#same situation with jin-woo but he ended up with hae-in

[manawari]

Idk who will end up with Ryu-min, or if he ever ends up with someone, I don't think/feel like Min Ju-ri will be the "one".

Rather, I am leaning toward Seo Ah-rin.

[kerolystar2]

Chapter 6: "When Muscles Speak Louder.

Fadel:

After getting out of the shower and calming down a bit, I couldn’t help but think about what was happening. How could the tension between us be so... unpleasant, uncomfortable, palpable? When I entered the room, Hae-jo was there, scrolling on his phone shirtless, showing off those muscles—damn muscles. But I could still feel his gaze on me, like he had something to say. I took a deep breath, trying to focus on what I needed to do: get dressed, lie down, and attempt to sleep. But, of course, fate had other plans.

He was there, watching me. When I finally realized he wasn’t going to stop staring, the discomfort hit me immediately. “Turn around,” I said, trying to keep my voice firm. “I don’t want you watching me change.”

As I dried myself off, I tried not to think too much about the situation. But, of course, that was impossible. Hae-jo was lying there, already facing the wall with his broad back turned, but I could still feel his gaze, as if he were watching me through the screen of his phone.

I quickly put on my underwear and shorts, but when I caught sight of myself in the mirror, I thought about the time that had passed and what had been lost between us. Before I could get lost in those thoughts, though, I felt Hae-jo’s gaze again, hitting me like a weight. I couldn’t ignore it. He was watching me. That damn tension in the air—something unexplainable. He looked at me as if analyzing my every move.

I tried to focus and hurried to put on my shirt, lying down in bed and covering myself from head to toe. Turning to face the wall, I acted as if that would solve the unease invading me. I lay there on my side, trying to block out what was happening. That silence only made everything harder, more uncomfortable.

What was I even doing here with him, after everything?

Hae-jo:

I was in the room, just chilling, waiting for my turn to use the damn bathroom when, out of nowhere, Fadel walked out, wrapped in nothing but a towel. I rolled my eyes. Of course, he wasn’t going to make this easy, was he? I was already pissed about having to share this space with him, and now I had to deal with this?

I stayed there, scrolling through my phone, trying to keep my cool. “Like… as if I want to watch some guy change,” I muttered, trying to mask the tension consuming me. But the truth was, for some reason, the situation made me more tense than I wanted to admit. I just wanted this to be over, for the night to pass quickly.

I stayed on my bed, scrolling, while Fadel changed. I wasn’t going to look—no way. But, somehow, my eyes went there. And, suddenly, I caught myself staring at his muscles. Those damn muscles, that damn defined abs. I lingered a few seconds longer than I should have.

I never thought seeing him like that, in just a towel, would stir up these feelings again. And the worst part? It wasn’t just his body. It was the energy he gave off—that mix of anger and attraction. When Fadel turned, I realized he was also trying to avoid my gaze. He quickly threw on a shirt, covered himself head-to-toe, and turned to the wall, like he was trying to escape me.

I turned too, fighting against what I was feeling, but inside, there was a silent war. I lay there as still as possible, while my mind replayed past moments. I didn’t want it to, but I couldn’t help it.

Fadel always had this effect on me, making me wonder how the hell we ended up here. When did things start breaking?

I took a deep breath, doing my best to push those thoughts away. What mattered now was surviving in this dorm with him without getting emotionally involved again. But, as always, fate seemed to enjoy throwing us back into the mess.

Jin-woo:

Ah, I can’t stop laughing! The two of them are there, fighting over a space that isn’t even big, yet avoiding each other like simply being in the same room was a bomb about to go off. I glanced at one, then the other, and even though I knew I should be more concerned, I couldn’t help but find it all hilarious.

“Will this be it? Will they finally work things out?” I thought to myself, more entertained than I should have been. But deep down, I knew this game of hide-and-seek between them would be much more complicated.

“I can’t believe this, man,” I murmured, tired of being the spectator of this soap opera. “I’m a ghost, but I feel more alive than these two idiots.” They were there, so close, yet so distant.

I didn’t know how, but it was clear they still carried heavy emotional baggage. And what worried me most was that, no matter how much I tried to joke about the situation, I knew deep down I’d have to do something to help them work things out. Otherwise, I’d never find peace.

And honestly? I just wanted peace.

I sighed, throwing myself into my invisible chair, watching the scene unfold before me. “I’m screwed,” I thought, “because if these two don’t sort themselves out soon, I’ll be stuck here for eternity, just watching this chaos.”

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Capítulo 6: "Cuando los músculos hablan más fuerte.

Fadel:

Después de salir de la ducha y calmarme un poco, no pude evitar pensar en lo que estaba pasando. ¿Cómo podía ser que la tensión entre nosotros fuera tan… desagradable, incómoda, palpable? Cuando entré en la habitación, Hae-jo estaba allí, revisando su celular sin camiseta, mostrando esos músculos, malditos músculos. Pero aún sentía su mirada sobre mí, como si tuviera algo que decir. Respiré hondo, intentando concentrarme en lo que tenía que hacer: vestirme, acostarme e intentar dormir. Pero, claro, el destino tenía otros planes.

Él estaba allí, mirándome. Cuando finalmente me di cuenta de que no iba a dejar de observarme, la incomodidad fue inmediata. "Date la vuelta", dije, intentando mantener la voz firme. "No quiero que me veas cambiándome."

Mientras me secaba, traté de no pensar demasiado en la situación. Pero, por supuesto, era imposible. Hae-jo estaba acostado, ya de espaldas hacia la pared con esa espalda ancha, pero aún sentía su mirada, como si estuviera observándome a través de la pantalla de su celular.

Me puse la ropa interior y el pantalón corto rápidamente, pero, al mirarme en el espejo, pensé en el tiempo que pasó y lo que se perdió entre nosotros. Antes de que pudiera perderme en esos pensamientos, sentí de nuevo la mirada de Hae-jo sobre mí, golpeándome como un peso. No podía ignorarlo. Me estaba observando. Esa maldita tensión en el aire, algo que no se podía explicar. Me miraba como si analizara cada uno de mis movimientos.

Intenté concentrarme y ponerme la camiseta rápidamente, me acosté en la cama y me tapé hasta los pies. Me giré hacia la pared, como si eso fuera la solución al malestar que me invadía. Me quedé de lado, intentando bloquear lo que estaba pasando. Ese silencio solo hacía todo más difícil, más incómodo.

¿Qué hacía yo aquí, con él, después de todo?

Hae-jo:

Estaba en la habitación, tranquilo, esperando mi turno para usar el maldito baño cuando, de la nada, Fadel salió envuelto solo en una toalla. Puse los ojos en blanco. Claro, no iba a facilitar las cosas, ¿verdad? Ya estaba molesto por tener que compartir el espacio con él, y ahora tenía que lidiar con esto.

Me quedé ahí, revisando mi celular, intentando mantener la calma. “Como si… como si quisiera ver a un tipo cambiándose,” murmuré, intentando disimular la tensión que me consumía. Pero la verdad era que, por alguna razón, la situación me ponía más tenso de lo que quería admitir. Solo quería que esto terminara, que la noche pasara rápido.

Me quedé en mi cama, revisando el celular mientras Fadel se cambiaba. No iba a mirar, no… pero, de alguna manera, mis ojos fueron allí. Y, de repente, me vi observando sus músculos. Esos malditos músculos, ese maldito abdomen definido. Me quedé unos segundos más de lo que debía.

Nunca pensé que verlo así, en toalla, volvería a provocarme este tipo de sensaciones. Y lo peor es que no era solo su cuerpo. Era la energía que emitía: esa mezcla de enojo y atracción. Cuando Fadel se dio la vuelta, me di cuenta de que también estaba intentando evitar mi mirada. Se puso la camiseta rápidamente, se cubrió de pies a cabeza y se giró hacia la pared, como si intentara escapar de mí.

Yo también me giré, luchando contra lo que sentía, pero por dentro había una guerra silenciosa. Me quedé allí, inmóvil, mientras mi mente revivía momentos pasados. No quería, pero no podía evitarlo.

Fadel siempre tenía ese efecto en mí, haciéndome preguntar cómo demonios habíamos llegado hasta aquí. ¿Cuándo fue que las cosas comenzaron a romperse?

Respiré hondo, haciendo todo lo posible por apartar esos pensamientos de mi mente. Lo que importaba ahora era sobrevivir en este dormitorio con él sin involucrarme emocionalmente de nuevo. Pero, como siempre, el destino parecía disfrutar empujándonos de vuelta al desastre.

Jin-woo:

¡Ah, no puedo parar de reír! Los dos están ahí, peleando por un espacio que ni siquiera es grande, pero al mismo tiempo evitándose, como si el simple hecho de estar en la misma habitación fuera una bomba a punto de explotar. Miré a uno, luego al otro, y, aunque sabía que debería estar más preocupado, no podía evitar encontrarlo todo hilarante.

“¿Será que ahora sí? ¿Será que por fin van a resolverlo?”, pensé, divirtiéndome más de lo que debía. Pero, en el fondo, sabía que este juego de escondidas entre ellos iba a ser mucho más complicado.

“No puedo creer esto, viejo,” murmuré, cansado de ser el espectador de esta novela. “Soy un fantasma, pero me siento más vivo que estos dos idiotas.” Estaban ahí, tan cerca, pero tan distantes.

No sabía cómo, pero estaba claro que aún llevaban una carga emocional pesada. Y lo que más me preocupaba era que, por más que intentara bromear con la situación, en el fondo sabía que tendría que hacer algo para que realmente lo resolvieran. De lo contrario, nunca encontraría la paz.

Y, sinceramente, solo quería paz.

Suspiré y me dejé caer en mi silla invisible, viendo cómo se desarrollaba la escena frente a mí. “Estoy jodido,” pensé, “porque si estos dos no se arreglan pronto, me quedaré aquí hasta el fin de los tiempos, solo viendo este caos.”

[lemon-inferno]

Reborn Rich episode 11 ✔️

Wow this episode was really something. I have less to say about it though, because I think what I said about the las episode it still valid for this one.

I’m not going to talk about Min Young anymore. My opinion remains the same, even more so after this episode.

I did almost guess who the culprit behind the car accident was. First I thought it was Sung Jun and Hyun Min that planned it, together. But she found out later on that it was him. The reason why I thought they did it together, is because I think they were behind Hyun Woo’s death as well. Sung Jun and Hyun Min’s relationship makes way more sense than Min Young and Do Jun’s to me. Their love/hate dynamic is something I thought would suit this show and I said I wanted such a relationship in my previous post. Now I can see it with them.

The rest of the episode was really just a lot of wholesome moments that I was longing for after so much drama. I love that Do Jun’s character has kept that calmness of a 40-year-old man from his previous life, but when so many exciting and dramatic events happen, his calmness begins to feel a little stifling.

I was surprised (but not?) that the driver, In Sook, saved Do Jun and the chairman. I hope his character lives and recovers. Although we haven’t seen him and Do Jun interact that much throughout the show, I get a sense of warmth thinking about the two. I could easily imagine what In Sook was feeling when he decided to sacrifice himself and save Do Jun, even though we haven’t seen that much relationship development.

What I was surprised by, was Do Jun’s father – Yoon Ki. I’m really glad he stepped up like that and told his siblings off, but I’m a little confused what’s happening with his movie business and is he actually managing both that and the hospital? I know logically they probably hired someone to manage it for them, but it would’ve been a little nice to see it, or have a hint of it.

Overall excited to see more of Do Jun’s family. I completely understand his mother’s worries and reasoning, logically I would agree with her in such a situation. But I still want Do Jun to just go ahead and do his thing with his parents’ full support. I love his family and I love his brother! Hyung Jun brings such a fresh energy and it’s a nice breather whenever he’s in a scene. We haven’t seen much of him either, but I love him so much. He’s probably the most precious and wholesome character in this show. He’s just a dude that wants to sing, loves his family and loves what he does, doesn’t need anything else (except Do Jun’s money, lol).

One thing I’m still a little bit confused about is – Was Do Jun born as Do Jun first, or as Hyun Woo? Because in his memory as Hyun Woo, when he remembered the photo of 4-2, he saw his own face. I originally thought (like from the very first episode), that Hyun Woo was actually Young Ki and Hae In’s son. Since Hae-In showed up and asked what happened to her son, I assumed the siblings did something to take him away from the succession picture, which doesn’t necessarily be murder. I thought maybe they somehow took him away from the family when he was young and he lived his life as Hyun Woo without knowing he’s Do Jun. Then why he got reincarnated as as Do Jun would make more sense too. After this episode though, I’m a bit shakey on that. While remembering about 4-2, he saw his own face and said “The reason why I don’t remember anything is because I died”. I’m really unsure of how the two overlap still. So, in some universe, the two lives happened simultaneously, for Do Jun to be able to restore a memory about himself, but in Hyun Woo’s life? But I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

The cherry on top for this episode was when the chairman took Do Jun’s hands. For the first time he was showing his feelings. Jin Yang Cheol kept looking for the one who resembled him the most in terms of values, not qualities. Which is something all of his three other children got wrong. All he wanted in the end was to have someone cherish Soonyang and grow it more, as it was the fruit of his long labor of a life. He desperately wanted it to be his oldest son and grandson, because those are deep rooted traditions that have even made it into law, in many countries across the world. He was conflicted about keeping those traditional values and breaking them to protect his own. In the end however, he came to face with the truth he couldn’t run away from – that Do Jun is the only one capable of carrying out his legacy the way he envisions it. I shed a single tear while he was holding Do Jun’s hands. He may not have been a good father, but he’s not a bad person and he’s a damn good businessman who always kept his eyes on his dream. A man’s life coming to an end with the end of a century. It’s bittersweet.

I’m excited for next episode. I know it’ll be sad to see the chairman like that. Such a strong man is suddenly riddled old and weak, terminally ill and mentally suffering. As a plot it’s a brilliant ending for his character, I think. Well, it’s not the end yet, but we can see it. Joong Ki is an amazing actor and his character is the main focus of the show, but my personal favorite might just end up being Jin Yang Cheol. Such a good, rich character (I don’t mean in money). It was a story about him just as much as it was about Hyun Woo/Do Jun and boy did he nail it.

I cannot wait for the end of the show and what it has in store for us. There’s only one other drama I’ve wanted to end sooner so I could have a finished story in my heart, this is a close second. Some people may disagree with me, but if the ending is wrapped up really good, I don’t want this drama to ever have a second season. I want a full story to be able to hold in my heart, or the feelings of it. A complete journey that deserves to end with Jin Yang Cheol.

[theanonymousb]

My 20 Best Korean Drama

1.    Hi Bye Mama

Genre: Fantasy, Drama

Plot:

Cha Yu-Ri (Kim Tae Hee) has been a ghost since she died 5 years ago. She left behind her husband Jo Kang-Hwa and their child. To become a human again, Cha Yu-Ri carries out a reincarnation project for 49 days.

Meanwhile, Jo Kang-Hwa (Lee Kyu-Hyung) works as a chest surgeon. He was loving, but, after his wife died, his personality changed. After 5 years, his wife Cha Yu-Ri reappears in front of him.

2.    It’s Okay to Not be Okay

Genre: Romance, Drama

Plot:

A story about a man employed in a psychiatric ward and a woman, with an antisocial personality disorder, who is a popular writer of children’s books.

Moon Kang-Tae (Kim Soo-Hyun) works in a psychiatric ward. His job is to write down the patients’ conditions and deal with unexpected situations, like if patients fight or they run away. He only earns about 1.8 million won ($1,600 USD) a month. The woman (Seo Yea-Ji) is a popular writer of children’s literature, but she is extremely selfish, arrogant and rude.

3.    Angel’s last Mission

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Plot:

Kim Dan (Kim Myung-Soo) is an angel. He is also a troublemaker and also optimist. Lee Yeon-Seo (Shin Hye-Sun) is a ballerina who does not believe in lve.

Dan then receives a mission. If he succeeds, he can return to Heaven. His mission is to find true love for Yeon-Seo, but soon falls in love with her.

4.    Prison Playbook

Genre: Black Comedy

Plot:

Je-Hyeok (Park Hae-Soo) is the best relief pitcher in Korea. He will to the U.S and sign a contract with a major league. One night, he hears his sister screaming and sees a man running out of her apartment. Je-hyeok and the man get into a physical struggle with Je-Hyeok striking the man with a rock. Later, Je-Hyeok receives a 1 year prison sentence for using excessive force. Devastated, Je-Hyeok must adapt to life in prison.

Meanwhile, Joon-Ho (Jung Kyoung-Ho) is a friend of Je-Hyeok and works in the prisonas an officer. He waits for Je-Hyeok’s arrival.

5.    Chicago Typewriter

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Friendship

Plot:

This drama follows the lives of two men and a woman through two eras; one during the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea and the other in the 21st century. Han Se-Joo (Yoo Ah-In) who was a writer in his past life and a bestselling author in the present. But Se-Joo is depressed with writer’s block so he can’t write his next book.

Yu Jin-Oh (Go Kyung-Pyo) owned a bar in his previous life. In 2017 he is a talented ghostwriter who can bail Se-Joo out of his predicament, but the mysterious man has a condition for his services. Se-Joo may not be able to meet it.

Jun Seol (Im Soo Jung) was a sniper. Now she has extremely variety expertise. She is a former Olympian hopeful, a veterinarian and a book lover who runs her own delivery service. She oscillates between extreme fandom and an anti-fan of Se Joo.

The intricately woven story of these three characters unfolds to reveal strange mirroring connections between the time periods as well as possibilities for past lives to be redeemed or improves in the modern world.

6.    Uncontrollably Fond

Genre: Romance, Melodrama

Plot:

Sin Joon-Young (Kim Woo-Bin) and No Eul (Bae Suzy) were in love in ther younger days. But uncontrollable circumstances separated them and they went their separate ways. Joon-Young is now a superstar actor and singer, while No Eul became a producer-director of documentaries. When their path cross again years later. Joon-Young discovers that No Eul is now very different person than he remembered – materialisticand willing to do anything to get ahead.

7.    Penthouse: War In Life

Genre: Suspense, Life, Drama, Family, Mature

Plot:

The residents of Hera Palace, a luxury penthouse apartment with 100 floors, have many secrets and hidden ambitions. Sim Su-Ryeon (Lee Ji-Ah), who was born into wealth, is the queen of the penthouse apartment. Cheon Seo-Jin (Kim So-Yeon), the prima donna of the residence, does all she can to give everything to her daughter. Oh Yoon-Hee (Eugene) comes from a poor family background, but she strives to enter high society by becoming the queen of the penthouse, the pinnacle success in her eyes. A battle for wealth, power, and prestige at Seoul’s most coveted penthouse begins.

8.    Crash Landing On You

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Military, Political

Plot:

Yoon Se-Ri (Son Ye-Ji) is an heiress to a conglomerate in South Korea. One day, while paragliding, an accident caused by strong winds leads Yoon Se-Ri to make an emergency landing in North Korea.  There, she meets Ri Jeong-Hyeok (Hyun-Bin), who is a North Korean army officer. He tries to protect her and hide her. Soon, Ri Jeong-Hyeok falls in love with Yoon Se-RI.

9.    Itaewon Class

Genre: Romance, Business, Friendship, Life

Plot:

On the first day of attending his new high school, Park Sae-Ro-Yi (Park Seo-Joon) punches his classmate Jang Geun-Won, who was bullying another classmate. The bully is the son of CEO Jang Dae-Hee (Yoo Jae-Myung). The bully's father runs restaurant business Jagga where Park Sae-Ro-Yi’s own father works. CEO Jang Dae-Hee demands to Park Sae-Ro-Yi that he apologizes to his son, but Park Sae-Ro-Yi refuses. Because of his refusal, Park Sae-Ro-Yi gets expelled from school and his father gets fired from his job. Soon, an accident takes place. Park Sae-Ro-Yi’s father dies in a motorcycle accident caused by his ex-classmate Jang Geun-Won. Burning with anger, Park Sae-Ro-Yi viciously beats Jang Geun-Won. He is soon arrested and receives prison time for the violent assault. Park Sae-Ro-Yi decides to destroy the Jagga company and take revenge upon CEO Jang Dae-Hee and his son Jang Geun-Won. Once Park Sae-Ro-Yi is released from prison, he opens a restaurant in Itaewon, Seoul. Jo Yi-Seo (Kim Da-Mi), who is popular on social media, joins Park Sae-Ro-Yi’s restaurant and works there as a manger. She has feelings for Park Sae-Ro-Yi.

10. Hotel De Luna

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Horror, Fantasy

Plot:

Jang Man-Wol (IU) is the CEO of Hotel del Luna. The hotel is situated in downtown in Seoul and has a very old appearance. She made a big error many years ago and, because of this, she has been stuck at Hotel del Luna. She is beautiful, but she is fickle, suspicious and greedy.

Koo Chan-Sung (Yeo Jin-Goo) worked as the youngest assistant manager ever at a multinational hotel corporation. He is a sincere perfectionist. He looks level-headed, but he actually has a soft disposition. Due to an unexpected case, he begins to work as a manager at Hotel del Luna. The hotel's clientele consists of ghosts.

11. Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Plot:

Goo Ra-Ra (Go Ara) is a pianist. She has bright personality. Something happened that caused her to become bankrupt. She doesn't have anything now and she is frustrated with her situation.

Sunwoo Joon (Lee Jae-Wook) doesn't care what other people think about him, but he has a warm heart. He is free spirited and doesn't have a specific dream or goal for his life. He makes ends meet by working part-time jobs.

Goo Ra-Ra and Sunwoo Joon meet at the small private piano academy LaLa Land in a country village.

12. 18 Again

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Youth, Drama, Fantasy

Plot:

Tells the story of a husband named Hong Dae Young (Lee Do-Hyun) who is on the verge of divorce but finds himself back in his body when he was at the prime of his life 18 years ago. He ends up changing his name to Go Woo Young when he becomes 18- years-old again. Meanwhile, his wife Jung Da Jung(Kim Ha-Neul) joins the workforce as an anchorwoman later on in life after raising their 18-year-old twins.

13. Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy

Plot:

In ancient times, Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) is an unbeatable general in wars, but the young King (Kim Min-Jae) is jealous of Kim Shin and kills him. Kim Shin becomes Dokkaebi (Goblin), possessing an immortal life. At first he thinks that he is blessed, but he realizes that he is cursed.

Closer to the present day, Kim Shin has waited 900 years for a human bride to end his immortal life. One night, he saves a dying pregnant woman (Park Hee-Von) who is destined to die. Meanwhile, the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-Wook) is unable to find the dead pregnant woman. The woman gives birth to a baby girl named Ji Eun-Tak (later played by Kim Go-Eun). 9 years later, Ji Eun-Tak lives with her mother and is able to see ghosts. One night, her mother suddenly dies. On that night, she meets the Grim Reaper.

In the present day, Ji Eun-Tak is a high school student. She still sees ghosts and hears their whisper of “Dokkaebi’s bride.” She now lives with her aunt’s family, but she is mistreated by them. On her birthday, Ji Eun-Tak sits by the sea with a lighted birthday cake. At that time, Kim Shin suddenly appears in front of her. Kim Shin does not know why, but he can hear her voice and appears in front of her against his will. Coincidentally, Kim Shin lives with the Grim Reaper at the same house.

Now, Kim Shin appears in front of her against his will, whenever she turns off the lights. One day, Ji Eun-Tak tells him that he is Dokkaebi and she is his bride.

14. It’s Okay That’s Love

Genre: Friendship, Psychological, Comedy, Romance, Drama

Plot:

Jang Jae-Yeol (Jo In-Sung) is a mystery writer and radio DJ. He suffers from a obsession. Ji Hae-Soo (Gong Hyo-Jin) is going through her first year fellowship in psychiatry at a University Hospital. She chose psychiatry because she doesn't want to perform surgeries. After she meets Jang Jae-Yeol, her life goes through big changes.

15. Let’s Fight Ghost

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Action, Horror

Plot:

Hyun-Ji (Kim So-Hyun) studied for most her life before she died at the age of 19. She is now a ghost and has wandered around the world for several years. Hyun-Ji then meets exorcist Park Bong-Pal (TaecYeon). Hyun-Ji and Bong-Pal listens to various stories from ghosts and sends them to the otherworld.

16. Hospital Playlist

Genre: Friendship, Comedy, Romance, Life, Medical

Plot:

A drama depicting the stories of people going through their days that are seemingly ordinary but actually special, at the hospital, a place known as the microcosm of life - where someone is being born and someone's life meets their ending. The five doctors are longtime friends of 20 years who started their undergrad in 1999 in the same medical school, and now they are colleagues in the same hospital. The drama will also deal with a story of a band formed by the group of doctors.

17. Fated to Loved You

Genre: Business, Comedy, Romance,

Plot:

This drama is the story of an ordinary girl, Mi Yeong, (Jang Na-Ra)who has neither outstanding looks, a prestigious college degree, nor any other charming qualities, facing her whole life abruptly changing when love comes knocking at her door. While on vacation, she accidentally happens to spend one night with Lee Gun (Jang Hyuk) and even gets pregnant from that night. Because of this incident, her life will never be the same, and this fateful encounter brings love that transforms this not-so-special girl to an attractive, charming lady.

18. Go Back Couple

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Life, Fantasy

Plot:

Choi Ban-Do (Son Ho-Jun) and Ma Jin-Joo (Jang Na-Ra) are both 38-years-old and a married couple. Choi Ban-Do has been burdened with being the breadwinner and Ma Jin-Joo is a housewife with low self-esteem. Even though they loved each other when they married, they now hate each other. They both regret marrying at such a young age. The couple travel through time and find themselves as 20-year-old university students, when they met for the first time.

19. To The Beautiful You

Genre: School, Teen, Romantic, Comedy, Sports

Plot:

Kang Tae-Joon (Minho) is a gold medalist in the high jump, but he has been mired in a slump due to an injury. In order to help her idol, a girl named Koo Jae-Hee (Sulli) disguises herself as a boy and enrolls at the same all male high school.When Tae-Joon (Minho) is competiting at the World Junior Competition, Jae-Hee (Sulli) watches him on TV in America and becomes very touched.

Despite her friends telling her otherwise, Jae-Hee cuts her long hair by herself. She then flies to South Korea, with a plan to stay with Tae-Joon who is now injured. Jae-Hee disguises herself as a boy and enrolls at the all boys Genie Physical Education High School. On her first day at school, Jae-Hee goes up the stairs with her suitcase, but her suitcase bursts open and all her clothes fall out. A boy comes by and helps her pick up her stuff. Jae-Hee realizes that the boy helping her is none other than her idol Tae-Joon. In her excitement, Jae-Hee sits on her suitcase, which proceeds to slide down the stairs.

20. When the Camellia Blooms

Genre: Triller, Comedy, Romance, Family

Plot:

Dong-Baek (Kong Hyo-Jin) is a single mother living in the small town of Ongsan. She runs the bar-restaurant Camellia, while also taking care of her son Pil-Gu (Kim Kang-Hoon). The people of Ongsan frequently gossip about Dong-Baek. She grew up as an orphan, is a single mother and runs a bar where many of the men in Ongsan frequent. Regardless of what the locals may whisper about Dong-Baek, local police officer Hwang Yong-Sik (Kang Ha-Neul) is deeply in love with her. Meanwhile, Dong-Baek's ex-boyfriend Kang Jong-Ryeol (Kim Ji-Suk) suddenly reappears in her life. He is a famous baseball player, that hid their relationship when they dated. While Dong-Baek tries to find happiness, something truly sinister lurks in the background. A serial killer roams Ongsan and Dong-Baek may be a target.

[dramapic]

MASTERLIST

I update this list everytime I watch and review a show. 

Disclaimer: These reviews are subjective and only reflect my opinions. There are no drama on that list that I’ve turned off and all are worthy of a watch. 

Recs welcome!

#1 Crash landing on you 

(사랑의 불시착)

Grade: A++

Genre: Modern, Star-Crossed lovers

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Son Ye-jin (who plays Yoon Se-ri) and Hyun Bin (Ri Jeong-hyeok) have amazing chemistry and every episode plays out like the chapters of an excellent fanfiction. Classic romantic tropes, humour, angst, action, CLOY has it all. Moreover, if you’ve never watched a Kdrama in your life, CLOY is a great starting point—not only will it introduce you to Korean culture but also to popular tropes and codes of the genre.

#2 Rookie historian Goo Hae-ryung 

(신입사관 구해령)

Grade: A++

Genre: Historical, Age gap

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Delightful from end to end, with lots of humour and an engaging story. The romance between Goo Hae-ryung and himbo-prince Dowon will make your heart go soft, especially if you’re into reverse gender dynamics (she’s older and kisses him first *le gasp*)

#3 Memories of the Alhambra 

(알함브라 궁전의 추억)

Grade: B+

Genre: Modern; Sci-fi; Fantasy

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: No

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Intriguing premise, great cast and tons of special effects but the romance between Jin-woo (Hyun Bin) and Hee-joo (Park Shin-hye) won't go down in history. On top of that, the ending is a bit wishy-washy in that annoying “maybe there’s more to come” kind of way. Give us a clear cut ending, damnit!

#4 Good doctor 

(굿 닥터)

Grade: B- 

Genre: Modern, Medical drama

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Good heart but the writing is really clumsy at times and the hospital politics don’t make an awful lot of sense. On the bright side, Joo Won is great in the role of Park Si-on.

Note: I haven’t watched the American remake so can’t compare. 

#5 My love from the star/ You from the stars

(별에서 온 그대)

Grade: A

Genre: Modern, Sci-fi, fantasy, Star-Crossed lovers

Episodes: 21

Happy Ending: Yes-ish

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Jun Ji-hyun is absolutely stellar in the role of Cheon Seong-yi, a ditzy Hallyu* star whose career is going south while Kim Soo-hyun plays the emotionally closed-off alien to perfection. Lots of pinning, a dose of angst mixed with a pinch of wacky humor. 

*Hallyu means “Korean wave” in Chinese and refers to the popularity and spreading of Korean pop-culture outside of Korea. 

#6 Hwarang The Poet Warrior Youth 

(화랑)

Grade: B

Genre: Historical, Coming of age, fake siblings who catch feels

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Cute boys and interesting lore rooted in true facts (the bone rank system and the real Hwarang, the “Flowering Knights” of the Silla kingdom) but the story drags. I guess I expected more bromance and frolicking and less angst. Lastly, the main girl starts off quirky and fun but they quickly transform her into a sobbing mess which becomes real annoying real fast. 

#7 Love in the Moonlight / Moonlight Drawn by Clouds (구르미 그린 달빛)

Grade: A 

Genre: Historical, Romance, Coming of age, Posing as the opposite sex

Episodes: 18

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

A classic tale of a girl raised as a boy who ends up in a situation where she needs to do her best to not blow her cover while catching feels (As someone raised on Versailles no bara and Ribbon no Kishi, it remains one of my favourite tropes)

Sweet romance and good characters. The fact that Crown prince Lee Yeong doesn't turn emo when he starts developing feelings for Eunuch Ra-on before discovering she's a girl is the cherry on top of the cake. 

#8 Something in the rain

(밥 잘 사주는 예쁜 누나)

Grade: C 

Genre: Modern

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes, but it still doesn't make you happy

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Wasted potential! 

Great start but the characterization falls apart quickly and you end up wondering why the main characters keep sabotaging their lives. By the end, despite their reunion, you're left with the impression they've learned nothing and that their relationship is doomed to fall apart. 

On top of it all, watching Jin-ah fight sexism in the workplace and gaining nothing is depressing af (I don’t need realism in my escapism, thank you very much).

Too bad because Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in look really good together and the acting is top-notch. My advice is to watch the first 8 episodes then make up your own ending in your head.

#9 Moon embracing the sun 

(해를 품은 달)

Grade: B+

Genre: Historical,Star-Crossed lovers

Episodes: 22

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

A traditional historical drama with all the tropes that go with the genre + a hint of esoterism.

If you love ill-fated relationships, tragic love triangle, evil queens, and amnesia, this is the show for you. Beware, the interrogation/torture scenes are rather brutal. 

#10 My sassy girl 

(엽기적인 그녀)

Grade: B- 

Genre: Historical, Rom-Com

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Cute and lighthearted but easily forgettable. Still worth a watch thanks to Joo Won & Oh Yeon-seo's chemistry. 

#11 Coffee Prince 

(커피프린스 1호점)

Grade: A 

Genre: Modern, Posing as the opposite sex

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Solid story, great cast but be ready for a lot of bickering. 

Yoon Eun-hye is a precious bean who manages to sell the story of Eun-chan, a struggling androgynous working-class girl who mistakenly gets hired by a rich guy to play his boyfriend, then becomes his employee, then falls for him while not correcting his assumptions about her gender. Opposite her, Gong Yoo (from Train to Busan fame) is 🥰🥰🥰

Sidenote: Despite Han-kyul's struggle to accept his feelings for Eun-chan, homosexuality isn't treated as a joke or a shameful thing. The one time he goes seek “medical help”, the doctor is depicted as an old, clueless idiot. And honestly, the story would work too if Eun-chan was a guy. 

#12 My girlfriend is a Gumiho/My girlfriend is a Nine-tailed fox 

(내 여자친구는 구미호)

Grade: B+

Genre: Modern; Fantasy

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Viki - Available on Netflix (FR) too

Campy and goofy. It does look a bit dated (it’s from 2010) and the story is a little predictable but Lee Seung-gi as Cha Dae-woong, an aspiring action film actor and Shin Min-ah as “Gu Mi-ho” the nine-tailed fox looking for a mate are super cute. The show is also a good introduction to Korean folklore.

#13 Goblin / Guardian: The Lonely and Great God / The Lonely and Great God – Goblin 

(쓸쓸하고 찬란하神 – 도깨비)

Grade: A+ 

Genre:  Modern, Historical, Fantasy, bromance

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes-ish

Watched on: Viki 

Unpopular opinion but since I’m not into older guys, I wasn’t invested in the romance between Bride and Goblin until late in the series. I loved everything else though. The show has such a unique tone and atmosphere. It goes from super serious to goofy in no time. The cinematography is gorgeous (especially the historical sets) and you'll cry your eyes out.

#14 Healer 

(힐러)

Grade: A 

Genre:  Modern

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

If you're into toll broody guys and fearless smoll girls, you’ll love Healer. The story is great, the characters are great and the way Jung-hu (played by Ji Chang-wook) and Ji-an (Park Min-young) are horny for each other is peak drama! *chef kiss*

#15 Kangchi the beginning/Gu family book 

(구가의 서)

Grade: B- 

Genre: Historical, Fantasy

Episodes:

Happy Ending: No

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Engaging coming of age story of a half-human half-gumiho looking for his place in this world. If it wasn't for the wishy-washy ending it could have been the perfect mix of action fantasy and romance. 

Special mention for Dam Yeo-wool (played by Suzie Bae) who is a female character who's allowed to be a bit of everything at the same time (strong, kick-ass, funny, cute, romantic) 

#16 Queen for seven days 

(7일의 왕비)

Grade: A 

Genre:  Historical, Romance, Villainous crush

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: No

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

With that title don’t expect a HEA but there are plenty of sweet moments along the way to make you appreciate the journey. 

Chae-kyung loves the Prince and the Prince loves Chae-kyung but the King wants to kill the Prince and Chae-kyung is loyal to the King but the King is a tyrant and everyone wants the Prince to take his throne. On top of that the King wants Chae-kyung. Big mess. Lots of feels.

The story is (very) loosely based on real-life Queen Dangyeong, which makes it even more poignant. I cried my eyes out at the end because I’m a big softy.   

#17 Korean Odyssey

(화유기)

Grade: A-

Genre: Modern, Fantasy

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Kinda

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

The show (very loosely based on Journey to the West) has its faults including the wishy-washy ending and the fact that Jin Seon-mi/Sam-jang starts off as a doormat but I ended up liking the relationship developing between the assholish Monkey god and the naive human girl more than I expected.

The side characters are compelling, and the banter and bickering between the deities work really well. If you grew up with Dragon ball, you’ll have a blast trying to match-up the Japanese and Korean names of everyone without looking up Wikipedia.

Lastly, not something I imagined saying after seeing him in Gumiho and Gu family book but Lee Seung-gi as Son Oh-gong = BDE *fans herself* 🥵

#18 Strong Girl Bong-soon 

(힘쎈여자 도봉순)

Grade: A- 

Genre:  Modern, Super-Heroine

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Trigger warning: Graphic depiction of violence against women

A++ super-heroine story, bad side characters 

First, every girl should aspire to find a Min-hyuk in their life. Someone who'll love them because of their strength, and support them unconditionally. Someone who won't ask them to change or pretend to be somebody else.

Second, western media should learn that a super-heroine can HAVE IT ALL—the superpowers AND the love AND the family. 

My only complaint with the show (and that's why I gave A- instead of A++) is the inclusion of many cringy side characters/situations that spoiled my overall enjoyment (see the caricatural flamboyant gay co-worker, Bong-soon’s mom hitting her dad, the mobsters...)

#19 The K2 

(더 케이투)

Grade: B- 

Genre: Modern, Political

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

The romance is bad and the political story far-fetched but Ji Chang-wook is 🔥🔥PEAK HOTTIE🔥🔥

That being said, I didn’t completely dislike the political intrigue and it was interesting to see the good guy working for the villains (sort of). 

#20 Weightlifting fairy Kim Bok-joo 

(역도요정 김복주)

Grade: A+ 

Genre:  Modern, Coming of age

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Uplifting coming of age story and super sweet romance. Bok-joo (Lee Sung-kyung) & Joon-hyung (Nam Joo-hyuk) are precious children on top of being cutie-patooties. Bok-joo’s insecurities hit hard, especially if you’ve ever been outside the norm of beauty standards.

I liked how the show normalizes therapy and taking care of your mental health.

In one word…

SWAG! 

#21 The scholar who walks the night 

(밤을 걷는 선비)

Grade: B 

Genre:  Historical, Fantasy, Vampire, posing as the opposite sex

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Guilty pleasure. 

Don’t ask me about the details of the main storyline, I’ve already forgotten most of it. Sometimes all you need is a show where a hundred-something years old good vampire with a sad backstory and the main girl who is thirsty for the good vampire are fighting a sexy evil vampire. 

PS: Did I mention the sexy evil vampire?

#22 Romance is a bonus book 

(로맨스는 별책부록)

Grade: A+ 

Genre: Modern, Friends to lovers

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Imagine reading a relaxing book under a cozy blanket while sipping hot cocoa. That’s how that series made me feel. 

Everything is sweet and soft from the characters' fluffy jumpers to the soft palette of color used for the sets. People make books and love books. There’s a mystery but no unnecessary angst. If you need a break from everything, jump in that ship. 

#23 Hotel Del Luna 

(호텔 델루나)

Grade: A- 

Genre: Modern  

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Sorta

Watched on: Viki - Available on Netflix (FR) too

Interesting world-building and a good cast of side characters but the romance lacks a bit of oomph. 

On the + side, the hotel sets are gorgeous and Man-wol's wardrobe is to kill for.

#24 Suspicious Partner 

(수상한 파트너)

Grade: A- 

Genre: Modern, Star-crossed lovers in an office

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Toll serious who hates criminal falls for smoll weirdo falsely accused of murder. A must watch for anyone in search of a quirky romance.

#25 Touch your heart 

(진심이 닿다)

Grade: A 

Genre: Modern  

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Viki

Tooth rotting sweetness. The series is just a pretext to watch two good looking people (Lee Dong-wook and Yoo In-na) being nice and awkward around each other. What do you need more? 0

Note: If you watched Goblin you can also pretend it's a spin-off series about the reincarnations of Grim Reaper and Sunny. 💡

#26 Because this is my first life 

(이번 생은 처음이라)

Grade: A 

Genre: Modern, Fake marriage

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

The Fake Marriage AU you’re looking for, mixed with slices of modern, messy, complicated life. 

The main storyline revolves around Ji-ho an assistant drama screenwriter who struggles to find her place within the patriarchal structure of Korean society, and Se-hee, a socially incompetent computer designer who only cares for his cat and his mortgage. The way they end up in a fake marriage as well as the development of their relationship feels organic and doesn’t rely too heavily on comedy like it’s often the case with that trope.

The show also follows the stories of Ji-ho’s friends, Su-ji and Ho-rang who have different aspirations in life—Su-ji’s goal is to become CEO while Ho-rang only cares about becoming a housewife. I loved that the show makes a point to not pit women against each other and advocate living your life the way YOU want rather than trying to follow societal expectations of what love, work and marriage should look like. 

Also they have the cutest cat.

#27 What's wrong with Secretary Kim? 

(김비서가 왜 그럴까 )

Grade: A- 

Genre: Modern  

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Viki

I wish Secretary Kim had more agency in certain situations but the romance develops well and the horny moments are caliente 🥵🔥 

#28 Where your eyes linger 

(너의 시선이 머무는 곳에)

Grade: A++ 

Genre: Modern, BL, Coming of age, Friends to lovers

Episodes: 8

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Viki

Bite-size BL gem to devour in one sitting. 

Stellar acting from the two leads and the balance between fluff and angst is just right. There's no graphic violence that sometimes plagues yaoi and BL and the story is believable. I got emo remembering my first love. 

#29 Live up to your name 

(명불허전)

Grade: A- 

Genre: Modern, Historical, Time travel, Star-crossed lovers

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Trigger warning for graphic depiction of violence

Big surprise. I was looking for a cheesy comedy but it was actually a thoughtful story about humanism. I even teared up a little. 

Trigger warning for needles. They do some pretty impressive procedures with those acupuncture needles. 

#30 W - Two Worlds Apart 

(더블유)

Grade: A 

Genre: Modern  

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Imaginary men > Real men, especially when they're played by Lee Jong-suk. Nuf’ said.

Imaginary men > Real men, especially when they're played by Lee Jong-suk.

The silly premise hides a solid story that keeps you on your toes and I was suprised by the rollercoaster of emotions I went through.

“Option 3″

“That’s 4 fingers”

#31 Life 

(라이프)

Grade: C 

Genre: Modern

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Kinda

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Unless you want to learn how fucked up the private health sector is becoming in Korea, there's not much to gain watching this show. 

The story starts off well though. The problem is that by the middle of the series the writers have dropped the main mystery (the circumstances surrounding the death of the director) to deliver an exposé on the political machinations of big corporations, and then shoehorn an explanation at the last minute (“it was all but a misunderstanding”). Very underwhelming.

The relationship between the two brothers played by Lee Dong-wook and Lee Kyu-hyung is the only bright spot.

#32 Pinocchio 

(피노키오)

Grade: A- 

Genre: Modern, Fake family members who catch feels

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

On paper, the story sounds a little crazy but it all comes together nicely.

Lee Jong-suk and Park Shin-hye have great chemistry and deliver a stellar performance as “uncle” and “niece” (not related by blood) who can’t fight the romantic feelings they harbor for one another. The main storyline has enough twists to keep you entertained and surprised. 

My only complaint is that it drags a little. 16 episodes would have been enough. 

#33 My Holo Love 

(나 홀로 그대)

Grade: A 

Genre: Modern, Sci-fi

Episodes: 12

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Fake men > Real men 

Imagine a Black Mirror episode about a love triangle between a woman suffering from face blindness, an emotionally supportive AI boyfriend and the disenchanted creator of said AI, minus the nihilism. *chef kiss*

#34 Legend of the blue sea 

(푸른 바다의 전설)

Grade: B++ 

Genre: Modern, Fantasy, Fairy tale, Star-crossed lovers

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Viki

Park Ji-eu (the writer) read the little mermaid and decided to give her a happy ending. Great chemistry between Lee Min-ho and Jun Ji-hyun but the spark is missing for me. 

The antics of modern-day mermaid Shim Cheong are a little predictable and Joon-jae needs to be less of a control freak at times but the story remains enjoyable. I was pleasantly surprised to see Shim Cheong’s character grow, making the power imbalance between the clueless mermaid and the con-artist less pronounced by the end of the series. 

The side characters are interesting but underused, and I wish Tae-oh was more developed. On the other hand, the Joseon area sets and costumes are absolutely gorgeous (Don’t tell anyone but Joseon!Lee Min-ho is hotter than Modern!Lee Min-ho 🥵)

#35 Tale of Arang / Arang and the Magistrate 

(아랑사또전)

Grade: B 

Genre: Historical, Fantasy,

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

One word: Campy.

Interesting lore but the pacing is a little off—there’s a lot of back and forth between the characters and the locations and the love triangle doesn't add much. 

#36 My ID is Gangnam Beauty / Gangnam Beauty  

(내 아이디는 강남미인)

Grade: A+ 

Genre: Modern, Coming of age

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

If you’ve ever been bullied for your looks, you’re gonna bawl your eyes out. 

The show does a great job of calling out the unhealthy beauty standards imposed on Korean women but the topic is universal enough for the story to resonate with everyone. I love that you never see Mi-rae’s old face because it’s not our perception of her lack of beauty that matters but the fact she suffers greatly. Don’t you hate in western shows when they take a beautiful actress, give her a pair of glasses or a fat suit and call her ugly, making sure the audience feels shittier about themselves? Here, the writers concentrate on Mi-rae’s transformation and her coping with the consequences of her decision to do plastic surgery. 

It’s also not a revenge fantasy where the ugly duckling suddenly becomes the most popular girl at school. Being a “Gangnam beauty” leads to a new form of suffering. 

Romance-wise, it’s the slowest burn of slow burns because Mi-rae and Do Kyung-seok are the most socially awkward beans on the planet. I love them, Your Honor. 

#37 Tale of Nokdu 

(조선로코-녹두전)

Grade: A

Genre: Historical, Posing as the opposite sex

Episodes: 32 x 30mns

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Viki - Now available on Netflix (FR)

Fun and lighthearted all the way through.

The story of a guy who puts on a dress to investigate a village of widows could have gone very wrong but it was well handled. It’s refreshing to see the classic trope of posing as the opposite sex reversed and Jang Dong-yoon is never cringy when he’s pretending to be Lady Kim Nok-soon.

#38 Bride of Habaek / Bride of the Water God

(하백의 신부 2017)

Grade: B

Genre: Modern, Fantasy

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Content warning: Crime against fashion

Promising premise and lore (I'm interested in reading the original comics now) but the writing fails to deliver an epic romance and a cathartic ending. Moreover, the sets lack imagination (or money?) and in the end I failed to ever feel immersed in a fantasy world.

The unfortunate consequence of the clumsy writing is that the male characters who are meant to be arrogant/confident Gods (Habaek and By-ryeom) sound like they're negging their love interests more than wooing them, and the relationship between Mu-ra and By-ryeom particularly irked me.

#39 Strangers from Hell / Hell is other people 

(타인은 지옥이다) 

Grade: A+

Genre: Modern, Psychological Thriller

Episodes: 10

Happy Ending: Spoiler

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Content warning: Violence 

What a departure from everything else in that list! Absolutely worth a watch if you enjoy thrillers and shows like Hannibal. If psychological horror isn’t your cup of tea though, you might give it a pass. 

The storyline and the characters are a little cliché (it goes with the genre) but the cinematography and photography are fantastic. You can notice how the pension becomes more and more sinister throughout the series via the use of dark greens and browns and pale yellows, as opposed to the mundanity and coldness of the city (greys, and cold blues).

Last but not least, the acting is top-tiers. Im Siwan does a great job at portraying Jong-woo, an aspiring crime novelist who slowly loses his marbles but the true revelation for me is Lee Dong-wook. After seeing him so many times in roles where he plays awkward yet charming men who can barely express emotions, I was intrigued to see him take on the role of a serial killer, and holy cow, he's the perfect mix of sinister and alluring. Towards the end of the series, his character Moon-jo acts like a black-hole whenever he appears in a scene—a towering, dark presence who sucks the light out of the room (If he carries any of that darkness in the upcoming Tale of Gumiho, it’s gonna be *chef kiss*).

#40 Empress Ki 

(기황후)

Grade: A

Genre: Historical, posing as the opposite sex

Episodes: 51

Happy Ending: From a certain point of view

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Trigger warning for violence against women (not graphic but implied)

51 episodes.

Fifty.One.Episodes.

That's a lot of episodes considering the story starts with the ending. 

Did I enjoy this show? Yes, very much so. Do I think it's for everyone? Nope. 

You'll enjoy Empress Ki if you're into old-school historical sagas or you wished Game of thrones had no gratuitous nudity and violence. If you’re looking for an historically accurate biography of the real empress Ki though, then look away because Empress Ki is basically a lengthy fanfiction trying to justify how the Goryeo native Seung-nyang married the wimpy Emperor of the Yuan dynasty whilst trying to portray her as loyal to her motherland and to her first love, the Crown Prince of Goryeo. 

Personally, I didn’t care for the love triangle formed by Seung-nyang (Ha Ji-won), Wang-yoo (Joo Jin-mo) and Toghon Temür (Ji Chang-wook) but I liked the politics and the backstabbing. Also, contrary to GoT, the bad guys get their comeuppance at the end so it makes watching the side characters die less painful.

#41 Meow, the secret boy / Welcome 

(어서와)

Grade: B-

Genre: Modern, Modern fantasy

Episodes: 24 x 35mns 

Happy Ending: I guess

Watched on: Viki

How do I put it? It's not *terribad* but it's not *good* either. 

I was super on board with the concept—if Lee Seung-gi can bang a nine-tailed fox in My girlfriend is a gumiho, I have zero issues with Sol ah, our heroine, falling in love with Hong-jo the cat-person after being dumped for no reason by Jae-sun her boyfriend—but it didn’t exactly develop that way, and as soon as they explained why Jae-sun had broken up with Sol-ah, the writers lost me because I like when things happen for a reason. 

#42 Clean with a passion for now 

(일단 뜨겁게 청소하라!!)

Grade: A-

Genre: Modern, Rom-Com

Episodes: 16 

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Super zany and tropey but that’s why it works so well. The only reason I’m giving it a minus is because it’s trying to be woke but in the end there’s still a lot of unsolicited grabbing and some iffy remarks/pick-up lines said by every male characters (IRL that’s the kind of story that ends up with a restraining order and a lawsuit for sexual harassment).

#43 Mystic pop-up bar 

(쌍갑포차)

Grade: A

Genre: Modern, Fantasy

Episodes: 12

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Trigger warning: Heavy themes (miscarriage, pregnancy, loss of a child, death of loved ones)

You know how the meme goes... Sometimes a family is a hot-tempered bar owner, a cursed kid and an ex-Afterlife-Police officer with a secret past. 

It took me a few episodes to get into it, but once the characters were established it became really enjoyable. 

The tone of the series leans toward wacky but the core of the story is actually pretty dark if you look into it. Every grudge they solve for their “clients” gives a clue about Wol-joo’s personal story and by the last episode I was crying my eyes out.

Last but not least, Wol-joo’s collection of modernized hanboks is *chef kiss*

#44 My secret Terrius 

(내 뒤에 테리우스)

Grade: A

Genre: Modern, Action, Comedy, Bromance

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

An enjoyable action drama to watch with your family or your significant other.

Koreans prove that you can write a story about a black ops agent on the run who becomes a childminder without reeking of toxic masculinity. Contrary to American comedies where the manly-man-hero working undercover is incompetent and believes that working with children is a woman’s job and a waste of his manly-man talents until he has an epiphany of some sorts, Kim Bon (played by So Ji-sub) never once expresses discomfort to the idea of looking after two kids. In spite of his sober demeanor, he’s a caring and attentive person from the start and watching him gradually becoming a part of this spunky family while investigating a national security threat made my heart go awww.

Opposite him, fearless and resourceful mom Go Ae-rin (played Jung In-sun) brings a lot of energy, and the twins are absolutely adorable.

#45 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

(달의 연인 - 보보경심 려)

Grade: A--

Genre: Historical  

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: No

Watched on: Random streaming site

Don’t get attached—Moon Lovers is the missing link between Empress Ki and Boys over flowers, but with a sad ending.

I did binge watch the series but there are some frustrating aspects to it that prevented me from giving a perfect score, notably the fact that Wang So remains possessive and demanding with Hae Soo throughout the years—for instance “You’re my person” is a romantic statement until it evolves into “You can never leave me.”

The other problem of the series is that Lee Ji-eun (UI) does cute and goofy really well, but she doesn’t have the emotional range needed to portray a character who goes through many heartbreaks and betrayals. As a result, Hae Soo appears a little fickle in her infatuations with the princes.  

That being said if you’re a sucker for tragic romance and you believe that power corrupts even the purest of love, you’ll have a blast.

#46 Forest 

(포레스트)

Grade: B++

Genre: Modern, Romance

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Viki

UST in the woods (Dat first kiss 🥵🥵🥵)

The characters and the story are a little cliché but who doesn’t love a story where the protagonists are clearly attracted to each other but can’t act on their desires because their moral values are opposite?

*slams fist*

San Hyeok is your typical heartless businessman who refuses to confront his childhood trauma, and Yeong Jae is a surgeon who suffers from panic attacks and cares too much about other people. They’re both good looking and fate brings them to a remote village in the middle of the forest where they have to share a house. Really, I wonder what’s gonna happen?

#47 100 Days My Prince / Hundred days husband

(백일의 낭군님)

Grade: B+

Genre: Historical

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Viki 

Trigger warning: Important character death.

Cute and charming but also very annoying at times. Obviously, the story is tropey af (fake marriage doubled with amnesia, you can’t really beat that) but it also includes elements I’ve never seen in any other dramas like the fact that the Crown Princess is pregnant with another man’s child (le gasp!). The things that annoy me the most were the unnecessary flip-flopping of the heroine towards the end of the show for the sake of creating artificial drama (just let them be together FFS!) and the fact that the male characters take a lot of decisions for Yeon Hong-shim.

Romance wise, Do Kyung-soo and Nam Ji-hyun are really cute together but in the end I found myself more interested in the political intrigue and the side characters than the main romance because slow burn has its limit. In essence, it’s the perfect drama to watch with your conservative family because whilst the main couple is living under the same roof and is technically married they don’t get frisky. 

#48 I Am Not A Robot (로봇이 아니야)

Grade: A++

Genre: Modern

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Angsty with a good pay-off.

With a premise like that, things could have gone wrong really quickly but the writers managed to write a story that isn’t a man wanting to fuck a robot because real women are scary so big kudos for them. Seeing Min-kyu celebrating his Roomba’s birthday because he has no other friends will instantly melt your heart and from that point on you’ll cheer for his recovery. The show has the right amount of angst without becoming a mess and they handle the big reveal very well, making sure to show how hurt both Min-kyu and Ji-ah are by the situation, without making you doubt that they can find each other again. The other strong point of the show is that it’s not just about romance, it’s also about friendship and learning to let other people in your life. 

The acting is incredible to the point that by the end I wondered if Yoo Seung-ho and Chae Soo-bin were making out in front of my salad or if I was still watching the characters Min-kyu and Ji-ah being lovey dovey. 

#49 Sungkyunkwan Scandal (성균관 스캔들)

Grade: A

Genre: Historical, Posing as the opposite gender

Episodes: 20

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Viki

Hana zakari no kimi tachi he with gats.

This show checks so many boxes when it comes to my favourite tropes story-wise and character-wise that I instantly fell in love with it. It might feel a little dated for a younger audience and it definitely suffers from the second male lead syndrome (who wants unseasoned boiled chicken when there are not just one but two juicy rotisserie chickens on the table next to you?!) but it’s still very much enjoyable. Also, they don’t shy away from using the word “homosexuality” and having one of the second lead confessing to having romantic feelings for his friend (I’ll take any scrap of bi-representation, okay?)

#50 It’s Okay to not be okay  (사이코지만 괜찮아)

Grade: A 

Genre: Modern

Episodes: 16

Happy Ending: Yes

Watched on: Netflix (FR)

Found family. 

In spite of one ridiculous plot twist (that I was aware of when I started the show) this show has made me feel all the feelz. The three main actors all did a phenomenal job portraying their characters in all their complexity and fragility and I ended up crying so many cathartic tears in the second to last & the last episodes.The relationship between Sang-tae and Gang-tae is one of the best sibling relationships I’ve seen on-screen in a long time while the romance between Moon-yeong and Gang-tae blends perfectly elements of comedy and melodrama. Mental illness isn’t treated as something to be ashamed of, whilst showing that you can grow and recover from trauma and finding your own happiness.

PSA from my boyfriend, who dropped the show before the end: 

The plot twist is so stupid that it takes away from the rest of the series. In my opinion it negated the positive portrayal of mental illness built up until then. They completely lost me.

^ We discussed a lot about it which is why I wanted to share his POV to balance my own review.

#51 coming soon

[krysyuy]

I continue to love Flower of Evil! There’s a lot going on in Episode 4, so let’s dive in. Oh, and I’ll be alternating between using Hyun Soo and Hee Sung, so apologies in advance if it confuses anyone. While the majority of the episode is focused on the chase for Hyun Soo, we still manage to get some crumbs about the Baek family. Me, every time with their scenes:

I keep saying this, but I’m so curious about this storyline!! What happened that the parents felt the need to have someone impersonate their son while he’s in a coma? I’m leaning more towards them being responsible for whatever happened… Unless their son did something so awful, they decided to cover it up thoroughly and completely in order not to lose face. Though Baek Man Woo (the father) seemed to treat his son with care. Whatever happened, they went to great lengths to conceal their secret. They even have a mute maid, though I don’t know how much that would discourage her from “talking” if/when push comes to shove later. We see that original!Hee Sung was quite the math whiz. So the only concrete fact we have about him (aside from the shady family) is that he’s extremely smart. Now is he good or bad… I initially thought we had a Queen Yoo situation on our hands with Kong Mi Ja (the mother), though apparently that’s not the case. I was genuinely shocked when she apologized, and THEN at the end admitted to the house being too big for two people, so she invited him to come over and eat some time. (Does that invitation extend to his wife and daughter?) I would not have expected this from the parents we see in the first episode. I love it though. This scene gave the mom a bit more depth, instead of her being another variation of the Evil Matriarch trope. For a moment, there seemed to be a kind of softening in the tension of this scene. Though of course she also majorly freaked when she found out Ji Won is on the case. I definitely feel like it’s the guilt and the stress of their situation regarding being found out, which then led to these anxiety problems. I am living for these flashbacks of Hee Sung and Ji Won’s past. And young Hee Sung is so clueless, please😭😂 I mean, it’s understandable why, but still. Kudos to Ji Won for not backing down. Their past versions are so cute, and the set-up could’ve easily been its own drama. I’d love to know what Ji Won thinks is going on when Hee Sung stares at an empty space, and then gets all guarded and freaked out. But later when Hee Sung says Ji Won scares his father - MY HEART😭 Even if she doesn’t know it, she protects him. “Why do you like me? Why?” I actually would also like to know this, lol. Hopefully we get an answer in the next flashback about why she fell for him. But I also would not blame her if it’s primarily because of his pretty face. xP Either way, she clearly sees something in him that he does not. I really like Ji Won’s team, but I’m always going back and forth on her sunbae, lolll. He’s funny but can also be a bit irritating. So sometimes I like him, sometimes I don’t. Which I think is how he’s purposefully written, haha. Her hoobae is always great though. Finally, we’re introduced to Hyun Soo’s sister. I was kinda ???? when she touched her phone with all that fake blood on her hands. She didn’t even ask her assistant for a towel or wipes… ANYWAYS lmao, I didn’t really get any ~shady vibes from her, but there wasn’t much to go on just yet. I do think she’s lonely and she misses her brother. When Ji Won was commenting on Hyun Soo’s life, and he’s right there with his head on her lap😢 It would be interesting to see her start to realize/uncover the truth of some things about Hyun Soo before she fully realizes he’s her husband. I’m very curious as to how the writer is planning this reveal. “Was my husband always this handsome?” Yes. But seriously, why are they so adorable. I just want them to be happy😭 Me, with the earlier eps: I mean, he’s possibly irredeemable, it’s cool if he doesn’t have a happy ending— Drama as it reveals more of his character:

Hee Sung faking sadness was so funny because we know he dgaf about his would-be murderer. I do feel bad for the wife, but she did end up giving Hee Sung a huge clue. I certainly didn’t expect the culprit to be the taxi driver! When the driver was telling his story to JW’s sunbae previously, I do remember thinking it was odd that the killer would share that they’re in the same profession as their father. If you’re a killer, why would you be dropping personal details like that to a possible witness later? I’m sorry, what is this coincidence of him being caught on camera in the photo background of someone visiting from his hometown???? I’ll roll with it, but wow. lol Moo Jin trying to sniff out the story of how Hyun Soo obtained his new identity with the Baek family… I was warming up to him, but then he tried to record HS. Thankfully, HS caught on, but if Moo Jin backstabs Hyun Soo/Hee Sung later ISTG… I wonder if he’ll change his tune (because he is so not giving up) when he meets up with Do Hae Soo again. There’s definitely something going on with Do Min Seok’s death. I doubt he committed suicide, so I wonder if HS or his sister did the deed. The chase scene with Hee Sung and Ji Won was amazing, and I could only think about how these spouses are hella in shape. And that fight - well, more like struggle - in the building! HS deserved that kick to the nuts lol. But the way he instinctively jumped forward to save Ji Won from the falling tools… 😭 He loves her GDI. I wonder if he realizes this though. He was suspiciously quiet when Moo Jin was asking if he really didn’t have any feelings for her. HS never directly answers this when it’s brought up. Everyone in the know asks if affection bloomed because of Eun Ha’s birth, but the flashbacks clearly show that is not the case. Also, this thought came to me in earlier episodes too, like when he snooped in Moo Jin’s place, but Hee Sung is leaving his fingerprints EVERYWHERE. Please wear gloves, I am begging😭 “We should’ve continued that exorcism!” “What does Do Hyun Soo have against this town anyway?” YOU ALREADY ANSWERED YOUR OWN QUESTION, PLEASE SHUT UP. The phone call with Eun Ha may be my favorite part of the episode, lmao. She’s way too cute. I was the grandma trying not to laugh in the background. Like Eun Ha was so devastated that he wasn’t around. It’s precious how much she loves and misses her dad, which is something that Hyun Soo must marvel at. Before Ji Won, he never experienced that. (Maybe with Hae Soo, but we still don’t know enough to gauge their relationship.) But that ending!! I’m dying to know what’s going on in Ji Won’s head when she sees this piece of evidence (Hyun Soo, please be smarter omfg). Like I don’t know if her mind will immediately jump to HS being the one she was chasing (even if she’d be right lolll). First, she’ll wonder how tf the watch got there and then go through different options before then landing on him. I don’t even know if she’ll get the chance to make that leap because from the preview, we know the taxi driver is up to no good and Ji Won realizes her husband is in danger. Hee Sung/Hyun Soo was injured from the falling tools earlier, and I think that’ll partially be the reason why the taxi driver gets the upper hand and subdues him. I’M SO EXCITED FOR NEXT WEEK!!! I’ve been hyped for the water scene since the teasers, and we’re already getting it. But I’m also so confused because there are still 12 episodes left, lollll. I thought this would be a mid-point scenario. And we’ve already seen a lot of the material that was in the trailer. Not everything, but a good chunk. I really love how things are progressing. Nothing’s dragging (to me). I am a little worried about the back half as that is where dramas tend to do or die. I’ll guess the situation with the Baek family will drive the 2nd half, and that the real son will wake in the middle eps or later. The writer hasn’t given me any reason to doubt them so far. I’m still along for the ride, and I hope the next episode is as promising as it looks. My Twitter liveblog for Ep4: twitter.com/krysyuy/status/1291852350747901952

[mihnn]

Hello! Sorry to bother you. can I ask for a recommendation? The only Kdrama I have watch it's boys over flowers. Could you recommend me one of the likes so I can get myself into this world? I keep staring at your gifts and just makes me wanna starts watching them.

Sure. And you’re not bothering me at all. :D So many recs…

Shows similar to Boys Over Flowers:

1. Coffee Prince - A tomboy is mistaken for a young man, but maintains the deception for the sake of employment. The situation becomes complicated when her male boss begins to develop feelings for this “boy” and vice versa.

2. The Heirs - Kim Tan is the heir to Empire Group who has been sent to study abroad in the U.S. In reality it’s a form of exile, as his elder half-brother back home schemes to take over the family business. While in the States, Kim Tan meets Cha Eun Sang, who arrived from Korea in search of her older sister. He feels himself falling for her, never realizing that she’s the daughter of his family’s housekeeper. When his fiancée Rachel Yoo arrives to bring him back to Korea, his heart is torn between love and duty.

Shows that are cute and fun with a lot of romance and friendship:

1. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo - Bok Joo is a weightlifter who is pursuing her dream of winning the gold medal but she then finds romance for the first time in her life. While she is a woman who trains with heavy steel weights, she is also very feminine when it comes to relationships. To focus solely on weightlifting would jeopardize her relationship but leaving her weightlifting career for love would keep her from attaining her dreams. It covers their coming-of-age stories and relationships through hectic life.

2. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon - Do Bong Soon is a petite, unemployed woman who is honest and kind. She appears little and sweet on the outside, but she is in fact very, very strong. Ahn Min Hyuk, who holds a great distrust towards the police, witnessed the whole exchange of Bong Soon’s superhuman strength, and now wants to employ her as a bodyguard after being threatened by an unknown enemy. 

3. Shopping King Louie - The romantic comedy series “Shopaholic Louis” revolves around a handsome shopaholic named Louis, who is the successor of a vast business empire but becomes homeless after suffering from amnesia. Meanwhile, Koh Bok Shil, a country girl who lives a life that is worlds apart from the rich and famous, encounters Louis in Seoul.

4. Thirty But Seventeen - Woo Seo Ri, a violin prodigy at 17 who was about to study in Germany, got into a bus accident and fell into a coma waking up 13 years later. Mentally she is still only 17, while physically she is now 30.Due to a trauma he experienced 13 years before, Gong Woo Jin does not want to have a relationship with others.This series is about a man and a woman whose lives in their own ways essentially stopped when they were 17. Together, they use all their might to try and open the door to the happiness that they once thought had been closed to them.

5. My ID is Gangnam Beauty - This series tells the story of Kang Mi Rae, a girl once bullied for her looks. As a result, she became insecure, cautious around people and withdrawn. However, Mi Rae decides she wants a fresh start away from bullying and gets plastic surgery to transform her face. When she begins university, she meets Do Kyung Suk from their middle school days, who sees people for what they are on the inside and not the outside; he then becomes attracted to Kang Mi Rae.As Mi Rae begins to get teased once more and labeled “Gangnam Beauty”, the cold, aloof but kind inside Kyung Suk becomes the one person that stands up for her and in the process, Mi Rae begins to recover her lost confidence and discovers that true beauty is not on the outside.

6. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim - The series revolves around the narcissistic Lee Young Joon, the vice president of a company run by his family. He is very self-absorbed and thinks highly of himself, so much that he barely acknowledges the people around him. Lee Young Joon has a capable and patient secretary in Kim Mi So who has remained by his side and worked diligently for 9 years without any romantic involvement. However, Mi So now want to set her life & focus on herself so when she decides to resign from her job, hilarious misunderstandings ensue.

7. Fight For My Way - Despite an increasingly hostile world, Ko Dong Man and Choi Ae Ra decide not to give up. No matter what others speak of them, they together make their own way to live a happy life.

8. She Was Pretty - As a young girl, Hye Jin was impossibly cute and had a comfortable life with her wealthy parents but since her teens, her looks and fortune changed abruptly and now she is living with her friend rent-free and working as a part-time clerk at a convenience store. One day, her childhood first love, Sung Joon, contacts her wishing to meet her, but recognizing Sung Joon has grown into a handsome and fit man, she quickly hatches a plan to have her pretty friend meet him in her place instead. After luckily landing a full-time job, Hye Jin is surprised to find Sung Joon as her boss, who is adding insult to injury, treating her with disdain and contempt.

EPICS with romance:

1. Goblin: The Lonely God - Kim Shin was once an unbeatable general in war who died a sad death. He now possesses immortality but is tired of living whilst everyone else around him dies. For 900 years, Kim Shin has searched for his bride, a mortal who can pull out the sword that binds him to the living. One day, he encounters Ji Eun Tak, a positive, upbeat high school student who can see the dead and has gone through tragic things, yet still stays strong. She claims to be the Goblin’s bride who can end his immortal life, but what appears to be an easy task only gets complicated as the two fall into requited love.

2. Mr. Sunshine - Mr. Sunshine centers on a young boy born into a house servant’s family and travels to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo (U.S. expedition to Korea). He returns to his homeland later as a U.S. marine officer. He meets and falls in love with an aristocrat’s daughter. At the same time, he discovers a plot by foreign forces to colonize Korea.

3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo - When a total eclipse of the sun takes place, a 21st century woman, Go Ha Jin, is transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea. She wakes up in the body of 16-year-old Hae Soo, an aristocrat living with Lady Hae, her cousin who happens to be married to one of the sons of King Taejo. She soon befriends several of the princes, who find her carefree and exuberant attitude refreshing. Although she knows she should not get involved in palace intrigues over the succession to the throne, she inadvertently becomes a pawn in the struggle, as several of the Princes fall in love with her.

4. Descendants of the Sun - Kang Mo Yeon is a pretty and assertive woman who works as a cardiothoracic surgeon at Haesung Hospital. She isn’t afraid to admit her mistakes and believes that capability overrides whatever connections you have. However, she is soon faced with reality that she cannot advance with just capability. Her life is forever changed when she encounters Yoo Si Jin, the Captain and team leader of Alpha Team who cares more about protecting anybody who needs help as well as his country, even if it goes against the order of his superiors. This drama will tell of how they both band together in a time of war and overcome the odds against them.

5. Memories of the Alhambra - Strong spirited Yoo Jin Woo is the CEO of an investment company with a degree in engineering and a knack for developing video games. He has an adventurous and competitive spirit. Suffering after his best friend betrays him, he takes a business trip to Granada, Spain in search of the mysterious inventor of an innovative augmented-reality  video game. He ends up at a hostel that Jung Hee Joo owns. They are both drawn into a series of strange and unexpected events.

Shows that focus on real relationships:

1. Something in the Rain - Yoon Jin Ah is a woman in her mid-30s who doesn’t know yet what it’s like to date a man. She’s been dumped by a man many times because of her clumsy, reckless, and foolish behavior. Just then, Joon Hee appears and he is Jin Ah’s childhood best friend’s younger brother, who used to live next door. Jin Ah has always remembered him as a little kid, but one day, he comes back as a man. When she is surprised by his change, her gut feeling tells her that she would truly fall in love this time.

2. Familiar Wife - Cha Joo Hyuk works at a bank and has been married to Seo Woo Jin for five years. When a strange incident happens one day, Joo Hyuk makes a decision that impacts his life and those around him in unexpected ways. Suddenly, the life he had with Woo Jin and his best friend, Yoon Joong Hoo are gone and he is leading a very different life.How will his first love, Lee Hee Won, factor into his new life? And will it be possible to get his old life back?

3. Encounter or Boyfriend - Cha Soo Hyun is the daughter of a politician who lives a  life where she is unable to choose her own path. After graduating from college, she entered into a loveless marriage with the son of a wealthy conglomerate, a marriage only beneficial to her politician father. She then gets divorced. Her life is changed further when she meets simple and kind Kim Jin Hyuk.

4. Matrimonial Chaos - Jo Seok Moo graduated from a prestigious university, but he pursued his dream of becoming a musician rather than finding a traditional job. Jo Seok Moo did not become a musician and because of his advanced age, he could not land a decent job. He then began working at a security service company. There, he met Kang Hwi Ru for the first time as his customer. They have been married for 3 years now, but Jo Seok Moo asks for a divorce. They do not have very much in common. Jo Seok Moo has a stubborn personality and enjoys spending time alone, while Kang Hwi Ru is easy-going and has a positive personality.Another married couple, Jin Yoo Young and Lee Jang Hyun appear. Jin Yoo Young is Jo Seok Moo’s first love.

Shows not focused on Romance:

1. Misaeng or Incomplete Life - Jang Geu Rae has played the game Go since he was a child. Playing the game was everything to him, but he failed to become a professional Go player. Now he’s been thrown out into the real world. When his gaming plans fail, the down-and-out Geu Rae is forced to get an office job as an intern thanks to an acquaintance’s recommendation for him to a large company called One International.

2. Live - The drama revolves around the incidents that occur in the police force and the joy, sorrow, and pain that police officers experience as they try to protect justice.

3. Argon - Kim Baek Jin is a popular anchor, reporter, and leader of investigative reporting program Argon. He does not tolerate unverified reports and requires facts he can personally stand behind.

4. Miss Hammurabi - Park Chao Reum is a newly appointed judge who is assigned to the 44th Civil Affairs Department at the Seoul Central District. She is always on the lookout for injustice and is able to profoundly empathize with others. Compared to her, Im Ba Reun is a cool-headed man of principle with the creed of ‘Court that is equal to all’, and he is displeased with junior judge Park Chao Reum who is overtly sympathetic when it comes to cases.

5. The Package - Yoon So So leaves on a trip to Europe with her boyfriend she met in college despite her parents’ disapproval, dreaming of a romantic journey. A few years later, her boyfriend heartlessly comes back to Korea alone, leaving So So behind. So So couldn’t help but start working as a tour guide in France to make a living. She leads a group of people traveling with the “Luxurious Premium Tour Package: 1 Week in France”.

These are just a few of the shows I love. There are many many MANY more, so feel free to ask. I know a few recs for law shows, assassins, murder/mystery, crack, so feel free to ask. I hope you enjoy your kdrama binge watch. Most of these can be found on Netflix.

P.S, - Added an update because I remembered a few more.

[ninesoftkids]

ship ur mutuals with skidz! bringing this ask meme back cause y not! friendship! woo! 💓❤️💓💖💗💕💞❣️💗❤️💞❣️

Aayyy, I love these asks! Unfortunately, Stray Kids only has nine members :( so I’ve finished the rest of my mutuals with other idols I think fit! I hope that’s ok lmao. Right. (It’s gonna be quite long so i’m going to insert the line thingy) Here we gooooo :D

·        Woojin – Andy. Thefirst person to fight your corner, but sometimes they lack belief inthemselves. An essential part of our family, just like Woojin. One of the mostcaring people I’ve met, but also definitely one of the most chaoticallyencouraging people ever. Don’t let them eat the trees. @haknveons

·        Minho – Roxi. Two bubblypeople with serious visuals! But don’t let their cuteness fool you – there’sdemons hidden beneath the angel exteriors. Just as Roxi loves to both hurt andheal us with gorgeous pictures of our faves, Minho loves to tease. The push-and-pullrelationship. Roxi the Angel, and Minho the Devil. But he cares deeply, andwould always listen to whatever worries you had. You can expect cute good nightmessages and missed Skype calls that are made up with a thousand nose kisseswhen you finally see each other. The Opposites Attract Couple @lxx-fxlix

·        Chan – Syd. Bluntand honest, forthright with their beliefs, I think Chan and her would have amazingphilosophical arguments that would end in cuddles and Disney on the sofa whilethey throw popcorn at each other. Chan could teach you Korean, and you canteach him your slang :D Also that height difference would be cute af. @hwarang-my-loves

·        Hyunjin – Mer. Twoanimal lovers with visuals to merder. 😉 You share the cutestgiggles and are always down for pillow forts and cuddle piles. Fancy dinnerwho? Give you two pizza and some fluffy dogs and you’re good to go. You’d takethe best pictures of each other and you’d be the Aesthetic Couple @softstan4softboys

·        Changbin – Liz. Edgelord?Bitch, where? Like Changbin, your aesthetic is the opposite of your personality.You’re both whole dorks who love fiercely and are genuinely amazing people. Plus,I just really like imagining Changbin doing aegyo for the last Cadbury’schocolate or something and you judging him so hard, but doing the exact samething thirty seconds later. Softies. Both of you. The Tsundere Couple @darkaegyo

·        Jisung – Hae. Two kidswith unbelievable and unending energy. Plus the visuals? God damn you’d look sogood together. Another Aesthetic Couple. Give the two of you energy drinks andyou’ll be bouncing off the walls. Expect midnight runs to your local supermarket,throwing grapes into each others mouths, cute holiday vlogs where Jisung triesto befriend a squirrel and you throw peanuts at him. @squirrelboiii

·        Felix – Csen. He’dlove to watch you draw in the park while he kicks a ball around with the boysand pretend he’s not trying to figure out who you’re drawing – he hopes that it’shim. Teaching each other to cuss in other languages. He’d roll his eyeswhenever you scream over Namjoon or a Stray Kids Comeback but secretly love howexcited you get about things you love. The sarcasm also runs strong in thisship. Cute selfies returned with a ‘I did it better’. 100% down to prank eachother. The Friends to Lovers Trope we all adore. @lee-minho

·        Seungmin – Esther.People can’t decide if you’re the most savage or the most soft couple to exist.You both put so much thought into what you do for others and you’re so treasuredby everyone who gets to call you a friend. Birthdays are always anticipatedbecause you try to outdo each other in what presents you get each other. You metat a theme park, both the odd person in a group and having to sit next to eachother on a ride. When the ride ends you leave the others to find some ice creamand drinks – and it isn’t your fault that you forgot you arrived with otherpeople. The Meet-Cute we all deserve. @goddamngyu

·        Jeongin – Charz. Thelittle sister we all wish we had. You and Jeongin would be the cutest ok. You’dcompete at baking and force the boys to choose which is better without themknowing whose is whose (you’d both try to bribe the boys beforehand) You’ddance long into the night, not watching the time and just laughing at eachother’s attempts at popular dances. You were probably introduced through mutualfriends at a bonfire, and spent the night arguing over who had the best randomfacts. The Must Protect Couple @strayedtoofar

And now my other mutuals! :D

·        Tayla – KimSeokjin, BTS. Both visuals and Jin would help raise your self-confidence levels byalways taking pictures of you looking cute and bragging to the boys about you. Absolutedorks, with ridiculous nicknames to match. You steal his shirts and he pretendsnot to notice because his jumpers give you sweater paws and it’s adorable. But thosesweater paws come in handy when he tells a particularly bad pun and one lookfrom Yoongi has you whapping one sleeve across his arm, despite laughing atleast as hard as Jimin. Couple Goals. @mindieu

·        Ash – Lee Jihoon, SVT. You’re another Opposites Attract Couple, but both of you makeme want to cuddle the shit out of you. Both completely adorable, you probablymet like one of your AU’s :p A penpal thing that your friends mischievouslysigned you up for and it grew from there. You’ll send him Kpop memes and thoughhe won’t understand many of them, the second he sees his face he’ll be like ‘hey!It’s me!’ He hates aegyo but he’ll do it to make you smile, even at the expenseof his dignity in front of the other members. The Pen Pal trope that I am anabsolute sucker for. @lovelyhoonie

·        Stacia – KimTaehyung, BTS. Infectious laughter would follow you everywhere you went, and you’dalways be touching each other in some way – holding hands, an arm wrappedaround your waist, you name it. Also secretly evil – together with Jungkook,you prank the shit out of the other members and no one ever links it back toyou. And why would they? Both of you have Angel faces. The Trouble Maker Couple @softtrasshh

·        Jazz – Taeyong, NCT. Istill don’t know a lot about NCT, but I think your personalities would match sowell! Both fun loving and so caring and ready to give advice if people need it.You’d bond over your protective instincts and probably spend lots of time atsmall parties with close friends, laughing over good memories. @always-a-winwin

·        Ty – Jeongyeon,Twice. Neither of you could look like a mess if you tried. Goddess-tiervisuals, I swear. I also like to think that Jeongyeon sends really cutemessages to her members and always tries her best to make everyone feel better.And you’re literally the same, in that respect. You love angst so much, and youdon’t need a happy ending, so when she finishes a sad movie or novel, you’rethere to tease her back into laughter again. Neither of you are good for myheart and you fucking know it, you demons. Pet names between you range from ‘babygirl’ and ‘sweetheart’ to ‘nerd’ and ‘oi, you’. The Playful Relationship. @softspearb

·        Bri –  Kihyun, Monsta X. Outspoken about what youthink is right and wrong. Incredibly loyal and fun-loving. Always up for anadventure, and weekends will find you two trying to get lost in the city purelyfor the fun of it! The Adventurous Couple with so many stories to tell! @b-interest

·        K – Jennie, BlackPink.You seem kinda intimidating but you’re actual fluffballs. Always have eachothers backs, and spend your weekends at the park trying to get pictures of thecutest dog – loser has to buy ice cream. The Cute Couple @straychijeu

·        Roo – Jung Hoseok, BTS.You always try to see the best in people and in every situation. You’ve beenthrough difficult situations, but you smile your way through it with your headheld high and you always show concern for everyone else, sometimes forgettingthat you deserve to be cared for too!!!! @chanscurls

·        Tia – Jin Jin,Astro. Visuals for days and with smiles that make the sun jealous! I thinktogether you’d be the couple that always out and doing something. Trying a newrestaurant, racing each other down streets, going to karaoke rooms. Your IG isfull of, not necessarily aesthetic photos, but definitely short videos of JinJin doing something amusing and you laughing in the background, or you leaningon a fence pointing at ‘the view’ with a comment from him ‘you are the view’. TheCheesy Couple! @ ????

·        Flora – Youngjae,GOT7. Very affectionate and take the cutest selfies! If someone can’t find eitherof you, it’s because you’re hiding somewhere with ice cream and a movie. You loveteaching each other your own languages and laugh together over both yourattempts at the correct accents and pronunciation! @ ???

I cannot remember some of your URL’s so like…. can the rest of y’all link this to them bc i’m an awful human being lmao

[ynkyunsang]

150901 Interview with InStyle Magazine

Actor Yun Kyun Sang that always known by his appearance in drama [Pinocchio] and The Time We Were Not In Love]. He Said, “It’s a happiness that I can work in this age” in deep twenty-nine youth. With relaxed and prudent him like that, even makes him so brighter. He said “I can be a supporting actor, a lead actor or even just a cameo. I want to be a memorable actor for a people that see my acting and say that I’m ‘good’.”

Q: What’s your schedule before this pictorial shooting?“I’m attending an action School. That’s what I prepare for my newest drama [Six FlyingDragons], because it’s a historical drama there’s a lot of things that I should mastering. I should learn horse-riding too. It’s not that simple like doing it just for hobby, but as an actor I should put it in mind and sometimes it can be burden.” Q: In the point that You can experience a lot of things, You can live in another life, a job as an actor looks great. Can you tell us when was you dreaming about become an actor?“When I was in high school, My weight was more than 100kg. My confidence was going down little by little. I think ‘I can’t be like this’ then I blindly doing diet until lost 30kg when I was going up to Seoul, and because of my height I become a model. I fell so good on the stage, people’s feedback was great too. Through the stage, it was the first time I desire about being an actor.” Q: To get success on diet, a person should really want to do that. Can you tell us if you have your own way like your eating habit or sport that you usually doing?“There’s no thoroughgoing or rules like that. But whatever I’m doing, I tried to avoid stress on purpose. Just if I gain weight, I should lost weight and if there’s something I should learn, I will learn it as soon as possible. If there’s nothing to do then it’s up to my body. If I hungry I eat and if I feel sleepy I sleep.” Q: Did you have any rule of life that you should to keep?“If I have something to do then I should finish it. I’m a person that can’t postpone something. It’s make me feel uneasy then I can’t sleep.” Q: You must feel stress when the shooting start. You don’t need to feel like that. It’s just like stress that everybody feels when working. When the scripts come out, how can you memorize it and acting it out?“The one that I’m worry that’s a happy stress feeling. The things that I must do can be useful. There’s a time that I’ve thought like ‘Now, I’m doing something that I really want to do’. I’m in the age that should be happy to work like today.” Q: If it’s 29 years old, you must feel impatient in that time before?“Of course. In the past, I feel so hard because of that kind of feeling. But because of that impatient feelings too, the things works good. If I looked back, I remember that there’s a lot of people that I should protect and I do have a lot of things that I must do. If it’s impatient feeling now, I just see something that I must do as fast as possible. If we know the feel of a place that we don’t know before, that makes our point of view wider.” Q: When [The Time We Were Not In Love] has ended, you seems like have a mixed feelings?“It’s always like that, no matter about the character. But, this is was the first melodrama that I joined since my debut so I feels sadder. In [Pinocchio] it was so far from melodrama, I just praised about take a revenge on Park Shin Hye and carried an evilness. It’s my first melodrama, but I feel so good because I can act with Senior Ha Ji Won. Naturally a professional one was a tremendous person, so she gave me a lot of advice.” Q: What kind of advice that Ha Ji Won give to you?Because you’re Cha Seo Hoo, don’t think about the script and just act with your heart. If there’s a funny things just laugh/smile and if there’s the things that makes you angry, just get mad. Q: What’s the things that you keep in mind when act as Cha Seo Hoo?“Cha Seo Hoo is a genius. I have a lot of worried about the method of action, how’s a genius to do love, how to talk with others, etc. A genius is usually be immersed in when it’s about their talented area and always focus. The time he enjoyed with the one that he immersed in there’s nothing but being so sensitive. Moreover, Cha Seo Hoo is a popular person that should look after his reputation. I’ve think a lot about what should I do as a person like that, what kind of thought that make him give up on his work and protect his love.” Q: In the end, is the love that precious?“Truthfully, there’s no point that the love was not precious. I think there’s no one that want to get interrupted in a love that they immersed in and because of that he need more power and great reputation. The problem, he was alone with his selfish thought. That’s why he dump Ha Na and take the tour. Q: How’s your comment about choosing that kind of action?“Even he can have that kind of thought, I think a person like Yun Kyun Sang not like that. He should ask her, ‘I will do this for your sake. Can you wait for me? Or Do you want to go with me?’ If it’s me, I think I wouldn’t just leave like that.” Q: Your personally thought about ideal love?“When you feel that’s too hard or get tired, you want to be alone. You just want to sleep and don’t want to do anything. Then, you just turn to be alone. So, I want the one that I still want to meet when I’m like that. Have a thorough and understand each other. If I can find that kind of person, then it’s really love. Q: Usually, a person that We get married is the one that we can easily showing all of ourself, is it?“Yes, but I think the person was not the one that we always can be comfortable with forever. When we feels comfortable with that person, We want to show something more, always want to give more and want to give everything that We have.” Q: A great man character that you think it’s no matter about ages an countries?“Senior Jung Woo Sung on movie [A moment to remember] as ‘Chul Soo’. He is a brusque man but he showing a sweet eyes to ‘Soo Jin’. It’s very noble and pure love, that’s lovely itself. It’s sad but so wonderful.” Q: Role model for your acting?“Senior Park Hae Il. No matter about the character, it’s Park Hae Il. I can feel other person on each character. I personally think that’s so amazing, how can the same person being an other person.” Q: What kind of a best Man figure for you personally?“There’s a lot of a man that can’t hide his feeling ‘Just like a Man’, innocent, cheerful and bright. But firstly, that’s a man that can say a truth about his feelings. The most scary thing is a young people that smiling outside but have a deep thought inside. That’s immature man. It’s the things that we can do, to grown up. A face that getting red or can’t force a smile.” Q: I know about ‘a man who just stay at home’ but, what do you do at home?“I’m watch the airing dramas, download a movie that I want to watch. I do gaming too.”“If I can get holiday, thesedays I want to watch [Veteran] and [Assasination], because people around me said that the movies was great and I must watch the movies but I just can’t simply do that.” Q: What kind of holiday that you enjoy?“I like to go holiday with friends than go alone. I don’t like to move as planning. If I get tired, I can sleep the whole day at dorm.” Q: Where was you went thesedays?“When I finished [Pinocchio], I went to my hometown in Jeonju to meet my family and friends. If I have another break time, I want come to Jeonju again.” Q: Did you good at drinking?“I like meat. So, when I eat some meat I naturally drink Soju too. Of course, moderately. Not a level that make me get a dead drunk.” Q: You’ve live in Seoul for 9 years, where’s a place that precious for you?“It’s Han river. I usually go there alone. When the things just too hard, I’m walking around while listening music there, have some talk and drink beer with friends.” Q: I think a tall person will usually fast to get recognize.“There’s still a lot of people that can’t recognize me, They will just pass away even they meet me in Han river. Everyone just walking or riding a bicycle enjoying their time. The great situation without no one get interrupt in.” Q: Do you have shopping list for this year’s Fall Season?“I don’t really have things that I want to buy. But the season change and I do want to buy some clothes. I like usual clothes like I wear at shooting today. Something like long sleeves knitewear. That’s hard to buy the right size with the clothes that I like.” Q: If You can back to the past what do you want to do?“Now is the best. If I go to the past and doing something to make it better, I don’t know if I still can do this work. If I study hard then go to a good university and get a good job, then I won’t think that I can happy with doing act like now. I’m so satisfied and happy with my work now. The process until now was so precious. I don’t want go to the future either. There’s no interest if you know the ending of movie its first.”

Source (1)

[manawari]

Ruler Vessel!Min Byung-gyu.

I thought about that panel where Byung-gyu visited Cha Hae-in in her dreams about Jin-woo's powers and I realized this could be an au for Byung-gyu being a vessel of a ruler.

Imagine it! Yes, he died, but what if he got back to life thanks to the powers he never thought he had?

The night Byung-gyu had visited Hae-in in her dream was actually his pathway toward arising from the dead. However, he had to hide himself from the public, and that included staying away from his fellow hunters who witnessed his death. Byung-gyu mustn't gain any attention, especially when the whole South Korea knew that its only S-Rank healer had died in the hands of the Ant King, and the only person he'd reveal himself to was Sung Jin-woo.

Also imagine if Byung-gyu had gained the ability to teleport himself? Yeah, he'd show up in front of the room where the Ahjin Guild office was located. Jin-woo answered the door and saw a man with a hood and mask on. After convincing the guild master to let him in, Byung-gyu took off his disguise and Jin-woo was in aghast. He explained that he turned out to be a Vessel and was brought back to life because he had a task that must be finished.

Help the successor of the Shadow Monarch.

Every night, Byung-gyu received a vision that could possibly happen in the future. He warned Jin-woo about the Double Dungeon and the Architect and that he must be careful when fighting the statues. Byung-gyu also ended up being with fighting the statues as well, but in his invincible form where not even the statues could notice his presence, unlike Jin-woo, whose powers had been disabled. He became Jin-woo's aid. And even while in a coma, Byung-gyu still fought in his newfound powers even when the hunters had arrived.

Once the battle was over, and with Jin-woo finally becoming the new Shadow Monarch, Byung-gyu remained invincible and kept a close eye on Jin-woo, knowing that dealing with the Architect had taken a toll on his strength. And he was right. Jin-woo had fainted when he got out of the gate, yet Byung-gyu was there to give his strength back whereas everyone else was panicking.

After winning an argument with Jin-woo about taking a rest, Byung-gyu got asked if he wanted to visit Yoon-ho or any of the hunters. He refused. Byung-gyu was not ready to see their reactions yet.

Maybe once the war was over.

Byung-gyu also knew about the battle with the Monarchs in the future. In his vision, he saw the Beast Monarch, Frost Monarch, and the Parasite Monarch coming to the world to wreck havoc and kill the Shadow Monarch. Every dream he had about the future, he told Jin-woo, including the ones that involved death. Byung-gyu got worried about Jin-woo's death in the hands of such powerful beings, though Jin-woo reassured him that he wasn't going to die.

Eventually when that day came, Byung-gyu gave Jin-woo a "shield" that would keep him from dying as long as he was in the same place as him. I'd like to think that Byung-gyu was unable to die when he was using his powers, especially in his invincible form.

Byung-gyu knew about Antares too, though he chose not to tell Jin-woo to let him take a break and do whatever he wanted that didn't involve fighting. "Go. Enjoy your life and hang out with people." "What about you?" "I'll be fine. Focus on yourself, hyung!"

Byung-gyu spent his time watching historical dramas (bonus: he did it with Beru after eventually forgiving the ant for killing him) and reading all about history. He remembered the teacher's license exam he was supposed to take. It cracked his heart, knowing being a teacher should've been his job instead of getting into dangerous situations, but there was nothing Byung-gyu could do.

Antares would be the last stage in his mission. And once that was over, with Jin-woo as the victor, that was when Byung-gyu would think about himself and how he should live his life for good.

[suranflower]

Moon lovers. Scarlet Heart: Ryeo final thoughts (aka Layla you are too late for this train)

This is the last text post on this I promise I'll shut up now.

I have so many feelings... this will be all over the place but here I go.

About final episode

First of all, if Soo and So had met in a different time... Things would have truly worked. So needed healing, Soo needed maturing and loosing her innocence, but later she also needed healing and comprehension. That was something, that, due the circumstances (like the absolutely unhealthy environment they were in -this affected Soo the most- and their absolute dependence on each other -this affected So the most- or the fact pretty much everyone was making them feel guilty for just being together) they couldn't quite give each other. I would like to see the re-encounter in present day, but the ending was nice, in my opinion. I think So really needed to come to terms with himself in order to be with Soo, or with anyone else, romantically or not. By the ending and the way he let Baek Ah go, I'd say he was finally reaching that point.

I would have liked that he had let her go when she said she wanted to leave the palace, that she couldn't stand that life anymore. If she couldn't have escaped with Jung and would have stayed there forever with So as he pretended, she would have died. She would have died full of hatred, resentment and unhappiness. With Jung and her daughter, at least she had time for healing, for coming to terms with herself and start overcoming her traumas, a time for being happy, at peace, and remembering, but also forgetting.

Second, I'm mad at So for, apparently, treating his son so coldly and with so little love. It's not the kid's fault if his parents don't love -and to a certain point even hate- each other. Doesn't So understand that by doing that he'll only make it worse by raising a child that will become just like him? A walking trauma full of hate? That by leaving the kid only to his mother -like King Taejo did- he will become her toy, her particular monster like Yo was to Queen Yoo? Also, the epilogue-ish tells us that he was a wise king... But through his actions in the drama, I don't see it, to be honest. I see he progressed in the end, but he was generally driven by resentment, hate and his so called love for Hae Soo. He didn't think things coldly. He would often change his mind. He was emotionally and in his personal affairs, very unstable. And he did get rid of his cousins, nephews and the brothers that didn't directly support him.

Some of the things that happened in the drama in the political part of plot are very lacking and not credible, especially the later reign of Yo and what we saw of So's reign. The part involving the defeated kingdoms and princess Woo Hee was especially lacking the whole time. I feel her storyline and the later Eun/Soon Deok storylines didn't quite fit in, to be honest.

Also, I am firm in my opinion that, after all, the only person that truly loved Hae Soo, regardless everything, no matter what situation they were in, the only person that showed full support and was constantly there for her expecting literally nothing in exchange ever, was Jung, the 14th prince. Along with Baek Ah he was also the only one that never used her for reaching his means or justifying his own actions and ambitions. The fact that he raised her daughter as his own says a lot.

The ninth prince didn't have the terrible death I wanted and expected, but at least he died feeling guilty lol. But ok.

Also, while I understand the general hate for Yeong Hwa, I think she, too, had her motives and I think none of us, as viewers (and the show's writers to be honest), took the time to really understand her. She was not just a power hungry woman.

I think this is all, more or less. I just wanted to add that I really, really like Choi Ji Mong's character. It was very enigmatic, but also endearing and I would have liked to see more of him.

General opinion on the drama

Overall, it was a very nice watch, that was an emotional roller coaster.

The plot was addictive (I pointed out before how it was a little lacking at times, and the script itself however was a little... idk), the performances were good (some better than others, I'll talk more about this later), the cinematography was stunning (where did they film this? Because it's breathtaking, I'll save money and go on a trip there, for real), the makeup and dressing was 10/10, all characters were very well rounded and the soundtrack was very good (especially the espectacular instrumental. I found the constant use of the songs from the ost, especially three of them a little irritating, though all the songs were very good and I like a lot many of the artists involved) all together with a decent editing. I would have made last episode a little longer than the rest, to explain the ending better. The middle episodes (around 7 to 14) were the ones I'd say I enjoyed the most, while episode 1, and episodes 18 and 19 were the ones I liked the least.

I'd like to get deeper into the acting part because there were so many characters and most of them played major roles in the plot development.

I loved Hae Soo/Go HaJin, and how she progressed even though in the last couple episodes I felt something missing, I couldn't explain what exactly. I'll confess, IU is the main reason why I started watching this. I listened to her music while studying and found I really liked it and loved her lyrics, so I decided I would watch her actress face as well. IU's acting was generally very good, maybe a bit lacking at times though, but you can see that she really did put a lot of effort here. In the final episode her acting was especially good. I would have loved that they showed us more of Go Ha Jin before she time-traveled. For someone that got her heart broken and lost her best friend too, she doesn't even think about it twice.

Now Wang So. I have a bit of a love/hate realationship with him. I love how well constructed his character is and also his development. I could write a whole super long post about him. Overall I think he needed help, help to overcome all his traumas. I think he could be a really toxic person, but I also think he could have worked to be better in this sense. Whatever, I don't want to extend this too much so let's jump to the person portraying him. I absolutely in love with Lee Jun Ki. He did an A+ job, making such a complex character accessible, a person that could be terrifying and ruthless but also deeply human and fragile. I am willing to watch more of him. And he has a cute smile too.

Now, the rest of the princes. I'll admit both Baek Ah and Wang Jung own my heart (reasons explained above). I think both Nam Joo Hyuk and Ji Soo did decent jobs portraying them, though I like them better in other roles. Baekhyun did a good with his funny, childish and playful character, the lovely Wang Eun. We didn't see much of Wang Mu (who I liked, he was a good guy) and the 9th prince Wang Won (who I hated as said before). And yes, I didn't forget about these two: Wang Yo and Wang Wook. I think these are both very interesting characters, especially Yo. He is So's nemesis, counterpart, brother, but also they are in many senses exactly one and the same. I'd love to see more of his reign and how he survived. Hong Jong Hyun was great as the bad guy™. Kang Ha Neul delivered amazingly well, too, portraying the nice, apparently perfect 8th prince in the beginning and progressively going to the cold hearted Wook in the end. Like with IU, I felt his portrayal could have been better at times.

I think the rest of the royal family did great jobs and I loved the presence of both queens and king Taejo. I already expressed my feelings for Yeong Hwa. She is a character I liked but that I think was misunderstood by both the audience and even the writers. I'd add that, to be honest (and like I said I like her character and find her interesting) I didn't like Kang Han Na's portrayal.

With the rest of secondary characters, since they are so many (and I already spoke about Ji Mong) I'll say I loved all ladies in this show. Really. All of them. I am absolutely in love with Oh Soo Yeon and honestly, Woo Hee Jin is a babe who did an amazing job playing the part. Chae Ryung was the sweetest girl in the world,

Lady Hae deserved everything good and I loved the way Park Si Eun portrayed her. Park Soon Deok was amazing and Z.Hera has gained a place in my heart. Woo Hee was an amazing girl too, and a good character, but I felt she was so misplaced in the overall storyline... sometimes I felt her character was there only to be a love interest for Baek Ah or for showing Seohyun as an actress (she did a decent acting as well, it was just that her character was too out of place).

And this is all. It's over and I'm glad I took the time to watch this and laugh, and cry and fangirl with it. I hope if you watched it you enjoyed as much as I did and find in my words something to identify with or discuss with, and I hope if you didn't watch you do and don't read this because so many spoilers lol

[whatthekpopofficial]

The Best Heartthrob Gangsters In Korean Dramas And Movies

Truthfully speaking, we all know that being a gangster is a free ticket to failure in different— let’s not generalize and say all— aspects of life. Having a gangster background certainly won’t help you to get a job, a loan or a relationship. And we also know that, prejudices aside, most gangsters look pretty scary. Or am I the only one who thinks so? But there is one place where gangsters are not only super talented and ultra-dateable, they have amazing insight and a deep code of beliefs. Yes, the only world where gangsters are top dating material is in the K-world. And no, we’re not complaining! To discuss gangsters in Korean dramas and movies, one needs to write page after page of commentary. They’re everywhere and they’re hard to ignore! But I will venture on this impossible task and mention just a few. Wish me luck!

Fate (2008): Kwon Sang Woo, Song Seung Hun and Ji Sung

What’s more interesting than bromances? Nothing! Except when bromances turns into enmity. Four ‘’tough’’ friends lived as one until one of their illegal operations went awry, and one of the friends betrays the others. Justified or not, their friendship receives a huge blow. Pride, personal benefit, ambitions and more stand in the way of reconciliation. These gangster friends engage in all kinds of bloody fights. The movie has drugs, violence and sex: all that a core gangster movie should include. The camera works hard to convey just how dark their world is, and revenge haunts the screen. Heartbreaking and desperate, it throws one into the depth of despair. Song Seung Hun is the loyal guy who’d take a bullet for his friends, both literally and metaphorically, and he cannot be any more perfect with his bangs, facial hair, and that deep sadness in his eyes. Kwon Sang Woo, on the other hand, shines as a villain. He plays the brutal Jo Cheul Jung, and he plays him well. He’s got that murderous look, that filthy tongue and those merciless hands. At the time, Ji Sung was not the star he is today, but he was still such a scene-stealer. He tried not to take sides in his friend’s battle but ended up having to do so anyways. In addition, Jung Woo was also irresistible here, supporting role or not. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAHDJCzqEEs

Gangster High (2006): Jung Kyung Ho

Our high school friends in Gangster High are nice guys that are full of dreams and hope of a better future. They like one another and enjoy doing things together, especially football. They discuss different topics and develop personally, as well as intellectually. But unfortunately, they’re bullied and harassed, threatened and attacked until the situation turns into a merciless, bloody, gang war. Our hero, or antihero, Sang Ho (played by Jung Kyung Ho), doesn't drink or smoke and has never broken the law because of his dream to join the military. But when it came to his friends, Sang Ho throws everything away and seeks revenge. The movie is so profoundly heartbreaking, and you can’t help loving the gangsters they become. You end up sympathizing and justifying their cause, despite cringing at the bloody fights scenes and rejecting the violence. Still, you just wish they could have met someone wise to keep them from committing such follies. You wish Sang Ho was not the passionate loyal friend he was and could just let things slide. You wish he would have told an adult what was going on, and you wish you could have been there for him and his friends. To see such a talented kid waste his life away, even if a fictional character, brings a lump to my throat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqTcHHLtMi8

A Dirty Carnival (2006): Jo In Sung

A gangster is not all macho or cool, even in K-movies. It can be pretty pathetic. Gangsters do petty things— extracting money with huge interest from debtors, insulting their underlings, and even betraying. If a gangster wants to grow big, he has to sell his soul to the devil, which our friend Byung Do (played by the brilliant Jo In Sung) does. He needs money and dreams of a better future, but that leads him to a dead-end route with no return. Once he indulges in the work of the devil, he cannot go back to the petty gangster he was before. He is stuck in bloody jobs and involved in tons of secrets. And due to karma, he gets back what he has given, scores worse. Still, you cannot help loving the man. He was not born evil and is not rotten to the bones. He does think twice before committing crimes. He feels miserable after doing them, and he regrets them with all his heart. He cannot stop what he’s started because he’s got things to gain from his filthy jobs. Once it gets out of hand, however, he decides to stop and ends up losing more than he bargained for. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcG6PS6nw48

Bad Guys (2014): Ma Dong Seok

You know Ma Dong Seok, right? That muscular guy with the unique voice! That huggable man! Yes, Ma Dong Seok. Strangely enough, any role suits this man. You might mistake him for a gangster, a killer, a teacher or a loving husband— all roles he has played, by the way. In Bad Guys, he was one of the three convicts who were given a golden chance to redeem their lives and reduce their prison sentences. They sign up for the latter but manage to gain the first as well. His character, Park Woong Cheol, is very loyal to his boss and gang. He thoughtlessly throws himself into the fiery pit for those close to him and when he fights, he fights brutally. His tough and comic sides intertwine in an adorable harmony. Overall, you cannot get enough of him. His bickering with Jung Tae Soo (played by Jo Dong Hyeok) and constant annoyance at Lee Jung Moon’s (Park Hae Jin) complete indifference makes him one of the most adorable gangsters in the whole industry, while still maintaining his charismatic, tough side. It's impossible not to love him in this role! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgp6Y_8Ff4s

Heartless City (2013): Yoon Hyun Min

Out of the million things we liked about this hit, unforgettable drama, was this gorgeous man with the beautiful hairstyle, breathtaking suits and  repetitive, unconscious use of the word "진정/jin-jeong’’ (really). Yoon Hyun Min playing Soo was a part that brought a smile to my face with his unconditional loyalty for the one friend he had. His big heart, impatience, swift body and skilled hands made him even easier to love. Soo is a gangster who unknowingly finds himself on a certain path and didn’t have sufficient reasons to change. That path brought him money, women, drink and friendship. He didn’t become a gangster because he was corrupt or had dark desires. He became a gangster because he happened to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time. And at another convenient point in time and with the right help, he walks out of there gracefully. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME7sj8hzVIU

Friend (2001): Jang Dong Gun and Yoo Oh Sung

Co-existing seems to be awfully hard, especially for gangsters. Our main leads, Dong Soo (Jang Dong Gun) and Joon Seok (Yoo Oh Sung), don't dislike or wish ill upon one another. On the contrary, they grew up together and liked and admired each other, which made it harder for them to reconcile after going their separate paths. Both tried to fix the relationship, but luck was never on their side. They always missed one another by a step, and that step was, unluckily enough. a step towards doom. This may be the most beautiful account ever of a friendship gone wrong. No matter how many times the director and writer Kwak Kyung-taek tried to re-enact the story, it was never the same. Even when he did a sequel (starring Kim Woo Bin as an ultra-hot gangster), it was not the same in any aspect. The story of the two foolish men’s friendship was not solely Kwak’s brain child— it was the two actors’ as well. Dong Soo wouldn’t be Dong Soo if anyone other than Jang Dong Gun played him (be it Hyun Bin in the 2009 drama adaptation), and Joon Seok wouldn’t smash my heart to pieces every time he was on-screen if Yoo Oh Sung was not the one to play him. Friend is everything you need on a Saturday night when you remember you have no friends to talk to in the whole world. You will definitely need a tissue handy when watching this movie! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaLWbBvInZ8

26 Years (2012): Jin Goo

Kwak Jin Bae (Jin Goo) had a hard time growing up due to the lifelong trauma his family endured during the Gwangju Uprising of 1980. When given the opportunity to exact revenge, Jin Bae uses all his physical, intellectual and emotional energy to achieve his goal, working with other victims who share the same desire. His insane determination and passion make you cheer for him and his cause. In the end, you will also be motivated to look up this true event and find more information about it. After watching 26 Years, I was led to watch another movie entitled May 18, also about the massacre at Gwangju. Both films are definitely worth checking out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOkVdoVMc-g

A Better Tomorrow (2010): Joo Jin Mo and Song Seung Heon

Kim Hyuk (Joo Jin Mo) and Lee Young Choon (Song Seung Heon) are two gangster friends with common goals and setbacks. Kim Hyuk plans to leave the mob for his younger brother Chul (Kim Kang Woo), a police officer with a history of grudges against his older brother. Young Choon’s limp, caused by the betrayal of a fellow gangster, Jung Tae Min (Jo Han Sun), prevents him from actively regaining his position as one of the bosses. The two reunite to bring Jung Tae Min down, but he proves a hard target, especially when Chul stands in the way of his brother as well. Kim Hyuk, a frightening opponent in fights and a loving regretful brother of Chul, is beautiful to look at! Meanwhile, Yoong Choon’s desperate appearance with his limp is tenfold more attractive. It may seem weird, but you'll understand when you watch this film. Not only are the leads pleasant to stare it, even when they’re miserable, the story is so heart-wrenching that it makes you jump around, tear your hair and vow not to watch K-movies again— for the 100000th time that is! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYBEZSd3Ao4 Although I may have missed a lot of hit gangster works and many bad boy heartthrobs, one article can never contain the world! Which of these gangsters do you love? What others should we have included in the list? Make sure to let us know in the comment section below! ParkChohwa is a new writer for What The Kpop. This is her first article of many! She lives in Jordan and is a big fan of Kpop, Kdramas, and Korean films. Stay tuned for more from this author! Media: As Credited   Click to Post

[thatdoublenine]

2016

My overdue 2016 drama review...

My ultimate favourites of 2016 are:

Dear my friends

Squad 38

Bring it on, Ghost

Jealousy Incarnate

Goblin

2016 is really the year for drama lovers.

In the beginning of the year, we were still getting all heated up over the war between Taek and Jung Hwan. Unfortunately, Jung Hwan turned out to be the new Chilbong. Nonetheless, Reply 1988 was a great drama. A great great family-centric drama.

Around that time, Six flying dragons, one of the best Sageuk of all times, concluded. I think they did a really great job in the fighting scenes. I also liked how the script was written. Different teams, eg. Sambong VS Moomyung VS Bang won could be pondering about a common issue, and then they came to a conclusion at the same time, separately. Thrilling.

I have considered the two dramas above as dramas of 2015 and made a post about it last year. (here)

Shortly after, came the drama that made the biggest hooha in 2016. Needless to say Descendants of the Sun is the most hyped drama. Its nice to watch, but I gotta say the storyline was a little absurd. 

Comeback mister had a fresh story but bad luck with the broadcasting slot. Of all competitors, they got Descendants. So even though the rating was bad, the making of the drama is not. It was a touching story about two Ahjussi’s last moments in the mortal world.

Signal, another fantasy time-travel drama but not the usual stuff. It involves, two groups of people conversing across time-space. They didn't really physically travel through time, but their voices and their thoughts did, with the help of a magical walkie-talkie. It was the most thrilling drama of year 2016. I thought I was watching a blockbuster movie every week during its run.

Dear my friends is a dear story about friends. About relationships. Between husband and wife, between best friends, between parents and children, between siblings. Park Wan is a dedicated daughter. She cared not only for her mum, her granny but also the whole bunch of her mum’s friends. I cannot agree more that it is not within her responsibility that whichever Yi-moo (aunt, in Korean) is in need of her help today. Her cellphone number is not their emergency hotline. Sometimes I get frustrated that they keep bothering her in the show. But that’s because the scenario is just so realistic. You won't understand unless you are put in that situation. The angst between saying no and giving in to that soften heart of yours (and then grumbling to yourself why on earth you agreed to help in the first place on the way home, especially when its late and there’s still plenty of work that needs to be done).

Lucky Romance. Its quite entertaining to watch the female lead going around looking for a tiger (someone who is born in the year of the Tiger). Other things aside, I cannot appreciate the romance between Ryu Jun Yeol and Hwang Jung Eum. I cannot feel the chemistry. I’m sorry!

Oh Hae Young Again is partly fantasy. The deja vu part. 

I really enjoyed Squad 38. The conmanship is spectacular. Why can’t they just give us the OTP finale even though it was just an significant part of the whole drama.

Doctors. Argh. When it premiered I was in South Korea. I watched it on TV. It was so nice! The filming location was so pretty. The story is meaningful. But then gradually it got draggy. The progress slowed. I wonder why they kept it at 20 episodes if they couldn't but keep adding more filler scenes. 

The Good Wife. I haven't seen the original so I cannot compare. But among other dramas, I think it deserves more attention. The struggles of her and her children, her selfish husband and her best friend who fell in love with her, the characters, are all so realistic. She re-entered the workforce and needs to compete with fresh grads, at the same time, she needs to cope with divorce and household chores and an unforgiving ex-mother-in-law who would give surprise visits to her grandchildren intermittently. Technically, she isn't divorce yet, but she is thinking to. Her character is extraordinary, but also very human.

Bring it on, Ghost is the cutest drama this year. Apart from all the ghosts scenes, I love every interaction between Taecyeon and Kim So Hyun. Even though they had a 12 year age gap in real life, it doesn’t really show in the drama. In fact, Kim So Hyun’s character is older than Taecyeon. I have to nominate Park Bong Pal as the best boyfriend-material character of 2016! 

Age of Youth is a pleasant drama to watch. Its about strangers living under the same roof and eventually become friends. We have a flirtatious Kang-unnie, a stern Yoon-sunbae. There is a Chinese drama this year that has a really similar concept with this one, and its called Ode to Joy. I enjoyed that too, albeit a little long. Its also about 5 girls living together. Not under the same roof, but on the same floor of an apartment.

W is a drama I said many times that it is great in many ways but has its own unique flaws. It is so complex, there is no boundaries to the variability of game rules, so the writer gets too creative and at times, its hard to be convinced. For instance, after the reset, Kang Chul mysteriously fall in love with Oh Yeon Joo. Whenever I rewatched this, I have this burning question, who is the higher being? Is it god? If the writer is not the one telling the story. Is it that the illustrator has a spirit? Like in Transformers? Or what? Who is writing them? I figured it is the character’s will. OK. So the characters are telling the story. Kang Chul just got this power of will. Very convincing indeed.

Scarlet heart. Having seen the original, I have the rights to compare them! I’ve seen the original drama while it was airing back in 2012. So that was quite sometime back. The original felt a little more tragic than this one. Also, they talked more about the historical events in the Chinese version. In the Korean versions, emotions of the characters are the priority, and they handled this one well. I gotta say the fashion and music teams aren't doing a good job. The robes the princes are wearing made them looked like peasants, especially 13th Prince. Further, polkadots!! This printing technology aren't suppose to exist in the Goryeo Era, even Hangeul is not invented yet. And The OST team!!! Stop putting english lyrics in your songs!!! Its a SAGEUK!!! But I’m quite surprise that they can find an era that a Korean King had this many princes and their characters fit the Scarlet heart fiction so well. For example, what are the odds that both 4th Princes in the Qing dynasty and the Goryeo dynasty are both after the throne? At the same time, the biggest contender for them is both their 8th brothers respectively? I've never been exposed to the Goryeo culture before watching Scarlet heart: Ryeo. I always knew that relatives get married in the olden days. But siblings getting married? That’s new. Even if they are half siblings. They’re still siblings! And the fact that Yeon Hwa princess took Hwang Bo, her mother’s surname, as her surname from birth so that she could one day marry her brothers who took, Wang, the King’s surname as their surname. All for the sake of preserving the royal blood.

Jealousy Incarnate

I LOVE this drama very much. In the first part of the drama, I think I would choose Sun Woo over Hwa Shin. Then afterwards I think I won't choose either. Hwa Shin is good but he’s pride is torturing the girl. Luckily theres Chi Yeol around to kick his ass. Pyo Na Ri is an independent woman. She just had a crush for Hwa Shin for 3 years. 

Shopaholic Louis

I watched this right after Squad 38. In Squad 38 he was a conman, and in this show, he keep getting conned. It was so funny to watch him in these 2 contrasting situations.

The K2

People kept commenting this and said that Ji Chang Wook did better in this other show. But I didn't see that other show so I cannot comment. Comments aside, I think this show is a well produced show. I like its German OSTs (even though I would appreciate it if the singer try a little harder to pronounce the words properly), anyway, I wondered why German, and not Spanish where Anna was at in some parts of the drama. Senior Yoona did an excellent job. This is a weird character. She is clearly the villain. But at the same time, we see her struggles, so at some point I rooted for this villain. It is also rare that the villain is portrayed as one of the protagonist (as oppose to antagonists). Fighting scenes, special effect, cinematography were all well too. Feels like a blockbuster. NICELY Done!

1% of Anything

The MOST underrated of the year. Why is it on DramaX. This remake certainly deserves more attention. I have never seen a couple so lovely on screen before. It feels so real and genuine. I kept wondering what would Ha Suk Jin’s wife feel when she watches this (which was quite disturbing though, cos I keep thinking about it throughout the show). Yup, he is very professional so we will leave this issue at that. 

Weightlifting fairy

A story about college is ordinary. But one about athlete college is quite fresh. Even though I still think Lee Sung Kyung is too skinny for a weightlifter. But there are many categories in weightlifting, she just belong to the light weight types. Nam Joo Hyuk who almost became a swimming athlete is perfect for the role. This story is overall a light hearted one and it is a good compliment with the other complicated dramas that I watch concurrently, for example: Goblin.

Goblin

Easily my favourite drama of the year. Fresh and slick production. I won't comment more. Because I will next year end.

The dramas I’ve watched this year:

Descendants of the Sun (KBS 2016) Come back Mister (SBS 2016) Signal (SBS 2016) Dear My Friends (tvN 2016) Lucky Romance (MBC 2016) Oh Hae Young Again (tvN 2016) Squad 38 (OCN 2016) Doctors (SBS 2016) The Good Wife (SBS 2016) Bring it on, Ghost! (tvN 2016) Age of Youth (tvN 2016) W (MBC 2016) Scarlet Heart Goryeo (SBS 2016) Jealousy Incarnate (SBS 2016) Shopaholic Louis (MBC 2016) The K2 (tvN 2016) 1% of Anything (Dramax 2016) Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (MBC 2016) Goblin (tvN 2016)

[kpopgerapitico]

End of Year Review 2018: K-dramas Part 2

Top 5: These are ordered, though there is a tie, so that is a thing too. The rest is under the cut

Number 4 (part 1): Woohoo Waikiki

Episodes: 20

Station: jtbc

Director/Writer: Lee Changmin (Man to Man), Kim Ki Ho (Modern Farmer)

In A Sentence: These boys have lived together in a guest house, facing life’s challenges.

First of all, this show has been renewed for a second season, which is great. Secondly, this is the only true comedy on this list, and deserves it for the humor that this show has done. It had me laughing literally every episode. The cast had chemistry for days, and it showed on the show every week. The main three were all facing the fact that all of them had previous roles that I knew them from clouding these roles, and all three of them broke out of those spots.

Kim Jung Hyun continues to grow as an actor, which is amazing. Son Seung Won gets the happy ending he deserved in his last show in this one. And Lee Yi Kyung is one of my favs, and does great work in all his roles (including the incredibly idiotic ones like this). The leading ladies are also pretty damn great (Go Won Hee is the highlight).

If you needed a happy go lucky show this year, or now that this year is finally over, give the Waikiki guest house a chance. And I promise that for at least an hour, you won’t be disappointed.

Number 4 (part 2): My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

Episodes: 16

Station: jtbc

Director/Writer: Choi Sung Bum (Two Outs in the Ninth Inning), Choi Soo Young (Cunning Single Lady)

In A Sentence: After being ridiculed for being ugly, Kang Mi Rae pays for a beautiful face, and faces the consequences.

I was so sure I would hate this show, because I am incredible sensitive to the depiction of ‘ugliness’ and weight issues in media. And this show managed to surprise me, both by feeling realistic to the experience of an actual person who gets plastic surgery, and also being realistic to societal views. And I love the fact that Kang Mi Rae is as stuck in those views as the woman and men around her at the beginning of the series.

I have to mention that the actors make me . . . uncertain. I love Lim Soo Hyang as the lead, but Cha Eun Woo is a beautiful beautiful robot, who, to be fair, was playing a fairly unemotional character. The supporting cast often stole the spotlight, and honestly, half the time I was more invested in all of the friendships than the romance, but that was fine.

For a show that could have been a complete train wreck, it was workable. It was a triumph as much as a failure, and on the whole will probably be forgotten. Which is too bad, because its central message is acceptance of all people, and respect for all people. It is great because of that.

Number 3: The Ghost Detective

Episodes: 32

Station: KBS

Director/Writer: Lee Jae Hoon (Page Turner), Han Ji Won (Wanted)

In A Sentence: With grudges and secrets abound, can they successfully find and defeat the woman in red?

Okay, so stay with me. This show is not amazing. It is not a particularly new premise, and it is nothing to call home about writing wise. Hell, the directing isn’t anything to write home about either (this camera has no apparent point of view). I am struggling to say good things, because on the surface, it isn’t there.

But, this show is a master class in suspense. It is insanely well done. They have taken a page from the book of Stranger Things, and have added some of the same musical cues. And, in the first act, the control of information is very well done. Hell, the firs act may even be well written.

The only good things that make it out of the second half of the show is an electric set of performances from a cast desperate to make a lack luster script work. And the highlight of set of performances for me is Kim Won Hae. Kim Won Hae often plays the butt end of a joke, and is known for his comedic timing. This role allows him to shine in a bunch of different ways than his normal works. And I was enthralled.

This show isn’t good. But it is amazing in all of it’s faults, and it holds a place in my heart this year for that alone.

Number 2: Twelve Nights

Episodes: 12

Station: Channel A

Director/Writer: Jung Hyun Soo, Hwang Sook Mi

In A Sentence: A romance over 8 years and twelve nights between travelling souls.

Twelve Nights is a painful story of missed opportunity, following your dreams, and the fragile fallacy of perfect memories. It is a story with an intrinsic optimism while also leaning into the fact that life is hard for everyone and hard on everyone. The contrast of optimistic and realist characters is used to incredible effect, and I could probably write a paper about how missed chances are used as a narrative device across every (and I mean EVERY) characters story line.

Han Seung Yeon builds on her already impressive career in Twelve Nights. She is so damn relatable as a character who is driven and then loses her way, only to find it again. And she is endlessly complex and still respectful constantly. And across from Shin Hyun Soo, she is magic.

By bringing back the duo who already knew each other from Age of Youth, the writer already had some built in chemistry, but they won the jackpot when they got this pair. Shin Hyun Soo is heart rending. He is the wonderful foil to Han Seung Yeon’s character, and the push pull that they communicate in looks alone is special.

This show shows a ton of potential in a whole team that is for the most part unknown. And it shows why indie shows should be on your radar.

Number 1: Just Between Lovers (Rain or Shine)

Episodes: 16

Station: jtbc

Director/Writer: Kim Jin Won (The Package), Yoo Bo Ra (Secret Love)

In A Sentence: A building collapse 10 years ago tore apart their lives, but a new project may pick up the pieces.

Just Between Lovers has the magic sauce of melodramas. It is grounded in the reality of well written, realistic characters facing only slightly over the top situations. It is also maybe both the most tear jerking and also most healing dramas of this year? It is beautifully shot (by the same guy who made The Package so pretty last year) and scored quietly and kindly. It is also amazingly well written, with characters who stay in character and whose actions seem rooted in the consistent characterizations. Yoo Bo Ra is all the more impressive for it, since she has so few writing credits.

I would also be remiss to not mention the acting. Lee Junho may be well known for Twenty (good), Good Manager (well loved domestically), and maybe the trash that was Wok of Love (ugh), this is easily the most impressed have been by him. I love Lee Kang Doo, and a solid chunk of the reason is Junho’s stellar performance. And Won Jin Ah’s first small screen project speaks to a whole lot more experience than she has any right to have. Ha Moon Soo is soft spoken, with unbreakable determination, and a surety of self that is both relatable and just slightly unattainable. And their chemistry is just . . . amazing.

Just Between Lovers is my bet for best written show, but it does that by respecting tropes and sitting in a world that is realistic and too beautiful. It treats mental illness as important but not all encompassing. It shows multiple, realistic depictions of reactions to loss. And it does it all in the middle of a swoony romance between equal partners. And that is why it is my favorite from the year.

[thedramafilesblog-blog]

Appearing before the Dramacourt: Man to Man Eps 15 and 16.

***If this is your first time browsing The Drama Files, please read The Rules section first for our reviewing and rating system***

Issues:

Whether the revenge plan was reasonable.

Whether Mi Eun being on no one’s side is a legit explanation.

Whether the whole “Exposure-By-Live-TV” is a clever way to expose evil wrongdoers.

Whether Sul Woo and Do Ha’s wrap up made sense.

The Rule(s):

Possibly. Based on how close Sul Woo and Donghyun were, it makes sense that his accident would push Sul Woo over the edge.

Sort of. It was only really about her and the kid from the very start.

Ehhh….it’s been overused. I’m not a huge fan of this particular plot device.

Kind of?

Analysis:

RedRosette J: It’s over. Thank God. I for one am so relieved because I’ve been wanting this drama to end since like episode 3 when I realized that the plot was moving at a glacial pace and that the same things kept repeating over and over again. I don’t know why Sul Woo kept going back to playing the bodyguard role after deciding countless times that he wasn’t going to and announcing it to everyone and then suddenly going back and re-announcing that he’s going back to it and everyone reacts like this is brand new information. I’m so confused. Or maybe its because I don’t care at all and it was harder to pay attention and my brain zoned out. If so, my bad.

What is your deal bro?

Most of the plot lines got nicely wrapped up and the drama all seemed to sort itself out in the most basic of ways. In episode 15, they discover that Donghyun is not dead (I was legit shocked here), the NIS Director is the baddie, Seung Jae made copies of the tapes that the Director burned up (because duh, its evil villaining 101), Sul Woo went on a revenge spree, Mi Eun gets outed, Do Ha’s daddy issues get sorted and the final “mission” goes into play. Phew! I think that’s it. A lot of stuff getting wrapped up at the last minute because they wasted much of the previous episodes doing absolutely nothing.

Being shady like…

Trapped in your own thoughts like…

When you think you are top shit

Reminiscing like…

Getting hit by a massive truck = just a coma with every body part intact. 

This lady always plays such boss ajummas

Resolving issues with Dad like…

In episode 16, the big, final mission to expose everyone goes underway via live tv (-_-), everyone gets exposed, people get backstabbed, decisions are made, Donghyun gets better and gets a medal, the baddies go to jail, Do Ha continues to behave like a 12 year old in her “adult” relationship and Sul Woo goes off to fight some mission in Eastern Europe. Uhhhh….okay? Oh and Woon Gwang kept the figurines. Anyone else bet that he would? You could see it from a mile away! Ugh. So predictable. So much for an exciting spy drama. Ugh. I am so not impressed. I didn’t even get to feel the warm fuzzies with a cutesy ending. He went off and she was tracking him with the coin and then he disappeared and wtf?!?! Is this because of Park Hae Jin’s upcoming drama with rumours about it being a prequel or sequel or whatever to Man to Man? I really wish they wouldn’t. This drama was not great as is, there really doesn’t need to be a part 2 to add to its mediocrity.

When you realize the truth!

Making tough decisions like…

When you in evil cahoots…

When you skeptical about winning things at work…

When you get a new partner in crime

Issue 1: Whether the revenge plan was reasonable.

RedRosette J: Donghyun really was Sul Woo’s only real friend and confidante who knew the real him and who was probably the closest person to him so it makes sense that something bad happening to Donghyun would push Sul Woo over the edge and force him to resort to his “spy” methods to resolve the situation. While I appreciate that this incident was because of Sul Woo’s closeness to Donghyun, I can’t help but feel like this would have been the perfect time for the writers to have given us some insight into Sul Woo’s pre-NIS life. Sixteen episodes later and we still don’t know anything about him except that he is secretly a teenage boy who likes video games and acts out sometimes. It would have been nice to have gotten some family history or personal backstory just so that it put some context into his character, his actions and his motivations for embarking on a revenge mission (other than Donghyun of course. That might have been the time to introduce a triggering event). Whatever said and done, I think that had he shot the NIS Director, the plot would have gone in a much better, less predictable direction as it would have had Seung Jae scrambling to cover his ass.

When you find out your bestie is sick…

What an ass!

Getting revenge like…

Crashing a party like…

When your boss throws you under the bus for shady shit he did

Issue 2: Whether Mi Eun being on no one’s side is a legit explanation.

RedRosette J: At first, I didn’t really get why she was doing what she was doing because her actions seemed to be both for and against the good guys. It was only after Sul Woo’s explanation that she was really on no one’s side and that she was doing it to protect her child that it started to make sense to me. Again, this character was well acted and well written. They could have written a whole drama just about her tbh. I did appreciate that Mi Eun had a human side to her character as well and wasn’t some perfect,  emotionless spy woman. I think over time, she did come to have feelings for Seung Jae but her feelings for her son outweigh that. This was especially the case at the end where Seung Jae returns the divorce papers to her and she rips them up. She also doesn’t want her son to see his father in prison at such a young age and says that he can meet him when he’s older. Her story line with Woon Gwang was also wrapped up very well. All in all, she was by far my favourite character on this show.

How to plot and be cool. Step 1: Get fancy car

*Gasp*

#priorities

#truth

The real goal

Issue 3:  Whether the whole “Exposure-By-Live-TV” is a clever way to expose evil wrongdoers.

RedRosette J: Honestly, this is a tired TV trope that I feel a writer leans towards when they are totally stuck for ideas. Considering the potential that this drama had and the actual trajectory it took, it seemed like even the writer was desperate for it to end. What I did appreciate was the lead up to the live TV show, with the laxatives in the movie director’s coffee and stuff. That was really funny but trying to compel Seung Jae to spill the beans on live TV seemed like a cop out to me. But if I was to play devils advocate with myself, it could also be because they had no option because the highest levels of government officials were all on Songsan’s pay roll and they have no option but the people to turn to. That being said, I still feel like they should have blown some stuff up or had some super awesome spy stuff to bring Seung Jae down. Further, it wasn’t even like Seung Jae actually did any repenting. He just blamed everything on the Director and everyone else and then resolved his issues off screen. At least with the Director and Congressman Baek, they were awful to the very end. So, no I don’t think that “Exposure-By-Live-TV” is the best way to expose evil wrongdoers.

#shitjustgotreal

That smile you give when you know things others don’t…

  Going on TV to ruin lives like…

Shots fired

When things don’t go according to plan

When you decide to go with the flow

When you ready to throw everyone under the bus

Making empty threats like…

Backstabbing everyone like…

*mic drop*

    Issue 4: Whether Sul Woo and Do Ha’s wrap up made sense.

RedRosette J: Uhhh….I have no idea what to make of these two. They literally had the most childish and unrealistic romance on TV of all the dramas airing these days and to make matters worse, they are probably one of the older couples on TV right now. WTF people??!?! Why are you dating like 12 year olds? What the hell? It’s not funny and cute when its so unrealistic that viewers are like “ughhh just make it stop.” Whatever. I don’t even know what happened at the end; they were together and then he went off on his mission and then he disappeared so does that mean he’s coming back to her or not or what? I hate endings like this. It’s not romantic. Just tell us what happened and put us out of our misery. We suffered through 16 episodes. It’s the least we deserve!

Oh jeez… -_-

What is wrong with you two?

Even this is more romantic than Do Ha

*eyeroll*

*facepalm*

Conclusion: Appeal Dismissed.

Rating: 2 = Yell At The Writers (Seriously. Y’all could have done a much better job. Also yelling at people who made some serious casting errors. *cough* Do Ha *cough*)

File No: Man-to-Man-Eps-15-and-16 (FINAL) Appearing before the Dramacourt: Man to Man Eps 15 and 16. ***If this is your first time browsing The Drama Files, please read The Rules section first for our reviewing and rating system***

[monikaleeminho-blog]

"Legend of the Blue Sea" Lee Min Ho, can he save his father from Hwang Shin Hye's Black Hole - 12.01.2017 [SportsChosun.com; Reporter Jeong Yoo Na] SBS Wednesday-Thursday Drama "Legend of the Blue Sea" has 4 more episodes left, and the male lead Lee Min Ho is currently wondering whether he can save his fater Choi Jeong Woo from Hwang Shin Hye. Lee Min Ho finally found clues from Hwang Shin Hye and his father's house after putting on a con as a bug-buster company worker, and unexpectedly find his father's bedroom. At the same time, he has been curious on his father's whereabouts and Hwang Shin Hye's attitude. The Wednesday-Thursday SBS Drama "Legend of the Blue Sea" (Written by Park Ji Eun / Directed by Jin Hyuk / Culture Depot of South Korea / Production House Studio Dragon) release their latest still cuts before the official broadcast of the 17th episode (today).The drama's male lead Heo Jun Jae (Lee Min Ho) has always been curious of the relationship between Ma Dae Young (Seong Dong Il) and Kang Seo Hee (Hwang Shin Hye). In the process, Heo Jun Jae carefully pick up things that he consider could be used as a clue, and he ended up had to swallow his own feelings when he saw his father in a dark bedroom. The latest still cuts attract viewers and attention. On the previous episode, Heo Jun Jae set up a con scene to investigate his own father's house, with the help of Detective Hong (Park Hae Soo). Especially then when Heo Jun Jae put a tapping device on the flower garden of Kang Seo Hee, viewers are watching with tension. Afterwards, Heo Jun Jae met with his own father who at first didn't recognize him and still believing on Kang Seo Hee. His own father Heo Il Joong (Choi Jeong Woo) have always believe in Kang Seo Hee, and his body were shaking when Heo Jun Jae are trying to tell his father the truth. Jun Jae felt speechless also while looking to his now mostly blind father while holding his hands. On the previous episode as well, the viewers can see young Kang Seo Hee who murdered her husbands after killing her own father who had been harassing her. It has been revealed that President Heo Il Joong was her next goal, she had been deceiving him for more than 10 years and have cast a shadow of death on him. Heo Jun Jae who can't hold his emotional side, tell his father that his step-mother Kang Seo Hee's real name was Kang Ji Hyeon and tell him on all of her previous acts. "I would really feel happy, it will be really great if all of this happened coincidentally..but unfortunately, it is not! This whole situations was wrong!", Heo Jun Jae scream to his father in desperation. However, Heo Il Joong still find it hard to believe his own son who he loved, even thought he was the one who abandon Heo Jun Jae. Heo Il Joong then shout back to Heo Jun Jae that he knew Heo Jun Jae was a con-artist (from Heo Chi Hyeon, portrayed by Lee Ji Hoon), and refused to join his son. However, the new Heo Jun Jae now determined to save and rescue his own father by establishing his own investigation team, even when his own father Heo Il Joong still completely blinded by his own believe to his second wife. Viewers are curious on how fate will bring for all of them. "Legend of the Blue Sea" representative stated "Heo Jun Jae has now know on his father's condition, and determined to save him~" and "Please give us a lof of love and support, and whether Heo Jun Jae can save his father~" Meanwhile, the next, 17th episode of SBS "Legend of the Blue Sea" will be broadcasted on Thursday, 12th of January on 10 PM KST. Jyn2011@sportschosun.com source: Naver/SportsChosun English Translation: Monika Setiono