Hey there!
I’m kfangurl. Or kfangirl. Whichever works. And I love kdrama.
I started my love affair with kdrama in 2007 when my sister brought home a box set of Goong, and announced we were going to watch it. I so did not know what I was in for. I was properly and completely hooked. Hook, line and sinker hooked.
Since then, I’ve watched lots and lots of kdramas, probably way too many – or really, is there such a thing as too much kdrama? The jury’s still out on that one!
This is just my little corner to share my thoughts, opinions and recommendations on all the dramas that I’ve loved, hated, enjoyed or endured. I like to try out some of the older dramas as much as I like to keep up with the new ones, so you can expect my list of reviews to grow in more than one direction.
I enjoy most types of dramas, though I do have a soft spot for a good romance. Good acting is a top priority for me. I can forgive a lot if the actors are really bringing it. Good writing and good cinematography are also high on my list. A well-crafted, well-applied OST also does a lot for me. And of course, a hot male lead is always a welcome bonus 😉
My reviews are purely my own opinion, and yes, I’m probably biased.. Aren’t we all? This also means that some reviews are shorter, while others are longer. That doesn’t always mean anything in terms of whether it’s a good drama. It just means I have less to say.
I don’t aim to be necessarily very in-depth or systematic, but hopefully these reviews are informative and helpful to some degree.
Lastly, just in case anyone is wondering, I’m not Korean. I have learned a fair amount of Korean, though, in all my drama-watching years.. Picking up new words and phrases with each drama still gives me a thrill today. I still watch my dramas with subs, but I’m not as dependent on them as I used to be. My target is to one day be so fluent in Korean that I won’t need subs, heh.
Please feel free to comment and poke around!
Oh, and just so you know, comments don’t close around here, coz I like to believe that a drama is timeless & so is its review. I often check out dramas long after they’ve aired myself. So if you leave a comment, I will see it!
POST-SCRIPT:
1. For more about me than you might ever need to know, you can check out my Liebster post here 😉
2. For even more about me, my second round of Liebsters is here.
~ kfangurl
Hi kfangurl, I have joined the kdrama world only very recently. I felt I had watched “everything” worth watching on streaming platforms (in Europe) and was increasingly frustrated with what was on offer. So when algorithms kept suggesting kdramas – which I previously ignored on principal – I finally caved in. My first was Love to Hate You. And what can I say: Just like you with your first, I was hooked, “Hook, line and sinker hooked.” Since then I have been binge-watching, but very much like Song-Ah in Do You Like Brahms I feel I can never catch up. So much to watch, so little time. Since I haven’t been able to lure a single family member or friend over to my new world yet – and it’s not for lack of trying -, I was all-to-happy to find your blog. I absolutely subscribe to your priorities for a good drama: good acting, good writing, beautiful cinematography, catchy OSTs and finally, ahem, a hot male lead. Your drama ratings are a lifeline in the pool of kdramas and give me guidance on what to watch next. Finally, I really like your writing. Thank you.
Heya! I’m unable to load your website pages completely these days. It opens halfway and crashes my browser. Happened several times on laptop as well as the phone. Please check for loading issues as I’m missing reading your reviews 🙁
Ack, thanks for letting me know, Desinor!! I’ve just manually cleared the blog caches, which should help for a start – could you please try and see the site’s loading better for you now?
I’m also looking into some longer-term solutions, which I hope will solve this issue.
If you still encounter loading problems, please let me know – it really helps me out, coz then I know that it needs fixing! 😅❤️
This Straits Times article made me laugh: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/this-man-married-a-fictional-character-and-he-would-like-you-to-hear-him-out
Ahaha!! Thanks @manukajoe, this made me laugh too! 😂😂😂
I kinda feel sorry to share it with you!
What?! No invites?!
Joe – I saw that as well today on Twitter and I thought of Fangurl too. There was also a drama (I cannot remember the name of it) where the Chaebol male lead had a figurine of her on his desk. Now to try to remember which drama so I can grab a screen shot…
I love your site& just tried to join via Patreon & PayPal but even though PayPal sent me a code via text, the Patreon site just shows a spinning circle with no place to insert the code. I’m being boring with detail..just to let you know. Solution? I’m not comfortable with using my credit card.
Hi there maj!! Thanks for wanting to join me on Patreon!! ❤️ It sounds like you’re experiencing some bugginess with Patreon.. My suggestion would be to give it a bit of time and try again, to see if the system resolves itself. Failing that, you may wish to reach out to Patreon Help directly, as they would be in the best position to assist you. I found this page, which walks through the process of becoming a patron, and at the bottom of the page, there’s a Help button which would allow you to email Patreon Support for assistance.
I hope this helps – do let me know if there’s any other way I can be of assistance! ❤️
Dear KFangurl: I read that many people re-watch their favorite Kdramas. I am fairly new to Kdramas (have seen only 20) so I have not yet taken time to rewatch one. Can you please talk about the re-watch experience? Does it change one’s opinion of the drama? Is re-watching better or worse make a Kdrama seem better or worse thatn watching it for the first time? What are your thoughts? Thanks you, your fan Susan.
I am also a newbie to Kdramas. Earlier, I used to think what’s all the fuss about? But now, I get it. I have only watched a few, 9 to be precise. Out of those 9, there are 3 dramas that I have watched 4-5 times on the go. I think I have shown my love for these 2 dramas in 5 stages – Watching, Understanding, Admiring, Longing, and lastly Letting-Go. I bet I am going to do the same for the dramas I am going to see and cherish moving forward. In my opinion, re-watching a KDrama makes the watching experience even more beautiful. You will love more, endure more, cry more, and understand more but it will never be worse. Re-watch the Kdrama that you have connected the most with. Because in some way it resembles your life, you share a deep connection, and what is wrong with knowing yourself a bit more? And also, you can only know how you feel once you have experienced it.
I hope this helps you in some way.
Love Arpita
Wow – really like the site – the dedication, the tenacity. I wish you much success. I wish I had found this site much earlier. I will make a small donation – thank you again.
I live in the U.S. and recently discovered k-dramas during the COVID pandemic. I watched Crash Landing on You and fell in love with the genre. In looking for reviews of CLOY I found your website and love your writing and opinions.
I recently finished Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin) and was so impressed by it. I’m very surprised that I didn’t find a review from you. Do you have plans to review at some point? Would love to reach your thoughts and reactions.
Hi Cathy! A belated welcome to the blog – and the weird and wonderful world of dramas! 😀 Thanks for enjoying the reviews, I’m really happy that you enjoy the blog! As for Goblin, I have to admit that I didn’t finish it. I stopped at around the E10 mark; it just wasn’t grabbing me the way it was grabbing everyone else. I have vague good intentions of giving it another try sometime, but I have to admit it is not high on my priority list. So the short answer to your question of whether I’ll review it at some point, is a hopeful “Maybe?” 😛😅
Thanks for your reply, fangurl. I know Gong Yoo is one of your favs so thought that might influence your opinion.
I used to be able to endure a drama I didn’t like, for featuring an actor that I like, but now I find that I can’t do that anymore.. Big actor love or no, if the show isn’t working for me, it’s usually a matter of time before I find myself dropping out! 😅
Hi kfangurl. Love your writing style and your reviews! I started watching kdramas in 2019 and would like to eventually learn enough korean so I don’t have to rely so much on the subtitles. I am not korean. I was born and raised in USA and only speak English. You mentioned that over the years of watching kdramas you have some understanding of the language. Can you tell me how you started building your knowledge of the language over time? Any tips are appreciated. What have you done to practice becoming more fluent?
Hi there Marge, sorry I missed your comment when you first posted it! 😛 In terms of learning Korean, I have to admit I have an unfair advantage, which you can read about here: https://thefangirlverdict.com/2012/12/28/kfangirl-uniquely-positioned-to-learn-korean/
You could consider a resource like Talk To Me in Korean: https://talktomeinkorean.com/
They have books and online courses designed to help non-native speakers learn the language.
Other than that, I would suggest watching lots of kdramas, coz I think listening to the language a lot definitely helps. 🙂
Hi Kfangurl! I’m just happy to know that we have one thing in common-that is we both love Lee Joon Gi, Lee Sang Yoon and So Ji Sub. Your ratings helped me a lot in choosing which drama to watch next. Well, I do agree in most of your ratings. Though I noticed that not all of the dramas of the 3 idols have been rated. Anyhow, please continue to inspire all the KDrama addicts through your posts. More power and God bless.
Hi there Soledad! Yes, I do enjoy me some Lee Joon Gi, Lee Sang Yoon and So Ji Sub! <3 I have to confess that I'm not a very good fangirl.. I find that I can't watch a show I am not much interested in, even if it features an actor that I like. That's why you don't see ratings for all of their dramas.. I just haven't watched 'em all! 😅 I'm glad you still find the reviews helpful, though! 🙂
Hi, kfangurl
Just a suggestion – in light of your previous posts such as the one dealing with tropes –
How about an opposite list of things that stand out as different, unique, odd, or not seen very often in Kdramas?
I won’t press or pester you about it (not like when I’m begging you to watch and review something 😉). Just if you’re ever in between reviews and feel like posting on a different subject.
That’s an interesting idea, thanks Beez! I don’t know if I’d be able to come up with a good list, but I’ll keep it in mind as a possibility! 🙂
Heck! You’ve already got armpits. 😆 😆
HAHAHA!!! 🤣🤣🤣 That I do!
Love all your reviews especially because you are my counterpart and always have an different opinion on everything 😀
These days I have a big problem. Let’s just say I read a the synopsis of a drama and I really like it… then I look at the cast and see an actor/actress I really don’t like… then the obvious happens –> I don’t watch the show…
The thing is the more I watch dramas the more actors/actresses I find that I don’t like which makes it hard the find watchable dramas… btw this has nothing to do which the way somebody looks.
Is that strange or am I just watching to many dramas?
I feel like the more dramas I watch the more I get easily annoyed by actors/actresses and the dramas themselves….
Didn’t know where else to post this – Just wanted your thoughts on this…
Hm.. I do find that I have my own preferences when it comes to actors and actresses, and there are some that I just don’t prefer to watch. But, if I hear that a particular actor or actress that I don’t much care for does really well in a show, and I have some interest in that show, I’d be more likely to give it a chance. I’ve changed my mind about actors and actresses more than once. For example, I didn’t used to care for Lee Bo Young as an actress, especially in her earlier roles, but I’ve since come around, and now I really like her and I genuinely think she’s pretty excellent now. 😀 I guess what I’m saying is, sometimes actors might surprise us with their improvements, so maybe give them another chance sometimes. 🙂
It could also be a mood thing, where nothing seems to satisfy.. I’ve been in drama ruts before, and nothing would feel satisfying to watch, at that time. Typically, taking a break from dramas would fix that, though the length of the break varies. And sometimes, a change in country works, like I could take a break from kdramas, and just watch dramas from China &/or Japan for a while. The difference in style is often a refreshing change. Maybe give that a try? 🙂 Nirvana in Fireeee.. Almost the entire sprawling cast is top notch, with very few acting weaknesses, and then, only with a select few supporting actors. Give it a try! 😀
Thank you for your answer 🙂
I did the same thing as you and gave certain actors/actresses multiple chances but most of them don’t make it the “not going to watch them” list…. like Lee Sung-kyung, Kim hee sun, Ahn jae hyun and Park so dam….
And at some point I stop giving them chances….
Yes that is a good idea. I have a few C Dramas on my watchlist so I might continue with those after I am done with Secret love affair…
Well, that’s fair enough. I think that we all have different preferences with actors, just like we do with dramas. So for example, Ha Ji Won’s very popular and has a strong fanbase, but I just don’t quite care for her as an actress, somehow. And even if a Ha Ji Won fan were to argue with me till they were blue in the face, I still wouldn’t get it. I’d need to see her excel in a show for myself, to actually change my mind about her. I’m not saying I never will.. I just.. haven’t changed my mind yet. 😅
Ooh, I hope you enjoy Secret Love Affair; I thought that was excellently done!! And yes, sometimes a change of pace can do a world of good to refresh the drama senses and make everything feel fresh again. And NIF is an excellent pick, I think. <3 However, since your drama taste can be quite different from mine, you might actually enjoy The Longest Day in Chang'an. It's objectively very cinematic and well-acted, though it didn't grab me as much as it did other people. Might be worth your while to give it a try, since our drama tastes diverge quite regularly! 🙂
Ah yes I know exactly what you mean. There are just some out there you can’t get yourself to care about…
I never cared about anybodys popularity – I ususally like the ones with less popularity don’t know why…
Yes I really hope Secret Love Affair will be good 🙂
I read the synopsis of Longest Day in Chang’an and it seems quite good…. I am just not big on an overflow of fighting, beacuse even if it is well shot it gets boring very fast. A show with the perfect and reasonable amount of fighting would be Healer.
That is why I am here… our drama taste divergences… You are like a verbal sparring partner in a nice way of course 🙂
I’m the exact same way! I can’t tell you how many shows, American or otherwise, that everyone else raves about and that I’ll be looking forward to seeing only to discover the lead is an actor/actress that I just can’t abide. (With no reason that I can think of to give if someone asks me.)
But I will watch it [anything (except horror)] if one of my biases is in it. 😆
I’m pretty old but young to kdrama.
Somehow I’d have a stereotype on kdrama which was full of boring stories with low budget. It’s for retired ladies
who wanted to kill their time on earth….
And on a fateful day I stumbled on an article about CLOY and I started watching it during the stay-at home orders.
I could not go thru the first two Episodes, Seri’s behavior and full of talk were so annoying to me. She
was a successful business lady who born with a silver spoon in her mouth but she acted like a used car sale person.
I stopped watching it. One night I did not know what to watch on Netflix, I jumped right into CLOY E16- the ending.
I liked her much better . I went back to watch the whole season and I’m glad I did; Even worse I’m writing a comment on
kdrama blog :-). After all I was able to ignore the flaws and enjoy the show as a whole – the compelling story , beautiful scenery, great performance … Captain Ri was melting my heart all the way and Seri brought tears to my eye at the Demarcation Line. .
I would give it A- .
Then I watched Something In the Rain. This is painfully slow and I don’t like both protagonists. Just be done with that.
Next on my list is Secrete Affair. I’m sure it’d a great show.
I love your blog. Your writing is eloquent and profound. Do know that you have entertained a lot of people .
Thank You!
Cat
Hi there Cat!! Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of kdrama!! 😀 I’m glad you found me, and I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance! 🙂
It can take some adjustment to get used to kdramas and the way their stories are told, so I’m glad that you decided to give CLOY another chance. I feel you; Captain Ri was melting my heart all the way too! 🥰🥰 If you’re looking for another story that shares similar elements to CLOY, you might want to consider You From Another Star (also known as My Love From Another Star). I’m glad you dropped Something in the Rain.. I didn’t end up liking that one much at all, and I think Secret Love Affair is much more worthy of your time. If you’d like to explore other dramas, my Full List (here), of all the dramas I’ve written about of this site (but not a comprehensive list of dramas, whatsoever), might be a useful resource. 🙂
Thanks for enjoying the blog, and thanks too, for your encouraging words. I appreciate the support! <3
Please disregard my last post as the missing post is not missing after all.
Dear Kfangurl,
I’ve been watching Asian dramas (mostly Kdramas though) for a few years now, and when I came upon your blog some year or two ago thanks to my love for Healer, I’ve been a frequent visitor for your blog. You’re a wonderful reviewer, with outstanding writing that so masterfully expresses your opinions and feelings about the shows you review, and I thoroughly enjoy reading and rereading your reviews, even about shows that I haven’t watched yet or not planning to watch. I appreciate your blog very much, and I hope you continue to review dramas for years to come, because I’ll always be here, reading them meticulously. Thank you!
By the way, have you watched Hwayugi (aka A Korean Odyssey)? Since it’s been 2 years, I’m not expecting a review, but if you watched it, what did you think of it?
I’ve avoided this show in these 2 years and finally got around to watch it. I’ve finished it some time ago, but It’s very memorable and stuck in my head. I’m disappointed because show didn’t reach the potential it definitely possessed and had lots of problems in writing, plot points, CGI (especially that! They did the show dirty with it.), and ending (that darn ending), but I found myself really attached to the characters and their bizarre, supernatural world, and the impactful OST. It could’ve been a legendary favorite of mine.
Also, ever seen the (2013) drama When a Man Falls In Love? I’m watching it currently and the first two episodes are very interesting and promising, but I’m worried about show turning into a direction I won’t like, especially with the stiff female lead.
Another question for dear Kfangirl: what combination of genres do you really prefer in a drama?
I can’t bring myself to watch a drama without romance in it and my sibling thinks it’s a problem, but I believe it’s because it’s my style of entertainment. I really love a *GOOD* romance with action, thriller, crime, horror, supernatural, fantasy, comedy, and even melodrama (as long as the ending is happy).
I’m sorry for asking about so much, but I wanted to share my thoughts with you and satisfy my curiosity about my favorite blogger’s preferences. ❤️
Hi there Ce, I’m so happy to know that you enjoy the reviews as much as you do! That makes me happy. 🥰🥰
As for Hwayugi and When a Man Loves, I’m sorry to say that I haven’t watched either of them. I wasn’t drawn to the premise of either show, and haven’t had the inclination to go back to check them out either, sorry about that! I’m sorry I can’t be of more help with When a Man Loves.. it’s classified as a melodrama, and that often doesn’t tell us much, in terms of what kind of ending you can expect. I think the responses to this drama were mixed. Some people loved it, and some people hated it. So I conclude that it’s probably a very personal thing, in terms of whether or not the show would work for you. I guess if it’s working for you so far, no harm giving it a chance? 🙂
As for my preferred genre.. I do enjoy a good romance, but a drama doesn’t have to have romance in it, for me to enjoy it. I like a drama that does good characterization and develops our characters and their relationships in ways that feel real and organic. Slice of life dramas tend to do that well, but I don’t only enjoy slice of life dramas, of course. I think as long as a drama is well written and well acted, I am often able to enjoy it, even if it’s a genre that’s out of my norm. Sorry, that isn’t actually a very definitive answer, is it? 😅 To get an overview of what dramas I liked and didn’t like, you might find it useful to browse my Full List of drama posts here. I hope that helps! 🙂
Hi Kfangurl,
I just posted a message here and something must have gone wrong with the post as I don’t see it. So this is a test post to see if it really works before I post another.
Cheers,
Oscar
Dear Kfangirl,
I love your versatile, expressive, artistic writing style and hope you can review more C dramas.
I watched my first tv drama (Yanxi Palace) in 2015 quite by accident on a boring flight from Tokyo back home to Sydney. I’ve been hooked ever since.
I note your passion for K dramas and will soon set out to discover them with my first such watch, most probably Hotel del Luna since you said it’s good in a recent review.
But until then, it’s C dramas for me. Really hope you can review more of them.
Cheers,
Oscar
Hi there Oscar, welcome to the blog! 😀 Thank you for your kind words, I’m so pleased to know that you enjoy my writing! 🥰🥰 I do hope to review more C-dramas, but as a matter of simple logistics, C-dramas take a lot longer to finish because of their consistently high episode count. Kdramas, on the other hand, have much fewer episodes (unless it’s a family or daily drama), and that’s a big part of the reason why I’m able to finish watching more kdramas than C-dramas. You can explore my Full List here, which should help you to easily pick out the C-drama reviews that I have done, so far. I do plan to review some C-dramas in the near(ish) future, as I’m currently watching Find Yourself, so stay tuned for that. 🙂
As for kdramas, yes, do take a look at some when you find yourself in the mood to do so. However, I don’t actually think Hotel Del Luna is the best place to start, as I found myself dissatisfied with the writing; ie, the show was pretty alright, but I’ve seen so many better ones. Again, the Full List should be able to direct you to shows that I think highly of. I hope that you’ll find something that piques your interest enough, to give kdramas a try. 🙂
Just watched Something in the Rain – only my second Kdrama (after One Spring Night). Your review was spot on! I just hated all the misunderstandings caused by them lying to each other. Goes to show that communication in a relationship is EVERYTHING. You did not mention one aspect of Jin-A’s character which did show her courage and maturity — which was the way she took on the fight (ultimately the one-woman fight) against her abusive workplace, and had to pay the price for it. I admired her for that. I think the point of that subplot was that Jin-A did grow and mature enough through that experience that she had the courage to break away from her boyfriend — whose problems you accurately identified — despite the pain it caused her. Thanks for your great commentary and great writing! Now I’m going to read your review of One Spring Night…
Hi there Steve! Welcome to the blog! 😀 It’s unfortunate that Something in the Rain turned out to be so disappointing.. I do think that One Spring Night, which is from the same writer and director team, is a much more satisfying watch. That’s true, that Jin Ah made a courageous choice to fight the harassment issue, and ultimately paid the price for it. I apologize in advance for being contrary.. While it would make sense for this to result in character growth, for me, I strangely did not sense character growth from Jin Ah. And, to my eyes, it wasn’t so much that she broke away from her boyfriend; didn’t he run away from the whole situation on his own, after all? Also, by the end, she was still behaving in much the same way as before, and still took him back, even though none of their relationship problems had been solved. If there was character growth on her part, it certainly wasn’t enough to make a difference? 🤔 I guess this is why I prefer One Spring Night so much more. 😅
I hope you’ll enjoy the review for One Spring Night, and when you’re ready for your third kdrama, might I suggest Secret Love Affair? It’s by the same director, but is SO much better and SO much more satisfying than Something in the Rain, and I’d say it’s better than One Spring Night, as well. 🙂
this blog is very well written. I just stumbled upon this page and read your review about ‘something in the rain’ and you definitely nailed it. I wonder how old you are?
Hi there Marc! Welcome to the blog! Thanks for your kind words on Something in the Rain. 🙂 To (vaguely) answer your question, I’d say that I’m nearer in age to Jin Ah than Joon Hee. Does that help..? 😉😆
such daebak reviews**
Hi! I love your blog. I am really curious if you have a team or hoew’d you watch all of these and produce such a daebak reviews? haha!
Thank you so much! I am obsessed with your blog. I made sure to check yours first before I decide to watch KDramas, and after I’ve finished them. 😉
Hi there Joan, thanks for enjoying the reviews! <3 I don't have a team, which is why the reviews come out so sporadically. It all depends on when I finish a show, and when I finish writing its review. Thanks for enjoying the posts, and thanks for your patience! 🙂
Hi. I just binge read a bunch of your posts. And they were as entertaining as Kdramas. As a recent fan I started in dec 2018, I would call myself a rookie. But the addiction is real ! And I do watch close to 6 hours a day of kseries since then. It’s a pleasure to have come across your page .
Hi there Kuheli! Welcome to the blog! I’m glad you found me! 😀 Thanks for enjoying the posts; I’m glad that you’re enjoying them! I hope we’ll get to chat dramas more, in the days to come. <3
My sentiments entirely, except I’m more into C rather than K dramas.
Hi good to know you , i am a recent fan of korean drama (from sept 2018)
Love reading your reviews, as it resonates with my view….. 🙂
This is the first time i am commenting on a blog.. .
So kudos keep writing and i will keep reading 🙂 .
Hi there Basima! Welcome to the blog, and to the wonderful world of kdrama! 😀 Thanks for the encouragement, and thanks for enjoying the reviews! <3
Hi i am your follower and fan and i feel we have almost the same taste when it comes to what kdrama is best to watch etc. I just want you know that i always read your reviews and really trust your judgement. I hope you publish more reviews.
I am not into period kdrama but because you had a good rating for the crowned clown, i watched it and i agree with A rating….just want you to know 🙂
Aw, thanks Bem for such a sweet comment! <3 Thanks for enjoying the reviews, and thanks for allowing me to persuade you to give Crowned Clown a chance! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 😀
hey kfangurl. I love your reviews, and I wondered if your ‘the liar and his lover’ review is ever going to be released?
Hi there Nicole, thanks for enjoying the reviews! I’m sorry to say that I am now unlikely to ever write a review for The Liar and His Lover. 😛 I had good intentions of writing it, but time ran away from me, and as I wrote reviews of newer and newer shows, Liar just feels too far back to make time to write, I’m afraid. I’m sorry. :/ I did think it was reasonably light and enjoyable, in its own way.
Happy New Year! Wishing you more energy to review all the dramas worth your time. Anyway, I just finished “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes”. What’s your take on it?
I love the dark theme and the actors of all the leads, Seo In Gook, Jung So Min and Park Sung Ho. I am waiting for your highly esteemed POV on your page.
Hi there JayCee, Happy new year to ya! 🙂 I’ve heard good things about “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” but haven’t gotten around to checking it out. It looks to be twisty and angsty, which I don’t natural gravitate towards. I’m admittedly curious about this one, though, so I’ll likely give it a try to see if it grabs me. 🙂 Thanks for the drama recommendation!
I am recently watching Misaeng and read your review. I have to say you have done a tremendous job at such a thorough and flowing review. The choice of your words and connection of all the themes and your favouritr moments — ALL of them are just a pleasure to read. It was a pleasure to read! You have spent a good amount of time in thinking and writing out those words. I was only thinking I wish I had spent that amount of dedication when I use to write reviews on English books. It was inspiring to read. Great job!
Aw, thank you for your kind words, Radhika! 😀 It’s so encouraging to know that you found it an enjoyable and inspiring read! <3 Thank you!
PS: I always say it's never too late to start something new – so maybe you could consider going back to reviewing books again? 🙂
Hello!! I just want to say that I really love reading your reviews! They’re so well put and fun to read aHH!!! I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to ask what specifically makes you want to watch a certain drama? I’m just wondering since I’m super curious and probs wayyyy to eager to know if you’re at all interested in watching Suspucious Partner/Love in Trouble and/or Fight My Way despite the fact that both dramas are not yet completed.
Hi, sorry I forgot to select notify me via email. Wanted to know if you are from Singaporean so I have another fellow Jang Hyuk’s fan friend. (Just read your post on him)
Hi there Bella! Yes, I’m from Singapore! *waves* Always nice to meet another fellow Singaporean on the blog! 😀
Hello!
I just fell in love with gong yoo. Or more precisely, 11 Sept 2016, after watching train to busan.
I’m watching coffee prince now, and omg do I want to download this in HD to swoon over Mr Gong! Do u know where I could do so?
I already watched S diary and love his part on it!
I have lots of gong yoo questions, could u make a Q&A post about him pls?
Hi there! You’re not alone in falling for the GY awesome after Train to Busan, that’s for sure!
I don’t know all there is to know about him, but you could join us in this Facebook group, and you’d be able to talk with everyone there about him, as well as receive updated news. 🙂
As for downloading Coffee Prince in HD, you could do that at this private torrent site. If you’d like an invitation to it, drop me an email and I should be able to help you out. 🙂
Btw again, my hubby said he agrees with a lot of what you think/say about dramas in general. Like, some being melodrama types, etc, and how alot of them lack storylines, depth to them, etc. What also irks him is when dramas re-play over n’over the same song so many times, he gets sick n’tired of hearing the song already. (replay overload) 😞 So, in the end, he never wants listening to some OST drama-theme songs I’ve downloaded off the net. Too bad, since there are a lot of sageuk dramas with fantastic OST theme songs in them! For instance, here is a link to d/l a song I really love listening to from SWWTN drama:
[Single] Eun Gaeun – ‘Scholar Who Walks The Night’ OST Part 2 (MP3)
My idol, Shim Changmin of TVXQ, also sang an OST theme song to this sageuk drama. Love this song so much!:
[Single] Changmin (TVXQ) – Jeon Woo Chi OST Part 2
(최강창민 [Changmin TVXQ]) – 전우치 OST Part 2)
It’s songs like these my older friends and parents like listening to, including myself. So I’m more old-fashioned when it comes to loving sageuk dramas more. 😛❤️😉
*Links removed to stay on the safe side of the DMCA bots
~kfangurl
Aw, I’m so pleased that your hubs and I are in agreement! It also implies that he’s watching dramas with you, which is very cool 🙂
As for the OSTs.. for me, it depends on the show. Mostly, if the OST brings back lovely memories of a wonderful show, I’m happy to listen to them over and over again. But if it’s one of those over-used OST tracks that drove me batty during the show, I would hate to have to listen to them again. 😁
PS: Sorry I had to remove the download links. DMCA notices are dangerous things, and even a simple link like that could trigger a DMCA notice. I love the site too much to risk it. 😝
My hubby: awwwww, that’s great. 👍 Yes, I was also happy to find he agrees with you in A LOT of what you’ve written to a lot of the dramas you’ve watched. (as I read some of your reviews to him aloud…lol) He also found your writing amusing, when I read some of them to him. 😛 (so do I ❤️) Like I said, he only watched a ‘few’ dramas with me; not all of them. But yes, he’s watched some of them from afar while I’m already mid-way into them, or by the time I’ve reached up to Ep 4-6 on some, etc.
OST songs/albums: Yup, I agree with you on your last sentence. lol Take for instance Moorim School drama. I actually don’t mind ‘a few’ of the OST songs from it, but…I’ve already put off to the side for the moment continuing to watch it now, because I REALLY want to start watching ‘Love In The Moonlight’ drama FIRST. Since I read your review on Park Bo Gum tonight (9/17), you SWOONED ME OVER completely enough to put off to the side Moorim School, just so I can start watching PBG on my TV screen! *hi-5* 😍😱😘😉💋😎❤️ And, I’ll make a proper comment on your PBG post instead of here, thank you. 😉👍
D/L MP3 links: Don’t be sorry. 😉
Really? 😱😳😯 Thank you for the indirect reminder about that then. I didn’t know; thanks. I’ll also make a mental note-to-self with my own WP fansite regarding this info. 👍
Tee hee! I am picturing you reading reviews out loud to your hubs, and I find it the cutest thing!! XD It’s really cool that your hubs is engaging with your drama hobby, even though it sounds like it’s not 100% his thing. That’s sweet. <3
And yes, those DMCA bots are annoying. Other blogs have had DMCA notices served to them, sometimes for the most innocuous, ridiculous things. One of my friends had her blog taken down and deleted by Blogger because of DMCA notices served against her blog. What a nightmare! So yeah, now I try to stay as safe from the DMCA bots as possible. 😉
Re my hubby on my drama-hobby: awwwww thanks! *blushes* ☺️😅✌️😛 And yes, you’re absolutely right…about dramas not being his ‘thing’, per se. He kinda-sorta watches, but not really. lol😛 Let’s just put it that way. 😄
But, he said if he does find a certain drama interesting, and with a really great storyline to it, (i.e. like ‘Moon Embraces The Sun’…he REALLY liked watching that one A LOT) and if it’s dramas he’ll end up liking, or w/Jang Hyuk or Lee Soo Hyuk in it, then he’ll watch it. But, I also really think he’d like the older actors more (as well as the younger ones too), such as: 1) Shin Hyun-Joon, Shin Sung-Woo, Lee Joon Ki, Song Joong Ki, Lee Moon-Sik, Jung Il-Woo, Seo Ye-Ji, Lee Jae-Yong, Kwon Sang-Woo, Soo-Ae, etc.
Can I ask you what’s ‘DMCA’ stand for? 😯😳 Sorry I don’t know acronyms too well. 😞 I do know what bots are though, esp on Twitter. (ugh) I know…they are annoying. *rolls eyes* 🙄😒😣 Omg, I don’t think I’ve ever come across a notice like that on my Blogger fansite. I have a TVXQ Fansite on Blogspot. (http://reikotvxq.blogspot.com) Man, I hadn’t gone on that one in so long already, the bg photo is considered OLD now. *dies* 😖😓😭 I know, I’m such a ‘bad fan’ already, I can’t keep up w/my fansite anymore. 😭😩 (so sad)
I’m also so sorry to hear about your friend’s Blogger site being taken down as well. 😭(wow) Geez, I didn’t know it was that bad. Yup, staying away from sharing any type of mp3 link then, is the best bet. 👍 Now, let me ask you another question then. Are we allowed to share (or embed video coding) video links we find off the Net, and just share the links on posts we make? I didn’t use mp3 links. I just share video links from YT if I share stuff, and I’ll copy/paste the embed coding to make my posts. Is this ok still? Cuz, I hadn’t received any DMCA notices yet about anything of the sort.
DMCA is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which you can read about here. Basically, it’s an Act that enforces the fact that you cannot use other people’s digital property eg photos, videos, music etc, without permission. So, if you’re linking to a licensed source, eg, putting a link on your blog to iTunes or DramaFever, that’s fine. But if you put in links to unlicensed sources of videos or music, eg, the site links that you posted previously, or an unlicensed drama streaming site, that could potentially result in your account (your blog, your twitter account etc, depending on where you posted those links) getting served a DMCA notice. You will first receive a warning, but there is a limit to the number of warnings you can receive, before your account (blog, twitter account etc) would be forcibly taken down. It’s not fun to receive a DMCA notice, so it’s just safer not to post links to unlicensed sources.
Embedding/sharing YouTube links is fine, because if the video gets taken down, it affects the YouTube account holder, but should not affect you, from what I understand.
Re the DMCA thing: ah…ok. *note-to-self taken* Thank you so much for all your help & info on the issue. I haven’t shared unofficial blogs/posts where ppl have shared unreliable sources, etc. I always try to share links I find or deem ‘official’. Perhaps that’s why I haven’t received notices on my own fansite to begin with, even from Blogspot, etc. *hi-5* I’ve ‘lived n’learned’ from the past through the years in having blogs, and having my own friends have their blogs or fansites shut down because of unofficial stuff they’ve shared. U just live n’learn, u know? (as they say)
Re YT: Yes, you’re absolutely correct. It affects the YT account holder; not personal blogs or fansites. The video just won’t show up on your post anymore if that happens, that’s all.
Yes, it’s always safer to share official sources. Those DMCA bots work relentlessly to clear non-licensed stuff and copyright infringement, and it’s just better to be on the safe side of things 🙂
Yup, agree. 👍
You put words to all my thoughts and feelings!! Reading your reviews and your personal answers, it feels pretty weird how similar we are…. Scary… When is your birthday? Be happy girl!!
Awww <3 Thanks flu77!! I'm so glad you're enjoying the reviews, and hi5 that we feel so similarly about the shows! My birthday's in June.. But I'm not sure if that's the reason we feel like we're on the same page! 😉
Yo Kfangurl! I am completely enamoured with your kdrama site:) Your reviews are eloquent, insight and well-crafted! I’ve actually used some of your writing in an English lesson! And your eye-catching banners on the top of your webpages are visually stunning! Love the structure of your site and the way you rank and grade and review kdramas. Thanks for putting in the time and effort; it’s very much appreciated by this kdrama fan!
Eddie from Canada
Hi there Eddie from Canada! It’s great to meet you! 🙂 And, I’m so stoked that you enjoy the site. Your kind words on the reviews have definitely given me a shot of motivation to keep on writing ’em! I’m also extremely intrigued when you say you used some of my writing in an English lesson! (Particularly since I sometimes break grammar rules on purpose 😛 ) Tell me more??
I’m also super pleased that you enjoy the banners, since I’m self-taught with the banner-making, and actually have somewhat limited image-editing skills. As in, I think I can now probably do more than the average person, but am far – oh-so-far! – from being a pro. To know that the banners are well appreciated definitely makes my day! 😀
Thanks for enjoying the site as much as you do, AND for taking the time to let me know! I look forward to chatting with you some more, around these parts! 🙂
Hiii we absolutely LOVE your reply 1988 review! It was so well thought through and an absolute joy to read.
Please email me back we would love to ask you for some advice and help regarding this drama.
And how awesome is it that you love Miku too? Lol
Ooh, I’m intrigued. As in, I’m super stoked that you enjoyed the review so much! I’m also curious about who’s “we” and what help you think I can offer. I’m no expert, but will drop you an email to hear more 🙂
Found you through your Ji Soo post (Bokdong-iie! <3)
Absolutely adore your writing style and voice.
I just read through most of your Pure Pretty posts and a few of your reviews. I really like how much we think alike, definitely since you're able to write it in such a great way that it almost arranges my own thoughts for me. Does that make any sense? Probably little.
Hope you keep up the awesomeness! Subscribing on all your channels. 🙂 – Sophie
Hi there Sophie!!! 😀 YAY that you enjoy the blog – and Ji Soo too, of course 😉 Welcome to my little corner of the interwebs, it’s always so much fun meeting and getting to know fellow fans. And don’t worry, you totally make sense, and what a lovely compliment that is! Lookin’ forward to chatting dramas with ya, going forward! ^^
Hello, kfangurl! I don’t know if you vaguely remember me a long while ago, as I commented long comments to you about Jang Hyuk. I know you must have many other fans that have commented about him as well but, just wanted to let you know I miss coming on here and commenting on your blog. I kept forgetting. 🙁 Sorry for that, as my regular place is on my FB wall daily.
Anyway, I’m Reiko Kawana and I still am stuck on watching the last 2 episodes of ‘Tree With Deep Roots’ w/Jang Hyuk! For some reason, the dvd box set I bought, the Eng Subs to it is all jarbled and now I’m unable to finish. And, since I now have Viki membership, it’s even more weird I hadn’t finished watching it yet. lol *sighs* I know…I’m so bad. Don’t worry…I’ll get to finish watching it. 😛
Do you know my husband liked watching TWDR w/me too? O.O And he normally doesn’t watch any K-dramas whatsoever either…which is really saying something re my hubby. (and, about Mr. Jang, who’s also captured my hubby’s attention w/his acting abilities) He also told me I’m finally attracted to a ‘REAL’ man. lol O.O So, he says my so-called Kpop idol group I’m into (TVXQ/Tohoshinki) is considered ‘pretty boy’ to him. hahahaha But he said at least even TVXQ is 100% better-looking than the Johnny’s group I used (notice, I said ‘past-tense’) to be into…Tackey & Tsubasa. :/ (oh well) 😛 Most Japanese idol groups I know of in Japan, are like that. (too ‘pretty boy’-looking… :P) I’m no longer into T&T anymore. (the JE idol grp)
But, changing the subject now back to Jang Hyuk…I’ve also still yet to watch ‘Chuno’ (The Slave Hunters) too. 🙁 I know, I know. What am I waiting for, right? Well, turns out currently, I’m already watching my K-Pop idol group’s dramas that’s airing as we speak on Viki: a) ‘I Order You’ (starring U-Know Yunho; aka Jung Yunho) and b) ‘Scholar Who Walks The Night’ (w/Lee Soo-Hyuk, Lee Jung Ki, and Shim Changmin) (aka Max Changmin from TVXQ/DBSK; Dong Bang Shin Ki) Now, I’ve also still yet to finish watching c) The Night Watchman’s Journal too on Viki (also Jung Yunho of TVXQ), which I still haven’t done. 🙁 That’s why, I still hadn’t gotten to finishing the last 2 episodes to TWDR. Don’t worry, I’ll get to it though. I also started watching ‘King of HS’ too w/Lee Soo-Hyuk. OMG, LEE SOO-HYUK IS TOTAL SEXINESS in that drama, and won me over too, besides Jang Hyuk! *dies* I never paid attention to Lee Soo-Hyuk until I watched this drama. 😛 lol I stopped at Ep 10 to this one. I have a bad habit of not finishing dramas. 🙁 lol
And, I still have to watch BADLY ‘Dance of the Dragon’ movie Jang Hyuk acted in. I know you mentioned it was so-so but I still want to watch it. 😉 <3 I'm lured to it by his romanticism and sexiness in it. lol *clears throat* <3 😉
I've also been meaning to ask if you had any other platforms you go on, besides this blog? (i.e. Twitter, Insta, FB, etc.) Just thought I'd ask, because I'd like to continue keeping in touch, since I always keep forgetting to come here. 🙁 Thank you so much, and again…keep up the awesome work you have going here on your blog! *thumbs up* I enjoy reading your postings and writings. 🙂
Hey there, Reiko! It’s great to see you again! I did see your message on the blog’s FB page, not sure if you saw my (late) reply 🙂
And, YES, you should totally finish Tree With Deep Roots! It’s an ending that you, uh, sorta need to steel yourself for, but Jang Hyuk kills it, as usual! I found Tree a fascinating show, and I’m not surprised that your hubs also managed to enjoy it. It’s that kind of show that would appeal to men as well, I feel. As for Chuno, it is brilliant, and Jang Hyuk is brilliant in it. And so charismatic and sexy, seriously. I was impressed with him in Tree, but he completely took my breath away in Chuno, both times that I watched it. He’s that good! So yes, do make time for it on your drama schedule, you won’t regret it! 😉
Lee Soo Hyuk does have that languidly sexy vibe, so I totally understand your squee 😉 I didn’t love High School King as a drama, but I definitely noticed Lee Soo Hyuk’s brand of sexy in it!
And yes, I’m on Twitter and FB.. you can find the links on the blog’s sidebar. I’d love to keep in touch with you there too! Of course, when you can pop by the blog, that’s very cool too! 🙂
Good evening, kfangurl! *hug* So gr8 to see your reply once again. 🙂 I always LOVE replying comments, esp. when it’s w/dramas I love watching. 😛 And, I dun have to worry about others backlashing at me through comments here either. (thank goodness) 😛 That’s why I find coming here more appealing to me. It’s not the mundane, every day fangirl-squee I get on my FB wall about TVXQ, or getting backlashed in public forums or communities. So, I no longer belong to them anymore. I used to get it in the old genre of Jpop music I used to like. Thankfully, it all stopped once I got into TVXQ. lol *knock on wood* I only had 2 anti’s that came after me and I simply automatically blocked them right away. Didn’t even deal w/them. Other than that, here is much more ‘intellectually stimulating’ for me. 😛
Ok, I’ll check your reply. I saw it finally in my emails. :/ lol
Re TWDR: I plan on finishing it tonight already. I shouldn’t put it off on it, since that was the one that came precedent over all other newer dramas I’d been watching. So, technically, I SHOULD finish TWDR now. And, I will. (no excuses anymore…lol) *thumbs up* I’ll let you know what I thought on it, once I’m finished. 🙂 Yes, I also figured that this particular drama w/him in it, probably appeals to both females and males. (compared to, say, dramas that are more ‘chick-flick’ romance types, high school/young themes, girly-girl types, etc.) I found since it also had some martial arts to it too, it also appealed to me (besides the storyline itself) more too.
Wowwww…ok…I’ll watch ‘Chuno’ directly after TWDR. If you say it’s a brilliant drama and Jang is brilliant in it…it MUST be THAT GOOD. (which I’ve read on many of your previous comments and postings, just how good it is) Thank you so much for all the accolade info on it! (and him 😛 <3 )
Yeah…I found "King of High School" 'blah' to me from Ep 1. lol (which isn't good for any drama if I feel that) O.o I just wanna watch it because of Lee Soo-Hyuk! lol (eye candy for me) 😛 Well, and his sophisticated acting as well.
Oh great! (re Twitter & FB) I think I've added you already to FB. Not sure if I actually messaged you or not either. (I forgot again, whether I did that or not) 🙁 Awesome…let's keep in touch. <3
Aw, sorry to hear about your unpleasant experiences on fan forums, Reiko. I don’t hang out on those, but I’ve heard what a tough crowd it can be, especially when the other fans don’t feel the same way you do! No worries about that here.. While there’ve been one or two antis popping up in the past, by and large everyone here seems to be really nice and well-adjusted. Feel free to get to know other readers here, if you like. I’ve no problems with hosting conversations here 🙂
I suppose you’ve probably finished Tree by now.. How did you find it? The ending’s not an easy one to get through, but the sense of higher purpose is really strong, if memory serves. I know Jang Hyuk killed it. As for Chuno, it’s got glorious cinematography as well as excellent fight choreography. When you combine the two in a scene, AND you throw in Jang Hyuk’s swift reflexes and muscled shirtlessness, the end result’s pretty much a work of art, I think! 😉 I also think your hubs might be able to enjoy Chuno.. It’s the kind of show that would appeal to both men and women, I feel. 🙂
I’m currently watching Scholar Who Walks The Night, and Lee Soo Hyuk’s putting his languid brand of sexy to good use as a powerful vampire. The show itself isn’t as good as I’d hoped for, but I will say that I like it more than I liked High School King! XD
Oh geez…I wrote you a TON of paragraphs to your reply here, and because I didn’t know what my password was to WordPress to this blog, I completely lost EVERYTHING I wrote here to your comment! *dies* :'( 🙁 :'( 🙁 Now I have to re-write everything from scratch all over again, what I was gonna say. *sighs* Too bad my Apple comp doesn’t remember either where I left off, and they’re always good about doing that. But, I guess not w/WordPress and making comments to a public forum like this. >< Damn! Sorry…I'm just so frustrated and at the same time, sad I'm unable to remember anything what I wrote now. A complete BLANK in my brain. :/
Re unpleasant experiences to forums: Well, I’ve only had 2 so far on my FB that had come to me in PM and I just ignored them both. All there is to it. I reported it to FB and blocked them. Now, what happened to me in 2007, was actually on someone’s fan website like yours here. The bullying done to me was done in comments, and 5 girls ganged up on me. It was really bad what happened too, and I still have unfortunate negative memories of it. Now, w/your site here, it’s so refreshing and I’m comforted to know that. 🙂 I think a lot of these Kpop idol fandom FB pages…a lot of the fans are still very young and immature, so, there’s that possible bullying that always occurs compared to websites like yours. I also can’t wait to get to know more ppl here, including getting to know you much better as well. 🙂 *hug*
Re TWDR: Noooooo, I’m so sorry I still hadn’t the chance yet in finishing watching it. 🙁 *dies* *gets bricked* lol You know what postponed it for me? Watching Scholar Who Walks The Night drama w/Shim Changmin in it as Lee Yoon (Crown Prince); that’s why! (ugh) 😛 I’ve watched only ‘some’ of it, yet again as usual…and I still have yet to finish watching that one. 🙁 I also started watching ‘I Order You’ too w/U-Know Yunho in it as the main character, since he is also one of my favorite Kpop idols in TVXQ. (my bias Kpop grp) So, naturally I was watching 2 dramas at the same time. But, like I always end up doing in the end, is postponing finishing watching and I’ll get side-tracked watching something else. >< I stopped at Ep 3 or 4 in SWTN drama and stopped at Ep 7 or 8 in I Order You. *sigh* lol So much dramas, so little time…is my motto. :/
Now, you said Jang Hyuk's martial art skills again in Chuno…but, don't forget also, I highly suggest you watch NWJ (Night Watchman's Journal) drama too w/U-Know Yunho's martial art acting skills as well. Found out Jung Yunho has a blk belt in Taekwando and he's also a 2nd degree blk belt in Hapkido in real life. So, in NWJ he put some of his martial art skills into the mix, which I also found fantastic to watch on screen! I love watching any kind of martial art movies and dramas, and NWJ is not one to take lightly on the subject. Some may find it different views on my take on NWJ, but, that's just my opinion on it; nothing more. 🙂 Just take it with a grain of salt. 😀
Also, I've always had a 6th-sense to these things when it comes to dramas or movies, and buying cd's and dvd's, and for some reason, I got that too from just looking at your photos on Chuno, in regards to it appealing to males as well as females. I can tell it might appeal to my hubby and my father. I should mention this drama to my father. He's the one that got me hooked into watching K-dramas in the first place all those years ago. lol He'll only watch historical/period types though. (not modern)
Now, Gwi in Scholar drama…DAAAANG, he sure makes for a sexy vampire at that, like you said! (sort-of) 😛 Seriously! When I watched the teaser trailers in the beginning, just before it aired on Viki, I was just WHOAAA staring at Lee Soo-Hyuk being 'bad' once again, w/blood on his mouth n'all. O.@ lol I was like, 'yeahhhhh baby!' 😉 <3 But, I also noticed he has a knack for playing 'the bad guy' though in dramas, doesn't he? *wink* 😛 Even in King of HS drama, he played a 'bad' character too, sort-of. (hehe) He was seriously SEXY in King of HS, esp. Ep 10 when he was SHIRTLESS and took a shower, soaking wet! (DANG) @@@@@ Just throw me to the wolves at him, why dun he! hahahaha j/k
Actually, whom I REALLY think this way (throw me to the wolves at him), is Shim Changmin. <3 (hella sexy n'shirtless) He's not only my #1 bias in TVXQ (Kpop idol) but…the fact he was starring in Scholar drama w/Lee Soo-Hyuk and Lee Yoo-bi! O.@ <3 When I saw he was gonna act in that drama, I was like, 'Hello!' lol Now you got me perked up and wanting to watch. 😛
In essence, I HIGHLY recommend you watch 'Flying with the Gold' Japanese movie w/Shim Changmin in it. He not only won a Hashida Award for his role as the first foreigner to act in a full-fledged Japanese movie (he won Best Newcomer Foreigner), but the fact he also had to learn how to speak fluent Osaka dialect (another dialect in Japanese lang), being a foreigner and Korean to boot. He said it was very difficult to master but, I thought he was brilliant and exquisite in his acting skills for the part. I LOVE watching his dramas, since Paradise Ranch days. (his very 1st K-drama when he started) He's also such a brilliant, young actor as well. 😉 I think some day, when and if he ever decides to not continue to be an idol anymore in S.M. Entertainment, I'd REALLY like to start seeing him venture into the acting world, for both Korean & Japanese dramas and movies. He has what it takes to 'be up there' w/the big leagues. He has the knack and potential to really go far in it. (Yes, he also knows fluent Japanese and English) (and even start seeing him w/his own rock band some day, off the side 'for fun' when he's much, much older in age)
Hi there reiko! It’s great to see you again! 🙂
Sorry to hear that you lost your comment the first time, but yay that you decided to write it again. 🙂 Sorry to hear about the negative fan forum experiences you had.. It must feel disconcerting and uncomfortable to be targeted by other fans who disagree with you. I personally dislike fan wars, and generally stay away from fan forums because of it. I hope you’ll enjoy your experience here much more! 🙂
Heh. I can totally see your kpop interest surfacing in your drama choices! Almost all the stuff you are drawn to feature idol actors. I must say, though, that it isn’t often that I’m impressed by idol actors. There are several good ones, and sometimes, I’m happily blown away by what they’re capable of, acting-wise. Often, though, I feel quite underwhelmed. I thought Changmin was excellent in Scholar, even though I didn’t think the show itself was that great. And I dropped I Order You.. I just couldn’t get into it, even after 10 episodes.
I must confess that Night Watchman isn’t really on my list (which is a pretty long one!), so I don’t foresee myself checking it out anytime soon. I didn’t hear much positive reaction to it as a whole, and I am not a fangirl who would watch a show just for Yunho. But I’ll keep what you said in mind. I do think your dad would enjoy Chuno – it’s very good, even though I wouldn’t call it a traditional sageuk.
Thanks for recommending Flying With The Gold.. I’ll keep that in mind. I did like Changmin’s performance in Scholar very much, and wouldn’t mind seeing him shine in something else. 🙂
PS: Your DVD collection sounds large! And I can only imagine how large it will eventually get, if you keep buying DVD box sets of all your favorites!
Heyyyy, same here to you too, gurl! *hugs*
Well, w/all those negativism w/my fandom life, thank goodness those times were just only twice, and never came back again. 😛 I’ve never had to deal since. I think they must’ve been one-time-flukes. lol 😛
Oh…I finally am happy to announce to you, that I’ve FINALLY started a new website, dedicated to my idol, and it’s on WordPress! (yaaaaaay) I’m hoping to come on WordPress often, and start blogging on my website, so I can FINALLY start coming on your site too more often as well. Problem is, I’m having serious trouble in figuring out my way around her. 🙁 I’ve never known how to manage my own website before, much less know how to work WordPress either. So, if you have ANY suggestions and/or instructions on what I’d need to do to operate mine and get it going, by ALL means, I’d LOVE to hear it from you. Feel free to tell me or message me now on WordPress.
Ayyyyyy does it show? *meakly asks* (re my idol actors, etc.) Gomen for that. 😛
Ohhhhh gosh, now that I’m in Ep14, I’m TOTALLY LOVING ‘Scholar’ drama! *dies* I’ve been busily watching this vampire drama he’s acting in, and I must say, I’ve been very much captivated by this one so much, so far. As much as I’d like to wish Changmin had a more powerful and compelling character in this series, he still did an exquisite and amazing job w/his character and acting skills, and portraying his slight naive-vulerable side to it all.
awwwwww that’s too bad you felt that way about ‘I Order You’. 🙁 I know what you mean though. lol I guess you must’ve thought it was too slap-stick-silly of a drama to ‘like’ it. And, I can’t blame you; I agree. As much as I also love U-Know Yunho, to ME…he should still stick to being an idol more, and not so much branch out into the acting world. He still has a long way to go in that arena. BUT, I think he MIGHT have redeemed himself to being a better actor in ‘The Night Watchman’ drama. But again, you’re absolutely right though w/him. 🙁 Oh well…I ‘tried’. lol Can’t win’em all, so they say…right? hahaha
Oh, and btw, I HATED ‘Yawang’ drama. (ugh) Even though Yunho acted in that one too, I seriously found it BORING, even from Ep 1! And that’s pretty BAAAAAD if a drama ends up being boring from the get-go. O.o lol I hadn’t finished watching it, and to be honest, I’m leaving it at that. (unfinished) I don’t even have an ounce in my body to finish watching it, PERIOD. u__u;; Oh well. lol Sometimes, certain dramas are meant to be left unsaid. hahahaha (or, in this case, unfinished)
Ooooooh, I still have yet to watch Chuno on my list of dramas.
OHHHH! I forgot to mention to you, I’m also HAPPY to announce…my hubby FINALLY bought the Chromecast device for our HD TV! (yaaaaay) Since where I live in San Diego (CA) doesen’t have Asian TV channels whatsoever, and we don’t even have digital cable like HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, etc…those paid channels…we bought this device specifically so I can start watching ALL of my Asian dramas on our TV w/Eng Subs. All you have to do is attach it to the back of your TV in a usb port, hook it up to WiFi w/the Chromecast app on your comp or phone (good w/both Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, iPad, laptops, etc.), and you’re good to go. I also added Netflix, and I can watch all my Asian dramas on our TV using Viki and DramaFever apps too! Chromecast also works w/Hulu and YouTube, etc. So, whatever you’re watching on YouTube, Viki, or DramaFever, I can now watch on our big TV screen. I no longer have to resort to watching stuff on a laptop anymore.
I think my father would also love watching ‘Chuno’ too though.
Btw, sorry to sound dumb but, what’s ‘saegeuk’ mean? (sry) 🙁
Oh gosh, Changmin’s ‘Mimi’ drama was actually astounding for me! And, I’m not just saying that because he’s my bias in K-Pop either. That drama had a VERY intricately intellectual storyline to it, which I love. And, it also had some intrigue, mixed w/slight complicated understanding. It kind-of left a lot of my fangirl-friends out in left field, just because of the fact it’s that highly detailed of a storyline to begin with. lol I love that type where you have to ‘think’ at times. I don’t like the types where it’s like ‘I Order You’ and you really don’t necessarily have to think about anything. lol (cuz it’s so dumb, or too school-girl-silly, etc.)
‘Flying with the Gold’…Changmin’s character is supposed to be a N.Korean spy as a bomb expert in the Jpnse movie.
Re my DVD box sets: I know. O.o lol
Congrats on your new site, Reiko! 🙂 How exciting, that you’ve now got a spanking new home on the internet! I’m not sure what sort of help you’re asking for.. Maybe if you have specific questions, I might be able to offer an answer or two? It’s actually really hard to give suggestions or direction without knowing what you’re trying to do, and what problems you have trying to do it.
Yay that you now can watch all your Asian dramas on a larger screen! 🙂 How fun, to have all the dramas AND all the pretty amplified 😉 Hope you’ve been having fun with it. And yes, I do think Chuno would appeal to the male audience as well, so I’m fairly confident your dad would enjoy it. 🙂 To answer your question, “sageuk” refers to Korean period dramas, ie, all the various eras before more modern times. I hope that helps to clear up any confusion! 🙂
Thank you so much for the warm welcome to WordPress btw. *hug* Makes me feel a lot like home here, rather than any other social networking site to be honest. Yaaaay, now we can throw confetti! j/k 😛
Re the help, well…it would seem I’m still stuck on FB somehow and still isn’t able to get off from that place. (ugh lol) I don’t know why I’m glued there, but I’ve completely forgotten all about turning my website into a Kpop one or a Changmin one. Still haven’t decided on what I plan on doing yet w/it. But, the more I think about things, the more I plan on continuing to keep this website exclusively for Changmin of TVXQ…just because of their finished service from being in the military, in 2017 next year. (April & August respectively)
Omgosh, you’ve no idea how much I’ve waited so long to watch all my dramas on the big screen now. *dies* It’s like this whole new world that opened up for me now, instead of just watching dramas through a comp screen. lol MAJOR difference there! *hi-5*
And, thank you for teaching me new Korean lang terms. Appreciate it! 👍
Oh, I think definitely give your website a good think, about what you want it to be, and how you would like it to look and work. Otherwise, you risk having a messy site that’s not friendly to navigate. 🙂 Also, glad you’re enjoying your big screen drama watching! I’m sure that amplifies the experience by a lot! 🙂
I also forgot to mention one more thing about my ‘fetish’ in loving to watch K-dramas. I bought a lot of dvd box sets through the years of the favorites I’ve loved so far:
Paradise Ranch (Shim Changmin)(VCD-DVD), Yawang (U-Know Yunho)(VCD-DVD)(not my favorite, really, but just bought it because of U-Know lol); Rooftop Prince (dvd box set); Sungkyungkwan Scandal (dvd box set); Protect The Boss (dvd box set); Poseidon (Siwon & U-Know Yunho)(VCD-DVD & dvd box set); Heading To The Ground (U-Know Yunho)(dvd box set); The Princess’ Man (dvd box set); Moon Embraces The Sun (because of Kim Soo-Hyun)(dvd box set); My Love From The Star (because of Kim Soo-Hyun)(dvd box set); and Tree With Deep Roots (dvd box set).
Toldya I’m crazy over watching dramas to the point where I’ll end up buying them if I REALLY fall for the ones I love most. <3 😛 (or, just because my #1 Kpop idols (TVXQ) are acting in it…lol)
Reiko, I LOVED “Tree WDR” also and so was looking forward to seeing the new “Six Flying Dragons,” which I heard will occur some years before, when the man disguised as a butcher was an influential scholar. But whatever it is about, I will enjoy seeing Yoo AH In again in a sageuk. I have seen 2 episodes on Dramafever, with 2 more coming this week!
Hello Ann! So nice to meet you here. 🙂 *bows* Oooooh, so you liked TWDR too, huh? Awesome! <3 So, let me ask you first…who's your fav character in that drama? Is it Jang Hyuk too like me, or someone else? 😛 *I'm all ears* 😀
As for 'Six Flying Dragons' drama: You know what's so uncanny? The fact my father also suggested I watch this drama too! (no kidding) *hi-5* Yes, he mentioned over the phone to me one night I should watch that one, since he's watching it currently on TV in Hawaii as I'm writing this. (I think; not sure) In Hawaii, they get live feeds from KBS n'stuff so, all the Asian dramas that airs in Hawaii gets automatically subbed into various languages for them to watch. (so lucky) 🙁 I live in San Diego, CA so, we don't get anything here on our digital cable except TV Japan, and even that channel is a Premium one. (paid) 🙁 I know. Totally sucks for me.
But yes, getting back to 'Six Flying Dragons'…I want to watch it too. It's also on my list of dramas to watch. My father told me the synopsis to it, and it really sounded interesting.
OHHHHHH WAIT!!! You said, Yoo Ah-In, right? Ok, I just looked him up on Wikipedia who he was and what he looked like, and it said he acted in Sungkyungkwan Scandal drama too! I LOVED that drama so much, I bought the dvd box set to it long ago! Yup. *hi-5* I also LOVE that actor. I've always wanted to know what his name was in SScandal, and now I know. 😛 Thanks! Man, I'd better start watching his dramas too. 😮 😛 I really thank you for 'indirectly' reminding me about him. hahaha How could I have forgotten about him, man?
I hope to get to know you better here as well. 🙂 R u on other social media platforms too like me? (i.e. FB, Twitter, IG, your own personal blogs, etc.) I'm on all 3, including more. 😛 My username on FB is Reiko Kawana and my profile icon is Shim Changmin and my profile cover banner is TVXQ. (just the 2 Kpop idols) My Twitter: @reikomin (feel free to add me) Let me know yours as well, if you're on both. *hug*
Actually, my Twitter username changed: @ReikoMin218
Hi there! Just dropping by to let you know I love the newest artworks to grace your headers…Woobie and Wookie.
Aw, thanks kaiaraia! It’s always nice to know the banners are being, er, enjoyed 😉 Although I must admit, I don’t actually know which ones you’re referring to. I haven’t added any new ones of Woob or Wookie recently, and both guys have quite a handful of banners rotating on the blog. Coz just one is not enough for their awesome 😉
First of all, I am 43 years old and a working mother with 2 young kids. Just like you I dont have the patience and time to watch KDramas through our local network so I am buying DVDs and I started with Boys Over Flower, The Heirs and Rooftop Prince. Only recently that I had the chance to watch them and I was totally blown away!!! One of the good qualities of KDramas is on how it depicts romance. It is so endearing and wholesome that I am not worried if my kids watch along with me or they watch on their own.
Among the three, the Rooftop Prince lingered on me the most! It’s so hilarious and the lovestory of Park Ha and Lee Gak was very touching and so real! I like the development of their romance and their dates were so natural and sweet. The lead actors Han Ji-Min and Park YooChun have strong chemistry and they portrayed their respective roles very well. In fact, I developed a crush on Park YooChun —he is sexy, good looking and a very promising actor I think. The 3 sidekicks were very effective in providing humor. The villains? Nevermind. While it is true that there were potholes in the plot, but overall it was a fine and entertaining drama.
My Love from the Star is my latest and watched it online for 2 days! It was a delightful, glossy, and funny rom-com, but it did not linger on me and at some point it was an overacted drama. To start with, I hate the character of Song Yi. I find her rude, air headed and childish. She is indeed pretty, sexy but dumb — a perfect opposite to Doo Min Joon’s persona. IMO the major flaw of the story was its failure to explain well the “reincarnation” theme that should establish the connection of the 2 characters in their present lives. It is unforgivable because this brought confusion on what the writer really intend to convey about love, was it the “opposites attract” or the “reincarnation” thing or maybe both. So regardless of the many sweet moments/incidence shown, those simply did not connect on me (sigh) and not to mention that Song Yi looked much older. They look somewhat odd together. Sorry!
The plus factor about the drama is more on the technical side. The “story telling”— the epilogues, and the sequence, is one of a kind! It made the story more interesting and watchable since it provides clearer view about the characters’ feelings/intentions and even the direction of the story. Whoever thought of this technique is a GENIUS! The special effects were flawless and I feel like I am watching a Hollywood sci-fi movie (X-Men, Matrix, etc).
Overall, the drama is funny and will watch it again maybe in the future to appreciate it better. KSH is very new to me and I appreciate his “organic” (natural) acting. I intend to watch the Moon Embracing the Sun to see the other side of him. As to Jun Ji hyun, she is very pretty and I think an excellent actress capable of doing anything that is thrown to her.
Sorry I made this very long and I am truly glad that I met someone who would help me understand and appreciate KDrama better. Thanks so much for your time!
Hi Lariza, it’s great to know you better! And yes, the wholesomeness of kdramas is something that I enjoy too. 🙂
Of the dramas you mentioned, I actually enjoyed My Love From The Stars the most. Yes, it was flawed, but it captured my imagination and my heart, and that’s the most important piece, for me, when it comes to drama-watching. I also really enjoyed Rooftop Prince. That one lingered with me more than I’d expected it to.
I enjoyed The Moon Embracing The Sun quite well when I watched it, but that was mainly for the fact that it gave me regular doses of Kim Soo Hyun being regal as king. His leading lady was a little too one-note for my liking, and there’s a big logic fail at the end, and the beats do feel a touch repetitive at times, but the cliffhangers were effective, and the politics kept to a minimum to allow the romance more room to shine. If you can ignore the show’s flaws, you might enjoy the show quite well. 🙂
Yeah I can always ignore flaws in any drama especially if Park YooChun is there…hahahaha! Btw, how do your find him? Based on news, he is not as popular as KSH and Lee Min Ho in Korea.
Oh, KSH and LMH are huge stars in Korea and the region, so it’s no surprise that Yoo Chun doesn’t get as high a billing. I like him as an actor – I’m not much into kpop so I know him more as an actor than an idol – and have enjoyed him in the shows in which I’ve seen him. I loved him in Sungkyunkwan Scandal. So melty and adorable. 🙂
Lariza, I am late finding your post about Park (Mickey) Yoo-Chun, but it made me wonder if you have watched “Miss Ripley.” I really liked him in that. It was the first Kdrama I saw – and I was hooked!
Lariza! Have you tried Dramafever or Viki.com? They are free and paid sites to watch kdramas. Maybe a better alternative to buying DVDs. Welcome to the wonderful world of kdramas!
I am a new fan of yours. Just started watching KDrama and I am really engrossed! Because of that, I searched on the reviews and I am happy to bumped on your blogs. Truly, I enjoyed and loved your “unbridged” and “sincere” reviews! Keep up!
Hi there Lariza! Welcome to the blog, and to the wonderful world of kdrama! 😀 I’m so pleased that you’re enjoying the reviews on the site – I promise to post more reviews! I’ve got a stack of reviews waiting to be written.. it’s like doing laundry, you’re never ever COMPLETELY done! XD
What dramas have you been watching? Also, which was your first kdrama? I’m always curious about stuff like that! 🙂
hiii ! I just randomly ended on your page and boy am I glad! Have you tried Kill Me, Heal Me?
Hi there kiraahhh!!! Glad you found me! Welcome to the blog! 🙂 I hope you enjoy poking around my little corner of the interwebs!
Yes, I’m watching Kill Me, Heal Me, and liking it well! Ji Sung is AMAZING in it, and completely surpassing my expectations. I plan to write a review for it after the show wraps, but in the meantime, I’ve designed a pair of KMHM shirts to celebrate the awesome. You can check out the shirts here. I’d be super grateful if you could also help to spread the word about the shirts, to other KMHM fans. 🙂 Thanks much!!
Of course I’ll definitely check it out ! Those two have such great chemistry even in Secret! I look forward to reading your review!!
It’s definitely not a perfect drama, and does have its flaws. To be honest, though, Ji Sung is so great in it, that it’s worth checking out, even if just to see his performance. ^^
what are your thoughts on Golden Cross?
i find it kinda annoying in the beginning, but that may be because i find the whole premise kinda generic
should i stick with it?
Hey there Matt! I personally haven’t seen Golden Cross, but I’ve heard on pretty reliable authority that it’s a good show. You’d have to be in the mood for revenge melodrama though. And those generally don’t stray too far from a central formula. I say if you’re not the mood for revenge melo at the moment, that it’d be better to save Golden Cross for another day 🙂
ya i finished it
i like it a tad better than master’s sun
have you seen City Hunter?
http://www.dramacool.com/drama-detail/city-hunter-drama
personally ending for me was not satisfying but loved the story
Hey Matt, yes, I’ve seen City Hunter. I was a little underwhelmed by the ending as well, but I hafta confess that I was quite mesmerized by Lee Min Ho in the show. The matter-of-fact fight choreography was a win in my books too, it made everything seem so effortless! ^^
i admit the fight scenes were great
The ending was similar in feeling to ‘Prime Minister and I,’ but had a great story as well.
Also have you seen ‘Who Are You’……..It sounds similar to ‘The Master’s Sun’
(I find the alternate title funny: 후아유 / Hoo Ah Yoo)
Hey there, Matt! Sorry for my late reply.. I haven’t seen Who Are You. From what I understand though, it’s very different from Master’s Sun, despite sounding somewhat similar on paper. 🙂
What your take on ‘Angel Eyes’
http://www.drama.net/angel-eyes
???
Hey there Matt, welcome to the blog! 🙂 I personally haven’t checked out Angel Eyes, but I’ve heard good things. I think you’d need to be in the mood for melodrama though; I don’t think it’s a lighthearted sort of show. Hope that helps!
True, melodramas are heavy.
Oh yes, they can get really heavy, although some are warmer and lighter than others. I’ve seen some heavy melodramas that I genuinely liked. I think you just need to be in the right mood for it. I’ve had friends praise Angel Eyes pretty highly, so if you’re in the mood for melo, you might end up liking it 🙂
I have watched 3 episodes of “Angel Eyes” and loved it. The actors playing the main characters as teens are superb. I loved the warm way in which the family welcomes the lonely blind girl. There is a lot of humor in the third episode – and who can resist Lee Sang Yoon’s dimpled smile and laughing eyes? I chose this drama because of Sang Yoon, but fell in love with Kang Ha Neul as the teen and now want to see everything he has been in. From a devoted 82-year-old fan. Ann
Hmmmm….going on my list then…
True…
I’ve watched a few melodramas–in both the right and moods–and for me, they tend to be ‘agonizing’–if I can say that– but in the end, I always like ’em.
I just read your awesome epic review of SLA. Thank you for saying so well things I was feeling but could not express AND for digging so much deeper than I could. I’ve watched it 3 times, but now will do so again with the greater insight that you have given!
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Ann! I’m so glad that you enjoyed my SLA review. It certainly is a meaty show, isn’t it? I watched it just the one time, and I’m sure if I watched it again, that there would be more things to notice. 🙂 It’s definitely a show that stays with you, too. After I finished watching it, I just had so many feels. It felt like such a full, textured, rich experience that I couldn’t quite write about it straightaway. I allowed the inspiration to come when it was ready, and I’m so pleased that other SLA lovers like you have found it worth the wait! 🙂