a Lens: Quarantine Quirks

Pairing: GamingYouTuber!Jungkook x BeautyGuru!Y/N

Rating: Teen

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: Mentions quarantine, kissing, fluffy dog, and fluffy Kookie.  Kook points out the flaws in his new puppy. This part is really tame and really is fluffy.

Summary: You cook some bread with your boyfriend for his second channel.

Word Count: 1050

A/N: This was 100% inspired by Jenna and Julian and their magnificent adventures together. Italics means that Korean is being spoken. Please don’t bash me on the dog’s name. It’s the only thing I could think of. Hope you enjoy and send in any comments and love that you have. ~Bagel

Lockdown was starting to get to the both of you. Jungkook was spending more and more time just playing games online with his friends as a way to pass the time while getting content for his videos. Being a makeup channel, you were starting to run out of new looks to do every week. Beginning to make more abstract looks and began to play around with body paint. Learning along with your audience as you got more comfortable with the medium and the different techniques.

You stopped posting on your vlog channel about anything other than puppy and pet content while stuck inside with your pets and after you got a dog after telling your boyfriend that you wanted one since you moved in together. While Kook’s vlog channel was slowly becoming cute couple videos over the months. You were even convinced to help him with one of his cooking videos when he decided to start experimenting with what you had around the apartment despite your track record of burning water. 

And today was no different. You were sitting on the other side of the counter as Jungkook started out listing the objective for today and introducing you to the audience. You wave and give a few kisses to the camera. Playing around and having fun.

“So today is going to be all about the basics. We are going to be making some bread and maybe some sweets because someone likes their sugar.” He says as he points over to you. 

“Hey! You don’t need to call me out like that.” You say back in mock outrage. Reaching up and swatting at his hands. Jungkook just chuckles and pulls you into a back hug. 

“As I was saying, links to the recipes are in the description and feel free to follow along or laugh at us as we try to bake.” 

~~~~~

The next few hours of filming are chaos. You and Kook continuously get into playful squabbles as you two read through the recipes. Kook wanting to just throw the ingredients together and see what happens as you yell at him about what the correct series of events is. Flour getting thrown at each other and causing the two of you to be covered in a fine layer of the white powder. Your husky puppy feeding off of the energy and barking at the two of you as well. Making you two jump at the loud and sudden noise as he tries to speak and join in on the activities. You decide to walk over and pick up the dog in question to placate him. He rolls his head to the side to look directly at the camera as you scratch his stomach. Tongue lolling out of his mouth and ears flopping around. 

“Get our son out of the kitchen. I know he’s adorable, but he can’t be in here. He’s gonna get fur in the food. And he’s more likely to eat it rather than to help.” Jungkook tells you as he places the loaf into the oven to bake.

“Don’t talk about Tank like that! He’s a beautiful and smart canine that you picked out I might add. He’s a good boy.” You coo the last sentence to the animal in your arms. “Besides, you’re already putting the bread in the oven and we decided against the cookies today so we are fine now.”

“He’s fuzzy and loud and getting all chubby already because his mother likes to feed him too many treats.” He says. Walking over after he closes the oven door and begins to pet the dog. 

“He’s still beautiful and smart.” You pout. Jungkook kissing his head before you put him down. The two of you begin to clean up the mess that was made during the process. Joking around once again as the camera catches all of it. You two sit back as you wait for the oven to beep at you both. Jungkook forgets to turn off the camera as you jump onto the counter and he moves to stand between your legs at the silent request of your grabby hands. His hands move to your hips and he leans in to kiss you softly. You two getting lost in your own world of affection towards each other. Soft words and affection towards each other. Giggles and  Getting startled by the alarm when it finally sounds. Causing both of you to laugh and get back into filming mode. Jungkook reaches over to turn on the camera once again to continue the filming before muttering under his breath. 

“Well, it’s been recording this whole time.” You barely hear from him. To combat his mood, you lean over and kiss his cheek.

“You can just edit it out baby. It’s what? Like a thirty minute block of us being cute. You could throw it up on Patreon as extra content too.” You suggest. Hearing him mumble something that you don’t quite catch before he’s telling you that it’s time to start again. 

~~~~~~

The rest of filming goes well. A few jokes being thrown between the two of you. The bread turning out good and you both take a slice to taste test it. Humming softly at the taste. After you both say your goodbyes, he finally turns off the camera and takes out the sd card so he can start editing. 

“Thank you for doing this with me. I owe you one.” He says softly. 

“Yeah. Just let me do your makeup on my channel and we’ll call it even.” You tell him. Smiling as he kisses your temple in affirmation. 

“Give me a time and place.” He tells you as he walks off to start reviewing the footage and making a video out of it. With a sigh, you turn towards the rambunctious puppy at your feet. 

“Just you and me bud. Let’s go watch some tv.” You tell him. The dog tilting its head like it was listening and bolting towards the couch as you step towards out of the living room. You lay on the couch and the puppy decides that you were a perfect bed and lays on you. You two stay like that for a while and soon fall asleep. Becoming the perfect end to a long day of baking.

[shining-red-diamond]

Birthday

Words: 1.3k

Pairing: San x Celestia (OC)

Rating: PG

Warnings: None

A/N: The first part is based off of San’s video series, so I have had to bend some things for the story to make sense. Also, I’m gonna start tagging people.

May 7, 2020. 6:30PM.

The Sanchelin Guide is what he had titled his content. San was excited to film his next video, and recommend another good restaurant to Atiny. Since travel was pretty limited due to the pandemic, San decided to stay local and eat from a new Japanese restaurant he wanted to try. He would also have to order take-out just to take extra precautions.

Since her spring break in early March, Celestia and the other girlfriends of ATEEZ had been staying in Seoul; and after the virus got super bad they’ve all ended up staying at either Dahae or Taeran’s homes. They were able to see the boys almost everyday, but since they still had schedules and the girls had their college studies to work on they had to make arrangements accordingly.

Now, because it was Celestia’s birthday and her last day of her school semester, San wanted to celebrate with a special dinner. They would both be having their own romantic dinner off camera, but San wanted to dress nicely. He was dressed in a nice shirt, dark jeans, and brown dress shoes; his dark locks were in a slicked back hairstyle (which was Celestia’s favorite look on him). His girlfriend had on a light blue, form fitting dress and a pair of light brown heels. Since it was a breezy day outside, they both wore light jackets; they both could have easily been mistaken for fashion models.

San wanted to do a video with her, but she didn’t want to be on camera. It wasn’t that she was shy, but she felt as if her fellow Atiny would be annoyed with her being on camera a lot. San always reassured her that it wasn’t the case, but he wasn’t about to force her to do anything she wasn’t comfortable with; but she agreed to film him eating and giving his review on the food they would be eating.

Standing at the door of the restaurant, San stood up straight to be ready to put his acting game on. Celestia pressed the record button, and then gave him a nod to tell him “Action.” He approached the door, took a look at the restaurant’s sign, and nodded as if he had found the place. He opened the door and stepped inside.

She stopped recording as soon as San opened the door for her. The two walked in, and were greeted by a seating hostess who asked for the name. She walked away, and in less than a minute she returned with two large bags of food. After thanking her with a bow, San and Celestia returned back to the dorms, hand-in-hand.

When the couple entered the dorm, they set the food out on the table in an organized manner, and they set the food for their dinner aside.

Celestia got behind the camera again. She pressed record, and he began to eat. For about thirty minutes, he dined on the Japanese cuisine, and Celestia could see how much he was enjoying it. Once he had finished, he pulled out his black notebook to rate the food. Five mountains out of five was the result.

Pushing the stop button on the camera, Celestia asked, “Are you not too full to eat our dinner?”

“Not at all,” her boyfriend smiled.

San took the camera as Celestia went to set the table again but with her and San’s dinner this time. As soon as she was done, her boyfriend pulled out the chair for her sit in. He then got two candles out, lit them up on the table, and dimmed the lights.

“Is it my birthday or Valentine’s Day?” Celestia joked.

San kissed her cheek and replied, “I wanted to make today special for you.”

“Just being here with you is more than enough.”

He smiled as he took his seat across from her. “This is going to sound corny, but I do believe that besides debuting in ATEEZ you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Celestia felt her cheeks flare up. No matter how cute San would make a comment sound about her sound, she always got flustered. “I feel the same way, babe.”

San start to laugh a little. “You’re blushing,” he teased.

“I can’t help the butterflies I get when you’re so sweet to me.”

Taking her hand into his, he said, “You’re my queen, angel, and I made a promise a long time ago that I would treat my future wife like one.”

Celestia stared at him for a moment before replying, “Did you just ask me to marry you?”

“One day, I will.”

“Okay, because I was about to say ‘Let me finish college first.’”

The two laughed at their own confusion, but San really did want to wed Celestia in the future. The two had talked about marriage before, but they were both a bit young and busy at this point in their lives to think about settling down just yet. However, he promised he would propose when they both felt the time was right.

From the beginning of their relationship, he knew that his foreigner girlfriend was meant for him. She was supportive of both him and ATEEZ and loved him as who he was as Choi San, not just as has status as a celebrity. What really had him falling for her was her kind soul. Of course, she was beautiful physically, but she was more than her fiery red locks, sapphire eyes that sparkled when she smiled, and a voice that had him melting whenever she would sing. Celestia had the kindest heart, and that’s what he really wanted in a lover.

After the meal the two cleaned up the table, blew out the candles, but San only left one light on in the kitchen.

“San?”

He appeared from around the corner with a cupcake decorated with pink frosting and a single candle illuminating the kitchen. San was singing “Happy Birthday” to her in Korean, and when he finished she blew out the candle, the room becoming dim again.

“I have something for you,” he said. He took her by the hand and led her to the living area and had her sit on the couch. “Close your eyes.”

She did as she was told and listened to San’s footsteps walk away. About thirty seconds later, they returned. San had her hold her hands out and he placed a box-like object in them. Celestia opened her eyes, and her guess was right. She immediately opened it and found a silver bracelet resting inside it.

“San, I’m speechless,” was all she could get out of her mouth as he sat down by her.

Removing the piece of jewelry from the box, he gladly put it on her wrist. It had a long, curved silver band that ended in star charms and chains that linked together. Written on the band were the words “Forever you are my star.”

“I know I tell you that I love you about a thousand times a day,” San smiled as he took his girlfriend’s hand, “but whenever we’re not together physically, this is my way of telling you that I’m always thinking of you and that I love you more everyday.”

“It’s beautiful, baby,” Celestia replied, her fingertips lightly brushing the cool metal. “I love it, but I already know how much you love me just by the little things you do. Your cute ‘Good morning’ texts, your encouragement as I’m working on school or in a musical, the way you hug me when we cuddle, the times you make breakfast for me…”-she paused to scoot closer to him-“and the way you kiss me.”

San’s cheeks turned red. Celestia pecked his cheek and whispered, “I love you.”

Immediately, he wrapped his arms around her and moved her to his lap like a child sitting on Santa’s lap. “I love you, too, my angel.”

Gently, he brushed Celestia’s red locks behind her ear and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Before they knew it, the two of them were showering each other in loving kisses, completely forgetting the cupcake sitting on the kitchen table.

-

Tags:

@actuallythatwaspromise @barsformars @romeorussia @a-tiny-8iny @kesmonsterwrites