Happy 13th! Reflections, Feels, and a Fun Drama Game

Happy 13th birthday to my little bloggie.. You’re officially – gasp! – a teenager now! 😱👀

Today marks 13 whole years since I nervously hit “publish” on my very first post – and honestly, I’m still a little stunned that we’re all here, hanging out, flailing over dramas, and having feelings™ together, all these years later.

Every comment, every DM, every “I watched this because of you” – it all means more than I can say. 🥲

Thank you for being here, whether you’ve been with me from the very beginning when I was a brand new blogger who could barely figure out what she was doing, or you just wandered in recently because a certain drama just grabbed you by the heart. 💛

Taking stock of last year

Over the past year, I’ve found myself especially grateful for this space and for all of you.

The drama landscape has shifted – new genres surged, old favorites resurfaced, shorter formats exploded, and some shows made us wonder whether Dramaland needed a nap – or if we did. 🤭

Through all of it, your comments and conversations have made watching (and writing!) feel meaningful and fun in a way I don’t take for granted.

Not gonna lie: sometimes this whole “blogging full time” thing can feel scary, but your encouragement and engagement have been the brightest part of the whole experience, and I’m genuinely thankful. 🥲

Thank you, everyone, especially everyone on Patreon, for always cheering me on, and being patient with me. 🥰

💬 Tell me your favorite drama of 2025!

This year, I thought we could celebrate with a little community game!

Tell me your favorite drama of 2025 (so far, anyway!).. and I’ll reply with one thing I loved about it

– or –

One reason it’s still on my radar (or not! 🙊💁🏻‍♀️)

Any genre, any country; bring it on – I’m curious to know, and I can’t wait to see what everyone drops into the comments! 🤩

In closing

Thank you again for 13 years of support, kindness, conversation, and community. I really couldn’t have made it to 13 years, without you guys. 🥲

ALSO – to celebrate the start of the blog’s 14th year, I’m pleased to announce that the blog’s reached 14,306,749 views, as I type this!

Ahhh! How cool, that we’ve hit 14 million, as we start Year 14!

Here’s to another year of stories, swoons, plot twists, and… let’s be honest… the most important thing of all: feeeelsss™. 🥰🥰

LOVE YA. 🙆🏻‍♀️

KFG ❤️

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

94 Comments
I Speak Korean Dramas
I Speak Korean Dramas
6 months ago

Well done – especially in this day and age when most people don’t want to read more than just soundbites!
I haven’t been here long and have kept to myself a bit out of shyness, but I know I’ll be around for a long time and have decided to start joining in more going forward. One of the reasons I decided to start using the ISKD handle is so I can feel more comfortable “fangirling” over here without it being the same as my personal/professional usernames. Not that it’s anything to be ashamed of, it’s just not something people understand from the outside. I’ll never forget almost dropping Her Private Life because how could I ever relate to a grown woman who is like that…but Kim Jae Wook’s hair had me intrigued (that was during the era of the straight, flat bangs) so I kept going, and by the end of the show I had created a KJW Pinterest board of pictures from his entire modeling and acting career. (Is irony the correct term for that? Alanis Morrisette got my generation very confused – when her song was really just about being unprepared and unlucky.)
We agree about 95% of the time, +/- about half a letter grade, though I’ve realized I am probably still grading a bit on a curve after being a high school teacher for a long time (if you don’t, the teenagers get too deflated and disgruntled). Even when our overall score differs, we still agree on the main points. That’s why, when I’m not sure what to watch or I can’t decide how to rate something, I come to your blog. After reading your reviews of Healer, Coffee Prince, and Reply 1988, I felt totally at home here. And then after you shared Dark, I knew that I had found my people.
I love the community you’ve built, which is super positive and constructive compared to the comments sections of the big sites. I think you set the tone for that nicely with your “viewing lens” intro for each drama, plus that has just been really helpful for me as someone who is newer to the K-drama world.
The 2025 drama I am dying to ask you about is Dear X. I’ve read the Ep1-2 notes on Patreon and am patiently waiting for your full review. Which reminds me…I was even considering increasing my tier, but I am actually fine with the level of access I have now (especially because it forces me to think for myself a bit longer…I mean, as a teacher, sometimes I feel like I’m cheating), so I was thinking about supporting you more through gift subscriptions instead for some friends/acquaintances who I think will like it.
Thanks for what you do! In a world where it is so hard to find people IRL who share this passion, it makes me feel a little less lonely.

Last edited 6 months ago by I Speak Korean Dramas
j3ffc
j3ffc
6 months ago

Hello, @I Speak Korean Dramas, or ISKD (if I may call you that). Glad to see the you are posting; I totally get it, using a pseudonym myself just to keep business and personal lives separate. And just want to say that you made my day, with your comment regarding Dark! Thank you so much for reading it. I look forward to hearing from you as the spirit moves you in the months ahead.

Last edited 6 months ago by j3ffc
Kay
Kay
6 months ago

Congratulations on 13 years! I’ve been with you for 11 of them 😊 You always put out fantastic content that is full of insight, thoughtfulness, and humor. I wish you many more successful years! ❤️

And my favorite drama of the year was When the Phone Rings 😊

phl1rxd
6 months ago
Reply to  Kay

Kay – I agree that When the Phone Rings was cracktastic! Too bad the writer bombed the story in the last few episodes. That was a travesty as the front end was simply superb. I felt that the ending was too rushed, hence, all the cray cray at the end. Even with that bad ending I still loved the OTP and their relationship made me so impatient waiting for the next two episodes to drop.

While the ending to Phone was not as quite as bad The Rise of the Phoenixes‘ ending (a true stinker of an ending if ever there was) at least I did not have to watch 70 episodes to be so disappointed. 🤣😂😂😅

Deb C.
Deb C.
6 months ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

– I so agree about When The Phone Rings. Despite the makjang-on-steroids last episodes, I still have it on my rewatch list just for the earlier episodes and the OTP.

Last edited 6 months ago by Deb Charlesworth
Gloria Woods
Gloria Woods
6 months ago

Congratulations on 13 years and over 14 million views (amazing)! Thank you for all your hard work! Even before joining Patreon last year when I retired, I frequently checked out your reviews online.

Having watched Kdramas for only 3 years, I’ve had a lot of dramas from which to choose! When I discovered Viki as I was retiring, I fell in love with Chinese dramas too. Now I watch about half and half, with a few Japanese.  I’ve also learned to enjoy the exaggerated style of the short Chinese web dramas. I am amazed that some of the Patreon group blaze through so many of the lengthy Chinese costume dramas and have such a deep understanding/memory of them. I can usually only watch one of those a month, and I’m typically motivated by the Patreon members chatting about them.

I have watched older Asian dramas more than current ones this year (200 total so far this year: 52 being 2025 dramas).  My favorites for 2025:

Korea: Second Shot at Love

China: Love’s Ambition and First Frost

Japan: Marry My Husband: Japan

phl1rxd
6 months ago

Happy 13th Anniversary Fangurl. You are the best and I loves ya! I am astounded over the number of views – that is tremendous. So many people around the world visit here as they recognize quality content.

The site is so large now I cannot even find my first post. I started hanging out here in 2012 | 2013 but it took me a few years to get up the gumption to comment. 🙄😁 So much greatness in this place! I still love the embedded OSTs.

I will not be doing a EOY this year as I am super busy but 3 dramas stood out…

  1. The Story of Kunning Palace. I had started this drama when it aired in 2023 and dropped it – I could not even tell you why, except something I thought was shinier pulled me away. Then this summer JJ and another lovely Patreon person (so sorry but I cannot remember who it was) talked me into watching. I was in a drama slump so I thought “Why the heck not?”. Ay Carumba! What had I been missing? I super binged it and stayed up a few nights. I could not stop watching.
  2. Whispers of Fate – I am a Luo Yun Xi “Extraness” fan all the way. 😍
  3. Had I Not Seen the Sun on Netflix – I will finish this in 2025. Whew Fangurl – this is NOT 😨 😱😰 for the feint of heart. it contains a lot of intense triggers. It is incredibly dark. (JJ – run away as fast as you can) It should contain a warning sign in the opening title – “Danger – Watch at your own risk”. So, why did I watch it? Solely for Tseng Ching Hua, the bravest and one of the most talented actors in China. IMHO. he is equal to S. Korea’s YAI, he is that talented. I may need therapy after watching this one. I do not recommend this drama, but I do suggest checking this actor out in the future.

You are like another arm of my drama watching as I rely so much on your analysis and input on dramas. I am happy to see so many Patreon members and I remember the day I signed up.

On a final note – I could have never imagined enjoying My Fated Boy as much as I did. I watched it three times this year – mostly because I needed some sweetness and happiness over here in the Wild, Wild West. So, I cannot thank you enough for writing that review.

Now, to 20 more years and tons of paying Patreon friends! You are the best Fangurl!!! 🌸🌹🌼🌻🌺🌷🧡💛🤎💙💜🤍💗

Ele
Ele
6 months ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

Yah, so glad you watched Story of Kuning Palace – I don’t think it was me who urged you, but if I’d seen you stuck, I would have urged you!! Zhang Linghe with that bunny-eared hat is a sight to behold! And the chemistry with Bai Lu super-sizzling!

phl1rxd
6 months ago
Reply to  Ele

It is on-fire-hot, ELe. You are so on point with that statement. LOL!

j3ffc
j3ffc
6 months ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

, I’ve only heard of Kunning Palace but not the other two. Thanks for the mini-EOY and best wishes for the new year!

phl1rxd
6 months ago
Reply to  j3ffc

Right back at cha, j3ffc! I am catching up on drama talk today as we are snow and iced in. Happy New Year and may you catch many good movies on your travel flights in 2026!

Ele
Ele
6 months ago

Aw, happy birthday!! 13 – that’s a tricky age. I’m expecting a year of sulks, emotional outbursts, intense love interests, and a lot of muttering! Cue all 13-year-olds eye-rolling…

Anyway, I love everything about your blog, especially the Patreon bulletins each week, informing me of new drama releases, BTS (yes, I now know that means behind the scenes because of you!), and random British chefs scoffing Korean food!

I get totally overwhelmed by the drama chat but I love that when I do take a gander, or have a little say, the community you’ve created here follow your lead and are SO warm and friendly, patient and enthusiastic!! And, naturally, I appreciate the good-humoured indulgence of my fangirling moments…

Anyho, I would say my top drama this year is……… SQUEEEEEEE!!!! A Dream Within A Dream!! I don’t suppose this is terribly surprising 🙂

phl1rxd
6 months ago
Reply to  Ele

Ele – I also love the weekly drama release drops! So many good tips on what to watch and maybe some Liu Yu Ning songs to delight us.

Ele
Ele
6 months ago
Reply to  phl1rxd

I hope you like my post coming up – it’s, erm, very specific!!!

Deni
Deni
6 months ago

I wrote something but it seems to have gotten lost. Congratulations KFG. You are best. The Patreon community is heart warming and uplifting and fun to boot. Just well done!

Favorite drama of the 2025 ones we have watched—for the most fun Bon Appetit Your Majesty and the opposite is Our Unwritten Seoul for a healing heart warming drama.

Again, congratulations and thank you for the place you have given me to be me!

Timescout
6 months ago

Congratulations! 13 years and counting – may there be many more to vome. I’m very happy to have been part of the journey for almost as long. ☺️ My fave drama this year… so far? Yeah, you guessed it – Fated Hearts. 😁

Timescout
6 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Fated Hearts was a true positive surprise among all the varied cdramas I’ve breezed through this year. ABV is another one to fall in love with it and it’s OTP. 😄 So yeah, do take another look.

My
My
6 months ago

Congratulations on 13 years of K- drama blogging ( and some K- formas and C- dramas, as well). Your review are absolutely always great reading!

There have been some really fine dramas this year. When it comes to K- dramas both When Life gives you Tangerines and Our Unwritten Seoul were excellent. But since I have to choose, I liked Our Unwritten Seoul a teeny tiny bit more. But it is really even!

For J- doramas I liked both A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You and Romantics Anonymous. They are very different which makes them difficult to compare. Both made me smile, but in very different ways. Again, I have to choose so I pick Romantics Anonymous.

I only watched one C- drama ( the only one I have ever watched) whick makes A Dream within A Dream my best C- drama this year.

All misspellings and strange errors I blame on my phone!

Laura
Laura
6 months ago

Dear kfangurl…my warm congratulations for 13 years! I started watching kdramas 3 years ago and soon after I began I found your site/blog and read every review for every show I have watched. Your blog has a permanent open place on my lineup of sites. As I’ve posted here before, you give an added dimension and depth, sometimes more than the show itself, and I truly enjoy reading your insightful and emotionally nuanced reviews.

The shows I enjoyed the most this year, prompted by your review, are Our Unwritten Seoul, Way Back Love, Undercover High School, and while I had the feeling you were not wowed, there were parts and aspects of Typhoon Family that really warmed my heart. I wasn’t going to watch You and Everything Else, yet just began to read your review and saw your rating, so I shall now. The same with Dynamite Kiss.

I’m American and once I became aware of kdramas and began watching I haven’t looked back, nor watch what is offered in the US. While all shows are not great, there is such heart, soul and feeling in the dramas, which are lacking mostly in our drama world.

Thank you for truly adding to our watch! Your lovely efforts are so appreciated❤️

My
My
6 months ago
Reply to  Laura

I also started watching K- dramas in 2022 and I almost never watch any Western shows any more. One aspect of K- dramas I like is the lack of irony. Instead you have heart and soul!

Laura
Laura
6 months ago
Reply to  My

I’m hitting the icon to like, yet ain’t working, so telling you I appreciate your comment back!

My
My
6 months ago
Reply to  Laura

The icons do seem to be non- working right now. Maybe they have a holiday in Sundays?!

Laura
Laura
6 months ago
Reply to  My

Heehee!

phl1rxd
6 months ago
Reply to  My

My – that was well said!

Laura
Laura
6 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

My warm gratitude for your response. Having the exchange really touches my heart! 🥰

Indeed you sit alongside my viewing ~ there are some reviews that I so enjoyed reading, allowing me to return to the “feels”, that I re-read the reviews again😊 You said it well ~ that sense of feeling with the characters is indeed a big part of why I keep coming back.

I don’t have anyone else in my world who also watches K dramas, though I did say to someone, given rise from my watch experience, that South Korea is the heart of that country. I’m gratified they came into my life at a challenging time and gave me the needed experiences of wonderful “distraction.”

❤️

Natalia
Natalia
6 months ago

K, as a proper teenager, you have every right to act up a bit! How about watching some other Asian drama that you don’t usually cover, like Indian or Turkish?

How about this one (it is on Netflix for me): Ethos https://share.google/lvv6TYFEtlUjInIlS

Other than that, we love you. ❤

lotusgirl
6 months ago

Wow! You’ve become a teenager! That is really something! Now you have the right to be excessively sassy with eye rolls abounding! My Kdrama viewing has been severely limited this year because of our mission which we are loving by the way. The Bronx is such an amazing place to serve! My favorite drama from the year is “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” It was genuinely epic! So funny and so heartfelt and moving! Congratulations on 13 years!!

SVG
SVG
6 months ago

Congratulations on the past 13 years, KFG! What an achievement! May there be as many more as you wish there to be.

My favorite drama of the year? One of three, and all for the same reason, I think.

  • First Frost was truly a 10/10 for me – I watched it twice while it was airing, rewatched it once a few months later, and am now reading the English translation of the novel online. I love this one so much.
  • Twelve Letters was stunning. My notes start with, “I actually sobbed.” It’s still sitting with me.
  • And then Typhoon Family – not because of Junho (well, not only because of Junho!) – defied expectation. I didn’t rate it as highly as the other two, but I loved it for what it was. Your concept of a viewing lens came very much in handy with this one, because while I wasn’t even sure what it was going to be, going into it, once I figured out that it wasn’t actually what it originally appeared to be, I understood what it was trying to do.

All three shows carry a very strong theme of perseverance, resilience, and healing – and not isolated, but in community. That’s been something I’ve very much needed to understand in my own personal life, so seeing that so much on my screen this year resonated very strongly, and really gave me the courage to stick my head out of my little turtle shell to engage with other people IRL more often, and more transparently, than I have done before. Dramas are “merely” entertainment, sure. But sometimes, they are a little more.

Laura
Laura
6 months ago
Reply to  SVG

I did love Typhoon Family for what it was too, SVG…not only because of Junho😊 I agree…a theme of perseverance, resilience and healing.

j3ffc
j3ffc
6 months ago

Wow, KFG, 13 going on 14 million! It’s nice that this anniversary comes during the holiday season for many of us, since it gives a lot of things to be thankful for. You are such a talented critic/writer, and the well-considered analysis of this corner of the entertainment world that you provide is second to none. It’s only natural that this space has attracted such a thoughtful, intelligent, and supportive community, which like others have noted, is a key reason to keep coming back.

That you have even supported my own writing efforts, both in terms of criticism and some ill-considered creative projects, is miraculous and appreciated beyond words.

With respect to your game/challenge…sigh. I’m going to be too easy: Seoul/Seoul/Seoul, with a Tangerine on top.

How about this then? I have time to (maybe) watch one drama this year and I will watch whatever you tell me to.

Thank you and congratulations.

J3ffc
J3ffc
6 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

Way Back Love it is, then! Thanks much and congrats again (don’t eat too much cake 😂)!

seankfletcher
6 months ago

@KFG – here we are again and it is so wonderful to see 😊 A well deserved 13th bloggerversary and not only that you have hit 14 million at the start of the 14th year.

My drama of the year so far is Love’s Ambition. However, All Rise may very well overtake it – what a wonderful show.

You have continued to be Number 1 and this will not change. I am confident the KFG magic will continue rolling on 🎁🎂🏆

JJ
JJ
6 months ago
Reply to  seankfletcher

– Im currently watching Love’s Ambition!!!! I have heard though the second half is meh?? Oh whats this All Rise???

Coudlnt agree more about KFG being Number 1 🏆🏆🏆🏆 and staying that way ❤️

CanIcallYouKate
CanIcallYouKate
6 months ago

14 million, ey? Not too shabby 🤭

I know I have been MIA for a while but will make it a New Year’s resolution to be more active on Patreon again! 🫣

Congratulations on 13 years, KFG!!

Sending lots of love and hugs to you and all in our not-so-little-anymore family. 🥰💕🩷🫶🏼🤗

CanIcallYouKate
CanIcallYouKate
6 months ago

opps forgot my favourite drama! I think I will go with „Love in the Clouds“. That really swept me off my feet with its „one in a million“ chemistry between Hou Ming Hao and Lu Yu Xiao 😍

JJ
JJ
6 months ago

@CanICallYouKate- I second Love in the Clouds!!! Even though in my post I could it the wrong name 🤣🤣🤣🤣

CanIcallYouKate
CanIcallYouKate
6 months ago
Reply to  JJ

I saw 🤣

Leslie
Leslie
6 months ago

Here! Here! Love in the Clouds is a wonderful watch. 😍

CanIcallYouKate
CanIcallYouKate
6 months ago
Reply to  Leslie

Wasn‘t it? 😍 If anyone has not seen it and loves Xianxia, go watch it!

Natalia
Natalia
6 months ago

Thanks for the suggestion, Kate, and, by the way, we missed you in Patreon!

Jaco_4950
Jaco_4950
6 months ago

Hello, thank you as well for your years of the blog. I have been hanging around this blog and on patreon I think since 2021 or 2022 maybe. Even though I often don’t have time to comment, I love the space and thoroughly enjoy the long reviews. I dropped a lot of dramas this year, I really think the quality hasn’t been as good as other years. My notable favourites have been: When the phone rings, Undercover high school, Our beloved seoul and Beyond the Bar.

Jasmine
Jasmine
6 months ago

Many Many Congratulations KFG for this 13 year anniversary of your blog and all the amazing writing you did in here in these 13 years. Keep up the good work and wishing you and the Blog many more happy fun amazing years together.

I am genuinely glad that I found this space way back in early 2020 (how time flies) and now it is my happy comfort space for Asian dramas and life in general. Also found a lot of amazing meaningful people to hang out with online in your Patreon – much indebted and appreciate that community a lot that was built through your kindness and understanding. Many thanks for that once again.

Now on the game: Ok here I go:

K-Drama:

  1. Art of Negotiation – This is my top drama of 2025 from the 7 odd 2025 dramas that I watched. It is a unique K-drama set in a corporate environment and yet had many human stories to tell in that 12 episodes. Everyone acted well but ofc the whole story came together because of LJH and his amazing acting in it. I would really like you to give this drama a try sometime when you are looking for something different in K-dramaland.

Also many thanks for covering Undercover High School, Tempest, Typhoon Family – which are all again 4 star dramas for me and I picked them only because of your initial episode notes on them in Patreon.

J-Drama:

  1. Romantics Anonymous – I watched little Japanese content this year but I am glad I watched this one – top drama of 2025 again. Now my question to you why B++ rating for it – you have liked it very well and so are all of us and it deserves at least an A- rating.

C-Drama:

  1. Flourished Peony – S1 – My first Chinese costume drama and it was really done well. The FL and all the women characters were amazing in this drama. Too bad I am unable to find time to complete S2 but I am hoping that it would be as good as S1.

Once again many Congratulations dear and Take Care as well.

Deni
Deni
6 months ago

13 Years!!!!!!! What a leap of faith that was and here you are still providing us with insightful reviews and a community over on Patreon. It’s been almost 3 years and I absolutely love this community.

Favorite 2025 drama-Bon Appetite Your Majesty for fun, Love Scout for a dreamy OTP, Our Unwritten Seoul for a reflection on life.

wonhwa
wonhwa
6 months ago

Filter was my favorite show of the year, partly because I haven’t laughed so hard watching a drama in I don’t know how long, but also because it landed its romantic and serious moments equally well. It’s rare for a show to balance truly unhinged humor with genuine emotional stakes and connections, but this one did. Also, alpacas.

My runner up is Twelve Letters, a little show that, while often hard to watch, consistently felt fresh and made with care. Also, a cat.

wonhwa
wonhwa
6 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

I’m not sure if the humor in Filter is everyone’s cup of tea, but I loved that it was willing to go full-on old-school screwball comedy, and I was surprised at how well the swoony and serious moments landed towards the end. Glad you’re enjoying Twelve Letters – I particularly appreciated the gorgeous visual feel/look of the show and how fleshed out all of the characters were, especially given the short length. Congrats on 13 years – it’s always nice to see thoughtful drama blogs that are still going strong!

phl1rxd
6 months ago
Reply to  wonhwa

@wonha – I laughed throughout Filter. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

ABV
ABV
6 months ago

– Heartfelt congratulations for 13 years of quality content and providing us with a wonderful community. I am so happy to be part of it and it has been a delight all the way through. Long may it continue 😊

As for favourite dramas of 2025, I think my top two are Our Unwritten Seoul and A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days With You. Those two are definitely ahead. I have a hard time picking my favourite C-Drama because there were quite a few that I enjoyed last month alone. Coroner’s Diary, Light Beyond the Reed, Fragrance of the Pomegranates and Fated Hearts. Before that, I thought it was between The First Frost and Filter. Anyways, I only slightly cheated picking two. I cannot resist mentioning A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days With You.

ABV
ABV
6 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

– It has been a pleasure to be part of the community and joining such meaningful discussions with everyone. Makes me wish I started watching dramas earlier.

Yes, I think I was the first to complete A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days With You. I got so much joy that so many others followed suit after that and enjoyed it so much. It really is a special little show that just made me feel happy. Romantics Anonymous too for that matter. I think we share very similar thoughts on both dramas.

As for Our Unwritten Seoul, it’s almost universally acclaimed in our community for how perfectly it handles the character development, relationships and growth. Mi-ji 🤗

Till November, The First Frost and Filter were absolutely my favourite C-Dramas. The OTP was so lovable in The First Frost. Filter was one of the funniest and yet, emotionally engaging shows of the year.

Fated Hearts is slowly creeping up on me and the more I think of it, the more I feel it’s one of the best shows of the year. This OTP chemistry was fire and easily the most badass duo of the year for me. And Surging Waves is possibly my song of the year which is saying a lot because I loved many other soundtracks.

Coroner’s Diary is certainly not for the fainthearted because its premise involves a lot of forensic investigation. I personally don’t not have a problem with that but there are certainly grotesque dead bodies on display.

I certainly think that you would appreciate Light Beyond the Reed. It has one of the best character explorations of the year. I think it’s almost on par with Our Unwritten Seoul in this regard. Only, it’s more raw, more emotionally charged and tackles a sensitive yet relevant subject matter. The husband-wife relationship and the family relationships will win you over despite the rocky beginnings. On the whole, it is certainly a memorable experience.

As for Fragrance of the Pomegranates, it’s a hidden gem and a perfect nightcap watch, I reckon. It’s gentle, pleasant and easy to watch. You like found families right? So I think you would like it.

Just wanted to give you a bit more information on the titles. 🙂

Last edited 6 months ago by ABV
ABV
ABV
6 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

– Thank you very much, KFG. Your response really moved me. I genuinely think that way. I was part of a wonderful anime watching community before and I made a couple of lifelong friends who I communicate with and watch anime together every week. But I really do wish I got into watching dramas before so that I could have been part of this journey with everyone earlier. I am one of the youngest (if not the youngest) in the community. Everyone is so experienced in life and the interactions help me learn and grow too. I think that’s what the community is all about. We learn and enjoy discussions. Dramas act as the medium and the community is the platform. What I love is that everyone is so respectful and lovable. I cannot heap enough praise. The conversations are always healthy and uplifting. So my appreciation and gratitude is mutual. 😊

That’s why I will always have a soft spot for A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days With You. It’s something that brought so much joy to everyone in the community.

Regarding, Light Beyond the Reed, it’s a mood watch but once you get into it, you can see the characters grow in front of you. What impressed me most was how all the characters felt distinctly human. As a viewer, you could certainly justify every character’s action, which is not something many dramas can pull off.

Hope you like the recommendations 🙂 I get so many recommendations and thoughts from everyone including you so it’s my pleasure to be able to give back as well.

ABV
ABV
6 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

– You’re welcome and thank you too. I feel so happy to read these exchanges.

Yes. There are about 4-5 really close friends that I made and two of them, I talk to every week without fail. We watch anime together on Wednesdays and one of the days during the weekend. This corner definitely feels like home and a comfort zone. Apart from my brother, I do not really have anyone else to share my passion for dramas with.

That’s definitely how I would like to view it. Your perspective clarifies my point on the life experiences of everyone here perfectly. I hope to continue bringing the energy and passion to all of you.

Absolutely. It’s the people that make this community what it is and that is why it is precious. Because there are wonderful people who are part of it. That is why there is reason to celebrate with each anniversary of the blog’s creation.

I really think that you would appreciate Light Beyond the Reed a lot. It’s the type of show that should resonate with you.

Correct. You and Everything Else is a priority watch for me in the early months of 2026. Unfortunately, given my current work schedule (annual filings deadline is December 31), I would not be able to pick it up in December. I’ve been watching Love on the Turquoise Land for over a week now. Not able to get through more than a couple of episodes a day because of the lack of time.

Thank you, KFG. For giving us the opportunity to be a part of this blog and community. 😊😊

JJ
JJ
6 months ago

KFG – Congrats on 13 years as you head into your 14th. Just simply amazing what you have created and sustained all these years. ❤️ You have been truly remarkable in your kindness building this community here and on Patreon.❤️ I am so glad to have found you. ❤️❤️ So many of us have become connected in person and offline because of you. Couldnt be more grateful ❤️ I love all my time on Patreon and the crew over there ❤️ What a wonder you are and continued guiding light in Dramaland ❤️

I am going to break the rules following the trend below 🙂

  1. Tale of Lady Ok – So many people missed this one and I loooooooooved our amazing FL and the ML as well. Such a well done show that needs more love ❤️❤️❤️❤️
  2. First Frost – Cdrama – Another 4 hearts ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Wow, those leads, the story, our heroine. The music. Gosh, I think I need a rewatch ❤️
  3. Way Back Love – Blew my mind. FL is something else. What a beautiful story. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
  4. Light in the Clouds – Cdrama – Four hearts again! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ FL and ML couldnt be cuter and man did they deliver. Great music. Awesome CGI. Loved the story and all the behind the scenes.
  5. Our Unwritten Seoul ❤️❤️❤️❤️ A true Kdrama. Loved it.

Honorable mentions: You are My Secret – Cdrama ❤️❤️, Our Movie ❤️❤️ Demon Hunters ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Tangerines ❤️❤️

j3ffc
j3ffc
6 months ago
Reply to  JJ

JJ – so glad to see you back and presenting so many hearts!

phl1rxd
6 months ago
Reply to  j3ffc

I 💖 JJ!

MC
MC
6 months ago

happy 13th fangirl! i checked back and i de-lurked (and posted my first comment here) on the A Love So Beautiful review 6 years ago (6 years!! wow time flies!)

in these 6 years, i have found your blog and patreon notes to be a steady hand guiding my watch decisions and helping me to make sense of what i watch with insightful, incisive analysis that brought clarity where i was fumbling in my feels (or displeasure haha). so grateful that you are still here, 13 years on (please don’t stop!)

as for the fun game… you know my favourites are When Life Gives You Tangerines and You and Everything Else (both recommended by you!) (Way Back Love, A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days With You and Our Unwritten Seoul are close seconds). but your reviews already have your views on these shows. so i’ll ask you for your views about other shows that you didn’t watch – Queen Mantis and Nine Puzzles!

MC
MC
6 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

yes, de lurking is one of the best decisions i made! so grateful for you!

as for the shows – i actually thought Nine Puzzles was ok! i didn’t hate it as much as the rest of the world. but i wouldn’t recommend Queen Mantis, i think it was aggravating to see how terrible the police were… but i will say that Go Hyun Jung is very very creepily good. but id say it’s ok, spare yourself – the show can get rather dark!

Deb C.
Deb C.
6 months ago

Hi KFG! It’s been almost 2 years now that I’ve been reading your blogs & the community you’ve created has been a welcome addition to my life! I’m also going to cheat and name 3: When Life Gives You Tangerines, Our Unwritten Seoul, and Way Back Love. I also loved A Dream within a Dream despite some annoying parts…I was so delighted that they stuck the landing in such a creative way.

Deb C.
Deb C.
6 months ago
Reply to  kfangurl

@KFG – I also want to say that given your outstanding, thoughtful reviews, it’s no surprise that you’ve hit 14M+ views! I found you when looking for reviews of Hotel del Luna. I read yours and said OMG this woman is reading my mind! Now, I say that routinely LOL.

Stephen
Stephen
6 months ago

Hi there, and thanks for your enjoyable and informative intuitive writing. been reading for a few years now, but never interacted, not one to do so normally, but here we are. I shall also cheat and offer 3. Love Scout was a perfect package of charming entertainment, and I loved it. When life gives you tangerines, just for the scope and scale of the storytelling and the stellar performances from an excellent ensemble cast. And finally, You and everything else for being such a challenging and emotional watching experience with our leads giving such powerful and nuanced performances.
Thanks again for your efforts, and keep up the good work

Susan
Susan
6 months ago

I am new to this community and already not following instructions. I really had three favorites: Our Unwritten Seoul, You and Everything Else, and Typhoon Family. I’ve appreciated your analysis of dramas and rely on your ratings to decide what to watch next. Thanks!

JJ
JJ
6 months ago
Reply to  Susan

Susan – I love you are breaking the rules already and others have been following suit! I am about to do the same 🙂

j3ffc
j3ffc
6 months ago
Reply to  Susan

Welcome, Susan. But – a rule breaker? Don’t worry, you’ll fit right in 😈.

phl1rxd
6 months ago
Reply to  Susan

Your comment made me laugh out loud about not following rules. We are rule breakers here. Stick around as we have fun here. This is a safe place with respect all around.

Alyx
Alyx
6 months ago

Happy 13th kfan girl! I’ve loved your blog for years, never exactly commenting but I use your blog to find new kdramas to fall in love with. We have similar tastes! I think typhoon family really hit home for me this year as well as you and everything else. I only found you and everything else because of your blog 💗 keep up the good work! I aspire to support you on the patreon when my financial situation improves.