#i mean that look on dong-soo’s face though

[thememoryofthatday]

I wouldn't marry me either.

I'd marry you with paper rings.

[glindaupland]

The Phantom of the Opera | Seoul, South Korea | 동팬텀 x 손크리 Review 1/6

October 8, 2023 - Evening | 200th Performance, 100th for Seoul

The Phantom of the Opera | 전동석 Jeon Dong-seok

Christine Daaé | 손지수 Sohn Ji-soo

Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny | 송원근 Song Won-geun

Carlotta Giudicelli | 한보라 Han-Bora

Oh hey, it's that man I never shut up about. Round 1 out of 2 of him! I made the following excuse for this ticket decision: I need something for my sanity the day I arrive after a 19 hour long trip so why not add in a special milestone performance if the chance is right there? Well, I got two very different experiences on both days I saw him, so it was absolutely worth it. So you'll have to read both to get the full picture. Let's begin with this one

My friends have heard this 5000 times, but I don't know what devil possessed him on the first show. Maybe it was because it was a special show and he wanted to show off? Who knows! I ate it up! He for sure woke me up after 24+ hours of no sleep and 19 hours of travel! I had a horrible migraine the whole show! I don't care!

Hannibal Rehearsal / Think of Me

Sorry, but if you could extract the view from my eyes like camera footage during Hannibal rehearsal it would be like at least 70% Yoon Young-seok fancam. His Monsieur André is clearly very passionate and enthusiastic about opera and has major googoo eyes for Carlotta. He kind of reminded me of Nehal Joshi with his energy 🥹 As many of you may know, he was the original Phantom in Korea and played the role in both the 2001-2 and 2009-11 runs! He had said that he wanted to return to POTO because it felt like home to him, but not as the Phantom again (even in 2010 he felt taking the role again in the future would be greedy). So it's been really sweet to see his clear love for the show in this. When Piangi got cut off because of singing "Roma", from behind you could hear one of the ensemble members complain about doing this 200 times because it was the 200th performance. 😆 It was also really funny when Piangi did a pinky promise to himself during the "Promise me" line when Carlotta was singing 'Think of Me'. He is really all over her

As others have said, Sohn Ji-soo really is reminiscent of classic 90's Christines. I think she has a light operatic voice pretty similar to Sarah Brightman's (she is an opera singer making her musical debut in this show). I lean towards these types of voices for Christine so she was my favorite to listen to most of the time. It kind of felt like her Christine was already "more experienced" than Eun-hye's? I don't mean that she's better at it, I mean her Christine's energy felt more experienced if that makes sense. SEH Christine looked like it was her first time in the spotlight. Maybe it's the actual opera singer experience she has coming through. She is absolutely light and angelic though, I adore her voice :') Monsieur André is very into Christine's performance the whole time looking proud of her. But sadly poor André surrounded by hooligans who don't respect the arts once again! Raoul would get up to cheer for Christine and he would immediately look mortified waving his hands for him to stop and then crouch covering his mouth in embarrassment. Madame Firmin looked at him in shock and Monsieur Firmin looked away covering the side of his face like he couldn't bear to see it or be seen with him

Angel of Music / Little Lotte

SJS Christine has "her head in the clouds". She looked like she was drifting off in a trance hearing the Phantom's praises until Meg pulled her out of it. Son Won-geun is the standard soft, protective Raoul. He's a good egg. Maybe not a very seasoned exciting egg often, but he's definitely a stable choice for the future! That's always my preferred temperament anyway even if it isn't super unique. These two make a pretty classic Raoulstine pair. Even if some of her lines can be a bit awkwardly spoken sometimes, I thought she's improved and seemed really adorable and innocent.

The First Lair | POTO / MOTN / STYDI

SJS Christine looks at everything around her in the boat like this world she's entering is so magical and beautiful to her. When she was singing for him at the end, JDS Phantom looked like he was drowning himself in the sound of her voice. He smiled and nodded excitedly, motioning for her to continue. He also smiled when passing his hand over his music at his organ, saying he wanted her alone to sing his music. God. I think Dong-seok's Phantom is a nerd. I know he's very pretty and romantic, but his Phantom fumbles around restlessly unsure of what to do with Christine. Definitely "I've never seen a woman before in my life" energy. We must be convinced by acting that a pretty man can too be a terrible basement loser too after all! Despite this, his hands had very pretty and delicate movements gliding through the air. They looked like they were guiding and drawing the music out of her. He was a little less awkward this performance, but he would lose his flow and get stressed if he actually got to close to her. He switched his hands after turning her face away from him to gently draw her face near him again with the tips of his fingers. But when she stepped forward to try to kiss him he got panicky with wide eyes and stepped away quickly. He adjusted his collar a bit as he continued as if he had struggled to breathe for a moment. When Christine approached him on the portcullis, he looked shy about it and turned away. It's a bit funny since Ji-soo's Christine is 1) Always very into MOTN and following the Phantom 2) Has the best chemistry with him and KJT Phantom most of all. I don't think you need to have much game to win with her, but you're still stressing this much about it! But he got stronger at the end! First, he lightly touched her shoulder with one hand and drew back hesitantly, but then he walked around her to wrap his other arm around her slowly. Once he realized he finally did have her, he became bolder. He leaned in close with a voice heavy with desire and rubbed his cheek in her hair. Please...he almost seemed like a proud kid presenting their art project when he brought Christine to the mirror bride. His pure excitement to show Christine his gift made his confused and freaked out reaction to her passing out especially funny to me. Poor guy, that's not the way to get ladies.

I Remember/Stranger Than You Dreamt It

It wasn't loud enough to hear what he was saying, but he mumbled to himself while working on his music. It made me really curious He causes one of the biggest scenes out of the Phantoms after being unmasked. He yells "날 저주해! - Curse me!" at the very end of his outbursts and then screams and gasps wildly. His anger was mostly at himself than at Christine. He had a harsh sort of growly voice in parts of the first half. At one point he stopped covering his face and used both of his hands to pull himself forward clumsily. He's a very long awkward mess! SJS Christine would quietly look away until the Phantom is finally in front of her. With big pleading eyes, he reached for her, but he turned away when she finally faced him. She looked so deeply sad for him like she wished she could comfort him in some way, but didn't know how. From the start, his Phantom has romantic intentions, but he just feels every feeling so intensely, so deeply that anything gets too painful for him. It seems like the closer he tries to get and the more he tries to love her, the more harmful it is for him.

Notes I/Prima Donna

The managers were constantly checking in with each other while they handle the stress of convincing Carlotta. During Prima Donna they would lean behind or peek around her to exchange looks either urging the other to keep it up or just to give show their relief (André nodded and winked at Firmin right before they began their singing for the song). It's so cartoonish and ridiculous and I love it. I also love that when they realized they had finally fully swayed her, they high fived each other. Perfect team! Interrupting this to drop an important tweet:

Han Bo-ra seems like the more comedic, obnoxious Carlotta (don't take that the wrong way, I Iove it) and had some big exaggerated expressions sometimes. Her speaking voice was higher than her singing voice. At the start of Prima Donna, she gave into the managers' flattery pretty quickly. She had very big starry eyes as they showered her with praise and it was really cute. SWG Raoul kind of gets drowned out in these big scenes. I could tell that he was trying to make some choices in the background each show, but it just wasn't enough to make himself stand out if you weren't actively looking for him.

The Rooftop

SWG Raoul is very worried for Christine above all before 'All I Ask of You'. Although he watches her in confusion, he doesn't seem judgmental of her meltdown. I think he just genuinely wants to understand what's happening to her. His AIAOY, while not very intense, was pretty sweet and gentle. But still this is a safe and normal choice for Christine!! That's a normal stable man and he's doing his best

AIAOY (Reprise)

I was first row balcony so he was directly in my line of sight. I could already see his hand come up before Christine and Raoul had even left. He's the biggest crier out of the four in this scene, like full sobbing. (Also whoever whispered "미쳤어" in the audience when he revealed himself on the angel is so relatable truly)

Twisted Every Way / Don Juan Rehearsal

SJS Christine always looked like she's completely drained here. She's almost dazed and doesn't have the energy to deal with it anymore. Her worn betrayed face when she realizes Raoul really wants her to go through with this plan made her look like she felt abandoned. I think this is what makes her 'Wishing', her finding her strength, especially impactful. Also, during Don Juan rehearsal, Christine was trying to help Piangi pointing to his sheet music even though she didn't even want to be there, but he was not having it haha

Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again

She is the best at this song both acting-wise and vocally. It broke my heart seeing her kiss the red scarf after she holds it close to her face. Before the last verse of the song when she ran to the mausoleum gates she clung to them so tightly breaking down and sounding frustrated with herself. You see a lot of growth with her Christine who was so reliant on the Angel of Music's guidance and so willing to obey and trust him. If the gift from her father that she believed in and held onto so tightly was a lie, what did she have left now? She needed the courage to move on herself. The transition from being so exhausted and lost to angry with herself for being trapped by her grief to finally finding her strength...my heart. One of my favorite performances of this song for sure. She is just putting everything into this.

The Point of No Return

He was unusually spicy during this scene. Tension was high, the Phantom was finally being pushed to the edge. He wasn't very rough with her, but he was definitely possessive. I remember him brushing under her chin with his fingers when she looked at him after he stopped her from turning away. His hand wrapped around her wrist slowly and sensually when he pulled her arm away after she drank. His hands tended to tremble when he would reach up for Christine when she was behind him, but he really did not have that fear this performance. He actually leaned into her touch pretty shamelessly and indulged himself in the moment He's the only Phantom with this slight lyric change in PONR. It's just a word difference (This would be where "No backward glances - Our games of make believe are at an end" is) 이제 더 이상 날 떠나갈 순 없게 하리라 / now you'll no longer be able to leave me -> 이제 더 이상 날 거역할 순 없게 하리라 now you'll no longer be able to defy me Whoa, whoa his proposal at the end of the song was not a blubbering mess. Sometimes he can barely get his words out like he's on the verge of a meltdown. Here? There was no pleading. He pointed at her asking her not to leave him alone, but he was most definitely actually telling her. The ring was put on pretty forcefully like he finally had lost his patience waiting to be chosen. It really surprised me to see it coming from him

Final Lair

I think it was after saying he wasn't allowed any happiness that he held his hand up to keep her back. He didn't give her any room to show him sympathy. Instead of looking hurt, when she told him she's not afraid of his face, he leaned in really close to her face with his finger to his lips and hushed her. He had an especially arrogant sarcastic attitude when Raoul arrived and laughed darkly. The bitterness was something else! Later upon hearing her say her tears had dried up and she was left with only hate, he crumpled his sheet music. Even when she threw the veil he didn't react in the normal way trying to reach for it. He had tried to motion to stop her, but then just stared coldly after she had done it. You could really see that resentment in her eyes though. She had changed so much. SJS Christine had always had so much deep respect for and great faith in her angel, but she could see him clearly now. More points for SWG Raoul for focusing more on protecting Christine than beefing with the Phantom. He immediately asks her "괜찮아요? / Are you okay?" when the Phantom allows him in. Even when he gets the lasso thrown on him (which thankfully the Raouls in this cast actually remember they need to really act like they're being suffocated) his first priority was reaching for Christine and trying to protect her. I don't like when Raouls act like they're just competing with the Phantom. For the "you try my patience line" Dong-seok added in something extra. He got really close to her face again leaning forward in his throne and said in a whispered voice: 날...날 시험하지마...알겠어? 크리스틴? 선택해! / Don't test me...do you understand? Christine? Choose! It was so so quiet you could barely hear him before he shouted at her to choose. But even with the tension in the air, in this moment he felt weak, giving empty threats to hide how broken down he was. The way Ji-soo sings before the kiss hurts me so bad! She's almost cracking with a weak voice at the start from crying until she builds up the energy to go to him. During the first kiss, he was repeatedly gripping at her arms frantically like he was drowning and trying to cling to something to stay afloat. He was pacified by her hug letting his arms lower to his sides. It was during the second kiss that he closed his eyes and his face looked peaceful for a moment. He looked like he was freed. He took a long time to release Raoul. He sort of did a small pained laugh when he looked at him that turned into gasps (as if trying not to cry) before he released him. This night, he sounded and looked really exhausted with the way he told them to leave. His "I love you" was so soft "사랑~...해.." the last syllable was cut shortly and weakly... SJS Christine was very reluctant about leaving the Phantom. Once again he let another pained laugh out before he began sobbing at the sound of Christine and Raoul's singing. But SJS Christine never took her eyes off of him when the boat passed by. He barely saw it though, he turned and saw her only right before she was out of sight :( When he sang his final line he sobbed out "끝나버린 / over" struggling to get his words out, but gathered to strength to finish one last powerful note and accept this ending

At curtain call Ji-soo was messing with Won-geun when he was going to kiss her hand (I think she had switched it up on him or something I can't remember) and they started jokingly bickering until Dong-seok walked down for his bow and shooed them away with his hand like they were being ridiculous hehe We took a big audience photo with Dong-seok after curtain call to celebrate the milestone performance! This was also Lee Sang-jun's 700th performance so Yoon Young-seok tried to give bring some attention to him before they left the stage. He was Buquet in the last production of POTO and I believe he has the most performances in POTO out of any cast member That's a lot lot of people photobombing my personal photo with my guy how rude. The seats were all sold out, but the gaps in the audience happened because there was a mass exodus after curtain call both this day and on the 1500th. I'm assuming people have trains to catch or are tired at the end of the night. Dong-seok was cutely insistent about us wearing the white side out and he told us not to catch a cold at the end (a lot of cast members were getting sick in the show and other shows around then)

That's it for this performance! His second one which will be analyzed in the other review was more of his usual than this. I feel like I got one of the most unusual Dong Phantom shows of them all this time so you know what? It was worth the complete exhaustion on the literal first day of my trip. A fitting reward for my struggles!

[craftyquirkywriter]

An Imagination on Evilive

So the setting is the same though here you can go with the assumption that Dongsoo is not married .

With time Dong soo became developed involved in Doyoung's business. He used to accompany him as his "legal advisor" to all the important meetings that they had.

Initially skeptical about the same arrangement, Doyoung found himself to be unable to say no when ever Dong soo asked for something. He found himself experiencing a wave of new emotions that rushed over him whenever the old man was near.He became so different in matters pertaining to the old man that even his subordinates had discussions of whether something was going on with the two.

Do young had been so isolated earlier that he paid no heed to other people's emotions. Yet he did not understand why he found himself restrained and listened whenever Dongsoo tried to stop him from doing something.

It was one of those days when Doyoung had a meeting with one of his hotshot business client. He was against of taking anyone with him to the meeting. Yet when Dongsoo approached him with his usual charm he found himself unable to say no. "Why do you have to accompany me to wherever I go?" Doyoung asked. "We are partners, remember, I need to take care of you", Dongsoo replied him with his smug smile. And that is how he found himself accompanied by Dongsoo and four of his other gang members.

The meeting was in swing but Doyoung was hardly able to pay attention to it. Eul Tae, the man in question, kept on with his presentation but was too friendly with Dong soo, according to Doyoung. Throughout the whole meeting he kept eyeing him and Doyoung knew the meaning of such glances he had been there hadn't he?? Didnt he also look at Dong soo the same way? But he felt his blood boiling at the mere sights and the occassional touches that Eul Tae gave to Dong soo. However, Dong soo unaware of the whole ordeal going in Doyoung's mind was too engrossed in the presentation. He also was unable to see through Eul Tae's actions and reciprocated certain of his actions in a friendly way.

Somehow Doyoung managed through the whole meeting but he could feel himself on the edge with one more action needed from Eul Tae to drive him feral and make him bash his head against the wall. And Eul Tae unaware of the consequences made the move soon.

When they were about to leave the vicinity with Doyoung practically dragging Dongsoo along, Eul Tae grabbed Dongsoo's hand. Dongsoo turned around. "You have a pretty good idea of the law why are you stuck up as being a legal advisor, accompany me, I will help you set up your own office and gain new cases", Eul Tae said.

Dongsoo was just about to reply when Doyoung literally ripped the shorter man apart from Eul Tae and Dongsoo crashed into his chest. Engulfing him in his arms, Doyoung replied, " Arent you getting too ahead of yourself? He is 'my' legal advisor and as you might know I dont like sharing".

Dongsoo was stunned , a wave of feelings rushed within him. He knew it was going to be a long day after they go back. He found himself being dragged over into Doyoung's car. Doyoung asked his people to leave them alone. Dongsoo found himself left alone with Doyoung.

It was after a while through the ride, noticing the situation, that Dongsoo attempted to make a chance at conversation. "What was going on back there Mr Seo?", he said with a smug smile on his face suddenly aware of the intentions of the young man. He thought of getting a snarky reply . But Doyoung beat him to it and replied " Didnt I make it clear back then? I dont like seeing you with other people".

Dongsoo was stunned by the remark. Was it a confession? Nobody knows but it will do for now wouldnt it?

How was it?? Give me feedbacks in the comment and I might end up writing more cause I just love them so much😊

[tiffanylamps]

A Beyond Evil fic rec list: General and Teen

[So, apparently, you can break Tumblr when you write too much or include too many links, or I don't know, are just too much. So, I'm splitting this rec list into two or three posts.]

So, I was meant to do this about a month ago but a lot of life happened. But now, I'm doing it. I'm just doing it, I can't be stopped and I won't because y'all deserve recognition and for your work to be shared. This first post only includes fic with a General or Teen rating.

FYI: This will be an ever-growing list and will be updated semi-regularly

Rating: General

on my tip toes by therandompasserby “You said that, but you keep avoiding my touch,” the words escape from Dongsik’s lips faster than he can think of.

Juwon squints at him and finishes up his last plate to put in the drying rack.

“What, are you ashamed of me?” Dongsik asks jokingly, hoping it will hide the nervousness vibrating his skin. His palm feels damp, but not from washing the dishes.

Or: in which Dongsik is befuddled trying to navigate his relationship with Juwon after they kissed.

picture perfect by therandompasserby “Do you want to have a child?”

“What—you mean a living, breathing, human kid?” Dongsik tosses the words lightly as a joke, his eyes crinkling with mirth as if expecting Juwon to bolt out at the idea. As if the idea of being responsible for one sticky little human – the ultimate form of attachment – will deter him.

“…You do realize neither of us has the right organ for it, right?”

Or: Juwon thinks Dongsik really is too old to run at the topic of children (not to say Juwon himself didn't freak out or anything).

With the twirl of a finger by Namless When he’s done, Juwon fishes a handkerchief from the back pocket of his jeans, wiping the sweat away from Dongsik’s shoulders. Then he gets down to the coolbox and grabs the bottles inside. Dongsik is still admiring their garden, the mountain not so far, all covered in green in this season.

“You like my mane though.” There’s a slight appreciative hiss to his voice when Juwon slides the beer bottle against his spine and then the side of his throat.

“Of course I do.” Juwon replies, index finger twirling the end of the ponytail absent-mindedly. “It still needs a trim. Your mane will be all the more glorious.” he teases.

Partners by Namless "Embarrassing? Do you hate your boyfriend giving you a piggyback ride that much?"

Dongsik could practically hear Juwon's eyeroll behind him and it made him chuckle once more.

The stubbornness of the sleepyhead by Namless "Juwon-ah."

Juwon squeezed his midriff in protestation, voice still laced with tendrils of slumber.

"It's my only weekend off. Don't go."

a second to breathe by whir Juwon gets into an accident. Dongsik loses his shit.

the matchmaking ahjummas and halmeonis of manyang by little_roo “Ohhh, look it’s our Inspector Han!”

Dong Sik’s ears perk up at this and he turns to see two ahjummas hurrying towards them. One is tall and thin, hair just becoming speckled with gray and the other is petite, Dong Sik remembers her from a few grades above him in school. He glances over at the stoic inspector just to see a small smile on his face and Dong Sik has to do a double take just to make sure his brain didn’t make it up.

“Are you here buying dinner for your sweetheart again?”

Joo Won chokes suddenly and Dong Sik lets out a surprised laugh, turning fully to look at Joo Won with raised eyebrows and a wide grin.

Or more affectionately known as the fic where joo won gets showered in love by every older woman in manyang even though he really just wants one specific ahjussi to like him.

Happy to have you near by bluetrees Joo Won and Dong Sik attend a wedding of a former colleague, for the first time as a couple. What happens next will warm your heart!

It's a Dog Life by bluetrees What says 'pretty much married' more than adopting a dog together? It's only logical, according to Lee Dong Sik. Han Joo Won begs to differ.

with paper rings by Katierosefun “Two years,” Soo Jin said brightly. “How nice.”

“Like us,” Gwang Young said with a bright smile of his own—then paused. “Well, technically…just without the married bit…”

Dong Sik felt another stir at his shoulder. He instinctively pried a hand free, patting Joo Won’s head just once—go back to sleep, no need to get back into conversation, but the younger man was already shaking himself awake.

“But it’s…” Joo Won blinked a few times, one hand rubbing his eyes. “But it’s basically the same.”

[or: the topic of marriage comes up. joo won apparently has some thoughts.]

one good movie kiss by Katierosefun Lighting her cigarette, Ji Hwa continues, “People tell when you don’t mean it. Kissing, I mean.”

Dong Sik thinks about that for a little while.

[or: five times lee dong sik kissed people (or got kissed) for the hell of it, and the one time he kissed someone because he genuinely meant it.]

anyways, don't be a stranger by katierosefun “Sorry for being a few minutes late,” Ji Hwa says cheerfully, walking up to a stool. “Had to pick this one up from the hotel.”

There are cheers and yells of surprise from all around, none of which include words that Dong Sik actually processes, but he does process that there is a very distinct someone standing across the room from him, and that very distinct someone has his hands in his coat pockets, and that very distinct someone is brushing the rainwater off his just barely curling hair, and that very distinct someone’s eyes are already curling a little bit at the edges, which strikes Dong Sik dumb because he realizes that this very distinct someone’s eyes actually have the finest of wrinkles and that’s when he realizes that it is

Han Joo Won.

Joo Won looks up and smiles, and Dong Sik is sure that this is when the world caves for good.

[or: twenty years ago, han joo won and lee dong sik saved each other. twenty years later, they save each other again in ways that neither actually expected (though they hoped for it. god, they hoped for it).]

Kissing by EttelwenAilinon Their breaths are turning into vapor as soon as they leave their mouths. It's really cold. His nose and cheeks sting a little. Dong Sik takes his hand and puts it into his pocket. And oh, that has become a thing too now. Hand holding. Soft, tender, wordless. And Han Joo Won likes it very much too, it makes him feel cared for. He looks over at the man walking beside him. He has longer hair now, even longer than when they first met. He likes it that way and secretly hopes he'll never cut it off again. He wants to run his fingers through it, to feel the silkiness. And he wants to kiss him and he hates the idea of it.

fit perfectly by kittychi (bojangler) People speak of lover’s gazes and lover’s kisses, but no one has told him of lover’s hand winding through his own.

their love is understated but here dongsik is, holding his hand in the middle of a street.

From The Place The World Forgot by Stitch_Me_Not Han Joo-Won falls into the galaxy that is Lee Dong-Sik. Lee Dong-Sik makes sure he doesn't get too lost.

Truth Is A Point Of View by capitalismwasamistake After everything that went down in Manyang and the aftermath, Han Juwon and Lee Dongsik are comfortable never being in the spotlight again and instead are doing the less flashy but important work of finding missing people in Gangwon-do.

The professionalism they display at work leads their Chief and colleagues to believe they aren't close and even dislike each other, demonstrating once again that reality is not what it seems at first glance.

Trying to work through their burdens and heal, they encounter a stray white Husky in need of a home.

Life has a way of working out after that.

Rating: Teen

but you could make me a drink (or a latte) by Katierosefun “That’s all, thank you.” A quick look to Joo Won’s nametag, then a little smile. “Han Joo Won.”

And, it turned out that this nut job said Joo Won’s name nicely. Voice light and teasing, partial drawl and partial laugh—which Joo Won didn’t get, because it wasn’t like his own name was funny by any means, but all the same, something in him twitched at the tone.

“Can I get a name?”

“Lee Dong Sik.”

[or: the coffee shop jwds au]

make it last by Katierosefun “Are you saying that you would miss me, Lee Dong Sik?” Joo Won asked quietly. He could have sworn he saw Dong Sik’s eyes flick down to his own mouth too.

“Hm.” Dong Sik’s gaze locked onto Joo Won’s. “Maybe. I have yet to figure that out.”

i carry my love for you like my teeth by 2ndstartotheright “Do you want me to say that I drove all this way because I wanted to see you, Han Joowon?”

The kettle clicks off loudly in the silence. Joowon lets out a shuddering breath.

“Just–,” Joowon starts, even as he feels his heart clench wetly inside his chest. “Don’t say things you don’t mean. I hate when people do that.”

 ———

Dongsik presses his hands against Joowon’s spine, and his ribs against Joowon’s own, pushing, and pushing until the dirt on Dongsik’s hands start to polish all of the sharp points of his bones.

we accept the love we think we deserve by ceramide (StrawberrySpring) Han Ju Won doesn't think he deserves to be kissed.

Tinted chapstick by Sukie_Kagamine "What's that?" He asked as he stepped closer to Juwon, who was in front of the hallway mirror, all ready for work.

"Oh, this?" The man turned to look at him, and gave him a small smile. He held out a tube of lipstick towards Dongsik. It looked brand new. "It's this tinted chapstick Jihoon gave me as a gift the other day. It's quite nice actually."

Blue Blood On Your Hands by bluetrees Han Joo Won gets stabbed and Dong Sik finds that he can't do this anymore.

Cold Like a Driven Nail by SummerTeaPrince Han Juwon decides, when his car breaks down in the reed beds, that he should walk to Manyang. As a city boy he underestimates the weather.

Cleaned up thread fic

Peloton Peril by SummerTeaPrince Juwon falls off his exercise bike, gets pneumonia and the fever leads to an awful lot of confusion.

A cleaned up threadfic from twitter.

to unhaunt a home by reqvicm “Joowon-ah...” he called once more, somewhere between concerned and slightly annoyed, then grabbed him by the arm to stop Joowon. “Don't be like this now. I'll handle things, I promise. I mean, we're basically like family now, right?”

Joowon turned back around, perplexed. “What?”

Hyuk nodded innocently, “Yeah. The three of us. So just let me-”

“You're out of your mind,” Joowon hissed, forcefully pulling himself out of the grip the older still had on his arm. “We'll never be family, so just cut the crap.”

OR

5 times Hyuk regards them as family and the 1 time Joowon finally has the heart to return the sentiment.

rome wasn't built in one day. by AconitumPrimula Dongsik rarely ever shows it, but he too is scared to lose.

—

Kind of five times and one-time trope but also not, just very angsty, I am sorry in advance. (Minor edits will happen in the next two days for links and such!)

infinite realms contain its past by readingnotes He raised his eyes to meet Dong Sik’s in the mirror and paused. There was a crease between his eyebrows, an indication of a hypothesis confirmed, and it brought Joo Won back to the night in the rain, the revelation and heartbreak in Dong Sik’s eyes as he found Lee Yoo Yeon’s murderer. This was a similar devastation wrapped in glass-like eyes, and it shattered Joo Won. He shuddered, and his fingers shook because, because, because: Lee Dong Sik stared at his bare back, eyes flickering across scars and history, taking in a crime scene and solving it within seconds.

In the mirror, their eyes met. Understanding passed through his gaze before a cold, closed look settled. “Yah, Han Joo Won.”

Joo Won whirled around, pressed his back against the sink. “Don’t.”

-

or: How the Manyang gang unraveled Han Joo Won’s shitty childhood slowly, then all at once.

[asktherandomfam-archive]

Marley: "That ice cream was soo good right couz?"

Patches: "Yeah @kitts-poke-stopt has really creative icecream... You know it wouldn't be half bad to have our own little place like that ya know."

Marley: "How so? I mean it does seem like a big responsibility. Not to mention having actually customers, products, labor, etc..."

Patches: "Just imagine though. All of us working as a family. Plus it would be nice to see some new faces around here. Things have been deserted lately."

Marley: "What am I? Chopped Seaking."

Patches: "Well you moving in with us is certainly... Something... It just would be nice to have excitement in our lives, and to try a new expirence. Things aren't really working out with everyone even taking part time jobs. We're barley making a living. Plus I feel usless with my rapidly growing anxiety, keeping me away from getting a job, and seeming useful."

Marley: "Patches you aren't useless. Quite the opposite actually. You've been making me feel like I have purpose, for once in my life I feel appreciated and excepted because of you. You do so much just by being with me, and you should feel proud that you can cook. Heck if I could cook, I wouldn't have a burnt mark on my leg. Or accidentally set off the smothe alarm the other day. But Patches your a great cousin, just by doing small stuff, whether you realize it or not. So feel proud man."

Patches: *Tears fall from his eyes.* "Thanks Marley, that l, that means a lot."

Marley: "You wanna hug. Don't ya?"

Patches: "Yes please."

Marley:"Come here Ding dong."

*Hugs one another.* Once their done hugging Patches notices something eye catching behind Marley.

Marley: "Hey couz, what are you looking at?"

Marley turns in the direction Patches was, and let's her mouth hang open in disbelief.

Marley: "It's the old Densville Super Plex Mall. For sale..."

Marley then turns to Patches with a glimer in her eyes.

Marley: "Well couz? Should we tell everyone else?"

Patches: "Will tell them. Then go on from there. See what life throws us. Who knows, maybe things will go our way for once."

Marley: "Well, I think this would be a swell investment."

[what-breaks-my-heart]

부담스럽다 (Burdensome)

Burdensome. If I have to choose ONE word to describe episodes 9 and 10 of Doom at Your Service, it’s ‘burdensome’. The story is burdensome on Tak Dong Kyung, her family, Myul Mang, the deity, Na Ji Na, Cha Joo Ik, Lee Hyun Kyu, and even myself as a viewer.

As I pointed out in my first piece of opinion on this drama when I first started it, the literal title — One Day, through the Entrance of My House, Doom Came in — reflects the experience of the character whose perspective we are seeing, i.e., Dong Kyung, through her grief. Her experience so far, is in line with the 5 Stages of Grief Model.

Denial

Anger

Bargaining

Depression

Acceptance

This post by @captainstarkky​ elaborated at length on this, so I recommend checking it out.

Episodes 9 and 10 made me realise that Dong Kyung is not the only one who feels burdened in this drama. From the very beginning, we saw how Dong Kyung has this tendency of giving in and not speaking what’s truly in her mind, because she does not want to be a burden to other people.

She does this not only to strangers, but also to those who love her. Why? Is it because she lacks self-esteem? Is it because she’s still grieving over the death of her parents and her status as an orphan who does not have anyone to rely on? Is it because of her self-assumed responsibility to take care of her little brother? Is it because her aunt Kang Soo Ja who raised her and her little brother was herself financially struggling, hence the motivation to not become a burden on those who love her?

We saw how anytime someone showered Dong Kyung with love or compassion, she looked awkward and uncomfortable, just like when Aunt Soo Ja tried putting on a hat on her.

Quite a number of people around Dong Kyung noticed this. Funnily enough, her walking on eggshells around them made those people walk on eggshells around her too.

Dong Kyung feeling like a burden to the people around her makes those people to be uncomfortable around her, which in itself is a burdensome feeling to have. Her feeling like a burden makes them feel burdened.

Dong Kyung’s refusal to be completely honest with her loved ones, to tell them what’s really on her mind, hurts them more than the actual tragedy that has befallen onto her.

You see here how Dong Kyung understands that the look on someone’s eyes is also a way of communicating without actually talking about it out loud; it’s to be understood and accepted as a way of communication. Thinking back at how difficult it must had been for Aunt Soo Ja to raise both Dong Kyung and Sun Kyung, Dong Kyung must had seen and understood the frustration Aunt Soo Ja had over the years.

So it’s understandable how Dong Kyung goes on believing that communicating only through the look on someone’s eyes is a perfectly sufficient way of communicating. She assumed a burdensome responsibility by herself when she was 10 only years old, and what you learn at such a young age becomes part of your identity.

What Dong Kyung fails to appreciate is the difference between other people’s feelings and what they choose to do with them. Is it a surprise though? She grew up feeling like a burden, so she wouldn’t have been able to understand it.

Feelings come and go. You don’t have complete control over them. As we live our lives, it is completely normal to experience all sorts of feelings. But what makes us human is having the free will to choose what we want to do with them. Dong Kyung’s friends and family can see how hurt Dong Kyung is, but they choose to respect her decision to keep a happy face in front of them.

Aunt Soo Ja is arguably the one person who has seen Dong Kyung’s struggle the most. But what did she choose to do? She embraces Dong Kyung with warm, comforting love, pretending to not know about her struggle.

As @fierycavalier​ said in one of her numerous tags, when Aunt Soo Ja put not one, but THREE winter accessories which she bought in Canada on Dong Kyung, she did it in a way that you could observe that she physically put the weight of her love over the years around Dong Kyung like a warm blanket so there’s no way Dong Kyung could ignore it.

It’s like the saying, “if you don’t have anything good to say, then say nothing at all”. More often than not, when someone you love is grieving over something, the only thing you can do is just to be there for them in silence, letting them feel your warm presence — whether in person or in spirit — while giving them the space to process their feelings as they grieve.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that it is healthy for someone to keep suppressing what’s on their mind all the time. Not saying their feelings out loud caused Joo Ik, Hyun Kyu, and Ji Na to be entangled in the situation they have been in for the past nine years. As a result, they have been feeling burdened by their past, unable to move on.

We can safely conclude that  Dong Kyung, her family, her colleagues, Myul Mang, Na Ji Na, Cha Joo Ik, Lee Hyun Kyu feel even more burdened than they would have theoretically feel had they chosen to be honest and talk about their feelings instead of pretending to be okay.

As they walk on eggshells around each other, cautious not to burden and hurt the other’s feelings, they paradoxically hurt and burden them anyway.

Funny how things come full circle as they try to avoid it in the first place.

Now, that itself feels burdensome.

.

p/s: I am so sad that my method of embedding Tumblr gifs in my post is currently not working. Otherwise, I would have embedded gifs from @belsmultifandommess​ which I requested the other day in this post. Do visit the gifset 1, 2, 3, 4 and have fun using your imagination to guess which exact gifs I would have embedded in and where in the post I would place them.

[imaginariaextraordinaire]

Episode 8 is one hella packed episode and it is an absolute joy to unpack it, beginning with this:

Clever, clever idea to have Ji-Woo repeat the line that Mi-Joo just said to indicate Ji-Woo is taking charge of things as far as Assemblyman Ki is concerned. It's also a good reminder of how tone and intent can change the meaning of a sentence even if the words are exactly the same (which is why we need good translators).

Seeing Mi-Joo stride across the screen with Seon-Gyeom behind her, it struck me that we've seen a variation of this many times before, beginning with the credit titles. While Seon-Gyeom is the sprinter, the one we see constantly trying to up the pace and charge ahead is Mi-Joo. She's always intent on moving ahead faster — perhaps to outrun the past that she finally makes peace with during the marathon? — while Seon-Gyeom moves at a slower pace, disentangling himself from the constraints of his troubled past and troubling father. The only one time we see him race ahead (in episode 2), we also see him come back and slow down.

What I particularly love about Park Shi-Hyun's writing is that in addition to all the layers and complexity she's written into the scenes and characters, she's also written a very, very funny show.

Both Shin Se-Kyung and Kang Tae-Oh do such a fantastic job with both the physical humour (without being over-the-top) and the timing that's needed to play up the wit in the dialogues. Not that Siwan and Soo-Young do a bad job — the scene in which Dan-Ah proposes to Seon-Gyeom is hilarious. My favourite is still May, who is very funny throughout this episode (the shot in which we learn she sleeps with her eyes open! GOLD).

The transitions in this episode are so well written. The insights from one scene ricochet off the next. For example, Dan-Ah in the scene at the bar — where she tells the bartender she can't risk keeping the book in her own study because she can't risk people guessing she has anxieties — gives us a look at the problems of the privileged. This is followed by a scene in which Yeong-Hwa and Mi-Joo discuss student debts, which is a relatable middle-class problem. This in turn is followed by Tae-Woong saying that he takes selfies because he's addicted to the validation he gets from the likes each of those photos gets him — a Gen Z problem. And so it is that we get a spectrum of problems that people face and hide behind performative façades.

The likes that Tae-Woong talks about pop up with manic frenzy at the end of the heartbreaking scene with Dan-Ah in the parking lot, presenting the viewer with a terrible contrast — driving away from him is the love and acceptance that he yearns for from a sister who (he hopes) knows him. All he has to hold on to is the superficial attention of the love professed by a fandom that doesn't really know him at all. Soo-Young's performance is fantastic in this scene, especially when she asks in a voice tinged with desperation why Tae-Woong keeps coming back to her despite her treating him so badly. For the first time, you realise how much it takes out of her to lash out at this desperately-sad boy. "It takes effort to hate someone," Tae-Woong tells her. My heart!

Another fantastic set of transitions comes later on in the episode, when Mi-Joo and May are unwinding at the end of a long day at the film shoot.

This is such a great example of writing inter-generational female friendships. When May remembers not being paid for working overtime, it's an acknowledgement that things are better for working women (especially in film) than it was before, but as Mi-Joo's experiences show, there's still a lot to be done because women are still driven by a certain insecurity and anxiety to push themselves way too hard (as we see a sick Mi-Joo do later in the episode).

Of course a man tries to break this gathering up — because he wants to go to bed. Superb excuse, particularly because these women are talking how much they have to work — and it is deeply satisfying to watch all three of them shut him down and establish their right to unwind.

This scene of female friendship is followed by one that shows the friendship between the three runners. Then we get to see a fight scene full of male actors. The machismo of that performance is a sharp contrast to the awkward tenderness of Woo-Sik and Yeong-Il's conversation.

While on the subject of toxic masculinity, this is the episode in which we find out Dan-Ah's father forged Myeong-Min's birth certificate to make him legally older than Dan-Ah even though he's actually 10 months younger than her. All to ensure he has a male heir. It's a nice detail that Myeong-Min's mother is the one laying out the memorial service for Dan-Ah's mother because it hints at a sense of solidarity.

Also dismantling traditional notions of masculinity is Seon-Gyeom, whom we see at his most domestic as he cooks and packs meals for May and Mi-Joo, and does chores around the house once they're gone. It's very much an inversion of the standard male-female gender roles with the woman going out to work and the man as the homemaker. To underscore this point, we see Seon-Gyeom consider the leopard-print shirt (that May and Mi-Joo hang to give strangers the impression they've got an alpha in the house) for a second before putting it away.

Speaking of alphas, Mi-Joo's really got a thing for wild cats. In addition to that shirt, her blanket is also a leopard-print and when we see her calling Seon-Gyeom, she's standing in front of a painting of a tiger. All these seem to be digs at her posturing that she's strong and invulnerable and I burst out laughing when Seon-Gyeom folds the leopard-print blanket while muttering, "I'd have guessed this is hers even if she hadn't told me."

As disinterested as Seon-Gyeom may be in films, they play a big role in sustaining him emotionally. In this episode, it's the film set that helps Mi-Joo and him come together after their stupid disagreement. Equally importantly, the film set is where he gets the time and space to reconnect with his mother.

Run On has so much fun being meta with the film bits. The film shoot within a drama is indeed an old fake.

There are two film sets we see in this episode — one with Ji-Woo and the other with Mi-Joo. While Ji-Woo's set feels relaxed, the one Mi-Joo's working in is chaotic and taxing. The two women are also at different ends of the professional spectrum. Ji-Woo is a star while Mi-Joo is not just working behind the scenes, but she's come to fill in for the person who was the juniormost member of the crew.

When pointing out the main players of their film crew to Mi-Joo and May, Hui-Jin describes the cinematographer as "a bit racist, but still a gentleman". (Mi-Joo's response is superb: "Weird.") It's an interesting choice to make the cinematographer racist because that's the crew member who decides how subjects and scenes will be framed. "Racist but a gentleman" feels like a precise summary of the orientalist perspective which (aside from being overwhelmingly masculine) shows the East through stereotypes that are often superficially beautiful, but also reductive and damaging. Not surprisingly, this cinematographer is the reason Mi-Joo flounders while translating on set.

The film set is also the first time that Seon-Gyeom sees Mi-Joo's vulnerable side when she falls ill. It's such a clever choice to have Mi-Joo stop performing in a setting that's all about performances. Not only does Mi-Joo give up the alpha act when she's sick, she admits to Seon-Gyeom that when she's feeling helpless, her instinct is to resort to a performative lie — calling out for mom because that's what she saw other kids do as a child in a sick ward (imagine how isolated and neglected she must have felt to do this. Also, she's felt this way so many times that this performance has become second nature to her).

The anecdote suggests Mi-Joo's mulish championing of her self has its roots in past incidents when she tried to fit and either failed or was rejected. And yet, for all her strength and confidence, she's chasing phantoms and has been doing so since she was a little girl. All because she was alone and didn't have anyone she could reach out to for help. Which is why what Seon-Gyeom tells her at the end of the episode is so relevant. He helps her to reorient.

To which Mi-Joo, bless her leopard-print-loving heart, responds with

But my favourite part of this episode is the conversation that Ji-Woo has with Seon-Gyeom when he visits her set. First of all, Ji-Woo is playing a "vegan murderer", which is brilliant as ideas go and it's adorable how delighted she is about her violent roles.

I love how Run On doesn't punish Ji-Woo for sacrificing her family life for her work. Instead, it holds out the possibility that it is ok if you have that imbalance. In this scene, we see Ji-Woo's family reforming at the film set with Eun-Bi sending the coffee truck and Seon-Gyeom showing up just because Ji-Woo asked him to be there.

The mother-son conversation gives us a glimpse of Seon-Gyeom's bleak childhood and we learn that everything Seon-Gyeom did for his father was actually him doing what his mother had asked him to do. It comes as a surprise to Seon-Gyeom that his mother has noticed what he's suffered and that she understands how he'd hoped silently suffering would keep the family together. It's almost as though he's feeling seen for the first time.

Much like Dan-Ah, Ji-Woo may seem self-centred because of her ambitiousness, but she does notice what's happening beyond the obvious, especially when it comes to people she cares about. Both women are up against the worst of patriarchy. Also, I love that when she's talking about motherhood, Ji-Woo is blood-spattered — after all, being a working woman and a mother in a patriarchal is nothing short of fighting a war.

In previous episodes, it seemed as though Ji-Woo was the 'bad' (or at least not ideal) mother while Director Dong was the ideal, modern mother. Yet in comparison to how Director Dong later reacts to her son coming out, you can't help but feel Ji-Woo, with her unconditional support for her kids, might just be the better parent. What is great about Run On though is that that the script doesn't pit the two older women against each other as competing examples of motherhood or femininity. The point is that everyone's struggling, making mistakes and trying to learn from them. Ji-Woo is doing that and so will Director Dong eventually.

Love that the scene ends with Seon-Gyeom effectively declaring himself his mother's son. Take that, patriarchy.

[drivingsideways]

k-drama rec list

Prior to 2020 I’d maybe watched 2 k-dramas in my entire life, but this year I got sucked in, thanks to some great recs, and y’know, *gestures * everything.  

I think I’d held off watching kdramas because my impression of them was limited to romances that I didn’t enjoy at all. But this was the year I discovered the equivalent of “gen fic” kdrama- dramas that had wonderful ensemble casts, strong story lines that weren’t entirely romance focused and also a variety in terms of themes and styles. A big plus was that I found so many of these dramas had women leading the writers’ room, and seeing the effect of that in the story telling. (Notable exceptions: a certain “star” writer who should please stop inflicting her badly written, formulaic crap on the world, yes Kim Eun-Sook, I mean you, and whoever wrote that trashfire Flower of Evil)

So here I am with my own rec list! Caveat- these are mostly not the dramas released in 2020, I’m still playing catch up! :)

Under the cut for length

My Mister/ My Ahjussi  (2018, Written by Park Hae-Young, Directed by Kim Won-Seok, starring Lee Sun-kyun and Lee Ji-eun aka IU) 

This was definitely my absolute favourite of the shows I watched this year across western/ asian media. It’s a story about the thread that binds us all and the ineffability of human connection. It’s also a story that deconstructs ideas of masculinity and honour and shame in a non-western context, but with an extremely compassionate touch.  It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of material and spiritual poverty; and how one can so easily feed into the other. It’s a love story that isn’t a romance, except that it’s a Romance. It’s about finding salvation in one another and in the kindness of strangers.  It’s about choosing life, and picking yourself up off the floor to take that one last step and then the next and then the next. The one quibble I have with the series is that it could have been better paced, it does get extremely slow after the half way mark. But god, do they land the ending. Both Lee Sun-kyun and IU turn in absolutely heartbreaking performances, and fair warning, be prepared to go through an entire box of tissues watching this series. 

Life  (2018,  written by Lee Soo-yeon  and directed by Hong Jong-chan, starring Lee Dong-wook, Cho Seung-woo, Won Jin-ah, Lee Kyu-hyung, Yoo Jae-myung and Moon So-ri.)

Medical dramas are very much not my thing, and I wouldn’t have taken a chance on it except that @michyeosseo said I should, and she was right! It’s a medical drama in the sense that it’s set in a hospital, but rather than a “case-fic” format, this is actually a sharp commentary on the corporatization of health care, and the business of mixing, well, money and what should be a fundamental human right. Writer Lee Soo-yeon was coming off the global success of Stranger/Secret Forest S1 when this aired, so I understand that expectations were probably sky-high, and people were disappointed when this show didn’t give them the adrenaline rush that they wanted. On the other hand, I thought that this outing was really much more nuanced in terms of the politics and also how the ending doesn’t allow you the luxury of easy-fixes. This show has a great ensemble cast, and while it took me a while to get used to Lee Dong-wook’s woodenness (i ended up calling him mr.cadaver after watching this and was surprised to learn that he’s very popular?), in the end I was quite sold on his version of angry angst-bucket elder-sibling Dr.Ye Jin-woo. His best scenes were with Lee Kyu-hyung who turns in a lovely, achy performance as the paraplegic Dr. Ye Seon-woo who just wants to live a normal life. The love story between the two brothers is actually the emotional backbone of the story, and I think they landed that perfectly. 

My one quibble with writer-nim is that she ended up writing in a forgettable and somewhat (for me at least) uncomfortable romance between the characters played by Won Jin-ah and Cho Seung-Woo. I think part of my uncomfortable-feeling was that I got the strong sense that the writer herself didn’t want to write this romance, it was as if she was being made to shoe-horn it in for Studio Reasons, and she basically grit her teeth and did the worst possible job of it.  I do wish we could have absolutely had the OT3 of my dreams: Moon So-ri/Cho Seung-woo/Yoo Jae-myung like, c’mon TV gods MAKE IT HAPPEN, just...look at them!!!! 

Anyway, that apart, I think this was a very engaging series, and by engaging, I also mean thirst-enabling, see below. 

 Stranger (aka Secret Forest  or Forest of Secrets) S1 & 2 : (2017-, Written by Lee Soo-yeon, directed by 

2017′s smash hit aired a much anticipated second season in 2020, and I managed to catch up just in time to watch that live, so that was thrilling :D . Writer Lee Soo-yeon  mixes up thriller/office comedy/political commentary in an ambitious series. I think S1 is more “exciting” than S2 in terms of the mystery and pacing,  but S2 is far more dense and interesting in terms of political commentary because it takes a long hard look at institutional corruption and in true writer-nim fashion doesn’t prescribe any easy solutions. Anyway, please enjoy public prosecutor Cho Seung-woo and police officer Bae Doona as partners/soulmates kicking ass and taking names in pursuit of Truth, Justice and just a goddamn peaceful meal, along with a stunningly competent ensemble cast. Also yes, Han Yeo Jin is a lesbian, sorry, I don’t make the rules. 

Search: WWW  (2019, Written by Kwon Do-Eun, directed by Jung Ji-hyun & Kwon Young-il, starring  Im Soo-jung, Lee Da-hee, Jeon Hye-jin)

GOD. Where do I start? +1000 for writer Kwon Do-Eun saying “fuck the patriarchy” in the most grandiose way possible, i.e. absolutely refusing to acknowledge that it exists. Yes, this is that power fantasy, and it’s also a fun, slice-of-life  tale about three women navigating their way through work, romance, national politics and everything in between. It’s true that I wasn’t entirely sold on the amount of time spent on the romance, and I really wish they’d actually had a textual wlw romance, though the subtext through the entire series is PRACTICALLY TEXT. But still, it maintains that veneer of plausible deniability and I think queer fans who are sick of that kind of treatment in media have a very valid grouse against the show. On the other hand, personally I felt that the queer-platonic vibe of the show is very wonderful and true to real life, and it was only reinforced by the ending. This is a show written by a woman for women (like me), and it shows. 

Hyena  (2020, Written by Kim Roo-Ri, directed by Jang Tae-yoo & Lee Chang Woo, starring  Kim Hye-soo and Ju Ji-hoon )

Those of you who’ve been watching hit zombie epic Kingdom are probably familiar with Ju Ji-hoon’s brand of sexiness already. I had not watched Kingdom and got hit in the face by Mr.Sexy McSexyPants’ turn as a brash, privileged-by-birth, up and coming lawyer who gets completely runover by the smoking hot and incredibly dangerous fellow lawyer/competitor from the other side of the tracks in the person of Kim Hye-Soo. When I say they set the room on fire, I mean it, ok. Every single scene between these two is an actual bonfire of sexual attraction and emotional hand grenades, and they’re both absolutely riveting to watch. “Flower of Evil” wishes they had what this show has- an actual grown up romance as opposed to a thirteen year old twilight fan’s idea of an adult romance. 

The “lawyer” shenanigans and the “cases” are hit or miss, and I think the occasional comedy fell flat for me. But that’s not why I mainlined like 6 episodes of this series overnight like a coke addict, and that’s not why you’re going to do it either. It’s so RARE, even in these enlightened days to find a female character like Jung Geum-ja: hard as nails, unapologetic about it, and not punished by the narrative for it. The best part for me is that she feels like a woman’s woman, not a man’s idea of what a Strong Female Character should be. Anyways, when I grow up I want to have what Kim Hye-soo has ok?

Other dramas that I watched this year, quickly rated:

The King: Eternal Monarch (3/10 and those 3 points are only for the combined goodness of second leads who deserved better- Jung Eun Chae, Woo Do Hwan and Kim Kyung Nam. Please head over to my AO3 and read my attempts to fix this garbage fire and rescue their characters from canon)

Flower of Evil (-10/100, dont @ me)

Tale of the Nine Tailed (5/10, I think it succeeds at what it set out to do, which is a light hearted, sweet fantasy-romance-melodrama, plus “second lead” Kim Beom will make you cry as the hot mess of a half human/ half fox spirit ALL TEARS character. I think if you’re into kdrama romances as a genre, this is probably a good bet?)

Signal  (7/10,  This was the first full kdrama I watched this year and would definitely recommend. It’s a police procedural with time travel shenanigans and has an engaging plot, good pacing, texture and compelling performances. My one disappointment with it was the way they wrote Kim Hye-soo’s character. As literally the only female character to survive in any way, she was given short shrift, and toward the end it really began to grate on me.)

Six Flying Dragons - (7/10, also would recommend if you’re interested in Korean historicals. It definitely already feels a bit dated in terms of styling and production values, and even scripting and acting choices. But it has a good balance of fantasy and history and political commentary. I was not a fan of Yoo In-Ah’s performance in this series, but it’s not anything that would make you want to nope out of the series. It’s GoT , if GoT was thoughtful about politics and characters and not the misogynist, racist trashfire that it became.)

My Country: The New Age - (3.5/10, and that’s 3 points to Jang Hyuk’s fan and 0.5.points to Woo Do Hwan’s heaving bosom. If you like your historical drama/fantasy with very pretty men, very gay subtext -seriously RIP to show makers who thought they could hetero it but didn’t account for Woo Do Hwan’s Tragic Face- lots of blood and tears and very nonsense plot, this is right up your alley. I probably would have enjoyed it more in other circumstances, I think? But this one just annoyed me too much at the time! 

I have a couple of more dramas to watch on my list, that’ll probably carry me over into 2021, so see ya on the other side! :D

[angelsarts]

Hey I'm sorry to ask, but do you have updates for korean dramas? I can't find the link to your old one but also maybe some newer suggestions? (It's okay if you don't!)

It’s cool, I can do a new one! These are all in the order that I watched them in!

WARNING: LONG POST AHEAD

1. Coffee Prince ( A great choice for a first k-drama)

Choi Han-gyul is the grandson of chairwoman Bang of Dong-in Foods, a company that has a thriving coffee business. He has never had a job and does not care for responsibility. Han-gyul is hung up on his first love, Han Yoo-joo, who only sees him as a friend. Go Eun-chan is a 24-year-old tomboy who is often mistaken for a guy. Her father died when she was 16 years old and since then she has taken over as the breadwinner in her family. When Han-kyul and Eun-chan meet, he, not knowing that she is a girl, decides to hire her to pretend to be his gay lover so that he can escape the blind dates arranged by his grandmother. 

2. Cinderella with four knights

Eun Ha Won is a bright college student who dreams of becoming a teacher. Unfortunately, she loses her mother in a tragic accident, moves in with a cruel stepmother, and has no money for her education. One day, she helps an old man and as fate would have it, moves into a gorgeous mansion with three equally gorgeous men, who also happen to be billionaire cousins and heirs to the Kang family fortune. Between the rebel-minded loner Kang Ji Woon, playboy money machine Kang Hyun Min and the super-sweet singer Kang Seo Woo, Eun Ha Won finds herself in the middle of the hottest love quadrangle to ever befall a modern fairy tale princess. Rounding out the mansion’s chaebol lifestyle are Lee Yoon Sung, who serves as the cousins’ handsome bodyguard, and Park Hye Ji, a gorgeous girl who has her own interests in the Kang family and is not above manipulating one cousin to get closer to another.

3. Bride of the century

Taeyang Group is the largest conglomerate in South Korea. The Choi family who runs Taeyang has supposedly been under a curse for a hundred years that the first bride of the eldest son will always die. When the wealthy heiress Jang Yi-kyung disappears right before her wedding to chaebol heir Choi Kang-joo , Na Doo-rim , a lookalike impostor, is brought in to take her place. Unlike the cold and calculating Yi-kyung, Doo-rim is sweet and sunny, and Kang-joo genuinely falls in love with her. As the wedding plans progress, Kang-joo and Yi-kyung’s mothers both scheme and plot behind the scenes will the romance gets more complicated with the secret of not being the real Jang Yu-kyung.

4. Strong woman Do Bong Soon

Do Bong-soon was born with superhuman strength. Her strength is hereditary and passed along only to the women in her family. Her dream is to create a video game with herself as the main character. She desperately wants to become a delicate and elegant woman, which is the ideal type of her crush, In Guk-doo, a police officer. Thanks to her strength, she gets a job as bodyguard to rich heir Ahn Min-hyuk, the CEO of a gaming company, Ainsoft. In contrast to Guk-doo, Min-hyuk is an eccentric man who is playful, a little spoiled, has no regard for rules, and dislikes policemen. He has recently received anonymous threats and has even been stalked, leading him to hire Bong-soon as his bodyguard after seeing her beat up a bunch of men after they threatened an old man who was an elementary school bus driver. A series of kidnapping cases soon happen in Dobong-dong, the district Bong-soon lives in, and she is determined to catch the culprit, who targeted her best friend. With help and training from Min-hyuk, she manages to control her strength to use it for good causes. Min-hyuk and Bong-soon find their relationship growing into something more.

5. My secret romance

Jin-wook and Yoo-mi meet at a Gangwon-do resort and get caught up in a series of misunderstandings and accidents. Yoo-mi is there to attend her mother’s second wedding while Jin-wook is there working as a bellhop (a position given to him by his Chairman father to teach him responsibility.) Yoo-mi is charmed by Jin-wook’s sly and playful personality, and they unexpectedly spend the night together. However, Yoo-mi disappears in the morning, leaving Jin-wook feeling perplexed and insulted. Three years later, the two meet again when Yoo-mi becomes a nutritionist at the company cafeteria where Jin-wook works. It seems that once a playboy Jin-wook, has given up his carefree life and works at the company owned by his father. He has feelings for Yoo-mi and has kept her bra-pad as a memory of the night that they spent together. At first, he is strict toward her, though it is only because he is looking for reasons to be near her. He later confesses this to her and agrees to wait for her.

6. Scarlet heart ryeo ( One of my all time favourites) 

During a total solar eclipse, a 25-year-old 21st-century woman, Go Ha-jin, is transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty. She wakes up in the year of 941 in the body of Hae Soo, among the many royal princes of the ruling Wang family. She initially falls in love with the gentle and warm-hearted 8th Prince Wang Wook, and later Wang So, the fearsome 4th Prince who hides his face behind a mask and is given the derogatory label of “wolf dog.” As the story develops, Hae Soo finds herself unwittingly caught between the rivalry and politics among the princes over the fight for the throne, an she stay alive long enough for a happy ending?

7. Falling for innocence

Min Ho is a cold-blooded corporate raider who takes no prisoners. He is a scoundrel investment banker for Gold Investment, seemingly the world’s largest financial service firm. As a cynical, self-defensive, suspicious sociopath, he wears down people with his tenacity and takes advantage of them with his delusions of grandeur. However, Min Ho has his own story of how he became evil - it was because of his uncle’s betrayal. His father was overthrown by his uncle and it caused his family to hit bottom. As Min Ho vows to get revenge, he meets Soon Jung, the daughter of his father’s former secretary who betrayed him and whom now works for his uncle. One day, he has a heart attack and is taken to a hospital. He miraculously survives his heart attack after undergoing a heart transplant. His heart is actually from Dong Wook, a young detective and Soon Jung’s fiancé who suffered from brain damage from a mysterious car accident. After receiving a new life thanks to the new heart, he is no longer the cold and callous person that he has been and undergoes a profound change to his personality, talking differently and warming up people. But he still pursues his plan to get revenge on his uncle even though his emotions get in the way at times. He gradually learns the meaning of happiness when he finds Soon Jung, whom he wants to cherish and protect. His heart becomes tender and his eyes swell with tears when as he works with her. He falls in love with her without realising it.

8. The bride of Habaek / the water god

When the narcissistic water god Ha-baek visits earth in order to find three stones powerful enough to help him claim his throne, he seeks out the help of his servant and destined bride, psychiatrist So-ah, whose family is fated to serve the water god for generations. The problem is that she has no belief in the gods and initially mistakes him for suffering from delusions. Things get even stranger when the wind god Bi-ryeom, the water goddess Mu-ra, and the semi-god Hu-ye show up to complicate things

9. Weightlifting fairy Kim Bok Joo

Kim Bok-Joo is a promising collegiate female weightlifter. Her father runs a small chicken restaurant and her uncle wants to become an actor. She has a bright personality and strong sense of justice. Kim Bok-Joo and her friends on the female weightlifting team are not popular with the guys and they don’t have boyfriends. The weightlifting team and the rhythmic gymnastic team also don’t get along at all. Meanwhile, Jung Joon-Hyung is a collegiate swimmer plagued with numerous false start disqualifications. He is 21-years-old and has a free spirit. His uncle and aunt raised him along with his cousin Jung Jae-Yi. One day on campus, Kim Bok-Joo bumps into Jung Joon-Hyung while he is riding his bicycle. Her face looks familiar to Jung Joon-Hyung. After he leaves, Kim Bok-Joo picks up a handkerchief left behind by Jung Joon-Hyung. The handkerchief is very important to him and he begins looking for it. Later, Kim Bok-Joo cleans and irons the handkerchief. She goes to the school’s swimming pool and gives back his handkerchief, but he explodes with anger when he sees that she cleaned it. Kim Bok-Joo then falls into the swimming pool and Jung Joon-Hyung jumps into the pool to save her. At that moment, Kim Bok-Joo and Jung Joon-Hyung realize where they have seen each other before. When they were both children, Kim Bok-Joo saved Jung Joon-Hyung’s life by catching him before he fell to the ground.What happens now they know each other?

10. I’m not a robot

Kim Min-kyu lives an isolated life due to a severe allergy to other people. He develops extreme rashes that rapidly spread throughout his body once he makes any form of skin contact. Jo Ji-ah is a woman who is trying to make it in life by creating her own businesses. Kim Min-kyu who owns the KM Financial company which owns Santa Maria team headed by professor Hong Baek-kyun. Professor Hong’s team has created a humanoid robot called Aji 3 which looks like his ex-girlfriend Jo Ji-ah. CEO of KM Financial, Kang Ki-young, and his father try to sell the Santa Maria team to foreign investor, Martin, who secretly knows about the Aji 3 and wants to use it as a weapon. Hong Baek-kyun sends the robot to Kim Min-kyu to convince him not to sell the team. Before Aji 3 is delivered, the robot’s body is accidentally damaged. Hong Baek-kyun approaches Jo Ji-ah, asking her to pose as the robot, giving the team time to repair Aji 3. Jo Ji-ah agrees, and impersonates the robot under the supervision of the Santa Maria team and the robot’s computer brain, can she survive without being caught out?

11. Goblin / Guardian the lonely and great

Kim Shin is a goblin and protector of souls. He is the landlord of the grim reaper, who is in charge of taking deceased souls. Wanting to end his immortal life, Shin has been looking for his human bride, the only person who can end his life. Meanwhile, Ji Eun-tak is a high school student who remains optimistic despite the tragedies and difficulties she has experienced in her life. She summons the goblin by chance, and through various encounters, ends up falling in love with him. Sunny is a chicken restaurant owner, whose beauty is undeniable, but what has she got to do with the goblin and reaper? These four characters’ lives took a series of twists and turns when they intertwined.

12. Terius behind me (Another favourite!)

Go Ae-Rin suddenly loses her husband left to take care of her two children on her own. A mysterious man, Kim Bon, that lives next door ends up getting tangled into their lives. Kim Bon is a legendary NIS agent and 3 years ago, he was involved in a failed secret operation and the woman he loved died. He has since become disconnected with the world and lives alone quietly but that soon changes as he helps his neighbor Go Ae-Rin with her children and uncover a conspiracy, which her husband became involved with all the while trying to keep his secrets by the nosy neighbours in the building.

13. 100 days my prince 

Lee Yool is the Crown Prince of Joseon, a perfectionist who disregards the majority of those in the royal palace and appears to be cold and demanding, when in reality, he is lonely. He then passes the law that all women must marry before they reach the age of 28. Hong Shim is head of the first detective agency in Joseon, a strong, intelligent figure who takes on multiple jobs to support herself and her father. She is also the oldest unmarried woman in her village, and begins to look for a husband to avoid trouble from law officials. In an attempted assassination, Lee Yool develops temporary amnesia and wanders around aimlessly as a commoner with no name or identity, until he meets none other than Hong Shim, who takes him under her care. Hong Shim is then forced to marry Won Deuk to save her village from drought, due to beliefs in that era where natural disasters are a result of an unmarried woman’s misery. This drama depicts how the love story of Hong Shim, ‘Joseon’s oldest unmarried woman’ and Lee Yool, the amnesiac Crown Prince, develops over the span of 100 days.

14. My ID is Gangnam beauty

Kang Mi-rae decides to get plastic surgery after years of being bullied because of her looks. Her “rebirth” seems successful at first, but as her life at the university unfolds, her plan starts to backfire. The pressure of being a “pretty girl” begins to pressure her and, worse, those who can see through her surgery ridicule her and tag her as the “Gangnam plastic surgery monster.” The drama follows Mi-rae’s story of recovering self-esteem as she figures out what a two faced friend is and gets to know her coursemate, and former schoolmate in middle school, Do Kyung-seok

15. The secret life of my secretary 

Do Min-Ik works as a director of the mobile media 1 team at T&T, he’s smart and excellent at his job however he doesn’t like to attach himself to people or his secretary. His secretary is Jung Gal-Hee, a diligent and motivated person that does whatever it takes to keep her job and feed her family. Do Min-Ik often does childish things like calling Jung Gal-Hee continually, Jung Gal-Hee carries out Do Min-Ik’s orders without complaints but though she may look soft, she hides her tough side. The tough side soon comes out as she is fired, much to Do Min-Ik’s regret he soon discovers that he’s going to need her more than ever and discovers a new side to her in the process.

16. W - Two worlds ( Really recommended!! )

A love story of two people split apart in different worlds connected by a webtoon. The series focuses on the eponymous fictional webtoon entitled W, written and illustrated by its legendary author and illustrator Oh Seong-moo. W became famous in the entire South Korea, the storyline of the webtoon W starts with the younger years of its main character Kang Chul, a handsome and intelligent boy who is also skilled in shooting. He becomes famous as he won a shooting competition during the 2004 Athens Olympics but this fame gets ruined when his entire family was killed by an unknown Murderer, and then framed for it. Another villain Han Cheol-ho  handles the case to gain political popularity, pronouncing in court to impose death penalty upon Kang Chul. Nevertheless, Kang Chul was deemed innocent of the crime. Depressed over losing his family, he attempts to commit suicide over the Han River but he stops himself and chooses to move on with his life.Ten years later, Kang Chul becomes a multimillionaire, starting his “Project W” in his continuous efforts to catch the real culprit behind his family’s death; part of the project is his television broadcasting company dubbed “W,” after the initials of the interrogatives “who” and “why” (hence, the title of the webtoon). One night, he receives a suspicious phone call and gets severely injured by the same mysterious Murderer at the rooftop of his penthouse, only to be saved by a mysterious girl, none other than the authors daughter. How did she get there? Why is she there? How will they become entangled?

17. My contracted husband Mr Oh

Han Seung-Joo (Uee) is a single woman in her mid 30’s who works as a PD at a broadcasting station. She does well at her job, but is not nearly as good when it comes to housework. Han Seung-Joo has a hard time dealing with social prejudices about single women but still refuses to marry at least until an incident that occurs leading to a dramatic change in her life. She seeks to find a husband thinking it would help her situation but to get the position of a “married woman,” Han Seung-Joo marries Oh Jak-Doo as a contract husband who lives in the mountain that she just happened to own. Their marriage is not based on love, but their relationship develops romantically after several twists and turns.

18. Marriage contract ( For those who love to cry, seriously heartbreak ahead )

Kang Hye-soo is a single mother who struggles to raise her daughter while paying off her late husband’s debts. Han Ji-hoon is the son of a chaebol who seeks a contract marriage in order to save his mother, who needs a liver transplant. When Hye-soo is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, she agrees to marry Ji-hoon and donate part of her liver to his mother, in exchange for enough money to provide for her daughter until she reaches adulthood. Han Ji-Hoon is driving along when Hye-Soo is almost hit saving her 7 year old daughter Eun-Seong, He rushes her to the hospital as she faints however while she is being tested the Manager of the restaurant Han Ji-Hoon owns Ho-Joon tells him might be a scam and to make sure she is really hurt. Han Ji-Hoon has Hye-Soo’s phone and receives a call from a mysterious man which turns out to be the debt collector who comes to the hospital after hearing it being said in the background. He chases Hye-Soo when she is leaving, where he almost catches her but she in the end hides in Han Ji-Hoon’s car with Eun-Seong. Han Ji-Hoon’s mother has been rushed to the hospital where they find out that if she doesn’t get a liver transplant she will die but she is way down on the list so Han Ji-Hoon decides to marry a Hye-Soo she agrees so she can pay off her debt and also make sure Eun-Seong has money to grow up on as she gets the results back from when she fainted and she has a brain tumour. Eun-Seong in the beginning doesn’t like Han Ji-Hoon but she warms up to him as the pretend relationship blossoms into something real.

BONUS

19. 200 pounds beauty

Han-Na is a very large girl with a warm heart. She also possesses an unbelievable voice. Han-Na wants to become a pop-singer, but due to her extra-large appearance, can only work as a faceless singer. She provides the vocals for a popular singer named Amy, a beautiful young lady that can’t carry a note to save her life.Han-Na is also in love with Amiys music producer, Sang-Joon, but it’s a one-sided love. One day, Han-Na is invited to Sang-Joon’s birthday party and receives a red dress from him to wear to his party. Han-Na is excited, yet scared. The dress is revealing and quite extravagant. With her very large figure, she is not sure if she can wear such an outfit. Han-Na does eventually go to the birthday party in the red dress, but is mortified when petite Amy appears in the same red dress. During the course of the birthday party, Han-Na absorbs more emotional trauma and she simply disappears for one year. Han-Na then returns as the beautiful Jenny, a beautiful stunner who decides to make it on her own in the industry but encounters her once sided love. Will she be a success? Will her feelings get in the way and can she keep the guilt of the consequences of what her change brings?

20. Takane to Hana ( Japanese )

A tv show adapted from a manga ( that I particularly loved).  After her older sister refuses to go to an arranged marriage meeting with Takane Saibara, the heir to a vast business fortune, high schooler Hana Nonomura agrees to be her stand-in to save face for the family. But what happens when Hana meets Takane is an unexpected pairing of utter opposites! Although it seemed a little rushed at the end it was a nice tv show!

[ulla494]

Ji Chang Wook is one of the best actors in Korea. The first time I saw him was in drama “Healer”. After watching that I went through his filmography and watched the most of his dramas. The list is long.

“Smile Again” as Carl Laker / Donghae

- It’s a family drama. Ji Chang Wook is very young and cute here. It has total 159 episodes for about 30 minutes each. It is packed with characters you want to punch in the face most of the time and it can easily get you frustrated, especially the main villain 🤣 The main subjects are running a hotel and cooking (You gonna be expert in kimchi after watching it 😂)

Even though it was frustrating it was a good drama to watch.

“Warior Baek Dong Soo” as Baek Dong Soo

- It’s a historical drama. The first few episodes are happening in the past when main characters are still children so we see Ji Chang Wook in his role in about 4th or 5th episode.

The most important part of this drama is friendship of 2 main characters. It was the most enjoyable part. Also soundtrack is really good.

What I disliked was romance. It was lacking. I wish they skipped it.

“Bachelor’s Vegetable Store” as Han Tae Yang

- At first I thought it is going to be more like comedy or very light drama but after watching the first episode I knew it is going to be one of those heavy stories.

The first few episodes are in the childhood years. What happens then is very important to the whole storyline when main characters are adults.

This drama has many sad and heartbreaking moments but also happy ones about not giving up because of the obstacles.

I wasn’t fan of romance in this one

“Five Fingers” as Yoo Inha

- You could say that Ji Chang Wook is second lead here but also a villain. His role is different of the most dramas he is in, wher he is nice and righteous human being. It’s the opposite here. His character is more complex than just being villain. It’s more like he is very angry and also very emotional.

First few episodes are childhood years. The kid that acted as young Inha was amazing then Ji Chang Wook nailed the adult version. You had no doubt it’s the same character.

The main female lead was played by Jin Se Yun and I’m not very fond of her acting. Also I don’t think her character brought any depth to the series.

Apart from that drama is very good. It has 30 episodes and has many plot twist. Definitely worth watching.

“Empress Ki” as Emperor Ta Hwan

You can find the long review of this drama in one of my previous posts 😉

“Healer” as Park Bong Soo

- It is more of an action drama with cool main lead. I loved all the running on the rooftops etc 😂

It has many good characters and also some mystery to be solved.

I love the love the love story in this one. One of the cutest in Kdrama

“The Whirlwind Girl 2”

- It’s a Chinese drama so Ji Chang Wook voice was dubbed. Fortunately dubbing was good and we could still enjoy his acting skills there as he can act even with his eyes only 😂

This drama is a sequel. I think it disliked by many fans as the actress from the first season was replaced with different for the second one. Also they didn’t solve a storyline of male lead from the first season as he was absent in the second one and there is no news on the third.

I personally liked the girl who was with Ji Chang Wook in second season. They looked good together. His character wasn’t in the first season and because of the absence of the guy from the first one, he was the main lead.

Story is not that spectacular but it was enjoyable and Wookie was hot in this drama. Martial Arts coach 😉

I liked the music.

One of the biggest minuses was too many flashbacks. To the point that 2 last episodes were basically one huge flashback of the whole series.

“The K2”

- Proper action drama. Shooting, breaking windows, fist fights etc

Ji Chang Wook is very fit here and shows as some nice skills.

I liked the storyline of the main villain in this drama. She had a great chemistry with Wookie.

Background music was good to.

I didn’t like the romance. I think Yoona’s character was boring and really annoying. However there is many people who loved it.

“Suspicious Partner”

- I love the drama and the whole cast. Characters and storyline is really good.

It is legal drama and we have some mystery to be solved.

Romance is also good.

I don’t watch it anymore as toxic Nam Ji Hyun and Ju Chang Wook shippers put me off so atm I can’t enjoy it as I used to.

I mean it’s ok to like the couple in the drama but forcing actors to be together in real life is a whole different story. If they were together that’s great but fans spreading unconfirmed rumours just because they blindly believe in their ship is not right. Like pushing into people’s face the rumours about their marriage just because they saw video on YouTube

“Melting me softly” as Ma Dongchan

- I’ve read many people call this drama disaster. I personally loved it.

I’ve been born in mid 80s and my childhood and some of teen years were through 90s.

The way they showed how characters jumped 20 years from 1999 to 2019 was just great. I remember well how life was back then and all those little thing we witnessed in this drama were so accurate

I like the chemistry of our main couple

[thememoryofthatday]

Warrior Baek Dong-soo Edition

The first character I fell in love with: Dong-soo. Everyone goes for Woon first, and I do love Woon, but the loudmouthed idiot who is also a genius with a heart of gold? I can't resist this kind of character and I loved him from the time we saw him on screen as a 12-year-old.

The character I never expected to love as much as I do now: Mi-so. She's my girl and I love writing her character.

The character everyone else loves that I don’t: Everyone else loves Woon, and so do I. I don't understand this fandom's admiration for Chun, though, dude is literally a serial killer who mindfucked Woon most of his life. He also smells like stale wine and looks like he's going to fall off his horse.

The character I love that everyone else hates: Dong-soo, unfortunately. He gets far too much hate in this fandom and it's mostly because of that stupid finale.

The character I used to love but don’t any longer: I never loved him, but I didn't have bad feelings towards Gwang-taek the first time I watched the show. The more I rewatch, the more I wish he had just fallen off that cliff while doing pull-ups in Qing.

The character I would totally smooch: Umm. Can I submit a Top Ten list instead of a single candidate or...?

The character I’d want to be like: General Seo! He got to troll the boys at the beacons AND laugh in the villain's face. I want his life.

The character I’d slap: Again, I need a Top Ten list for this, and we may need to replace slapping with stabbing.

A pairing that I love: After Dong-soo & Woon, my favorite ships are Gak/Mi-so (I started it so I have to list them first), Yi San/Jin-joo (started by @tepidcupoftea and now we all ship it), Jang-mi/Sa-mo (canon), and Ga-ok/Jin-gi (should've been canon).

A pairing that I despise: Woon/Queen Jung-soon. I mean really, what are people thinking shipping this? You might as well ship Woon with Hong at this rate, she's a full-blown villain who tried to murder a child, helped murder Sado, tried to murder Dong-soo, etc. I don't care how many times she bats her eyelashes, she's disgusting and I'm pretty sure Woon would be sickened by the very thought. He was drawn to kind people like Dong-soo and Ji-sun, and he told us (and Jung-soon) himself that he's not shallow. -100/10 do not want ever to come across this again in my life.

[snowstorm808]

More than Friends review eps 9-16

I previously posted my review of the first half of the series because I could not contain what I felt. It was quite impulsive of me but I wanted to let out everything I thought and felt for this drama. It is becoming better every time in such a way that I see the little creative ideas the writer or director is putting into each episode along with the development of the story. Familiar yet refreshing. I decided to create a new post because I saw that the first half recap was way too long if I would still add the remaining episode reviews because I just could not help it. I do understand that the length could be frustrating but I want my words to be read too, so thank you for everyone patient enough to read my words.

Episode 9 - Watching this episode made me realize a double standard I never really noticed before but I guess drama watchers would be able to relate to; the difference of pitiful and pathetic for female and male leads. I’m not yet certain if it’s deliberate but female characters locked in one sided love often seem pathetic but when it’s a male character they seem pitiful? Woo Yeon did seem pathetic in her one sided love in the earlier episodes so why does Soo get to be pitiful? It’s the same for the past dramas I’ve watched too. It’s just a food for thought. Based on last week’s preview, I really thought Joon Soo would punch Lee Soo after the drunk call but he held back so good job, Joon Soo. Honestly, I thought he wouldn’t be able to hold back because not only was he angry of the fact that Woo Yeon was getting swayed by Soo, but also because he knew how much it hurt, and hates the fact that she would still be hurt over the latter after a decade. This is why I keep wanting Joon Soo because he never thought selfishly when it came to Woo Yeon. I also love the fact that his character is being shown as someone seemingly perfect with a lot of flaws too. I love seeing his flaws and even relating to them! Being used to holding back is probably the reason why I write so much because I swear I can’t talk this much at all. I really hope he would stop holding back for his own sake. I think the most favorable Soo I have ever seen was him drunk calling his dad. I love the fact his parents went to his house to talk and console him. I also realized that Soo really closed himself up enough to have no one but his dad to drunk call. That was sad because the high school gang never really shunned him but he was the one who kept his heart closed. I half expected his folks to announce that hey would be back together because I feel that’s where those two are headed to eventually. As for Woo Yeon, I’m somehow glad she mustered up the courage to break up with Joon Soo after everything. As much as I was dreading it, I also felt that it was the right decision. She knew that it was too cruel to let him hurt quietly so I’m glad she had that decency; I could see that she was doing her best to be firm with her resolve. On her behalf, I get it why it’s difficult for her to let go of her feelings for Soo so I do not think she’s a weird one for that. I know that this is where my ship stops its sail but I’m satisfied that it’s not as I feared it would. The fight scene was reminiscent of Jealousy Incarnate, I just hope Dong Jun faked the punch because I know how athletic he has been from his Idol days which is enough for me to be scared for Seung Woo. Conveniently, it was only after this that Soo decides to take a break from pursuing Woo Yeon after ruining her chance to start anew with someone. Eventually, I know that Woo Yeon would not be able to defy the flow of her feelings towards Soo but I hope he can also grow up more because right now, I can still see him being selfish and self centered in his approach.

Episode 10 - How can one episode contain so much emotions? And it was all types of emotions at that! I mean one moment it’s awkward, cute, upsetting, lovely, funny then sad and even more! This episode was a roller coaster of emotions in my opinion. First thing’s first, the younger guy Jinju dated is a total loser and a scumbag. Good thing Sang-hyeok was there to the rescue. I feel so bad for Young-hee because every time she takes a step forward, she’s always dragged two steps back. She has a strong personality but it does not mean her situation does not wear her down too. So here comes the roller coaster because Lee Soo and On Joon Soo drinking together and ending up at Woo Yeon’s place is super cute. That includes her parents’ “interview” with the two men while they try to show off their “qualities”. I literally said “boom” when Joon Soo “let slipped” that Soo was the jerk Woo Yeon’s parents have been hunting for. That was really petty but I guess it’s his little revenge on Soo for interrupting their relationship when he used to date Woo Yeon. I am not going to lie about not loving the misunderstanding Soo had when he saw them together in the restaurant while he was with his parents. He tends to act so victimized which I really dislike then he readily blows up at Woo Yeon. But then again, it makes these characters more human then the usual kdrama characters I watched in the past. Lee Soo should really learn to express things more clearly so Woo Yeon would stop thinking that he’s simply bored or fooling around. As for Joon Soo, it’s a lost battle and I feel bad for him because he has become a masochist which is why I need to take care of him. I need Woo Yeon’s cooperation for this...

Episode 11 - Soo is finally given the chance he keeps on missing. As much as I am sad for my ship, I’m happy Woo Yeon and Soo are coming around although it isn’t the full circle yet. I do feel really bad for Joon Soo but it has always been clear how strong Woo Yeon’s feelings have been for Soo. I like how she at long last clearly stated that she will always give Soo the chance whatever he does because it has been evidently true for the past episodes. I guess that’s enough proof that feelings can’t be controlled easily. My favorite part in this episode would be her giving Soo an ultimatum because I always had a feeling he thought of her as a port always there for him. My second favorite in this episode would be Sang Hyuk and Jinju! He’s so sweet and caring which is exactly what she needs. Will they be my favorite couple? Hehe. I just want to take a bit of time to swoon over Joon Soo because he cares a lot for Woo Yeon though it isn’t returned, I appreciate him wishing her well. I can’t help but wonder if there will be another drama between Woo Yeon and Soo, because if he hurts her one more time then I would prefer her to be alone (I’ll be taking Joon Soo.)

Episode 12 - I never thought Soo and Woo Yeon together would be this mushy haha. They are making up for the lost time and I like seeing them happy and somewhat letting go of the inhibitions they had. And for the first time, I think I want to scold the writer for adding a character like Yura because seriously, those two no longer need another person to interrupt them. I suppose it’s to make up for the remining episodes? But then it could be expound on things like commitment issues for Woo Yeon and Soo, and taking the next step for their relationship. I do secretly hope for Joon Soo to make a comeback but not necessarily in a romantic light. Obviously, Soo is the one being careful now when it comes to dealing with Woo Yeon. I like seeing him nervous of losing her because it keeps him on his toes though I hope he would be more direct about it instead of acting cool so she won’t misunderstand anymore. I remember him saying he dated around too but Woo Yeon seems more like the one used to dating. I guess he never really thought of the other party when dating. I can sort of imagine his ex-girlfriends putting more effort than him.

Episode 13 - Lol, Soo should’ve been more sensitive when Woo Yeon insisted on going home by herself. I find it so cute when she defended Soo from her parents, she was so cheeky to point out her dad’s faults. After everything they have been through I hope they can do well from now on but something tells me otherwise. At least Woo Yeon finally said the magic words Soo has been so anxious to hear. It seems she was too nervous and being careful to say it though I had the initial impression that she must’ve had a stigma of some sort to those three words. I somehow feel nervous about Soo’s job offer from the airline because it might lead to a fight or even a break up. Speaking of a break up, I’m sad Hyun-jae and Young-hee had to part ways though it was one-sided. I do get the pov of his family but I can’t relate to the pressure of marriage. By the way, am I the only one who thinks Kwon Yura’s character is waste? I mean I don’t see much purpose for her character because she does not threaten the main lead’s relationship other than making Woo Yeon want to doll up herself. I must say one of my favorite scenes in this episode is when Woo Yeon went to the salon and told the staff she’s meeting with her boyfriend’s woman. I love how the customers and salon staff reacted even calling in their boss to style her. Was it a parody? I’m not sure because I have sworn to lay my hands and eyes off all dramas that deal with a husband’s mistress. Nevertheless, it was super witty and I had a lot of fun watching that scene including the one where she deliberately posed further behind Yura to make her face look smaller. Lastly, Sang-hyeok and Jinju are finally together! They look so cute together and make the perfect couple. In fact, all three couples seem to be perfect for each other because they complement each others’ personalities well. 

Episode 14 - This must be the episode where everyone breaks up or gets rejected. But before that, I can’t get over the expression Woo Yeon’s mom wore when she said to pack up contraception for her trip with Soo. One minute they were having a lovely mother-daughter moment then she suddenly brings that up. As much as most people would find it awkward, I think it was so funnily straightforward. Her mom cares which suddenly reminds me of the reaction of Young-hee’s mom when she found tons of condoms in her drawer. Another reaction I really enjoyed was when Woo Yeon and Soo found out Jinju and Sang-hyeok are dating! The way she splashed water out of shock really showed how it was the farthest thing in her mind. From the time Soo’s work offer came, it already seemed ominous along with Woo Yeon’s offer so I was not surprised with the break up. Maybe it was for the better; I have been mulling over Woo Yeon’s reasoning that she might end up hating Soo if they stayed together. The loneliness was eating her up which I believe is realistic in a long distance relationship like theirs. Soo shouldn’t have readily agreed regardless if he was thinking of her or not. Considering these two pursued their careers, I think this would leave less regrets in their hearts because they were able to fulfill the dreams they had. Their feelings for each other will always be there because they are Soo and Woo Yeon. I just need to wait how they will get back to each other.

Episode 15 - While watching this episode, I couldn’t stop thinking that this is the episode I finally see Lee Soo as someone heartbroken and not self centered, also, am I the only one who thinks his hair styled up is way better than his hair down? At last, I got to see Soo’s feelings of longing for Woo Yeon instead of his attitude of forcing his feelings like earlier into the series. I think it’s his maturity plus his sincerity in wanting her back because he now knows how it is to lose her. Their break up might just seem like another ploy by the writer to extend the series but I also think it was helpful to both Woo Yeon and Soo. In the first place, they decided to be apart so their careers could flourish which made them busy and drift apart. It also brought to light the insecurities they had especially Woo Yeon who had been so used to be the only one who in love. I think her fears of having the person she loved and wanted the most surfaced which keeps her from returning to him even if he’s practically begging her back. I just hope Soo would’ve made efforts to contact Woo Yeon or get her back after that break up call just as he was when he was courting her instead of stepping back. I guess it was partly a good thing because they were able to achieve certain things for their careers during that time too. Meanwhile Young-hee’s mom’s death was inevitable but at least they got to resolve the hard feelings and she was able to convey her love for her children. I think among the deaths I’ve seen in kdramas, this is the most touching for me. I must really be getting old to be sentimental like this. I also felt envious of the leads’ friendship. This episode showcased it the most especially how they supported Young-hee through the most difficult time in her life. I also love how they quietly support the complicated relationship of Soo and Woo Yeon. They have never attempted to kill him so yup they are good people.

Episode 16 - Loose strings are tied up in a pretty bow as the friends gear up for each of their happy endings. Joon Soo decides to let go of his feelings for Woo Yeon (he’s finally free to walk towards me! Yay!) I really like their hug because it sums up the affections and friendship they had. Good thing Soo wasn’t there to tear them apart. I also like that Soo is still a bit jealous of Joon Soo because whenever I remember how arrogant he was about stealing Woo Yeon away, I still want to punch him. His mom’s pushing aka guilting Woo Yeon was indeed effective, heh. Seriously though, it seems to me that his mom did it because she did not want him to end up like his parents and perhaps it was her way of making up for their negligence and mistreatment of him. I love the fact that Soo and Woo Yeon continued to fight and make up even after getting back together, it was very much in their character. It’s also nice that Soo’s parents decided to give their relationship another shot. It makes me think that they too learned from their son. Jinju’s and Sang-hyeok’s wedding pictorial was super lovely, it was very smart of them to trick Soo into it haha. Young-hee and Hyun-jae are finally back together too! Thank goodness, they’re getting married instead of returning to dating. As much as I cringed with their cheesiness, it was very much welcome and cute to watch. All six of them had their own cringey and cheesy way of saying and doing things. I think this drama has one of the most satisfactory endings ever, now, if only On Joon Soo can find his way to me...

More than Friends has met the amount of romance and tension that I always look for yet refreshing and not too cliché. I love the little details and the way it explored different types and stages of relationships including of different age groups. I hope other viewers would also get to see how the writer tried to portray these in the drama. Watching the ending made me realize the drama’s title was probably referred to these couples because they started as friends and became more than just that. Honestly, their situation is quite idealistic but I think it’s so cute if it does happen in real life. I’m happy I watched this even if it was mainly for Kim Dong Jun. Literally before watching this, I watched Moment of Eighteen then even prior to that, I watched Meow, The Secret Boy. MoE was sad because Junwoo had to put off his dreams and relationship to help out his mom. I initially wanted to skip or wait till later to watch it but ended up being hooked to it. Hehe.

One of the things I find fascinating in this drama is the casting! Shin Ye Eun’s step mom in MTSB became her actual mom while her dad became Lee Soo’s dad this time. There lots of familiar faces which made me like the drama even more. 

[multifansky]

Scenario - Knowing Bros Episode 100

originaltreebanditfish  -  Hello! I love your work and it's really hard to find good fanfiction about Super Junior and I'm glad I found someone that writes about them and actually knows the group on a deep level. I have a request for SuJu 16th menmer AU. An episode of Ask us anything in which sky roast Heechul. If you want, you can include other members too, I won't mind ;). i understand if you won't do it. Keep up the good work ! 

I know the roasts are pretty lowkey, but I thought this episode was perfect to slip some stuff in there because the members were doing it. Enjoy! :)

(The credit belongs to the show, with my little twist here and there!)

Sky’s P.O.V

Today is another filming for knowing bros and today I’m even more excited than usual. Why? Because my family gets to be on altogether. By family, I mean Super Junior. Although I see Heechul every filming day and sometimes Leeteuk & Shindong, I finally get to be with the others. Besides, we’re a crazy bunch once we are all on variety shows. Today we are celebrating not only our comeback with Black Suit but also the 100th episode of Knowing Bros. Today is going to be a great day. 

In the beginning of filming the knowing bro’s cast were all talking. After what felt like forever, finally, Heechul and I walked out together in obviously different outfits compared to the knowing bros cast.

We walked to the front with Heechul saying, “Wow, we were waiting in the back and you guys talk so freaking much!” The whole cast confused and asked us what we were doing and about how late we are. “It’s really awkward up here,” Heechul said and I nodded in agreement. 

“I feel like I have power up here, though,” I said and looked at the cast. 

“Why are you both wearing different clothes today?” Seo Jang Hoon asked us. “We brought some friends here today,” Heechul said. 

“But, some of them are afraid of Ho Dong and are hesitating to walk in. So, the rest is comforting him before they come in.” I explained, playfully glaring at Ho Dong. Heechul clapped as a signal for them to come in and they did. It took them a few seconds, forcing Yesung to actually come in, me giggling to the side. Of course, they are all being loud and clapped, I walked over to Yesung and pulled him next to me. Ho Dong tries to comfort Yesung as if they knew each other and Yesung not going for it. Even though it was all jokes, it’s still funny and really believable. I held Yesung closer to me and glared at Ho Dong.

“Why are you holding onto Yesung so tight, Sky?” Kim Young Chul asked me. 

“I’m his bodyguard today. I’m here to protect him from Ho Dong.” I explained, still glaring at Ho Dong. Yesung nodded and held onto me too, while Ho Dong just looked at everyone, saying “Wow~” repeatedly. 

“Where are you from? Introduce yourselves.” Ho Dong said.

“Were Transfers from ‘The Original Variety Show Idols, who came back to their original job in 2 years’ High School. We are Super Juni” Leeteuk said. “Or!” we all said at the end, is our signature hand posing. After, Lee Soo Geun made fun of Heechul and I because we were being awkward since this is the first time we’ve been up in the front and not in our seats. Of course, we felt weird! 

After we warmed up a bit, we introduced ourselves. Leeteuk as the leader of SuJu and a self-proclaimed Attention Seeker, Eunhyuk first being a jewel-cut, handsome dancing machine, but then we made him change it to SuJu’s anchovy. The Knowing Bros cast even made Eunhyuk dance a little since he called himself a dancing machine. Donghae then being in charge of the East Sea in Super Junior which made Young Chul do the worst pun he’s ever made on this show so far. Then Donghae clapped back that Young Chul’s dermatologist told Donghae that Young Chul needs to pay him back, which got the whole classroom roaring. Heechul also mentioned that Ho Dong also killed Donghae’s dream of being on verity show’s just like Yesung. 

It was my turn now. “Hello, I’m in charge of boosting all the member’s moods, Sky!” I smiled at everyone. 

“You really do that?” Kyung Hoon asked me. “She does. Really. Since debut, she made sure that all of us were okay before herself. When we’re down she’ll come to us and cheer us up, no matter what it is. She’s an energy booster,” Leeteuk told them all and everyone awed. 

“Yeah, the only person I couldn't get through for a while was Heechul,” I said which made the cast ask why. 

“He was a different person back when we debuted. It didn’t take until he came back after the military that we got extremely close.” I explained tot hem.

“What happened when he came back?” Soo Geun asked.

“Just stupid things,” Heechul said and I looked at him. “The only stupid thing about it is that I let you” I rolled my eyes and everyone but SuJu we’re confused. “Hey!” Heechul laughed, which his face began to turn red, making everyone notice. “I’ll expose everything right here, right now,” I said making Heechul just stare at me. “Will you be okay?” I tilted my head in a way of making it into a challenge. Everyone “Oh’s” and Heechul laughed and hugged me. 

After my little self roasting session with Heechul, the rest of the members introduced themselves. Shindong at first joking that he is from North Korea, but really he is in charge of being Ho Dong, Yesung then introduced himself as the main vocalist and in charge of being the visual. Ho Dong tried to show his knowledge about Yesung but then got it wrong once it came to his Coffee Shop location, making everyone bash at him for looking it up on the internet. Me again, holding onto Yesung and being his personal bodyguard. 

We eventually got to ask us anything portion of the show. After Shindong prediction of Young Chul going to Germany was correct, Donghae saying Young Chul has to pay his dermatologist first, Leeteuk not getting enough attention, Ho Dong goes after Yesung a little after Yesung wanted to go to the bathroom from being so scared, and how we chose our partners. 

Donghae getting his partner Jang Hoon, in result because he’s the trendiest one there.

Heechul getting his partner Soo Geun because he wanted the other members to take the shine and not him.

Shindong got Young Chul after successfully winning with an artistic poem with Young Chul’s name. 

Leeteuk getting Sang Min because he’s quiet and Leeteuk can possibly get more screen time.

Eunhyuk Picked Kyung Hoon. Of course, get the two perves together.

Lastly, they put Yesung with Ho Dong after he said anyone but him, but we got to be a three-way. Ho Dong, Yesung, and me, as I am his bodyguard for a reason. I shall protect him. 

Eunhyuk was first in asking his question and honestly, I didn’t have the energy to roast him. I’m saving it for Heechul today. He first did agyeo before starting his question which made me make throw up faces to the camera. Yesung the only one noticing laughed at me, and Hyuk started his question. His question was, One day Eunhyuk went to his apartment to hang out, Hyuk had to go to the bathroom but Donghae asked him something weird that shocked him. The guesses were pretty funny from the members, such as; a girl was in his house that was also hyuk’s girlfriend and Shindong’s as well, instead of a girl it was a guy, Donghae sleeping naked and shocked at how ‘healthy he was’, Donghae sleeping next to Shindong, Young Chul making a stupid joke again and saying his apartment was at the West Sea instead if the East Sea, Hyuk’s feet smell bad so Donghae made him whip his feet off before entering, and Hyuk had to strip naked before going to the bathroom. The real answer was that Hyuk had to pee and Donghae said he had to pee sitting down. Yesung guessed it correctly and I cheered for him and our team as well. They all started to talk about sitting on the toilet and peeing vs. Standing up and peeing. I just sat there at my desk and looked at the camera awkwardly. 

Hyuk has a second question which was what did he hear the most after he debuted. Heechul then proceeded to say, “I really have to go home today, Oppa. I can’t stay. I have a curfew!” making everyone laugh and especially me. It was wrong though. Other answers that were wrong such as; “Why are you so skinny”, “Can you smell the anchovies?”, “Why are you so ugly?” and much more about his appearance. The real answer, which Sang Min got correct is people mistaken Eunhyuk for Leeteuk. It makes Eunhyuk feel like he needs to work harder. Although Him and I don’t always agree, I think he works hard all the time, but I would never tell him unless he absolutely needs the reassurance. 

Heechul was then up next and I rubbed my hands together, finally getting prepared for anything. I’m not backing down. Heechul’s question was even though he is very fearless, on this show sometimes he feels helpless and a burden. We have to guess what it is. I sat there thinking and yelled, “I got it! When other male artists come on the show you realize how much more attractive they are compared to you.” I smirked at him knowing it would get him slightly annoyed. He rolled his eyes at me and said I was wrong, hitting me lightly with the toy hammer. Hyuk guesses that it was a girl group who came on the show with two members in it that he has dated. We all laughed, but it was wrong. Making Leeteuk say instead of a girl group it was a boy group, making the classroom laugh harder. “Was it Shinee?” I asked, referring to the boy group. “Aish, stop that!” Heechul hit me again with the toy hammer after he hit Leeteuk and Eunhyuk. He then gave a hint that it’s not during a shoot but it’s before or after a shoot. “I got it! You’re in the waiting room, making out with someone and another cast member walks in!” I said and that’s when I finally got Heechul. “You want me to reveal things?” Heechul said coming over to me and I laughed and shook my head. He hit me with the toy hammer and went back. After a few more guesses Shindong got it right. The answer was that before the shooting, the staff makes Heechul go wake Ho Dong up before we have to start filming. He then started to explain and I kept on saying lame answer to Yesung and crossed my arms. 

Heechul’s next question was, How does he confess to a girl that he likes with guaranteed no rejection. “I got it! You tell her that you’ll spread rumors about her if she doesn’t agree” I said making everyone shocked. “Hey! Never!” Heechul came over and hit me with the hammer and I smirked at him, shrugging. Other guesses were like him not completely telling them their dating, he shows his full stamina and so on. “I got it! You tell her you’re into guys and that this is just a cover-up.” I say and Heechul just glares at me, “Sit down.” I laughed and sat down, staying quiet. “Why is she like this today?” Shindong laughed and I smiled evilly. I’ll definitely get scolded after the shoot today. After a few really ridiculous answers Jang Hoon got it right with, “I’m going to kiss you now, if you don’t like me, move.” I rolled my eyes and talked with Yesung and Ho Dong about how much of a player he is. Heechul was done and walked past me and pushed me slightly and I overreacted. “That hurts!” I pouted and made a crying face. “I hope reports are made after this episode comes out!” Everyone laughed. 

Next was Leeteuk which he explained that he really is getting old because he talks to himself now, specifically singing to himself or MCing his actions. Times like this I wish Kangin was here so we can make fun of him together on how old he is. Today I kept my mouth shut though, as Ho Dong is already going after him.

 Next was Yesung which he explained to us what Ho Dong did to him on variety shows which all of us, especially me the bodyguard, almost ganged up on Ho Dong. Yesung can be very sensitive, even more, when he’s with the members so this definitely made him feel insecure on his verity kills. Eunhyuk was being Eunhyuk and instead of wanting to get the answer right, he just wanted to annoy Yesung, which he successfully did. Heechul then going off on Ho Dong of possibilities of what old Ho Dong would have said about SuJu. Like how we are feeling, and why are we even on star kind and so on. In the end, Leeteuk told Yesung that he should speak more freely on variety shows, so on star king, Yesung did exactly that and Ho Dong told him to be quiet. Now Yesung feels insecure when it comes to variety shows. 

Then, it was Donghae. His question and answer to it were the purest. If someone gave him a sincere look, he would give them everything. He then talked about how his friend asks him for money. Heechul and I both agreed that we’ve only lent money to those who are in SuJu, especially if their big amounts. 

Lastly, it was Shindong. We had to guess the time where he really disliked the members at one point. We all had to go back and remember what it was because it was during debut years when we all lived together. Instead of me trying to guess, I just kept reminiscing. Eventually, Eunhyuk got the answer correct. It was when we stole all his clothes and wore them as pajamas because his clothes were bigger on us. It was a shirt he bought on his own that was expensive and we wore it all the time. The worst though was Donghae surprisingly. I honestly thought it would be me because I take the member’s clothes all the time. We then talked about how we are a family and that we love each other a lot. So it hurts a lot when we get into arguments or fights. We then explained that Donghae gets emotionally attached and cries when he gets angry with any of the members. Shindong also explained that he really hates when he does karaoke with Eunhyuk because he doesn’t let shin sing the songs that he picked. 

The last segment of the day is to test out who is truly the best at variety shows. Us SuJu or the Knowing Bros cast. We did it by playing games that we’re all generally good at. It’s all about teamwork in 99 seconds. We all had to choose the game that we are best at. And let the games begin. We let the Knowing Bros cast go first. The first round they couldn’t even get past Ho Dong who was second. It was our turn now and we all lined up in our spots, Donghae and I  at the jump rope. We did our, “Kill them all” chant and begun. It took Eunhyuk half the time to complete the first freaking game which I kept yelling to hurry up and he kept laughing. “Aish, stupid” I would mutter. Which then went to Yesung who was equally as bad as Ho Dong, which lead to Eunhyuk having to go again. Eunhyuk did better this time around and again Yesung was bad. In the end, Knowing Bros and SuJu are the same when it comes to variety. 

So, we have to go for another round. Knowing Bros cast then starts again. Ho Dong and Young Chul switching places. Hyung Hoon was good, then got to Young Chul, who failed and they had to go back yo Kyung Hoon. Finally, they passed the second game and went to the next, charades. Then by the fourth game, they failed because Sang Min used his head instead of his butt. Now it’s time for our turn again, Yesung and Donghae switching. Eunhyuk first going slow but faster than the first round, Donghae then failing at his spot. I yelled at him calling him stupid and groaned, laying on the floor and just watching. I’m very competitive if you couldn’t tell. Eunhyuk then has to go again, while Donghae and Leeteuk change spots. Eunhyuk is successfully fast, Leeteuk was able to pass his game, Heechul and Shindong amazingly fast at charades, Then Donghae Semi slow when it came to popping balloons with his ass, then when it came to jumping rope Yesung and I were fast and good with it but just before the ball made it into the basket, the rope got stuck between Donghae’s feet. In which we failed. I let out a loud groan and shuffled back into the seats on the side. 

Knowing bros cast going again and I sat there worried they were going to be better than us. At the end of that round, they failed because Young Chul’s hair was getting in the way and his legs got caught in the rope before he was able to make a basket. I cheered and switched spots with the cast. Donghae and Yesung switching and then we started. At first, we were good with Eunhyuk and then it got to Leeteuk and we failed, going back to Eunhyuk. We then successfully made it to the jump rope and then it was ruined when Yesung first went it and then stepped on the rope. “You idiot!” I yelled in frustration and went over to Leeteuk, resting my head on his chest, while he patted my back. 

Hoping this would be the last round we watched the knowing bro’s cast go. Us SuJu stood up and watched closely for any mistakes. At the end of the round with the cast, they failed because they couldn’t get the ball in the bucket. It was back to us again. We did our, “Kill them all” chant again and got to our spots. Yesung and Donghae switched spots again. And then we started. When we got to the jump rope, Heechul and Shindong were spinning it too fast which means we had to concentrate harder on not getting caught with the rope and also make the ball into the basket. And once we were all in, Donghae passed the ball to Eunhyuk, and then, of course, he dropped it. I pushed Eunhyuk a bit and fell to the ground. “I give up!”

 And again another round of the game. We watched the Knowing Bros cast go. Jang Hoon and Ho Dong switching places. At the end of that round Knowing Bros cast finally made it with 24.39 seconds. It was then our last chance to finally do this. We did our chant again and begun. We all switched places besides, Eunhyuk, Heechul, Donghae, and me. In the begging, everything is going and then we got to the Jump Rope part. This is our struggle. Leeteuk went first, then me, then Eunhyuk, then Donghae and lately Yesung. And at the end, we failed because Leeteuk got caught in the rope before he let go of the ball. I stood there, energy gone, no facial expression. Just lost. 

At the end of today, the Knowing Bros cast proved they are better at variety shows. As for them winning we had to do whatever they wanted as their wish. Ho Dong was nice enough to let us perform our new song “Black Suit.” Kyung Hoon wished for Buzz to go on tour. Soo Geun wanted us to also promote our song, but not black suit, he wanted “Sorry, Sorry.” We all opposed it, especially me. The rest of the cast wanted us to promote “Black Suit” and of course we did. 

At the end of today’s shoot, I was very happy to have both of my closest friends and family together. Although I may have gone a little bit too far with Heechul and got a little over-competitive, It was still a lot of fun. A fantastic day full of laughs and fun.

Masterlist

[qboo78]

Episode 11 thoughts

There is just a lot of things to unpack about the truth & dare scene and the confession scene. It is all thanks to such amazing cast and their great acting that there is a lot of nuance to those scenes... it makes the scenes work so well and the things that are left unsaid is even conveyed...

first off it started with the bottle pointing to Yi Seo, with Yi Seo not very happy to receive truth questions, then everyone reacted with wanting to ask questions anyway but Sae Ro Yi seems fine just letting this one pass, then Geun Soo, this sly boy, called him out and ask him if he has any questions for her. Sae Ro Yi being put on the spot looked at Yi Seo gauging her reaction, while Yi Seo is of course suddenly amenable with receiving questions if it comes from her Sa Jang Nim lol, I found it very telling how Hyun Hyi is very interested on what Sae Ro Yi will ask, but Sae Ro Yi looking at Yi Seo seems to sense her vulnerability and decided to not ask any questions and said “Not really, I know everything about her”. Yi Seo took the words as like Sae Ro Yi saying I’m not really that interested in anything more about her... but, what was telling was Hyun Hyi’s reaction to Sae Ro Yi’s words and actions, maybe because Hyun Hyi is so much older than Yi Seo but she seems to understand why Sae Ro Yi refrained from asking any questions, Hyun Hyi’s smile at Sae Ro Yi seemed to imply “Aww, he does not want to put her on the spot, that is sweet” and she seems to not be surprised about that, can I say that Hyun Hyi feels like a Sae Ro Yi x Yi Seo shipper like me lol. I like that Sae Ro Yi listened to Yi Seo and understood that she is not really comfortable with this game, but I also know that Yi Seo’s vulnerability that she showed when she welcomed Sae Ro Yi to ask questions was because she wants to see if Sae Ro Yi will be interested in her enough to ask questions, it’s a case of these two looking at the situation on different perspectives and it seems only Hyun Hyi is clever enough to pick up on both. Yeah, I love how they acted this part. Then Geun Soo, being young, determined and greedy in love, just do not have the maturity to demonstrate what true loving is about proceeded to demolish Yi Seo’s plan ruthlessly. He started off by staking his claim by saying that Yi Seo has made an implied promise to him that she will accept his suit if he takes over Jangga and asked her if she remembered that. Again, kudos to Park Seo Joon for the subtle acting, when Sae Ro Yi heard those words of Geun Soo, you could see if you really pay attention how Sae Ro Yi lost his smile after hearing those words... It seems Sae Ro Yi is actually bothered by what was being said. He does not seem to be happy that Geun Soo and Yi Seo have an understanding. Seung Kwon then ask Yi Seo, if there was something going on between them, Yi Seo said an emphatic No while on the background you could see Sae Ro Yi is still looking at Geun Soo with a not happy expression on his face which is at a contrast to Soo Ah's reaction who does not really care about what is happening hehe.. you could see Sae Ro Yi and Yi Seo have identical expressions of not being happy at the situation on their faces...

He seems out of it too coz he was startled when Yi Seo told him “Sa Jang Nim, it’s not like that” like he shut down for a second and then when he said “OK” he doesn’t seem to truly believe her...

Again, Hyun Hyi is really after my own heart because she was quick to get Seung Kwon to change the subject and she even said it's not fun.

Then we got the first kiss question and Sae Ro Yi seem to have froze before he could answer the question lol... Yi Seo liked the idea that she was the first kiss lol even though for me it doesn't really qualify since she did it while Sae Ro Yi was drunk, which she should not have done in the first place lol. Then next we got the Are you just friends with Soo Ah question and how Sae Ro Yi responded to that question was just... i dont know how to explain how off his response was it was like he was just reading the phone book... he gave more emotions when he was talking about Yi Seo's importance to Danbam in the other episode smiling and saying "I can't imagine Danbam without Yi Seo", He said "I like Soo Ah" but he does not seem happy about it, he did not smile, he did not even once looked at Soo Ah in this whole scene not once but if its regarding Yi Seo, he would look her in the eyes and he just keeps on looking at her in this scene. Again Sae Ro Yi is just clueless about his own feelings i think, it could just be my shipper heart but Im just not convinced... Soo Ah seems to be touched with his reply but is not so happy about it? Sigh, she said she likes Sae Ro Yi but yeah just not buying them as a unit yet...

Then because Geun Soo seems to be in a self destructive mood he went ahead and ask Sae Ro Yi AGAIN if he has feelings for Yi Seo... Sae Ro Yi's reaction was instantaneous like "This again??" and he does not like the question but he also looks challenged by Geun Soo, then he looked to Yi Seo again gauging her reaction, the previous question about Soo Ah he never once looked at Soo Ah lol... this makes me think, why Sae Ro Yi? why the hesitation? Why you have to think about what your feelings are for Yi Seo? Why are you looking at Yi Seo right now before answering? What are you looking for to find in her expression?" Like Seung Kwon said "What kind of question is that? Isn't it obvious?"

After looking at Yi Seo, maybe he saw again her vulnerability and seem to decide on something, i mean kudos again to Seo Joon for his acting coz he did a clenching of his jaw then answered the question. See what I mean on how Yi Seo can bring out Sae Ro Yi's emotions while about Soo Ah, he is just like an automaton lol. If Sae Ro Yi truly did not have any feelings for Yi Seo, he would just immediately and simply said no to Geun Soo... why he had to qualify how he looks at Yi Seo with "dong saeng (younger sister) and partner?" I might be reading too much into this but....it just feels like Sae Ro Yi is lying or hiding something... I could be wrong but that is how I see it the way Seo Joon acted that scene like there is something happening beneath the surface coz the tension was just so thick... poor Yi Seo just cant help reacting to his words though, my heart just went out to her, i mean she was already hurt and wounded with Sae Ro Yi's declaration of "I like Soo Ah" and she was able to hold her hurt feelings in but hearing the words of "No (to having feelings). Not even once." would just be too hurtful for a person crazy in love... I don't want to see Yi Seo hurting because I just love her but Kim Dami's acting here was just so heart renching in a good way... It just felt so real and just make me relate to her so much... I am so thankful that Kim Dami is the one playing Yi Seo, if it were someone else I do not think I would enjoy and love Yi Seo so much as much as I do, I mean I would still appreciate Yi Seo’s character a lot but Kim Dami playing Yi Seo is just phenomenal... it was the same reaction I got when I first watch Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and Martin Freeman as John Watson.... their acting was just top notch and breathtaking...anyways this is already a long post and I will continue my thoughts (review?) on my next post... the confession scene will be next...

[odanurr87]

2019: My year in K-Dramas - Part 2

And we’re back! So, um, yeah, this took a lot longer than I imagined at first, but the truth is I was also dealing with coursework and other projects. As a result, I decided to break this last post into two, so instead of 6 shows in 1 post, you get 6 shows across 2 posts, building anticipation like a kdrama! And, I mean, two of those shows are My Love from the Star and Descendants of the Sun... Those two powerhouses deserve a bit more attention, maybe a couple of rewatches. Anyway, let’s get this show on the road!

WARNING! I’ve purposefully kept any big spoilers out of this post but some light spoilers may remain. Proceed with caution.

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When the Camellia Blooms (2019)

Gong Hyo-Jin as Oh Dong-Baek and Kang Ha-Neul as Hwang Yong-Sik.

Release Date: September 18 - November 21, 2019

Episodes: 20

Available on: Netflix

Summary: Dong-Baek is a single mother who moves to the town of Ongsan to open up a bar, the Camellia, while trying to raise her son, Pil-Gu. Six years later, Yong-Sik, a police officer and the youngest son of Dong-Baek’s only friend in Ongsan, returns and is instantly smitten by her. Yong-Sik is determined to woo her but Dong-Baek is also equally determined to resist his advances at first, a situation that is further complicated by the sudden reappearance of Dong-Baek’s ex and Pil-Gu’s biological father, Kang Jong-Ryul, who tries to win her back. When a serial killer known as Joker resurfaces after years of inactivity threatening to go after Dong-Baek, Yong-Sik launches an investigation to catch the elusive Joker once and for all.

What I liked:

The down-to-earth feel of the show. Save for the murder mystery element of the show, When the Camellia Blooms is pretty down-to-earth, depicting characters that could very much exist in our neighbourhood and exploring problems related to everyday life. How many kdramas show the struggles of a single mom trying to handle a love life while raising her son? I bet there are not a lot of them, and the only similar one I’ve watched, and would recommend, is One Spring Night, that depicts the life of a single dad balancing a romantic relationship while raising his son (it’s probably a more realistic representation all around down even to side characters). Even Yong-Sik is not the idealized male protagonist that most kdramas favour, at one point referred to as a “country bumpkin” by Dong-Baek’s ex, and while he may come across as rather simple-minded, he’s also refreshingly honest, determined (both in his pursuit of Dong-Baek and Joker), hard-working, and always there when the chips fall. While Dong-Baek’s ex is an ass for the majority of the show, I appreciated his inclusion because it clearly showed the contrast between the two characters vying for Dong-Baek’s affections: the man who pities her, and the man who encourages her; the man who’s ashamed of how she’s living her life, and the man who’s proud of what she has accomplished; the man who loves his memory of her, and the man who loves her as she is now; her past, and her present. Which one of the two will become her future?

The supporting cast. I am going to put them all together in the same bag as I don’t think anyone was particularly outstanding, but they all contributed to making this show a most entertaining watch from beginning to end: from Yong-Sik’s superior and chief of police, Byun Bae-Soo (played by Jeon Bae-Soo), through the simple-minded landlord with political aspirations, Noh Gyu-Tae (played by Oh Jung-Se), his cunning wife and ace attorney, Hong Ja-Young (played by Yeom Hye-Rae), to Dong-Baek’s kleptomaniac friend, Choi Hyang-Mi (played by Son Dam-Bi). At one point I even became more interested in the relationship between the characters of Gyu-Tae and Ja-Young, so strong were their performances. And I couldn’t help but feel sad for Hyang-Mi despite her many opportunistic deeds, a character who’s had a life as unforgiving as Dong-Baek, especially when we learn the reason behind some of her actions, and happy for her when she realises family isn’t always blood and ultimately chooses to walk a path of redemption. Sure wish we had seen more of that. You could make the case that Gyu-Tae and Hyang-Mi are the best out of the supporting cast, perhaps because of how much their characters grow over the course of the show.

What I didn’t like:

How the murder-mystery was handled/resolved. The first episode starts with the murder of an unknown person at some unspecified point in the future, a typical enough hook. We’re shown that person is someone who Yong-Sik apparently knew and cared for, but even when later episodes extend that scene frame by frame, tempting the audience to participate in this game of whodunit, the identity is only allowed to be revealed when the series catches up to that moment. The murder mystery element is sprinkled throughout the series as Yong-Sik is intent on protecting Dong-Baek and catching the serial killer Joker. But this isn’t Broadchurch, where the entire show revolves around solving the murder mystery and seeing its effects on the people of the small town of Dorset. No, in a way, the murder mystery in When the Camellia Blooms feels like a strategy, designed so that when the real goal of the show is revealed, the exploration of motherhood, you’ll be too invested to back out. One could argue the same for the romance between Dong-Baek and Yong-Sik. As a result, the murder-mystery feels drawn out and starts losing some of its steam as we approach the final episodes. Involving Dong-Baek’s mother in the whole affair was oddly convenient but felt out of place and worked against the show. Here we have a woman who knows, or thinks she knows, who the killer is several episodes before the end, and not only does she not tell the police about it but she actually confronts the killer. In any other show, the outcome would have been inevitable: the woman is murdered, leaving the police another clue as to who might have done it. However, since the show has already planned a happy ending for this character, she can’t be killed (incidentally, this happens with another character as well), even if the show later tries to toy with our feelings by suggesting she’s dead (not because of Joker though). The reveal of the culprit’s identity was a letdown, not only because the writers showed their hand early on but because we were never really given good suspects to begin with, and in a murder mystery that’s essential. Yes, we’re given a good pool of suspects for Joker’s latest victim, but since we also know Joker killed other people and is targeting Dong-Baek, not to mention the tone and themes of the show, we can readily eliminate almost all of them. They could’ve toyed around with the idea of a copycat, killing a person and pinning it on Joker, but they didn’t. And don’t get me started on how they finally catch Joker, this dreaded serial killer who had managed to avoid capture for years but turned out be to a bit of a joke, pun intended.

How insufferable Pil-Gu became towards the end. To be fair, I blame the adults (and writers) in this show more than I do Pil-Gu. I had no qualms about how his character had been handled for most of the show, but then along came Episode 17, where the writers decided to amp the drama to 11 just for the sake of it, a trope I really don’t like. Basically, through a series of misunderstandings that no adult feels compelled to clear up, Pil-Gu throws a tantrum, accusing her mother of not loving him anymore, and why does she need to get married, and why can’t she live alone with him for the rest of her life, etc., etc., forgetting it was Pil-Gu who, earlier that episode, had asked Yong-Sik to stay at their home and protect his mom. Like I said, nobody even bothers to explain the situation to him (even though he’s shown to be pretty smart and should’ve probably figured it out himself) and, worse, Dong-Baek plays along and decides to break up with Yong-Sik, determined never to love anyone other than Pil-Gu for the rest of her life. Jesus. As if wanting to twist the knife further, Episode 18 ends with a grown-up Pil-Gu, a jarring and decidedly out-of-place transition, suggesting he grew up to be a fine man as a result of her mom’s decision, but anyone who’s ever watched a kdrama knows better than that: you’re just padding out events for the sake of drama and this show didn’t need that. At this point, I lost whatever appreciation I might have had for the character of Pil-Gu and was half rooting for Yong-Sik to be promoted and get his ass back to Seoul ASAP, never to return to Ongsan again.

The existence of Episode 18. Yes, this is the episode where Dong-Baek and Yong-Sik break up, but that’s not what I’m getting at as I discussed that point previously. Episode 18 also sees Pil-Gu suddenly want to live with his biological father out of a misunderstanding (so many misunderstandings in these last few episodes!) and Kang Jong-Ryul try to act as that father to him. It’s clear he’s out of his depth with Pil-Gu, but he seems to be trying so it feels jarring when Dong-Baek returns for Pil-Gu and punches him in the face. Look, Jong-Ryul has been a bit of an ass throughout so he has more than earned that punch but not in this context. The show immediately kicks in the music that depicts this as a moment of triumph and personal growth for Dong-Baek but I kept thinking, “The one time this dude is actually trying to step up to the plate, assuming his responsibilities as a father, and he gets punched for it? Sure, he’s not that great but he’s only had Pil-Gu for, what, a week? Less? And it’s not like he kidnapped him or anything. This doesn’t even make sense.” And what growth are we talking about when she immediately caters to the whims of a kid and breaks up with Yong-Sik? Who is the adult in this relationship? Are there any adults in this show? There’s a decidedly marked absence of fathers, and those there are aren’t shown in a very good light but that’s another matter. Episode 18 is, quite simply, an episode that shouldn’t exist as it really brings nothing to the table and only pads out the inevitable.

OTP: While not my #1 pick amongst the shows I watched in 2019, it was refreshingly different, with the show slowly building their relationship in spite of Yong-Sik’s relentless attempts to woo Dong-Baek. In any other show, such determination could’ve come across as annoying, perhaps bordering on harassment, but this is mitigated by Yong-Sik’s sincere personality, his active listening of Dong-Baek’s problems, his support and encouragement of her, and ultimately his respect of the boundaries set by Dong-Baek, a woman who is not accustomed to such repeated shows of affection and is ill-equipped to handle them. It was very rewarding to see her evolution as a character, finding the confidence to grow out of her shell, even if there were some flaws in the journey.

Verdict: While the show trips a little at the end it was a solid watch, and I could see myself returning to it every once in a while because of its mundane (and I’m using this word as a compliment here) aspects. It doesn’t hurt it has some good humour in between all the crying. Oh, yes, there’s a reason why I chose that particular gif to represent the relationship between Yong-Sik and Dong-Baek.

Rewatch meter: I’m going to cheat and say it’s Medium-to-High.

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Bring it on, ghost (2016)

Kim So-Hyun as Kim Hyun-Ji, and Ok Taec-Yeon as Park Bong-Pal.

Release Date: July 11 - August 30, 2016

Episodes: 16

Available on: Netflix, Viki

Summary: Park Bong-Pal is a 2nd year Economics student with a side job as an exorcist due to his strange ability to see ghosts, a fact that has prevented him from having a normal life and that he deeply resents. One night, while performing an exorcism at a high school, he comes across Kim Hyun-Ji, a former high school student turned wandering spirit, who has no recollection of her past but possesses an innate talent to fight ghosts and spot their weak points. During this encounter, the two accidentally kiss, and Hyun-Ji briefly recalls some of her memories. Convinced Bong-Pal holds the key to her memories and determined to find out more, she manages to persuade a reluctant Bong-Pal to let her move in in exchange for helping him fight ghosts. But Bong-Pal soon learns that not all ghosts are evil, and some may be even cute enough to fall for.

What I liked:

Kim So-Hyun as Kim Hyun-Ji. Do I need to add anything further? That picture should be enough evidence in and of itself. Kim So-Hyun looks like she’s having a blast acting as a kickass high-school student/ghost who has a penchant for upsetting Bong-Pal and looking criminally cute while doing so. With a personality like that, it’s no wonder Bong-Pal couldn’t help but fall for her. Who wouldn’t? Perhaps what makes her character so lovable is precisely the fact that she works off of Bong-Pal’s more curt personality. As they say, opposites attract.

Lee David as Kim In-Rang and Kang Ki-Young as Choi Cheon-Sang.

The humor. I’ll admit that I miscalculated with these two in the beginning, resigning myself to having to endure their interventions in what I felt was shaping up to be an otherwise great show. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find they made for some good comic relief, especially after they convince Bong-Pal to let them handle the business side of exorcising ghosts and join him and Hyun-Ji in their nightly escapades. That sounded better in my head. The humor is never crass and, most importantly, it never outlasts its welcome. Hey, they even try to do him a solid and hitch him with his crush, but Hyun-Ji has already managed to work her magic on him unbeknownst to her. In fact, much of the show’s humor is also a credit to the comedic rapport between the characters of Bong-Pal and Hyun-Ji, especially in the earlier episodes when their different personalities are most notable, but also later on when feelings of jealousy start to surface. Their playful bickering is often reproduced in some of the background music used and is also present in some of the ghost fights as if saying, “Yeah, we’re fighting a pervert ghost in a sauna and having a blast, what of it?”

The formula. What do I mean by that? For the most part, this show works like a procedural, with Hyun-Ji and Bong-Pal fighting the ghost of the week in each successive episode, while at the same time having a multi-episodic story-arc. This is the formula used in US TV shows: introduce an interesting story-arc in the first few episodes, then forget all about it until the final episodes of the season, with filler episodes in between. The difference being Bring it on, Ghost is actually a good procedural: there are no filler episodes, every ghost fight serves a purpose, whether it be to develop our protagonists (at times providing interesting backstory) or to strengthen their bond, and the main story-arc is always subtly running in the background until the paths of our protagonists and villain cross and events come to a head. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, US TV shows should seriously consider having shorter and tighter seasons, as their quality suffers otherwise. Bong Pal and Hyun-Ji’s ghost fights will also sometimes include moral or life lessons that flow naturally and never feel forced; nobody’s beating you over the head with them and shouting, “DO YOU GET IT NOW?!” As you can imagine, they’re certainly more subtle than US TV shows, but then again kdramas seem to have mastered the art of telling a lot without actually saying it, something others could learn from.

What I didn’t like:

The amnesia trope. Look, before you say anything, I understand why it’s there, sorta, it’s a reversal of Kim Hyun-Ji’s clinginess (that is an actual word) to Bong-Pal, if for different reasons. I don’t mind that it happened, but what I do mind is that it’s never reversed, making it somewhat difficult to believe that she’d fall for a stranger in what appears to be a very short amount of time. You could argue she’s unconsciouscly attracted to him given their past connection, and the show does at one point suggest that she may be regaining her memories, or that it’s possible at least, but nothing comes of it. This sudden bout of amnesia also offers her temporary protection from the villain, but at the end of the day I am left thinking that the show could’ve done without it or reverse it at the very end.

OTP:  It’s a team effort, but Kim So-Hyun kills it!

Verdict: An infinitely rewatchable show with an all-around solid cast and great sense of humor. Like Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon, this show is sure to put a smile on your face if you’re feeling down or if you simply want to have a good time.

Rewatch meter: High

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One More Time (2016)

Kim Myung Soo as Yoo Tan, and Yoon So-Hee as Moon Da-In.

Release Date: October 26 - December 14, 2016

Episodes: 8

Available on: Netflix

Summary: Yoo Tan is the lead singer of an indie band called One More Time, together with his girlfriend, Moon Da-In, and his childhood friends. However, with bills mounting and his hopes for success dwindling, his relationships take a turn for the worse. When he’s offered to sign a contract with a music label, Yoo Tan sees his long-awaited chance and decides to burn all bridges to his past life, but an unexpected event that forces him to constantly relive the past twenty-four hours makes him reconsider his outlook on life.

What I liked:

The concept. The idea of being stuck in a time loop is not a particularly new one, with Groundhog Day being the most obvious, and highly entertaining, exponent, although I do remember an episode of Stargate SG-1 called “Window of Opportunity” that exploited the same concept, if to a different effect. As in Groundhog Day, One More Time uses this idea as a vehicle of self-reflection for the main character, transforming him from a bitter, selfish, and somewhat egocentric person, to someone far more likable, who recognises the value in the friendships he has forged and rediscovers the love he holds for the woman who has always been there for him. But this is only the prelude to our story as One More Time extends this concept by providing a reason for the time loop: tying it to Moon Da-In’s life, or death. In Groundhog Day, Bill Murray’s character, Phil, is eventually confronted by the fact that, for all the things he can do as a result of the day resetting, he cannot prevent death no matter how hard he tries. This is a sobering moment for our main character. However, Yoo Tan goes through an even more harrowing crucible, as the person whose death he seemingly cannot prevent is his girlfriend, Da-In. Thus, the series shows us Yoo Tan’s many attempts to save her while delving into Da-In’s past. Will he succeed and get a second chance at a life with Da-In? I guess you’ll have to watch the show for that.

The songs. With a running time of 240 minutes, give or take, don’t expect a large soundtrack (compared to most kdramas), but I believe that is something that actually works in the show’s favour, as the songs are always used to highlight a given context, thus engraving them in your mind and rendering them memorable. I don’t really know how to explain it, and I blame my musical illiteracy. Sadly, the powers that be didn’t think that such a short web series was worthy of having a physical or even digital soundtrack release, what made finding any trace of these songs rather difficult for the past few years. Fortunately, one of the composers and singer, known as ODD, has recently released some tracks on her YouTube channel. These are: ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Birds,’ ‘Without you,’ and ‘In this night.’ While ‘Moonlight’ is my personal favourite, all four tracks are entirely deserving of being released, at least on Spotify so I can listen to them over and over again. With Spotify apparently coming to South Korea this year, that may yet be the case. There is also the main song, ‘One More Time,’ sang by none other than Kim Myung Soo himself in perhaps the most emotional scene in the drama, but it still remains elusive.

The leads and their chemistry. I had absolutely no trouble believing these two were in love with their longing stares and beautiful smiles. Kim Myung Soo and Yoon So-Hee did an incredible job (and the writers too, obviously) selling me on their relationship in such a short amount of time. At every point in the show I could understand where the characters were coming from, how much they cared for one another, and why they’d go to great lengths to protect their better half. Yes, they go through a rough patch at the beginning of the show, but that only makes it feel more real and it’s a necessary stepping stone in Yoo Tan’s character arc. I also really liked how the show took the time to explore Da-In’s past and see events from her perspective, highlighting just how central her character is to the plot of the story. Can’t say anymore for fear of spoilers. Really wish these two actors were to collaborate again in main roles.

Kim Ji-Young as the Grim Reaper. The way the show integrated a Grim Reaper was well thought out, and making her a child was a stroke of genius played to great comedic effect. I mean, who’d think this cute child was the embodiment of Death? Her childlike appearance is contrasted by her adult personality, and you can see she’s more than a bit fed up with troublesome humans who make her job more difficult than it already is, and she grows increasingly annoyed at a particular pair of them. I’ll let you guess who. Come to think of it, she reminds me a little of the older version of Samshin, the goddess of birth and fate, from Goblin. A great character all around without whom the show would be considerably lessened.

What I didn’t like:

Honestly, there’s really nothing that comes to mind. Sure, I could nitpick and say that some characters and storylines are dropped midway through the show, but I think it’s fair to say they had served their purpose, and trying to account for them in later episodes would’ve wasted the show’s valuable runtime. Could it have benefited from having a few more episodes? I suppose it’s possible, and I would’ve welcomed the chance to spend more time with these characters, but I believe the show was effective in telling its story across eight episodes, and any more could have placed the narrative under considerable stress. For instance, while I absolutely love Angel’s Last Mission: Love (incidentally, also starring Kim Myung Soo), one has to admit the plot was stretched longer than it needed to, and certain events do not hold up under further scrutiny.

OTP: 

There is no sadness that last for eternity. There is no love that lasts for eternity either.

I’m going to vote that there is.

Which one are you voting for? Love or sadness?

Sad love.

Verdict: They say that good things come in small doses. If so, that fits this show perfectly. It was my introduction to Kim Myung Soo, who would then go on to deliver a stronger performance in Angel’s Last Mission: Love, as well as my introduction to Yoon So-Hee, whom I’d love to see in more main roles. While delivered in a short format I’m not used to, the show’s creators made the most of it and not a single minute feels wasted. An interesting concept that benefits from some tight writing, beautiful music, solid leads, and a lovable OTP, packaged as a mini-series. What more could I want?

Rewatch meter: High

[dangermousie]

All the 2020 kdramas I am interested in (and a few I am not)

DEFINITE

365: One Year Against Destiny (MBC) - I am excited to see Lee Joon Hyuk get a lead role and Nom Ji Hyun needs to work more. Plus, time travel!!!!

Alice (SBS) - Joo Won is back in what looks like a complicated tale of love and time travel and noona romance. YESSS!

The Allies - Time for a Green Hero (KBS) - weird title, but a sageuk about the hero growing into a leader against the Japanese invasion sounds up my alley before his, I am sure, inevitable demise.

Can This Person Be Translated (tvN) - Hong Sisters dramas don’t always work for me, but they always get an automatic look-see.

Eighteen Again (jTBC) - I love Kim Ha Neul and I hope it’s a steamy romance for all those “she is tooooo old for her leading man (Lee Do Hyun)” naysayers.

Half of a Half (tvN) - Park Hae Jin and Chae Soo Bin as an OTP yesss. 

Here - Noh Hee Kyung is beyond amazing as a writer and the cast (Lee Byung Han, Han Ji Min, Shin Min Ah, Nam Joo Hyuk) is insane!

Hyena (SBS) - Joo Ji Hoon!!!!! And the teaser looked slick.

Idol Doctor - an idol who sleepwalks and his doctor is a premise that would have made 14 year old me scream in glee.

Itaewon Class (jTBC) - I have developed quite a thing for Park Seo Joon recently, I love revenge, and there is gonna be food! Bring it on!

I Will Find You On a Beautiful Day (jTBC) - Park Min Young, Seo Kang Joon, Lee Jae Wook? I need to look no further. But it also sounds like a healing slice of life romance, yum. 

The King: the Eternal Monarch (SBS) - Lee Min Ho in a heroic fantasy tale penned by Kim Eun Suk, and also with Kim Go Eun and Woo Do Hwan in the cast? It’s my dream come true.

Memoir of the Man (MBC) - I like the leads a lot (Kim Dong Wook and Moon Ga Young) and I have discovered that romances with odd premises (he remembers everything, she forgets most important moments) tend to work really well for me. 

The Most Beautiful Moment in Life (tvN) - second chance romances with older protags are my fave thing, and when it stars Lee Bo Young and Yoo Ji Tae - my heart!!!

Oddball (MBN) - description is hella confusing but I always check out all the sageuks.

Psycho But It’s OK (tvN) - “ A man who denies love and a woman who doesn’t know love defy fate and fall in love, finding their souls and identities in the process. “ Yes please. Also, Kim Soo Hyun doesn’t do anything for me (I know I know) but he always picks good dramas.

Sandbox (tvN) - Suzy and Nam Joo Hyuk in what sounds like a sweet romance. I happen to like both - they have a warm on-screen vibe and good chemistry with their costars. Also (and that is not a slam), a sweet-natured romance sounds like something that plays to their strengths and avoids their limitations (thoughts of either in an intense melo or sageuk would give me hives, but there they will be perfect.)

Ssanggab Cart Bar (jTBC) - a food stall for the dead? Color me intrigued enough to want to check it out; plus Hwang Jung Eum usually has a very good taste for picking dramas. 

The Story of Gumiho (tvN) - Lee Dong Wook as a male gumiho! Jo Bo Ah as his eventual lady love! Fantasy and romance and a very happy Mousie!

Superstar Miss Lee - heroine and another lady swap souls, there is a chaebol possibly played by Yoo Seung Ho, etc etc. Sometimes I am just in the mood for a good, old-school crazy drama. 

Train (OCN) - yes, an OCN drama made it on the list, is it a parallel world? Nope, but a parallel world where OCN makes romances may be involved since it stars Kim Jae Wook (OMG yes) as a detective trying to protect his dead love in a parallel world where she is alive. Will miracles never cease? 

Welcome (KBS) - and the award for the most insane premise goes to!!! L is a cat (!!!!) who, and I quote, “mastered the art of transformation into human form.” He hooks up with his owner (!!!!!????!!!!) There is so much insanity in this, that I am already riveted, though not necessarily in a good way.    

Youth Report (tvN) - I know little about that one but Park Bo Gum has consistently picked dramas I like.

MAYBE

City of Stars: no idea if this one is happening but Ji Chang Wook playing an astronaut sounds interesting. Though he doesn’t always pick the best dramas (hello there, the awful Melt Me), he’s always fun to watch!

Danjong, the Young King (MBC) - any sageuk is at least a try but I literally found zip about this one.

The Game: Towards Zero (MBC) - honestly, the yes/no will depend on whether there is a romance. Someone who can see a dead person’s last moments pairing up with a lady detective to solve serial murders is very far out of my jam (and someone give Im Joo Hwan a leading role dammit, the man is wasted playing the inevitable serial killer) but Taecyeon is adorable even if not the best actor and I would brave this genre if he and Lee Yeon Hee (an underrated girlcrush of mine) are allowed to be a couple.

Late Night Snack Man and Woman (SBS) - bizarre title but I am fond of Sung Hoon despite his less than consistent choice of projects and a conman (who hopefully gets redeemed) sounds fun. I also think the hero pretends to be gay (!?!?!) which I haven’t seen as a major plot point since Personal Choice which could either be fun or bad, who knows.  

Memorist (tvN) - I like to watch Yoo Seung Ho but I don’t care for mysteries. Still, it’s on tvN so maybe there will be romance.

Money Game (tvN) - banking and money scheming rarely works for me, but sometimes can be a smart thing, plus I have got to check out Go Soo being back on my screen!

Penthouse (SBS) - the insane writer of The Last Emperor and Temptation of Wife. An experienced cast of my favorites with Lee Ji Ah, Shin Sung Rok and Eugene. It will most likely be a trainwreck I will ditch halfway but hope springs eternal. 

The Search (OCN) - the star of Nokdu in the DMZ? Yes!!! But OCN does no romance so my enthusiasm is diminished.

Secret - I like Park Hae Jin and Jo Bo Ah well enough, but mainly because I am damn curious if this baby will ever air!

So I Married an Anti-Fan - this a prefilmed drama that seems to find a home nowhere which means its probably not good, but the premise of an idol having to shack up with his anti-fan for publicity is too amusing for me not to at least want to peek if it actually does air. 

Touch (Channel A) - I have an oddly hormonal attraction to Joo Sang Wook (I love the really sexy middle manager look, sue me!) but idols and make-up artists and all that are not necessarily my jam. It depends on the execution.

Unique: Chef Moon - I love Eric to bits but when I start reading the description of a chef dedicated to organic cooking, I start to fall asl...zzzzzzzzz. 

WHHHHYYYYY

Hi Bye Mama - I adore Kim Tae Hee, but the premise of a dead wife and mother who comes back for 49 days to her grieving family, presumably including sad children and husband who is only now beginning to recover sounds like one only a genuine masochist could love. 

My Holo Love (netflix) - a lonely woman hooks up with an AI. Between the fact that Absolute Boyfriend poisoned me for an AI romance forever, the fact that the heroine has face blindness (isn’t that so 2018?), and that the description includes the extraordinarily maudlin “drama is filled with stories of heartbreaking loneliness and tear-stained love,” I will pass.    

Que Sera Sera - out of sheer trainwreck curiosity because I adore the original and why remake a drama that’s only a bit over a decade old, and with relative newbies. 

What’s Happened in Bali - if it ever gets made that is (please no.) The original is amazing but they are not repeating the Jo In Sung - So Ji Sub - Ha Ji Won casting miracle and there is no need for a remake; plus this drama is something that makes sense in 2005 but less so in 2020 and just generally leave a classic alone, people.