Thanks to everyone who shared your thoughts on our recent brainstorming post, on what we should watch next, as a community!
As promised, I’ve made a decision based on everyone’s input.
For the curious, I didn’t just take into account folks’ indication of interest (ie, how many people said they would be interested in watching this show).
I actually put more emphasis on what you guys expressed, in terms of your mood and genre preferences, and taking all that into account, it seems to me that The Princess’s Man (first floated by Trent – thanks Trent!) would be a good choice that would appeal to most.
I’ll talk a bit more about why this seems like an all-around good pick, but first, here are the various details that you might need!
Schedule: Saturdays, starting 24 September 2022. Posts will go live at 8:00am, my time (GMT+8).
Romance: Yes.
Commitment: 24 episodes. 2 eps a week = 12 weeks.
In other words: We will discuss E1-2 on Saturday, 24 September 2022.
Availability: Available on Viki with Viki Pass Plus, and on Kocowa.
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Why I picked this show:
The reason I picked this one, is because it feels like a good change of pace from the last two group watches we had, which were a quirky social commentary (Heard It Through The Grapevine) and a retro melodrama (Autumn’s Concerto).
At the same time, it sounded to me like a number of you are in the mood for something romance-centric (hi, MariaF!), as well as something epic (hi, Eda and Ele!).
While Bridal Mask / Gaksital is pretty epic, the romance in it is pretty weak, which is why I felt that The Princess’s Man would have a deeper and wider visceral appeal.
Why you should watch:
This is a pretty sweeping romance in the vein of Romeo and Juliet, and I do love that the writers weave our story around real historical figures, such that it could have plausibly happened, and just not been recorded in history.
That is just the kind of thing to tickle my imagination.
Also, Moon Chae Won and Park Si Hoo put in strong performances as our leads, and I remember feeling suitably immersed and invested in the love story between their characters.
For those concerned about the Romeo and Juliet reference, I can assure you that despite the epic scale of this forbidden love, this one does have (well, slightly) less tragedy built into it.
Last but certainly not least (hi, JJ!), I really enjoyed the pulsing, sweeping music that Show uses as its background score.
Trailer:
The Princess’s Man 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 Group Watches page.
E1&2 | E3&4 | E5&6 | E7&8 | E9&10 | E11&12 | E13&14 | E15&16 | E17&18 | E19&20 | E21&22 | E23&24
In closing
..That’s about it, really! I really hope that you guys are happy with my final pick, which I made as carefully as possible.
Please go forth and enjoy your first couple of episodes – and remember to tune in for the Open Thread posts, going live next Saturday! ❤️
Also, don’t worry if you can’t make it to join the discussion on Saturday itself; these aren’t live watch parties. Often the discussions go on all week, and sometimes beyond!
KFG, you are the ultimate pro -this one seems to cater to most requests and suggestions.
it was not even on my radar, and i was actually ready to start winter begonia that is now available on viki, and i was waiting for it a long time. but i guess, i’ll have to put it on hold, as it might clash with this drama (i had this kind of experience before with TROP and nirvana)
as usual i do not read any comments about a drama that i want to watch, but i do check information extensively, and here what i found (i am posting it here, as it truly impressed me).
the awards – that’s impressive! i am all psyched. take a look:
Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref.
2011 Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards Top Excellence Award, Actress (TV) Moon Chae-won Won [11] KBS Drama Awards Top Excellence Award, Actor Park Si-hoo Won [12] Kim Yeong-cheol Nominated Top Excellence Award, Actress Moon Chae-won Won Excellence Award,
Actor in a Mid-length Drama Park Si-hoo Nominated Lee Min-woo Nominated Excellence Award,
Actress in a Mid-length Drama Moon Chae-won Nominated Hong Soo-hyun Won Best New Actor Song Jong-ho Nominated Best Supporting Actor Kim Roi-ha Nominated Best Young Actor Noh Tae-yeob Nominated Best Young Actress Kim Yoo-bin Nominated Popularity Award, Actor Park Si-hoo Won Popularity Award, Actress Moon Chae-won Won Best Couple Award Park Si-hoo and
Moon Chae-won Won Lee Min-woo and
Hong Soo-hyun Won 2012 Banff World Media Festival Best Soap Opera and Telenovela The Princess’ Man Nominated [13] Asian Television Award Best Drama Series The Princess’ Man Won [14] Baeksang Arts Awards Best Drama The Princess’ Man Nominated [15] Best TV Actor Park Si-hoo Nominated Best TV Actress Moon Chae-won Nominated Best TV Director Kim Jung-min
Park Hyun-suk Won Seoul International Drama Awards Golden Bird Prize for Series Drama The Princess’ Man Won [16] Outstanding Korean Drama The Princess’ Man Nominated
Outstanding Korean Actor Park Si-hoo Nominated Outstanding Korean Actress Moon Chae-won Nominated 2013 Monte-Carlo Television Festival Outstanding International Producer
(Drama Series) Kim Jung-min
Park Hyun-suk
Lee Nah-jung Nominated [17] Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Park Si-hoo Nominated [18] Song Jong-ho Nominated Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Moon Chae-won Nominated [19] Hong Soo-hyun Nominated New York TV Festival Television Drama – Bronze World Medal The Princess’ Man Won [20][21]
Thanks for your thoughtfulness in choosing this drama! It’s been on my list for a long time and I am looking forward to watching with everyone and reading the always insightful comments!
You really confuse me. Aren’t you one of Park Shi Hoo haters? Didn’t you say can’t watch his dramas again when someone asked have you seen My Golden Life? Then why did you held this group watch party? Lol, it must be great to eat your own words.
Hi there, I can see why that might be confusing.. For the record, for anyone who’s interested, I used to really like Park Si Hoo, and then I got bored and kinda lost the fangirl love after a while.
And then his scandal happened, and I was weirded out by it, and I found that I couldn’t watch him anymore. Not on purpose, y’know, just.. I had a visceral negative reaction each time I tried to watch him thereafter.
As you can see, the comment you’re quoting me on was 2 years ago.
2 years later, I found that I was able to watch him in the TPM trailer without feeling all weird about it. I guess enough time has passed so that I’m not weirded out now. People change and get over things, y’know?
And so, because the show itself is excellent, and because it fits the multiple requirements I was looking for, I decided to bite the bullet and give it a go. I hope that clarifies, not only for you, but for anyone else wondering the same thing! ❤️
@KFG – Ohhhhhh thanks for explaining Park Si Hoo as I am not familiar with him at all. I looked up him and thanks for the explanation!
His appearance and demeanor kinda reminded me of 2PM’s Junho. I recently completed my watch (several weeks ago) before this came up as a choice for group watch. This show is FANTASTIC; I loved this plot as much or more than The Red Sleeve.
I did learn about the ML’s scandal but only after I was already hooked–this drama is so engaging–and kept watching because it was long ago and the drama is SO GOOD. In the US, it seems like actors are constantly getting into “trouble,” but the public seems to separate the personal and professional life of actors, so maybe I’m indoctrinated to that trend.
xxx, if you do not like what you see, do not look at it. but please, be respectful!!!!!!!!
@Eda Harris – Well said Eda ! Thank you 🥰
Helloooooo! Romantic and epic, you say? Yeee! Looking forward to it! I absolutely will need distraction from some intense mourning. No, not for the Queen, bless her. I am one episode away from finishing Love Like the Galaxy 😭
Awww, I can see how you might need a distraction, after the immersive headiness of LLTG! This one ought to be pretty good for that, I think, though it’s a very different creature than LLTG! 😉
Can’t wait, lovely!
@Ele Nash – When you finish LLTG immediately put the full OST on Loop for the day. I promise it will ease the heartache 🥰
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyOZGqGc1Wg&ab_channel=DailyMusicOfficial
Fangurl – I was not expecting this pick. I am in! Fortunately, I have never seen this so it will be a first time watch. I have heard lots about it over the years though. It looks like I may need to buy more tissues in preparation of future tears 😭
YAY that you’re in, @phl1rxd!! And how perfect, that you haven’t seen this, and will be able to enjoy everything for the first time!
I do remember there were some very emotional moments in this show, so yes, you might need some tissues. But, the silver lining is, it really isn’t as tragic as Romeo and Juliet! 😅
Hi KFG: I haven’t been on the site a lot as my life has gotten quite a bit busier and while I still watch Kdramas, it’s on a much reduced basis. The selection of The Princess’ Man for a Group Watch has motivated me to comment briefly.
I’m not ready for a rewatch (even if I found the time) though the show is pretty good, Moon Chae Won is superb and her chemistry with the ML is exceptional, and their relationship defines the show. However, this show took a toll on me mentally because I just did not expect the show to have the emotional depth it has and without saying too much, the realism (?) of the political infighting arc with its frustrations and disappointments.
I found the ending a little difficult to take even though as you say, it’s less tragic than Romeo and Juliet. Still, I think it will make for a good Group Watch, there are lots of issues and situations to get into.
It’s great to see you, @geo! We’ve missed you! ❤️
I’m slightly disappointed that you won’t be able to join us, but, 1, VERY glad to hear from you, 2, glad you’re still watching dramas, even though it’s on a smaller scale now, and 3, thank you for endorsing this show as being worthy of a group watch!
It’s been 11 years since I watched it, so my memory is extremely hazy, and my drama tastes have evolved as well. It’s great to have the agreement of someone who’s recently watched the show and has its merits top of mind! 😃
I hope you’re still managing to make time for dramas, and I hope you’ll be able to pop in from time to time, to let us know how you’re doing! ❤️
Yay this has been on my list too, I’m excited
That’s great that you’ll be joining us, uyen! ❤️😘
I am coming into this one as innocent as May, See y’all next week.
@j3ffc – Did you finish Alchemy of Souls, yet????
Just about to watch E16 – which is a binge for me! Enjoying it all the way.
Aww, thank you for trusting me, @j3ffc! I hope you will enjoy my pick! 😃
I guess you have winkled me out of not undertaking a rewatch yet again, kfangurl 😊 So, yes I’m up for rewatching this fine show!
@seankfletcher – We (you and I) could always also watch TKEM, too
😝🤣🐶🌈🦄
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4Ovlvzlxnw&t=1926s&ab_channel=Kgasa
Well, I should be done with one of my optional watches next week or so….maybe I’ll join you!
@j3ffc -Ohhhhh that would be AWESOME ! There also has been talk over on Patreon of our doing a mini group rewatch of I Am Not a Robot, too 🙂
Loved Robot! It was one of my biggest drama surprises insofar as I thought it would be cheesy but it was anything but. I think it would be a great full-group-watch.
If y’all watch TKEM I’ll join in as soon as I finish A of Souls.
What’s up with the mini group watches? I have [space] in my drama schedule and could join but can’t find any info on Patreon. Happy to join if its happening…otherwise I am almost ready to pick up on another show on my own! (Double checking with phl1rxd!)
@J3fffc – OPS! I thought it but didnt write it! I thought it would be good to start the Mini Group Watch in October with the new fresh Deep Dive Zone Monthly Update.
I think the mini group watch would be for I am Not a Robot. .
As for TKEM, I think that would be just you and me 🙂
OK! Good to know! I’ll keep an eye out on Patreon in October (which is, of course, far, far, far into the future). Thanks for the update!
That would be nice j3ffc!
La la la la la…
That’s fantastic that you’ll be joining us, @seankfletcher! 🤩
Moon Chae Won is excellent in this drama and the character she plays is one of my favorite kdrama characters.
Snow Flower – I am glad to hear you say that! I have pushed this one to the side for years now. I always heard that is visually beautiful and the OST was great. I just never got around to it.
I hope this means that you’ll be joining us, Snow Flower! 😁 And yes, from what I remember, Moon Chae Won is wonderful in this. ❤️
SWEET! Someone on Patreon highly suggested this one to me and I put it on my watchlist and just kept circling it after my Cdrama Binge (Love Like the Galaxy, A Dream of Splendor, and Fairy & Demon). No more circling, its finally go time.
Music? Pulsing background music???? YAY! Cant wait.
p.s. Hi Back 🥰
I really loved the music in this, JJ! Which is why I thought of you. Hopefully our tastes in music overlaps, at least for this show. 😅 You do get a sense of the music style from the trailer, if that helps!
@KFG – I couldnt wait and started Episode 1 and LOOOOOOOOOOOVE the music already ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Thank you for thinking of me ❤️
Aw YAY that you love the music already, JJ!! I do remember it being very beautiful, in a dramatic, choral sort of way. 🤩 One of my favorite things about the show, honestly! 😁
jj, i also just picked at the first episode – the music is gripping, touching – from the very beginning. looooove it, loooooove it! if the drama is going to be like the music, we are up for a treat.
Squeeeee! OMG, I was not expecting this as the pick, but I’ve really been wanting to see this one; I was getting ready to just jump in and tackle it on my own. Love me some Moon Chae-won, seriously.
Really looking forward to this!!
@Trent – Way to go!!! Let’s Do this!
I’m there! Woot!
Tee hee. I had a feeling that you would be very happy with this choice! 😁 Moon Chae Won is wonderful in this, and right away too!
Another reason I think this one is a good pick, is because it’s not a slow burn, which can lose viewers. I find this one very grabby, from episode 1. I hope you guys feel the same way!
Hahahaha squee and OMG from Trent? So funny. Agree, this is a great pick, thanks kfangirl!