It’s that time of the year again, my friends. 2020 is upon us, and 2019 is just about done and dusted. Time to take stock of the year, celebrate the highs, brush off the lows, and get ready to usher in the new year.

Can you believe that this is my 8th year-in-review post?? Imma be honest with you guys; every time I sit down to do one of these, I get visited by a touch of blogger existential crisis.

Essentially, I ask myself, “Where am I going with this? How long will I do this? Is there still.. a point to doing this?”

..And I gotta tell ya, I still don’t know the answer to those questions. What I can say, though, is, I’m still enjoying my dramas reasonably well, and I’m still game to write about ’em, and I’m grateful that you guys are still here on this journey with me. Thanks for sticking it out with me, y’all.  ❤️

And now, let me attempt to break down my 2019 drama year for ya.

Romance is a Bonus Book OST – Rainbow

MY DRAMA YEAR IN 2019

This is the year that I realized in a more concrete manner than ever before, that I’m evolving, as a drama viewer. I used to be all about the fluffy rom-coms, and I used to eat up drama tropes like candy.

Cold jerky male lead wrist-grabs his Candy heroine in an effort to assert his interest in her? Slurp. Swallow. Moar, please.

..Not anymore, my friends.

This year, I’ve realized that the stuff I used to eat up with a spoon, is now sometimes – often? – the stuff that annoys and frustrates me, in a drama. What this means to you guys, is that a drama that I might’ve rated highly in the past, might not get the same grade if I were to watch it today.

That inconsistency across the blog does frustrate me a little, because you guys have told me how you use my Full List as a drama guide, and it niggles at me that this means that you guys might be checking out a show based on an enthusiastic recommendation that I made years ago, that I just might not be able to stand behind, today.

Yet, I can’t say, don’t check out my highly rated shows from years back, because I still do love a good number of those shows. But y’know, what can you do, since I can’t go back and rewatch and rewrite everything, right? 😛

My shifting tastes in dramas definitely shows in this year’s overview.

As I did last year, I did my best to balance my desire to follow my heart and just watch what I wanted to watch, with taking suggestions into account, and giving at least some attention to drama buzz.

As a result, I’ve found myself enjoying some shows that I never expected to enjoy, and I’ve also found myself feeling unable to love a show that everyone else seemed to love.

So what works for me, might not work for you, and vice versa. And given that we’re all evolving on our drama journeys, one day, what works for me, just might work for you, and vice versa, too. 😉

Spoiler: I feel like I had a pretty good drama year.

THE ONES WORTH MAKING TIME FOR

This first section is where I highlight the dramas that really grabbed me and sucked me in, and made me wait with bated breath till the next episode, and then made me wish there were more episodes, when there were no more episodes, because I’d already reached the final credits.

A show only ever gets its foot in this section, if it manages to achieve that.

I’m fully aware that some of the shows in this section were not universally loved by others, but I did genuinely love these dramas, and hope that perhaps you will too.

As always, I will be including dramas that started last year, but ended this year, in this post. It has always made more sense to me, to judge a drama only after it’s finished its run. It’s only fair, I think.

SKY Castle

Twisty, dysfunctional, and disturbing (in no small part because the premise hits rather too close to home for comfort), Show is a hyperbolic, satirical, polished take on the very real social issue of parents hothousing their children in a bid to get ahead of the proverbial Joneses.

The toll this takes on children and parents alike is examined via the journeys of our wide cast of characters, brought to life by a very competent ensemble of actors. I thought the ending could’ve been stronger, but overall, Show is a compelling, thought-provoking watch.

Grade: A

Review: here.

The Crowned Clown

I found this one to be an intense, strong, and solid story, acted by a very capable cast. Yeo Jin Goo steals the show as both king and his doppelgänger clown, and showcases an incredibly nuanced acting range, while he’s at it.

The forbidden romance blossoming between the Queen and the clown adds a sweet touch to our narrative, but our clown’s journey, as he grows into his new royal shoes, is the true focus of the story.

Grade: A

Review: here.

Romance is a Bonus Book

Packaged in shiny rom-com colors, this one is, at its heart, a lovely story of personal journey featuring a mature female lead, who not only finds her lost mojo, but gains a sweet boyfriend, as a bonus.

Thoughtfully written, it feels like our characters are handled with tender loving care, with attentive consideration given to each of their inner journeys, and the thoughts, emotions and milestones along the way. Poignant, heartfelt, and sweet.

Grade: A

Review: here.

The Light in Your Eyes (Dazzling)

Quirky and refreshing, and at the same time, beautiful and bittersweet, I found this a very special drama indeed. I think it’s best not to know too much about the story going in, and just trust Show to unfold its story at its own pace.

This show made my heart feel full, and broken, and everything in-between, and made me cry real, guttural tears, and I have absolutely no regrets. I’d do it all over again.

Grade: A

Flash Review: here.

Search: WWW

Gloriously women-centric and audacious, Show is unabashed in celebrating our three very capable heroines, who each feel flawed, eccentric, passionate and real, in their own ways.

Each loveline is perfectly matched, and so different in tone, that it never feels like we’re being served more of the same.

This show didn’t just sneak under my skin; it made me feel empowered as well. What a gem.

Grade: A

Review: here.

Be Melodramatic

Even though Show is quirky and sometimes outright wacky on the surface, it proves that it also possesses an inner core that is refreshing, heartwarming, thought-provoking, and ultimately uplifting.

Every character’s journey is treated with respect, even amid the oddball, off-the-wall humor, and that’s some serious skillz. I loved this ensemble cast, and would watch more episodes of them navigating life together, in a heartbeat.

Grade: A-

Review: here.

SOLID WATCHES I’D RECOMMEND

When The Devil Calls Your Name OST – 나의 노래

KOREA

Her Private Life

A polished rom-com vehicle that lives and dies by the combined charm of its OTP, which, happily, is Quite Something to contend with. Kim Jae Wook is great as Perfect Boyfriend Ryan Gold, and Park Min Young is charming as our story’s super fangirl.

Tropes abound, and I didn’t jive with some of Show’s humor, but the excellent OTP chemistry, and the remarkably healthy OTP conversations and interactions, had me consistently coming back for more.

Grade: B++

Review: here.

One Spring Night

Basically, it felt like the makers of this show took everything I disliked about Something in the Rain, and fixed it, in this story.

Show might feel slow to some, but I really enjoyed the healthy OTP conversations, and the efforts of our primary characters, to grow into better versions of themselves, not because that growth would help them achieve an end romantic goal, but because they each believed it was the right thing to do.

Refreshing and satisfying, if you can jive with Show’s leisurely pace.

Grade: B++

Review: here.

My Country

A healthy amount of suspension of disbelief is required, particularly in Show’s later stretch, but Show is so polished, so emotionally engaging, and so stirring, that I couldn’t help but forgive Show its missteps.

The central star-crossed bromance is well-supported by excellent performances by Yang Se Jong and Woo Do Hwan (this is literally the best I’ve seen from each of them, to date), but it’s Jang Hyuk who steals the show with his compelling, can’t-look-away portrayal of Yi Bang Won.

Grade: B++

Review: here.

Touch Your Heart (Reach of Sincerity)

Heartfelt, cute and sweet, this show is an easy watch for when you just need a frothy rom-com to unwind to.

Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na make a charming pair, and for fans of Goblin, this Reaper-Sunny reunion is a great way to mentally continue their romance. If all you’re in the mood for is something light and feel-good, this could be just the thing.

Grade: B+

Review: here.

Designated Survivor: 60 Days

A political story that’s told with heart, I found Show to be engaging, intriguing, and uplifting, even though I’m a self-confessed politics noob.

Ji Jin Hee is fantastic as our titular Designated Survivor, and his journey towards growing more confident and comfortable in his new presidential shoes, is heartwarming to witness.

The writing can be weak in spots, and I personally found Show’s ending to be on the underwhelming end of the scale, but I still found it well worth the watch.

Grade: B+

Flash Review: here.

When The Devil Calls Your Name

Because Show dances to its own narrative rhythm, it can feel a bit disorienting, but Show manages to tell a solid story, while keeping its mythology reasonably intact. Jung Kyung Ho and Park Sung Woong make a wonderfully sparky pair, and it was a delight seeing them reunite in this drama.

The music in this feels a little extra special, with music written specifically to align with Show’s narrative milestones, and performed for real, for the most part, by the actors themselves.

Even though it’s peppered with regular spots of funny, Show shines the most when it’s being poignant and laying its heart bare.

Grade: B+

Flash Review: here.

The Tale of Nokdu

Fresh and cute to start, with lots of cross-dressing hijinks, Show takes a more serious turn in its second half, leaning closer towards more standard sageuk fare to do with court machinations and politics.

Importantly, Show never loses its warm, emotional core, so it’s not hard to stick with our characters in the second half.

Kim So Hyun is excellent as always, but it’s Jang Dong Yoon who shines extra as our cross-dressing Nokdu, displaying an impressive acting range that I didn’t know he was capable of.

Grade: B

Review: here.

CHINA

Put Your Head On My Shoulder

Show can feel meandering with its slice-of-life approach, and often uses convenient connect-the-dots writing to get our OTP from milestone to milestone, but this OTP is cute enough to make it worth the while.

It’s tropey, yes, but because our cold genius falls for the warm girl first, and falls hard, it’s amusing and gratifying to see him flounder in unfamiliar romantic territory, while trying (so earnestly!) to win our warm girl’s heart. Fun times.

Grade: B++

Review: here.

The Story of Minglan

Show can feel intimidating at 73 episodes, and the slice-of-life approach can make our story feel slow, but these characters grew on me, in spite of my reservations, and I ended up enjoying this one quite well indeed.

Zhao Liying is rather wonderful as our titular Minglan, and it was gratifying to see her come into her own, from an overly cautious, beaten-down young girl, to a strong, wise and shrewd woman.

Our story leans political and dramatic in the later episodes, but Show manages to deliver an ending that feels heartfelt and satisfying, and overall worthwhile.

Grade: B+

Flash Review: here.

OKAY, IF IT’S YOUR STYLE / YOU CAN SPARE THE TIME

KOREA

Memories of Alhambra

A fair amount of lens adjustment is necessary, but I found Show a more solid and enjoyable watch because of said lens adjustments.

Yes, Park Shin Hye is horribly under-utilized, her character cries wayyy too much, and the romance between her and Hyun Bin is quite pointless, but if you can think of this as just one (not necessarily likable) man’s adventure-quest journey, Show’s not too bad of a watch.

Grade: B+

Flash Review: here.

The Last Empress (An Empress’s Dignity)

A veritable makjang-fest that makes the classic kimchi slap seem old hat and pedestrian. At its best, Show was delicious makjang ridiculousness that you could eat with a spoon – in each hand. Ha.

Unfortunately, Show’s extension resulted in a late stretch that felt like it was stalling for time. I also sometimes didn’t do so well with Show’s idea of entertainment. An absolutely insane ride that would’ve been so much better, if it’d been shorter.

Grade: B

Flash Review: here.

Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung

A fusion sageuk that stands out for its strong message of female empowerment.

Yes, there’s a picture-perfect romance thrown in there for good measure, but the main focus of our story, was always Goo Hae Ryung’s personal journey to find purpose and personal agency in a male-dominated, patriarchal world.

I didn’t jive with Show’s idea of funny much, and I thought the writing was uneven in spots, but this remains one of my favorite outings of Shin Se Kyung’s; she makes Hae Ryung feel likable and relatable, even in her flaws and foibles.

Grade: B

Flash Review: here.

Fates and Furies

When Show was good, I loved its theatrical flair, fast pace and immersive music. Joo Sang Wook and Lee Min Jung have solid, sparky chemistry, and Show uses that to its advantage, showcasing a good number of OTP moments right off the bat.

However, on the downside, I grew frustrated with Show’s writing, and our characters didn’t seem very smart at all, after all. Despite Show’s slump in its second half, it does manage to end on a reasonably satisfying note.

Grade: B-

Flash Review: here.

CHINA

The Longest Day in Chang’an

This show is very solid, but it’s not for everyone. Technically brilliant and beautiful to look at, Show is a treat for the eyes, and each episode feels like a movie all on its own. The cast is solid, and Lei Jiayin in particular is just fantastic, as our protagonist Zhang Xiaojing.

However, Show can feel slow and meandering, with a single day spanning 48 episodes. We get multiple tangents into (sometimes very long) flashbacks, which can feel confusing. Most importantly, for me, Show withholds context for far too long, before revealing character motivations.

Show’s ending is also more muted than one might expect, given the suspense-filled narrative. Overall, very solid, but like I said, not for everyone.

Grade: B+

Flash Review: here.

Go Go Squid

The romance is hyped up in this, but Show is really more about our male lead’s personal journey, and his reconciliation with his estranged CTF teammates.

It took me many episodes to figure this out, however, and in the meantime, I struggled to wrap my brain around the overly cutesy treatment of the female lead (and her very ugly wardrobe), and the odd writing around the OTP.

There’s really very little foundation for this OTP that’s supposed to be so in love, so that made all the OTP moments land rather flat, for me. On the upside, the OTP dynamics lean healthier than most I’ve seen in modern C-romcoms, so overall, with the right lens, it’s not bad?

Grade: B

Flash Review: here.

SHOWS WHICH FEEL SOLID, BUT WHICH I JUST DIDN’T FINISH

Search WWW OST – 향기 (Sam Kim)

He is Psychometric

I found Show’s premise rather interesting, and I found Jin Young very endearing as the rather dim, very earnest Lee An.

I found Jin Young’s delivery of Lee An’s more difficult periods especially impressive; that glassiness in the eyes of a troubled, raging, painfully lonely kid is so different from the guileless warmth that we see when we first meet him. Nicely done.

However, 5 episodes in, I got distracted by other, newer, shinier shows that grabbed me more, and just.. fell off the wagon, with this one.

From what I could tell, this one felt like a potential B or B+.

SHOWS THAT I LOST INTEREST IN, SOMEHOW

KOREA

Dae Jang Geum is Watching

On the upside, I was tickled by the concept, that Dae Jang Geum’s descendants have her food superpowers split among them, and we get to watch them grapple with said “powers” as they try to live normal lives and love food.

I like the food tangents, even though they don’t grab me as much as the ones in Let’s Eat.

On the downside, this show’s definitely got a B-production sort of quality to it. The comedy is also a little broad, but not so OTT that it rubs me the wrong way. I don’t mind the various individual arcs but they feel unnecessarily protracted.

I also wish episodes were shorter. Half the length would be ideal.

I wandered off from this after just 1 episode, and didn’t have the urge to go back.

From what I saw, I’d say this felt like a potential C+.

Wind-bell

I’d heard that this was cute, but I was quickly turned off by our very rude female lead. Our female lead seems overly exasperated and rude to the author that she’s supposed to work with.

Even taking into account her frustration with her boss, the way she treats the writer – someone who’s supposed to be a client – is really rude. She shouts at him, gives him attitude, and says snide things to his face. Seriously, who does that? She ought to be fired.

I got just 2 episodes into this one, and.. never thought to go back.

From what I saw, I’d say this felt like a potential C.

CHINA

Love and Destiny

I like Chang Chen and Ni Ni in this, and I’m even quite happy with their characterization. I also enjoyed a number of OTP scenes. I guess I must not be in the mood for xianxia, though, because I felt increasingly bored by all the fantasy elements and all the groundwork covering said fantasy elements.

I also found the plasticky white armor that everyone wore unappealing and unhelpful. It wasn’t just aesthetically lacking, it made everyone look so similar that I got confused over who was who, a lot of the time.

I got 6 episodes in before unintentionally shelving this one, and haven’t had the urge to go back – yet?

From what I could tell, this looked like a potential B.

Edit: Dropped post is here.

A Little Thing Called First Love

This was recommended to me as something really cute and endearing, but I must be over stories about the socially awkward plain shy girl nursing a crush on a good-looking, popular, good-at-everything boy, and being transformed in the process, coz 1 episode of this is all I could take.

The secondhand embarrassment is rather strong in this one as well, which didn’t help.

How many tropes can I recall from E1? Plain Jane who’s just too nice to everyone, a sassy younger sister who bosses her around, awkward meet-cute, mistaken identity, school bag switcheroo, an angsty second male lead with hidden pain.

I feel somewhat fatigued by this set-up which feels too familiar to feel fresh, to my eyes.

I think it also doesn’t help that I watched the Thai movie that this was based on, and I came away not loving that as much as everyone else too.

From the little that I watched, I’d say this felt like a potential C+ or B-.

ACTIVELY AVOID, IF YOU DRAMA TASTE IS LIKE MINE

KOREA 

Boyfriend (Encounter)

Show wanted to serve up a dreamy romance, but I never bought into the OTP chemistry, and I struggled with the OTP operating on rom-com type expectations, when they were written into a world with real-world type consequences.

I can’t get behind the idea of a boss romancing her employee and using her position of power for romantic advantages, unless the show itself is a rom-com fairytale, and this simply isn’t that. I know lots of folks loved this one, but this one just didn’t work for me.

Dropped post: here.

Clean With Passion For Now

Just an update on this show’s blurb in my 2018 year-in-review: I never did go back to this one.

The toilet and vomit humor was too strong for my taste, and no amount of Kim Yoo Jung cute could entice me to continue this one, unfortunately.

My Absolute Boyfriend

I thought the concept of the show was promising, but I found the execution rather flat, and I failed to see any chemistry among our three main leads.

Maybe Zero Nine becomes more compelling in later episodes, but I found the robot designed to be the perfect boyfriend quite boring, since he was only operating according to his programming, for the time that he was on my screen.

I also found Da Da too much of a pushover, and ex-boyfriend Ma Wang Joon just as boring as the robot – if not more so.

I lasted just 10 episodes with this one.

Dropped post: here.

Abyss

I dropped out just 1 episode into this one. The fantasy construct seemed really weird to me, and I couldn’t get into the story of Ahn Hyo Seop’s character dying “ugly and losery” and coming back to life as a handsome guy and trying to convince his mom that he’s her son’s college friend.

It felt quite all over the place to my eyes, and I couldn’t get into it.

Kill It

I thought the premise was a little odd, but I was curious to see Jang Ki Yong play a skilled assassin. I only got 1 episode into this show, though.

I was slightly bemused but still intrigued by the idea of Jang Ki Yong’s character Soo Hyun being raised by an assassin who later develops Alzheimer’s, and who therefore attacks Jang Ki Yong on sight, because he doesn’t remember that this is his foster kid who lives in the same house. Rather intriguing, yes?

What I didn’t like, though, was the characterization of the female lead. The way she grabbed the syringe from Soo Hyun and aimed it at the injured fawn without even asking, or even saying anything, for that matter, and then expecting Soo Hyun to respond with gratitude or an apology, is kind of too much, I thought. Presumptuous, much?

I never made it back after episode 1, for lack of personal interest.

Angel’s Last Mission: Love

Shin Hye Sun is fantastic in this, but L is just ok. The OTP connection is quite nice in concept, but I didn’t feel a great deal of OTP chemistry, so that worked out to neutral. Also, all the ballet stuff is taken Way Too Seriously.

The scheming relatives (would you kill, for ballet??) and the weird, unclear mythology just got too much for me, and the logic lapses didn’t help either. I dropped out 16 episodes in.

Dropped post: here.

Mother Of Mine (My Prettiest Daughter in the World)

I jumped on this one thinking that it would be a warm story of Mom and her three daughters, and I was also drawn to the hidden chaebol arc, where secret chaebol heir Hong Jong Hyun goes to work incognito as an ordinary intern, and ends up falling for his prickly supervisor Kim So Yeon.

BUT. The noona romance was better in concept than in execution.

I kept trying to convince myself that the OTP moments were cute and melty, but the lack of OTP chemistry meant that they really weren’t that cute or melty. The other arcs were similarly underwhelming. I enjoyed my watch less and less, as I got deeper in the show.

I foolishly lasted 68 episodes of this one.

Also. Just so you know, word on the street is that Show becomes Full! Of! Angst! by its later stretch.

Dropped post: here.

Extraordinary You

I loved Show’s premise, which I found fun and fresh, but the shine wore off after a while, and everything just didn’t feel so novel anymore.

I didn’t buy into the main loveline, which is supposed to be really Deep and Fated, and worse, Show seemed to serve up more questions than it was planning to answer.

I tried to finish this, just to get to the end, but I just.. couldn’t do it. I lasted 28 episodes of this.

Dropped post: here.

CHINA

Well Intended Love

I finished this one, but I’ll still warn anyone who’ll listen, that this one should be actively avoided, if your drama taste is anything like mine. The OTP romance is set up very weirdly and clunkily, and the Intended Funny was so cringey.

Show is then mildly cute for a while, until Show does a Terrible Reveal in episode 10, which negates all – and I mean ALL – of the sweet. And even if you get past that, Show is just full of filler and cycles in place a whole lot, before reaching its pretty underwhelming conclusion. Meh.

Grade: C+

Flash Review: here.

TAIWAN

Before We Get Married

There was lots of buzz on this one, but I’m convinced that if your drama taste is similar to mine, that you’d be happy to avoid this one.

I’m honestly quite disturbed by the set-up. I knew that this would be a story about inappropriate attraction and that this story’s so-called lead couple would likely be unfaithful to their partners.

But, I wasn’t prepared for the general debauchery of it all, or the rapey vibe of the supposed OTP’s almost-encounter in episode 1. I think it’s supposed to be tantalizing, but it really is very disturbing behavior.

[SPOILER ALERT]

He handcuffs her to the bed against her will – I think that’s already a big cause for alarm bells.

And we haven’t even talked about how they basically bet on a claw machine outcome, of whether she would spend the night with him.

And this thing about him picking a woman in the room to spend the night with, smacks too much of the Burning Sun scandal in Korea to be at all comfortable to watch.

[END SPOILER]

I also felt like all the so-called edgy cool people (the male lead, and the female lead’s promiscuous best friend) came across as rather try-hard.

I finished episode 1 thinking, “How does a show manage to be lame AND rapey-disturbing at the same time?”

I hear that if you wait a couple more episodes, that it gets better, but for a show that’s only 13 episodes long, that’s a pretty big ask, in my books.

JURY’S STILL OUT

KOREA 

At Eighteen (A Moment At Eighteen)

I thought that I was possibly over high-school dramas since I didn’t take to Extraordinary You, but I immediately found this drama engaging and rather thought-provoking.

The characters feel real and layered and interesting, and the struggles they face feel real too.

Most importantly, the feelings feel real, and that’s probably why I feel the feelings too, as I watch. That’s precious.

I’m just 3 episodes in, but so far, this feels like a potential B++.

Edit: Review is here!

When The Camellia Blooms

I was initially put off by the idea of yet another romance laced with murder, but this is turning out to be a heartwarming watch. You guys are right. The serial killer thing isn’t too heavy-handed, and the community and relationship focus kinda-sorta reminds me of the Answer Me series.

Gong Hyo Jin is solid as always, but Kang Ha Neul is quite a revelation as the super earnest, slightly socially awkward, very forthright and very dorky male lead Yong Shik. So far, I’m loving the honest conversations shared by our OTP, and the emphasis on empowerment and respect.

18 episodes in, this feels like a potential B+ or B++.

Edit: Flash Review is here.

Graceful Family

I feel conflicted about this show. Everyone says that this is makjang done right, but I think I like the concept more than the execution. I think it would work a lot better if Show hammed it up more (like An Empress’s Dignity), instead of taking itself seriously.

It doesn’t help that the acting of our leads is just ok so far, and that I find the writing rather lacking in spots. I’m planning to try to wear a heavily ironic lens with this one, and see if that helps.

6 episodes in, this feels like a potential B-.

UPDATE: Dropped post is here.

Hotel Del Luna

I haven’t properly enjoyed a Hong sisters’ drama in a while, so I thought I’d give this a pass. But, I’m pleasantly surprised that I like it more than I thought I would.

The production values are high, everything looks polished, and IU’s killing it as the jaded, mysterious, somewhat temperamental owner of the hotel.

On the downside, I’m not feeling any OTP chemistry, and I have a niggling dissatisfaction with the cohesiveness of the writing. Hopefully Show improves as I go.

5 episodes in, this feels like a potential B or B+.

Edit: Review is here.

CHINA

Le Coup de Foudre

I started on this one because lots of you mentioned this in the same sentence as Answer Me 1988, which I love. So far, the watch has been a little uneven for me. Sometimes I feel rather meh at an episode, and sometimes, I really like an episode.

I don’t jive so well with Show’s idea of funny, and I feel like our female lead’s shy hesitance almost always translates into mumbled, slowly uttered words, which is getting a little old for me. Show generally feels slow too, thanks to its slice-of-life approach.

But, I do like some of the themed episodes, where relationships among our characters get the spotlight.

10 episodes in, this feels like a potential B or B+.

2019/2020 SHOWS STILL ON MY LIST

History has proven that I typically don’t do that well in terms of actually watching the stuff that’s in this section, coz there’s always something newer and shinier on the horizon. But, for the record, these are the 2019/2020 dramas that I’d like to check out.

KOREA 

VIP I’ve heard that this one is very good, and focuses a lot on the female characters and their stories and relationships. I’ve also heard this one can be depressing. Let’s see.

Edit: Flash Review is here.

My First First Love This one sounds cute and sweet. I’d planned to check it out after the second season was released, but just never got around to it.

No Second Chances (Never Twice) I’ve heard lots of good things about this one, and it sounds potentially warm and sweet. It’s been a while since I’ve watched a warm family drama, so this sounds like a possible fit.

Chief Of Staff Since I liked Designated Survivor: 60 Days, I thought I’d give another political story a try, and this one has a good reputation.

The Nokdu Flower A number of you have called this a masterpiece, which makes me curious. No promises that I’ll finish this, but I’ll give it a toe-dip, just to see.

Black Dog Ra Mi Ran and Seo Hyun Jin? Yes, please.

Crash Landing on You I’ve heard this is utterly ridiculous, and that it’s also very entertaining. I’m not quite a fan of Son Ye Jin, but this does sound potentially fun.

Edit: Review is here!

Diary of a Prosecutor Lee Sun Gyun and Jung Ryeo Won in a slice-of-life drama? That sounds promising.

CHINA

The Untamed So many of you have requested that I check this out, that I’ve put it on this list. My sister is convinced I’ll hate it, and I haven’t made it past the opening credits, plus I find myself in a xianxia rut, but I do want to at least give this one a fair chance.

The King’s Avatar I’ve heard this one’s really quite solid for the gaming and team dynamics storylines.

Joy of Life There’s so much good buzz about this one, and how it’s fresh and funny, that my interest is duly piqued.

Royal Nirvana I’ve heard that this is quite excellent, so I’m curious to give this a go.

Wait, My Youth Retro youth dramas are my kryptonite, so I can’t resist at least giving this a try.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Woah. I.. talked about 41 dramas this year, which is a little less than last year’s 45, but it’s still enough that I wonder whether I need an intervention, heh.

I’ve had fewer drama hours to spend this year, coz I’ve been spending more time on stuff like working out and getting stronger, and that all takes time.

So I’ve also been slightly more ruthless on the dropping front, which is why you probably noticed that I bailed after just one episode, with several dramas. It’s my way of attaining some kind of balance, so that I can keep doing health and fitness stuff, and not miss too much, on the drama front.

Thanks for another great year, you guys. I truly appreciate your support, encouragement and company. Here’s to an even better 2020 for us all.

May 2020 bring us good health, happiness, and all them drama feels. ❤️