Ahem. Drum roll, please.. 🥁🥁🥁
Today, the blog turns ELEVEN, everyone! 😱
Wow, right?
It feels like not so long ago, that we celebrated the blog turning ten (here!), and yet, a whole year’s flown past in what feels like the blink of an eye, and now, I get to say that my blog’s 11 whole years old.
Uh. My blog is officially a ‘tween, you guys. 😅
‘Tween Existential Crisis
..And so my blog gets to have a ‘tween existential crisis, heh.
Bear with me for a bit; I do have a point. I hope. 😅
With the blog having been around for 11 whole years by now, it’s not surprising that I might have blogger existential crisis type thoughts from time to time, right?
Sometimes I do wonder why I still do what I do, and whether it’s time to – gasp 😱 – wrap things up and move on.
After all, as many would agree, the blogging space isn’t quite what it used to be.
What the “good old days” looked like
When I first got into blogging, it was in 2012, and I think that at the time, we were still in what some would call the “golden age” of blogging.
As far as the drama-blogging space was concerned, it felt like there were many new blogs coming out all the time. It felt like there was so much.. energy, within the blogging space, y’know?
Additionally, there was a great sense of community, not just among readers of specific blogs, but among bloggers as well.
I really think that that’s what drew me into blogging, at the heart of it.
One of my favorite things about being in the blogging space, was getting to share my thoughts in my own little space, and have other people come explore that space, and interact with those thoughts.
I also loved doing the same; if my visitors were bloggers too, I found it such a fun thing to do, to visit their spaces too, and interact with their thoughts.
And of course, there was the thrill of bonding with all the people who took the trouble to comment on my posts, and getting to know them better.
That was a time when I could literally spend 2-3 whole days just replying to comments; there was that much discussion going on, on the blog.
Crazy, I know. 😅
In search of focus
With so many changes happening in the blogging space, and in the world at large, over the last couple of years, I found that I felt quite overwhelmed, because it felt like there was just one me, but so many things that needed doing, to keep the blog going.
At one point, I decided that I couldn’t do everything, and be everything to everyone, and it sounded logical to me, that I should pick a key focus, and pour my energy and attention towards that.
80/20 principle and all that, right?
Well, I picked reviews as my main focus, because I felt like that’s what most people came to the blog for.
Those were the posts that seemed to have the most longevity, coz people would still visit a review, even if it was written years ago. Made sense, yes?
And so, I poured all of my energies into writing reviews; eventually, I felt like I was trying to be a review-writing machine. 🙈
What I’ve come to realize, is that my focus shouldn’t have been on just the reviews.
Back to basics
I’ve come to realize that the thing that was missing for me, in the midst of my laser-focus on writing reviews, is that sense of community that drew me into blogging in the first place.
For a long while, as I became more and more buried in my (completely self-imposed, absolutely crazy) schedule, I became largely absent from the comments sections, both here on the blog, as well as on Patreon.
Things still appeared to work – all thanks to all of you being so understanding (thank you so much for not abandoning me, seriously 🥲) – but at the heart of it, I did have a niggling feeling that things weren’t properly ok, if that makes sense?
This past week, though, I got a taste of that thrill of being in the thick of community again, when I got all excited about attending Junho‘s Singapore fanmeeting on Friday (8 December), and posted a couple of updates to Patreon from my phone, while waiting for the event to start, as well as right after the event ended.
Having everyone rally round to chat with me, urge me to enjoy myself, &/or squee with excitement with me, was the biggest highlight of my evening 🥰 – aside from seeing Junho in person, of course. 😉
Since then, I’ve been really enjoying jumping into the comments more, and I think I’ve quite possibly found the missing facet to my focus.
A refined focus for Year 12
And so, as I move forward into the blog’s 12th year, that’s what I’d like to do.
In terms of blog content, I’d like to keep my focus mainly on writing reviews, and alongside that, I’d like to be much more present with you guys, in the comments.
Because, I’ve been reminded all over again, that community is where it’s at, and basically, I can’t enjoy community, if I’m not more present.
Fair warning that I might slip off the bandwagon from time to time, especially when things get hectic and I’m rushing deadlines, or find myself having to deal with unexpected back-end issues. 🙈
If / when that happens, feel free to poke me and remind me that I’m missing out, if I just bury my head in creating content and running the back-end stuff on the blog.
I really hope to achieve a better, happier, healthier balance in the coming year, and I hope that as I do that, you guys will also find my online spaces – here on the main blog, and on Patreon too – happier and more enjoyable to hang out in as well. 🥰
In closing
So.. that turned into a very different sort of blogoversary post, didn’t it? 😅
No wise words, nor interesting blog stats, unlike my blogoversary posts from the past 2 years.
(Though we did hit 11 million, this year, you guys! We’re at 11,597,793 as I type this, woot! And, the blog did hit a crazy all-time high on 28 August, when we hit 12.5k views in a single day. Mind-boggling and amazing! 🤯)
All I want to say is, thank you for sticking with me, even when I flub while trying to figure things out; I wouldn’t have made it to 11 years, without you guys. 🥹
Kamsahamnida.. Saranghae~ 🙆🏻♀️
KFG ❤️
I’ve always seen your blog as one of the “success stories” because, even after so many years, you’re doing a great job at blogging! I’ve been blogging for 8 years and my pace has slowed down as life has pulled at me more. It’s inspiring to see you blog frequently and get the engagement you deserve.
11 million?! THAT’S SO COOL. A huge congratulations to you!!! 🎉
Also, I agree that the community is the most rewarding part of it all. We can never go back to the old golden days of blogging but we can make the best of what we have now. I hope your 12th year of blogging is everything you want it to be!
Hi there sumedha! Thanks for your wishes – I appreciate it! 🥰
I completely understand that you’re blogging less now, because of real-life pressures and responsibilities.. But keeping at it for 8 years is no small deal, so yay you! 🥳 I think that’s the key to longevity really.. just keep at it, and don’t go away. 😁 And you’re doing just that!
Thank you; 11 million really is pretty mindboggling.. I remember being in awe of 25,000, when I’d first started blogging.
It all comes back to community, though.. coz if I kept writing, but no one read my stuff, I wouldn’t have gotten to 11 million in a million years! I’m grateful for everyone’s support, and am working to be more present with everyone, so that I can really enjoy this 12th year!
All the best to you, as you keep blogging. At 8 years, you’re a sunbae in the blogosphere, for sure!
Congratulations on eleven, KFG! Yikes! When I think about all of the changes in my life in the last 11 years, it’s hard to imagine that you’ve kept at this gift with so much talent and grace throughout. Thank you!
I look forward to reading your more frequent comments (and hope you’ll be able to cut back elsewhere to get that energy boost and balance.) I’ve noticed these interactions enable you to engage an even wider group of k-drama (Asian drama) fans, and I appreciate hearing these additional voices. Win-win-win – for them, for you, for us!
Thank you for this wonderful community!
Ah, thank you so much Leslie, for your kind words! Gift? Talent? Grace? Gosh, I’m blushing! 🤭 But thank you, really, it means a lot that you value everything that I do; thank YOU for choosing to be part of the journey, and for being such a wonderful source of support and encouragement. 🥲
Also, yes, I’d love to see more fans engaging in conversations in our spaces, so here’s fingers crossed that we’ll be able to welcome more friends soon! 🥰
Many many congratulations KFG and wishing many more years of success for your writing and the blog. Most of the comments here have already echoed my general views of your blog and hence I will add in to just say – Thanks or Kamsahamnida.
I have very much enjoyed all your drama review writings (even for the dramas that I haven’t seen or I dropped as your writings offer a certain unique perspective), discussions, DM chats etc and greatly enjoy the discussions/comments with the Patreon community that you have amazingly built over the years.
Also huge thanks for sharing your space for people like us to do guest posts and the EOY posts. In my case specifically this year, the 2022 – EOY post of Martina introduced me to “through the darkness” drama (which I honestly haven’t heard of until she had mentioned it). And one thing led to another and finally I became this super-fan of KNG from Apr 2023 onwards and by Dec 2023 I have made some special memories with KNG and his fans that I have met in person. So many thanks for that 🙏.Also kindly do go for more fan-meets (for those actors/singers whose work you really like) if it happens in SG – as you can enjoy the vibe and also experience first-hand how loved K-dramas/K-actors are. That way you will also experience how your blog/writing/Patreon is adding value/fun within the broader K-drama space 👍🌟💐.
And finally do take care of yourself and prioritise your well-being/self-care. We are all always here to support you 👍❤️🧿.
Thank you, Princess Jasmine!! I’m touched that you still enjoy the posts of shows you haven’t seen, or that you’ve dropped; thank you for making time to read them! ❤️
Also, that’s such a great story, of how a guest post actually led to such an amazing difference in your life! It’s kind of mind-boggling to think that your life might have been completely different, if Martina hadn’t written her EOY post, or if you hadn’t taken the time to read it! And yet, here you are, now an official superfan of KNG! 😁 Love it!
As for fanmeetings, I’ll keep an open mind about it. I have to say, though, that I’m a big homebody, so it’s got to be someone really special to make me feel like it’s worth facing crowds for. So far, I’ve only done it for Gong Yoo and Junho – which says a lot about my Junho love, yes. 😁🥰
Happy Eleventh, Dear! That IS a pretty long time to keep it real and make good content. I have often wondered how you manage. 😀 I have missed you in the comment sections, have to admit though.^^
Yes, it was the community and all the fun discussions and interacting with the like minded people that got me blogging too, back in the day. I just haven’t been able to keep it up at my end, sadly. But, I’m finally getting out of the active workforce next autumn, so maybe that will bring some sort of change in my blogging life too.
Thank you, Timescout!! 11 years sounds crazy long indeed, especially in the blogging space, where so many have retired and moved on.
I’m sorry to have been MIA in the comments; I’ve finally realized the error of my ways, and hope to make a long-term comeback now! The good ol’ days may be a thing of the past, but I do treasure the opportunity to maintain some semblance of that community vibe, so here’s hoping that this new balance will work out nicely!
Ooh, I’m excited to hear that you’re considering making a comeback of sorts, with your blogging rhythm, come next autumn – I look forward to it! ❤️
Many happy returns on reaching your eleventh anniversary, kfangurl. How amazing and wonderful its been to see the way you have extended your blogging milestone to the extent you have. A mighty and heartfelt congratulations on achieving over 11.5M views.
What you have provided in terms of content over this time is similar to reaching into a magical box of chocolates. Sometimes, we find an unexpected surprise within. At other times, the selection is comforting and very familiar. Then there are those wonderful morsels we all get to share far and wide within the kfangurl family.
I look forward to what comes next both on the blog and on Patreon. Getting back to basics sounds fabulous to me. Being able to interact with you or seeing more comments regularly sounds awesome. But, whatever you do, please look after yourself first.
Finally, thank you for opening the door or a portal to a universe of never ending interactions with the great kfangurl family. Having the ability to have both fun and serious interactions on a whole range of subjects with the gang, generally kicked off by a thought provoking drama is something I always look forward to and treasure very much.
Ah, thank you so much for your lovely wishes, @seankfletcher! 🥰 It’s amazing to think that you’ve been part of the journey for such a long time! Thank you for sticking with me, through all of the ups and downs, and thank you for framing my work here on the blog in such a lovely, lovely way! A magical box of chocolates? Gosh, I love that! 🤩
Also, what a wonderful thing to say about the community we have.. given your crazy schedule and all that you do, I feel that it says a lot, that hanging out and chatting with the gang, is something that you look forward to and treasure. That’s beautiful. 🥲
Thank YOU, for making time to be part of the gang, and for always being a wise and balanced sounding board, as much as you are a source of chuckles and laughter. ❤️
Ooooh happy birthday! And so glad that the Junho fan meet was such an epiphany for you!
Seriously, I totally get your concerns. It is not just blogging that has changed, it is also us – and the world. But I am totally convinced that what you have created here and over at Patreon – a community of friends discussing dramas and exchanging their own personal wisdom – is precious, and I thank you for it.
Thank you, Natalia!! And yes, as it turns out, Junho’s the gift that keeps on giving? Coz that really did turn out to be an unexpected epiphany for me! 🤩
Thanks for affirming my sense that a lot has changed, including people, and the way they consume and interact with content.
And thanks too, for affirming that in spite of all those changes, our community is still relevant, important, and precious – and absolutely worth protecting and upholding. 🥲❤️
Congratulations and happy anniversary! Thank you for your committed hard work, generous sharing and constant good will. I do not come around often, but I do find your views valuable, informative and even entertaining. Many thanks for giving so much.
May you find the right balance between work and fun community to keep you blogging for many years to come, with minimum stress or fatigue! Bless you!
Thank you, @GrowingBeautifully, for your encouragement and well wishes! ❤️ I’m glad that you do enjoy the time the you spend here, even though it may not be so often. That makes me happy. 🥰 I hope you’ll continue to enjoy visiting this space for a long time too! 😘
fangirl…. firstly congratulations on 11 years! that is 11 years of hard work, existential angst, blood sweat and tears probably. and plenty of heartache when things didn’t turn out well or when there were not so nice folks. it’s hard work doing anything for a number of years let alone 11! salute!
but i’m really grateful you didn’t give up, because if you did, i wouldn’t be able to have a constant companion and friendly trustworthy guide in my drama watching journey… and you’ve recommended me SO many good shows that i am indebted to you. plus you often have a way of bringing out the essence of how i felt about a show or an episode or a character but i had no words to put it. but when you wrote it i was like “aha! yes!”. and you have also gifted us a wonderful community of fellow drama watchers both on the main blog and patreon (join us, if you haven’t!)
i know you think deeply about how to make things better for your readers. my only hope is you make time for yourself too, and don’t burn out. we need you for the long term! so you should write less and comment more, if it helps. or you can just take a break and take a holiday! we will all be here waiting for you and cheering you on.
we love you fangirl and we love this little home that you’ve so graciously shared with us!
Aww thank you so much, MC!! 🥰❤️ Your well wishes are so full of empathy and understanding, I feel so seen! 🥲 Indeed, it’s been quite a journey, over the last 11 years, and I’m so glad that you’ve become a part of it!
I still remember our long chats over the various shows, and I also remember wondering if you’d still have time for dramas, after becoming a mom, and I’m so happy and grateful that you’re still here, despite having a full-time job AND being a full-time mom on top of that! 🤩 I don’t know how you manage it, but I am so happy that you do!
I’ve been thinking about my new dual-pronged goal for the foreseeable future, and I do think you’re right.. If it’s going to work at all, it’ll probably entail some breaks here and there, because as fun as it is to hang out and chat, it does also take time, which means less time for creating content. And since I’ve been devoting sooo much time to creating content, something’s gonna hafta give, at least some of the time, if I want to spend time hanging out, AND get some sleep AND stay sane. 😁
Thanks for always thinking of me, and considering what I could do to be kinder to myself. Saranghae~ 🥹❤️
Hearty congratulations. 🎉🎊💐11 years is absolutely no joke. To keep things going for so long without slowing down and maintaining the quality of content is an incredible achievement. We all really appreciate your tireless work all these years and hope that you can keep it going for many years to come. Please take it easy and enjoy the process as always. Because like you said, as long as you love what you do and keep in touch with the community, you can keep going.
On a personal level, ever since my K-drama journey stared last year, I have been visiting your blog many many times on a daily basis because if there is a series that you have covered, I do not need to look anywhere else to know what to expect from it. In that regard, it is an invaluable resource. But I also wanted more. Be part of the community. Take part in the comments section here and on Patreon to share common interests with the community. It has one that has steadily been built over 11 years and it is a privilege to be part of it. 😊
Once again, thank you so much for all your work and all the very best for the future 👍
Thank you, ABV!! I honestly couldn’t have kept going for 11 years, without the support of everyone, for sure! 🥲
Thank you for making me and this site part of your drama journey, it makes me happy to know that you’ve found the reviews so helpful! 🥰
And, I’m so glad that you’re now part of the Patreon community too! So glad to see you settling down well already; I hope that you’ll have lots of fun, and enjoy lots of drama talk, with everyone! ❤️
We thank you as well. I am sure that you will receive the support you require for years to come too. 😊
This site definitely played a huge role in me becoming a fan of dramaland in general. I do not think things would have been the same otherwise. I owe a lot to the content on this blog for that.
Delighted to be part of it. I hope that I can make friends and share common interests with everyone too. It is all about having fun at the end of the day 🙂🙂
Aw, that’s so nice to know, ABV! What an honor, to be a key part of your drama journey! 🥰 Yes, it’s about having fun, and I do hope that you’ll have even more fun, now that you’re settling in so well, into the Patreon space. ❤️
The honor is mine to be able to access such quality content everyday.
Yes. 🙂 🙂 I have complete confidence in this community and can rest assured knowing that this space is not going anywhere.
Wow, 11 years is a long time to do anything! But to do it well and in a way that makes a difference in people’s lives, well that’s something else indeed. And it lends one, as you have, to take stock, think about the whys and hows, and consider whether the future might lead. So it’s only natural if you are feeling philosophical these days.
I like to repeat (as often as I can) how the Verdict is like K-drama grad school. In large part, it’s because of the depth of your reviews and insights. But there’s another feature that bears mentioning. When I was in another kind of grad school, without really meaning to, I made some of the best and most lasting friendships of my life. This is also a big part of the community you built here.
On the face of it, writing about K-drama should be easy, right? I mean, what’s could be easier about watching TV and talking about it the next day? But what makes the Verdict different is that most of your readers are not from Korea (at least I think that that’s the case) – in fact, we’re from seemingly everywhere but! And we have been brought to Asian TV because we are culturally curious (and, OK, maybe have generic fangirl/boy tendencies as well). And your analysis, as well as the community that has assembled around it, reinforces that connection while maintaining the sense of fun that attracted us in the first place. It’s a pretty amazing accomplishment when you think about it.
And I assure you that everyone who comes here finds value in what you do. Whether it be a heavy watcher or a lightweight (no naming names, please!), there is something for everyone’s tastes. Which I hope is a freeing realization, because however you should choose to direct your energies, it will continue to entertain, inform, and bring people together.
So congratulations on 11 years of excellence and best wishes for success AND happiness going forward.
Aw, thank you so much, @j3ffc, for your kind words; your comment legit made me tear up. 🥹 You guys really are the best. ❤️
I love that tidbit, that you’ve made some of the best friendships, in grad school, and that you’re finding the same experience here, in our little community. That’s one of the best things that anyone’s said, of this little space. 🥲
I’m grateful for your encouragement over what you think makes the reviews special, not only because it’s so affirming to hear, but also, it gives me a sense of focus. It’s reminded me that maintaining a sense of fun is important, and that’s easy to lose, especially when I feel overwhelmed by the (again, completely self-imposed, absolutely crazy) schedule that I try to keep to. Thank you for that, j3ffc, you’ve been more helpful than you know! 🥲
Thank you for the lovely wishes, j3ffc, and I’m so glad that you’re along for the ride. Thanks too, for always making me laugh, with your comments; your sense of humor is one of my favorite things. 😘
Wow! That is an amazing milestone. Seems incredible to me. But then I remember reading your blog when I had a toddler and she is now 13 so I guess the math adds up!. I have spent so many happy hours reading your blog and I think that you are a truly gifted writer. I have, in recent years, stepped away from watching television and K-dramas. But I still read many of yours posts just so that I can see what I am missing. I hope that you are doing well, you are healthy, and happy.
Love, Amy
Amy!!! It’s so great to see you around here; I’ve missed you – we’re like drama twins, with how similar our reactions tend to be, towards dramas! 🥲 It’s mind-boggling to think that your toddler is now 13 – that’s how long we’ve known each other, wow! 😱
I’m wistful that you’ve stepped away from dramas, but so touched, that you continue to read my posts! I hope that you’ll be enticed to try a show or two, sometimes, when time permits. 😉
I’m doing much better now, after a somewhat rough time on the health front, thank you. And I’m wishing you health and happiness too, my dear. Please do drop by and say hello sometimes, it’s always a pleasure hearing from you! ❤️
A very happy 11th Birthday to you Fangurl! I am so grateful for all the wonderful work you have put into this blog. Top notch content! 🥰😘😍🥰😘😍 We loves ya!
Aw thank you so much, @phl1rxd!! And I’m grateful for all the wonderful love and support that you’ve so graciously given me! 🥲 Love ya right back! 🥰❤️😘
Happy 11th! Great to see such longevity, at such a high level of quality, no less!
While I am always happy to support however you feel is the best way to go about your bloggy duties and the best focus for your efforts… I do agree that I, at least, miss your active voice in the community when you (rightly, I get it!) devote your energy to other priorities. So if you are able to chip in more on the commenting side (again, without overextending yourself!), that would be super and welcome, for sure.
And right back at you with a hearty kamsahamnida for all you do for us!
Thank you so much, Trent!!
You guys have been sooo supportive and understanding, all this time, and I know that if I said I had to spend less time in the comments, you would all say, “Do what you need to do, we’ll be ok” – but I absolutely do miss hanging with you guys, so yes, I really hope to be more present, going forward!
I so appreciate your presence, your support, and your voice, in our community – thank you, for being here! ❤️
Happy 11th Birthday ! Thank you so much for the wonderful content you produce as well as the amazing community you’ve built.
Youve single handily elevated my Kdrama watch experience by adding so much debt and substance to each review.
May the blog continue to grow and be a success (whatever success looks like for you that is!).
Lots of love and Blessings ♥️
Thank you Ella!! Aw wow, what a huge compliment, that the reviews have elevated your kdrama experience; you are so kind! 🥰 Thank you for sticking with me! 😘