#hyang hui

[writer-zie]

Hiiiii, can we talk how would Cheong-Shin react when you get hurt? He is 9348490% an over protective cutie

Absolutely, let's do that.

Minor Injuries.

Be it something as small as a scrape on your knee, or a graze on your arm, Cheong-Sin spends precious time patching you up.

He'll clean each wound meticulously, giving you small kisses to try and distract you from the pain from the rubbing alcohol.

Finally, before putting plasters or any sort of covering, he'll kiss each wound, and even with no proper evidence, you both swore that it made them heal faster.

Major Injuries.

(TW: car accident, mentions of murder, broken bones, drunk driving )

A/N: The police number in South Korea is 112, and ambulance/fire dept. is 119

Also potentially unrealistic injuries, I've never been hit by a car so I wouldn't know

Let's be honest here. Cheong-Sin doesn't let you get badly hurt.

When you go out, he's with you.

When you're at home, he's with you.

When you're out with friends, he may not be directly by your side, but he'll be in the area.

However, with the Counters after him now, he had to spend more and more time away, leaving you vulnerable to whatever society had to throw at you. He couldn't even use a proper phone, lest it get tracked and traced back to you.

You, on the other hand, didn't know what was happening to him. He'd be with you for a few days, then disappear for a week, with barely any notice. You couldn't even call to ask where he went, due to the dangerous nature of his job. But sometimes he'd call you with a burner phone, just to check on you.

(You don't know what he actually does, but he's told you he's an agent of some sort, which excuses these absences.)

So, on one of the days he isn't in, you go out to buy groceries. It's weird not having him with you. It feels like you're missing something. Not as large as an arm, nor as painful as a heart. Just a presence. A sense of safety.

But it was fine, right? You'd been okay without him before, you'd be alright now.

You stepped out of your apartment building into the not-so-busy streets of Jungjin. The occasional car streamed down the road. The sky was a pale grey, the sun a light spot against the cloud cover. Not much was going on today. Oh well.

You turned the corner onto the street that led to the grocery store, making sure to step over the ground tile that stuck slightly up as you removed your earphones from your pocket.

What to listen to?

(or replace that with your favourite song)

The tunes swirled around in your mind as you turned up the volume, blocking out the boring environment, blocking out practically anything that could be heard. Which was technically unsafe, but this was a relatively safe city. The street was also empty, except for a few people in cafés, so you'd be fine.

You started to recount your grocery list in your head.

"Milk, eggs, ramyeon, [favourite food], carrots, bread, cere—"

*SCREECH*

A sharp pain, a sensation of flying, and the world went dark.

It was a shame you couldn't hear what was going on around you, or you would have heard a faint rumbling behind you, and might have been able to jump out of the way of the car that had sped onto the pavement.

Your unconscious body was sprawled out on the ground, head and nose bleeding.

The people in the cafés began to pour out, having seen the car through the glass. Several people called 112, others called 119.

Coincidentally, your phone began to ring. Unknown Number.

In a hotel on the far side of Jungjin, Ji Cheong-Sin typed your number into his burner phone.

"Who you calling?" asked a voice from across the room. He looked up to see Hyang-hui standing there, smiling as always.

"None of your business." he replied, letting the phone ring.

"Aw, who is it? Come on, tell me!"

"I said, it's none of your business."

"Damn, why so cagey? Don't tell me you've got a secret girlfriend or something?"

He put his hand on the bed, as to stand up.

"Damn, ok! I'll leave you alone then!" she said, slipping out of the door.

He sighed and sat back down. You weren't picking up the phone. That was very strange.

Normally you either picked up, or messaged saying you were at work, but no response at all? That was odd.

He called again.

As you were carried into the ambulance, your eyes began to crack open.

You raised your hand to your face, shielding your eyes from the light. Murmurs surrounded you. A face entered your frame of view.

"She's awake." it said, standing up.

A collective sigh of relief filled the vehicle.

"Ma'am, do you feel pain anywhere?" asked another one.

"Mhh...what?"

Then the pain did kick in. Your arm shot to your knee, it felt like you'd, well, you didn't know what it felt like, but it hurt.

The care assistants took a quick glance, and it was quite clear to see. Your kneecap was deformed. Fractured.

"Kiyo, I need a splint, Hyun-dae, tell the hospital about the patient." said one of the people.

"Gotcha Jae-dal." replied another.

Cheong-sin was getting worried now. Normally you'd have sent him a message or something, but you just hadn't responded at all.

"Cheong-sin? Is your secret girlfriend not replying?" called Hyang-hui from outside the door. Her footsteps retreated into the other room as Cheong-sin got up. He threw the door open but instead of confronting her, he approached the door out their hotel suite.

"Where are you going?"

"Out."

"You know the Counters are looking for you, right?"

"Don't care. I'll be back in a few hours."

"Hours?! Where are y—"

Cheong-sin closed the door.

After hailing a taxi, and paying the driver to go faster than was safe, he got off in front of your apartment building. He ran up the stairs, and hastily unlocked the door with the key you had given him.

Empty.

Now he was really worried. Not picking calls, not in your apartment, where would you be? Was he being obsessive? No, he wasn't.

*buzz* *buzz*

He yanked his phone from his pocket, to see two nerve-clenching messages.

"am in the hopsital"

"*hospital"

He could not have run faster.

You lay in your hospital bed after seeing the 4 missed calls from an unknown number. Cheong-sin was definitely worried about you. Well, you were worried about him too, you didn't want him to get hurt in his job as some sort of secret agent.

"Can I go to the place where you go home? My boyfriend's gonna be worried."

"Well we should keep you here for a bit, just to make sure your condition is stable."

"Well, I feel fine. My leg and hand hurt, but we established that in the ambulance. Can I go?" you asked.

"We don't advise it."

"I'll be fine. Is there like a form or something I can sign so I can leave?"

"Alright then. Yes, there is."

After signing, you were provided a pair of crutches, and assisted to the exit.

The next few seconds felt like a lifetime for Cheong-sin. As you came into frame, knee in a cast, and crutches under your shoulders, his heart sank. He rushed forward, eyes almost glassy.

"This is what happens when you form human connections, they're weak. They get hurt. Why not just kill her and save yourself the pain?", whispered the spirit, but Cheong-sin paid no notice. That was the furthest thing from his mind right now.

He pulled you close, burying his head into your shoulder, lifting you off the ground slightly.

You wrapped a feeble arm around him, smiling.

"I'm so, so sorry. If only I had been there I could've—"

"Quiet, aegiya." you said, pressing a hand to his mouth. "If you'd been there, you'd only have gotten hurt yourself."

"But I wouldn't have been." he started, pulling your hand away. "I could have got you out of the way, or stopped the car, or— I'm so sorry." he replied, squeezing your hand tightly.

Cheong-sin carried you in his arms all the way home. No matter how much you said you could walk, he refused to let you. You'd already been hurt enough.

He wouldn't be returning to the hotel tonight. Hyang-hui could wait.

Recovery.

Cheong-sin would try his best to be around for your recovery, but obviously he couldn't, but every chance he got he'd stay by your side, get you food, water, things to do, check on your situation, by phone if he couldn't be there in person. You wouldn't be able to worsen the injury even if you tried, despite what the hospital said. Your leg was immobilised, as was your [non-dominant] hand, so nothing could really happen to you.

The driver who had crashed into you was drunk, and was taken to the police station once the police were called. An accident took place that night.

A drunk driver was broken out of a holding cell in Jungjin police station. There were signs of a struggle, but there was no security footage for about 3 minutes in that police station. Once it came back, both drunk driver and the person who broke him out were gone.

Some people reported hearing screams late in the night, but when the area was examined, nothing was found.

No police officers had any record of this happening.

And Cheong-sin got home slightly later that night, with scarlet eyes.

[dramafantiny]

Kokdu| Oh Hyun & Seol Hui| My Sacrifice (1x02)

[techn0cel]

The Life of Seung-Hui Cho (1984-2003)

Seung-Hui Cho (who will be referred to as “Cho” from now on) was born in Onyang-dong, (A city in Asan) in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.  Cho was the second child of Sung-Tae Cho and Hyang Im Cho and the little brother of Sun-Kyung Cho who was 3 years older than him.

When Cho was 9 months old, Cho developed whooping cough and pneumonia, Cho was later hospitalized and doctors told the Cho family that their son had a hole in his heart. Two years later, doctors conducted cardiac tests to better examine the inside of his heart and from that point on, Cho did not like to be touched. According to Mrs.Cho, he cried a lot and was constantly sick. In Korea, Cho had a couple of friends that he would have playdates with. Cho’s family was very concerned about his extremely introverted personality.

In 1992, The Cho family moved to the United States to pursue educational opportunities for Cho and Sun, They were encouraged by Mr.Cho’s sister who came to the US before them.

Many problems occurred when Mrs.Cho began working outside their home for the first time. -Nobody in the family knew English

-Cho and Sun felt very isolated

-Mr and Mrs Cho began a long period of time of hard labour and extended work hours at dry cleaning businesses

Sun said that Cho seemed more isolated and withdrawn than he was back in Korea and at times they would both be “made fun of”, but she ignored it because she thought “It was just a given”.

In 2 years time, Cho and Sun began to understand, read and write English at school and Korean was still spoken at home, but Cho did not write or read Korean. For the first 6 months in the United States, the Chos lived with family members in Mary-Land and lived in a townhouse for 1 year before moving to Virginia where they lived in an apartment.

Cho was 9 years old and the only known friend he had was a boy who lived next door with whom he went swimming with. Sun and her parents thought Cho seemed to be doing better than he was a few months ago.

Cho was enrolled in a Tae Kwon Do program for awhile, watched TV and played games like “Sonic the Hedgehog” (None of the video games were war games or had any violent themes in them). Cho liked Basketball and had a collection of figurines and remote controlled cars.

When Cho attended Poplar Tree Elementary School, He was enrolled in the ESL (English second language) program as soon as he arrived in the middle of 3rd grade. The Cho family was living in a small apartment. School Teachers indicated Cho would not interact, communicate or participate in group activities but Cho did play with one student during recess.

When Cho was in the 6th grade, Mr and Mrs Cho bought a townhouse next to the school, hoping he could easily commute to his classmates. After the school requested a parent-teacher interview due to Cho not answering any questions in class, Mrs. Cho tried to find friends for Cho and encouraged both Cho and Sun to join the church she attended. Both agreed but there were few children so they lost interest and stopped going to church.

Mrs.Cho’s friends told her to look for another church that had a minister who “helped people with issues like Cho’s.” She visited the church sometimes for 6 months but decided to not follow through with the plan. (Some articles that were written after the shooting claimed the pastor from that same church worked with Cho but Mrs.Cho denied all of those reports) While it is true that Mrs.Cho registered Cho for a 1-week summer basketball camp sponsored by that church, she never sought its help on personal matters.

Cho’s mother had numerous attempts to get Cho to participate in activities and socialize more but eventually, Cho’s parents decided to let Cho “be the way he is” and stopped forcing him to interact with others. Cho never mentioned anything of imaginary friends or any fantasy world. Cho was described as a “very gentle, very tender,” and “good person.”

MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS

In July 1997, Cho’s parents took Cho to the Center for Multi-Cultural Human Services (A mental health services facility that offers treatment and psychological evaluations). They told the specialists of their concern about Cho’s social isolation and lack of willing to talk about his feelings.

Cho’s parents had to take turns leaving work early to drive him to the centre. They started with a Korean counselor but began working with another specialist who had special training in art therapy (which was perfect for Cho because his communication skills were poor). At every session, The specialist offered clay modeling, painting, drawing and a sand table for Cho to choose which one he wanted to do. When Cho chose the clay, He would model houses that had no windows or doors.

When the therapist explained the meaning of Cho’s artwork to him, his eyes would sometimes be filled with tears.

Cho had a psychiatrist who participated in the first meeting with Cho and his parents. Over the next few years, He was diagnosed with SAD (Severe Social Anxiety Disorder). Records sent to Cho’s school (following a release signed by his parents) and the tests administered by mental health professionals evaluated Cho to be a younger person than he was. Cho’s tested IQ was above average.

Cho was still isolating himself in middle school and there was no reported behavioural problems and he was not a violent student at all.

In March 1999 (Cho is now in 8th grade)

His art therapist noticed a change in his behaviour and started becoming more expressive with his artwork. Cho depicted tunnels and caves in his drawings. Cho showed symptoms of depression and his therapist felt the tunnels and caves were concerning and asked him if he had any suicidal or homicidal thoughts. Cho denied having either of those thoughts but his therapist drew up a contract with him spelling out he would never do any harm to himself or to others.

The next month, The Columbine High School shooting occurred and Cho wrote a disturbing paper in English class that said Cho “wanted to repeat Columbine”, which drew quick reaction from his teacher. (Nobody was named in the paper.) The school contacted Cho’s sister b/c she spoke English and told her about what Cho wrote and urged to have Cho evaluated. Sun explained what happened to her parents and Sun joined Cho on his next therapy appointment.

Cho was evaluated in June 1999 by a psychiatrist at the Center for Multicultural Human Services. A doctor diagnosed Cho with “Selective Mutism” and “Major Depression: single episode”. Cho was prescribed “Paroxetine 20 mg” (an antidepressant) that Cho took from June 1999 to July 2000 and it seemed to work since Cho was in a good mood, looked brighter and smiled more. He was off the medication when he improved.

Note: Mr and Mrs Cho were shocked to learn that Cho wrote about violence toward others. They said there were hints at ideas of suicide but nothing about homicide.

CHO AT WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

(Cho began Highschool at Centreville but the following year, Westfield opened and Cho was assigned there for his remaining 3 years)

1 month after classes began at Westfield, one of the teachers that had Cho in their class told the guidance office “Cho’s speech was barely audible and he didn’t respond in complete sentences”. The teacher said he was shy and shut down, there was no communication with teachers or classmates. Cho had high grades, was always on time and submitted well-done homework assignments. His only problem was failure to speak.

The guidance counselors asked him if he ever received mental health or special education beforehand in middle school or in his freshman year, Cho indicated (untruthfully) that he didn’t.

On October 25 2000, Cho’s situation was brought to Westfield’s screening committee for evaluation to determine if he required special education accommodations. Cho was evaluated for the following:

Psychological

Sociological

Educational

Speech/Language

Hearing Screening

Medical

Vision

Cho was encouraged to join a club and stay after school for help from his teachers. He was permitted to eat lunch alone and to provide verbal responses in private sessions rather than infront of the whole class where his accent might be mocked or draw derision from his classmates.

With this change, Cho’s grades improved and had advanced placement and honors classes. Cho’s voice was inaudible in class and would only mumble if pushed. When Cho wrote responses, his thinking seemed confused and his sentence structure wasn’t fluent.

After the shooting, there were some reports that Cho was bullied at Westfield High School. A very specific incident that was reported being Cho’s classmates mocking his accent and telling him “go back to china” which lead Cho to run to the bathroom crying. However Cho’s family said Cho never mentioned bullying (You could argue he never discussed his day to his parents but his guidance counselor had no records of bullying complaints from Cho. It’s very likely he just kept it to himself if the bullying claims are true.)

It’s not unreasonable to believe Cho was subjected to bullying for being different than his classmates but it’s not fully confirmed. The closest things to that is Cho and Sun experiencing harassment to a certain level when they first arrived to the US.

In 11th grade, Cho’s weekly sessions at the mental health center ended because there was a gradual slight improvement as the years went by and he refused to continue and said “There is nothing wrong with me. Why do I have to go?”. Mr and Mrs Cho weren’t happy that he refused to continue treatment, but he was turning 18 the following month and could make his own decisions.

At one point, Cho was asked to write about his hobbies and interests. He wrote:

“I like to listen to talk shows and alternative stations, and I like action movies…My favorite movie is X-Men, favorite actor is Nicolas Cage, favorite book is Night Over Water, favorite band is U2, favorite Team is Portland Trailblazers, favorite food is pizza, and favorite color is green.”

Cho took upper level science and math courses and spent 3-4 hours a day on his homework, Cho received high grades and finished Highschool with a grade point average of 3.52 in an honors program. That GPA with his SAT scores (540 for verbal and 620 for math) were the basis for his acceptance at Virginia Tech university.

Virginia Tech university failed to see the special accommodations that propped up Cho and his excellent grades. The scores showed Cho’s knowledge and intelligence but they didn’t reflect on another component of grades such as class participation.

Cho’s guidance counselor encouraged Cho to attend a small school close to his home where he would have an easier time transitioning to college life. She thought Virginia Tech would be too much for Cho to handle b/c it was too large. Cho was confident in the school he chose and didn’t listen to his counselor so he applied and was accepted.

[enzie-ki]

OOC || UNCANNY COUNTER S2E4 THOUGHTS

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT

glad we've got another furry lady (Gelly) to replace hyang-hui

If she hurts my baby I will break her acrylics

and also her spine

Pil Kwang and Mun are really just stranger things-ing it right now and I'm all here for it

It's giving eleven vs one but better because I like this show

Ah yes the power of a promise made you stronger good

how dare that man try and shoot chairman Choi if I snatch your weave this second

Gelly please stop with the scratching

So many problems would be stopped if people used their teeth as weapons

Getting choked? Bite. Getting held down? Bite. Jeok Bong I know you're new but please just bite her

MS SO IS BACK WOOHOO AND WONG IS GONE BOY GETCHA VAMPIRE LOOKIN-AHH OUT OF HERE

(he was kinda cool though)

oh damnit I forgot about the other Chinese counters

WAHOO MS CHU AND MS SO APPRECIATION

Chairman Choi you better thank Mun for saving you from that bullet

mo tak coming in with the tango disc pop off king

MS CHU WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU

CHAIRMAN CHOI IS SIMPING REAL HARD RN

DAMN ARE THEY GOOD AT DANCE

oh no jeok-Bong are you good

my poor baby noo

GELLY YOU DESERVED THAT I DIDN'T EVEN REALISE YOUR EYE WAS GONE BUT HELL IF YOU DESERVED IT

Pil Kwang why are you naked Pil Kwang why are you naked I don't care you just got out of the bath WHY ARE YOU NAKED PIL KWANG WHY ARE YOU

excuse me what is this wet monkey looking thing

you look like you smell of bin juice and petrol

STOP CORRUPTING MY MR. MA

STOP BREATHING IN HIS FACE TOO YOU'LL GIVE HIM BLACK LUNG

oh I really hope he doesn't get possessed but I have a very bad feeling he will

JEOK BONG WHERE ARE YOU

YOU BETTER NOT LEAVE ME NOOOO

GELLY YOU FURRY BASTARD YOU SCARED HIM

NOW HE FEELS WORTHLESS ASDAGFJGKGASHKHF

HE BETTER COME BACK

I swear if its because his pores are clogged that his power stopped working or because he got punched I will cry

Jeok-Bong's dad stop comparing your son, that happened to me and it was BAD

My poor baby UnU

SEONG-SIK YOU BASTARD

HOW DARE YOU PUT MY BABY IN DANGER

LEAVE HIM ALONE

LEAVE THE DAD ALONE TOO

ayo why does this man have so much blood in his nose

AHH HIS POWER CAME BACK

HE JUST HAD TO GET GUT IN THE NOSE AGAIN

HELL YEAH GET WRECKED YOU STINKY BASTARD

GET HIM BABY WAHOO

PUT COW DUNG ON THAT MAN

MMMMM Y'ALL IN YUNG BETTER BE CHEERING

WELL DONE JEOK-BONG

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

TO ETERNAL OIL HELL WITH YOU EVIL SPIRIT

AWWW JONG-GUK ISNT MAD GOOD

WAIT HE'S 21?

I SMELL MORE BS IN THAT STATEMENT THAN JEOK-BONG DOES AT WORK GOSH DAMN

THE BIG BROTHER STATEMENT

Aww him and his dad are bonding again finally

This is so wholesome I'm going to cry

MHM UR MAKING YOUR DAD PROUD JEOK-BONG

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

No because tell me why Mun has such a good fashion sense

And Mo-Tak too

And Ha Na

All of them actually

Gelly I regret to tell you but that steak is raw

I hope you get food poisoning

STOP MAKING CONNECTIONS DAMNIT

LEAVE MR MA ALONE

NOO IT'S THE EVIL OIL DEMON THING

LEAVE HIM ALONE

YOU AND YOUR MONKEY SOUNDING VOICE BETTER SINK BACK INTO THE OIL OCEAN

Mo-Tak please relax you're like three 9 year-olds in a trench coat

KWANG AND GELLY

YOU BASTARDS

EVIL OIL DEMON STUPID

LEAVE MY MR. MA OUT OF THIS

HOW DARE THE EPISODE END THERE

[missgowgow]

uncanny counter season 2 is definitely weaker than season 1 (tbf season 1 was really well written so it’s hard to live up to) but im not able to fully place why, I think my main problems are

1. the villains are wayyy less fleshed out and what we do have doesn’t work well with prior world building. I was down for “they came back for revenge” thing but it’s not focused on as much as the money and there’s no real reason for them to be that focused on the money? with the exception of baek hyang-hui who’s rage was based on her expensive tastes, evil spirits were characterized to be driven by fulfilling their impulse for violence and by strong desires from their human lives (ie. ji cheong-sin helping his adoptive dad and protecting the kids at the orphanage). gelly and hwang pil-kwang are definitely doing violence but they obviously must have other motivations if they’re so focused on this money and I feel like there hasn’t even been hints/slow character building about what those motivations are. ma joo-seok is getting fleshed out really well as a sympathetic villain so that makes up for a lot.

2. the few plot points from season one that could be followed up on feel like they’ve been dropped. we still don’t really know why so mun is special. it felt like they were hinting at romance between so mun and hana that was entirely dropped. even minor things like whether chu mae-ok went to the wedding or if mo-tak got in touch with jeong-yeong’s family after her death. kinda feels like a new story in the same universe instead of a continuation of the existing story.

3. not enough non-supernatural stuff. season 1 was strong imo because it showed how the supernatural was wrapped up in the mundane. evil spirits are abusive husbands and shitty bosses and school bullies. ordinary evils could also be possessed by evil spirits. even ji cheong-sin was being used as a hit man by normal evil businessmen who just cared about profit. it made everything feel more real and made the characters feel like people who existed outside of the plot. I’m feeling much less of that so far this season. big exception there is hana and her high school crush. was really hoping on more of a focus on what exactly everyone thinks so mun is doing rn if he’s not in college (also how did that happen?)

that being said, I’m actually really enjoying the season and I feel like the episodes are getting stronger as they go so I have high hopes. it’s just that season 1 was really well written so that every plot line was relevant and connected and every character was well fleshed out, so it felt jarring going right from season 1 to season 2.

(also this is petty but I wish they had kept the tighter curls from season 1, everyone looks really good there’s nothing to complain about, I just liked the tighter curls as a story element lol)

[myliberationarchives]

Welcome to My Liberation Notes archive!

This is a sideblog dedicated to dedicated to archiving the fanworks for the Netflix Kdrama, My Liberation Notes. This includes gifsets, screencaps, fanfictions, and others.

You can tag us with #mlnarchives if you'd like us to reblog your work!

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CHARACTERS

Yeom Chang-hee

Yeom Mi-jeong

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tw: blood, flashing -> please message us if you'd like us to tag other triggers

[consumeronionbulletin]

My Lovely Liar (2023)

This drama was soo good, right up until it wasn't...

Sometimes a great drama runs out of energy right at the finish line. And it's more disappointing than a drama that just plods along the whole way.

What Worked

The premise is simple and amazing: Sol-Hui has a gift / curse that she can always tell when someone lies. It's made her lots of money and no friends. Suddenly, this reclusive neighbor with a mysterious past moves in and everything changes.

At its best, the show was funny and thrilling and cute and romantic, and I loved the first 11-12 episodes.

What Didn't Work

Then they took us on a small town murder mystery, and dragged the story around without advancing the plot, and the big reveal was (*spoilers**spoilers**spoilers*) the closeted gay producer accidentally (?) did the murder and got away with it while accidentally (??) framing his best friend / secret love interest (*end spoilers*). At least the made him feel sorry for what he did, but really it should have been (*spoiler*) the father (*spoiler*) in my opinion. That man deserved to go to jail in any case.

The Performances

Kim So-hyun as ("Liar Hunter") Mok Sol-hui. Amazing to watch. She knew when to lean into the campy parts, and when to be serious, but mostly she knew how to make the premise (which could be ridiculous at times) completely believable.

Hwang Min-hyun as ("Naive Composer") Kim Do-ha. I got frustrated with the choices they had him make. He was too naive and probably should have been killed multiple times, and yet they just let him go on being oblivious. That was mostly on the writers, but still it made me want to throw things. You can't trust crazy guys with knives who want to murder you! You can't trust cops! You really can't trust cops that used to date your current girlfriend! Not even once!! On the other hand, his chemistry with Kim So-hyun was very good.

Seo Ji-hoon as ("Mr. Policeman") Lee Kang-min. On a different kind of show, this guy would have been a secondary villain. Instead he was the second male lead with a sad backstory. He had a few good moments, but the writing made him very vanilla, and Seo Ji-hoon didn't really add anything to him.

Lee Si-woo as ("Crazy Ex-pop star") Syaon. I loved to hate her through most of this, which shows that Lee Si-woo did a good job with the material. It was like a Makjang pop-princess wandered in from another show and started messing with the plot and I enjoyed that. Then they had to clean up her act for the obligatory happy ending, and she was less interesting.

Yoon Ji-on as ("Mr. CEO") Cho Deuk-chan. This was the worst case of character assassination in favor of a lame mystery that I've seen in awhile. The actor made it kind of work, but this was just a poor writing decision. It may have been okay, if they'd let us know the character better and peeled back the layers the way they did with Choi Eom-ji, but it would definitely have changed the tone of the show. They could have had a light hearted show, or they could have had a good mystery, but these writers at least weren't able to do both.

Nam Hyun-woo as ("The worst little bro") Cho Jae-chan. I really despised this guy throughout most of the show (so a good acting job, really), then they turned him into a patsy in service of the stupid mystery and toned the character down a bit, and it just made him less interesting. Decent performance with what he was given.

Park Kyung-hye as Cassandra. It's always great seeing Park Kyung-hye at work, and I loved the dynamic between her character and the rest of the Liar Hunter gang. They could have ditched some of the other b-plots and given us more with her and I would have been happy, but I still liked what I got.

Jin Kyung as ("The Worst Mother") Cha Hyang-suk. Again, another Makjang character let loose on an unsuspecting population, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Well until they decided to try and fix her messy relationship with Sol-hui's father, but that was still kind of okay.

Seo Jeong-yeon as ("Bad Politician Mother") Jung Yeon-mi. I liked how terrible this character was. I just wish they'd had the courage to let her be terrible. I feel like there was this need to undercut her ambitious nature that they wouldn't have bothered to do with a similar male character, and that was frustrating, but the performance was still pretty good overall.

Song Ji-hyun as ("Crazy Dead Girlfriend") Choi Eom-ji. I liked how complex they made her. One of the strong points for the show was how this young woman (and her death) touched different characters lives both good and bad. There was something about her arc at the end of the show that left a bad taste, but the performance overall was good.

Kwon Dong-ho as ("Walking Assault Case") Choi Eom-ho. This was another example of a Makjang character let loose, but I think they needed to reign him in just a little bit. Just did way too much assault, fraud, and general criminal behavior without any consequences and it frustrated me.

Seo Hyun-chul as ("Real Folk Blues") Jang Joong-gyu. Honorable mention to the guy that ran the jazz club, just because he was fun to watch and I really liked his interactions with the other characters.

The Other Village People. I kind of didn't care about the other business owners in Yonso-dong. Sometimes it was amusing, but mostly it was just okay. It was kind of fun watching the bakery owner dump flour all over the shifty real-estate people's office.

Everyone else. The bodyguard was fun at times, but overall not that interesting. The subplot with the up and coming wanna-be pop stars was lame. The stuff with the terrible dance coach who went after Syaon was frustrating and a little lame. Also, the cop stuff was kind of cute, but I still don't like cops. At least the crooked cop that got paid off by Bad Politician Mom was somewhat realistic. Mostly with the apathy, low pay, and general lack of accountability.

TL; DR:

Overall a good show that kind of limped into the finish line. The cute romantic stuff was very cute, the lie detector hijinks were very amusing, and the trauma bonding over terrible parents was also fun to watch. Just wish they'd made a few different choices.

[kooriyuki]

First Impression: Kokdu: Season of Deity

Tbh, the debut…is a bit all over the place. But luckily, it’s saved by the antics of Kim Jung-hyun, when he attains undead level. Main cast: Kim Jung-hyun (from Mr Queen) as Oh Hyun/Prof Do Jin-woo/ Kokdu the Underworld deity who metes out punishment to those who are naughty (ok, evil) and saves those who are not. Im Soo-hyang as Princess Seol Hui/ Han Gye-jeol, an ER doctor who is looked down…

[polyships]

ryang, hui, shua, hyang, kyung. she/it/neos.

(neopronouns are found on my pronouns.page.)

currently fixating on: yang hongwon, wong yukhei and mark lee (casually), poly ships, my original characters, and real-person shipping and real-person fanfiction.

reblog content: aesthetics, words/quotes i find interesting, insp (for fic, characters, ships, etc), my favorite people, some kdramas, and cute things.

reblogs are on a queue, posting four times a day.

[theadusa]

All the dramas I’ve watched in 2020

These are all the dramas that I watched in 2020, with some review there should be NO Spoilers. I think I watched a lot more than usual probably because what else am I supposed to do between school and quarantine. So this is gonna be a long one...

Crash Landing on You (Lee Jung-hyo, 2019-2020)

Main Leads: Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin

Episodes: 16, 70 to 110 Minutes 

Thoughts: I enjoyed this drama, and it was a good one to start 2020 with. I thought it was a perfect blend of romance, comedy, heartfelt, found family, action, and some tragedy. I would highly recommend it, especially for those who are new to Kdramas. Also fun fact this is my first Hyun Bin drama. Rating: Fun and adorable

Tale of Nokdu (Kim Dong-hwi, 2019)

Main Leads: Jang Dong Yoon and Kim So Hyun

Episodes: 32, 35 minutes

Thoughts: I actually started watching this when it was airing but I stopped around episode 13 because of my busy schedule and finished it in the new year. I adore the main couple, the romance, comedy, the found family, and the women center story. I thought it shined the brightest when it was focused on the group and its funny and warm moments but once it got too political it kinda fell flat. I loved the ending, however. Also, I really like Jang Dong Young as an actor, I saw him in Solomon’s Perjury (2016) and Mr. Sunshine (2018) and I loved how he played Nok Du too. Rating: I love a women’s only widow village

I’ll Find You When The Weather is Nice (Han Ji-seung, 2020)

Main Leads: Seo Kang Joon and Park Min Young

Episodes: 16, 60 minutes 

Thoughts: I really liked this drama, probably one of my favorites this year. As you will notice I enjoy quieter and more slow-burn stories. Also, I am a fan of Park Min Young she tends to pick more interesting and strong-willed female roles, so it is really enjoyable to watch.  Rating: makes me want to own a book store.

King: The Eternal Monarch (Kim Eun-sook, 2020)

Main Leads: Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun

Episodes: 16, 70 Minutes

Thoughts: Confession; I am actually not the biggest fan of Lee Min Ho, nothing against him I just hate rich bratty characters and he tends to play them. However, I surprisingly really liked his character, he wasn’t a rich brat he actually was likable. I also really like Kim Go Eun, she is actually one of the main reasons why I watched and also with all the hype around it. Woo Do Hwan, who I have always liked, stole the whole show, however. I didn’t hate it like a lot of people, I really liked the characters, I liked the romance and the action. Also, Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun’s hugs were absolutely fabulous. It wasn’t my favorite and there were too many product placements, but I don’t think it was the worst drama this year. Rating: Lukewarm 

A Piece of your mind (Lee Sang-yeob, 2020)

Main Leads: Jung Hae In and Chae Soo Bin

Episodes: 12, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I actually really liked this drama despite the low views, again I’m big on slow burn stories and character focus. I believe the episodes were cut from 16 to 12 I don’t know exactly why maybe because of the Pandemic or due to viewership or a mixture of both. Despite its being cut short I really liked the ending, and I thought the two leads were sweet. Rating: Wish we had more time to develop the characters.

Its Okay not to be Okay (Park Shin Woo, 2020) 

Main Leads: Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Yea Ji and Oh Jung Se 

Episodes: 16, 70 to 85 minutes

Thoughts: Out of all the dramas I talked the most about this one. I have always been a fan of Seo Yea Ji since Save Me (2017) and Lawless Lawyer (2018) and I am happy to see her getting more recognition because of this role. The entire cast was amazing and I think I cried every episode. Such a good and heart-wrenching drama which is why I chose to watch it before work every time. Rating: I would let Seo Yea Ji stab me with a knife anytime.

Mystic Pop up bar (Jeon Chang-geun, 2020) 

Main Leads: Hwang Jung Eum and Yook Sung Jae and Choi Won Young

Episodes: 12, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I actually watched this while I was watching Its Okay Not to Be Okay and it was a nice balance to it because this was more of a found family story with less heartbreaking moments. Though it did have its share of heartbreak. I really liked all the characters and their relationship. Also, I am a sucker for bureaucratic fantasy/ magic, and kdramas are so good at it. Rating: I wish it was 16 episodes. 

When the Camila Bloom (Cha Yeong Hoon, 2019) 

Main Leads: Gong Hyo Jin and Kang Ha Neul

Episodes: 20, 63 to 75 minutes

Thoughts: I liked the story overall, the romance was cute and the mystery was interesting but I thought the family expectations was the best part of the story. This was not my favorite drama, but it was enjoyable and heartfelt. I watched it right after It's Okay Not to Be Okay and while I was watching Flower of Evil (2020) which probably is why I was so underwhelmed by it. Rating: Sweet romance and adorable found family.

Flower of Evil (Kim Cheol Kyu, 2020) 

Main Leads: Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won

Episode:16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: This was my favorite drama of this year. I went into this drama not thinking much of it, and I mainly watched it as a post drama blues drama. It was an action and thriller which I mainly don’t get attached to plus I am a huge fan of Lee Joon Gi. I should have known better, I cared so much about all the characters, the acting phenomenal, also every time they showed their hands I cried. This drama left me shriveled and empty inside. Rating: Lee Joon Gi will literally kill me one day. 

Put Your Head On My Shoulders (Zhu Dongning, 2019) 

Main Leads: Xing Fei and Lin Yi 

Episodes: 24, 40 to 45 minutes

Thoughts: This is the first Chinese drama on this list. I thought it was cute, I liked the couple and thought it was alright. I started to dislike the male lead later in the series but it was overall fine. It was basic and sweet with very little drama. Rating: It did its job.

The School Nurse Files ( Lee Kyoung Mi, 2020)

Main Leads: Jung Yu Mi and Nam Joo Hyuk

Episodes: 6,  45 to 57 minutes

Thoughts: This is probably my second favorite drama. I couldn’t tell what happened in the drama but I loved it. I thought it was weird and fascinating, and just so magical. I loved the children and just how the whole school was just off its rocker. I also think that Nam Joo Hyuk does really well in serious roles, and I thought he did a really good job here. Rating: 1 jelly heart.  

Mr. Heart (Park Sun Jae, 2020) 

Main Leads: Cheon Seung Ho and Lee Se Jin

Episodes: 8, 11 Minutes

Thoughts: This was 8 episodes of start fluff and I adored it. Apparently, it is apart of a BL series by Park Sun Jae and there is a movie version that I haven’t watched. If you want to destress and watch just fluff this is the show for you. Rating: If it is any sweeter I would be going to the dentist. 

You are My Destiny ( Ding Ying Zhou, 2020) 

Main Leads: Xing Zhao Lin  and Liang Jie

Episodes: 36, 45 minutes

Thoughts: I hated this drama, I thought it was the worst thing ever. I don’t know why I even watched all 36 episodes. Apparently, it is a remake of a popular 2008 Twaniese drama Fated to Love You and there is a Korean remake of it as well. I have watched neither of them, so I was brand new to this story. I hated, despised the male lead. He was whiny, entitled, and an asshole. The only good part of the drama was the male and female lead actually had a lot of chemistry, unfortunately, they are playing awful characters. Rating: This was made in 2020???

First Romance (Ding Pei, 2020) 

Main Leads: Wan Peng and Riley Wang

Episodes: 24, 45 Minutes

Thoughts: This is another Chinese drama. Similar to Mr. Heart (2020) this show was super fluffy. I really liked the main couple they seem to respect each other and they both had adorable crushes on each other. I loved the whole dumb jock and dumb artist dynamic it was so funny. Rating: Cute!!! 

Lost Romance ( Eri Hao, 2020) 

Main Leads: Marcus Chang and Vivian Sung

Episodes: 20, 70 minutes 

Thoughts: This is the only Twainese drama on this list. I think I liked this drama, I actually only remember very little of this drama. I like the CEO in the real world more than the book world, and I also really liked the female lead except she lowkey stalked the CEO like that was not okay. Rating: I think I liked it???

When We Were Young ( Deng Ke, Liu Guo Hui, 2018)

Main Leads: Neo Hou and Wan Peng and Gala Zhang and Pan Mei and Ye Marcus Li

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

Thoughts: I really liked this film, I loved all the characters and thought it was all very heartfelt. I cried like a baby, and Hua Biao was such a touching and relatable character. And the whole grandma story hit so close to home. Rating: Made me cry like a baby.

Moment of 18 ( Sim Na Yeon, 2019)

Main Leads: Ong Seong Wu and Kim Hyang Gi

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I really liked this drama, and I thought the romance was so cute. I also really liked the relationship between the moms and was sad that the rich mom was a bitch and ruined the friendship. I also wasn’t a big fan of the ending, but I loved the rest of it. Rating: The main lead is part of a boy group because he had a random singing moment. 

Perfect and Casual ( Li Shuang, 2020) 

Main Leads: Miles Wei and Xu Ruo Han

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

Thoughts: This is another Chinese drama on this list. I’m pretty sure it's considered an Idol drama so that sets your expectations. I really liked this drama a lot, I am a big fan of contract marriages and I thought the leads were so cute together. Also, this is the first contract marriage drama where the leads don’t break up which I like. A lot of the drama came from outside of the relationship. Rating: You can’t analyze love.

Le Coup De Foudre ( Wang Zhi, 2019) 

Main Leads: Janice Wu and Zhang Yujian

Episodes: 35, 45 minutes

Thoughts: My favorite Chinese drama on this list. I loved this drama, I thought it was sweet and simple and the main couple was so realistic. Unpopular opinion I disliked the second couple and the best friend I thought she was annoying and brattish. However, I adore the main couple and their relationship. Rating: Realistic sweet romance. 

More Than Friends ( Choi Sung Bum, 2020)

Main Leads: Ong Seong Wu and Shin Ye Eun

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I enjoyed the overall story and characters. I loved the group and their relationships. Also, Young-Hee made me cry, and her relationship with Hyun Jae was so sweet. The main leads were also sweet, and I related a lot to Lee So. I just didn’t like the back and forth. Rating: How many times can we break up in a drama. 

Be With You ( Zhou Miao, 2020) 

Main Leads: Ji Xiao Bing and Zhang Ya-Qin

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

Thoughts: This is the last Chinese drama I watched this year. It was alright, the romance was sweet, I really like the female lead, and the male lead was nice to look at. It was okay. Also, the second couple was so ??? She was his boss, enemy, and older than him, what?? Rating: Sometimes you need to fall in love to be creative. 

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo ( Kim Kyu Tae, 2016) 

Main Leads: Lee Joon Gi and Lee Ji Eun (IU) 

Episodes: 20, 60 minutes

Thoughts: I know I am really late watching this, but I finally did. I went in knowing this would hurt me and Lee Joon Gi already scared me this year ( damn this man) so I was fully prepared. I really wasn’t,  it so much. (SPOIlERS) When Wang Eun and Park Soon Deok died I sob like a baby (SPOILER ENDING). It took me a long time to finish this show because its heart so much, like it physically hurt me. The show was really good, and heartbreaking, and the ending stabs me in the heart 20 times. Rating: Lee Joon Gi is trying to kill me with tears. 

Persona ( Lee Kyoung Mi, Yim Pil Sung, Jeon Go Woon, and Kim Jong Kwan, 2019) 

Main Leads: Lee Ji Eun (IU) 

Episodes: 4, 19 to 27

Thoughts: This is a collection of mini-films by directors. 4 separate stories are starring Lee Ji Eun. I thought all of them good, especially “ Kiss Burn” and “Walking at Night.” There isn’t much else to this, more than it is an artistic display of filmmaking. Rating: Hipster Kdrama

Come and Hug Me ( Choi Joon-bae, 2018) 

Main Leads: Jang Ki-Yong and Jin Ki-Joo

Episodes: 32, 35 minutes

Thoughts: I actually just finished this show today. I really liked it, I thought it was both sweet and heartwarming/wrenching. I hated that one journalist and the public like why are they blaming a victim. I didn’t watch it with my full mind because I’ve been distracted lately, but I did enjoy it. Rating: another cute but sad couple. 

Movies I watched this year: 

Spell Bound ( Hwang In Ho, 2011)

Main Cast: Son Ye Jin and Lee Min Ki

Running Time: 114 Minutes

Thoughts: I watched this at like 12 am after a bad day and it was cute. I love RomCom fantasy, which I think Korean media does really well. I don’t know what else to say except it is a really cute romance. Rating: Is it the ghost or the butterflies

The Host ( Bong Joon Ho, 2006)

Main Cast: Song Kang Ho and Byun Hee Bong and Park Hae Il and Bae Doona and Go, Ah Sung

Running Time: 119

Thoughts: This film I had to actually watch for class. It was a really good film which is expected from Bong Joon Ho. I love monster films and I thought this was a good rendition of this film. Also, The monster was so cool especially from 2006. I thought it was heartbreaking, stirring, and so beautifully shot. Rating: Oscar-worthy Direction 

Little Forest ( Yim Soon-rye, 2018) 

Main Cast: Kim Tae Ri  and Ryu Jun Yeol and Moon So Ri and Jin Ki Joo

Running Time: 103 minutes

Thoughts: I really, really liked this film. It reminded me so much of I’ll Find You When The Weather is Nice (2020) that I thought that it was based on this film but it isn’t. I have watched this film 3 times since October and every time I watch it have made bread. I really just love everything about this film, how quiet it is, the cinematography, the acting, just everything. Rating: Three loaves of bread. 

Always ( Song Il Gon, 2011)

Main Cast: So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo

Running Time: 106 Minutes

Thoughts: I thought it was okay, I watched it while I was knitting so I was distracted a bit. But I thought the couple was sweet, and the characters were interesting. Rating: It's Okay.

       Currently watching 

True Beauty ( Kim Sang-hyeop, 2020-) 

Main Cast: Moon Ga Young and Cha Eun Woo and Hwang In Yeop

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes 

Thoughts: This is currently an ongoing series that is actually really popular. Apparently, it is based on a webtoon, which I haven’t read. I like it so far, I always liked Moon Ga Young and I think she is a great actress. She plays Im Ju Kyung in a likable and insecure way, instead of someone annoying which could easily happen. I will be continuing watching. Rating so far: Okey dokey yo.

Live On ( Kim Sang-woo, 2020-) 

Main Cast: Jung Da Bin and Hwang Min Hyun

Episodes: 8?, 60 Minutes

Thoughts: I really Like this show. The main couple is sweet and supportive. I really like the female lead, I like that she is cold and kinda quiet, but with a sweet spot if you are not a dick. I really like the main relationship conflict comes from friendship instead of romance, I think it makes the show more interesting. Rating: I want to Join a Broadcast group.  

On My List: 

I actually don’t have anything else on my list so if anyone has recommendations please tell me. I am thinking about watching Mr. Queen ( 2020) because I really like Shin Hye Sun. I also want to watch Sweet Home (2020) the Netflix series. But please recommend me some dramas!!!

This is such a long list, and I had fun doing it and going back over all the dramas. I hope everyone has a good New year and that we will have many more good dramas in 2021!

[weirdthingshappenman]

Graceful Family

Like many, I watched this after watching Im Soo Hyang in My ID Is Gangnam Beauty. Regardless of whether the other drama was good, it brought us and her here. First off, I do need to say that this was exactly like the build-up of a latin american novela. I was laughing the whole time due to the similarities.

I am not sure I can say I loved the drama or that I would recommend it. It was good enough to keep me watching it til the end, though. The plot twists were well done, I was never sure of what would happen next.

I liked how their romance was not the main focus and you had to pay attention to the details to see the interest they had in each other. I read many comments saying as well how it was shown in the little things they did for each other. I totally agree.

It is exaggerated, but it is a good insight at how powerful this chaebol families actually are and the portrayal of the things they do to stay out of trouble. I do not think that is too far off, specially in a constricting society like South Korea´s where so much is prohibited.  

I loved the scene of Seok Hui kicking the other woman´s ass at prison. That scene remains gold. It is refreshing to see a cool, self-suficient female lead.

THE KISS. Okay so I had spoiled it through youtube but that kiss was so satisfying!

Seok Hui´s outfits were to die for. I enjoyed watching every change of wardrobe. I would definitely buy many of those outfits.

I felt sorry for him, but the scene where he kills Seok Hui´s mom was pretty dope. What triggered him really scared me.

I just need to speak my mind about this. He was a tranvesti, not a transgender. He only dressed up, but he did not identify as a woman or wanted to physically become one, right? Was it a mistake on their behalf? Or did I get it wrong? Anyway, I did feel sorry for him.

(YOU CAN FIND MORE KDRAMA REVIEWS IN MY BLOG)

[malaysiankpopfans]

8 BURNING QUESTIONS WE HAVE BEFORE THE UNCANNY COUNTER ENDS

Can’t believe the first season is almost over!

The Uncanny Counter is entrancing viewers with its marvelous world where demon hunters capture evil spirits using their special abilities. From the unique story to the heartwarming relationships and the exciting action, it’s no surprise how popular the series is. With only two episodes left, there are some burning questions we have. Check them out below.

1. Who will win when Baek Hyang-hui and Do Ha-na face off?

Baek Hyang-hui (Ok Ja-yeon) and Do Ha-na (Kim Se-jeong) had a pretty fierce fight when they first met inside an elevator. At the end of episode 14, Hyang-hui taunts Ha-na and breaks her staff. Hyang-hui provoked Ha-na by talking about whether she should kill all of the Counters or kill all of them except Ha-na, poking at her survivor’s guilt. Hyang-hui has some screws loose, but she is definitely an intriguing villain. Can’t wait to see a final fight between them!

2. Will Shin Hyeok-u help So Mun?

Shin Hyeok-u (Jung Won-chang) started out bullying So Mun (Cho Byeong-kyu), but he’s no longer the top dog after his father is accused of murder. So Mun helps Hyeok-u when his former friends are beating him up and demanding money. However, Hyeok-u is too proud to thank So Mun. Hyeok-u noticed that his father changed, but refused to help So Mun. Will Hyeok-u change his mind and help So Mun later? Is it too much to hope the two of them can be friends someday?

3. How does Son Ho-jun’s character play into all of this?

The preview at the end of episode 14 teased a cameo from actor Son Ho-jun. Son Ho-jun is making a special appearance due to having worked with director You Sun-dong before. So Mun encounters Oh Jeong-gu (Son Ho-jun) and they ask each other if they are Counters. Jeong-gu has the trademark curly hair, so all he needs is a red tracksuit. Our theory? He might be a Counter from a different country, but it’ll be interesting to see how he can potentially help them defeat Shin Myeong-hwi (Choi Guang-il). 

4. Will the Counters be able to defeat Ji Cheong-sin/Shin Myeong-hwi?

Ji Cheong-sin (Lee Hong-nae) proved to be a very difficult demon to capture as he killed his host and went on to enter Shin Myeong-hwi. The Counters tried to take down Shin Myeong-hwi, but the evil spirit already knew their tactics. With one of the special staff broken, the Counters need a brand new plan. Unfortunately, Shin Myeong-hwi is becoming more and more powerful as he devours more souls and regains energy. How will the Counters overtake him?

5. Will So Mun be able to meet his parents?

Since Ji Cheong-sin died, it remains unclear what happened to all the souls the demon devoured. This is an agonizing situation for So Mun who desperately wants to meet his parents again. There is hope that summoning the demon out of Shin Myeong-hwi will release all the souls, including that of So Mun’s parents. Hopefully So Mun will be able to meet his parents by the end. Heads up from us: better get some tissues prepared!

6. Will the Counters be able to meet Cheol-jung again?

Speaking of a tearful reunion, the Counters are hoping to meet Cheol-jung as well. Since he was So Mun’s predecessor, the Counters have a history with him and they were so heartbroken over his death in episode 1. Cheol-jung helped save lives as a Counter, so he also deserves to rest peacefully in the afterlife. Lots of teary reunions ahead!

7. Will there be romance between Chu Mae-ok and Choi Jang-mul?

Choi Jang-mul (Ahn Seok-hwan) has been a bit obvious about his feelings for Chu Mae-ok (Yeom Hye-ran). Ms. Chu has been rebuffing his flirty advances, but it seems like she might be interested in him as well. They have known each other for a while, having worked together as Counters before. It would be cute to see a little bit of a silver romance.

8. Will there be romance between So Mun and Ha-na?

Perhaps another romance highly anticipated by fans is one between So Mun and Ha-na. So Mun’s crush is quite adorable, the boy even drew a heart when writing about her special ability in episode 2. So Mun’s still a high school student, so Ha-na might not be eager to start a romance. However, she keeps up with the ruse of her being his girlfriend in front of So Mun’s grandparents. Even if a romance doesn’t work out this season, maybe we can see one in the next season?

What questions do you have? Don’t miss out on the final episodes of The Uncanny Counter this Saturday and Sunday at 11PM, only on Netflix!

[asianhappinesss]

Moment at Eighteen (2019)

Summary

Transfer student Jun Woo has no interest in school life, as he is traumatized from being expelled from bullying. Class president Hui Yeong greets Jun Woo warmly on his first day of school. Jun Woo rejects Hui Yeong’s kindness as Hui Yeong’s popularity and influence intimidate him.

When an incident breaks out, Jun Woo is falsely accused of stealing a watch. Everyone thinks Jun Woo is the culprit, and Hui Yeong uses his influence among his peers to fuel this rumor.

Meanwhile, Soo Bin has been watching Jun Woo all this time. She sees a different side to Jun Woo than the one that other people see, as she notices his cute, goofy streak and innocent smile. Everyone knows that Hui Yeong has a crush on her, but it’s the quiet and attentive Jun Woo that Soo Bin finds herself gravitating towards. Soo Bin’s warmth opens up the softest part of Jun Woo’s heart, and he decides to break out of his shell.

As the seasons change, will these youths also turn over a new leaf? "At Eighteen" captures the innocence of first love as these eighteen-year-old teens between immature and innocent.

Review

This review may contain spoilers

Spoilers Ahead

It took me sometime getting used to At Eighteen’s measured tenor. Dramas set at high school are always about its students and they can be realistically depicted, like in School 2013, or be playful, like Reply 1997, or be wonderfully eccentric, like Extraordinary You. But what all these dramas have in common is a sense of vitality, either through animated characters or a taut plot. Compared to this, At Eighteen’s overall air felt very precise, very poised, tranquil even. A quick look at the drama’s Asianwiki page told me that it was written by Yoon Kyung Ah, who also wrote Girls’ Generation 1979, which I had concluded in my review as ‘It can sometimes feels very carefully crafted and creaseless compared to a spontaneity that is associated with stories about teenagers’. At Eighteen, I would also say, is very much in the same vein.The drama is a reflection of its leading man, Choi Joon Woo (a wonderfully restrained Ong Seong Wu), a passive, non-controversial figure, who at first, is just going through the motions. Joon Woo really does feel like a old soul (with cute puppy eyes) as even Yoo Soo Bin (a wonderful Kim Hyang Gi) jokes and asks him if he is a million years old, and has travelled from the future. He doesn’t make rash decisions and tries to see all sides of a problem. He doesn’t rush to hurt Hwi Young, because he is smart enough to know that Hwi Young’s rich parents will protect him, and even when he gets multiple other opportunities, he decides not to do so. He sees the problem in his relationship with Soo Bin which even his mother doesn’t notice. So, its fitting that the story ends on Joon Woo, and a change he decided on. The drama has always been about him and how he sees and interprets situations, and that in opposition to how the other characters react. It could also be a way of looking at and treating students like adults, who despite being told that they are too young to know any better, are constantly burdened with workload and decisions, comparable to an adult. By presenting their story in a temperament we expect of, from stories about adulthood (and not from stories about school or teenagers), it gives a new dimension to the same tale. Students here are mature, and not in a self serving way, ready to trample on others to succeed, but considerate and understanding of each other. It was lovely to see Yoo Soo Bin openly talk about her romantic relationship with her friends, or how many of Ma Hwi Young’s (also a wonderful Shin Seung Ho) classmates are able to pinpoint his flaw, after a major reveal. If these characters weren’t wearing school uniforms, I would have presumed them to be adults. In all school dramas, it seems prerequisite to include parents who worry more about their children’s grades than the children themselves and this drama too, is no exception. As much as Soo Bin or Hwi Young’s (Kim Sun Young, Jung Young Joo) mothers try to micromanage their children’s schedule, they are unable to see their situation. Soo Bin’s mother went to Seoul National University but still has to bow down to Hwi Young’s mother, who did not graduate from a well known university, but is higher up in the social ladder thanks to her husband’s success. But at the same time, Soo Bin’s mother is a successful career woman, who is able to let go of a loveless marriage, but Hwi Young’s mother is trapped in one. As Joon Woo says, they are just eighteen. How do they know if their life is ruined or not? It is too early of a decision and a decision that solely depends on which college you get into, which looking at the adults, doesn’t seem to determine how the rest of your life is going to turn out. The drama is a captivating watch for the whole run, saving for some instances, such as the sudden death of Joon Woo’s friend, Shin Jung Hoo (Seong Geon Hee), which kind of just comes and goes (I still am unsure if he died in an accident or if he was beaten to death) and Hwang Ro Mi’s (Han Sung Min) sudden interest in Joon Woo, which seemed to come out of nowhere. Even the big climatic reveal about Hwi Young’s grades, fell flat. I

had assumed that Hwi Young was in on it too, as we see him asking his parents to take care of things when one of his plans goes out of control.

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Sinopsis The Uncanny Counter Episode 15

Sinopsis The Uncanny Counter Episode 15

Episode 15 dari The Uncanny Counter dimulai dengan Mun mencakar dari Walikota Shin yang jauh lebih kuat dari yang dia harapkan berkat Hyang-Hui yang memecahkan penghalang. Lonjakan kekuatan tak terduga Shin tentu saja sesuatu yang tidak dia duga, saat Mo-Tak datang untuk membantu. Perkelahian pecah di antara mereka sementara Hyang-Hui dan Ha-Na berpapasan. Ha-Na terlihat hampir mati saat dia…

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Joseon era and Kdramas

italicized queen gave birth to heirs

1. Taejo/ Yi Dan

reign- 1392-1398 (d.1408 at the age of 72)

Queen Shinui+ Queen Shindeok

dramas portrayed in: The Great seer ( 2012),   Jeong  do jeon*( 2014), The pirates( 2014 movie), Maids( 2015), Empire of lust( 2015 movie), six flying Dragons( 2015- 16),jang yeong-sil**(2016),Tears of the Dragon(1998), 500 years of Joseon(1985) * Prime Minister and scholar of the time ** peasant inventor hired by 4th king Sejong

2. Jeongjong/ Yi Gyeng

reign- 1398-1400 (d. 1419 at 62)

Queen Jeongan

Dramas portrayed in- the great Seer, Jeong Do Jeon, six flying Dragons,   Tears of the Dragon(1998), 500 years of Joseon(1985)

was overthrown by the next king i-e his brother

3. Taejong/ Yi Bang-won

reign- 1400-1418 (d. 1422 at 55)

Queen wang-yeon Min

brother of the previous King brother of the previous King

Dramas portrayed in:  Tears of the Dragon(1998), king sejong  the Great( 2008), Jang yeong sil,  deep rooted tree( 2011), the Great seer,  i am the king( 2012 movie), Jeong Do Jeon, Maids, Empire of lust, Six flying Dragons, 500 years of Joseon(1985)

4. Sejong the great

reign- 1418-1450 (d.1450 at 52)

Queen Soheon

Creator of  Korean alphabets portrayed in:  King sejong the Great( 2008), Jang yeong-sil,  the divine weapon(  2008 movie), Queen insoo*, Deep rooted tree, I am the king, Splash Splash love( 2015),Tears of the Dragon(1998), 500 years of Joseon(1985)

* She was the daughter-in-law of the 7th king and mother of the 9th King

5. Munjong/ Yi Hyang

reign- 1450-1452 (died of disease in 1452 at 37)

Queen Hyeondeok Kwon

Never had luck  in marriage, his second wife, Sun Bin Bong, was a lesbian

Dramas portrayed in: the princess' man( 2011), Queen Insoo,  the face reader, Jang Yeong-sil, 500 years of Joseon(1985)

6. Danjong/ Yi Hongwi/ No San

reign-1452- 1455( death 1457 at 16)

Queen Jeong-sun Song

 Dramas portrayed in: the princess' man, Queen insoo, the face reader

Was overthrown and supposedly murdered by his uncle, the next king sejo

7. Sejo/ Yi Yu

reign-1455-1468 ( death 1468 at 50)

Queen Jeonghui

Son of sejong of the Great and queen soheon

His grandson becomes 9th king

Dramas portrayed in: Queen Insoo( 2011),  500 years of Joseon(1985), Han-Myung Hoi( 1994), the king and the queen( 1998-2000), Sayuksin(2007),  the king and I ( 2007), the princess' man, the face reader( 2013 movie), the king and the Clown( 2005 movie), Jang Yeong-sil

8.Yejong/ Yi Gwang

reign-1468- 1469( death by illness on 1469 at the age of 19)

Queen Jangsun + queen Ansun

portrayed in: the king and I, Queen insoo

9. Seongjang/ Yi Hyeol

reign-1469- 1494

Queen Heheon yoon (mother of 10th king) + Queen Jeonghyeon (mother of 11th king)

Son of Sohye/ Queen insoo

portrayed in: Eoudong(1985 movie), The King and I(2008), queen insoo, Rebel: thief who stole the people**( 2017), Queen for seven days(2017) ** portrayed as the dying king

10. Yeonsangun/ Yi yung

reign-1494- 1506( died. 1506 at 29)

Queen Sin

Known as the worst tyrant of chosen period, made a prostitute house inside Palace where scholars used to be trained etc

caused a coup and him being overthrown by his half-brother

Portrayed in:  Prince yeonsan(1961 movie),  diary of king Yeonsan ( 1988 movie), The King and the queen, king and the Clown( 2005 movie), The King and I, Queen insoo, the treacherous( 2015 movie), Rebel: thief who stole the people( 2017), Queen for seven days( 2017) 

11. Jungjong/ Yi yeok

reign-1506-1544( died at  the age of 54)

spouse: queen jangyeong

Son of Queen Jeonghyeon

Portrayed in: ladies of the palace( 2002),Dae Jang Geum( 2004),  Hwang Jin Yi ( 2006), the king and I, the flower in prison( 2016),Saimdang: light's diary, Queen for seven days 

12.injong/ Yi Ho

reign- 1544-45 (died of poisoning 1545 at 30)

son of jangyeong

portrayed in: The fugitive of Joseon, Saimdang; light’s diary

13.Myeong jong/ Yi Hwan

reign-1545-1567 (d.1567 at 33)

queen jungjong/munjeong

portrayed in: mirror of the witch, flower in prison

14. Seonjo/ Yi Yeon

reign- 1567- 1608 (death at 55)

Grandson of the previous queen, queen jungjong.

Queen Uiin (portrayed in): the king's face(2014), Mirror of the witch

Queen inmok/Soseong (portrayed in): Hong Gil Dong, the king's face, splendid politics, 7 years of War/Japanese invasion

King also portrayed in: West Palace(1995), Hur Jun( 1999), King's woman(2003), Immortal admiral Yi Sun-sin(2004), Tamra the island(2009), Blades of blood( 2010),Hur Jun(2013), goddess of Fire( 2013), the flower in prison( 2016)

15. GwangHaegun/ Yi Han

1608- 1623 (d. 1641 at 66)

Portrayed in: masquerade( 2012 movie),  King's face, splendid politics, Warriors of the dawn( 2017 movie), The King's woman( 2003), (is also portrayed in Dramas and movies same as the previous kingYi Yoon)

16. Injo/ Yi Jong

reign: 1623-1649 (d. 1649  at 53) son of the 14th king, Seonjo and half brother of the previous king

During his time coup of 1623 happened, also war with Manchus(Qing Dynasty) was going on later pleaged loyalty to them

Spouse: queen Inyeol  + Queen Jangryeol (portrayed in):  cruel Palace: war of flowers(2013), Jang Ok Jang, splendid politics King portrayed in: Iljmae(2008),  strongest Chil Woo ( 2008), Tamra (2002), slave Hunters(2010), horse doctor(2013), Three Musketeers(2014)

17.Hyojong/ Yi Ho

reign: 1649- 1659 (d.  At 39)

Queen Inseon ( portrayed in ): the king's doctor( 2012), cruel Palace

King  portrayed in: slave Hunters( 2010), the man who sells the river ( 2016 movie)

18. Hyeonjong/ Yi Yeon

reign: 1659- 1674 ( Death at 33 )

Queen Myeong-seong/Hyeon-yeol (portrayed in): Jang Ok Jang, King's Doctor, Dong Yi (2010)

19. Sukjong/ Yi Sun

reign: 1674-1720 (d. at 58)

Queen Jang Ok Jang/Jang Hui Bin (portrayed in): Jang Ok Jang(2013), Dong Yi, Royal story: Jang Hui Bin (2002), Daebak/Royal Gambler(2015), Femme Fatale: Jang Hui Bin (1968 movie)

Queen Inhyeon (portrayed in): Queen Inhyeon’s man (2012)

Queen Choi suk Bin, mother of Yeonin Geum (portrayed in): Daebak/The Royal Gambler (2015), The King’s Doctor (2012)

20. Gyeongjong

reign: 1720-1724 (death of illness at 35 on1724)

son of Jang Ok Jang

portrayed in: Daebak/ The Royal Gambler

21. Yeogjo/ Yeoning Geum

reign: 1724-1776 (d. 1776 at 81)

son of Choi Suk Bin

Spouses:

Queen Jeongseong:  The Throne( 2015 movie)

Queen JeongSun/Jung Soon/ Ye Sun (reigned as regent  from 1800-1804)  Queen is portrayed in:  the royal way(1991), the king and the queen(1998), Hong Guk Yeorg (2001), Leesan,  wind of the palace(2007), painter of the Wind(2008), Warrior Baek Dong-Soo ( 2011), secret door( 2014), the fatal encounter( 2014),  The Throne( 2015 movie), 8 days assassination attempt against king Jeongjo(2007)

King also portrayed in: Jang HUi Bin (2002) by Lee Minho,  the royal tailor( 2014 movie), The Royal Gambler/Daebak (2015)

22. Jeongjo/Yi Sun

reign: 1776-1800 (d. at 47)

son of Yi Sun (who was grandson of the previous king) and Consort Hyegyeong ( portrayed in: The memoirs of lady Hyegyeong 1988)

Spouse Queen Sunbin

King portrayed in: Leesan, WInd of the Palace(2007), 8 days assassination atempys on king jeongjo(2007), Painter of the wind (2008), portrait of beauty (2008 movie), SungkyunKwan Scandal (2010), Warrior Baek Dong Soo , FAtal encounter (2014 movie) by HyunBin, The Throne (2015 movie)

23. Sunjo/ Yi Gong

1800-1834 (d. at 44)

Jeongsun (queen of yeongjo as regent

24. Heonjong/ Yi Hwan

1834-1849 (d. at 21)

grandson of sunjo the 23rd king

25. Cheoljong/ YI Byeon

1849-1864

great grandson of Yeongjo

was illiterate 

26. Gojong/ Yi Hui

1863-1897

Queen Myeongseong/ Queen Min

Empress Myeongseong (2002), Sword with no name (2009 movie). Ji Jungwon (2010). Gun man of Joseon (2014), The Last Princess (2016 movie)

i tagged a few with links to mydramalist.com but honestly ..exhausting. You can find all these there. And if i missed some that you know dm me and i’ll update this list

Thankyou!

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The Uncanny Counter (2020)

All you really need are noodles and comic books. And this show has both!

This show was the break I needed from super serious drama-land. It's got pretty good action, some nice urban fantasy vibes, and a cast that seemed to be having alot of fun with their roles. The premise is a little bonkers, but that's fine too.

What Worked

The cast really made this work. The leads were fun and all had great chemistry together and the villains were just scary, both the human and the supernatural ones. In fact, I think the writing for the villains was better than the heroes, and what kept me hooked on the show.

What Didn't Work

There weren't any real issues with the show, it succeeded at making the kind of show it set out to be, but the writing felt extremely comic book. And not always in a good way. We had a literal Joseph Campbell "hero" arc in the first two episodes. There was a character who was almost, but not quite, fridged in a series with multiple fakeout deaths. There were about 4-5 episodes where you could tell they were filling out time and ran out of story arc.

I'm pointing this out because overall I really enjoyed the show. I just wish it could have been a little bit better. But they're planning on making a second series, and hopefully that will go somewhere good!

The Performances

Jo Byung-gyu as So Mun. Pretty much the title hero of this comic book show, he did an amazing job of selling both the young high school arc and the supernatural / super hero stuff. I can't complain about the acting, though I do have some quibbles with the "chosen one" writing arc. There are very few scenes that are weak, it's just the overall direction they took the character that felt a little cliche.

Yoo Jun-sang as Ga Mo-tak. He plays a former detective who had amnesia after a ten story fall. Seven years later, he's coming back from the dead to seek vengeance on the criminals who stole his life away.

What I'm saying is this role could easily have turned super campy, but the actor made it work really well. I liked his arc better than the main story for the most part (except for the stupid not-quite-fridging).

Kim Se-jeong as Do Ha-na. I've only seen her in Business Proposal and I liked her much better in this role. She had pretty good comic timing in Business Proposal and she plays it almost completely straight here, and again does a good job with a character that has some potential campiness.

Yeom Hye-ran as Choo Mae-ok. I loved this character, but then I play a healer in most of the RPGs I run, so it makes sense. I liked her role in When the Camilla Blooms but it's nice to see her play someone a little less grumpy. (**spoiler**) Her character was a victim of a number of fakeout deaths, which I didn't like, but I think I would have rioted if they killed her, so it's kind of a tough call.

Choi Yoon-young as Kim Jeong-yeong. The actor did a good job making a side character interesting and she had great chemistry with Yoo Jun-sang. They could have done so much more with this character, but (**spoilers**) they killed her off instead. It kind of annoyed me, though they didn't treat the character like a cheap action movie death, which is something.

Ahn Suk Hwan as Chairman Choi. I had fun watching this character and you could tell the actor did too. Not particularly deep or interesting, but very colorful and the show was better when he showed up.

Lee Hong-nae as Ji Chung-sin. This guy played an amazing creepy villain. The writing put the character right on the edge of the line of campy horror, but he kept it from getting ridiculous, and I got literal chills a few times.

Ok Ja-yeon as Baek Hyang-hui. This character was meant to be a little campy, entertaining at times, but campy. And the actress did a good job following the brief. I can't say I enjoyed watching her, but I never got bored.

Choi Kwang-il as Shin Myung-hwi. He starts out as a kind of cardboard villain, but did a good job leaning into the horror elements at the end of the show.

The High School Kids. This is one of the things that the show got really right, tone-wise. The way the bullies took over the school was completely bonkers, and there were no adults anywhere pretty much, but that's kind of how the world feels when you're a teenager. All of the relationships and rivalries feel like these world changing events, and all of the grownups feel a bit like the adults in a Charlie Brown cartoon. The actors all did a great job with this.

The Street Thugs. I liked the rivalries here with Mo-tak. They were campy when they needed to be and scary when they were supposed to be (especially at the start of the series). Mostly they're just mooks, but they're entertaining mooks.

TL; DR:

This show is fun, and scary, and sad when it needs to be, but it's impossible to take seriously, which is why I enjoyed it!