Announcement: Upcoming Group Watches!

Thanks to everyone who voted in the poll; 482 votes were cast by 186 voters, and Healer came out on top, with 74 votes! Looks like I finally have an excuse to watch Healer – for the third time! 😁

Based on the votes cast, and in the interest of creating a balanced Group Watch menu where there ought to be a little something for everyone, I’ve mapped out 2 People’s Choice and 3 Editor’s Choice group watches.

I really hope you guys like what’s on the schedule, going forward!

An Overview

Essentially, I decided that we’d plan for two People’s Choice group watches instead of one, based on the results of this latest poll.

In first place, we have Healer, with 74 votes, followed by Heard It Through The Grapevine, with 62 votes. With Grapevine being a longer show at 30 episodes, we will need a total of 3 Editor’s Choice group watches, to partner with these two People’s Choice group watches.

In the sections below, I outline for each show, the schedule, availability and reasons to watch. If you know of other streaming sources that I haven’t mentioned, or if you’re passionate about the shows and want to help stir up some excitement for them to draw in more group watchers, feel free to share in the comments below!

I hope that this way, everyone will be able to find at least one group watch that you’d like to join. Of course, join all of ’em, if you’d like – that’s what I’ll be doing. 😉

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PEOPLE’S CHOICE 1: Healer

Schedule: Wednesdays, starting 16 February 2022. Posts will go live at 8:00am, my time (GMT+8).

Romance: Yes.

Commitment: 20 episodes. 2 eps a week = 10 weeks.

In other words: We will discuss E1&2 next Wednesday, 16 February 2022.

Availability: Available for free on iQIYI and on Viu. Also available on Viki with Viki Pass, or for free on Kocowa.

Why you should watch:

This show is one of my all-time favorites. This one’s got romance, action, melodrama; a bit of something for everyone. Plus, y’all know I just can’t help swooning, every time Healer casually parkours off a building. 🤩

Review is here.

Trailer:

Healer Open Threads:

I’ll be linking the Open Threads here, for easy reference. You’ll also be able to find the Open Thread links on my Full List page and on my brand new Group Watches page.

E1&2 | E3&4 | E5&6 | E7&8 | E9&10 | E11&12 | E13&14 | E15&16 | E17&18 | E19&20


PEOPLE’S CHOICE 2: Heard It Through The Grapevine

Schedule: Wednesdays, starting 4 May 2022. Posts will go live at 8:00am, my time (GMT+8).

Romance: Yes (I think).

Commitment: 30 episodes. 2 eps a week = 15 weeks.

In other words: We will discuss E1&2 on Wednesday, 4 May 2022, after we complete our Healer group watch.

Availability: Available on Viki with Viki Pass, and for free on Kocowa.

Why you should watch:

Eda and Beez both love the show, and feel it would make for a great group watch discussion.

As I understand it, it’s a bit of a social satire / black comedy sort of thing, and is an underrated gem brought to us by PD Ahn Pan Seok, who also gave us the amazing Secret Love Affair. I’m actually pretty curious to see this one; it’s been on my list for years. Plus, Lee Joon and Go Ah Sung are both excellent actors, so that’s a definite plus.

Trailer:

Heard It Through The Grapevine Open Threads:

I’ll make another announcement when we’re about to start on this group watch, and I’ll link the Open Thread posts there, as well as on the Full List page and on my brand new Group Watches page.


EDITOR’S CHOICE 1: Signal

Schedule: Saturdays, starting 19 February 2022. Posts will go live at 8:00am, my time (GMT+8).

Romance: No.

Commitment: 16 episodes. 2 eps per week = 8 weeks.

In other words: We will discuss E1&2 next Saturday, 19 February 2022.

Availability: Available on iQIYIVikiWeTV and Netflix.

Why you should watch: 

I’ve heard so many good things about this one, but never managed to get past episode 4, because I’d found the serial killing rather hard to watch. But, enough time has passed now, that I think I’d be up to give this another try.

Trailer:

Signal Open Threads:

I’ll be linking the Open Threads here, for easy reference. You’ll also be able to find the Open Thread links on my Full List page and on my brand new Group Watches page.

E1&2 | E3&4 | E5&6 | E7&8 | E9&10 | E11&12 | E13&14 | E15&16


EDITOR’S CHOICE 2: Queen In-hyun’s Man

Schedule: Saturdays, starting 23 April 2022. Posts will go live at 8:00am, my time (GMT+8).

Romance: Yes.

Commitment: 16 episodes. 2 eps a week = 8 weeks.

In other words: We will discuss E1&2 on Saturday, 23 April 2022, after we finish our watch of Signal.

Availability: Available on iQIYI and Amazon Prime.

Why you should watch: 

I did love this when I watched it, back when it aired in 2012. Yoo In Na is adorable in this, and Ji Hyun Woo is our really nice, decent, intelligent male lead, who time travels from Joseon, to meet his fated lady love. My quick review is here.

Bonus factoid: Ji Hyun Woo fell for Yoo In Na for real, while filming this drama, and made a public love confession after the show wrapped, just before enlisting for military service. The buzz around this was HUGE. The two did date for a season, but ended up breaking up eventually, which is too bad. The point is, though, the smitten gazes that Ji Hyun Woo wears in this show, are real.

Trailer:

Queen In-hyun Man Open Threads:

I’ll make another announcement when we’re about to start on this group watch, and I’ll link the Open Thread posts there, as well as on the Full List page and on my brand new Group Watches page.


EDITOR’S CHOICE 3: Autumn’s Concerto [Taiwan]

Schedule: Saturdays, starting 25 June 2022. Posts will go live at 8:00am, my time (GMT+8).

Romance: Yes.

Commitment: 34 episodes of 40 minutes each. 3 eps a week = 11 weeks.

In other words: We will discuss E1-3 on Saturday, 25 June 2022, after we finish our watch of Queen In-hyun’s Man.

Availability: Available on Netflix and Viki.

Why you should watch: 

In the spirit of adding some retro flavor to the mix, and also, because Ele had expressed that a Taiwanese show would be nice to have, I’m adding 2009 Taiwanese drama Autumn’s Concerto to the mix.

It’s a much loved classic for Taiwanese drama fans, much like how Coffee Prince is a much loved classic among kdrama fans. I haven’t seen this one myself, but have been curious to check it out, because it’s considered so iconic.

Plus, it’s actually quite hard to find good, subbed Taiwanese dramas on our various legal streaming platforms, so this feels quite serendipitous, that it’s available on both Netflix and Viki.

Trailer:

Autumn’s Concerto Open Threads:

I’ll make another announcement when we’re about to start on this group watch, and I’ll link the Open Thread posts there, as well as on the Full List page and on my brand new Group Watches page.


In closing

..That’s about it, really! Now that we’ve got our group watch shows selected, please go forth and enjoy your first couple of episodes – and remember to tune in for the Open Thread posts, going live next week! ❤️

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manukajoe
manukajoe
1 year ago

Hey where can I watch Queen In Hyun’s Man? Does anyone know if Prime Video has it in the Pacific (I know it has it in USA but they have a stupid system where you have to pay up before you can view their catalogue).

manukajoe
manukajoe
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I can’t see it on Viki or IQiyi. Asian Crush has it but it seems you need a USA or Canada credit card/address. Hmmm.

manukajoe
manukajoe
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Ugh this VPN thing is too difficult, it’s not working on my PC, I’ve spent an hour getting nowhere. Frustrating.

manukajoe
manukajoe
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Wow so annoying. Eventually it worked, I don’t know why, I think I had to clear all the cache on Chrome and also change some location settings on Chrome. Anyway Ep 2 successfully watched.

Su San
Su San
1 year ago

Once again, THANKS for this list. As a newbie, I questioned KFG about what it like to re-watch a favorite drama. I LOVE the idea of the community watch and reading about the things that are picked up during a re-watch.

AND….when I watch a drama on my own, I follow the recaps from the rewatch than read the reviews after I’ve completed my watch. This is really enjoyable.

See you over on Healer the Queen In-Hun!

Kay
Kay
1 year ago

Lots of interesting shows on the list! Healer and Signal are on my short list of top dramas. Both are amazing in their own way 🙂

CP
CP
1 year ago

Wow never thought I’d see Autumn’s Concerto on this list! Definitely a classic and one of my all-time favourites – in fact I was just planning a re-watch, but might hold out to watch with you.

mon mor
mon mor
1 year ago
Reply to  CP

Me too!

Martina Conte
Martina Conte
1 year ago

wow i’ll watch Healer with you…. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Gloglo
Gloglo
1 year ago

So excited to rewatch, healer!! 🥰

PP
PP
1 year ago

KFG, will there be spoiler threads created separately for both Healer and Signal during our group watch? Between the 2, I have completed only 1 of the shows and I liked the idea, introduced during our My Mister group watch.

Snow Flower
Snow Flower
1 year ago

Ah, poor Gaksital… I guess I will re-watch it on my own. But this list has exciting titles as well. I am curious about Grapevine, and Queen In Hyun is always a welcome re-watch.

Leslie
Leslie
1 year ago
Reply to  Snow Flower

@Snow Flower – I was hoping Gaksital would be a winner. I started watching it a bit ago and stalled, because it’s a different kind of drama experience… I think it would be a good one to watch in a group and with KFG’s guidance. I’ll see if I can go it alone.

Timescout
1 year ago

Nice selection! There’s bit of something for everyone.

I’m one of probably handful of people who didn’t fall under the spell of Healer. 😆 I loved Grapevine though and if stars align right I’ll be watching it with you guys. It will be my third time but enough time has passed for it to be a somewhat fresh take again.

Ele Nash
1 year ago

Ooh, gosh, classics there! I think you’ll like Signal. I’m super-sensitive to grisly murders but the high-concept of Signal and the acting really got me past the scary – though don’t think I could watch it again. I may not rewatch Healer either – am undecided as I can remember it all quite well, having only watched it last year. It is so good, though!
I will hold out on watching Autumn Concerto until the group watch! Thank you for including it 🥰 And I’ve not seen Heard it through the Grapevine or Queen In-hyun’s Man so will definitely join in those group watches.
Guess I’m free now to continue with Romance is a Bonus Book solo 😊
Thank you for organising, kfangurl! See you all on the comments! xx

Natalia
Natalia
1 year ago

I can’t believe we have actually got ourselves a schedule up until August! I hope that life will allow me to at least tune in for the lovely Yoo In Na. And I will occasionally show up to see what ‘s going on with Healer and Signal, both shows I liked pretty well. Happy watch, everyone!

MC
MC
1 year ago

Nice! I’ll try to join – been in a drama slump (the horrors!) and work stress for a while so I don’t know if I can keep to my commitment. But I’ll try to do the Signal watch!

pika13
pika13
1 year ago

yaaaassss…its time to rewatch healer and signal!!!

i really want to watch Heard It Through The Grapevine Open but i dont hv access to viki and kocowa. Pls let me know if there are other option.

And tbh, after i saw no of episode (30ep 🤯)..idk if i can finish it lol. Currently im struggle to finish all drama on my list.

I still havent watch finale of Hosplay 2, homcha, happiness and last 2 ep of bad and crazy. I love all this drama but i just cant watch the finale 😅😅😅. Do any of u having the same trouble as me?

Natalia
Natalia
1 year ago
Reply to  pika13

Yes! I have 3 more episodes of Bad and Crazy and the last episode of Taxi Driver patiently waiting for me…

beez
1 year ago

I couldn’t be happier! Now I’ve just got to organize my watching habits and find a way to keep up with everyone’s comments!

phl1rxd
phl1rxd
1 year ago
Reply to  beez

@Beez – looking forward to it!

beez
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

– Well waiting on me to organize my thoughts/life schedule… out of concern for you, phl1rxd – don’t wait for it. 😆

phl1rxd
phl1rxd
1 year ago
Reply to  beez

🤣😂😅😃😆

eda harris
eda harris
1 year ago
Reply to  beez

@beez – there is a long time to the actual watching of grapevine, you’ll have enough time to organize all you need (we never finish organizing EVERYTHING in life, just do your best). anyway, wasn’t it our desire and project to have this drama for a group watch? wasn’t our idea to be able to discuss it (discussing means all of us and YOU)- i am definitely excited and waiting for you here (no “nos” accepted). see ya.

beez
1 year ago
Reply to  eda harris

@eda – haha! I think knows me well enough to know that I didn’t mean I wouldn’t be commenting but that the point is I’ll never be organized! 😆

eda harris
eda harris
1 year ago
Reply to  beez

@beez – no worries, so am i.

beez
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

@KFG – I’m definitely on board! As for Grapevine, I’m hoping to glean more information from everyone else’s thoughts because there’s so much strange (I believe cultural) behavior that I often thought the subtitles weren’t explanatory enough (I watched it on Drama Fever and you know how they could boil down a subtitle into a bare bones “gist”). Despite the lacking in the translations, I still loved it and can’t wait to see what everyone else thinks is going on. I’m also looking forward to better subtitles (although these won’t be Viki detailed subs with their helpful parentheticals, but rather subs provided by Kocowa).

j3ffc
j3ffc
1 year ago

What an interesting set of choices…and a lot of forward planning! I’ve seen none of these (save 1 hour of Signal) so this will be fun. (Not gonna lie, though, I was sorta pulling for Romance Be a Bonus Book, but it’s a diverse group notwithstanding.)

It will be an honor to watch Healer, one of kfangurl’s faves, along with the founder of our feast. Hope you see you all on the flipflop.

phl1rxd
phl1rxd
1 year ago
Reply to  j3ffc

– you are going to love QIHM.

j3ffc
j3ffc
1 year ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

Wheeeeee!

seankfletcher
seankfletcher
1 year ago

I can feel the excitement by everyone all the way over here! I probably won’t participate, but if I did, it would be Queen In Hyun’s Man 😊

seankfletcher
seankfletcher
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Well, LT has asked me to watch Squid Game, as she wants to know my thoughts around it, so there could be a chance QIHM will also get a revisit i.e. is to say I am mulling over both shows and what I will do. It’s interesting. The more I think about QIHM, the more scenes I can recall in my mind’s eye – so much more than other shows 🤔

seankfletcher
seankfletcher
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I think I might be weakening a tad 😂🤣😂

JJ
JJ
1 year ago

Exciting List!!! YAY for Healer 🙂 And Woo Hoo for Signal!!! Looking forward to Queen In Hyun’s Man. Not sure if Heard it Through the Grapevine is my speed, but Ill give it a try 🙂

JJ
JJ
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

@KFG – YES for Signal 🙂

Oh exciting that this will be your first time for Grapevine. Fingers crossed you will love it as much as everyone else.

Soooo, have your ever dropped a Show during a Group Watch??!!

JJ
JJ
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

@KFG – Awwww ok! Thanks for letting me know 🙂

Trent
1 year ago

Quite an interesting slate, I feel! Definitely up for a Healer rewatch (can hardly believe it’s been over a year since I watched it the first time). On the fence at the moment for a Signal rewatch (yes, it’s good, but drama hours are limited, after all…).

The other three all look like at least checking out–I’ve heard great things about Queen In-hyun’s Man (which is known as “Queen and I” on Amazon Prime and iQiyi, and is geo-restricted as to the U.S. for iQiyi, looks like…). The other two are good to go (for U.S.) on Viki (and Netflix, for Autumn’s Concerto).

Lyn
Lyn
1 year ago

I am so glad that we will be watching Heard it Though the Grapevine. This will be a second watch for me. It was quite an experience the first time around because I cared so much for the younger characters.

manukajoe
manukajoe
1 year ago

Very nice. I might be up for Grapevine, Signal and Queen In-hyun. By the way, the Autmn’s Cncerto video is showing as “Not available in your region”.

manukajoe
manukajoe
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I’ve tried to watch it twice before but wasn’t hooked. It’s on my Netflix.

Last edited 1 year ago by manukajoe
manukajoe
manukajoe
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Is Signal going to be distressingly violent?

Trent
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

You’ve been working out on Sweet Home, My Name, Beyond Evil, and Hellbound… 😁

Trent
1 year ago
Reply to  manukajoe

My fairly strong recollection is that it’s not a lot of gratuitous, in-your-face violence, so much as tension and suspense, as KFG says. People die and there are bodies, but it’s after the fact of the actual killing, basically.

JJ
JJ
1 year ago
Reply to  Trent

– I agree with Trent & KFG – its more about Suspense and Tension than violence. And yes, its after the fact of the murderers and thats tough to see, but not gratuitous, thankfully. More matter of fact.

JJ
JJ
1 year ago
Reply to  manukajoe

– I am watching it now with a couple people on Patreon on Drama Exchange and I have been fine with it. Have you ever seen the American Criminal Minds? That show is way more gruesome and violent than Signal so far and I cant do the violent ones as I prefer Unicorns and Puppies please 🙂

manukajoe
manukajoe
1 year ago
Reply to  JJ

I watched The Victim’s Game recently, which had suicides.I don’t like it is there’s abuse involved mainly.

eda harris
eda harris
1 year ago
Reply to  manukajoe

yes to violent, troubling violent. and i personally think that it is way overrated. but that’s just me. i was utterly disappointed, especially because it’s by the same director of my mister, but i don’t want to dim the light on it right now.
queen is yummy delicious. and healear and grapevine were my own suggestions, so i am almost in heaven with this selection.
o, and i think you WILL enjoy autumn’s concerto, even that it is not one of my favorites, but still enjoyable watch.

manukajoe
manukajoe
1 year ago
Reply to  eda harris

Thanks eda. At least I can practice my Mandarin. If they stop speaking Taiwanese! The guy is such a class A jerk though it was hard to watch.

eda harris
eda harris
1 year ago
Reply to  manukajoe

little spoiler for autumn’s concerto
well, it’s not all his fault. it’s tough to live with lies.

eda harris
eda harris
1 year ago
Reply to  manukajoe

manukajoe, in terms of practicing mandarin (i envy you!!!). but i also love chinese dramas, especially historical. so i am watching now 2 chinese dramas, which i can recommend to you, if you haven’t seen already – a very old version from 2008, legend of the condor heroes, (my interest is in folklore, legends, culture), but it’s pretty good so far, i am just at the beginning. and it seems like it’s one of those that the chinese are not willing to give up and continue to add more and more of these dramas with the condo heroes. but i started watching it primarily because i missed hu ge on the screen. this is a very young hu ge, and it’s interesting to compare with his more recent work (still good). and the second hu ge drama, a modern one, good time. very easy watching, digestible piece of work. nothing to write home about, but pleasant, kind of a vacation drama (that does not mean bad). but definitely would fit your desire to practice mandarin(i love the sound of this language).

Leslie
Leslie
1 year ago

Wonderful choices, from my perspective, KFG! I’ve only watched one – Healer, finished for the 2nd time a month ago, so I’ll pass this time – but I’ll be joining all of the other group watches. Looking forward to them! 🥳

JJ
JJ
1 year ago
Reply to  Leslie

@Leslie – Hope you join for the Notes on Healer as I always LOVE your commentary 🙂

phl1rxd
phl1rxd
1 year ago
Reply to  JJ

Yes Leslie – you do have some zingers of which I am most appreciative of! 😁😀

phl1rxd
phl1rxd
1 year ago

Fangurl – that is a stellar list. I shed a tear watching Queen In Hyun’s Man!

phl1rxd
phl1rxd
1 year ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Fangurl – It is tissue time and a lot of those tears were tears in sisterhood with Yoo In Ah! What a great classic!!!

beez
1 year ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

– I don’t remember much about Queen In hyn’s man other than it left me with that feel-good feeling, and that one iconic scene, of course. 😘😘😘😘😘🦶

phl1rxd
phl1rxd
1 year ago
Reply to  beez

@Beez – the one that they did not package with the drama? 😂🤣😅 The ones for adults?

beez
1 year ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

– I’m intrigued because I don’t know which one you’re talking about???? I meant

tiny spoiler
the toes on toes kiss
. What are you thinking of?

phl1rxd
phl1rxd
1 year ago
Reply to  beez

@Beez – I was thinking of the un-cut/un-aired ending scene – too hot for daytime TV. I would link to it but it has been shut down on YT. Bummer.😕

beez
1 year ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

Dagnabbit!

eda harris
eda harris
1 year ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

, at least tell us – was it just too sexy or what exactly? can you describe it?(entertain us!)

phl1rxd
phl1rxd
1 year ago
Reply to  eda harris

Ah Beez and Eda – I sincerely 🙏 promise to do so when we get to the last episode as it was basically one of the last scenes shot (if I remember correctly – suffice to say it was at the very end). I do not want to spoil the ending. I will find it as it must still be out there somewhere. I have a lot of reverence for this drama and anything slightly hinting at a spoiler would be sacrilege. 😏 I just could not resist Beez’s comment.

eda harris
eda harris
1 year ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

phl1rxd, please remember your promise, as now i am dying from curiosity.