Review

Kfangirl’s 2012 Drama Awards + Origin Story of This Blog

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Kfangirl 2012 Drama Awards I

Celebrate with me! This is a double first for me: my first Year-In-Review, AND, my first guest post too! 😀

This guest post is especially close to my heart because how it came about is actually the origin story of this blog.

THE ORIGIN STORY

Up to about 2 months ago, I had been a persistent lurker in the kdrama-verse.

For most of my six kdrama-watching years, I visited lots of blogs regularly and kept up with the k-entertainment news and lapped up other people’s views and reviews, but I almost never commented on anything.

Once in a long while, I would leave a comment somewhere, but mostly only if I had something that I was just burning to say.

I’m an introvert at heart, though most people who know me in real life wouldn’t guess it, and this was my inner introvert acting out.

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Review: Dream High 2

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DH2.1

THE SHORT VERDICT:

This was bad. As much as Dream High was DA BOMB, this was simply, A BOMB.

Dream High 2 was comprised of a lackluster script, poorly drawn characters, a cast who could manage only very, very average acting, and random musical numbers which went on.. & on.. & on..

The only bright(ish) spot was Jung Jin Woon, who ironically delivered a better performance than the only actor-actor of the bunch, Kang So Ra.

A very strong contender for worst drama I have ever seen. And I have seen a LOT of dramas.

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Review: Wild Romance

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WR1

THE SHORT VERDICT:

Lee Dong Wook is cute and Lee Si Young is natural and likable, and we get some nice bickering romance between them. One of the sub-plots (popularly known as the Robot Couple) is also pretty adorable.

BUT. The writing is weak – sometimes spectacularly so – and that shows up more and more as the show progresses.

A few bright spots, but rather disappointing overall.
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Review: To The Beautiful You

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TTBY1

THE SHORT VERDICT:

You might like this if you’ve read the manga &/or seen the other versions and already know the story, plus you don’t mind a drama that’s trying to be both a manga and a regular kdrama at the same time and therefore seems to have a split personality.

Acting is mostly average and random plot points are plenty, but the writers do give quite a fair amount of couple moments as fanservice.

I loved the Japanese version, which helped me to make sense of this version, and I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would.

This has a niche fanbase. Very, very niche. It just depends on whether you’re in, or you’re out.
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Review: Answer Me, 1997

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AM1aTHE SHORT VERDICT:

A sincere, heartfelt drama populated with characters who feel familiar, complex and real.

Even if you didn’t grow up in the 90s, and even if you have no prior knowledge of the popular idols of that era, you’re likely to still find a lot to enjoy in this drama.

A small drama with a lot of heart.

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Review: Panda and Hedgehog

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

Looks cute and attractive with its good-looking leads, bright, youthful color palette and peppy, happy music.

BUT. Requires a lot of suspension of disbelief. Female lead is written as unbelievably naive and tends to behave like a kid rather than a 20-something woman. Not cute.

Also, the story basically turns into makjang-lite with a Disney vibe.

Only if you’re bored and have nothing else to watch.

Or if you just want to ogle Donghae. Or the pretty, pretty cakes. Or both.

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Review: History of the Salaryman

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

This drama is really different. It’s zany, irreverent and funny, with a sense of humor that’s often outlandish and a bit manic. It’s not actually slapstick, though it can sometimes veer (just a little) that way.

It often took me by surprise, and I already went in expecting it to be different.

The style and humor can take a while to get into, but it’s well worth checking out. Even my mother was amused.

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Review: A Gentleman’s Dignity

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

A light-as-air rom-com that rides more on atmosphere than plot. The ensemble cast has a collectively impressive resume, but don’t expect too much or you are likely to be disappointed.

This drama is likely to disintegrate under too much scrutiny, but if you’re in the mood to space out a little with something that doesn’t require much thinking, this might be your cup of tea.

I started out bemused, but ended up enjoying this more than I expected to.

Review: Fermentation Family

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

This drama’s got a slower, more languid pace than most other dramas.

Populated by well-drawn, faceted characters, each with their own backstory and needs, this drama is a heartwarming, thoughtful watch.

As a bonus, there is a generous amount of gorgeous food p0rn. Be prepared to crave kimchi 😉

Review: The Moon that Embraces the Sun

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

Moon/Sun is basically a romance dressed as a simplified saguek with supernatural elements, so it’s fairly light on the political intrigue.

Kim Soo Hyun is absolutely fantastic in this, and everyone else is pretty excellent too, except for Han Ga In, who seems miscast. Kim Soo Hyun more than makes up for it, though.

Cliffhangers are mostly of the romantic kind instead of the political kind, and there’s some pretty strong sexual tension that goes on for a good stretch of the drama.

I lapped up back-to-back episodes of this. Even my mother zoomed her way through the first 8 episodes in just 2 days

The ending could have been handled better, but overall, I really enjoyed this one 🙂

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