#the king eternal monarch episode 13

[musicallady7]

They make each other laugh (scarily may I add) and both know they can't mess with each other nor can the other mess with them. They are the evil antagonist duo I didnt know I needed. I love this dynamic.

[knights-in-whumperland]

[astarlightmonbebe]

imagine the power that would be if the prime minister teamed up with lee gon and squad...

[dramatothethirdpower]

Wait, where did it go if it like, dissolved? And if he killed... himself, how is he there further on in that timeline?

[korusalka]

Life is really doing your normal thing and then suddenly you wake up in cold sweat and think "if I don't inhale a whole sageuk TODAY I will die"

[dangermousie]

2020 End of Year Post - kdrama edition

You can find my 2020 cdrama post here: dangermousie.tumblr.com/post/638449659546845184/2020-end-of-year-post-cdrama-edition

This is only going to cover kdramas that aired in 2020; if it originally aired another year, it’s not on this list.

It’s been a pretty lackluster kdrama year. There are probably only 5 kdramas I truly loved and only three of them I was really obsessed over. Better luck in 2021!

DRAMAS WATCHED

(In order of liking from least to most as opposed to pure quality; I am including if I’ve seen enough to make up my mind; yes I realize that’s inaccurate, but that’s my list)

42 Born Again - so bad, so incoherent, so insane, I have no idea why the leads signed up for it (and unlike some of the other watchers, I think it was awful from the very start.) There is literally nothing about this drama that makes sense.

41 Love with Flaws - a bunch of people who should be tried under the Geneva Convention.

40 Sweet Munchies - Jung Il Woo proves his inability to pick a functional script.

39 Meow the Secret Boy - if you ever wanted to bang a cat, this drama is for you. Not being a furry, however...

38 Do Do Sol Sol La Sol - I lost braincells just typing out this title.

37 When I Was the Most Beautiful - the only way it’s not the dumbest, most pointless melo of 2020 is because Born Again considerately came out the same year.

36 Woman of 9.9 Billion - if you want to watch an artsy French movie about miserable people, but only badly made, boy do I have a drama for you.

35 Lies after Lies - screams after screams.

34 Backstreet Rookie - people were up in arms about various problematic plots. I am a survivor of many plots much more problematic but even I couldn’t survive how utterly boring and annoying this drama was and how utterly irritating the leads were. This has taken Ji Chang Wook off my top favorites into “should I even check his latest Lovestruck in the City? Probably not” territory almost single-handedly (Melt Me helped, to be fair.)

33 Men Are Men - boring is boring.

32 Dinner Mate - two beautiful boring people eat out a lot.

31 Was It Love - no it wasn’t.

30 Alice - Joo Won in the shower can make up for a multitude of sins but not plot nonsense of such magnitude. When you find yourself thinking it would be better if he hooked up with the alternate universe version of his mother because at least then something entertaining would happen, you know it’s bad.

29 More than Friends - started out OK, then made me hate basically everyone and kept going.

28 Start-Up - honestly, it’s probably more decent than its place here, but the toxic and batshit fandom for it (the worst this year) made me feel like breaking out in hives any time it’s even mentioned.

27 The Spies who Loved Me - how to take a good cast and waste it.

26 Private Lives - it was good but it never took off with its concept and spent more time on the incoherent plot than the OTP which was its one strength. It’s a decent drama but coming after Heartless City and My Beautiful Bride from the same writer, it’s a disappointment.

25 Record of Youth - as high as it is due to Park Bo Gum hard carrying this entire awful drama on his shoulders and doing it so well I finished it. Alas, while he is in one drama (and that drama is great), the rest of the characters and the entirety of the script are a pointless useless mess.

24 Do You Like Brahms - excellent first third, mediocre middle, and terrible last third. I don���t know what musical term applies to this? Diminuendo, I think.

23 I’ll Go to You When the Weather is Nice - nice and mellow but nothing much happens.

22 Forest - mainly for Park Hae Jin’s excellent and frequently naked bod.

21 The Ballot - I didn’t love it as much as everyone did but it was well-made.

20 Hyena - more romance and less weird law stuff would make it better.

19 365 Repeat the Year - surprisingly solid.

18 The Game Towards Zero - see 365.

17 When My Love Blooms - very old fashioned, very lovely.

16 Chocolate - also very old fashioned and very lovely but also with Yoon Kye Sang performing medical procedures bleeding and shirtless. MMM.

15 (tie) Secret Royal Inspector - a fun if run of the mill sageuk.

15 Find Me In Your Memory - best melo this year.

14 Mystic Pop Up Bar - surprisingly good even though I wasn’t planning to check it out.

13 Where Your Eyes Linger - came out of nowhere but was tender and hopeful and lovely.

12 Itaewon Class - Park Seo Joon hard carries a drama that is already excellent. Love it.

11 Psychopath Diary - Yoon Shi Yoon is such a treat in a hilarious, cynical, dark comedy.

10 Kairos - more like ouroboros.

9 Queen Love and War - in a year where sageuks are very rare, this was solid and surprisingly moving and shippy.

8 The King Eternal Monarch - people didn’t like it but I did. It’s no masterpiece and both the leads and the writers have better dramas, but it was a lovely romantic fairy tale for me.

7 Mr. Queen - sharp, hilarious, and some of my favorite actors.

6 Psycho But It’s OK - healing, sharp cinematography and even sharper chemistry.

5 Crash Landing on You - the last ep pissed me off so much this drama is dead to me but I loved it so much until then I can’t place it lower in good conscience.

4 Train - who knew I would go this hard for an OCN drama or that OCN would do romance so well? But this time-travel mystery romance is just incredible and I shipped the OTP and rooted for the characters and loved every last bit of it.

3 Run On - this is the drama Record of Youth wanted to be but failed. Smart and lived in, you feel like you are peeking at real people, but also even four episodes in, I am so invested in the main characters separately and together, and care for them so much, it’s a little frightening.

1 (tie) Tale of the Nine Tailed - my perfect fantasy romance. I liked it better than Goblin, yeah I said it.

1 Flower of Evil - all the tropes I love in one incredible package. I would rewatch episodes waiting for new ones trying to puzzle the story and to stay withdrawal but it works just as well on rewatch. Lee Jun Ki brings his trademark tortured intensity and for once, both his leading lady and his script back him up and are worthy of that. It’s perfect.

FAVORITE DRAMA

It’s a tie between Tale of the Nine Tailed and Flower of Evil but if I had to pick just one, FoE, because it had me seriously obsessed and guessing about the protagonist and gave me the narrative tropes I love so much and an OTP that statisfied all my hurt/comfort kinks and then some.

WORST DRAMA

Born Again - honestly, this is so bonkers it almost becomes good but alas...

FAVORITE MALE CHARACTER

Do Hyun Soo/Baek Hee Sung, Flower of Evil - he is so messed up, so on edge, so traumatized. Yet capable of so much warmth and caring even as he himself doesn’t realize his humanity. FoE is basically a story of a man pushed and punished by the world for his entire life who, because of one woman, finds a safe place and peace and slowly comes to life without realizing it, and watching his desperation to keep this small bit of normalcy is so heartbreaking and exciting all at once. Plus, you start the drama thinking he’s a psychopathic serial killer and end it (if you are me) thinking he must be protected at all costs and if anyone even looks at him wrong they must suffer, and that’s quite a change!

FAVORITE FEMALE CHARACTER

Nam Ji Ah, Tale of the Nine Tailed - she is so funny and tough and smart and loving and amazing that I will totally buy that a literal demi-god will do anything and everything for her and love her for literal eternity.

NEEDS TO BE MURDERED

Dad in Record of Youth - yes in a year with serial killers and supernatural demons, I picked a normal character from a mediocre drama. It’s his everyday awfulness to his family that hits so hard and I am sad he never got his comeuppance.

FAVORITE SHIP

Ji Ah x Yeon - a fearless reporter and an immortal demi-god who’s been hoping for his human beloved to reincarnate. A really rare set-up where the OTP is equally ride or die, so compatible and completely BAMF. I got why he waited for her for that long and then fell in love with her all over again. Perfection.

Runner up: Flower of Evil - he is so messed up he literally does not believe he is capable of love or empathy, but he falls in love with her anyway and so utterly she permeates his entire life. She is tough as nails and only believes what she sees and is the sole person who believes in him against the world. She loves him but he needs her. She needs him but he loves her. They are amazing.

FAVORITE SECONDARY OTP

Seo Dan x Gu Seung Jun, Crash Landing on You, North Korean x Conman were so good I shipped them harder than the main OTP and the end of that storyline pissed me off so much I dumped the drama and didn’t finish it for months (and it’s still dead to me.)

NOTP

Record of Youth - it started out and they didn’t have much chemistry but the dialogues were interesting and I thought the chemistry would grow. It didn’t and deteriorated, their dialogues became boring and relationship had zero development (about as much as the supposed female lead.) I think we were supposed to feel bad they broke up and they were going for a bittersweet open ending, instead I found myself happy about the break up of two incompatible, chemistry-less people and hoping for the love of God they never get back together.

FAVORITE SCENE

Yeon and the bridge of knives, Tale of the Nine Tailed - Yeon choosing to undergo the creeptastic bridge of knives for a chance to save Ji Ah, who at that point he is not aware is the reincarnation of his Joseon love because, as he says, he doesn’t care if she is or isn’t, it just would be more horrible to have her die than to undergo the horrific torture he is undergoing, and then the sequence with his catching her, her weeping over him and the fact that she is the original Joseon girl revealed and all the bandaging and his watching her sleep and all that loveliness, is everything for yours truly.

Runner up: Hyun Soo having that break-down at the cliff at the end of ep 15 of Flower of Evil as Ji Won desperately tries to convince him she is alive and he finally stumbles to her.

Runner runner up (it’s my list, I will do what I want): Do Won preparing to blow his brains out to give a chance to Seo Kyung to live in Train.

BIGGEST CRUSH

Seon-Gyeom, Run On. Yeah, I know. Im Siwan is tiny, delicate featured and has a runner’s build, none of which are things that normally appeal to me. But his character is so odd, so honest, so unflinching in pursuing what he thinks is right, so incapable of self-pity despite plenty of reasons for it, and so ridiculously attractive when he smiles, I don’t even care.

BEST SCENE STEALER CHARACTER

Kim Bum, TotNT - I started out being annoyed by him and ended up looking forward to his scenes and being distraught by his ending.

NEEDS A SEQUEL

Honestly, none. I was fine with all the endings. I wouldn’t mind seeing post-end life of Tale of the Nine Tailed characters or the OTP settling into their literal new world in Train, but I am good.

TROPE THAT NEEDS TO DIE

Time jump that solves all the problems off screen or alternatively years pass and everyone is frozen - something that kdramas need to learn and need to learn badly. See Record of Youth, Brahms and Start Up.

FAVORITE TROPE WE’VE SEEN A LOT OF

Men who are ride or die for their OTP - this was a great year for this - the male leads of four of my five dramas were beyond anything on that scale (only exception is Run On because it’s still too early to tell there.) Yes PLEASE.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

This was a banner year for that what with Start Up, Do You Like Brahms, Record of Youth, and Private Lives all starting out well and nosediving off the cliff but winner is Crash Landing on You. I loved it so much for bulk of its run but the last episode pissed me off so much I deleted all my files and called it a day.

BIGGEST GOOD SURPRISE

Flower of Evil - I had no expectations of this drama and wasn’t even planning on watching it despite liking both the lead actors because yet another “look at evil serial killer be evil” drama with no romance was not my thing. Luckily someone convinced me there might be some romance and I peeked curiously. Honestly, their promo campaign was the most misleading and dumbest thing ever.

Runner up Psycho but it’s OK - I have never liked Kim Soo Hyun in anything before and the drama premise seemed WTF but it was shockingly good and KSH totally blew me away.

Hardest Working Lead

Yoon Shi Yoon - he starred in two (!!!) dramas in 2020 playing three characters and not only were both these dramas awesome in a lackluster year, but if it wasn’t for the fact that I knew it was the same actor and the fact that the characters shared a face, I would have never believed that they were played by the same actor. So good!

2020 DRAMAS I HAVEN’T SEEN THAT I MOST WANT TO WATCH

None. Covid Year gave me PLENTY of time

BEST NON-2020 DRAMA I’VE WATCHED IN 2020

My Beautiful Bride and Deserving of the Name - I was obsessed with both of them and honestly, they were much better than the bulk of 2020 kdramas I watched.

MOST ANTICIPATED IN 2021

The Moon That Rises in the Day, Hong Chun Gi, Joseon Exorcist, Island,  Frightening Cohabitation, Snowdrop.

[life-rewritten]

MasterList

Hi Beautiful people :) 

This is a masterlist, a collection of my essays, analysis, rants and even just brain dumps in the spur of the moment. If any of these topics interest you feel free to read and leave a comment/like on what you think about it. Thank you. 

PS

I’ve included links to other projects created by me not on this blog. Feel free to roam around and read. :) These are mostly asian shows I’ve found my self drawn into, if you want my western show masterlist that’s on a different site. :)

Genre: KDramas

Psycho but it’s okay

FLOWER OF EVIL: A TIPTOE INTO MORE PSYCHOPATHOLOGY VS NORMALCY

PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY FINAL THOUGHTS

PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY- FAIRY TALES AND THEIR FORESHADOWING PART 3(BLUE BEARD, OTHELLO, WIZARD OF OZ)

PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY ANALYSIS: FAIRY TALES AND THEIR FORESHADOWING PART 2/2 (THE CHEERFUL DOG AND BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) 

   PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY RAPUNZEL AND THE CURSED CASTLE ANALYSIS

PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY ANALYSIS: EPISODE 9- FAIRY TALES AND THEIR FORESHADOWING PART ½ (THE KING WITH DONKEY EARS)

PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY SLEEPING WITCH ANALYSIS

PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY- THE BOY WHO FED ON NIGHTMARES ANALYSIS (2/2)

PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY- THE LADY WITH THE RED SHOES ANALYSIS.

PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY- THE BOY WHO FED ON NIGHTMARES ANALYSIS (½)

PSYCHO BUT IT’S OKAY: THEMES OF THE SHOW USING FAIRY TALES

Flower of Evil

SAYING GOODBYE TO FLOWER OF EVIL; A REVIEW

FLOWER OF EVIL: THE BREAKDOWN OF THE PSYCHE OF BAEK HEE SUNG

FLOWER OF EVIL-THE IRONY OF THE IDENTITY OF BAEK HEE SUNG

FLOWER OF EVIL: LOVING SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHAT LOVE IS EPISODE 8

FLOWER OF EVIL EPISODE 7- TRUSTING A ‘PSYCHOPATH’S’ POINT OF VIEW 

FLOWER OF EVIL: A TIPTOE INTO MORE PSYCHOPATHOLOGY VS NORMALCY

The King Eternal Monarch (TKEM)

Things mentioned in TKEM that might help you predict what’s going on. -King Arthur Part 1 (Lee Lim)

Episode 12: Rules of TKEM- Analysis of the intro

The King eternal Monarch episode 12 Taeul and |Time Travel

Things to look out for in TKEM to know where the show’s going - King Arthur Part 2 (Lee Gon)

The hidden rules of TKEM and why understanding it will help you understand the show.

Small observations about TKEM episode 12: Lim’s weakest bait

Breakdown of two scenes from the two previews for next week of TKEM. - Theory post

Prediction for the ending of TKEM

The irony between Luna and Fate.

Things mentioned in TKEM for you to know where this is going and what it’s about The WONDERLAND SERIES BY LEWIS CARROL

Start Up (Sandbox) 

Start Up- Analysis of the love triangle of Start up- Ep 1-5 

Start-Up- Ep 3 Observation and Comments:Tarzan

Start-Up -Analysis of the love triangle of Start up Ep 7-8

Start Up- Analysis of Nam Do San Ep 9-10  Fate vs Dosan

Start Up-Mind vs Hands analysis of the triangle Ep-9-10

Start Up- Analysis of the love triangle Ep 9-10

Start Up-Analysis of the role of Dosan and Jipyeong Ep 10

Start Up-Analysis of the love triangle Ep 11-12- Dreams vs Disillusions

Start Up- The Seo Sisters and Fulfiling a legacy Ep 13-14

Start Up- Saying Good Bye to Start Up- Fate, Dreams and Love Stories Review

True Beauty

True Beauty Ep 3-4 Kyung and Suho and Bullying

True Beauty Ep 1-6 True Scars vs False Masks

True Beauty Ep 7-8 Prince Charming, The Knight and The Ugly Duckling

True Beauty Ep 9-10 True Traumas and Unsettling Regressions

True Beauty Ep 11-12; Problematic Bullies and Strained Friendships

Saying Goodbye to True Beauty ; A review

Sisyphus The Myth

Sisyphus The Myth Ep 1-4 The doomed futility of Sisyphus

Sisyphus The Myth Ep 5-8 The heavy burden of death and Sisyphus

Genre: Kpop

BTS

DEMIAN ANALYSIS BTS AND LOVE YOUR SELF ERA

BTS Love yourself Analysis MAMA AND LIE PT 2

Genre: Anime

Naruto Shippuden Brain dumps

Episode 213 to 216:  NARUSASU AND THEIR FLASHBACKS 

NARUSASU AND THEIR TWO MENTORS

Heaven Official’s Blessing (TGCF)

The Unconditional Love of HuaLian 

The Different Forms of HuaCheng TGCF Ep 1-11

Genre:   BL 

Love by Chance/ A Chance to Love

The Relationship of Tul and Tin A chance to love episode 5 vs Naruto and Heirs (a comparison) Part 2/2

The Relationship of Tul and Tin- A Chance To Love episode 5 vs The Heirs (a comparison) Part 1/2

A Chance To Love Episode 3- Positives/Character Dynamics

A Chance to Love: A chance to know Tin and Can Part 2/2- The Meaning Of Tin

A Chance to Love: A chance to know Tin and Can Part ½-The Meaning of Can

A CHANCE TO LOVE: A CHANCE TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD OF MAME

Asks and Challenges

My FAVE BLS (I.E A chance to rave about my favourite tropes, plots, break down kiss scenes and more. It’s a get to know me post.)

Why R U

WHY R U- A SHOW THAT DESERVES MORE LOVE/ATTENTION - RANT

Why R U- Fighter and Tutor Analysis (Ask/Request)

The SHIPPER

The Problem with  the Bury Your Gay Tropes- The Problem with the shipper (A RANT)

What  KIm really wanted- The love story of WayKim- A Brain dump

THE  GIFTED THE SERIES (GRADUATION)

THE GIFTED GRADUATION: THE FUTILITY OF  IDEALISM EP 10

THE GIFTED GRADUATION: REUNITING WITH CHANNON (NON)

THE GIFTED GRADUATION: THE STORY OF SUPOT AND YUTH

THE GIFTED GRADUATION: AN ODE TO PANG AND WAVE’S LOVE EP 11

THE GIFTED GRADUATION: GIRL POWER AN ANALYSIS FOR THE WOMEN IN GIFTED SERIES EP 11

My Gear and Your Gown

MY GEAR AND GOWN EP 10 ANALYSIS- THE DOWNFALL OF ITT AND PURE’S SELFLESS LOVE

MY GEAR AND YOUR GOWN EP 8-9 ANALYSIS; ITT’S DETERMINATION TO CHASE AFTER PAI

SYMBOLISM AND FORESHADOWING IN MY GEAR AND GOWN

PAI’S PERCIEVED FUTILITY WITH LOVE CONCERNING LOGIC VS FEELINGS

MY GEAR AND YOUR GOWN TRAILER ANALYSIS: MR 950 INTRODUCTION 

THE PROBLEMS WITH MY GEAR AND YOUR GOWN EP 1-6 (RANT)

We Best Love

We Best Love (Fighting Mr 2nd) Deyi and The theme of control and power

We Best Love (Fighting Mr 2nd) Shouzhen and The Acceptance of Feelings, Love and Self

We Best Love (Fighting Mr 2nd) Deyi and The role of Family, Duty/Obligation and Responsibility

Bad Buddy

Thread of Podcast series (normally don’t add podcast links here but because there’s no essay for this show I feel bad so here’s my analysis in form of audio) 

Gen Y

Gen Y Ep 1-9- The issues with Thanu, Phai and Wayu triangle

Gen Y Ep 1-9 An analysis of the triangle Obligations vs Wants

Gen Y Ep 1-12 A flashback to analysis of the theme of the whole show

Color Rush

Color Rush Ep 1-2 Observations and Comments

Color Rush Ep 1-4 Power Plays and Forced Mindsets (Analysis of our duo)

Color Rush Ep5-6 Crushes and Obstacles (Analysis of psychological mindsets of monos) 

Lovely Writer The Series

An Introduction to Ambition, Masks and Secret Goals Lovely Writer Ep 1 

Lovely Writer Ep 2 The line between authenticity and pretense

The Price of Ambition; Sacrifices of Authenticity, Identity and Truth Lovely Writer Ep 2

The Discovery Of Identity; Transformation, Perceptions And Hidden Ideals Lovely Writer EP 3/4 

The Fantasy of Love; The search for Family, Freedom and Love Lovely Writer Ep5-7

Fish Upon The Sky

Fish Upon the Sky Ep 8-11- Romeo and Juliet (The irony of MorkPi)

Fish Upon The Sky Ep 8- The Irony of Mork

Fish Upon The Sky Ep 1-7 A full break down on the self defense mechanisms of Duen and Pi

Fish Upon The Sky Ep 6-Observation and Comments: Pi’s Mum analysis

Fish Upon The Sky Ep 6-The Problem with FUTS

Fish Upon the Sky Ep 1-5 The Issue with the characterisation of Pi

A Full Commentary and Debate on FUTS

Y Destiny

Y DESTINY- THE PROBLEM WITH PUTH Observations and Comments

Baker Boys/Antique Base

An Introduction to Antique Bakery: Why is Antique (Korean) A BL

He’s coming to Me

A LOOK INTO A MASTERPIECE: HE’S COMING TO ME REVIEW

Friend Forever/ Our Love is Sick

A REVIEW AND BREAK DOWN OF EP 1-6 AKA MY OBSESSION FOR TIN AND SEA

Mo Dao Zu Shi/The Untamed 

SPOOKY SEASON! AN ODE TO MO DAO ZU SHI: ONE OF THE BEST BL STORIES CREATED! - A review of different adaptation on MDZ

Manner of Death

Manner of Death Ep 1-2: A break down of Suspects

Manner of Death Ep 1-3: An analysis of Tan; Friend or Foe

Manner of Death ep 3-5-  EXPOSURES VS COVERS (AN ANALYSIS ON TAN AND THAT AND THEIR PARTNERS) 

Manner of Death Ep 6-7- The Little mermaid and her warped prince (an analysis on Jane’s MOD) 

Manner of Death Ep 8-10- Hansel and Gretel; Victims or Victors? (An analysis of episode 10 plot twist)

Tharn and Type

Tharn and Type 7 Years! Episode 2′ Observation and Comments

Tharn and Type 7 Years of Love! The Marriage Disagreement analysis

Tharn and Type Ep 3: Observations on Fiat Analysis

Tharn and Type Ep 3: Misreadings and Insights on the couples of this show

Tharn and Type Ep 4: First Observations and Comments on couples of this show 

Tharn and Type Ep 4: Full analysis on Duality of the main two couples of the show

Tharn and Type Ep 5: For Better or For Worse : More couples similarities and dynamics

Tharn and Type Ep 6: A flashback to the past a foreshadow of the future: LeoFiat and TharnType analysis - The memory of Pufai

Tharn and Type Ep 7- Regressions and Declines (Analysis of Type and Fiat mindsets)

Tharn and Type Ep 8- The Psychology of Fiat; Just Friends

Tharn and Type Ep 9- The Problem with Mame 

Tharn and Type Ep 10- The Cheating Disagreement 

Tharn and Type Ep 10- A journey to understanding LeoFiat (A breakdown of their love story) 

Don’t say NO

DSN; Messy, Complex and Misunderstood Ep 1-11 

Not Me

NOT ME EP 1-6 ANALYSIS ; THE 3 MIRRORS (3/3)

NOT ME EP 1-6 ANALYSIS ; THE 3 MIRRORS (2/3)

NOT ME EP 1-6 ANALYSIS ; THE 3 MIRRORS (1/3)

SEAN AND WHITE AKA THE PRIDE AND PREJUDICE COUPLE NOT ME: DUALITY OF BLACK AND WHITE (NOW BOOK ANALYSIS)

History 4: Close To You

The Problems/Positives with History4: History4 Ep 1-4 Observations and Comments

Tonhon Chonlatee

TONHON CHONLATEE  VS THEORY OF LOVE -EP 1-4 TON’S MINDSET

I told Sunset about you

ITSAY EP 2; Xin the focus on our heart (Title analysis)

ITSAY EP 3: PROMISES, SUNSETS AND MALE PROTAGONISTS; FORESHADOWING ANALYSIS-

ITSAY EP 3- THE HIBISCUS; SHORT ANALYSIS OF OH AND TEH’S RELATIONSHIP

ITSAY EP 4- SELF SABOTAGE, HINDRANCES, AND REVERSE HELPS- TEH ANALYSIS

ITSAY EP 4- SELF PROTECTION, THINGS I’LL NEVER SAY AND EASY PROMOTIONS

1000 STARS

1000 Stars Ep 1-6- The consequences of the past mistakes (An analysis of the themes of the show) 

Cherry Magic!

Cherry MAGIC! EP 4: Observations and Comments

Cherry MAGIC! Ep 5: Adachi’s Emotional Turmoil

Cherry MAGIC! EP 6: To be heavy or not to be heavy

Cherry MAGIC! Ep 7: Kurosawa and Adachi the meaning of TOUCH

Cherry Magic! Ep 8: Kurodachi Love For Each Other

Cherry Magic! Ep 11: The problem with Self Deprecation

Cherry Magic! Ep 11: 7 Years 

KinnPorsche 

KinnPorsche Characters I Like To Focus On Ep 1-2

KinnPorsche: Free Fall and Reasons for Kinn’s attraction Ep 1-5

KinnPorsche:  Kinn and Korn: The importance of subtext Episode 5

KinnPorsche: Kinn’s ‘Jealousy’ Ep 4-5

KinnPorsche: ‘You never trust me’ Predictions 

KimChay: Porsche and KimChay Predictions

KinnPorsche: Regressions and Masks (Ep 5 analysis)

Cutie Pie

What’s in a plot? Analysis/Brain Dump of ep 9 of Cutie Pie

Genre: Skam Universe

Skam Espana

SKAM S4- YOUSEFS AND THEIR ABILITY TO SEE SANAS FOR WHO THEY REALLY ARE (DAMIRA)

SKAM ESPANA- A WHITE YOUSEF

UNPOPULAR OPINION ABOUT DAMIRA A RANT

SKAM ESPANA- THE CHARACTERISATION/VILLAINIZATION OF KASIM

Druck/Skam France

UNPOPULAR BRAIN DUMP ABOUT AMIRA AND MOHAMMED FIRST THOUGHTS

WTFOCK

Pride and Prejudice; Yasmina and Sana and their themes 

[theadusa]

All the dramas I’ve watched in 2020

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

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

Main Leads: Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin

Episodes: 16, 70 to 110 Minutes 

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

Tale of Nokdu (Kim Dong-hwi, 2019)

Main Leads: Jang Dong Yoon and Kim So Hyun

Episodes: 32, 35 minutes

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

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

Main Leads: Seo Kang Joon and Park Min Young

Episodes: 16, 60 minutes 

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

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

Main Leads: Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun

Episodes: 16, 70 Minutes

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

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

Main Leads: Jung Hae In and Chae Soo Bin

Episodes: 12, 70 minutes

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

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

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

Episodes: 16, 70 to 85 minutes

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

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

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

Episodes: 12, 70 minutes

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

When the Camila Bloom (Cha Yeong Hoon, 2019) 

Main Leads: Gong Hyo Jin and Kang Ha Neul

Episodes: 20, 63 to 75 minutes

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

Flower of Evil (Kim Cheol Kyu, 2020) 

Main Leads: Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won

Episode:16, 70 minutes

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

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

Main Leads: Xing Fei and Lin Yi 

Episodes: 24, 40 to 45 minutes

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

The School Nurse Files ( Lee Kyoung Mi, 2020)

Main Leads: Jung Yu Mi and Nam Joo Hyuk

Episodes: 6,  45 to 57 minutes

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

Mr. Heart (Park Sun Jae, 2020) 

Main Leads: Cheon Seung Ho and Lee Se Jin

Episodes: 8, 11 Minutes

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

You are My Destiny ( Ding Ying Zhou, 2020) 

Main Leads: Xing Zhao Lin  and Liang Jie

Episodes: 36, 45 minutes

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

First Romance (Ding Pei, 2020) 

Main Leads: Wan Peng and Riley Wang

Episodes: 24, 45 Minutes

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

Lost Romance ( Eri Hao, 2020) 

Main Leads: Marcus Chang and Vivian Sung

Episodes: 20, 70 minutes 

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

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

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

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

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

Moment of 18 ( Sim Na Yeon, 2019)

Main Leads: Ong Seong Wu and Kim Hyang Gi

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes

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

Perfect and Casual ( Li Shuang, 2020) 

Main Leads: Miles Wei and Xu Ruo Han

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

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

Le Coup De Foudre ( Wang Zhi, 2019) 

Main Leads: Janice Wu and Zhang Yujian

Episodes: 35, 45 minutes

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

More Than Friends ( Choi Sung Bum, 2020)

Main Leads: Ong Seong Wu and Shin Ye Eun

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes

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

Be With You ( Zhou Miao, 2020) 

Main Leads: Ji Xiao Bing and Zhang Ya-Qin

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

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

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

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

Episodes: 20, 60 minutes

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

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

Main Leads: Lee Ji Eun (IU) 

Episodes: 4, 19 to 27

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

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

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

Episodes: 32, 35 minutes

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

Movies I watched this year: 

Spell Bound ( Hwang In Ho, 2011)

Main Cast: Son Ye Jin and Lee Min Ki

Running Time: 114 Minutes

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

The Host ( Bong Joon Ho, 2006)

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

Running Time: 119

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

Little Forest ( Yim Soon-rye, 2018) 

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

Running Time: 103 minutes

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

Always ( Song Il Gon, 2011)

Main Cast: So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo

Running Time: 106 Minutes

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

       Currently watching 

True Beauty ( Kim Sang-hyeop, 2020-) 

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

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes 

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

Live On ( Kim Sang-woo, 2020-) 

Main Cast: Jung Da Bin and Hwang Min Hyun

Episodes: 8?, 60 Minutes

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

On My List: 

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

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

[jsutaphase]

When kdramaland serves you their own dose of a ‘parallel’ world..

Goblin Episode 13 | The King Eternal Monarch Episode 10

[musicallady7]

THIS IS A KING ETERNAL MONARCH EP 13 RANT (spoilers obviously)

Ok..... it's midnight and I just finished the newly released episode. I watched it the exact moment the clock read 1030 pm. From where I live, Korean Standard Time is one hour ahead of my country's standard time so I waited every second until 1030 that's how excited this show got me.

Anyway first, PM Koo. I got to say I'm a but disappointed. I was rooting for her to be on Gon's side really. But it looks like she's joining the bad guy side. I think maybe she figures that if she cant become Queen by Lee Gon's side, she'll be Queen in a different way. She said something about seeing him by standing by his side but he said it wasn't her place so now she'll see him by standing in opposition. It's probably the villain rule of "If you want it take it and if you cant take it break it" like said in the song Chillin Like A Villain from Descendants. If she cant have him, nobody else should so she now wants to destroy him. No matter how evil she may seem though I can't bring myself to hate her. Even now as a villain, I admire her. I dont know why, its probably her determination I admire. Sure she takes it too far but still. She makes a great antagonist by Lee Lim's side though. I enjoyed their evil dynamic. They make an awesome evil pair.

Second Lee Gon and Jeong Taeul's relationship is going so well. In fact, its going incredibly well that Im convinced there's no happy ending for these two. I mean its practically inevitable. I think the happiest ending possible is bittersweet still all the same. There probably won't be an ending where she becomes Queen and they live happily ever after in KOC. I know I sound utterly pessimistic, but believe me I want a happy ending too its just that after episode 13 or even the episode before this, I've had a bad feeling it won't end well for them. I want a happy ending but I wouldn't count on it. We are about to spiral down the hole of angst like Act 2 of Hamilton.

Yeong. Jo Yeong. Ah where to start with this guy. I swear this episode kind of further convinced me he's platonically in love with Lee Gon. Platonic? And in love? Idk how that works either but it weirdly does in my brain. He asks Gon if he wants to have a drink together sjbwbdnwnnsnwnw. I like paused for 5 seconds to fangirl a bit and breathe deeply. He probably senses an impending doom coming soon and doesnt want to waste time. I'm guessing he's concerned Gon will be hurt if something terrible happens especially to his relationship with Taeul. All Yeong wants is for Gon to be happy and his star crossed relationship with Taeul is bound to hurt him sometime soon which is probably why Yeong is a bit iffy about it. Also he got shot in the last episode... please you have an identity in this world go to a hospital Pete's sake bxnsnsjskd. When Lee Gon asks him if anything happened he doesn't even bring up that he was shot. Yeong what are we going to do with you hahahahha.

Jo Eun-sup. His reunion with his siblings and Nari made my heart flutter so freaking much AAAAHHHHHHH it was so cute. When Nari saw him, she sensed a difference and immediately figured it was really Eun-sup. His sister knew too. I'm just wondering who they think the other not Eun-sup but looks like him guy is. Is Nari going to find out soon that Eun-sup switched with his counterpart? Also the scene in the hospital where Eun-sup fights the intruder in the room was so freakin bad ass I screamed AHHHH ahhahahh

Luna in the same world as Taeul cant do any good. I'm concerned. Is she on good side or bad side? We will find out soon. But anyway I'm also concerned because she seems really sick in that car scene where she was trying to sleep. She's probably going to die soon. I'm thinking she probably is bad because she tried to trick Lee Gon that she was Taeul and put something in his drink to make him pass out. Lee Gon found out it wasn't Taeul after staring at Luna for a couple seconds. I always knew a Luna pretend to be Taeul thing would happen after Taeul asked Gon if he would ever mistake her counterpart for her.

Lady Noh is confirmed to be from ROK and she knows about the whole portal thingy. That means the flute has been used even before by the late kings. I wonder what happens when the flute is used with its full power when it isn't half and half anymore.

The lightning scar seems to be with those whose counterparts are dead and crossed between worlds so why isnt Sinjae getting it? Maybe his counterpart is still alive? Maybe he is getting a scar and we just didn't see a scene for that yet. We will find out

Sorry for the really long rant but none of my friends watch kdrama so I have no one to talk about it to hahahaha. Anyway this is all just my opinion. I CAN'T WAIT FOR EPISODE 14 I'M COUNTING THE HOURS UNTIL IT AIRS. Anyway its midnight so I really should get some sleep now hahahhaha.

[collectsfallenstars]

Gravity: A Summary of the Development of Jeong TaeEul’s Feelings for Lee Gon in “The King: Eternal Monarch (Part 3 of 3)

EPISODE 7

Back in her world, Jeong Tae-eul plunges into another murder case while still working on her last one.  Days, possibly weeks pass without any word from Lee Gon.  This is a long distance relationship taken to the extreme, without the comforts of technology to ease the longing.  Thankfully, she is kept busy by her work. However, during a quiet night at the precinct while filling out a form, she remembers their first meeting. She smiles and pulls out his old file.  It gives her a thrill to see “Name: Unknown, Date of Birth: Unknown, Address: Unkown, Contact: Unknown” because now, she knows all the answer to them.  She even tries to fill it out using his name, Lee Gon. She is affirming his existence, and it is now precious to her.  This is her missing him.

And then she deletes his file.  This is her going from soft and then back to her hard exterior. And Kim Goeun is absolutely wonderful here with the camera up close to her face, catching the minute her soft eyes turn sad, and then hard while she grits her teeth ever so lightly before pressing her lips in a tight line.  Jeong Tae-eul is all in in this relationship yes, but she’s still a pragmatist and hasn’t forgotten that they belong to different worlds.  And she is bracing herself for the tragedy she senses is just around the corner.

When he returns to her, she realizes how intense her feelings have become after their separation.

“HOW HAVE YOU BEEN? HAVE YOU BEEN WAITING FOR ME?”

She smiles at him when he asks how she’s been. The moment Lee Gon asks her if she waited for him, she gives him a different smile, a sadder one.  It was probably the exact moment when she realized she had been waiting for him.  And waiting for him meant she had been missing him all this time.  She probably never had time to think about it because she had been so busy with murder investigations in her world, and trying to solve the mystery of the unexplainable recordings she suspected was from his world.  And when she did have time to think of him, like that time in the precinct with his file, she would only allow herself a few moment of happiness, and them push them down.

So this is what it has come down to.  I hear a lot of people saying she went from hating him to suddenly running into his arms.  That isn’t the case as you can see.  All the development happened beneath the surface, behind the words that they were saying to each other.

After their reunion, they go on their fantasy everyday, normal life of a couple.  The have dinner, they have couple phones, they hold hands, they walk with his arm around her, she winds a teddy bear/stuffed lion for him in a shooting gallery – essentially, a date like normal couples do.  This is them stealing moments in time.  

As Lee Gon says on that fake phone call,

“I ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY THIS WITH YOU. CALL YOU ON THE PHONE. ASK YOU ABOUT YOUR DAY. TELL YOU I MISSED YOU.”  

This is them trying to cram in whatever happiness and sweetness they can to make whatever fate has in store for them a little more bearable.  

Keep in mind that although this was Jeong Tae-eul showing her softer side, she was still very much like herself. She didn’t turn into a mindless, giggly little doll.  She was a woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to show it.  She got them the couple phones.  They went on a date that she thought of. She won the stuffed animal. She was the one who promised him the moon and stars if he asked them.  This is not typical k-drama female lead and it is very exciting to have an alternative image of femininity.  It’s a good thing Lee Gon’s ego is as big as it is, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to handle someone like Tae-eul.

But in true Jeong Tae-eul fashion, she moves from cool/sweet soft girlfriend to business-like detective.  She tells him she had been waiting for him as herself, but half of it she waited as her detective self.  They go back to her house and exchange information on their respective cases.  And he shares his theory that his power hungry uncle, Lee Lim, has been hiding in her world and building an army.  She confirms that a recording from one of her dead bodies is from his world. They agree to cooperate with each other for the sake of both their cases.  Now, when Lee Gon notes that this investigation will take her to even more dangerous ground now that they know it involves his world as well and Tae-eul replies,

“THIS WAS MY CASE BEFORE I EVEN MET YOU,” it does three things.

One, it reinforces the idea of fate.  Their first meeting at Gwanghwamun Square was not where they first began.  Things have been going on in both their lives that wound up putting them in each others’ paths long before they even met. As I said in a previous video of mine, that short meeting on the last 6 minutes of the first episode was deliberately put in last to show how the events of both their worlds have resulted in their fated meeting that night.  Everything that happened to them had to happen so that they would meet each other.  And it’s the same for Tae-eul with all the cases she had been getting before even meeting Lee Gon.

Second, and makes her realize that her murder investigation and his investigation into the treachery and treason of his uncle are inevitably tied to each other, the way she and Lee Gon are tied to each other.  They are each others’ answers to the mysteries they’re trying to solve. As Lee Gon said before, there must be a simple and beautiful formula for how she was involved in saving his life but he is sure that she’s the answer he has been looking for.  In the same manner, she could never solve the murders that have been falling into her lap without him and his world. He is also the answer to all the mysteries she is trying to solve.

Which brings us to the third point.  Her murder investigation and the evil plot his treasonous uncle are a mirror of their relationship.  And this realization plays an important part on why she told him she loved him in the very next episode.  When Tae-eul spoke of the dead bodies in her world coming from his world,

“THE TWO WORLDS SHOULDN’T GET MIXED UP LIKE THIS.  THEY’RE SUPPOSED TO STAY ON THEIR RESPECTIVE PATHS.  BUT, THE TWO WORLDS ARE ALREADY COLLIDING AND I’VE DISCOVERED IT.  SO WHAT ELSE COULD I DO? I DECIDED TO INVESTIGATE. I’M A POLICE OFFICER OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA.”  

she might as well have been talking about the two of them.  This is very much a reflection of what she thinks about their relationship.  It shouldn’t be happening. But it did.  Like all the cross-world murders falling on her lap that she has to solve.  In the same manner that she can’t ignore them because it’s her job to solve them, she also can’t ignore this thing she has with Lee Gon.  Call it fate, destiny, gravity.  But there it is.  She’s a detective, she will solve murders, no matter how dangerous they become.  She is Jeong Tae-eul and she will love Lee Gon, because she is who she is. She is someone who would choose to love him, no matter how difficult things could get.  But then, she ends the statement with,

“I AM A POLICE OFFICER OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA.”  

This is the equivalent of her seeing Lee Gon in his navy uniform with his imperial robes behind him.  She is reminding him that she is still planted firmly in her world, with her own responsibilities.  They may not be as big as his, but they’re just as important.  She can’t just leave everything and go live with him in his world.

As they enter into a new phase in their relationship, they are now faced with this conflict. Neither of them can just up and leave their world. So they made rules for each other, 2 from Lee Gon, and 17 and pending for Jeong Tae-eul, as a way to bargain with the universe. They’re trying to right the wrongs that have happened prior to them meeting. The only thing they’re asking is that the universe would let them them be together, for now.

The very fact that Lee Gon had only 2 rules and they were what they were is significant, and kind of true to their character. His two rules mean that his solution to their situation is to continue going back and forth between the two worlds. It would be this decision that will be challenged much later I suppose, when the gateway to both dimensions would eventually crack. But as for now, he has decided to split his world into two, a world of responsibility in the Kingdom of Corea, and the world where his only dream and desire resides, Republic of Korea where Jeong Tae-eul is.

Jeong Tae-eul plays it loose by beginning with 5 rules and a pending 13 more, making it up as she goes along.  And that’s essentially how she has always been since the beginning of the series. She starts with what she can confirm, what she can believe, and then change by adding or taking from it with every new information she gets as she goes along, just as what she did with Lee Gon.  Her route to a decision is circuitous, while Lee Gon’s is a straight line.

At this point, they’ve already solidified their relationship AND their plans to investigate murders and treason. And neither of them have told each other that they love each other.  Which bring us to the next episode.

EPISODE 8

They begin to share less screen time here as the reality of their two worlds and Lee Lim’s plans begin catching up to them. More of Lee Lim’s plot is revealed.  Jeong Tae-eul slowly begins to unravel their cases.  There is no time to cross worlds to go on dates.  And I suppose this is one of the major complaints of people – that they don’t spend enough time with each other.  At least long enough to give us heart fluttering moments.

Well, the thing is, two parallel worlds are about to collide into each other, there’s a barrier between worlds that freezes time on both sides in the number or seconds of frozen time keep rising, and in the meantime, people are disappearing and getting murdered.  We have here two characters who aren’t free to go on dates and flirt whenever they want.  You know, like actual adults with real world responsibilities.

But they have done the essentials of a relationship without even doing much of that.  They’ve learned each other’s way of thinking and haven’t tried to change each other.  They’ve learned how to empathize with each other, which wasn’t that hard considering they’re both emotionally strong people.  They’ve gotten to know each other.  She knows of his traumatic past that has shaped the kind of king he is now.  He knows of her girlhood dreams that have shaped the kind of detective she is now.

They’ve opened their eyes and assessed their impossible situation.  They reacted differently, talked it out, and arrived at the conclusion that decisions about the two of them should be made together.  They were able to do all that without going on “normal” dates.

She acknowledges how they have done everything in reverse, skipping over some parts and getting right to the nitty-gritty of a relationship that challenges the rules of the universe without even saying things to each other. That’s why she’s now backtracking, and trying to do things properly.

“IN THE BEGINNING, YOU ASK ABOUT EVERYTHING. WE JUST SKIPPED TOO MANY THINGS.”

The only thing left to do, really, is to make it official. To say the words. And even that feels anti-climactic, knowing that everything she has shown him surely let him know how she feels already.   And even if he hadn’t literally said the words I love you to her, his entire existence and crossing over to her world was an entire love letter to her. So she knew it was her who had to say it first, just to be as clear, as he always had been with her.  

And ultimately, this is what attracts me to her as a viewer.  She’s a strong-willed, independent, no nonsense woman.  And she’s the same, even in matters of love.  She doesn’t suddenly turn into a blushing 13 year old who doesn’t know what to with her feelings.  She had doubts about Lee Gon even if something was brewing between them.  When the doubts were are dispelled, she dealt with how she felt with him. And when she understood that she loved him, whether by fate or her own decision, she told him.  There was no teenage angst of wondering who should say it first, no annoying ancient mindfucks of men should always do the chasing.  True to her form and character, Jeong Tae-eul felt it, so then she had to say it. It was that simple.  Their situation was complicated enough. There was no need to

So she goes to see him before a stake out on a beautiful sunlit afternoon.  There’s nothing more poignant than verbalizing a hopeless love with a slowly setting sun in the background.

She begins it with a string of questions of “What if”?  It is her way of questioning the role of human choices when fate is at play.  Lee Gon insists that no matter what she would have done, he would still have fallen in love with her.  It was his fate to love her.  It mirrors what she’s thinking in the voice over that would come next.

She had tried to deny the existence of his world, his feelings for her, and his own very existence.  They had all turned out to be true and she had found herself unexplainably drawn into his life. And she couldn’t pull away, even if she had tried.  So she had arrived at the same conclusion as well.  It was also her fate to love him.

“IT TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO REALIZE THIS. WHEN IT’S FATE, THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES.  YOUR FATE IS DETERMINED BY THE CHOICES YOU MAKE, BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN YOUR FATE CHOOSES YOU.”

And the thing is, she has never lost track of how dire their circumstances are.   She’s fallen in love with her eyes wide open. That’s why, as she walked back to her car, her internal monologue ran,

“THINGS THAT ARE BOUND TO HAPPEN ARE TAKING PLACE EVEN AT THIS MOMENT. I WAS STRUCK WITH A SAD PREMONITION THAT THIS WILL BE SHORT-LIVED, BUT I DECIDED TO LOVE MY FATE THAT CHOSE ME.”

This gut feeling that she has about their love being short-lived didn’t come out of nowhere. Once the murders and treason are solved, they would have to go back to their own lives and worlds, if they don’t die while trying to solve them.  At this point in time, she knows she won’t leave her world, and he won’t leave his. She knows heartbreak is waiting for her. And the audience knows too, that if one of them do decide to give up their world, it will create ripples in both timelines, which will no doubt affect them. At every turn, there is heartbreak waiting for them.

That’s why she told him she loved him.  She knows every moment they spend could be their last and what was the point of feeling all that love, if she wasn’t going to say it out loud? So, she said it.  In the most unromantic tone possible. 

“I LOVE YOU.”  

And then, Paul Kim’s “Dream” swells in the background.  The first two lines say it all, “You are my dream. You are my love.”  Because for the longest time, she was all he ever dreamed about.  And here she was, finally, telling him and showing him that in loving him, she was surrendering to her fate.  But in choosing to surrender to it, she also makes it clear, that it was also a decision on her part.

It took 8 episodes to hand him this gift in small, measly little parts.  Theirs was never going to be a love with murder in the background to prevent people from being saturated with sweetness. Theirs was a love that had to bloom in the dark. Their love had to find little spaces in between murders, parallel worlds, and evil plots.  The long wait between encounters gives them a sense of urgency, allowing them to dispose of games people play in love and just simply be loving towards each while dead bodies pile up and gateways to other worlds collapse around them.  It was an optimal situation for two people who speak plainly, who say what they want to say and mean it. No words are wasted between the two them.  Because if their fate is to steal moments in time for them to be together, then there’s really no point

in playing games, pretending to be coy, giving chase, and other expected k-drama behavior between couples.  It was also never a journey about discovering how they fell in love with each other and realizing that they were in love.  It’s going to be about finding that love and what they’re going to do with it, when murder, treason, an ambitious Prime Minister, powerful magical flutes, parallel worlds, and time challenge that love.  

That’s why the love confession happens early on in the middle of the series. The next 8 episodes would then be used to hammer at that love, testing how far it can go and how much it can withstand.

Hopefully, this helps those who are still confused as to how Jeong TaeEul’s character develops romantic feelings for Lee Gon and why she had to verbalize them on the 8th episode.

[ms-interpretation]

Again, I just love their conversations in the bamboo forest. They have reached a point here where they are ’simply’ asking each other: Who are you?

Their conversation in episode four starts with Lee Gon asking why she chose to be a cop, telling her that he, as someone whose ‘profession’ was determined from birth is curious about how others come to have aspirations. Tae-eul tells him of her childhood, about watching crime shows instead of fairytales such as Snow White and The Little Mermaid like other children. I suspect that this is a subtle character hint of how Tae-eul’s mother’s death affected her as a kid. TK:EM is a modern fairytale and the writer is definitely not trying to talk down to fairytales by having Tae-eul be ”too cool for such nonsense” or ”not like other girls”. No, I’m pretty sure this is a hint that losing her mother early affected Tae-eul deeply. It is understandable that a young child who loses her mother will not enjoy fairytales where magic and love conquer all. Of course a lot of fairytales do address these things, but I can easily picture a young Tae-eul grieving and not enjoying the ’kid version’ of these stories, which all inevitable result in incredibly happy endings. Instead she watched crime shows, probably with her dad, and realized that she wanted to become brave, having realized that not everyone can be.

So she decided early who she wanted to be and has consistently lived up to it. Remember her fearlessly deciding to take on all of Shin-jae’s bullies? Tae-eul grew up to be this fierce and confident woman who doesn’t back down easily and who has a clear sense of right and wrong (remember her calling out the PM in ep 13?). Of course there is more to her as well. Like Lee Gon she is slightly hardened by her childhood and while he doesn’t like to be touched she has some emotional barriers of her own. She became someone who is brave, but who also lacks faith (note: I’m not really talking about a specific religion here). She doesn’t believe in stuff such as fairytales (possibly meaning love, which is often what fairytales actually asks us to believe in). She definitely does not believe in impossible things such as parallel universes. Her line about not believing that the Earth is round is about her need to see things for herself if she is to believe in anything (she’s not actually a flat-earther). This is in sharp contrast to Gon’s faith in her (he believed in her even though her ID-badge and existence were both deemed impossible). While she’s been hardened to even the idea of things such as parallel universes or fairytales since childhood (cue to her meeting a handsome prince king who seems certain she’s his fate). His life is a dark fairytale, while hers has mostly been a gritty crime drama. He has had an impossible faith in her and his position has been determined since birth (an identity he struggles with). She’s a sceptic and someone who decided early on who she wanted to become (and is confident in that chosen role).

Tae-eul is revealed underneath to actually be pretty emotionally open and brave. During the drama we get to really know her and I believe that in a low-key way Gon helps her to open up, to how large and impossible the world really is and in so doing also emotionally. She’s introduced as someone who is always quite sarcastic. Which is often a sign of someone who keeps their emotions under wraps. However as they grow closer she opens up about looking for her mother’s counterpart, wants to comfort him about his trauma (struggling a bit with how) and is just simply very emotionally brave. Choosing to love an uncertain fate in episode eight. Their reunion in episode 12 also comes to mind and it all culminates in her brave decision at the end of episode 15, where she risks everything. Lee Gon asks her early on to take a leap of faith, to believe him (several times in the first few episodes) and to choose him. She manages to take this leap and is revealed during the drama to be a person who deeply and bravely feels. 

Something I absolutely love here is Lee Gon expressing admiration at Tae-eul’s decision to be brave. He asks her why she chooses to do such a dangerous job, and she replies proudly and almost in a bit of an arrogant tone (which I love) that yes her job is dangerous. She adds that she chose such a dangerous job because she chooses to be brave, in light of the fact that not everyone can be. He is pleasantly surprised and expresses his admiration of her. As he does so, Tae-eul also reveals some of her interest in him. Asking him, genuinely curious, what kind of King he is (while describing him as handsome haha). It is also telling that this is the moment Tae-eul thinks back to after Lee Gon has left. This is the moment their connection really takes root. 

So what does he respond? He lists several things, the second-to-last of which that he is the owner of the Four Tiger Sword. Which is synonymous with being a King with a calling. He is not someone who could choose his aspirations, but is a man born into a divine destiny. (Interesting to note that Kings were often historically described as being chosen by God). He will later in the episode choose to confront his past and bring the aforementioned sword back into the King’s room, its rightful place*. Possibly inspired by Tae-eul’s words about bravery and by how she has chosen her path. In episode 16 it is this discussion, her words about being brave, which will move him to dare let the Night of Treason play out differently.

A great aspect of Lee Gon and Jeong Tae-eul is that despite their differences they have some core aspects in common. They are both driven by a sense of responsibility and by the conviction to do the right thing. Lee Gon admits here to trying not to panic when asked what kind of King he is, revealing that he is struggling with his identity and destiny. Tae-eul is in contrast confident in who she is but acknowledges her lack of faith. They both grow by meeting each other, Lee Gon deciding to embrace his destiny and identity and Tae-eul deciding to be brave and to believe. They will both be pushed and challenged and they will both, thanks to each other, end up overcoming their obstacles and choosing each other. Lee Gon being challenged to take on his fate and to become the sage of the sword’s inscription while Tae-eul is challenged by her decision to be brave and to believe (culminating in her courageously risking everything in the finale). 

*There’s another blog that has written some truly great posts about Lee Gon’s and Jeong Tae-eul’s character journeys and their respective relationship to fate and faith. They were also the person who pointed out the importance of Lee Gon moving the sword.

Highly recommend, link: https://bebebisous33analyses.wordpress.com/2020/05/16/the-world-in-numbers-science-versus-belief-from-the-king-eternal-monarch/

This twitter thread was also great, it focuses on their personal relationship in this scene: https://twitter.com/greeneyedchick3/status/1283591811127111680?s=21

[maculate-mango]

The King Eternal Monarch Episode 13: Thoughts (spoilers!)

Well...there was A LOT in this episode. I definitely need to go back and rewatch it.

Even though I was so sure from the beginning that LG was the savior, it was still thrilling to watch current LG find out his savior was himself. The music and how his face changed as he realized his reflection...damn.

Proud of LG for catching on that Luna was not JTE pretty quick...but not quick enough. I’m sure LG will be fine from this because the stills released earlier show him to be awake, and Yeong is gonna be returning anytime. So ready to see Yeong’s reaction to LG.

PM Koo is finally getting her share of a story. Though it could’ve been much better developed through the show to make the audience view her as a proper antagonist but oh well.

I thought Luna was going to be on JTE’s side...but she just stabbed her in the promo. But also, I feel like at one point or another Luna will be on JTE’s side.

I’m more sure than ever that JTE plays a huge role in solving this whole two worlds-time issue. Especially with LG going to save his younger self with the jacket she gave him and her ID...it’s all an ode to Jeong Tae Eul. And that puts me at the inevitable future I believe we will see, which is JTE’s death. And with that, I don’t see how LG would stay calm and just let it go, he would definitely go back in time. First he’ll go back through all the frozen moments in time to see her and say what he thinks is his last goodbye. But it’s actually his never ending goodbyes, his neverending love with JTE, as he’ll reset the time to before he met her. But because of their fate he’ll constantly find himself back with her and be stuck in this time loop. Hence, his neverending reign as King - literally Eternal Monarch.

What I love though is even with all these theories, there’s so much we can’t even speculate about so we are still surprised by the turn of events each episode. Kudos to KES. Now to wait a week :(

[aylinaliens]

so i’m finally watching The King: Eternal Monarch and i’m baffled by the fact that i don’t feel anything while watching it? like i don’t hate tkem but i also don’t like it either? i have zero connection to the leads and if it wasn’t for the two characters that Woo Do Hwan (Jo Young/Jo Eun Sub the best boys) and Kim Yong Ji (Myung Na Ri/Myung Seung Ah) plays I would of dropped this early on.

however I thought maybe i just needed a few episodes to warm up to Lee Gon and Tae Eul but like I’m on episode 12 almost 13...and I still don’t care for them. I don’t feel the chemistry between them nor do I care what happens to them. I also don’t care about the whole parallel world or the mystery so ??? why am i still watching this if I don’t care about the characters or enjoy the plot?

yeah I have no clue.

[namwoohwan]

The King: Eternal Monarch ep 13 preview

Dear writer-nim,

Please take a chill pill and leave my boy alone. Give the man a break 제발! Do you know how much hair falls out of my scalp due to the extreme stress i go through with every damn preview showing Eunsop/Yeong getting shot and now being drugged or poisoned or murdered? How am I supposed to spend 5 days without having to think of what's going to happen to my boy in the next episode? Eunsop is a fluff ball. He's precious to me and to everyone else watching this show, so why? Why do you keep on trying to kill him off?

please let him live

[clementineesotsm]

THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH EP 13, My Appreciation and How It Made Me Feel

We started this episode with Lady Noh story on how she came to Corea. Lady Noh’s face when she knows that the war end ugly was so sad. The scroring they insert here is suitable to the situation 💯.

She has the old edition of kim sowol poems thats kind of explained, at least to me, why they use her voice everytime the poems shows up.

I admit it, PM Koo fooled me with her sad face. I thought she was in love. But no, it was all greed and ambition. But i have to admit it, this words of hers was satisfying and one of the best lines the series has

PM Koo “I liked being next to you. That was where i could see you the best. But you say that it is not my place. What should i do now? Will i be able to see you better if i stood in opposition to you?”

Gon “Stop, PM Koo, if you crossed the line any further-“

PM Koo “i started at the bottom and climbed up all the way here toward the king. But since you’ve had it all from birth, love is all it takes to move you. What will my heart beat for now, pyeha? I dont think it’ll be for honesty and loyalty.”

WOW! Very honest and raw. I loved it.

Also i loved how they made the thunder came just after see ended her words, good timing. Added to the tension. Showing to Pyeha that she already did crossed the line that far.

JTE met PM Koo on the way, and exposed her. PM scars also shown in front of JTE. JTE running to inform Gon, so now Gon is knowing the fact PM is crossing to Korea

Gon is going to NFS to investigate why is this scars keep showing. Actually at this point im guessing that the scars shown up only to people which their counterparts are dead, murdered or else. Because JTE dont have it, KSJ, JY also dont have. LR loyal minion from Corea dont have before, lately he has it after his counterpart is dead.

Moving on to my fav part now. Im actually really worried that someone try to kill JES 😭 my heart beating so fast, until ....

Another satisfying scene was when we see PM met LR. Both interesting villain and could make a beautiful couple. Their mind was connected to each other no need to explain thing to each other 😅 i also loved how they play with so many different camera angle just for this short scene. Made it more satisfying.

And move on to the scene where we saw the shoes then move to PM Koo while she said

“You’re the one who chose where i should go in these heels, pyeha”

I love the camera movements, the words, the music!

Another revelation we got is about KSJ mom. She was asking Lady Noh to meet Gon and speak to him directly. This words of her was well made (kudos to the writer):

“I saw you with my son, KSJ. It was the last photo that LR gave to me. And with it, i received the poison. So i gambled. I drank the poison instead of poisoning you. If i died, i’d be paying for my sins, and if i lived, i’d talk to you in person like this. Its shameless of me, but im asking you to decide the fate of my son. He didn’t do anything wrong, please protect my son, Pyeha”

Its also heartbreaking to see Gon actually thinking to do the request if you saw his face gesture changed, the beginning he is a bit angry, at the end he sigh-ing. He is the one who almost been killed but the killer ask him to do a favor. What a cruel world

Then we moved to Luna in Korea met JTE father. I really cannot hate this woman, why? Is it because of her face resemblance to JTE who i loved a lot, or is it because she lives unfortunately or because her being soft around this dad figures 🥺🥺 i guess if im in a parallel world i’ll will be kind to people that are counterparts of my family or friends no matter their personality 😅 no matter if they try to kill me.

Also can we give standing applause for KGE acting ? This girl deserve a daesang!

Then we got a glimpse of JY actually already located Gons mom doppelgänger while tailing KSJ mom. Killing 2 birds with 1 stone

JTE made it to locate LR gate to Corea but Gon said its dangerous because when they crossed the gate times stops for hours. But this information still important for Gon later on episode 16 😎 you know i love this couple because they communicate to each other. They way the comfort each other making me soft. Also i love how JTE role in this whole series is really important, she is the symbol of hope. The kind of strong woman with a satisfying personality. Why i said she is the symbol of hope, because she is a believer with the analogy of her tirelessly seeding the magic plant in room between 1 and 0. It seems impossible, but if you believe and try, who knows? This is i think a symbol of hope and hope is an important thing to have during dark times. Thats what keeps you going.

Also we got a bit of an insight from Gon which still pretty much assumptions that “if theres a time axis in there as a space axis, then it’ll be possible” he just didn’t know what the rules yet. And that is really in line with probability theory, one of the variable to measure it is random experiment, which is a physical situation whose outcome cannot be predicted until it is observed. So please dont complain on why the rules is not clear yet.

I loved the writers because she seems to be consistent connected this all with mathematical aspect, eventhough its subtle. You just need to read between the lines. And thats what i love a lot 💕

Everyone is back now and JTE already knew Luna is also here and take her place.

I will ended this first page with JY and KSJ speaking. I loved KSJ words here omg! And JY being petty, i don’t understand. I know he just being overprotective but come on. Even KSJ understand Gon and JTE situation

Preach!

To be continue..