It’s officially EOY season, which is when we look back on our drama years, and decide which dramas were worthy of our love, and which dramas we maybe shouldn’t have spent as much time on, as we did. 😁

As before, we’ll be seeing up to 2 guest posts per week, and this will unfold into January 2025, and my annual year-in-review will come out in early 2025, after all the guest posts have been published.

This way, by putting all our experiences together, we get a more wholistic view of Dramaland in 2024. Pretty great, yes? 🤩

If you missed our earlier posts, you can check them out here: Sean, Deni+JJ, Natalia, Ele, j3ffc, MC, Elaine.

Today, I’m pleased to announce that ABV’s sharing his drama year!

In the last year or so since ABV’s joined our Patreon community, I’ve been  marveling at both the quantity and quality, in his drama watching prowess.

He’s able to watch a truckload of dramas – and, in his comments, demonstrates that he’s engaged with these dramas, in both heart and mind. That’s quite a talent, in my books – especially since he does actually work full-time, as well.

I think he just might be a space-time bender, kinda like Sean. 😁

If you’d like to read more of ABV’s writing, you might like to check out his EOY post from last year here.

I hope you guys enjoy!

~ KFG ❤️

INTRODUCTION:

Hello everyone. I am ABV.

I have thoroughly enjoyed talking to everyone in this lovely community here and on Patreon. A massive shout-out to the wonderful space that Kfangurl has created and kept going for 12 years!

I really enjoyed writing the end-of-year post last year, so here I am again. The discussions on Patreon and the blog, coupled with my notes throughout the year, made my job easier this time.

I am from India. I studied law, cleared the Company Secretary course, and work as a Company Secretary dealing with corporate and secretarial compliance.

My journey with Asian dramas started in September 2022, and I have 268 drama completions as of the date of writing this post. I feel like I am very late to join this, but better late than never.

Before watching Asian dramas, I avidly watched anime, read manga, and consumed other Japanese media for over a decade.

I am also a gamer, watch films, and am an ardent fan of Liverpool Football Club. Another sport I follow is cricket.

I have diverse interests, but ever since I stumbled onto K-dramas (and C-dramas in June 2022 and J-dramas in January 2024), it has been quite the relentless ride. I started with Stranger (a perfect series to start this journey), and the rest is history.

As for my genre preferences, while I started with thrillers, what I like most about K-Dramas/C-Dramas/J-Dramas is that they are character-centric, which suits my preferences.

My favourite genres are romance, slice of life, and drama. I also adore family dramas.

However, I have no issues watching most genres except period dramas; I still require a lot of incentive to watch them.

STATISTICS:

My viewing pace significantly slowed during the second half of 2024, except for September and December, due to many reasons, but I still managed 110 completions, excluding multi-season entries.

K-Drama – 49

C-Drama – 25

J-Drama – 23

K-Movie – 4

J-Movie/Special – 5

C-Movie – 1

Re-watches – 3

A quick word on the re-watches completed in 2024:

1) Meet Yourself (C-Drama) in July.

2) Ugly Alert (K-Drama) in August.

3) What Happens to My Family?  (K-Drama) in September.

I watched these three shows with my brother and covered all three of them in last year’s EOY post. The result after re-watching is that I love all three shows more (if that’s even possible). They are my top three dramas of all time.

I also watched 15 other shows with my brother during the year. Many of them are part of this post.

Here’s a picture showing all my completions, with colour codes for your reference, if you’re interested. I can only talk about a select few dramas in this post, after all. They are in the order of completions.

POST STRUCTURE:

This post will cover my drama year from January 01, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

I will break up this post into four categories:

I. Top 10 Shows from the year 2024 which would contain shows that aired (Shows that began and concluded) in 2024;

II. Top Non-2024 Shows;

III. Honourable Mentions; and

IV. Special Awards.

For the sake of variety and diversity, I decided that this would be the best way to cover more dramas. Also note that I have ensured that there is no overlap between the categories. That way, every list will contain new titles.

I tend to do a lot of research before picking up a series to watch. That is one of the main reasons why I find KFG’s blog, The Fangirl Verdict, to be an invaluable resource. The chances of me being disappointed by a series that I watch to completion are rather low.

I. TOP SHOWS FROM THE YEAR 2024:

No. 10: Lovely Runner (K-Drama):

The show was honestly a breeze to watch. The moment I started it, I knew I’d be done with it very quickly.  A large part of this is because it is so full of charm, and the OTP is so cute.

I couldn’t get enough of Kim Hye Yoon as Im Sol.

From the very beginning, I was captivated by her. She had excellent comedic timing and wonderful chemistry with both Byeon Woo Seok (Ryu Sun Jae) and Song Geon Hee (Kim Tae Sung). I had previously only seen her in SKY Castle.

The time travel, in my opinion, was fine, and I had no issues whatsoever. I think the show kept feeding details along the way, and as long as you catch them, you will be okay.

I do wish there were no serial killer in this series (again, in a romantic comedy…). I also had a massive soft spot for Kim Tae Sung. I thought he was a great second male lead. He genuinely had a lovely smile.

No. 09. Family Matters (K-Drama):

This was the final show I watched in 2024, and man, was it good.

Bae Doona was fabulous as always, and the found-family feels are so strong. Given that it is only six episodes long, there is absolutely no messing around whatsoever.

The show has a unique sense of humour, and the cast as a whole, delivered wonderful performances. As long as one can handle blood, torture scenes, and some violence, this is a must-watch.

No. 08: A Shop for Killers (K-Drama):

The series was engaging from the get-go.

It toggled between two timelines (past and present, wherein we see our core characters’ backstories and how they connect to present-day events) and connected the dots extremely adeptly.

The action sequences were deft, slick, and well-thought-out. The soundtrack also gets the adrenaline pumping during the action scenes, and overall, it has solid production values.

All of our core characters were very well cast, and it is easy to get behind those we are supposed to be rooting for. I think they were fleshed out pretty well in the eight episodes.

The series is tightly paced, and there are no meaningless scenes whatsoever.

Lee Dong Wook and Kim Hye Joon nailed their roles as Jin Man and Jian, and even the younger version of Jian’s character, played by Ahn Se Bin, deserves a shout-out because she came across as cute, smart, and strong-minded at the same time. That is not easy to pull off.

Even the antagonists—Lee Sung Jo (Seo Hyun Woo), Bae Jeong Min (Park Ji Bin), and Lee Yong Han (Ahn Kil Kang)—were fantastic. Finally, Bale (Jo Han Sun) was just deranged and terrifying.

On the good side, I absolutely loved Min Hye (Guem Hae Na), who was so brilliant, and Pasin (Kim Min), who also showcased some witty comedic timing. Brother (Lee Tae Young) also shone in his quirky role.

Ultimately, it was a very riveting experience, and the series managed to tell a personal story while maintaining its entertainment value through well-choreographed action sequences.

As long as one can handle some brutality, violence (primarily gun and knife action), and some gore, I highly recommend watching it. SEASON 2 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE.

No. 07: Knight Flower (K-Drama):

So many of us loved this show immensely.

The characters were outstanding. The casting was perfect, in my opinion. They all delivered wonderful performances.

Honey Lee’s expressions and comic timing are second to none; she brought her A-game and more.  The interactions between her and almost anyone in the cast always had me grinning.

The pacing, episode count, writing, plotting/court politics, and romance were all on point.  It is very rare for me to feel this way about a period drama.

No. 06 Love Next Door (K-Drama):

I enjoyed this unreservedly. Thanks largely to KFG’s review, which helped me set the right expectations for this show.

I viewed this as a family drama and a slow-healing journey, while the childhood-friends-to-romance development occurred eventually.

I love both Jung So-Min (Father is Strange and Because This Is My First Life) and Jung Hae-in (One Spring Night and A Piece of Your Mind) as actors.

Their chemistry was great, especially in the first half. I also found that their chemistry was the same off-screen (thanks to some YouTube videos). I equally loved the second couple, Mo-eum (Kim Ji Eun) and Dan-ho (Yun Ji On).

It had a bit of everything. I kept waiting to see when I would feel that the show went off the rails, but for me, it never really did. I liked literally every major character and all their relationships.

The friendships (between our primary four characters, the mothers, Lavender, and the fathers), OTP interactions (as friends and a couple), the family drama, the workplace relationships, and just the overall feel of the show. Not even the exes bothered me.

In fact, I quite liked Seung-hyo’s ex-girlfriend, in particular. She was so good at teasing him and knew when to throw in the towel. She was quite perceptive. I thought Hyeon-jun would have more screen time, but apart from some minor frustrating scenes, his arc felt meaningful too.

I am honestly surprised that I ended up liking it so much, given the general reception. Maybe because I kept expecting the worst, whatever the show did turned out well in my view. It’s strange.

No. 05 You Are My Secret (C-Drama):

Few shows in 2024 were as pleasant to watch as this one. This was my first time seeing Miles Wei and Karlina Zhang; both were excellent.

What impressed me most about the series was the honest communication between the characters, the workplace aspects being good and palatable, and the second couple.

This has been the case for quite a few 2024 shows, where the second couple is almost as impressive as the main couple, which was pleasing. I felt that this was also the case with You Are My Lover Friend (C-Drama) and Love Next Door.

There was even an epilogue episode to round things off nicely.

No. 4 Seoul Busters (K-Drama):

This show was so enjoyable. I really cannot recall any drama that made me laugh as much as this one.

I watched it with my brother, and that added to the entertainment.

From the get-go, it was apparent that the cast had superb chemistry. They all complemented each other perfectly, and I will really miss this charming bunch of goofballs. It’s a gem.

No. 3 Will Love in Spring (C-Drama):

This has everything I like in a romance drama.

The series has a low budget and average production, but that matters little, as the flawed characters are outstanding and, most importantly, they are all real.

It is so easy to relate to the characters, and every conversation is filled with meaning. Even everyday interactions are engaging.

This is why I have such a soft spot for slice-of-life dramas; it’s rare for me not to enjoy one.

Loved the main characters:

1. Two absolutely, top-quality, charismatic actors,

2. Sizzling chemistry between the leads,

3. A female lead with such a naturally lovely smile and charm, and

4. A male lead who is understanding, mature, and kind.

Zhou Yu Tong and Li Xian were fabulous. There’s no doubt about it. Just having the two of them on screen was enough to light things up.

I honestly thought throughout the series that they felt like a real couple. Every interaction was so organic and natural. Now that’s chemistry.

I mean, they felt so comfortable regardless of the scene, whether they were flirting, teasing, kissing, arguing, pulling each other’s leg, consoling each other, or just cuddling.

No. 2 Wonderful World (K-Drama):

The moment this series was announced, I was interested because I am a huge fan of Kim Nam-joo.

I have only ever watched one other drama starring her, and that was My Husband Got a Family. That is one of my favourite family dramas, and Kim Nam-joo single-handedly made the show for me.

She did so again here. What an outstanding actor she is! Goodness me, just having her on my screen is a delight.

This is a tale of an unjust death, the resulting revenge, the repercussions of that revenge, and the healing journey of those affected. The healing part is slow and takes a very long time.

The characters are constantly tormented by mistakes, the loss of loved ones, the consequences of their actions, and their choices. They are often cornered and struggle to find the right path.

That is what makes this show so emotionally engaging—it contains flawed characters. Pretty much all the characters are portrayed as real human beings.

As great as Kim Nam Joo was, the other characters in this series were fantastic in their own right. It’s a really underrated series, and I definitely recommend checking it out.

SPECIAL AWARD:

Favourite Drama Character of 2024 –

Eun Soo Hyun (Kim Nam Joo) — No character in this story has it worse than Eun Soo Hyun.

At the happiest moment in her life, she is struck by an unjust tragedy. As a result, she chooses to exact her revenge and suffers the consequences.

She is a kind-hearted and honest person who cares deeply about others, especially her loved ones. No one should suffer as she did.

Half the time, I found it hard to watch her pain and anguish; it was gut-wrenching.  She had people who cared about her deeply, but all of them had their own problems, resulting in her suffering snowballing as the show went on.

Despite everything, even in the most difficult predicaments, she always tried to choose the right path. That was admirable. She never overreacted and always stood by her principles.

Her poise, kind-hearted nature, maturity, the grace with which she carried herself, and her deep empathy for others were why I adored her character.

I was in awe watching her deal with each situation. She never wavered, and the immense thought she put into every action was incredible.

I think she is probably up there as my favourite character in dramaland. To achieve this in a 14-episode series is quite a feat.

I teared up quite a few times, especially when she cried. All those scenes were so emotionally charged.  Her subtle facial expressions, aura, understanding of her role, and her chemistry with all the other core characters were standout features of her acting. I was so attached to her character that I literally felt her emotions.

That’s why I enjoyed the show so much. She was magnificent.

P.S.: Kim Nam-joo needs to act in more shows.

No. 1 Angels Fall Sometimes (C-Drama):

Shout-out to JJ for motivating me to pick this drama up, and when I finally did so in December, it made me wonder why I hadn’t watched it earlier.

This series was simply incredible, truly something special. I expected an emotional rollercoaster, but it blew my expectations out of the water.

As the synopsis indicates, this is a tale of the male lead battling a sudden onset of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). It’s about how he fights the terminal illness alongside his lover, An Zique (Landy Li), friends, family, and colleagues.

Each conversation and each step in his journey carries so much weight. The bonds forged between the couple, their tight-knit group of friends, colleagues, families, and fellow patients could not have been better.

The acting is stellar. The series is filled with emotional, powerful, and meaningful moments.

Basically, the first nine to ten episodes are warm and fluffy, containing many OTP moments, sweet friendships, family moments, and our characters’ work lives.

The next seven episodes are about Lin Tuo’s (Lin Yi) diagnosis, his reluctance to deal with it and lean on his loved ones, followed by the aftermath of his loved ones finding out.

The last seven episodes deal with how everyone bands together and cares for Lin Tuo.

Since I watched this at a time when I was facing a few health issues myself, this one hit me doubly hard.

I don’t want to give too much away. I’ll just say that this is one of the best dramas I’ve seen, and it really hit hard. Be sure to have some tissues ready, because it’s a real tearjerker. Highly recommend it!

II. TOP NON-2024 SHOWS:

No. 12: Love Scenery (C-Drama – 2021):

This drama was extremely light-hearted, had adorable characters (especially the leads and goofy male supporting characters), and excellent music. Even the gaming-related sequences kept me engrossed, which is a first.

I re-watched scenes from it many times over the course of the year.

No. 11: Death’s Game (K-Drama – 2023-2024):

First, the series was very entertaining. My brother and I were hooked almost immediately, and our enjoyment only increased with each episode.

Each life the protagonist experiences feels like a cleverly crafted short story designed to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat.

There’s a real mix of genres in each life he lives, and there were several occasions when we were genuinely surprised by how things turned out. There is also an overarching, connected plot to look forward to.

The production values were high and impressive. Some of the cinematography and action scenes were genuinely fantastic. One sequence, in particular, was exhilarating and offered a rush of adrenaline.

I must also comment on the music. We thought it was superb, and the soundtrack suited each scene perfectly, enhancing every meaningful one.

Surprisingly, the series was also very moving at times, particularly when characters pertaining to the protagonist’s life were involved. This was something I did not expect, but I was very happy that it evoked emotions.

The star-studded cast (carefully chosen), antagonist, etc., all nailed their roles. I am not going into specifics, though, because the first-time experience should be a surprise.

As for how the story comes full circle and the conclusion itself, I was personally satisfied. It was relatively clean (as clean as it could be), and the series did not try to delve too deeply into thematic points.

It conveyed what it needed to, and for an eight-episode series, not a single minute was wasted.

No. 10: Live Up To Your Name (K-Drama – 2017):

When I picked this up, I had no idea or expectation of it being as great as it turned out to be. I definitely did not expect it to be such a strong character story or journey.

To top it all off, I personally thought that Kim Nam Gil as Heo Im was at his masterful best.

My word, he put forth one heck of a performance! He nailed his role in all aspects: comedy, goofiness, style, medical knowledge during oriental/traditional acupuncture treatments, romantic scenes, stoic scenes, and emotional scenes.

His expressions, mannerisms, and behaviour were always standout.

I think Kim Ah Jung as Choi Yeon Kyung was also quite excellent. I’ve never seen her in a drama before, and she isn’t a popular actor from what I gather, but in this series, she more than held her own.

She was so independent and competent at her job, and her character growth was one of the best aspects of the show. Initially, she had a bit of arrogance, but her desire was always to save as many people as she could and do her best.

The series’ focus on what it means to be a doctor, whether in Joseon or Seoul, was very well portrayed.

It showed that there is no end to people’s greed, money, desire for power, and influence. If one decides to go down that path, it is hard to turn back.

Heo Im’s journey toward his destiny, as he struggled to find the right path, was quite something.

I don’t know if Kim Nam Gil has done other romance dramas, but here, it was quite well done. I thought the couple shared ideals, and they both helped each other find the right path.

The treatments were fascinating to see, and I thought both the acupuncture scenes and modern treatment scenes were well portrayed.

Some of the treatment scenes were crude, and the Japanese invasion scenes were brutal, but the show really hit hard on several occasions. There is so much to unpack regarding this show.

I also really enjoyed the brand of humour the show used, and I laughed out loud on many occasions.

Another thing I did not expect was to be so emotionally engaged during this watch.

No. 09: First Love: Hatsukoi (J-Drama – 2022):

This was one of the most unique shows I have watched thus far, and it is a brilliantly told love story.  There is a lot of style and panache in how the show tells its tale.

Technically, there is not a single fault, and the production is superb. I was truly amazed at how the OST had such an incredible number of tracks, each used masterfully. My favourite tracks were “Hatsukoi,” “First Love,” and “Old Pine.”

The most unique aspect of this show is how it toggles between timelines seamlessly.

The lead characters, Noguchi Yae and Namiki Harumichi, had two separate sets of actors portraying them in two primary timelines (1997 and the present day). However, the show also jumps to other timelines in between and afterwards without a hitch.

It can be a bit confusing initially, but once you watch the first episode, things should click into place.

What is wonderful about the show is how every single one of these characters gets their moment in the spotlight, with a dedicated episode, all while jumping between timelines and still recounting the past of our leads and their current tale.

I also appreciated the episode titles. I don’t usually pay much attention to them, but here, I felt they added something meaningful to the experience.

Yae was my favourite character by far, especially her present-day version. After everything she has been through, it was amazing that she was still so level-headed and was grinding through life while finding happiness in small things.

I loved the final reunion between the leads, the extended epilogue, and the fact that they were living their respective dreams. There was also a post-credits epilogue scene that was so cute.

I’ve been thinking about it a lot since I finished it.

No. 08: Old Rookie (J-Drama – 2022):

Heartfelt story and extremely lovable protagonist with a super-supportive family and colleagues. I love how the sports management aspect was delved into. The diversity in the relationships between the management agents and athletes was amazing.

I also appreciated how varied the circumstances were for each athlete and how the protagonist and his colleagues handled each situation.

A truly worthwhile watch for anyone who enjoys a character journey through sport and management.

No. 07: Our Blues (K-Drama – 2022):

Discussed this show over on Patreon with JJ, Deni, enapeters, and others.

This is a special show. No doubt about it. The scenery and various shots of the places on Jeju Island are nothing short of stunning, the soundtrack is also absolutely wonderful and the small community vibes are done so well.

All the arcs hit differently, but they are all so full of emotion and meaning in their own right. Such a wonderfully written and thoughtful show. It tackles those varied subjects with nous, tact, and sensitivity. Everyone has acted superlatively too.

No. 6: The Wind Blows (K-Drama – 2019):

I felt that Kam Woo-sung was perfectly cast as the male lead for this show. I had seen him in a similar role in Should We Kiss First?, wherein he was suffering from a terminal illness. He is masterful in delivering subtle expressions in this sort of role.

Similarly, the female lead, Lee Soo-jin (Kim Ha-neul), was also perfectly cast for her role.

Some Necessary Prior Knowledge:

Some Synopsis Spoilers —

Going into this show, I was aware that I needed to brace myself for some frustrating scenes in the first four to six episodes.

This is because, as viewers, we are aware of Do Hun’s Alzheimer’s condition as early as episode two, but the characters in the show, particularly the female lead, are completely unaware.

The first three or four episodes essentially set up the premise, and the setup is complete by the beginning of episode eight.

The real payoff and the show’s actual meaningful emotional content begin in episode eight.

It is helpful to have this prior knowledge; otherwise, it is not easy to understand or digest the content and the characters’ actions in the first half of the show.

The second half is full of emotional, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and poignant moments between Do Hun and Soo Jin. It is plain to see that they both love each other—always have, always will.

This is where some of the logic of the first half becomes questionable.

I chose to ignore the logical loopholes regarding how Soo Jin forced the divorce and harboured feelings of hatred for five years while Do Hun continued to do everything he could for her during that same period.

I personally felt that the payoff from episodes 8 to 16 was so immense that I could forgive Soo Jin and all the uncomfortable events that transpired in the first half.

The way Soo Jin stays so strong in the second half and never doubts that they would pull through together, even once, is commendable. I can’t help but respect how she manages to stay true to her word.

With Do Hun’s failing memory and worsening condition, any and every inkling of a moment together where Do Hun shows affection or acknowledges Soo Jin becomes all the more precious.

Even a nod, a smile, a simple sentence or note, or even just acknowledging a hug. You have to see it to realize how much these moments mean to each other and what this show teaches you.

The present is the most important thing, and one should do one’s best to stay happy with loved ones and make memories.

I had initially set a goal to reach episode 8, but the task was not very difficult. I ended up watching episodes 3 to 10 in one sitting.

The show was so engaging that even though I questioned some of the characters’ early decisions and felt frustrated, I couldn’t stop watching. That’s why having prior knowledge of the show’s ultimate goal is so valuable.

I was completely engrossed in the show from the beginning, and by the time I finished it, I knew it was one of my favourite underrated gems.

Alzheimer’s is terrifying, but this show handled the condition with so much tact and sensitivity. I was reminded of how *Daily Dose of Sunshine* dealt with mental illnesses, and that’s a huge compliment given how much I appreciate that series.

The series’ second half will give you all the feels, and I slowed my viewing from episode 11 to 16 to pay close attention and appreciate every detail. The show does an exemplary job.

The ending could not be more perfect. There’s a touch of bitter-sweetness, but it’s largely hopeful, heartwarming, and the overwhelming feeling is one of familial togetherness.

In short, the show takes its time with the setup, but the payoff is significant, and I definitely recommend it.

One must be patient until episode 8. The show teaches the value of cherishing the present, creating moments with loved ones, and treasuring happy memories.

The unwavering power of all kinds of love—familial, friendship, or simply caring for one another—really shines through.

No. 5: Mr. Queen (K-Drama – 2020):

I am always somewhat reluctant to start sageuk dramas.

I adore Shin Hye-sun. She is definitely among my favourite female actors. I have watched so many of her shows until now, but I always kept putting off this particular show, which is arguably her best performance ever. I finally did pick it up, though.

Shin Hye-sun as the Queen was brilliant. I don’t think any other actor could have pulled off this performance the way she did.

I have said this on numerous occasions before, but nobody acts with their whole being like she does. I mean, the body language, actions, comedic timing, range of emotions, voice modulation, and versatility are simply astonishing. I cannot heap enough praise on her, to be honest.

From episode 1 to the final episode, we both perked up every single time she was on screen.

I think the series had a perfect mix of comedy, seriousness, political tension, romance, and action.

Some soundtracks significantly impacted various scenes. What we liked most was that a lighthearted moment always appeared when things became serious.

The political machinations and tension were at a reasonable level, and I think the perfect blend with the romance and comedy made this work.

I know the show has a highly controversial ending. However, I didn’t mind it and thought it was a fitting conclusion.

No. 4: Good Manager (K-Drama – 2017):

Deni, P. Jasmine, and I raved about the brilliance on display in this show, in terms of writing, comedy, wit, and a superlative performance by the outstanding Namgoong Min, over on Patreon.

Seriously, we had so much fun in our mini-group watch discussing this show. All I’ll say is, watch it if you haven’t already.

No. 3: Full-time Wife Escapist + Movie (J-Drama – 2016):

My first J-drama. It was always going to be this one. Ever since I happened to come across it last year when it made its way to Netflix, I knew I had to watch it.

I was a massive fan of the manga. I read it way back in November 2017. So many years ago. To this day, I still consider it one of my all-time favourite manga. So when I saw that it got a live-action release and a complete adaptation, it was just a matter of time.

Yui Aragaki is absolutely perfect as Mikuri Moriyama. She is beautiful and adorable at the same time. It took me a few minutes to get back into how Japanese interactions and conversations feel, as I hadn’t watched any Japanese series in a while, but once I was in the groove, it was smooth sailing.

So the premise is simple: our leads, Hiramasa Tsuzaki and Mikuri Moriyama, enter into a common-law contract marriage (and an employer-employee relationship) due to various circumstances and, of course, gradually fall in love.

The whole process is beautifully explored, and their interactions are so quirky. The way they come to terms with each other’s feelings is tackled so tactfully.

This couple is so unique, and they both have such varied personalities. Mikuri is positive, full of imaginative ideas, and she is always the first to take the initiative. Did I say that she was adorable? Can’t stress that enough.

I love all the fantastical imaginations she has throughout the show. So joyous to watch those sequences.

Hiramasa is stoic, serious, and values rationality. He has always been a loner and embraces the bachelor life.

However, once the two start to feel comfortable with each other and slowly develop new feelings, their worlds essentially change.  They slowly (taking baby steps) grow closer to each other.

Never have I felt that hugs alone could be so romantic as they were in this drama. We are so used to skinship and kisses being a mark of chemistry.

In this series, though, every time our characters get closer to each other through simple interactions, it feels so satisfying. The level of gratification I got was something else.

What I respect and appreciate so much about this series is how the characters talk to each other, have honest conversations, and try to resolve issues by understanding the situation from both perspectives.

There were so many issues that they tackled just by having a proper conversation over dinner and sorting things out. How cool is that? No bottling up of unnecessary thoughts and misunderstandings.

Even when there was some level of angst in their relationship (mainly due to low self-esteem in Hiramasa’s case or not wanting to continually take the initiative in Mikuri’s case), it was perfectly understandable given the situation, and they always wanted to sort things out.

That is why this series is so special. It balances comedy, romance, and thoughtfulness while maintaining such a high level of attention to detail.

The workplace environment, the food they eat, the everyday chores—all of them are so intricately filmed. You literally feel like you are observing their everyday lives. Every interaction, however mundane, feels meaningful.

The Full Time Wife Escapist New Year’s Special (2021) –

There was another special episode released years after the drama, and this one was again fantastic.

It was more serious in tone but equally dealt with many important life events: pregnancy, childcare, health issues, COVID, and balancing work and family life. As usual, it was subtly done. It really hits home!

I love how unique the series is in its handling of the leads’ lives while still showing their quirks and the moving love they have for each other.

The OTP was dorky, charming, adorably awkward, and lovable. The pair married in real life, and it’s no wonder. They felt like a real couple in the drama and movie, a testament to how wonderful they were together.

Also, the ending song in both the regular series and the special episode, where the whole cast sings and dances, is charming and cute. It always brings a smile.

No. 2: If You Wish Upon Me (K-Drama – 2022):

I watched this late last year, and boy, did this hit hard. Ji Chang Wook, Choi Soo Young, and Sung Dong Il were so good. I think this is his best performance alongside Healer.

It’s so hard not to root for him here, given the circumstances. I don’t know what it is about these terminal illness shows, but they just seem to work for me.

The relationships built in the hospital and the character growth throughout the series—for many characters, not just the leads—are so well done.

The soundtrack was also quite apt for the show, and there are so many memorable, emotional scenes. I just tend to like shows that get me emotionally, and this one did that consistently.

No. 1: Beautiful World (K-Drama – 2019):

I’m not sure if anyone here has watched this drama, but I wanted to spread the word and let everyone know that this is a special drama.

I had previously watched *Wonderful World* this year and questioned why the show was named that when it was primarily about the protagonist’s suffering after a horrendous tragedy.

This is much the same; however, this time, an entire family is suffering the impact of the tragedy together.

The whole story is about how the family makes it through to the other side with love, empathy, and compassion.

It was extraordinary, and I thought the characters were written so well. This is a powerful and meaningful story, and the final message is that everyone makes mistakes, but the important thing is what one does after the mistake is made—i.e., repentance.

This is not easy to watch early on. The first four episodes were excruciating because the family’s suffering is portrayed in such a raw fashion. They cannot get justice and must fight tooth and nail for every victory. But they do. That’s the best part.

They never give up and lean on each other for support. Midway through, they get assistance, and I cannot downplay how delighted I was with everyone who helped.

Every character is human and trying to protect something. Adults want to protect their children and will go to any lengths to do so. There is a vicious cycle of lies, deceit, and the use of financial power to cover things up. But the truth will eventually prevail, and how!

The final episode is one of the best I’ve seen in a drama. It ties up all loose ends beautifully. Everyone gets what they deserve, and the ending is extremely uplifting.

The characters are relatable, and I loved all of them, including the antagonists. The performances are superb, and the soundtracks, “Over the Moon” and “Tears of Love,” are perfect for this series.

It made me emotional at the end and on several occasions. Even amidst the despair, a single heartwarming moment was enough to make things seem alright again.

III. HONOURABLE MENTIONS IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER WITH BRIEF WRITEUPS:

Good Partner (K-Drama – 2024) –

I really enjoyed this one. It’s basically the Cha Eun-yeong (Jang Na-ra) and Han Yu-ri (Nam Ji-hyun) show. I watched it for them, and they were both absolutely superb. I was hooked within the first five minutes and raced through it.

So, the drama is about how the relationship between the two leads goes from senior-junior with opposing viewpoints to colleagues who trust each other, to friends with mutual respect, to good partners (and close friends) who are always there for each other as thorough professionals.

There’s amazing chemistry between the two, and the sismance in this one really takes the spotlight.

There is one major case—or should I say arc—that runs from about episode 3 to episode 10. (I initially thought this was way too long, but in the end, it worked out.)

There are several other interesting cases each episode that provide a platform for our leads to grow while learning about themselves and each other.

The show might try to do a bit too much or meander at times, but at the end of the day, the leads are gold together, so I could look the other way.

Pyramid Game (K-Drama – 2024) –

The three lead characters (and actresses), Sung Soo Ji (Bona), Myung Ja Eun (Ryu Da In), and Baek Ha Rin (Jang Da A), were quite outstanding.

The story is essentially set in an all-girls high school, and the theme is that the school is a microcosm of society.

Sung Soo Ji transfers to a class located in a building annex, and the whole class plays a game called the Pyramid Game to establish the class hierarchy. The highest-ranking students receive special privileges, while the lowest-ranking students are treated as cannon fodder and bullied.

While not all girls actively participate in the bullying, their bystander status effectively constitutes consent.  Not only the students but also the adults turn a blind eye to this.

The concept is that hierarchies and pyramids exist in all walks of life. The story follows Sung Soo Ji as she challenges this system, strives to eliminate the game, and faces the repercussions for all involved.

There is violence and some uncomfortable scenes, but that’s not all. There are also plenty of heartwarming scenes and camaraderie among the group of friends and classmates that eventually forms.

The back-and-forth between the girls who made the game and the girls who decide to take a stand against it is quite riveting. There are mind games, tactical warfare, and manipulation—using any information or person to one’s advantage.

In the end, I think we get a realistic and satisfying conclusion.

Marry My Husband (K-Drama – 2024) –

I thought the show was a lot of fun. Sure, things took a dark turn toward the end, but that didn’t affect my overall impression too much.

I haven’t seen Park Min Young this good since Healer.

I also thought Song Ha Yoon and Lee Yi Kyung were superb. Their antics had a comedic feel, and their deliveries made a massive difference.

Queen of Tears (K-Drama – 2024) –

Apart from the OTP and the family drama feels, this deserves a mention for the music alone. What an OST! It was also the series I revisited the most for scene rewatches throughout the year.

Parasyte: The Grey (K-Drama – 2024) –

As a fan of the manga and anime, I am very pleased that this series maintained the basic theme while also producing its own original story. The budget, production, and action sequences were all solid.  Thumbs up from me for sure.

A Virtuous Business (K-Drama – 2024) –

Kim So Yeon’s character made this show click for me, and the sisterhood between the four female leads was certainly the highlight. All of them were great, and that was the most enjoyable part of the drama.

You Are My Lover Friend (C-Drama – 2024) –

The star attractions are leads Jiang Shiyan (Zhang Xin Cheng) and Tang Yang (Wang Yu Wen), and I liked the subtle but definite evolution of their relationship from friends to lovers.

I loved the final stretch, and it was a very pleasant watch.

I admittedly have a huge soft spot for the second couple. I like how down-to-earth Sheng Nina (Luo Qin Yun) was, despite her celebrity status, and how perceptive and considerate Cheng Hui (Wu Jun Ting) was.

Marry Me Now? (K-Drama – 2018) –

One of the few long family dramas I watched this year, and it’s the best one too. Thanks to Sean for recommending it. I really liked it; the couples were all cute, and it was quite a satisfying experience.

Hot Stove League (K-Drama – 2019) –

I would watch any Namgoong Min or Park Eun-bin show.  Putting the two together is already a winning formula.

I didn’t think there would be so little baseball in this show. This was completely about the management side of baseball—the franchise’s management, not the team itself.

Superb performances across the board. Both Namgoong Min and Park Eun-bin were exemplary. This is an underdog story done right. Almost forgot to mention, Oh Jung-se was also fantastic as the villain.

Bravo, My Life (K-Drama – 2022) –

This was only the second long family drama I watched and liked in 2024, after Marry Me Now?  So it definitely deserves a mention.

This one had a lot of drama, but it was alwayss engaging and not frustrating. The OTP were cute together. I had not seen either actor in any other show. No other notable couples stood out to me. There were enough complexities to keep things interesting.

SPECIAL AWARDS:

1) BEST OTP OF 2024:

I really did mull this over quite a bit. The contenders were the Lovely Runner couple, the You Are My Secret couple, the Will Love in Spring couple, and the Angels Fall Sometimes couple.

I decided to give it to Lin Tuo (Lin Yi) and An Zique (Landi Li) from Angels Fall Sometimes.

The reason is simple: this OTP tugs at my heartstrings so much more. They are so adorable together in the show’s initial part and stand by each other in the second half when things are most difficult.

It is so heartwarming to see how much they mean to each other. As cute as the other contenders were, this couple truly wins here.

2) BEST OTP OF A NON-2024 DRAMA:

Some serious competition here, too.  The Fulltime Wife Escapist, First Love: Hatsukoi, Love Scenery, and I also personally loved the OTP in If You Wish Upon Me.

After due deliberation, I’ll give it to the First Love: Hatsukoi OTP. There wasn’t much between them and The Fulltime Wife Escapist couple, who are even married in real life.  Love Scenery’s Lin Yi and Xu Lu were also so cute together.

It’s just that I have a massive soft spot for the yearning that Noguchi Yae (Mitsushima Hikari) and Namiki Harumichi (Satoh Takeru) had for each other. They are just too memorable. I really do appreciate the show more long after completing it.

3) BEST SECONDARY COUPLE OF 2024:

Only made this category because there were three genuinely great secondary couples. This really is a three-way tie. I can’t separate the secondary couples from You Are My Secret, You Are My Lover Friend, and Love Next Door.

So here they are:

Rao Zing (Wang Zhen Er) and Zhao Fang Gang (Zhou Cheng Ao) from You Are My Secret

Sheng Nina (Luo Qiu Yun) and Cheng Hui (Wu Jun Ting) from You Are My Lover Friend

Jung Mo Eum (Kim Ji Eun) and Kang Dan Ho (Yun Ji On) from Love Next Door

4) BEST MALE ACTOR OF 2024:

It’s very hard to consider anyone apart from Lin Yi from Angels Fall Sometimes. I’ve seen him before in Love Scenery and Put Your Head on My Shoulder, but his performance here really blows everything else out of the water.  Truly standout.

5) BEST FEMALE ACTOR OF 2024:

I already wrote about this in my Wonderful World write-up, but Kim Nam-joo again.  Landy Li from Angels Fall Sometimes and Honey Lee from Knight Flower were contenders, though.

6) BEST MALE ACTOR OF A NON-2024 DRAMA:

Easiest pick. I’m sure that Deni and P. Jasmine will agree. Namgoong Min from Good Manager. So eccentric, so charismatic, and just so perfect for the series. This is unlike any of his other roles.

I thought he was exceptional in Hot Stove League too, which I watched in 2024.

I must hasten to add that, in any other circumstance, Ji Chang Wook would be in with a shout for his performance in If You Wish Upon Me, and the same with Kim Nam Gil for Live Up to Your Name. However, Chief Kim was just too memorable.

7) BEST FEMALE ACTOR OF A NON-2024 DRAMA:

It’s very difficult to look past Shin Hye Sun from Mr. Queen.  I don’t even need to elaborate.

8) BEST OST OF 2024:

Queen of Tears.

9) BEST OST OF A NON-2024 DRAMA

Our Blues.

10) BEST ENSEMBLE OF ANY DRAMA WATCHED IN 2024:

Our Blues. No need for any explanation. Just look at the star-studded cast.

11) WORST DRAMA OF 2024:

Unlike last year, I do have an entry here: Love Me, Love My Voice. I went off on this show on Patreon and just had to mention it here. It was a painful watch for me.

CLOSING:

Thank you all for patiently making it to this point. It was a long post, but I hope it was an enjoyable read and you were able to find some dramas that piqued your interest.

Thank you! I wish you all a wonderful 2025! Happy drama watching. Until next time.

~ABV