#ko shin won

[tiza0925]

A Celebration | 18+

Warnings/Tags: afab/female reader, tipsy!reader, soft!Bokuto, established relationship, pet names, teasing, needy!Bokuto, pussy drunk!Bokuto, praise kink, pussy eating, overstimulation, multiple orgasms, squirting ♡ SET IN A TIMELINE WHERE ALL CHARACTERS ARE AGED-UP AND OVER 18

Pairing: Bokuto Koutarou x Female Reader

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

“Ko,” Your voice comes out low, almost a whisper, as you look up at Bokuto while you sit on the edge of your guys’ bed, hands behind you as support, and you angle your head to the side—your hair falling over one shoulder. 

Bokuto hums as he lifts one brow, looking down at you from the bridge of his nose with a small smile adorning his lips, and he crosses his arms to clutch the bottom hem of his shirt to take it off—leaving his chest bare.

And your stomach clenches at the sight of him half naked already.

“Yes, darling?” 

Your answering smile is slow and syrupy, and your lashes flutter as you blink up at him. “‘m tipsy.” 

Bokuto snorts, affectionately, and drops to his haunches in front of where you’re sitting—and he looks up at you with a teasing grin. “Are you, now?” 

His hands—so rough and warm and huge—come to hold onto the back of your exposed calves, sliding his hands up and down in a soothing gesture that makes you shiver. “Did my baby drink too much wine tonight?” 

You two were celebrating tonight. 

Bokuto just won a very important match. 

You just received news that you got into your dream university to do your master's. 

It was something worth dressing nice for the night—with Bokuto in a fitted black turtleneck that hugged his frame so deliciously well, and black dress pants with a belt. 

You had on a simple black dress that hugged your waist in a way that Bokuto couldn’t stop admiring—with your cleavage teasing him with thin straps and the dress running no longer than just below your knees. 

A fancy restaurant was what you both decided to go to—and they were serving alcohol so—

You two shared a bottle of wine. 

Except you drank more than he did. 

And now it’s making an impact on you as your head grows fuzzy and liquid warmth spreads through your body. 

You whine, your head feels loopy and there’s a warm ache beginning to grow more intense between your thighs, and you frown as you look down at Bokuto. “You let me drink all that wine.” 

Bokuto’s chuckle is breathy, and he moves one hand down your left calf until his fingers wrap around your ankle, and he uses that to hold your foot in place as his other hand comes down to slip off your heel. “You seemed to be enjoying it more than I was.” 

He sets your shoe aside, and moves onto the other foot, giving your shin a soft kiss as he takes the other high heel off. “And you’re cute when you’re tipsy, my love.” 

You let out a huff, but you can’t be too annoyed by it. 

Not when you feel a nice buzz underneath your skin, and Bokuto’s touches feel so delicate and hot on your legs that it makes you shiver and melt. 

Plus—he always treats you well if you have some alcohol in your system. 

You never have to worry. 

Just like tonight. 

You pout. “Shut up.” 

But Bokuto simply smiles against your shin, and moves to brush his lips up your leg, murmuring in that playful low voice of his with a hum, “I don’t think I will.”

You let loose a small breath, although it’s a little shaky because of the way Bokuto’s lips feel brushing over your leg—his breath fanning against you as he spreads goosebumps over your skin. 

It has you squirming, your thighs tensing, and you bite on your lower lip as his mouth travels closer and closer to your inner thigh—

“Your legs are so soft,” Bokuto murmurs, lifting your dress with his hands to expose your panties, and you suck in a sharp breath at the cool air slapping your skin. 

“Ko,” You whimper, and he looks up at you—and his eyes widen a little at how you’re looking at him. 

Eyes big, and foggy, and your red-painted lips parted with soft breaths leaving you. 

“You okay?” He asks, voice coming out velvety soft, and you nod. 

Then he squeezes your thighs, his mouth just inches away from your panties. “You want me to stop, love?” 

God—no. 

You just feel so hot and it’s doing things to you. 

And it doesn’t help when you have the image of him kneeling in front of you like that—with his head right between your legs. 

It gets you heady, feeling a little overwhelmed, and the wine in your system isn’t doing anything to quell that heat in your lower belly. 

You shake your head. “N-no.” 

And that’s all Bokuto needs to hear as he lets a smile crawl on his lips and leans forward to give your clit a delicate kiss over your panties. “Good.” 

He darts out his tongue and slides it from bottom to top over your covered slit, a rumble in his voice. “Because I need to taste you, baby.” 

He’s so unbelievable sometimes that it makes you want to shake your head in disbelief. 

Leave it to him to become drunk not off wine like you—but by your sweet little cunt that he just loves to have his mouth on whenever he gets the chance. 

Not that you mind, obviously. 

Bokuto nestles his face right between your thighs, and you feel his cheeks and hair brush against your inner thighs as he kisses your folds and clit over the thin fabric you have on, getting your panties soaked as he licks and licks, groaning and digging his thumbs into your plush thighs. 

“God—” You moan, your eyes rolling back, and you buck your hips up to get more—because it’s not enough when your underwear is in the way. 

“Feels good?” He mumbles against your covered pussy, making you shiver, and you nod as you breath out heavily. 

“Mhm—”

“Can I take these off, baby?” 

You almost let out a frustrated breath at that question alone as your nodding quickens, almost desperately fast, as you pant and fist the sheets. “Please—fuck, Ko—please—”

He chuckles, endeared. “I know, love,” and he doesn’t wait a second longer as he tugs on the waistband of your panties, and you lift your hips to help him as he slides them down, tossing them aside. 

“Shit,” He groans at the sight of your pussy—bare and wet—and he licks his lips before locking eyes with you, his smile is serene and mirthful as he grazes his lips over your sensitive clit. “You’re always needy when you drink wine, baby.” 

Your eyelids grow heavy, and you feel heat flush in your cheeks as he hooks his palms under the back of your knees, and pushes your legs up to have them rest over his broad shoulders—

Then his tongue goes to lick your pussy from bottom to top—the tip of his tongue flicking at your swollen clit—

And you let out a sharp gasp as everything inside you bursts into honeyed pleasure. 

“Always taste so good for me,” Bokuto groans against your cunt, running the flat of his wet tongue up and down your slit, licking your folds and the skin around it, tasting you with his eyes rolling back. “So fucking good baby, goddamn—”

And it’s a lot. 

So much so that you fall back onto the bed, your back sinking into the cushion, and you throw an arm over your head—feeling so dizzy and heated—as your other hand cards through his hair, moaning. 

His tongue is thorough. 

If it isn’t teasing your clit—it’s dipping inside you, flexing in ways a finger can’t—fucking you with his tongue as he holds onto your thighs, eating you out like this is for his pleasure more than it is for you. 

And Bokuto watches you through half-lidded eyes—how your face changes with every flick of his tongue, how your pretty little mouth opens with small moans, how your chest rises and falls with your heavy breathing as he licks and sucks your pussy over and over until you’re dripping everywhere, coating his chin and your thighs with your fluids. 

“Can you cum on my tongue for me, baby?” Bokuto is breathless when he pulls back, kissing and nipping your inner thigh, before going back to lap at your drooling slit like he’s fucking thirsty. “I want to feel you, baby, you’re so good for me.” 

You sob out another gasp when you feel his warm lips wrap around your clit to suck on it, his tongue teasing the underside of it as he hollows his cheeks, seemingly determined to make you lose your mind and any sense of your body almost immediately.

And—

“Fuck, fuck, Ko—!” 

Your orgasm hits you as if a cord inside you suddenly snapped—and your knuckles turn white with how hard you’re gripping onto his hair, your vision going blurry and your cheeks are on fire as heat explodes from your pussy and throughout your entire body.

Your legs shake around his head, squeezing him, and—

And Boktuo moans, low and needy, as he works you through it—licking whatever juices gush out of your throbbing pussy, his mouth sucking over your oversensitive clit as you cum on his tongue like the good girl that you are. 

“There you go, darling,” Bokuto purrs, lapping you up like a dog eager to please its master, and he huffs out a fan of warm air against your sensitive pussy—making it flinch as he kisses it. “Such a good pussy, baby.”

And what he says next—makes you want to almost cry because—

“Can you give me one more?” He’s panting against you as if he’s the one who just had an orgasm, and you make a sound at the back of your throat as you look at him—disbelief written all over your features. 

But Bokuto smiles against your cunt, his tongue doing little zig-zags over your soaked slit until he works his way up to your abused clit—undulating his tongue against it to make you whimper in overstimulation, heat stinging your core and an ache in your pussy beginning to slowly grow again. “I just need one more, you taste too good, baby.” 

He’s insane. 

But you must be just as crazy to agree—even if it hurts a little—as he eats your sloppy pussy out, getting him drunk on it, until you’re cumming with a cry straight from your lungs, and fluids squirt on his face that has him growing so fucking light-headed with how hard he is. 

And he’s definitely not done with you for the night. 

Because like you said—he takes good care of you when you’re tipsy. 

end.

Masterpost

[equalv]

South Korean tv shows with lgbt* characters

Because so many people liked my post for german tv shows with queer characters, I thought I‘d compile lists for other countries as well.

A-Z

A First Love Story (2021) (mlm) | YouTube

Jaesung (Kim Hyeongwon)

Mingyu (Jung Jaewoon)

Blueming (2022) (mlm, wlw) | IQIYI

Hyeong Daun (Jo Hyukjoon)

Cha Siwon (Kang Eunbin)

Cha Siyeong (Moon Hyein)

Choco Milk Shake (2022) (mlm) | YouTube

Jungwoo (Ko Hojung)

Choco (Lee Jaebin)

Milk (Kim Seonghyuk)

Uncle (Park Seungbin)

Girlfriend Project Day 1 (2022) (wlw) | YouTube

Ahn Gain (Park Hyunwoo)

Song Heeram (Bing Hyejin)

His Man (2022-) (mlm) | IQIYI, Gagaoolala | reality tv

Season 1

Kim Changyu

Kim Seonyul

Jeon Eunchan

Lee Jeonghyun

Kim Changmin

Leon Hyukjun

Lee Hyeon

Hokeep

Season 2

Shin Sungho

Oh Minsung

Kim Yoonghee

DABIT

DAENYOL

Lee Junseong

Yang Hyunjin

Joon Seonwoo

Jazz for Two (2024) (mlm) | IQIYI, Gagaoolala

Han Taeyi (Ji Hogeun)

Yoon Seheon (Kim Jinkwon)

Seo Doyoon (Song Hangyeom)

Lily Fever (2015) (wlw) | YouTube

Kim Kyungju (Kim Hyejoon)

Jang Serang (Jung Yeonjoo)

Love Class (2022-) (mlm) | Viki, Gagaoolala

Season 1

Cha Jiwoo (Han Hyunjun)

Lee Roa (Kim Taehwan)

Kim Namjun (Yoo Hyukjae)

Season 2

Lee Hyun (J-min)

Shin Maru (Lee Kwanghee)

Oh Minwoo (Woo Hyowon)

Kim An (Kim Yongseok)

Yoo Joohyuk (An Jeonggyun)

Kim Sungmin (Jung Woojae)

Love for Love's Sake (2024) (mlm) | IQIYI, Gagaoolala

Tae Myungha (Lee Taevin)

Cha Yeowoon (Cha Joowan)

Chun Sangwon (Oh Minsu)

Ahn Kyunghoon (Cha Woongki)

Love Tractor (2023) (mlm) | IQIYI

Seon Yul (Do Won)

Suh Yechan (Yoon Dojin)

Kwon Inseo (Yang Seungbin)

Merry Queer (2022) (mlm, wlw, trans) | Gagaoolala | documentary

Kim Minjun

Park Bosung

Yoo Taeyoon

Lee Minju

Im Garam

Lee Seungeun

Our Dating Sim (2023) (mlm) | VIKI, Gagaoolala

Shin Kitae (Lee Seunggyu)

Lee Wan (Lee Jonghyuk)

Semantic Error (2022) (mlm, wlw) | VIKI, Gagaoolala

Jang Jaeyoung (Park Seoham)

Chu Sangwoo (Park Jaechan)

Choi Yuna (Song Jioh)

She Makes My Heart Flutter (2022) (wlw) | YouTube

Gangseol (Byun Jihyun)

Jung One (Park Somi)

Yubin (Choi Jiwon)

Sarang (Kang Nayoung)

Leera (Ahn Yeonsun)

The Eighth Sense (2023) (mlm) | VIKI

Seo Jaewon (Lim Jisub)

Kim Jihyun (Oh Juntaek)

To My Star (2021-2022) (mlm) | VIKI, IQIYI

Season 1 & 2:

Kang Seojoon (Son Woohyun)

Han Jiwoo (Kim Kangmin)

Our Relationship Ended Before It Began (2023) (wlw) | YouTube (only Ep 1 and 2 are available for free right now, but I still wanted to share this series (Link))

Yoonah (Park Hayoung)

Kim Ahyoung (Park Sanha)

Note: For this list, I decided not to add a symbol for shows that center queerness, because in a way all of these shows do that and at the same time almost none actually do. Queer characters and their love stories are featured in every show in this list, but most of them do not address any other queer aspects of their lives and only some address the fact that they are queer at all. This is not a critique of South Korean shows, but just an observation of their current media landscape and added as context, in case you are interested in watching.

[ultra-violet-heart]

THE 2018 DENGEKI BUNKO INTERVIEW WITH 86--EIGHTY-SIX AUTHOR ASATO ASATO

Disclaimer: This translation is made by me for fandom purposes only. This interview, conducted in 2017, gives major insights on how the sci-fi mecha series 86--EIGHTY-SIX was conceived and written before it eventually won the Dengeki Novel Prize back in 2016.

Please ask my permission and credit me+this post if you will be re-translating this to other languages. PLEASE DO NOT REPOST ON YOUTUBE AND TIKTOK AND PLEASE DO NOT REPOST THE IMAGES ON THIS INTERVIEW. Please take the fan translations here with a grain of salt. 

Credits to @Yashamise from Twitter for copies of this Dengeki Bunko Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi magazine.

Erratum: This interview was conducted and printed in 2017, but this Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi magazine is dated 2018 as an advance issue of sorts. This interview has been summarized here. My apologies for the title.

I’m posting my Ko-Fi here as currently, I’ve been having financial trouble regarding my medicine, so if anyone can donate, I would be much grateful for the help, thank you very much.

AN INTERVIEW WITH 86--EIGHTY-SIX AUTHOR ASATO ASATO

“I wrote what I liked, in the way I liked them,” this author says. This tale is filled with the grief from war, the ugliness of racial discrimination, as well as the romance of mechas and of garter belts! In this interview, she reveals to us everything about its roots and its appeal! 

Text and Composition: My Street 

Illustrator: Shirabii

Translator’s Note: For purposes of this interview translation, the interviewer will be labelled as “MS” for My Street, since they layouted and probably conducted this transcribed interview. Also, for words that have brackets or parenthesis:

{} = implied by context                             

() = given emphasis/given parenthesis in the interview itself

[] = included in the footnotes/translator’s notes

A robot lover as far as she could remember

MS: Thank you very much for your time today for this interview. It was surprising to learn that the author {for 86--EIGHTY-SIX}, Ms. Asato, is a woman.

ASATO: I get that a lot (haha). My family says the contents of my work is just “the usual {for Asato}” though. I think my Afterwords have the impression they’re written by a woman, and I never hid that in particular (haha).

MS: This year {2018}, 86--EIGHTY-SIX placed first in the New Works category and second in the bunkobon {paperback} category overall. How do you feel about this now?

ASATO: I’m very happy. I knew of KonoRano’s existence [1], so I was hoping {86--EIGHTY-SIX} might be listed there somewhere, but it was a surprise that it placed higher than expected. As I said in this interview’s foreword: “I wrote what I liked, in the way I liked them.” I’m thankful that many readers found it interesting.

MS: For readers who haven’t heard of 86--EIGHTY-SIX, can you give us a summary of this work?

ASATO: It’s a lively, filled-with-clanks story of the protagonist Shin, his merry band of thieves, and their remotely-working-class-president Lena. [2] (LOL)

MS: 86--EIGHTY-SIX is your debut work. Can you tell us about the time you started writing this work?

ASATO: I’ve been writing ever since I can remember, and I started with writing manga {scripts}. I switched to writing novels around before I started junior high school and have been writing them ever since.

MS: You’ve been interested in robots and military-related things ever since elementary school, is that right?

ASATO: Yes, that’s correct. My mother liked {Space Battleship} Yamato [3] and Gundam, and as I have a younger brother, I got into watching and reading anime and manga targeted at boys. I was rarely exposed to anime and manga targeted at girls. We had the Mobile Suit Gundam movie trilogy [4] at home (which I’ve seen many times), and I also watched The Brave Police J-Decker [5] and The Brave Express Might Gaine [6], as well as other shows in The Brave [7] series. The only anime I had watched that is {targeted at girls} is Magic Knight Rayearth [8], which is another story with robots fighting in it (haha).

MS: I reckon such an environment led you to writing 86--EIGHTY-SIX. Can you tell us about your writing process?

ASATO: I originally submitted {works} to the Kadokawa Beans [9] Bunko Newcomer Awards. I avoided the Dengeki Novel Prize as it was rather {too hard to enter} due to the large number of entries [10] there. The novel entry I made on the 21st year of the Dengeki Novel Prize (2014), however, was totally not aimed at women at all, so I didn’t have any other choice but to submit that to said contest, as it has the closest deadline. It was a sci-fi fantasy work, with a theme of redemption, set on a time before and after {a} revolution. At that time, I thought, maybe I can go past beyond the 3rd round of screenings and unexpectedly, maybe placed on a good spot? However, the evaluation I got from the judges were “This is a 100% a work targeted at girls” and “Next time, we hope you will submit a work that should be Dengeki Bunko-like”. As Dengeki Bunko [11] is an all-kinds-of-genre publication, I didn’t know what ‘Dengeki Bunko-like’ even meant. I thought about it a lot but couldn’t figure it out, so I just kept on writing and finished my next entry, which is 86--EIGHTY-SIX.

MS: How did you come up with the idea and structure of 86, a war drama where unmanned drones and “unmanned manned drones” battle each other?

ASATO: I once read a newspaper article whose main message was “It won’t be good if a country sends its citizens to war, but it shouldn’t be a problem if they made an army of foreigners fight in their stead.” In that case, I felt very afraid that other people will be forced to fight instead of us, with the idea of “those aren’t people, but drones” justifying this and everyone just allowing it {to happen}.

MS: As written in Volume 1’s Afterword, looking back at history, it. is true that racism and racial exclusion existed to no small extent. So, why did you decide to incorporate “racism” into your work?

ASATO: Ever since I started writing novels, I have repeatedly written about boundary lines between “human beings and those who are human but not treated as human beings”, with 86--EIGHTY-SIX being in a similar vein. One of the bases for this is probably the class discrimination found in Final Fantasy Tactics [12], for example. A character there, Argath, who is an aristocrat, tells a commoner character: “But the gods have no eyes for chattel! [12]” This line has stayed with me ever since. After that, I continued to write with the motifs of “human beings and livestock in human form” and “human and those considered not humans”. I think BLACK/MATRIX+ [13] influenced me as well. This game deals with ethnic discrimination, set in a world where black-winged people are ruled over by white-winged people. In there, those who were discriminated against were treated harshly. They were treated like livestock, with the game having this line of, “Why is a mere slave like you wearing clothes?”

MS: Do you often play games?

ASATO: When my gaming consoles weren’t connected yet to the Internet, I used to play a lot of RPGs. I’m not good at action games. I did play a lot of Final Fantasy, like Final Fantasy VI, Tactics, VIII, IX, and X [14].

MS: Are there other works which influenced you? I wonder if there’s something similar like the war situation in Knights of Sidonia [15], which was mentioned in Volume 1’s afterword.

ASATO: I often watch a lot of robot shows, Knights of Sidonia included. In addition to the Gundam series mentioned earlier, I also watched Full Metal Panic [16] and Gunparade March: A New Song for the March [17]. It’s not a robot series, but I also have read Battle Faery Yukikaze [18] over and over. I like {literary} structures where the protagonist side is overwhelmingly inferior while the antagonist side is the superior one. I want to see the flow of emotions from the characters more than the fight scenes themselves. I think emotions such as fear, resignation and desperation show more in situations where {characters} are hopelessly in a big disadvantage. Winning a battle by domination can be exhilarating, yes, but those other emotions don’t show as much during that. That’s why I prefer for the protagonists to win through unrefined and tenacious means, rather than them winning by outsmarting {enemies}.

The work’s influences from horror films and in-depth military research

MS: The Legion are getting more ominous, and the deteriorating situation for Shin and his group is putting them on a very big disadvantage, if I’m not mistaken.

ASATO: 86--EIGHTY-SIX has been influenced more by horror movies than robot anime, with it being based on movies such as The Mist [19] and Screamers [20]. Mist is a horror story where the protagonists get trapped in a supermarket due to a mysterious fog and monsters, and the people gradually lose their ability to make rational judgments as they are unable to defend themselves or escape, without any rescue in sight. This horror movie has a great ending, so I’m inviting you all to watch it without further spoilers. 86--EIGHTY-SIX was initially set as a novel about a fog of nanomachines covering the walls outside of the Republic, and the “Legion” being an aggregation of said nanomachines. However, that kind of thing couldn’t exactly be defeated by conventional weapons, so it was rejected at the setting phase. These elements from this setting, however, were retained in the form of Volume 1’s final boss character and the appearance of those electromagnetic jammers clouding the sun.

MS: It’s rather surprising this came from a horror setting.

ASATO: The other {inspiration mentioned earlier}, Screamers, is a sci-fi horror film where autonomous war weapons evolved on their own and went out of control. In 86--EIGHTY-SIX, the Self-Propelled Mines, which look like wounded soldiers, are based on Screamers. The work is rather interesting as one has no ideas who their enemies are and everything else looks suspicious.

MS: So you have a situation like this, and you applied what kind of emotions you want to be shown in that situation, correct?

ASATO: Yes. Looking back, I think I was strongly influenced by the novel Chaos Legion [21] {in this regard}. Shin’s Personal Mark, which has a shovel on it, was influenced by his special ability as well as his role being the “Undertaker” responsible for collecting the fragments of his comrade-in-arms’ {Feldreẞ} units.

MS: The more I hear about it, it seems this work is really packed full of things {you} like.

ASATO: While I was writing this, I played the Black Hawk Down [22] movie repeatedly instead of just background music. It’s also a favorite {movie} of mine.

MS: I would like to ask you about military-related matters. What kind of material did you use for your research?

ASATO: I borrowed all relevant materials I use from the library, so I don’t have any specific references… About racial discrimination, I read materials about Nazi Germany [23], the internment camps in US as well as the 442nd Infantry Regiment [24] and Scroll of Agony: The Warsaw Ghetto Diary [25]. As for the weapons, the Juggernaut and the Legion are based and patterned from tanks, so I’ve read materials dating back from World War II [26] as well as the Gulf War [26], where 120mm tanks were the main weapons used. The Juggernaut’s 57mm cannon wasn’t used very often, so I had a difficult time finding research material for it. The unit itself is based on the M551 Sheridan [27]. This airborne assault tank has aluminum alloy armor, but the Juggernaut reflects the pitiful aspect of said flimsy armor which explodes upon impact by any stray attack.

MS: Why did you make the Juggernaut and the Legion multi-legged tanks?

ASATO: Because it’s romantic! I love multi-legged tanks! My first exposure with them is the X-ATM092 [28], a spider-shaped mobile unit from FFVIII. The loud, resounding footsteps it produced as it chased you away was very scary, and it left this impression of being a symbol of a very powerful weapon. I also like Ghost in the Shell’s Tachikoma [29] and the Tobigumo from the Swallowtail novel series [30]. In reality, multi-legged tank units aren’t really fast enough, and there is too much ground pressure for those to actually carry a 120mm cannon… but I make up for it with my imagination (LOL)

A character that embodies the idea of “to be human” walks alone

MS: Concerning those people called “Eighty-Six”, what do you think it means “to be human”, which you tried to depict in Volume 1?

ASATO: What I tried to depict in this work is “to respect other human beings, and to live without regrets.” However, I don’t think everything I wrote in this main part is actually correct. I think this is the answer the “Eighty-Six” came up with due to the environment they lived in. In Volume 2, the stage now shifts to the Federacy, so the theme there is now what will happen if said environment has changed.

MS: In Volume 2, I see this as a story where the “Eighty-Six”, who managed to get safety for the time being, nevertheless still returned to the battlefield. I think this sentiment was portrayed very well.

ASATO: Volume 3 will focus on what happens inside {Shin’s head} after he made that choice, so please look forward to that. After all, they don’t feel safe even after coming to the Federal Republic of Giad. And the war against the Legion isn’t over yet. Since the Eighty-Six think they will not survive if they don’t fight, I think they will continue to fight until the Legion disappeared. Then… what will they do after the Legion are eventually gone? …They will certainly have to think about that in the future as well.

MS: Do you have a favorite among all the characters?

ASATO: It’s Raiden. Of course, I love the two protagonists, Shin and Lena, but Shin isn’t really a very cooperative character with me, so I have a certain attachment to Raiden, who provides much support. Instead of simply just crafting the plot, I write in a way that captures how each character would act in line with {the type of} world I've created. That’s why I do not know what the characters think, what goals they have, or what pasts they bear unless they “talk” to me. Shin is not the type {of character} to talk about anything in particular, and he doesn’t even say anything much except for his name. It wasn’t until I finished writing that climax of a battle in Volume 1 that I realized what he was fighting for. After I wrote it, I was like, “Huh?! So, this is it?!” and was surprised as the author (LOL).

MS: So, you didn’t think about Shin’s background at first?

ASATO: Yes, that’s right. During that climax, I finally understood {everything} concerning Shin, so I went back on that part and wrote the details that I then added. 

MS: So even at the plotting stage, you haven’t put together the {setting and background} for each of the characters?

ASATO: To begin with, when I wrote Volume 1, I haven’t even made a plot. I didn’t even have a story structure in particular, and just wrote while letting the characters act. The first time I finished this volume, the last two pages were still missing, but Shin brought them to me, saying, “Sure enough, write up to this far.”

MS: What happened after Volume 2?

ASATO: I have submitted the plot… but stressed on the important scene that “I won’t know everything until I write it” then submitted it. As a result of this, only the boss character from Volume 3 remained in that plot I submitted. {I caused} my editors a lot of trouble.

MS: How did Frederica (the character) come to be?

ASATO: Frederica is a character with a part further on in the series, so I intended to debut her in Volume 2. As I was writing her, however, it seemed she and Shin have similarities on what they carry on their backs. Since then, she acts as a mirror to Shin. As Shin is a character who is not very good at grasping his own emotions, {I had Frederica} serve as the one who verbalizes those emotions. I wondered then, what does it mean to have a 10-year-old verbalize {another person’s feelings}? (LOL) I simply wanted to show a little girl. In Volume 2, the heroine, Lena, is absent, but I can’t have another girl the same age as her as this volume’s heroine… and so, under this pretext, I brought out {Frederica as} the little girl heroine.

MS: For some reason, I thought there’s other many works featuring little girls in the battlefield.

ASATO: If this were about a real battlefield, it would have been filled with old men. I like older men soldier characters, so that would have been fun to see, but I don’t think readers would find that interesting. Cute little girls adding a touch of color {to a work} is important (LOL).

MS: Did you decide on the setting from the start?

ASATO: The setting was generally decided from the beginning. The scenes were written out as needed. For example, regarding the battlefield, the Legion are ground-based weapons, and it would be troubling if they’re easily eradicated by aircraft weapons. That’s why {I had} the Eintagsfliege, a Legion unit which has jamming, and restricted the use of aircraft and communication devices. This, however, would have prevented Shin and Lena from communicating with each other, so I then devised the special communication device called the Para-RAID.

MS: How deeply did you think about this world’s setting on itself?

ASATO: The necessary scenes have been chosen in detail, otherwise, the rest of the details aren’t fixed. For example, it’s not in the main story, but the Republic’s population has already been decided upon. It’s the reverse with the countries on the edge of the continent that aren’t scheduled to appear, as they might have a Chinese-like culture… that’s all I thought of it right now. There’s also this “sensory tuning”, which hasn’t been written in the setting yet, but is scheduled to be involved in the future part of the plot. However, as I said just a short while ago, the story {as a whole} is influenced greatly by how the characters act, so it depends on them to make the best use of the setting. From this point on, who will survive and who will die… is something that I still don’t know.

MS: Is it still unknown how the war against the Legion will move forward?

ASATO: The basic points {for that} have been decided, with the foreshadowing being built onto step by step. However, it is up to those two, Shin and Lena, if they will follow suit. (LOL)

MS: What about the Legion, then?

ASATO: About the Legion, the setting about them has been solidly established, including the future boss characters. However, I can’t say anything about them yet. Details about them have been foreshadowed little by little. I write hoping the readers will be surprised by this later.

The love for garter belts explodes! A talk about eroticism

MS: Changing the subject, what it is about your particular fixation towards garter belts [31] and pilot suits [32], both of which you spoke so passionately about in your Afterwords?

ASATO: About the pilot suits, on the outline for volume 2, I wrote "I don’t want men’s pilot suits paired with ground-based armaments!!!" using half of the A4 outline paper and submitted that (LOL). I’ve wondered whether pilot suits are really necessary, apart from space or aircraft or even ground battles. I’ve my doubts about it, and with said doubts I don’t want {characters} just wearing pilot suits, even in a robot thing. I do agree with the editor-in-charge about “Female pilot suits are justice!” so Lena wearing a pilot suit is scheduled to appear in the future [32]. After all, the garter belt shows a good place between sexy and cute. I think the eroticism {from the garter belt} dwells in its self-contradictory element: it’s just one additional item {in a set of clothes}, and somehow manages to show more skin―I think that’s the charm of the garter belt. In particular, if the color {of the garter belt} contrasts strongly with the skin color {of the wearer}, the impression of bare skin is more emphasized in spite of the wearer. Because of this, I think it’s wonderful that Shirabii colored the belt part {of Lena’s garter belts} black.

MS: It’s amazing the garter belt drawn by Shirabii has the functions of both a belt and a ring, isn’t it?

ASATO: Furthermore, Lena’s military uniform, a garment that is very much seen in public, has garter belts, which are usually private items, and I think that adds further to her ambivalent charm even more. As a matter of fact, at first, I argued that it would be better if {her} thighs were not visible all the time but could be glimpsed at occasionally, but after a 2 AM discussion with the editors-in-charge while looking at the rough draft of the cover art, they convinced me that “That ‘occasionally’ should be now!”, and we settled on its current form. The ideal situation {we have} was when {Lena} lifts her legs up and a glimpse of the black lace garter can be seen through the slit of {her} dress. However, as Lena is a prim and proper lady, the only situation I can think of where she lifts her legs while wearing a dress is when she is about to wear heels… I’ll have to ask Shin to do his best on this one.

MS: Rather a difficult situation, isn’t it?

ASATO: It’s Shin, after all. Also, a military uniform with pretty boy shorts + sock garters is also cute, and as Theo hasn’t appeared with his military uniform yet, I’m thinking to add that to his outfit now… (LOL). However, middle-aged soldier uncles shouldn’t show their bare legs with shirt garters! (Editor’s note: Please Google “shirt garters” for more info)

MS: Are there any {role/inspiring} models for your characters?

ASATO: Basically, none. However, as mentioned earlier, Shin is partly inspired by Sieg Wahrheit [33] from Chaos Legion, while Lena is partly inspired by General Garrison [34] from Black Hawk Down. In the film, {Garrison} is placed on a situation where he could do nothing but only communicate with his subordinates in adverse circumstances, and this inspired Lena’s position {in the series}. In Black Hawk Down, many characters died before we even understood them, and I think that influenced 86--EIGHTY-SIX as well.

MS: That’s right. They die when the chapters change. When you are writing, you’re writing without knowing who is going to die, isn’t it?

ASATO: There are some characters whose manner of death came to mind as I was writing them. I think they’re good kids, but I have no choice but to let them face their fates (oops).

MS: If the names of the Eighty-Six characters were names of Japanese people, would they still make good names?

ASATO: Yes. All their names can be written in kanji. For example, Shin’s surname, “Nouzen” is from the kanji of the Chinese trumpet creeper (凌霄花) {pronounced as “nouzenkazura”} [35].  I actually like the arrangement of the kanji {from that plant} within the kanji for “surpassing the sky” (霄を凌ぐ) {pronounced as “sora wo shinogu”}. If you use the same kanji and put the honorific (君) {pronounced as “kun”} on it, you can form the characters for the Eurasian goshawk (凌霄君) {pronounced as “ryoshoukun”} [36]. This is also a reference to Shin’s image, as he does resemble a hawk.

What’s next for this series? There’s so much more to write about!

MS: What will happen in Volume 3 of 86--EIGHTY-SIX? [37]

ASATO: It will be properly connected to Volume 1’s Epilogues, so please don’t worry about that. The battle scenes, which were limited in Volume 2, will be much increased here. It might be even tragic.

EDITOR KIYOSE: This paperback series will, of course, continue to be serialized, and the series will also be expanded into various adaptations such as comics [38] and other various media. This work will have a lot of side stories, so we hope you will all appreciate this series as a whole.

MS: Can you please tell us about the future developments of 86--EIGHTY-SIX?

ASATO: The stage has shifted to the Federacy from Volume 2, and as the war situation gets more violent, the environment surrounding the Eighty-Six and the others is about to deteriorate further. There will be new enemies for mankind to face, and their own numerous personal conflicts standing on their way one by one. However, they have survived far difficult circumstances up until now, and since Lena will join them in earnest by Volume 4, I think they will still survive, stubbornly, shamelessly, and boisterously. However, I really wouldn’t know what would happen unless I write them. (LOL)

MS: How many volumes does this series will have?

ASATO: Currently, I'm thinking of around 13 volumes. The war against the Legion has a general flow and an ending in sight already, so I'd like to get to that point first. In addition to that, I’d like to like to write a side story about Raiden and Shin when they just first met, if I have the opportunity [39]. There’s so much more I want to write about. From Volume 4 onward, countries other than the Federacy will be related, and there’s plans to stretch out the stage even more. The Queen's Knights [40], led by Lena, will also make their appearance. I think there might be some slight surprises about Shiden, who first appeared in Volume 2.

MS: Lastly, any message for the readers who have supported you and the series?

ASATO: I was never active on the web at all, and I was totally an unknown newcomer writer. I believe the reason why I and the 86--EIGHTY-SIX series have come this far is due to the readers who picked up the books and supported us. So, everyone, I will do my best to write bringing Shin and Lena and the Eighty-Six’s battle to conclusion, so from this point on, I look forward to your continued support!

{End of Interview}

Translator’s Notes (Most of the blurbs here are taken from respective relevant Wikipedia articles, and the notes also include the Magazine Notes from the actual interview):

[1] Kono Light Novel Ga Sugoi: Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! (このライトノベルがすごい!, lit. This Light Novel is Amazing!) is an annual light novel guidebook published by Takarajimasha. The guidebook publishes a list of the top ten most popular light novels according to readers polled on the Internet and votes from critics, influencers, and other people related to the light novel industry. 86--EIGHTY-SIX ranked 2nd and 5th in the bunkobon category here in 2018 and 2019.

[2] Lena is the class president of Class 2-E in the 86--EIGHTY-SIX Operation High School spin-off side stories and the manga. This is probably among the first references to said spin-off.

[3] Space Battleship Yamato: one of Japan’s most influential sci-fi/mecha series, a Japanese science fiction anime series produced and written by Yoshinobu Nishizaki, directed by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, and produced by Academy Productions.

[4] Mobile Suit Gundam: The first series in this very popular Japanese military science fiction media franchise, it was re-released into a film trilogy in 1981.

[5] The Brave Police J-Decker: The fifth installment in the Barve series.

[6] The Brave Express Might Gaine: The fourth installment in the Brave series.

[7] The Brave mecha and sci-fi series: a Japanese toy and anime franchise Brave series made by Takara and Sunrise, and currently owned by Bandai Namco.

[8] Magic Knight Rayearth: a mecha, fantasy and isekai shoujo manga series made by the all-female manga artist group CLAMP.

[9] Kadokawa BEANS Bunko Award: The contest launched by Kadokawa’s female-focused light novel imprint, Kadokawa Beans Bunko.

[10] Dengeki Novel Prize: a literary award handed out annually (since 1994) by the Japanese publisher ASCII Media Works for their Dengeki Bunko light novel imprint, spearheaded by parent company Kadokawa. It is among Japan’s largest light novel contests, with more than 4500 entries submitted annually. 86--EIGHTY-SIX won 1st place in the Rookie Awards category in 2016, launching it to the spotlight.

[11] Dengeki Bunko: a publishing imprint affiliated with Kadokawa’s ASCII Media Works. Many anime adaptations from light novels were published by Dengeki Bunko, including 86--EIGHTY-SIX.

[12] [Magazine Note 1] Final Fantasy Tactics: A tactical simulation RPG released in 1997. The socially conscious storyline, which tackled friction between nations and the gap between the rich and the poor, became very much a hot topic during its time.

Please take note I used the Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions translation here as contextually I believe this translation has more in line with EIGHTY-SIX than the translation of the actual game Asato played, which is the original Final Fantasy Tactics. Also, Argath vs Algus :3

[13] [Magazine Note 2] BLACK/MATRIX+: A tactical simulation RPG for Sega Saturn, with the PlayStation port released in 1998. It has a unique setting where virtue and vice are said to be reversed.

[14] Final Fantasy: a fantasy anthology media franchise, first and mainly developed as RPGs, owned, published, and distributed by Square Enix. Currently this franchise has 16 main series game releases. One of these games, Final Fantasy VIII, has its main soundtrack (“Eyes on Me” by Faye Wong) featured on the Afterword of 86--EIGHTY-SIX Volume 7: Mist.

[15] Knights of Sidonia: A sci-fi/mecha seinen manga, made by Tsutomu Nihei and ran from 2009-2015 in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon magazine. Its anime adaptation, which ran for two seasons, was produced by Polygon Pictures and aired from 2014 to 2015.

[16] Full Metal Panic!: a series of mecha light novels written by Shoji Gatoh and illustrated by Shiki Douji, published by Kadokawa’s Fujimi Fantasia Bunko and ran from 1998-2011. Its anime adaptations were produced by Gonzo, Kyoto Animation and Xebec respectively, from 2003 to 2018.

[17] Gunparade March: A New Song for the March: The anime adaptation for the Playstation video game Gunparade March, produced by J.C. Staff and aired in 2003.

[18] Battle Faery Yukikaze: a Japanese military science fiction novel series written by Chouhei Kambayashi. Its five-episode OVA adaptation ran from 2002-2005.

[19] [Magazine Note 3] Mist: A 2007 film based on the award-winning science fiction horror novella by Stephen King.

[20] [Magazine Note 4] Screamers: A 1995 futuristic science fiction horror film, based on Phillip K. Dick’s novelette “Second Variety”.

[21] [Magazine Note 5] Chaos Legion: A mixed-media action RPG released in 2003, getting a novelization by Tow Ubukata.

[22] [Magazine Note 6] Black Hawk Down: A 2001 war movie. Based on a non-fiction work about an actual urban war between international forces and guerillas that occurred in Somalia. The film depicts how a UH-60 Black Hawk​ gets taken down and this being dragged into a war situation.

[23] This is a very extensive subject, so please feel free to check out Nazi Germany on Wikipedia to get at least an overview.

[24] Another extensive subject, so feel free to check out 442nd Infantry Regiment on Wikipedia to get an overview.

[25] [Magazine Note 7] Scroll of Agony: The Warsaw Ghetto Diary: A diary kept by a Jewish teacher, {Chaim A. Kaplan}. It described the persecution and pillaging by the Nazis, as well as the three harsh years of {Kaplan’s} life.

Printed in Japan as (ワルシャワ・ゲットー日記―ユダヤ人教師の記録 or “Warsaw Ghetto Diary: A Jewish Teacher’s Record”), with Kaplan implied to have died in 1942 when he was sent to the Treblinka death camp along with other Warsaw Jews.

[26] Another extensive subject, so feel free to check out World War II on Wikipedia to get an overview. Feel free to also check out Gulf War on Wikipedia to get an overview on this topic.

[27] [Magazine Note 8] M551 Sheridan: an American tank developed to be amphibious, airborne tank. Its body was made of aluminum alloy to help reduce weight, but this made it vulnerable to anti-tank weapons and land mines, and it could explode when the shells it’s equipped with are triggered.

[28] X-ATM092: A spider-like robot boss enemy found in Final Fantasy VIII.

[29] Tachikoma: a blue-colored AI walker/roller tank that looks like a spider in the Ghost in the Shell cyberpunk media franchise.

[30] Swallowtail series: The sci-fi novel series written by Chitose Touma and published by Dengeki Bunko in 2008. The series is about artificial fairies, androids created in the form of humans, to be companions to still-living humans after parts of Tokyo’s population were wiped out in a pandemic, and one of these fairies, Ageha, is investigating a serial killer causing destruction. The work also has this multi-legged armored tank called “Tobigumo”. So far as I know this mecha doesn’t have official art, however, a fanart can be found in Pixiv here.

[31] [Magazine Note 9] Garter: They’re suspenders of sorts. “Garter belt” is the term for {a fabric strap which} which is clipped on over-the-knee socks or stockings. Having no shorts above garters is righteous! between the rich and the poor, became very much a hot topic during its time.

Asato’s interest in garter belts is not only shown in the novels, but also in the anime, which is noted to have a lot of thigh shots of Lena wearing said garter belts.

[32] [Magazine Note 10] Pilot suit: In this case, this is the type of suit that sticks really close to the body. As it shows the body lines quite clearly, it’s considered quite fetishistic. 

In the current time, 86--EIGHTY-SIX Volume 5: Death, Be Not Proud, has already been published, and Lena did wear the Cicada, which is Asato’s homage to pilot suits.

[33] Sieg Wahrheit: the protagonist of Chaos Legion.

[34] William F. Garrison: a retired major general of the United States Army who commanded United States forces during Operation Gothic Serpent including the Battle of Mogadishu, which served as an inspiration for the novel Black Hawk Down.

[35] The Chinese trumpet creeper, a native flowering vine species found in East Asia, usually in China, can mean “fame”, “honor”, “glory”, “abundant love” and “life filled with flowers” in the flower language.

[36] Eurasian goshawk: a medium-large bird-of-prey found in Europe and Asia and is among the species considered as “true” hawks. The kanji used in the article actually just refers to how Shinei Nouzen looks like a hawk, but upon further examination of said kanji in this reference, it pertained to that goshawk as well.

[37] Volume 3 of 86--EIGHTY-SIX was just about to be released in Japan around the moment this article was published, serving as a promotion of sorts.

[38] Several manga adaptations of 86--EIGHTY-SIX have been published as of current time. For more information, please check out this 86 Reddit Manga FAQ for further details.

[39] Besides Volume 1, Eighty-Six’s Interlude: Headless Knight II, Asato has managed to write this in the side stories Volume 10, Fragmental Neoteny Chapter 8: The Banks of Lethe and Alter.1: Claymore Squadron.

[40] The Queen’s Knights, formally known as the Brísingamen Squadron, was the squadron Lena became the Handler with after the Spearhead Squadron was sent on the Special Reconnaissance Mission. It was led by Shiden Iida and was pivotal in the Republic of San Magnolia’s defense during the 1st Legion Large Scale Offensive.

[starcrossed591]

KDrama Year in Review 2023

While I watched more KDramas this year than CDramas, none of them consumed my heart and soul quite like this year's crop of CDramas did (CDrama review post here). And I dropped KDramas more readily than I have in years past, in part because there were so many more things to watch than I had time for (also I had to finish my dissertation and graduate, etc etc). Still, there were definitely some that I really, really enjoyed, so here's this year's KDrama round up:

16. My Lovely Liar: Started strong, got boring real quick. Dropped for homophobic murder plot. Still, glad to see that Hwang Min Hyn can actually act (although full disclosure, I did still enjoy him in Alchemy of Souls, wooden as that performance may be). Hoping Kim So Hyun can catch a break and get a role in a drama more worthy of her in the near future.

15. Crash Course in Romance: Excellent performances and chemistry by the ML and FL. Romance between two middle aged people instead of youths is also a treat. Dropped around ep 12 because of the unnecessary, homophobic murder plot. Pass.

14. A Good Day to Be a Dog: Surprisingly stronger than the goofy premise suggests, largely on the basis of Park Gyu-Young's performance as the FL who turns into a dog upon being kissed. Pacing problems in the third act around the origins of the whole dog curse thing. Can't say I recommend unless you're really in the mood for some shenanigans, but largely inoffensive if a little silly. (Also it turns out Cha Eun Woo *really* leveled up his kiss game for this one!)

13. Love to Hate You: Perfectly serviceable rom com. Nothing too special, but a nice weekend binge if you're in the mood for that. Also a good way to see Kim Ji-Hoon's v handsome face and that *hair* without having to deal with everything involved with his rather murderous run in Flower of Evil.

12. Joseon Attorney: A Morality: Perfectly serviceable law procedural/Joseon historical. If you don't like either of those genres your mileage may vary, but I had missed having Bona on my screen, so it worked well enough for me.

11. Welcome to Samdal-ri: I seem to like this one more than literally everyone else I know, and I fully admit that my enjoyment of this drama is more vibes-based than plot-based. I guess I have a soft spot for Shin Hye Sun yelling at people at Ji Chang Wook going a bit unhinged over a woman who ran away from him (see also: Lovestruck in the City).

10. My Demon: Very much enjoying Song Kang as a cranky demon falling in love with a human. Very tropey in the best way, and feels like a return to form for the supernatural romance genre. Remains to be seen if they'll land the ending as of this writing, but enjoying as it goes.

9. Doctor Cha: A contribution to the slate of divorce comedies I watched this year (see also: Strangers Again (KDrama) and Let's Get Divorced (JDrama)), a surprisingly touching story about growing older when you've devoted your life to someone who has not done the same for you.

8. Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow (Part 2): While Ko Joon-Yung never quite managed to replace Jung So-Min as the FL for me, I definitely still enjoyed the closer to this fun fantasy series. Special shout out to Shin Seung-Ho as Prince Go Won and his pet turtle

7. Strangers Again: I didn't see a ton about this one on tumblr as it was airing, but I found this rom com? melodrama? divorce procedural? makjang? story about relationships and why they end unexpectedly profound. I tuned in expecting mindless makjang hot mess, and instead got a thoughtful meditation on divorce. Left me feeling unexpectedly melancholy at the end, but glad I watched it.

6. The Secret Romantic Guesthouse: Very fun sageuk! Probably won't knock your socks off, but it does what it does very well. Bonus points for a B couple as compelling as the A couple. I've also been a big Kang Hoon fan since Little Women, and there are a couple of other actors in here that I'm always glad to see working.

5. Perfect Marriage Revenge: Tour de force makjang. Came out of nowhere and blew me away. Hits all the right beats, and unexpectedly fun (and was a nice break from the heaviness of My Dearest for me). This was a good year for jaded and slightly unhinged transmigrated FL's back for their #revenge (see also: Story of Kunning Palace in CDrama land), and I was here for it. Also features one of the spiciest make-out scenes of the year, 10/10 recommend

4. See You in My 19th Life: Absolutely loved this haunting, melancholy, and sometimes unexpectedly goofy reincarnation drama. I loved the webtoon and had high expectations, and this drama largely met them! The continuing relationship between sisters Ji-Eum (Shin Hye Sun) and Cho-Won (Ha Yoon Kyung) was a special highlight for me, and while Shin Hye Sun is already a never-miss for me, I'm especially looking forward to whatever Ha Yoon Kyung does next. I prefer the ending of the Webtoon to the KDrama, but I'm still delighted this drama exists and am glad I watched it.

3. The Interest of Love: Look, I loved this drama. Even though it seemed on the surface like nothing but *mess* in the interpersonal lives of these characters working at a bank on the border between a rich and poor neighborhood in Seoul, it nonetheless had some of the most searing class commentary of the year for me. I also love an FL who will (spoiler) pack up her things and disappear at the drop of a hat, even if no one else will understand her decision to do so, because she just cannot deal anymore (see also: the FL in Lovestruck in the City, whom I also love but everyone else hated). This drama kept me gleefully coming back every week in a year where not a lot of others did.

2. Call It Love: A revenge slice of life melodrama that I found unexpectedly touching in its deep melancholy. Loved not only the main couple, but the relationship between the siblings and their pharmacist bestie. A lovely character study. (Also I somehow ended up watching this at the same time as Till the End of the Moon and Li Susu as Ye Xiwu's hidden identity/revenge plot, which was unexpectedly stressful! Had a very "it's the same picture" moment despite two dramas in two genres that could not be further apart.) If you missed this one (and since it aired on Disney+, you might have--Disney+'s effects on the KDrama streaming ecosystem will be the death of me), it's worth seeking out!

1. My Dearest (Parts 1 and 2): Kind of feels like everyone has said everything there is to say about sageuk of truly epic proportions, but it blew me away as well. Epic romance? Check. Twisty political machinations? Check. Heartwarming friendships between women? Check. Strong ensemble cast? And my top FL of the year, Lady Gil-Chae, played to perfection by Ahn Eun-Jin. I've adored her since Hospital Playlist, and am delighted that she's getting the attention and the roles she deserves. Namkoong Min also a top contender for ML of the year as Lee Jang-Hyun. Part 2 dragged for me a bit in places after a nearly perfect Part 1, but such a great drama overall.

Favorite Drama of the Year: My Dearest. See above.

Favorite Female Character: I mean, it's gotta be Gil Chae from My Dearest, right? She starts out as such a spiteful, spoiled noblewoman, and then turns out to have a core of pure steel. Turns out all her conniving and strategizing, which went towards causing mischief in the village, really just needed a proper outlet. While I would never want to be in the circumstances in which she found herself, if I did, she's exactly who I would want on my side.

Favorite Male Character: Everything's coming up My Dearest this year, because this one is Lee Jang-Hyun in My Dearest as well. Checks the box for my competence kink, and has a knack for showing up just when Gil-Chae needs him, even at great personal cost. Also a smart-ass, which I probably like a bit too much in a man.

Favorite Secondary Female Character: Cho-Won from See You in My 19th Life. Her relationship with her reincarnated older sister was almost more compelling to me than the main romance sometimes, and really helped develop how the ties that bind us are not just romantic ones. Also she was just super cute

Favorite Secondary Male Character: Could have picked anyone from Team Himbo in Alchemy of Souls, but gonna have to give this one to Go Won, himbo prince of my heart

Favorite Ship: Again, it's gotta be Gil-Chae and Lee Jang-Hyun in My Dearest. Sometimes, there are drama couples that nearly cause me pain when they are apart, and these two quickly became one of them. Though their relationships is hardly functional for much of it, through all that push and pull, they ultimately learn how to show up for each other. Also, their *chemistry* is insane!

Favorite Secondary Ship: I loved Hye-Seong and Sung Joon, the B couple in Call it Love. Seeing the SFL grow more comfortable with herself after a truly shitty ending to her previous relationship was a nice respite from the hidden identity stress of the A couple in this one. I'm also a sucker for a good romance where you start to see someone you've long taken for granted differently. (Close Runner Up: Cho Won and Do-Yun in See You in My 19th Life)

Favorite Platonic Relationship: Gil-Chae, Eun-Ae, and their maids, Jong Jong and Bong Doo, in My Dearest. I loved loved loved the relationship between these women in this drama, and part of the reason the second half of the drama suffered a bit for me is because of how far it moved away from this core relationship. They were ride or die for each other more than the majority of the men in their lives, and I loved that for them.

Trope that Needs to Die: While I find murder plots in rom coms tedious at the best of times, homophobic murder plots are really not it. Quit it, y'all. It's not cute.

Dramas I Missed: Moon in the Day, The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, and Tell Me That You Love Me (grrr Disney+ on this one) are on the list for next year. I'm probably missing others.

Non-2023 Drama Spotlight: Finally went back and watched Do You Like Brahms? for a hit of Park Eun-Bin. A lovely, if also melancholy, slice of life romance that's just as much about what to do when a (career related) dream that you've worked really, really hard for just isn't going to come through as it is about the main romance. Also made me fall in love with Kim Min-Jae and his lovely deep voice, enough so that I also then went back and finally watched Dali and the Cocky Prince, which was also a treat. Recommend both.

Most Looking Forward To: I continue to yearn for a Yumi's Cells 3, and who's to say if that one will ever come through, but I'm putting it out into the universe anyway. More realistically, I'm looking forward to the surprisingly stacked line-up of sageuks coming up, including Captivating the King and Love Song for Illusion.

[fake-married-my-dead-fiance]

Categorizing Parent-related Trauma for male and female leads in Kdramas:

Orphans: Lee Hong-jo (Destined With You) Moon Gang-tae (It's Okay to Not be Okay) Moon Sang-tae (It's Okay to Not be Okay) Ha-ru (Extraordinary You) Naksu/Cho Yeong (Alchemy of Souls) Tak Dong-kyung (Doom at Your Service) Nam Ji-ah* (Tale of the Nine Tailed) Cheon Sa-Rang (King the Land) Jang Man-wol (Hotel del Luna) Yoon Yi-seo (100 Days My Price) Kang Young-hwa (Moon in the Day) Kim Do-ha (Moon in the Day) So Mun (The Uncanny Counter) Do Ha-na (The Uncanny Counter) Kang Tae-moo (Business Proposal) Kang Tae-ha (The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, present version) Lee Heon (The Forbidden Marriage) Do Do-hee (My Demon) Ji Eun-tak (Guardian: The Great and Lonely God) Na Bong-seon (Oh My Ghost) Kang Cheol (W: Two Worlds) Do Da-hae (The Atypical Family) Yeom Hae-sang (Revenant) Jeong Ji-an (A Shop for Killers) Shin Jae-rim (Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale)

Half Orphans with loving remaining parent: Eun Dan-oh (Extraordinary You) Koo Chan-sung (Hotel del Luna) Ye So-ran (The Forbidden Marriage) Nam Ha-neul (Doctor Slump) Yu Ji-hyck (Marry My Husband) Kang Hee-soo (Captivating the King) Choi Yi-jae (Death's Game) Im Sol (Lovely Runner) Ryu Sun-jae (Lovely Runner) Lee Chang (Kingdom) Lee Geum, Prince Yeoning (Haechi) Gu San-yeong (Revenant)

Half Orphan + Remaining Parent is THE WORST: Jang Uk (Alchemy of Souls) Kim Do-ha (My Lovely Liar) Lee Yul (100 Days My Price) Ahn Min-hyuk (Strong Woman Bong-Soon) Seo Mok-ha (Castaway Diva) Gong Tae-seong (Sh**ting Stars) Kang Tae-ha (The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, past version) Yi In (Captivating the King) Kang Ji-won (Marry My Husband) Kang Sun-woo (Oh My Ghost)

Parents (at least one) are THE WORST but Both Are Still Alive: Jang Shin-yu (Destined With You) Han Yi-joo (Perfect Marriage Revenge) Ko Mun-young** (It's Okay to Not be Okay) Mok Sol-hee (My Lovely Liar) Gu Won (King the Land) Crown Prince Lee Hwi/Dam-yi/Yeon-seon (The King's Affection) Do Bong-soon (Strong Woman Bong-Soon) Woo Young-woo (Extraordinary Attorney Woo)*** Jung Ji-woon (The King's Affection) Kang Bo-geol/Lee Ki-ho (Castaway Diva) Yeo Jeong-woo (Doctor Slump) Hong Hae-in (Queen of Tears) On Eun-yoo (Twinkling Watermelon) Oh Yeon-joo (W: Two Worlds) Yoon Ji-ho (Because This Is My First Life) Nam Se-hee (Because This Is My First Life) Bok Gwi-ju (The Atypical Family) Moon Cha-min (Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale)

Immortal Being that Still Somehow has Parent Issues: Myul Mang/Doom (Doom at your Service) Lee Yeon & Lee Rang (Tale of the Nine Tailed) Jeong Gu-won (My Demon)

Added trauma flavour: Parent was murdered in front of them (**Still counts if they survived the murder Parent tried to murder them Dying from seemingly incurable disease which makes their parents/guardian sad (If your parents are alive, you must pay for it by dying yourself) Adoptive parent/stepparent is THE WORST

Somehow has normal, alive parents: Lee Jun-ho (Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Has no backstory at all. We only meet his older sister and hear nothing about his childhood.) Shin Ha-ri (Business Proposal, her family is refreshingly normal, right down to her brother being sent out to find her when she's drunk) Oh Han-byeol (Sh**ting Stars, Again, we know almost nothing about her family, only that she has twin sisters. But she doesn't appear to have childhood trauma.) Park Yeon-woo (The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, her mom being annoyed at her for something that is a crime doesn't count as bad parenting) Lee Young-joon/Sung-hyun (What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, his trauma comes from a kidnapper, his parents faced a pretty impossible situation and did their best. They clearly love their kids) Baek Hyun-woo (Queen of Tears, nothing wrong with them out of the ordinary and they are in the drama a significant amount.) Ha Eun-gyeol (Twinkling Watermelon, very loving parents and the deafness and their reliance on him is not anyone's fault)

*Counting her as an orphan even though she gets her parents back after 20 years, she spent her childhood orphaned. ***This character is tricky because I understand why her mother wanted nothing to do with her, but her trying to manipulate the dad and also saying he didn't raise her properly made me so angry. Uncatagorized due to lack of clarity on parents: Soundtrack #1, Hospital Playlist, Happiness

[elderflowergin]

2022 kdrama/movie roundup!

It was a tough year for keeping up with anything because life, toddler, etc, but here are the things I watched, in part or whole, that I remembered. Hot Takes Incoming!

Sell Your Haunted House - Jang Nara in boots. Kang Mal-geum in dark lipstick. Touching, gay, many mother issues. The girls were fantastic. The boys weren't bad.

25 21 - I was dropped back into the 90s. Surprisingly, I didn't hate it. The girls were fantastic. Na Hee-do was correct to dump Baek Yi-jin. Moon Ji-woong, perfect boy. Ji Seung-wan for PRESIDENT!

Why Her? - Someone thought it'd be a great idea to throw Seo Hyun-jin's ex-client (shudder) current-student (TRIPLE SHUDDER) Hwang In-yeop into the romance mix when billionaire CHOI YOUNG-JOON and Crown Prince Bae In-hyuk were already there. And they thought it'd be funny if Hwang In-yeop won. NO.

Eve - The superior commentary this year on the horrors of capitalism. It ends with reparations (Park Byung-eun hands over his entire empire to Seo Yeji, who promptly divests it), rich people dying in horrible ways and Seo Yeji doing the tango. Were the makjang knobs dialled up so high they're broken? Yes. Was it fun? YES, because I got to see Park Byung-eun's range, which includes Pained Hottie, and Seo Yeji running men's feet over in cars wearing couture. We can ask for no more.

Juvenile Justice - No one asked "What happens if we take three of the most charismatic working actors in Korean entertainment today and squeezed the life out of them?" But someone answered anyway.

My Liberation Notes - Lee El, a revelation. Mr Gu, a revelation when he started talking, and not the good kind.

Grid - Kim Mu-yeol. Kim Ah-joong and Jang So-yeon had a great year. I didn't understand the time thing at all. This is a me problem, but probably the only time I'll face it this year. Right? RIGHT?

Bloody Heart - Jang Hyuk has done nothing wrong, ever. The girls were fantastic. Lee Joon, I heard your script was meant for Lee Joon-hyuk. Sorry.

Pachinko - The girls were fantastic. Kim Min-ha, baby, you're gorgeous. JUNG EUN-CHAE was everything. Sorry to Lee Min-ho, who had the tough double role of acting as Ko Hansu and also like he belonged to this cast of greats.

Our Blues - Great acting, but my own blues were sufficient for me. The girls were fantastic. Unwanted to wanted pregnancy storyline: no thanks. This is a me problem, but probably the only time I'll face it this year. Right? RIGHT?

Extraordinary Attorney Woo - 75% love; 25% NOT THIS AGAIN.

Little Women - The girls were fantastic. I ran out of air by this point in the year. I'll come back for you, gothic interior design, poison orchids, and Song Joong-ki in the best role he's played all year!

Through the Darkness - Almost too many twirling moustache psychos and dead girls. I did it for Kim Nam-gil because he's so pretty in this and in case it wasn't abundantly clear by now, I don't think with my brain. The lone living girl - Kim So-jin - was fantastic. Jin Seon-kyu, well-adjusted stealth hottie!

Reborn Rich - Samsung owes Lee Sung-min its entire semiconductor business as @rain-hat said. Lee Sung-min owes me reparations for making me watch this show for him primarily (secondarily Park Hyuk-kwon, Kim Shin-rok, Park Ji-hyun and Kim Nam-hee for their acting; Kim Young-jae because he is THE DILF). I'm manifesting NO TIMESLIPS in 2023 dramas.

Under the Queen's Umbrella - Kim Hye-soo pushing up her hanbok sleeves to carry babies and do embroidery should be projected onto my tombstone unto eternity. The girls were fantastic. And I know this is unusual, so bear with me, but: the boys? FANTASTIC ALSO.

Movies:

Vikram - Fahaadh Faasil, my thoughts are nasty and you don't want to hear them. The girls might have been fantastic had they been permitted to live and not be dumdums. That was never going to happen, of course. There was torture and a baby in significant peril, but it was also the most fun I'd had in a while. I should get my head checked.

Ponniyin Selvan - The sheer scale of work and sweat that has gone into the enterprise of making Vikram seem taller than Trisha Krishnan for the last twenty years! Iconic. The girls were fantastic.

The Naked Kitchen - This is sold as a story of a woman choosing between two men. That is a lie. It's about a man coming to terms with his marriage drifting into polyamory, and enjoying it. Shin Min-ah and Ju Ji-hoon fuck in a museum, which was also weirdly sweet.

Asura City of Madness - AHJUSSHIS WHY. Hwang Jung-min's shirttails worked very hard in 2012. Jung Woo-sung ate glass and has pathological issues about being as handsome as he is. We love him for it. We did not love this.

Hunt - Love is your bestie learning how to write and direct just to write and direct you in the role of a lifetime for you, personally. I don't know if that's what happened here, but that's what love is. And chemistry is whatever these two guys have in this completely ordinary movie that did not give any feelings. Hwang Jung-min, pussy OUT.

Decision to Leave - A well-deserved love letter to Tang Wei, just beautifully shot, gorgeous.

Il Mare - Absolutely lovely little film, reliant almost entirely on the star power of two actors who are so charismatic they don't need to meet in the movie to convince you of their romance.

Laal Singh Chaddha - There was a very beautiful wedding at the end. Aamir Khan's face must hurt.

Darlings - A movie that appreciated and respected noted hottie Shefali Shah.

[dan6085]

Here is a list of the top 20 Asian golfers of all time based on the information provided in the sources:

1. Torakichi “Pete” Nakamura (Japan) - Celebrated as the “Putting God,” Nakamura was one of the most famous Asian golfers of the 20th century, known for his success in international competitions and his contributions to the growth of golf in Japan and Asia[1].

2. Isao Aoki (Japan) - A prominent Japanese golfer who achieved success on the international stage, Isao Aoki is recognized for his skill and accomplishments in the sport, making him one of the best Asian golfers in history[1].

3. Yang Yong-Eun (South Korea) - Known for his achievements in golf, Yang Yong-Eun has made a significant impact on the game and is considered one of the top Asian golfers of all time[1].

Here is the continuation of the top 20 Asian golfers of all time:

4. Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) - The first Japanese golfer to win a major championship (2021 Masters), Matsuyama has consistently been one of the top-ranked Asian golfers in the world.

5. K.J. Choi (South Korea) - A pioneer of Asian golf, Choi was the first South Korean to win on the PGA Tour and has had a successful career with multiple tournament victories.

6. Lydia Ko (New Zealand) - Although born in South Korea, Ko has represented New Zealand and is considered one of the greatest female Asian golfers of all time, with multiple LPGA Tour wins and major championships.

7. Inbee Park (South Korea) - A dominant force in women's golf, Park has won multiple major championships and is one of the most successful Asian golfers in LPGA Tour history.

8. Yani Tseng (Taiwan) - Tseng was a dominant player on the LPGA Tour, winning multiple major championships and reaching the world number one ranking, cementing her status as one of the all-time great Asian golfers.

9. Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) - Dubbed the "Bashful Prince," Ishikawa was a prodigy who turned professional at a young age and has had a successful career on the Japan Golf Tour and PGA Tour.

10. Shanshan Feng (China) - The first Chinese golfer, male or female, to win a major championship, Feng has had a highly successful career on the LPGA Tour and is considered a trailblazer for Asian golf.

11. Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand) - A prominent figure in Asian golf, Aphibarnrat has won multiple tournaments on the Asian Tour and has also had success on the European Tour.

12. Ariya Jutanugarn (Thailand) - A dominant force on the LPGA Tour, Jutanugarn has won multiple major championships and is one of the most successful Asian golfers in the modern era.

13. Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand) - A veteran of the Asian Tour, Jaidee has won numerous tournaments and is considered one of the most accomplished Asian golfers of his generation.

14. Jeev Milkha Singh (India) - The first Indian golfer to win on the European Tour, Singh has had a successful career and has helped raise the profile of golf in India.

15. Shugo Imahira (Japan) - A rising star in Japanese golf, Imahira has won multiple tournaments on the Japan Golf Tour and is considered a promising talent among Asian golfers.

16. Jiyai Shin (South Korea) - A former world number one, Shin has won multiple major championships on the LPGA Tour and is one of the most successful Asian female golfers in recent history.

17. Hyo-Joo Kim (South Korea) - A young, talented golfer, Kim has already won a major championship on the LPGA Tour and is expected to continue her rise among the top Asian golfers.

18. Sungjae Im (South Korea) - A rising star on the PGA Tour, Im has already achieved success and is considered one of the most promising Asian golfers in the current generation.

19. Minjee Lee (Australia) - Although born in Australia, Lee has Korean heritage and is one of the top female golfers in the world, with multiple LPGA Tour victories.

20. Byeong Hun An (South Korea) - A talented golfer who has had success on both the European Tour and PGA Tour, An is considered one of the up-and-coming Asian golfers to watch.

These golfers have been included in the top 20 list due to their exceptional achievements, impact on the sport, and contributions to the growth and recognition of Asian golf on the global stage.

Sources

[1] 12 Greatest Asian Golfers Who Have Made Their Mark On The Game https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/leisure/golf/best-asian-golfers-of-all-time/

[2] Meet With 15 Best Asian Female Golfers Of All Time - AugustMan https://www.augustman.com/my/sports/best-asian-female-golfers-of-all-time/

[3] Best golfers from each continent: Tiger Woods, Hideki Matsuyama among ... https://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/best-golfers-from-each-continent-tiger-woods-hideki-matsuyama-among-all-time-greats-from-around-the-globe/

[4] The Best Golfers Of All Time - Ranker https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-golfers-of-all-time

[movienized-com]

The Heavenly Idol

The Heavenly Idol (Serie 2023) #MinKyuKim #KoBogyeol #LeeJangwoo #JiwonYe #ChoiJaeHyeon #SangNamPark Mehr auf:

Serie / 성스러운 아이돌 Jahr: 2023- Genre: Comedy / Drama / Fantasy Hauptrollen: Min-Kyu Kim, Ko Bo-gyeol, Lee Jang-woo, Ji-won Ye, Choi Jae-Hyeon, Sang Nam Park, Seung-Bum Hong, Shin Myung Sung, Laon, Jae-hun Tak … Serienbeschreibung: Eine fantastische Liebesdrama über den unbekannten Idol Woo Yeon-woo, dessen Körper von Rembrary besessen wurde, einem Gott aus einer anderen Welt…

[korelist]

DON’T DARE TO DREAM // KDRAMA DİZİ YORUMU

UYARI : Yazılar genel olarak spoiler içerebilir. İçermeyedebilir.

İmdb puanı: 7,8 Benim Puanım: 8

Drama: Jealousy Incarnate (literal title)

Hangul: 질투의 화신

Director: Park Shin-Woo

Writer: Seo Sook-Hyang

Date: 2016

Language: Korean

Country: South Korea

Cast: Kong Hyo-Jin, Cho Jung-Seok, Ko Kyoung-Pyo, Kim Jung-Hyun, Mun Ka-Young, Lee Sung-Jae

2016 SBS Drama Awards - December 31, 2016

Best Actor (romantic comedy) (Cho Jung-Seok)

Best Actress (romantic comedy) (Kong Hyo-Jin)

Special Actress (romantic comedy) (Seo Ji-Hye)

Ten Star Award (Cho Jung-Seok)

New Star Award (Ko Gyung-Pyo)

Geç olsun güç olmasın demişler. Bu diziyi neden bu kadar bekletmişim hiç bilmiyorum. Kore dizilerinin altın çağı olan 2016 yılının şanına yaraşır bir iş çıkmış ortaya. Ayrıca farklı meslek dallarını izlemek bana her zaman keyif veriyor.  Pyo Na-Ri (Kong Hyo-Jin), hava durumu spikeridir. Haberlerden sonra kısacık bir süre ekranda kalan, haberlerin devamı olan ama haber olarak görülmeyen bir iş yapmaktadır. Reytinglerini arttırmak için poposunu çıkartıp göğüslerini büyütmesi istenen bu hanım kızımız başlarda son derece ezik olarak karşımıza çıkıyor. Diğer yandan kardeşi iyi bir üniversiteye girsin diye dişini tırnağına takan çok güçlü bir kadındır. Parantez açıyorum, kardeşi Pyo Chi-Yeol rolünde Kim Jung-Hyun oynuyor. Mr. Queen dizisinin King’i, Crash landing ‘in karizmatik oyuncusu burada liseli bir ergeni canlandırıyor. Bir süre sonra eski dizileri izlerken en keyif aldığım şey tanıdığımız oyunculara denk gelmek, farklı rollerde onları yeni bir gözle izlemek. Neyse dönelim konuya, Na-Ri aynı şirkette çalıştığı Lee Hwa-Shin(Cho Jung-Seok)’a 3 yıldır platonik olarak aşıktır. Hwa-Shin ise prime time haber spikeridir. İş için gittiği yurt dışından dönüş yapınca yeniden bir arada çalışmak durumunda kalırlar. Na-Ri ise iş yerindeki bütün angarya işleri yapmaktadır. Yine üzerine vazife olmayan bir İş için uçakla bir yere gitmesi gerektiği bir gün yanına tesadüfen denk gelen tanımadığı yolcu; Ko Jung-Won(Ko Kyoung-Pyo)’dan çok etkilenir. Daha sonrasında ise Jung-Won ile Hwa-Shin’in çok yakın arkadaş olduklarını öğrenir.

Aslında Na-Ri araya giren zaman sonrasında Hwa-Shin’i atlatmıştır. Hatta nihayet yeni bir gönül ilişkisine bile hazırdır. Jung-Won ise bunun için şahane bir adaydır. Birkaç kere Hwa-Shin’in Na-Ri’den hoşlanıp hoşlanmadığını teyit eden Jun-Won’da Na-Ri’den hoşlandığını itiraf eder. İşler bu raddeye gelince Hwa-Shin, üç yıldır köpek gibi davrandığı Na-Ri’i paylaşmak istemediğini fark eder. Hwa-Shin’in hayatındaki en önemli şey haberlerdir. Bu uğurda ailesine bile ihanet etmiştir. Burnu havada, kibirli, kendini beğenmiş bir karakterdir. Annesi, yeğeni onunla konuşmamaktadır. Burada yine bir parantez aç, Hwa-Shin’in yeğeni Lee Bbal-Gang rolünde Mun Ka-Young oynuyor. Kendisini; Find Me in Your Memory, True Beauty, Link: Eat, Love, Kill gibi dizilerden tanıyoruz. O da Kim Jung-Hyun gibi liseli bir ergen rolünde.

İkinci adam, kıskançlık, aşk üçgenleri yani sevmediğimiz ne varsa bu dizinin konusunu oluşturuyor. Buna rağmen öyle mükemmel işlenmiş ki, asla rahatsız etmemesinin yanı sıra bir süredir kaliteli oyunculuk izlemediğimi fark etmeme neden oldu. Genel olarak her dizide bir kişi şahane iş çıkartırken, başka bir oyuncu diziyi aşağı çekmeyi başarıyordu. Bu dizide herkes o kadar profesyonel ve doğaldı ki, sanki inanılmaz lezzetli bir yemek yiyip tatmin olmuş bir şekilde masadan kalkmışım gibi hissettim.

Doğrusunu isterseniz baş rol kadın oyuncu Kong Hyo-Jin güzel değil. Ama ne var ki ekranda devleşiyor. Rolünü öyle güzel yansıtıyor ki, ağlarken ki o dürüstlüğü, güzel görünmeye çalışmaması, güldüğündeki içtenliği ile olduğu yere çok yakıştırıyorum. O yüzden çirkin şansı diyemeyeceğim, başarısının ekmeğini şimdiye kadarki partnerleri ile yiyor olabilir. Hanım kızımızın birlikte rol aldığı aktörlerden bazıları; Kim Soo Hyun, Gong Yoo, Lee Sun Kyun, Cha Seung Won, So Ji Sub, Jo In Sung ve Jang Hyuk. Yeni nesil genç kadın oyuncularda hep bir poz verme merakı, güzel görünme çabası oluyor. Hyo-Jin ise hiçbir duygu değişiminde çekici görünmeye çalışmadı. Gönül rahatlığı ile güzel bir iş çıkmasının en büyük nedeninin “Kong Hyo-Jin” olduğunu söyleyebilirim.

Dizinin bir diğer gündemi de meme kanseriydi. Meme kanserine dikkat çekmek ve bilinçlendirmek amacı ile arka planda bu konu sürekli vardı. Bunu bile doğal olmayan bir hikayeyle o kadar doğal anlattılar ki.. üff! Erkeklerin meme kanserine yakalanması üzerinden işlenen konu oldukça ilgi çekiciydi. Bunu senaristin cesur bir hamlesi olarak görüyorum. Cesaret demişken, dizide oldukça cesur çok sahne vardı. 2016 olmasına rağmen öpüşünce şeytan çarpmış gibi kalmıyorlardı.

Normalde kadınları anlamak zordur derler. Kore dizilerin de erkekleri anlamak daha zor. Kaçan kovalanır sözünün tam anlamı ile suyunu çıkartıyorlar. Kadın seviyor adam bakmıyor, adam sevmeye başlıyor kadın vazgeçiyor, kadının tekrar aklı kayıyor, adam soğuyor. Şeytan diyor al eline bir cetvel geçir sıra dayağından. Zaten ikinci adam hangisi karar veremiyorsunuz. Dizide iki tane başrol erkek vardı. Ko Jung-Won karakteri Hwa Shin in tam tersi tek kelime ile mükemmel erkek modeliydi. Anlayışlı, sevecen, destekleyici, zevkli, kibar, bla bla bla… kısaca bütün dizilerde izlediğimiz mükemmel erkek tanımlarının tek bir karakterde toplanması gibiydi. Yani aslında ikinci erkek olamayacak kadar iyiydi. Tek eksik yanı coşkusu yoktu. Kim Hwa Shin’in ise tek sahip olduğu şey coşkusuydu. Kaba, sevimsiz, yargılayıcı, anlaşılmaz, kibirli, tembel bir adamdı.

Birbirlerine kan bağı olmayan insanların aile gibi yaşadığı kısımlar kafamı çok karıştırdı. Kim kimdir, kim kimin neyi diye anlamak uzun sürdü. Yine de eğlenceli bir grup olmuşlardı. Liseli ergenlerin kaldığı apartman ve apartmanın altındaki ‘veli’ sayılabilecek karakterin kafesi son derece renkliydi. Hiçbir karakterin yerine o yerine bu oynasaydı diyemiyorum. Dizi bütün klişeler üzerine kurulup, klişelerden uzak bir yorumla yazılmıştı. Kötü karakter yoktu. Sevmeyeceğiniz insanlar belki olabilir ama hiç kimse kötü değildi. İhanet yoktu. İki adam yakın arkadaş olmaları nedeniyle dudak uçuklatan ihanetler izleyeceğimizi düşünmüştüm.  Onun yerine dizide herkes kartlarını açık oynadı. Kimse arkadan iş çevirmedi. Felaketler yaşanmadı. Aynı kadına aşık olmuş iki yakın arkadaşın adil dövüşüydü. Erkeklerden biri mükemmel eş diğeri arızalarına rağmen doğru insan gibiydi.

Kısacası çerezlik bir dizi değildi. Yan karakterlerin hikayelerinin altları dolu, kaliteli bir yapımdı. Bölüm sayısı evet bir tık uzundu. Bu konuda bende kararsızım, sanki daha az olsa tadı damağımızda kalırmış gibi de geldi. Ve inanmazsınız sonu vardı. En iyi sonlara sahip diziler arasına girebilir. Diğer yandan dizinin özellikle hitap ettiği bir kesim olduğunu düşünüyorum, çünkü; 25 yaş üstü izleyicilerin daha çok keyif alacağı aşikar. İki erkeğin dostluğuna da ayrıca dikkat çekeyim. İkisi de duygularını saklamak istemiyordu ama her attıkları adımdan sonra dönüp “hala dostuz değil mi?” diye birbirlerine bakıyorlardı. Belki çok ön plana çıkmadı, gizli özne olarak kaldı ama ben ikisinin arkadaşlığına tek kelime ile bayıldım. İkisi de hayatları boyunca kendileri için bir şey yapamamış, ikisinin de birbirlerinden başka kimsesi yokken, ikisi de bir diğerini kendi önüne koyuyordu. Öte yandan ikisi de bu sefer kendim için bir adım atmalıyım ikilemi yaşıyordu. Şahaneydiler.

Kesinlikle tavsiye edeceğim bir diziydi.

OST:

Suran - Step Step

Raven Melus

BAŞKA NELER VAR ?

FOTOĞRAFLAR

[onetoonetono1]

Who's the lucky one? Ko Hyunji's first pick is a total of 12 people

Who's the lucky one? Ko Hyunji's first pick is a total of 12 people

Ko Hyun-ji, who received the attention of several teams, headed to KB Stars with the honor of being the first overall, while Katie Timmerman, who participated as a foreign national, wore Shinhan Bank's uniform as the second place in the second round.

WKBL held a 2023-2024 WKBL new player selection meeting at Cheongju Gymnasium on the 4th. Of the total 28 participants, only 12 headed for the professional league. None of the prospective college graduates were chosen.

Cheongju KB Stars was the main character of the overall No. 1 nomination. KB had 50% to pick the first place with Bucheon Hana One Q, who was eliminated from the playoffs last season, and won the first place nomination for the first time in four years through a half-and-half probability. The honor of the first place went to Ko Hyun-ji of Supia Girls' High School.

Ko Hyun-ji is the daughter of Cho Moon-joo, a gold medalist in women's basketball at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, and will wear the uniform of Kookmin Bank, which her mother wore when she was unemployed. He ranked first overall in four categories: Combine Max Vertical Jump Rich (303.4 cm) and Max Vertical Jump (73.4 cm) on the 4th.

KB manager Kim Wan-soo said, "I've been watching Ko Hyun-ji since elementary school," and Ko Hyun-ji said, "It's a great honor to come to KB Stars as the first priority. I personally thought I wasn't lucky this year, but I think I was in trouble to come to KB Stars. "I will adapt to the team quickly and become a player who can help the team like my mother and shine on the team," he said with tears.

The first round was followed by Busan BNK Sum, Incheon Shinhan Bank, Yongin Samsung Life Insurance, BNK, and Asan Woori Bank.

BNK exercised its nomination rights twice in the first round because it conducted a trade with Hana One Q after the nomination lottery ceremony. He sent Kim Si-on to Hana One Q and received the right to nominate second place in the first round. Kim Jong-un of Hyosung Girls' High School was selected as the second most valuable nomination right obtained through the trade. It was a choice that focused on reinforcing the forward. Forward Park Da-won (Bundang Management High School) was selected in the fifth place.

Third place was Heo Yoo-jung of Bundang Management High School. Heo Yoo-jung, along with Park Da-won and Byun Ha-jung, who submitted applications together, swept all of the 2023 Spring Federation matches, association organ matches, and weekend league king matches. As a guard, Shinhan Bank strengthened its guard lineup by choosing Heo Yoo-jung, who has stable game management and 2-to-2 deployment shooting. Samsung Life Insurance named Lee Ye-na (Cheongju Girls' High School) fourth, while Woori Bank chose Byun Ha-jung (Bundang Management High School), Byun So-jung's younger brother, as sixth.

After a short meeting, the second trade proceeded with the start of the second round nomination. It was a trade in which BNK recruited guard Shim Soo-hyun instead of giving Shinhan Bank the right to nominate second place in the second round. As a result, BNK did not exercise its nomination rights in the second round.

Woori Bank picked Hwabong High School forward Kim Sol as the first place in the second round. Shinhan Bank, which received the right to nominate second place in the second round from BNK, recruited Katie Timmerman (Concordia University), who participated as a foreign national. Timmerman said, "It's an honor to be able to live a professional life where my mother was born. "I want to work hard and make my mother proud," he said.

Samsung Life Insurance picked Sungui Girls' High School guard Kim Soo-in as the third place in the second round, and Shinhan Bank picked Sunil Girls' High School Center Seo Jin-young as the fourth place. Shin Tae-hee (Sangju Girls' High School) and Sung Soo-yeon (Chuncheon Girls' High School) then headed for the professional league.

In the third round, all six clubs gave up their nominations. None of the seven college graduates were called

[sportstotolink11]

Africa TV to host Week 2 of '2023 GSL Season 1' Round of 16 on Feb. 2 and 4

All the players who will advance to the quarterfinals of the '2023 GSL Season 1' will be decided.

Africa TV announced that it will be hosting the second week of the round of 16 matches of the '2023 Global Starcraft II League (GSL) Season 1' on Tuesday, February 2, and Thursday, February 4, at the 'Africa Pickup Studio' in Daechi-dong, Seoul. First held in 2010, the GSL is a global StarCraft II league hosted by Africa TV, an esports league that is broadcast in multiple languages and can be enjoyed by a global audience.

The GSL Season 1 Round of 16 will be a best-of-three, best-of-two dual tournament with four-player teams. The Round of 16 includes Lee Jae-sun (Bunny), Kim Do-woo (Classic), Cho Sung-joo (Maru), Ko Byung-jae (GuMiho), Kim Do-wook (Cure), Kim Jun-ho (herO), Park Ryeong-woo (Dark), Park Su-ho (DRG), Kim Dae-yup (Stats), Byun Hyun-woo (ByuN), Hwang Kyu-seok (KeeN), Jang Wook (NightMare), Kim Dong-won (Ryung), and Jang Hyun-woo (Creator), Kang Min-soo (Solar), and Lee Shin-hyung (INnoVation) advanced, while Cho Sung-joo (Maru), Byun Hyun-woo (ByuN), Kim Do-wook (Cure), and Kang Min-soo (Solar) advanced to the quarterfinals in Week 1 of the GSL Season 1 Round of 16, which was held on Tuesday, April 25 and Thursday, April 27.

In Group C of the Code S Round of 16 on Tuesday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m., Park Ryeong-woo (Dark), Kim Dae-yeop (Stats), Go Byung-jae (GuMiho) and Kim Dong-won (Ryung) will face off. This will be followed by a Group D match on Thursday, April 4, starting at 6:30 p.m., featuring Jang Hyun-woo (Creator), Lee Shin-hyung (INnoVation), Lee Jae-sun (Bunny), and Kim Doo (Classic).

The maps will be the same as the current ladder maps: Altitude, Ancient Thirst, Babylon, Dragon Scales, Gresburn, Neohumanity, and Royal Blood. The total prize pool for this season is 34 million won, with the winner taking home 10 million won.

The Korean broadcast of the tournament will be available exclusively on Africa TV 스포츠토토 , while the global broadcast will be available on Africa TV Esports YouTube.

[shortfeedshq]

Baekhyun: The Rise of a K-Pop Sensation, From EXO to Solo Stardom and Acting Achievements

Baekhyun is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actor. He is best known as a member of the popular K-pop boy band EXO and its subunit, EXO-CBX. Baekhyun has gained a massive fan following worldwide for his soulful voice and impressive stage presence. This biography will delve into Baekhyun's life, career, and achievements. Table of Contents: - Early Life and Education - Career Beginnings - Rise to Fame with EXO - Solo Career and Achievements - Acting Career - Personal Life - Conclusion Early Life and Education: Baekhyun was born on May 6, 1992, in Bucheon, South Korea. His birth name is Byun Baek-hyun. He grew up in a family of four, including his parents and an older brother. Baekhyun attended Jungwon High School in Bucheon and later enrolled in the Department of Applied Music at the prestigious Seoul Institute of the Arts. Career Beginnings: Baekhyun's passion for music started at a young age, and he joined a rock band as the lead vocalist during high school. He auditioned for SM Entertainment in 2011 and became a trainee. Baekhyun underwent rigorous training in singing, dancing, and acting for several years before debuting with EXO in 2012. Rise to Fame with EXO: Baekhyun made his debut as the lead vocalist of EXO in 2012 with the release of the single "Mama." The group soon became a sensation in the K-pop industry, with Baekhyun's powerful vocals and charming personality gaining him immense popularity among fans. EXO has since released several hit songs, including "Growl," "Call Me Baby," and "Love Shot," and won numerous awards and accolades. Solo Career and Achievements: In 2019, Baekhyun made his solo debut with the mini-album "City Lights," which topped the South Korean Gaon Album Chart and the Billboard World Albums Chart. He has since released several successful albums, including "Delight" and "Bambi." Baekhyun has also collaborated with other artists, including Suzy, Soyou, and Loco, and has won several awards for his solo work. Acting Career: Baekhyun made his acting debut in 2016 with a supporting role in the web drama "EXO Next Door." He has since appeared in several other dramas, including "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" and "Record of Youth." In 2021, Baekhyun made his film debut with the lead role in "The Box." Personal Life: Baekhyun is known for being private about his personal life. However, he has been linked with several female celebrities in the past, including Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and actress Park Shin-hye. Baekhyun is also a philanthropist and has donated to several charitable causes, including earthquake relief efforts and the fight against COVID-19. Conclusion: Baekhyun is undoubtedly one of the most talented and successful K-pop idols of his generation. He has gained a massive fan following worldwide for his exceptional vocal abilities, charismatic personality, and impressive stage presence. Baekhyun's career continues to thrive, and fans can look forward to more music and acting projects from him in the future. FAQs: What is Baekhyun's real name? Baekhyun's real name is Byun Baek-hyun. When did Baekhyun debut as a member of EXO? Baekhyun debuted as a member of EXO in 2012 with the release of their debut single "Mama." What are Baekhyun's most popular songs with EXO? Baekhyun has been a part of several hit songs with EXO, including "Growl," "Call Me Baby," "Love Shot," "Ko Ko Bop," and "Monster." How successful is Baekhyun's solo career? Baekhyun's solo career has been incredibly successful, with his albums "City Lights" and "Delight" both topping the South Korean Gaon Album Chart and the Billboard World Albums Chart. He has also won several awards for his solo work. Has Baekhyun won any acting awards? Baekhyun has not won any acting awards yet, but he has received critical acclaim for his performances in various dramas and his film debut in "The Box." Is Baekhyun involved in any philanthropic work? Yes, Baekhyun has been involved in several philanthropic efforts throughout his career. He has donated to earthquake relief efforts, the fight against COVID-19, and other charitable causes. - Is Baekhyun currently dating anyone? Baekhyun has not confirmed any current relationships and is known for being private about his personal life. Read the full article

[enterenews]

King of Singers faces difficulties ahead of Ma's 5th consecutive victory

The stage that fascinated singer Lee Jung is unfolding.

In MBC's 'King of Mask Singer', which will be broadcast on the 15th, 'Voice from God' and talented masked singers will face each other with their singing skills.

Last week, in celebration of the new year of the year of the cat, Seonwoo Jung-a's special performance opened the door to the year 2023 boldly with the New Year's special 'King of Mask Singer'. While a large number of talented artists appeared in the first round of duet confrontation and became a hot topic, four masked singers who broke through the fierce competition will perform on the solo stage in the second round.

On the other hand, a stage that completely fascinated Lee Jung, the 8th king of singers, ‘Tongki the King of Songs’, unfolds. When a masked singer finishes the stage, he praises him infinitely, saying, “If I were to be born as a singer again in my next life, I would like to be born as him.”

The other judges also acknowledge that it is a legendary stage that goes beyond their taste, and actively sympathize with Lee Jung's words.

In addition, the singer 'Voice from God', who shows limitless skills on stages of various genres every week, encounters a huge obstacle right before Ma's 5th consecutive win.

After the stage of the 3rd round of the contest to decide the king candidate, she acknowledged the appearance of a formidable adversary, saying, “I am more nervous than any other defense battle today.”

To this, Shin Bong-seon also added, "He was the most threatening person out of all the singers who have ever dealt with the king."

As for the celebrity judges, following last week's 'Original Flower Boy' Kim Won-joon, 'MZ Generation Representative Rapper' Rae Won, 'Trendy Singer-Songwriter' Soran Ko Young-bae, 'witty announcer' Kim Hwan, '8th Singer Singing King Tungky' Lee Jeong, 'Brain' Miran, the rapper, and Sohee, Alice, who is “juicy,” will add to the spectacle with their witty conversations and sharp reasoning skills.

[noaartsnow]

Because cube didn’t do a good job with their greeting, I used the shine era as reference for this.

Happy 2nd anniversary to our tentastic boys, Pentagon!

YOU BETTER MAKE IT RIGHT NEXT TIME, CUBE. OT10!!!!!!

[passionforfiction]

Our Blues

Everyone has a sadness in their lives, but the pain doesn't outlive us when we face the demons, and rely on those that we love and love us back.

I loved how the intro gave us a hint of what story we would be seeing. Each story was connected to an album, reminding us that music triggers our memories because music is the soundtrack of our lives. The vinyl covers reflected the theme of the story of the episode. Each story had its own tone, some stories were harsh, hard to watch, others were just sad, others were full of fear, but the all had one thing in common, they were about love and healing.

I liked the topics because they are usually not addressed with humanity and realism. This series gives a voice to those that suffer depression, gives a voice to those teens who become parents, to husbands who are physically abused by their wives, parents who do anything to make their children's dreams come true, the lives of people with learning disabilities and that of their families, and so on.

These characters were real to me. They were good people that at times hurt others, with words or actions. Their grayish and dimensions made me connect with them, made me feel for them and smile when they found the path to healing.

It is a beautiful series. A must watch!

P.S. And what a cast!

Poster from AsianWiki - runchryroll.com/activate

[namjhyun]

Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim 2