Have a particular drama that you’d like to see reviewed? Caveat: I make no promises, but I will try to accommodate wherever possible 😉
Got a burning question to ask?
A great idea for the blog?
A comment that you just don’t know where else to park?
Or just wanna spazz together about something?
Leave a comment here, or email us!
To reach kfangurl: kfangurl@thefangirlverdict.com
To reach Lady G: LadyG@thefangirlverdict.com
Hi! I love your blog, and I want to recommend a drama! It is called “Love Me If You Dare.” It is a Chinese drama that finished airing in the beginning of 2016. It is ammazzzzzing!! It is about mystery and crime, and some of the NIF cast is in there. I just really hope that you will pick it up one day because it is one of my favorite dramas ever!! 🙂
Hi there Chloe! I’m so glad you enjoy the blog! 😀 And thanks for the drama recommendation too! A couple of blogger friends had recommended Love Me If You Dare, and I’d vaguely put it on my mental watch list. Thanks to your glowing recommendation though, I’ve actively sought it out, and plan to check it out. Might not be super soon, since I think I might watch The Disguiser first, but it’s now firmly on my list, thanks to you! 🙂
Hi hi 🙂 I was wondering if you have seen Persevere, Goo Hae Ra. If so, did you like it? :O Thanks! 🙂
Hi there Ekaterina! Welcome to the blog! 🙂 I’m sorry to say that I haven’t seen Persevere. I’ve heard patchy reactions to this show.. Mostly, that there are bright spots and a fair bit of cute, but on the downside, it’s uneven, and the ending was rather anticlimactic. If you haven’t seen it, and like music and youthy shows, this could work for you, I think 🙂 (If you have seen it, would you recommend it?)
Thanks for the quick reply 😀 I haven’t seen it either yet 😛
Ah! Well, if you can close one eye to uneven plotting, and are in the mood for something youthy with music, then Persevere could be just your thing ^^
Hi kfangurl, I always enjoy your blog! i just got to watch Mr. Sunshine and happened to really like it!! I usually don’t watch historical drama but I would really recommend this one! excellent show, definitely one of my favorite.
I was wondering what you think about the drama but didn’t find the review on your blog.. Do you watch Mr. Sunshine? how do you like it?
Hi there vie, I did check it out, but didn’t manage to finish it. I didn’t drop it officially, just paused indefinitely. I did write a few paragraphs about my watch in my 2018 year in review post, which you can check out here. 🙂
Hi! I’m Serena. Did you watch Reply 1988? Did you post something about and I missed that post? After ten episodes, I’m really, really excited. I’m just curious, what do you think about it?
Serena!!! It’s great to see you, my dear! 😀 I am LOVING AM1988, and I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it too! ^^ I haven’t posted a review on it yet since it’s still airing as I type this, but, I did write a quick paragraph on it in my 2015 Year In Review post. You can check that out here, if you like. Otherwise, I definitely plan to review the show when I’m done with the watch! 🙂
I just have commend your new headers! Beautiful! Love the black and white Woobie with the red rose. Ah… I did not realize I miss him until I saw his To The Beautiful You stint. So missing that so confident delivery of “Aw!” 🙂
Aw, thanks kaiaraia!! It’s always nice to know that the headers are appreciated! 😀 And yes, I miss Woob on my screen too. Crossing all available limbs, that his next drama will be good!
My apology for the long list I’ll be handing out to you below but I’d like to see these drama series reviewed [if possible]. 😀
Good Doctor
Secret Garden
Pride and Prejudice
Sign
Man from the Equator
Master’s Sun
Coffee Prince
The Producers
Special Affairs Team TEN
God’s Quiz Season 1~4
I think many of these series are nicely written and well acted by the actors [personally, I think most can be rated A or at least B+] so I do recommend you highly and I hope you to enjoy them! 🙂
P.S. Half of the listed dramas are deep but other half aren’t!! 😀
P.P.S. This is my first time visiting your blog but I really liked your reviews! Read numbers of them and really enjoyed reading those reviews. So this is why I wish to read your reviews on the above series. 😀
Hi Joe, welcome to the site! I’m so pleased that you’re enjoying the reviews and want to read more 🙂
I’m happy to share that I’ve already got reviews up for several of the shows that you mentioned. You can follow the links here: Man from the Equator, Master’s Sun, & Producer.
As for the other shows, I’m afraid I’m not likely to check out Sign and Pride and Prejudice, so the chances of my writing a review for those two shows are pretty slim. On the upside, I do plan to review Coffee Prince and Good Doctor, which are both in my draft folder at the moment. 🙂
I also do plan to check out TEN and God’s Quiz and eventually review them. Just, my watch list is a mile long and growing all the time, so I sometimes take a long while to get around to shows, especially shows that aren’t my usual cup of tea. I watch crime procedurals pretty sparingly, but I’ve heard so many good things about these 2 series that I’m definitely keen to check them out! 🙂
PS: I’ve seen Secret Garden but it’s been a long time since I watched it so it’s too vague in my memory for me to write about it right now. If I decide on a rewatch sometime, then a quick review might come of it 🙂
PPS: You can browse the full list of shows I’ve written about on the site here. I hope that helps! 🙂
Oh! THANK YOU!!!! what a delight to listen to that sweet voice!
You’re very welcome, Ann! Happy to help! 🙂
Thanks so much for the recent photos. I am, currently enjoying him in “Triangle, especially when he sings in the background. I must order a CD of just his singing — but how to pick sweet love songs and not rock music????
Hm.. That’s a tough one, Ann. He’s done a couple of songs for OST albums, but purchasing those albums would mean it’s a mixed offering by various artists. His solo albums are all him, but he does a lot of rock stuff. As far as I know, there isn’t a whole album of just him singing love songs. You could opt to just buy single tracks that you like, possibly off iTunes, if iTunes has them.
In the meantime, here are a few of his softer-edged songs for your listening pleasure 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBMbnf1eI5k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kavjk0d8aho
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVHmIpUpBxI
I just read your exchange with Evez dela Cruz July6-9, 2013 and immediately though of Kim Jae Jeung, whose singing just blew me away when I learned of it. I loved his acting in “Protect the boss” and “Triangle” but not in “Dr. Jinn.” when I learned that it was his voice that added so much to the emotional impact of scenes in all of these, I searched for him on youtube and enjoyed more of his sweet voice. I di wish he would gain some weigtht though — he probably diets and does not sleep enough. I wonder how he has adjusted to military service. Does anyone else share my delight?
I’ve only seen Jaejoong in Protect The Boss, and concede that he has beautiful features 🙂 I recently saw some photos of him in the military, and it does look like he’s adjusting well. He’s definitely put on some muscle, that’s for sure! Have a lookie:
Have you commented on “Empress Ki” anywhere? Or seen other perceptive comments? I am viewing it for the 4th or 5th time, ff thru the warfare so as to concentrate on JCW and Ha Ji Won — poor, lonely, unloved Emperor.
Ah, I haven’t seen Empress Ki yet, sorry! You could possibly check out my friend Mimi’s blog. She did recaps for all the episodes, and from what I can tell, there were lots of discussions in the comments too. You can find the recap for E1-2 here. I hope that helps! 🙂
thanks! I just enjoyed some of her comments and photos and signed up for future posts.
You’re very welcome, Ann! Mimi’s finished all the recaps for Empress Ki, so you can zoom in by the episode, if you feel like it 🙂
:-O
OMG!!!
Ms Anne Cromwell,
I find in you a Wookie-mate for an Empress Ki Cheerleading Jig!!!
I watched it twice .. and am on a third round in bites with my partner (who has time for just 1 or 2 episodes per night.
Ageless for me.
I’ll rewatch again for sure in the future.
And from your JCW comments below (5 years old now) I realise you do exactly as me ..run through the entire oeuvre when an actor’s work rivets you!!
I’m on the fence at the moment with Baek Dong Soo. Read some very conflicting opinions from KFanG review and the comments thereof.
Ooh, what a mess that first sentence is! I need a copy editor…and to think I taught English 40 years ago…
Tee hee. Such is the power of Ji Chang Wook, I see! 😉
I just enjoyed yet again the “Pure Pretty” photos of Ji Chang Wook and a bit you nviews on “Heqler”. After viewing Healer at least 6 times, I read his comment on playing a villain in “Five fingers” so I bought it to study his acting and compare it with “Smile Dong Hae,” “Warrior Baek Dong su,” “Batchelor’s Vegetable Garden,” and “Healer”. He had expressed his dissatisfaction with his acting in “Smile, Dong-Hae,” so I wanted to see if there was improvement -2 years later in “Five Fingers”- and HAS there been!!! I think he did very well showing the torment, disappointment, loneliness, jealousy, guilt, fear, hatred. And then, 3 years after that, the joy he gave us as Seo Jung Hoo AND Bong Soo. Long may he act and be healthy and happy!
I heartily agree that Ji Chang Wook’s acting has shown a lot of growth! I haven’t seen most of his earlier works, but I have seen Warrior Baek Dong Soo, and his portrayal in Healer was just so much more nuanced and believable. Which is a really good thing! I can’t wait to see him in another role. Preferably a meaty one that allows him to show his range, without sacrificing the swoony 😉
Hello,
I was wondering if you have ever seen All About My Romance – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_About_My_Romance
Could you possibly do a review on it?
Thanks for your reviews 😀
Hey there! 🙂 Sorry to disappoint, I didn’t watch All About My Romance, and it’s currently not on my drama radar, which means that the likelihood of my writing a review for the show, is really slim 😛 I’ve heard positive – albeit muted – reactions to this show, though, so if you’re wondering whether to give it a try, it’s supposed to be quite light and fairly fun 🙂 I hope that helps!
Thanks a lot for your detailed reply! I think that it is very hard for actors to keep up with all the commotion, in every entertainment industry, and the Korean one just keeps producing more and more idols all the time, so I guess you need nerves of steel just to keep up. Not to mention the fickleness of the crowd…
By the way, I have read somewhere that the stars themselves do not have too much liberty in their contracts and that they are practically owned (at least at first) by their agencies. I think it also relates to your previous musing on the dumbing down of dramas. Actors are sometimes forced to act in a drama just because the agency thinks it will boost their popularity, even if they don’t like the script or their co-stars (it happens in Hollywood as well all the time…)
That’s a great point, Jellyfish! You’re very likely right that actors are sometimes under pressure to take on roles that they don’t personally prefer. I’ll keep that in mind the next time I see an actor in an underwhelming role – maybe it really isn’t his fault after all! 😉
Dear Kfangurl,
Let me just open by saying how awesome, warm and welcoming your blog is!
For someone who is on the older side of the fandom spectrum (yap, a real live eonni here), I am usually hesitant to join discussions, since I feel that I’m not up-to-date enough with all the newest shows. (I watch my dramas from DVDs or whatever they show on TV!! I feel sooo ancient!!!).
I really enjoy reading your eloquent and intelligent reviews and musings, as well as all the interesting comments posted by everyone else here.
I am also grateful for all the research you invest in the pure pretty section. You are NEVER too old for some JCW goodness! And he is very, very good! :-)
Speaking of which, I hope to read your review of Healer…I really like this show (yap, still watching…no spoilers please…).
After this long introduction, I also have a question. We know that there is a mandatory service in S. Korea; even if you are a rising star, you must complete it.
So my question is, how do these stars maintain their status whilst away on army duty? Do they shoot shows in advance so they will air later? Do their entertainment agencies just keep sending their pics or something to newspapers? Thanks!
Hey there, Jellyfish! Welcome to the blog! And, thanks for your lovely compliments on this space, I’m super happy that you like it here! 😀
Just so you know, you’re far from being alone as an “older fan”… I know lots of drama fans who identify as eonni. I’d even bet that you’re not the oldest drama fan around these parts! So feel free to post a comment or jump in on conversations, I think pretty much everyone here enjoys a good conversation, especially if it’s about dramas 🙂
YAY that you’re watching Healer! I loved that show, and yes, Ji Chang Wook is very, very good, in more ways than one *ahem* XD I’m planning to write the show a proper review (which is likely to go looonngg). I’m so late with this one! Hopefully I’ll make some progress on it in the not too distant future! 😛 It might take a while, but it will come, pinky promise!!
As for your question on military service, yes, it’s something that even the stars must complete. The thing about the Korean MS, is that the actors and their management have some measure of control over when they go in to complete their MS. As long they complete MS by the time they’re 30, it’s acceptable. So most actors will time their departure for MS for after they’ve completed a solid number of projects. If they manage to go out on a high, that high can keep them in the public consciousness for a good long while. Hyun Bin went into MS after the hugely successful Secret Garden, and that definitely helped the viewing public not to forget him too soon. Additionally, some actors complete filming for movies before going into MS. Movies can take some time to come out, depending on how much post-production work goes in after filming wraps, so this means that a movie could come out while an actor is serving his MS. That also helps to keep him in the public eye while he’s away. If an actor has CF contracts to his name, those CFs continue to air while he’s away, until the contract ends or is renewed. And if an actor is going in on a popularity high, there are also likely to be magazine spreads and interviews that he completes, before going in. These can come out after his enlistment, so that helps to keep his face and presence in the media for longer as well. If well managed, it can almost feel like an actor was never away, but that’s a pretty rare case, that everything lines up just so, for that to happen. I hope that helps to answer your question! 🙂
Please do pinnochio, in my opinion it was really good!!
Heyya Andy! I did like Pinocchio and thought it was a pretty great watch 🙂 I hope to write the review in the not-too-distant future. I’ve got wayyy too many reviews in my drafts folder, all waiting to be written. Pinocchio is one of ’em. But I WILL get there, I promise! *pinky swears*
no problem at all .. as you said “So many dramas, so little time..!” it is highly understandable…will keep an eye on your new post ^^
Thanks for being so patient and understanding, isunny!! I’m blessed to have so many readers like you, who value the reviews, but also understand my bandwidth limits. I will check out the show for sure, and hope to give it some love in the not too distant future! Fighting, me! 😉
hehe…so glad to see that H2H is already on your “watching” list
YES! I’ve started – thanks in part to your comment, isunny! I’m only 2 episodes in at the moment, so it’s hard to tell how well I’ll like this. But so far so good. I’m liking it enough to definitely keep going! 🙂
Hello there,
would love to see your thoughts on recently concluded Heart to Heart from tvN ^^
Big fan of yours here!
Hi there isunny! Aw, thanks for the support – you make me feel all important ‘n stuff 😉 It’ll be a while yet before I manage to post about Heart to Heart, coz I haven’t checked out the show yet. But I do plan to, so even though it might take a while, it’ll get posted! I’ll try not to make you wait too long ^^
Hello, kfangurl! I am so happy today! I found out about your blog! I am from an european country and there is nobody among my friends interested on the k-dramas, k-actors, k-pop and so on. I couldn’t speak to anyone about all these in my own language (wich, BTW, is not English, as you can see, my native language is a latin one). So, for a while, I had a feeling of loneliness and I was asking myself: “It’s something wrong with me?!” Now I hope I can share with you and other girls from everywhere what I like, I think, I feel, I hope…
Let’s start:
1. I like Lee Min Ho ( I am actually melted, I have a mental disorder wich I call the “LMH syndrome”, wide-spread these days in the whole world). I could write an entire book on this topic. Girls, there is any hope of healing??? However I am not sure if I want or not to be cured… Am I the only one?
2. Today I think: I am a lucky girl, my life is wonderful and the world is beautiful!
3. I feel happy and special.
4. I hope my English will improve, I will make a lot of new friends and I will get an answer to my message!
Hey there serena, welcome! I completely understand about not having friends in Real Life to talk with about kdramas. Many of us have the same experience, and that’s why we come online to find fellow fans who will be able to understand us 🙂
Ah, you’re not alone in your LMH love, serena! I know other fans who’ve been strongly loyal to him for a long time. At the same time, it’s also very normal for a fangirl to move on after some time, to new k-loves. I myself have changed the object of my k-affections a couple of times, and it always happens out of the blue. So I guess only time will tell if your LMH love is ever going to change. Either way, it doesn’t matter, coz we fangirls understand one another. No judging here. 😉
Hi! Thank you for your replay! You seem to be so busy and for that reason your friendly message is more precious to me. I will tell you a secret: I am not so desperate after LMH, I overstated a little bit, just for fun, but it’s nice to be a fangirl and to admit this fact. However, Min Ho sshi is steel my fav. k-boy! Thanks again!
Aw, you’re very welcome serena! I’m not always prompt with replies (Real Life can get really hectic sometimes!), but I do try to reply to comments. Sometimes I miss a couple coz there are too many and I get confused, but generally you should hear back from me – eventually! 😉
Hi kfangurl!!
Wow I’m so happy! I just visited your full list once again and was surprised to notice the dramas had been rated! Scrolled back up and found your explanation and replies. My apologies for the delayed reply, I had no idea 🙂 And thank you!!
I’d be super happy to discuss dramas with you!
I just finished Queen In Hyun’s Man (loved it!) and am now debating next dramas.
I’m a sucker for happy endings and my two favorite genres are romcoms (not a big fan of too much angst and melodrama) and historical dramas.
One of my all-time favorites is You from Another Star. It’s just such a wonderful combination of humor and romance, and so touching. I’m also crazy about that OTP.
It’s not easy to find dramas this good. I’ve been in the mood for romcoms but generally speaking, out of the ones in your list (rated A), I’m debating between It’s okay it’s love, the princess’ man, the moon that embraces the sun, and arang and the magistrate.
If you have any recos, whether the drama is in your list or you haven’t rated it yet, I’m definitely interested! 🙂
Thanks again, and happy new year!
(woops sorry, I just noticed I didn’t “reply” but added a new comment instead!..)
Aw! Yay that the rating system turned out to be a happy surprise for you, Joyce!! 😀 Thank YOU, for making the suggestion! Lots of other readers have expressed that they like the rating system – I really wouldn’t have thought of doing it, if not for your comment! 🙂
If you’re in the mood for a rom-com, I’d suggest you shelve The Princess’ Man for now.. It’s good, but it’s not a rom-com. It’s more of an intense melodramatic type of love story, with a political context. It’s good, but if you’re looking for something light, this wouldn’t be it.
MoonSun isn’t a rom-com, but it’s got lots of sexy Kim Soo Hyun being regal. It’s got lots of gaping flaws, but it’s fairly light in that cliffhangers tend to be of the romantic instead of political type.
It’s Okay It’s Love is a closer fit, though I wouldn’t call it a rom-com either. It’s more of a eccentric drama that doesn’t quite fit any label. It’s slightly more melo than a straight-up rom-com. But I did like it a lot, and the leads have good chemistry.
Out of your list, I’d say that Arang would be the best fit, even though it’s slightly more intense in the later stretch than a typical rom-com. I really loved it though, and there’s likely enough cute in there to make you happy. 🙂
If you haven’t seen I Hear Your Voice, I do recommend it. It’s warm and cracky and I found it a satisfying watch in spite of its (sometimes gaping) logic fails. Also, if you’re in the mood for an omnibus, Ojakgyo Brothers is a lovely family drama which feels more like 4 rom-coms in one show. Joo Won is very swoony in it, and I loved watching it as a daily drama nightcap. For something light, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is super cute and endearing. I hope at least some of these ping your interest. 🙂 If you’d like more recommendations, just shout!
Hi kfangurl!
Thanks so much for all these suggestions!!! I really appreciate it ^_^
The dramas you listed are actually some of the romcoms that had caught my interest and I was wondering if they were as good as the reviews said. It’s awesome you’re mentioning them – now I’ll definitely watch I Hear Your Voice and My Girlfriend is a Gumiho!! I hadn’t heard of Ojakgyo Brothers but I will make sure to check it out as well 🙂
This should fix my current romcom obsession (maybe). I’ll watch the more serious ones after I’m done with these 🙂
Super happy about this full drama schedule 🙂 Thanks again, and hope you have tons of fun keeping up the great work!
Till next time! ^_^
Lol. I don’t know if the rom-com obsession will go away very quickly.. I was a total rom-com girl for years. And now, I still have a big soft spot for a good rom-com. ^^
Yes, I do recommend all 3 of those dramas. They aren’t perfect, but each of them had a crackiness that I really enjoyed. I hope you like ’em too! 🙂
I’m sure I will! ^_^ Downloaded already. Now all I need to do is keep my promise to not get sucked into them and actually get some sleep this time. Uggggghhhh…..
Lol. Marathoning through the night is a sign of true drama love – I’ve stayed up wayyy past my bedtime for some shows, so I know! XD Happy watching! I’d love to hear all about it, when you get to the other side 😉
Gaaaaahhh Gu Mi Ho is about the CUTEST CHARACTER EVER!!
After having binge watched the first 14 episodes, I finally got around to the last two (I had broken my own rules and read the spoilers anyway, lol). I shall never understand why kdramas are so in love with the whole “x years later” thing, but I really, really, really,really, really enjoyed every minute of this sweet story! SO cute!! *__*
Thanks again for the reco, kfangurl!
Now on to “I hear your voice” x)
Hee! I’m so glad you enjoyed the show, Joyce. MGiaG is a great little rom-com, and the core romance turns out to be pretty epic, on top of the cute. Isn’t Mi Ho adorable?? And isn’t Shin Min Ah wonderful in the role?? I thought she was perfectly cast in the role; I can’t imagine anyone else playing Mi Ho, to be honest. 🙂 Ah, the time skip. Yeah, it’s used quite often in kdramas, and sometimes, I agree with its use, though sadly, more often than not, it’s an easy-out way of writing. In MGiaG’s case, I think the time skip was acceptable. And the ending was satisfying enough post-time-skip, that I was willing to overlook a lot of things 😉
I hope you’re enjoying IHYV – I found that pretty cracky, and despite the gaping plot-holes, the characters were well-developed, as were their relationships. I hope you like it as much I did 🙂
SO adorable!!! I actually hadn’t seen any dramas with Shin Min Ah before MGiaG, but now I want to watch Arang and the Magistrate even more! She did such a wonderful job as Mi Ho – I kept wanting to give her a hug and pat her head! Friggin’ cute!
I do agree the ending was good – yay reunited couples ^_^
Being down with a nasty pharyngitis has its good points. I totally binge-watched IHYV over the past few days. Such a good drama!! Thanks for the reco!! I loved how there was a backstory to every character, it made the show that much more well-rounded – and there was such good development too! I thought that was really well done.
And I so love Lee Jong Suk – so cute in this drama! I really liked his character. I had only seen Lee Jong Suk in School 2013 before (really loved him in it too – along with his goofy smile). He’s just so easy to like, and IHYV was no exception. ♡
I liked Lee Bo Young too but did feel a teensy less convinced by her at some (few) instances. I guess the switch was a bit rough after seeing Mi Ho with love written all over her face for 16 hours! What I do (really, really) want to do now, is find out what brands Jang Hye Sung’s work clothes were, and then get some serious shopping done. x)
I think I need to rest my eyes for a few days….and then maybe watch Aral and the Magistrate. Woot!
Have a fun weekend!
Hey there, Joyce! I’m so sorry this reply is so late – I’ve been very behind on comments. That happens when I travel for work, & this time, I had 2 trips. 😛 I’m so happy that you enjoyed IHYV – that was one of my favorite dramas of 2013 🙂 If you enjoyed Lee Jong Suk in that, I’m pretty sure you’d enjoy him in Pinocchio, which is by the same writer as IHYV and therefore has a similar warm, cracky sort of quality. 🙂 And while Healer isn’t a rom-com, there is a lovely romance at its core, which I think you’d enjoy too. Might be a great way of getting your dose of romance while trying out a slightly different sort of genre? 🙂
Also, have you now finished Arang? I’m curious to hear how you liked it. That was one of my faves of 2012 ^^
Hello!
I discovered your blog about two weeks ago and it’s already become my reference for accurate and intelligent drama reviews. thank you! Now I actually know which dramas to watch and which one to avoid.
One thing I thought I’d mention since they’re this section is that I would have loved to be able to see ratings: I had been hesitating between a few dramas (not sure which to see next) and didn’t want to read the complete review because I wanted to keep the mystery. But since your judgement is the most trustworthy that I have found, I would have just picked the one in your “full list of shows” that had the highest score (or number of stars or something).
After reading your comments on dramas that I had seen and agreeing with a lot of things, I would have just trusted your overall rating, then skimmed through the review, watched the drama, then finally read your entire review out of curiosity.
But maybe that’s just me 🙂 Or you thought about it and disagree 🙂
Either, this is a great blog!
Aw, thanks Joyce!! 😀 Reading your comment made me happy, coz it’s just so encouraging to know that this space is actually so well appreciated by others! Thank you! ❤
Also, thanks for your suggestion on including some kind of rating system! Y’know, I’d considered it before, quite briefly, but never did think that it’d add much to the reader’s experience. With the perspective that you shared, though, I’m beginning to see that maybe there’s room for some kind of rating system after all 🙂 I’ll need to put a little more thought into a rating system that makes the most sense for me, and it’ll take me a little while to actually get in there and rate everything, but I am planning to make it happen. Thank YOU, for helping to make this space more reader-friendly, and just overall more helpful to everyone who comes here ^^
Also! If you’re still deciding between shows, I’d be happy to talk you through it a little if you’d let me know which shows you’re deciding between 🙂
Hi there Joyce – I just wanted to let you know that the rating system is now finally updated and live across the blog! 🙂 All reviews have a grade now, and you’ll be able to see the grades in the Reviews pages as well as in the reviews themselves. Thanks for helping to make this site a more user-friendly place for everyone! ^^
http://youtu.be/MLQ9iXsb6A4
KWB does the IBC. Hope am surprising you with this one. Happy Saturday! kfangurl!
You totally did surprise me with this one, thank you Jo! You always got ma back ❤❤❤
Have you ever tried watching God’s Quiz? It’s got 4 seasons so far, but the number of episodes in a season is pretty short. It ranges from 10-12 episodes. I highly recommend it and I’d love to hear your opinion about it 😀
ALSO I recommend Good Doctor. I actually watched from ep 10 b/c one of my favorite actor’s had a cameo. But after watching it, I had to start from ep 1 xD
This drama got me so hooked and I fell in love with the actor Joowon. He’s a great actor (did an amazing job and portraying a person with autism) and he’s pretty handsome/adorable
God’s Quiz is on my list! I’ve been meaning to check it out, and I’ve mentally categorized it as a must-watch. It’s just that my list is so full of dramas that I want to check out, that I just haven’t gotten to it yet. I will get there – I just don’t know when! XD
Good Doctor is also on my list, but not as a must-watch. I’ve heard mixed reactions to this one. Some people love it, and some find it just ok. I do love Joo Won though, and I think I will at least check it out 🙂 Have you seen Joo Won’s other shows? I loved him in Gaksital and also in Ojakgyo Brothers. I highly recommend both shows if you haven’t seen them. I’m pretty sure they will only serve to strengthen your new-found Joo Won love 😉
Okay. Just as you suggested, I finished Heartstrings (You’ve fallen for me). The intention for getting into it was just to kill time between the shows I was already watching. Wrong Move. Although slow at first, I was addicted soon enough. It’s great to see that PSH was not the weepy willow that I watched on The Heirs. She’s actually pretty charming–though her character’s fashion sense in the first half of the series left much to be desired. Anyway, hated the ending. Felt rushed. All that build-up and what? Then again, we got to see broody yong-hwa again. He was relegated to supportive boyfriend for a couple of episodes and I was starting to get tired of it. I would’ve loved to see them have a conversation after the kiss–or a montage of them catching up on a park bench or something, all smiley and sweet before the end scene at Catharsis.
Ehem. Sorry, went a bit on a rant there.
The real reason I’m writing is this: Reel to Real Couples/shipping etc. I used to ship Park Shin Hye and Lee Min Ho like crazy. Now I am shipping Jung Yong-hwa and Park Shin Hye instead. I like their dynamic better.
That said, am I crazy? A friend of mine says it’s a by-product of being so new to K-dramas. It got me thinking of you and your blog. I immediately wanted to know what your thoughts are on shipping k-drama co-stars in general. At one point I thought to suggest that you create an advice column. My brain is not properly caffeinated… so I’ll do my best to explain. Perhaps something like a “Dear FGV, Is it normal for me to ship (insert couple here) enough to google them and get on forums that obsess over every. little. detail. So I need to get an actual life? Please help me.” 🙂 I know maintaining a blog is hard enough and you may not have the bandwith for such a column. But who knows? I thought I’d throw it out there.
Finally, just to end this absurdly long post (sorry!) I know I told you that I am watching FTLY and MND (or Married without Love) currently. I added It’s Okay, It’s Love to the mix. Boy I’m not sorry I did that–though it makes the wait for the latter part of the week MUCH much harder.
That’s another k-drama that I think you might like, and may have a lot to say about. Excited for your feedback there as well!
Anyway, hope you’re well. Happy Tuesday/Wednesday!
I’m with you on Heartstrings, Jo! I liked Park Shin Hye in that much more than I liked her in Heirs, but yeah, I didn’t much like the ending, and it felt forced and strange and hollow. I forgot to mention that to you – sorry! 😛
So glad you posted your question and suggestion about an advice column – I’d never have thought of it otherwise! I will definitely keep it up, provided people actually ask questions!
Also – don’t apologize for long comments! If you’ve poked around the blog a bit, you’ll find that long comments are fairly common on this blog, and I actually enjoy reading them! 😀
I’ve been hearing pretty good things about It’s Okay, It’s Love, so I’ve added that to my list too! I also have a fondness for Gong Hyo Jin, and I’m curious to see how she and Jo In Sung spark off each other onscreen 🙂
Yes I am LOVING Gong Hyo Jin! I love watching her. She’s beautiful but not in your typical-mannequin like way, if that makes any sense. And the way her face lights up when she smiles. Shipping her and her RL boyfriend now. hahahaha! As for Jo In Sung–sheesh. He looks like a god in some way… or maybe, anime-like in his near-perfection. But when he moves, he has a tendency to be gangly with his suuuuper long limbs. But he is a beautiful man. 🙂
Speaking of beautiful men… or segueing to “Pretty Man” rather starring Jang Geun Sook (sp?). I have no intention of watching this but because he’s been paired with PSH, it made me curious. Still, I prefer him way back when his hair was shorter and he doesn’t look so made up. I don’t get his recent look really.
Happy Monday to you! You’re going to have an amazing week! Just own it! 🙂
Also, re: PSH in Heartstrings… I never thought she was tall but apparently she is! I always thought her petite because of the Heirs. Then again, in relation to Woobie and LMH, of course she’d be dwarfed between the two of ’em!
(Argh. Seriously, I am more eloquent than this. Gotta catch some Zzzzs or get some strong coffee.)
Yes, that’s what I love about Gong Hyo Jin too! I love her non-conventional beauty. And I love her warmth and earthiness, which get injected into each of her roles. Yes, that means that we often get hints of the same qualities in each of her characters, but I enjoy her warmth too much to quibble over that 😉
I first watched Jo In Sung in That Winter, The Wind Blows, and I have to agree that he’s got that gangly prettiness to him. I never saw his appeal until I actually watched him in That Winter. And then I was like, Ohhhh. 😉 Show’s gaping flaws aside, it was a whole lot of pretty, and Jo In Sung fit right in with that theme 😉
I don’t get Jang Geun Suk’s recent look either.. It’s too out there for my taste. Too much guyliner, too much long, primped hair, and way too much bling for my taste. The only time I appreciated that look on him was in You’re Beautiful, where I assumed that the look was donned purely for the role. I thought it was brilliant then, coz it totally fit his role as a rock star. After that, though, I’ve just been waiting (in vain, so far!) for him to look more normal. I miss the time in Beethoven Virus when he sported a crew cut and actually acted like a regular guy instead of a drag queen wannabe. 😛 Also – I attempted to watch Pretty Man. It’s pretty awful. I just couldn’t get my head around the fact that JGS’s character was so alluring that women were all fawning over him. The whole show’s premise is also extremely tropey, with birth secrets and whatnot everywhere. I also didn’t like how IU’s character got treated, from the little that I saw. I posted on FB about my reasons for dropping it, and received a flood of comments telling me that I did the right thing, Lol! XD Check it out if you have a morbid curiosity about it, but otherwise steer clear, is my thought.
And yes, those k-actors are so tall that many ladies of decent height all look tiny next to them! My first brush with that was with Full House. I thought Song Hye Kyo was tiny, based on how little she looked next to her male co-stars. And then I realized that she’s exactly my height. And I’m considered of above average height for an Asian. I can totally relate to PSH looking short next to Woob & LMH. But I sorta like it – it reminds me that Woob would tower over me if I were standing next to him, hee. And I swoon. 😉
Hey there!!! I’m sure you probably know that today, July 16 is Woobie’s birthday. 🙂 Just sayin’ hahahaha
Have an awesome rest of your week!
Yes it is!! 😀 Happy birthday to my dearest darling Woobie ❤❤❤
Today Viki posted this video of Woobie singing at his Shanghai fanmeet, and I am really rather impressed at how much better he’s gotten with the singing! 😀 If you haven’t seen it, you can take a lookie here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkRulNrBDVU
OMG. THAT VOICE. Granted it’s rough around the edges, STILL!
Lawd, the smile on my face while I’m staring at my monitor at work. Sheesh. hahahahah Thank you for this! I just about melted.
Woobie!!! Dang that smile.
Thanks to this, I now have a top 3 k-loves:
1) Kim Woo Bin – Woobie <3 <3 <3
2) Kim Soo Hyun – though he's a bit boyish… you convinced me otherwise!
3) Yeon Woo-Jin and Jang Hyuk: Because I love them to bits right now.
Happy Wednesday/Thursday!
Tee hee! I’m so glad this perked up your work day, Jo!! 😀
Yes, isn’t Woobie’s voice quite lovely?? ❤ I’d seen an older clip of him singing some time ago, and I’d agreed with his conclusion that singing isn’t one of his talents. Which means that this video pretty much blew me away – he’s gotten sooo~ much better! And that makes so proud of him too ❤ Kudos to Woob for tackling an apparent weakness and making big strides and totally blowing me away! 😀
I haven’t fallen under Yeon Woo Jin’s spell yet.. I thought he did nicely in Arang and Ojakgyo Brothers (both fab shows, btw! If you haven’t seem them I highly recommend them!) and I’ve got him on my radar.. Who knows, he might sweep me off my feet yet! 😉
Thanks for the reply :). So here’s something to perk up your Monday–http://www.dramafever.com/news/kim-woo-bin-says-he-and-park-hyung-sik-aimed-to-win-the-best-couple-award-in-heirs/
I am sure you’ve read it. It’s all Woobie and his thoughts on stuff. Love that he is such a grateful and loving sort. <3
Oh and I know real life demands most of your time but I live to see the day that I read your reviews of Marriage Not Dating and Fated to Love you Korean version. Your humor plus their humor = something epic.
Happy Monday!
Aw! Thanks for this, Jo!! SUCH a lovely read, and no, I hadn’t seen that post! 😀 Woob really is such an appreciative, grateful sort, isn’t he? I find that so endearing about him, seriously! ❤
And speaking of perking up one’s day, have you seen this pic of him?
I love how he’s rocking the tousled waves. Makes him look so sexy and accessible! Yes I want to run my fingers through that hair XD
Such a compliment, that you’re looking forward to my take on Marriage Not Dating and Fated to Love You, THANK YOU! ❤ I haven’t started on either show but they are both on my radar and will remain on my watchlist unless something epically goes wrong ^^
Wanting to reply for a while alas RL and work has taken over. I got the email notification for this and squeeeed (is that a word? Never mind, you get it, i’m sure.) Thank you for KWB and his tousled waves lit perfectly by the sun behind the overcast sky. Hahaha. I’ll stop now. I do have other thoughts but I’ll begin a new comment instead.
Tee hee. I love your description of the photo – it’s perfect!! 😀 And yes, I consider “squeed” a word, and I use it often. Only in the dramaverse of course 😉
Hey! I’m chameleonboater and though I’m not a kdrama fan, stumbling on a good ‘ole kdrama still gets me hooked. I’ve been reading some of your posts and I really like your style, tone and taste! I like that you give your personal opinion on the dramas without being too biased, such that we can trust you when you say something is good, not just because your favourite actor is in it or something. Ok.. now for the ulterior motive in my comment! A recommendation! I did notice that the dramas you watch aren’t /that/ long (not 60-100 sageuk or revenge or really-long-family-drama long), but I still want to recommend this drama to you. It is…
The Great Queen Seon Deok!
A whopping 62 episode sageuk. Do you watch TV? If you do you might have known about this through the TV because I’m Singaporean too and I found out about this when it was broadcast on Channel U. I’m sorry if this is a really long review, and it’s perfectly ok if you don’t make it through this or decide not to watch it or review it in the end.
Is it ok if I introduce the drama to you?
Pros
1. My favourite character in this show is Bidam, played by Kim Nam Gil. He’s only introduced in episode 21, I think, but became one of the main characters by the end of the show. He’s a really complex character that looks all scheming and blood-thirsty and vicious on the surface, but is actually, stripped-down, just a very lonely little boy inside. A man trapped as a child I would say. His character really tore at my heartstrings and I cried so badly as he showed this core. (I watched it twice and cried twice). Plus his action sequences are really cool, and he looks great from episode 38 to episode 49 (?) when he’s still clean-shaven and in simple warrior garb (he’s usually decked out in all black and is really cool).
2. A lot of subtle acting. Some might find it too much and really exhausting after a while (they develop their signature looks to express certain emotions, like Go Hyun Jung as Mishil with her wide-eyed veiled anger, ), but I find it a nice, subtle, little touch. More show than tell.
3. Great acting! Not just Kim Nam Gil as Bidam, but also (especially) the powerful force that is Go Hyun Jung as Mishil and many more- the actors portraying Seohwa, the Queen’s mother, Jook Bang, one of her comrades, Misaeng, Mishil’s brother, and Chunchu, the Queen’s nephew are just some of my favourites. I find it really multi-faceted, where they out-step their role (for example, Jook Bang becomes a little of a father character to the Queen at the end, even though that is not his official role in the show) and act beyond their allocated personal interests (for example, Mishil is supposed to be the Queen’s greatest obstacle to the throne, but she isn’t all beauty and vicious tricks and no brain. She is so much the opposite of that. She is the Queen’s greatest obstacle because the country is also very important to her- she will not risk the country to achieve her goal, even if it means she sometimes “loses” to the Queen when she could have won).
Cons
1. Really long.
2. May be a little too much on the political manipulation at times. I find it intriguing, but some want to focus on relationships and wished there weren’t so many of these
3. You may start to feel tired with the use of the soundtrack at around episode 51 (where their zooming in on faces to show facial twitching is rather noticeable). (side-note: Bidam is really featured from episode 51 though, so I did watch from there till the end. )
Where I try to persuade you to watch this 62 episode drama
1. I haven’t watched it, but the writers wrote Tree With Deep Roots, apparently a very good drama? Plus there are some actors you may recognise- Ahn Gil Kang from Dream High and Yoo Seung-ho from Arang and the Magistrate. (I don’t think Yoo Seung-ho appears until episode 30-40 something though, when he becomes quite an important character).
That’s the end of my really long comment.
It’s ok if you’re caught up at the moment, but please reply! 🙂
With love,
chameleonboater
p.s. your avatar is Hatsune Miku, a Japanese vocaloid.
Hey there, chameleonboater! I apologize for such a delayed reply, Real Life has been more hectic than I expected. Also, woot! to meeting a fellow Singaporean on the blog! ^^
Thanks for the kind and encouraging words – I’m really happy that you’re enjoying the reviews! 🙂 And also, you’re right that I don’t watch too many long shows. I do watch a number of family dramas and some dailies even, but I don’t always write about them. It’s my way of simplifying my drama experience – so that despite having this blog, I still get to watch drama in a more “switched off” mode, if you will. 😉
Thanks for the very thorough recommendation, I’ve heard some good things about Queen Seon Deok, and I do like some Kim Nam Gil and Yoo Seung Ho. Long political sageuks aren’t my usual cup of tea, though, so I’m rather wary about this one. So far, I’ve preferred my sageuks of the shorter variety. BUT, now that you mention that the writers also wrote Tree With Deep Roots (which I love), I might just have to pop this on the watch list to at least give it a fair chance. 🙂
Hiya! I just wanted to let you know that your headers are absolutely AMAZING 0_0 Sometimes I come to your blog purely to refresh the page and look at all of them. You are truly the master of all headers. Just thought I should let you know 😛
Aw! Thanks for the compliment, So-Ra!! 😀 That’s so cute, that you refresh the page to look at the headers! I do enjoy making them, and it’s a great way to unwind, I find. Considering that I never learned photo editing until I decided I wanted to try making headers for the blog, it really feels like I’ve learned so much! I wrote a post about the whole process of my initial learning curve, which you can check out here if you like 🙂
And i forgot two more dramas that i watched-stairway to heaven and my girl. Both were good. Watched stairway to heaven coz of CJW & KSW. Though it was heart-ripping and liked it in a different way, decided that i’ll rarely watch such dramas coz its too heavy to take to heart. My girl was good drama-but i found the female lead more good than anyone in the series. Her acting and cheerfulness was so endearing and sincere in my opinion.
Speaking about fickleness 🙂 , well so far i thought i was the only one so fickle and has one-track mind but now i see that i ‘m not alone. The reason i started watching is coz of Lee Byun Hun(after watching him in A bittersweet Life and his JSA, i became his crazy fan-so watched beautiful days to see him more on screen). Like CJW too in the drama and after i watched My tutor Friend and Love so divine,liked KSW and coz of Choi Ji woo i watched stairway to heaven. Though dint become too crazy for KSW like i had for Lee Byung Hun, even if momentarily, my focus shifted.
Then came again a huge crush on Bi Rain after Full house. Fact is, not just because of Full house, but saw few of his concerts with brilliant dance performances. Moreover when i read how he was rejected in the beginning, how he fought his way through in life to become what he is now, his hard work, zeal for life and determination-all these made me a die-hard fan for him. (i still like him).
Then watched Boys over flowers-then i liked Lee min Ho, though not as crazy as i was for LBH and Bi rain.
And the biggest blow came when i watched you who came from another start. His acting, especially his crying scenes shook my heart. Its been three months and i’m still not fully recovered from the blow(think its the longest ever). The extent of the blow is(i went overboard)- watched moon embracing sun twice(fell all the more head on heels for him), dream high, watched and downloaded around 50 videos of him in youtube, moreover, have hundreds of his snaps. Everyday checked news on him-and am still checking. I was almost becoming sick and weak by heart coz of this craze 🙂 but i couldn’t control at all. I thought i’d never ever like anybody as much as him.
So I tried to shift focus by watching some other dramas- watched gumiho and shining inheritance. Though LSG is not too good in acting comparatively, his voice and his genuiness in acting hit my soft spot somewhere. I could feel the sincerity in his acting, especially in last few episodes of gumiho and shining inheritance. Like being freed from a spell, my heart became little bit normal after the big KSH blow. Even now i”m a real fan of KSH, but i’m not too crazy to the extreme. Since now I come to know how fickle my heart is, i’m gonna put a wall on liking any actor too crazily anymore 🙂
I understand that attractions are tend to change and focus is tend to shift 😀 But i will love the k drama world always 🙂 Aja Aja Fighting 🙂
Tee hee. Your sharing of your journey of fan-love made me giggle. I so know how that feels! This is why I make it part of my fangirl motto; that a fangirl gets to change the object of her fangirl affections anytime she pleases. There are so many gorgeous, talented actors in dramaland that it’s not uncommon for fans to be completely infatuated, at least for a season. Ask me how I know, heh 😉
I’m with you on not leaning towards the heavy melodramas.. Those can be depressing. I watch perhaps just one or two of those a year, trying out only those that come with lots of positive buzz. I watched Stairway to Heaven fairly early in my foray into kdrama, and was exhausted by all the constant crying that went on in that show 😛 I happen to be watching Nice Guy (a melo) right now, and it’s living up to all the positive hype. If you’re on the market for a good melodrama, that’s not a bad one to check out. I’m on the final stretch now, so a review should be forthcoming in the foreseeable future. I’ve got a number of dramas to review, though, so it might take a little longer than I hope. 😛
If you like Lee Min Ho, you’d probably enjoy City Hunter. ^^
Hi kfangurl..happy to see ur reply after long time! I am indebted to you for adding a pearl to my kdrama world by suggesting me to watch Bridal mask. As i told u, i dived in straightaway without any reviews on it since u suggested it. And i think it surpassed all the other dramas i’ve watched in all aspects. There’s a sweet pain and deep longing still deep inside, the same feeling i had when i watched Titanic movie. I cried for over one week after watching titanic, and the fact is i cried more for the people who died drowning than just the hero. That the incident was a real one had a huge impact on me. And i was unable to get over it though i was small when i watched it.
Actually i was about to ask you to suggest me some awesome ones that will leave a deep mark, though i dont want to see such all the time as you said. Gaksital- it’s soundtrack, writing, direction, plot, actors, everything was pure awesome. By awesome it need not be necessarily of academy award level-even they are at times boring and wont impress much. By awesome, i can set Bridal Mask as benchmark for now :-). Awesome in all aspects! That reaches the soul.
Before Gaksital, I watched Flower Boy Ramyun shop and it never dared to near my heart except for a few rare moments. For instance, the lead girl does nothing other than keeping her Ramyun shop(her dad’s shop) from being sold and working over there. She has no dreams about it. Though i cannot scold her for having her own ambitions, i wonder till the end the shop which meant everything to her dad, meant only that much to her? BUt the funny moments were quite good and JIW acting was excellent. I always believe that its not just romance but friendship, family, bromance, patriotism, unity all together is what that draws line between an ordinary and a great movie or drama. And i think thats why Gaksital moved my heart so much. Again thank you for suggesting such a great piece!
I will definitely look for Nice guy and city hunter. And i am looking forward to your reviews on some of my favorites too! 🙂 Happy fangurling 🙂
P.S: After Gaksital, I came to like Joo woon too 😀
Hi there, Chin!! I’m so glad you enjoyed Gaksital!! It’s one of my faves, in all of its intensity and even with its flaws. Joo Won is excellent in it, and he really impressed me in Gaksital. If you enjoy Joo Won, you might want to consider checking out Ojakgyo Brothers. It’s a longer family drama, but very engaging and heartwarming. And Joo Won is great in it 🙂
You’d probably need some time before you’re next in the mood for something intense like Gaksital. When that mood comes around again, I highly recommend Chuno. It’s something that sweeps you off your feet too, and like Gaksital, it has deeper, bigger themes than just romantic love. Moving stuff, and shot in the most glorious fashion, with an amazing soundtrack to boot. Watch it in HD, on as big a screen as you’ve got. With as good of a sound system as you’ve got too. It’s worth it, I assure you.
As for Flower Boy Ramyun Shop, I liked that show, but didn’t love it as much as everyone else did. It just didn’t grab me, the way it didn’t really grab you. Looks like our taste in dramas aren’t too different, eh? ^^
Hi kfangurl,
Its been really very long since my last comment. Hope you’re doing fine. Was pretty busy and hardly had time for my love(kdramas 🙂 ) due to my hectic schedules. Even then managed to watch few dramas. Was all set to watch chuno last month, but i thought i need some time before i get into a heavy melodrama. So watched Queen in-hyun’s man and Rooftop prince. Both of the dramas were daebak!! Since you suggested these, as before, i plunged direclty into them and came out awestruck!
First about Queen in-hyun’s man, I have been putting off this drama, because of my prejudice of Yoo in-na(I couldn’t imagine her as a lead after watching My Love from another star). But as i started it, i was completely speechless. For the first time in my kdrama life, i loved a lead actress many times more than the lead actor in the drama. Yoo in-na was a real fun to watch, super-cute, very cheerful, expressive, looked beautiful inside out. When she cried, felt like she was pouring out her heart in real, I re-watched few episodes and scenes just to see her super-cute and lively scenes.The story was awesome – tightly plotted excellentlyl executed. And the leads had a sizzling chemistry. (So bad that they broke up :-() I totally, completely fell for this drama.
And rooftop prince, awesome againl. The awesomeness here was the four guys of Josean- J4. It was super-damn funny in the beginning and according to me very nice drama till the end. I felt that the lead actress is more good& sincere in crying and heart breaking scenes rather than the funny ones. And park yoochun did an excellent job – looked more appealing as Josean prince. It was a really good drama. Very good plotting and direction.
I am always a lover of dramas or movies where fate plays an important part in romance. Like in Secret garden- the leads met when they were young but they dont know, in My Love from another star- where the love dates back to 400 years, in Rooftop prince.. well you know what i mean :-). The unmyeong-kind-of-love, i really love that. I even liked Queen in hyun’s man kind of romance. Even like crazily-love you kinds too – like in coffee prince. So no wonder Queen in-hyun and rooftop touched me so much. Once again thank you for these good recommendations kfangurl.
Meanwhile one of my friend suggested me to check Shut up flower boy band, and i did! Somehow it never felt tooo good to me. Saw many critics liking the drama, but may be i am little late into kdrama world, i am not used to that kind of drama. And for the first time, I watched a currently airing drama – My Lovely girl, since I a big fan of Rain. And for first time went through the pain of waiting every week for new episodes, and it was a nice feel. Though there was literally no story or plot in it (according to me) i watched it just for Rain. But after episode 10, i really felt it uberly boring, but somehow managed to finish. Now I am watching Sungkyunkwan scandal. Hope it will also dive straight into my heart. And am planning to watch city hunter and I hear your voice after this, as you suggested.
Forgot to tell, that i watched King 2 hearts, loved the story, especially LSG, but felt no chemistry between leads. The song by taeyon was super awesome. I’d like to know your opinion about dramas My name is Kim sam soon and the recent drama Cantabile tomorrow. Also please do suggest me some more good non- historical dramas like before(since I already have chuno and princess man in that bucket)
Well this long winded comment is to thank you for your valuable time, giving me a detailed reply all the time and very good suggestions. All the very best for all your future endeavours. Love you kfangurl!!!
Hi there Chin! Great to hear from ya! 🙂
So glad you enjoyed Queen In Hyun’s Man, Rooftop Prince, Secret Garden and King 2 Hearts – I enjoyed all of them, in different ways. I’m hoping that you will enjoy Sungkyunkwan Scandal too, coz I really, really like that one! I’ve seen it twice and loved it both times. I was planning to write a review for it, but got sidetracked by all the other reviews that I want to write!
It’s too bad you didn’t enjoy Shut Up.. I liked that one a lot. But I think high school and rock music aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I can understand it not hitting the spot for you. As for My Lovely Girl, I’ve heard similar things as what you shared – that Rain is awesome, but the drama itself is underwhelming.
My Name is Kim Sam Soon is a good one to check out, if you’re in the mood for romance and an unconventional, strong female lead. Kim Sun Ah is great as Sam Soon, and didn’t hesitate to put on weight for the role. I haven’t checked out Cantabile Tomorrow yet, but I’ve heard good things in general, including the widespread opinion that Joo Won is great in it 🙂
If you’re looking for more Joo Won, I do recommend Ojakgyo Brothers. It’s a lovely family drama that also feels like 4 romances packed into one convenient package. It’s a little long, but I loved it. If you’re open to family dramas, I also recommend Life Is Beautiful. It’s so much feel-good warmth that I was sorry to see it end.
For light-hearted romance, I really like Marriage Not Dating & Witch’s Romance. Cunning Single Lady is also worth checking out. Fated To Love You is pretty good too.
For something a little less fluffy, but still romance-centric, I recommend Miss Korea. It’s Okay It’s Love is also pretty good, and I’m also finding Discovery of Love a good watch (though it’s not a show that would appeal to everyone). If you enjoy a modern take on love & romance, and can appreciate flawed characters, you might like it.
If you’re open to something different, Secret Love Affair is excellent, in an art-film sort of way. If you enjoy classical music, all the better, coz there is some fantastic classical music in this. It’s a thought-provoking watch that flew under the radar for a lot of people. If you can muster up the mood for it, I highly recommend it. 🙂
Hi kfangul,
Dint expect you would be super-quick in your reply coz somewhere i read that you’ll be busy for quiet few days! So i put on checking for replies and when i checked the time of reply today, i was like totally amazed!! To some extent i understand the value that you give to the blog and to us, the viewers. Anyways, thank you for all your suggestions.
I already have the king 2 hearts and bridal mask episodes, so with your recommendations, gonna start watching them coz of my complete trust in your taste(i mean, i’d be skipping my several hours of before-watch reviews). Other dramas, i’ve added them to my to-watch.
Keep up your good work!
P.S: Even if your reviews contains around 20,000 words, i’ll still read since its meticulous and detailed, avoiding the need to check many sites for a complete picture of a drama. And i’m sure there are many who has the same opinion.
Hey there, Chin! My laggy reply to this comment is probably disappointing after my quick reply to your first comment, I’m sure! 😛 My apologies. You’re right, I was in the midst of a really intense work trip, and since coming back, I’ve been in recovery mode while trying to get back up to speed on everything 🙂
I’m super pleased that you’ll be giving King 2 Hearts and Bridal Mask a go, since I really like both those dramas. I hope you enjoy them! Thanks too, for your encouragement on the reviews.. I’m experimenting with review formats that will allow me to get more drama on my screen (for a while, writing long reviews took up so much time that I hardly watched anything! That was bad!), so the number of epic reviews that exceed 10,000 words will definitely be fewer. Still, I hope to do justice to the shows, just in more concise ways. Hope that works out for all of us! ^.~
Hi kfangul,
I dint knew there was such a wonderful site on kdrama reviews until i checked for some reviews on few dramas i’ve in my bucket(for ur info, its been just 4 months since i started watching kdramas, but already i’m dead crazy for kseries). This is the list of dramas i watched so far- Beautiful days, you’re beautiful, full house, boys over flowers, my love from another star, my girlfriend is a gumiho, dream high, coffee prince, moon embracing the sun, playful kiss, secret garden, shining inheritance, greatest love.
Beautiful days, Full house, Gumiho, Moon embracing the sun, You’re beautiful, Dream high, Greatest love,My love from another star-all these had really good OSTs
Secret Garden, Full house, Boys over flowers, dream high, gumiho, you’re beautiful-Watched selected episodes of these again.
Moon embracing the sun, My love from another star – I watched all the episodes again. They were so good that it made me think its worthwhile to watch it all over again. (Think u can guess whose fan i am- but i dint watch it again coz of KSH but because the story was really good, touching and heartbreaking,deserving a second watch), but then shining inheritance was also a good show so i watched it from half till end again.(Making me a LSG fan too-i really loved him in gumiho)
Coffee prince and greatest love-i enjoyed it just watching once but liked them anyway.
But Playful kiss- i really have no words. I still feel like i wasted my 16 hours watching this show(Coz i had to watch it with my friend -just for her-coz she is a fan of the main lead). Really the female lead’s character was annoying and too clingy and i’m not much into an actor who is just good in looks and has nothing to offer when it comes to acting. Story too was too shallow. Not to offend anybody. but its my opinion.
Shining inheritance and secret garden has very excellent plots, developments and connections, very intelligent making in my opinion. So good!
So now, can you please suggest me some really good k dramas that are worth watching.(Before i decide to watch a drama, i read reviews and recaps about it for several many hours to decide whether to watch the drama or not(only exception was playfull kiss and i regret it till now). Dramas with good writing,plot, direction, good leads(and especially good OSTs) and dramas which makes you want to see it all over again or atleast few episodes again. Can you please suggest few but best??
Thank you in advance!!
Hi Chin! Welcome to the blog! And also, to the wonderful world of kdrama! 😀
In terms of well-written kdramas, here are a few that you might like to check out. Lighter dramas with romance as a main theme: Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Queen In-hyun’s Man & I Hear Your Voice. You might also like Rooftop Prince, which is on the more comic side, but is also romance-centric. Some romantic dramas that run a little more intense but don’t get overly melodramatic, and which I consider well worth checking out: The Princess’ Man, The King 2 Hearts and Arang and the Magistrate.
In terms of kdramas that aren’t romance-centric but which I feel are excellent watches: Chuno, Bridal Mask & Tree With Deep Roots. These 3 are intense, but well worth the time, in my opinion 🙂
And yes, I enjoy the OSTs of all these dramas too. There are other suggestions I could offer you, but I thought these would be a good start. Hope this helps, and happy watching! ^^
hey!!! i love your reviews and i was just wondering, have you watched my girlfriend is a gumiho, with lee seung gi and shin min ah? please do a review on it if you can, i love reading your opinions
Hi evelyn! Aw, thanks, it’s always nice to know that people enjoy the reviews 🙂 I actually have watched My Girlfriend is a Gumiho – I watched it twice, actually! – and I really liked it! In principle, I’d like to give it a review; however I’ve got too many other dramas that I’ve recently finished watching and want to review, so it might be a while yet before I can review MGiaG. I’ll definitely keep it in mind though ^^
I had no idea where to leave this so I’ll put it here. I’ve got a cast for my story.
http://dramanoona.wordpress.com/the-cast/
Woot!! That’s great, Jaime!! 😀 Thanks for the heads-up! I’ll be over there to take a good look around once I’m done with this quick work trip that I’m on! Fighting!! ^^
No worries! I hope that your travels are safe and enjoyable. When you are back and settled I posted the first chapter of my story as well as the cast. It turned out to be a little longer than anticipated so don’t worry about checking out unless you’ve got the time! I look forward to your return and more squeeing and fangirling and general chatting!
I have a burning idea for a blog topic!
How about a post that brings out the drama writers in us? You know I’m always posting about this idea and that in my comments, I’m sure you have tons of your own. You could create a post asking the readers what, if any, drama ideas have they ever come up with, and who would they get to star in them. There’s no set rules, for example you could say, I want Jang Dong Gun (as he was in 2001) to star with Yue Eun Hye (from 2013), it’s pure dream casting! Or even casting Western actors with their favorite K-stars, or Asian fusions, like George Hu from Taiwan dramas (Who’s also a native New Yorker) with Half Chinese American actress Kristin Kreuk. I think it would be a lot of fun to throw around ideas and see what people come up with. I still always think of that awesome ‘Chuno’ sequel you had in mind. 😉
Anyway, that’s just a thought! 😀
Oh, what an intriguing idea, Lady G!! Thank you!! 😀
I’m definitely gonna put some thought into that idea, and see how to best work it. Coz you know me.. I can’t ever just write a short post and dump the information I need into it. Giggle. I can’t help thinking of my recent giveaway announcement post. Most giveaway announcement posts that I’ve come across are short, sweet and to the point. Mine? The thing was almost 600 words long! Lol! This blog and brevity sure don’t go hand in hand..! XD
And YES I still do love that Chuno sequel idea that we chewed on! SO many awesome ideas, all in one imaginary melting pot of a kickass drama!! I would SO LOVE to watch that drama!!!
Oh no, I wouldn’t expect this to be a short post! haha. You’d probably get tons of comments! You could probably write a complete Blog post on ‘Chuno the Sequel’ alone. LOL. Although for us it’s Chuno the SQUEEquell! With that huge melting pot of awesomeness.
I’m probably going to bring in that Chuno sequel in some way – it’s too awesome a scenario to leave buried in the comments threads right? The idea is beginning to incubate.. Maybe the post might see the light of day sooner than I think! And it does promise to be lots of fun! Thanks Lady G! 😀
Awesome! Can’t wait to read it!
Since you’ve been an (awesome!) active participant in most – if not all! – of the imagined scenarios that we’ve had on the blog, I’m thinking you’ll be contributing more than reading, hee! I bet it’ll be fun to build on one another’s ideas though!! Everybody’s inner-screenwriter-meets-inner-fangirl, all in one place, exchanging ideas – wheee!!! 😀
Aw, thanks!! I can just see the responses now. You might have to calm it down and have those who create fresh ideas to start a New thread so they don’t get all confused. Anyone can participate and bounce ideas, but it must be related to the original plot idea that person came up with.
Good point – logistics is important, so that we can all keep our stories straight in our heads! ^^
😉 YAY!…another Gong Yoo lover on the house!…i check my email and read this i couldn’t halt myself from joining in and leave a thought, oh well, my love for GY overwhelmed me and i just couldn’t contain this excessive fangirling in me… anything for GY!…<3<3<3
Right?!? More GY love in the house is ALWAYS a good thing!! 😀 Shared squee IS the best kind! ;D
Awwww thanks for the reply… Sure you can call me ling. honestly I wouldn’t imagine myself going gaga over GY like a teenager first of all I’m in mid30’s and second of all never in my life I had a crush/like a guy with a small eyes. But with GY I can’t even explain for 2weeks I kept listening to his version of LAst TIme. Sighhhh. I’m waiting for his movie to come out hopefully they play it here in TOronto. I even subscribe in google so I don’t miss any news about him. 😄.
Tee hee! You’re not alone, ling.. There’s something about them k-loves that flips the switch on ALL of our inner teenage fangirls! So my philosophy is that our inner fangirls are ageless.. You’re never too old to fangirl over a hot Korean man, even if he’s younger than you! ^.~
I’ve got my eye on his upcoming movie too! Aw, I hope you get to see it on the big screen! Otherwise, there’s always the internet (SO thankful for the internet, really!).. I don’t often bother to go out to the movies (me and crowds aren’t exactly best of friends), but if Suspect plays on the big screen where I live, I’d go out to see him! See the power of a swoony k-love? Lol.
Love your blog, I just started watching kdrama 2months ago I kinda late bloomer in a Kdrama world because most of my friends and workmates were watching Kdrama for a long time and have their own fave. As for me Gong Yoo is my first looooovveeee and thanks to you (blog) I love him even more. And my second love is Ji Hyun Woo, thanks to you again.
Aw! Welcome to the blog, ling! (Can I call you ling?) And welcome to the dramaverse too! YAY for more GY love in the house – ALWAYS a good thing, and he’s very deserving! Come squee with us over on the GY thread.. We love having new friends join us, who share our appreciation for the fine, fine man that he is 😉 Sounds like you enjoyed QIHM about as much as I did – isn’t Kim Boong Do just about the dreamiest kdrama lead, ever? Ji Hyun Woo did such a fine job portraying him that I wanted a Kim Boong Do of my own, hee.
Also. It’s never too late to join the kdrama bandwagon.. When I started watching drama back in 2007, I was already considered late to the party; so many of my colleagues and friends had already been watching kdrama for several years before that! The upside of coming to the party later than others, though? You have lots and LOTS of goodies to marathon, and you’ll never run out of interesting shows to check out! ^^
your blog is soooooooo sweet,I had really good time in you blog <3
Aww.. Thanks shabnam!! I’m so glad you like it here!! Welcome to the blog!! And feel free to poke around! 😀
thank you <3 :*
😉 I realy thank you very much.
Shazam told me the same 😉
so guess He/it is honest with us.
so she has to live with that info, as i cant find more than that in the net.
hope its enough.
tyvm for ure time kfangul
wish u the best
You’re welcome! ^^
Hi, thank you very much for ure answer!
Yes, good idea, i already tought about such an app, but does they work well, as its so hard to find that song… ^^
Ah, and yes, sorry i forgot, it was Be4utifu D4ys 2 02/07
I think I’ve managed to trace it for you, Angel. If it’s the scene of Shin Min Ah dancing in the club and Choi Ji Woo finds her there, the song is apparently “Back 2 Be On The School” from the album Club DJ Dance Music Vol. 8 under Rock Records. At least, that’s what Shazam tells me ^^ Hope that helps you!
hello everyone, i have an question, about episode 2 02/07 , ther is a techno song (the one in the end) wile there are in the club, and shes dancing. And i cant finde the name of that song…
so i sincerly ask you all, if anyone might know the title of it.
i would be very happy,
as its for my girl, she realy wants to know it…
and i want to make her smile with it.
thank you very much
Hi Angel.. You didn’t mention what show you’re asking about? That would be helpful.
Otherwise, you could try using an app like Shazam, which helps to identify music. Although there are paid versions of the app, the free version works nicely too. I’ve tested it on Korean songs too, and it manages to identify the songs without a problem ^^ You can check out the app here: http://www.shazam.com/
Been browsing through your site and I love it! I just wanted to comment, I think you did a great job!
Aw thanks shelly!! Welcome to the blog!! I’m glad you’re liking my little corner of the internetz – do stick around, there’re lots of lovely fellow fans who hang out here too, and my philosophy is that shared squee is the best kind of squee 😉
Hi, just wanted to say I really love your blog !
And I’m pretty new to wordpress, so I was curious how you categorized everything on your blog so fangirling can be in one place and kdrama reviews can be in another?
Aw, thanks! I’m glad you like my corner of the interwebs and that you’ll be sticking around! Welcome to the blog! ^^
I’m not completely sure what you’re referring to in your question, though.. If you’re referring to the tabs on the top of the screen, those are pages that you can create and name.. If you’re referring to the section underneath Recent Posts on my sidebar, you can create categories in the Posts section on your dashboard. Does that help? 🙂
Yes that does actually ! Thanks 😀 and thanks for the welcome xD
That’s great! Have fun experimenting while you build your own little corner of the internetz – there’s something so satisfying about that, I find! ^^
I will thanks ! xD
So, I’m curious, but do you listen to Kpop too?
Hmm.. I’m not big into kpop, to be honest. I listen to a lot of drama OSTs and that overlaps with kpop a little.. That’s why some of my k-blogosphere friends have put in quite a bit of effort to introduce me to kpop music that I would like, to see if something will finally hook me into joining the ranks of the kpop fandom 🙂 For the full story on that, you can check out this post: http://thefangirlverdict.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/a-prezzie-for-me/
So far, I like some of the songs rather well, but nothing that’s actually hooked me into embracing kpop fandom for myself 😉
Youuuu !
Omo, it’s been so long. I felt like popping by and saying Hi because I adore your blog ^^, Also, congratulations on the Awesomeness that is your blog xD You’ve gotten really popular girl. HEE.
Hope the blogging popularity continues to INCREASE immensely xD Dattebayo!
bimbobunny!!!!! I’VE MISSED YOU!!! *tacklehug!!!*
I’ve been wondering where you’ve been! I went to peek at your blog several times in the last many months, but there weren’t any new updates. Spill!! How have you BEEN?!? What’ve you been up to?!? I just moseyed over to your blog & saw your Liebster post!! Does this mean you’re BACK?!? 😀
Thanks for popping by – your visit totally perked up my day! And thanks for the sweet words on the blog!! I’ve been chugging along and churning out stuff as inspiration strikes, and people have been very, very kind <3 As you have been, my dear, sweet chingu *blows kisses*
D’aaaw xD
Uni took over my life… period. I even stopped watching/listening to K-drama and K-pop *gasp* YES, that’s how hardcore I focused on Uni. But I’ve literally been going crazy without it. It’s been so long and after RE-WATCHING Coffee Prince out of boredom, my inner fangirl exploded (Also, I almost forgot how much of eye-catcher Gong Yoo was). And of course there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m back xD Hehe.
N’aaw, you deserve all the praise ;D Just keep doing what you’re doing because it’s totes working ^^ I totes need to skim over your blog and read your work. Hehe.
Btw, how have YOU been; yunno, besides blogging 😛
Wow, that IS hardcore!! O.O! Going cold turkey is no joke, and I’m impressed that you managed to hold out for as long as you did!! AND! YAYYY that you’re back!! 😀 I have really missed you around the blogosphere <3
Blogging-wise, I've somehow ended up with the dubious honor of writing the most monstrously long reviews, ever 😛 I'm pretty sure that before you went on hiatus, my reviews were still of pretty normal length. And then, one day, Gaksital happened, which I thought was BRILLIANT, and to try to express the brilliance I churned out something like 13,000 words. And then some. I KNOW! Crazy! What's even crazier is, now I can't seem to get *away* from the epic review. Every review since Gaksital has been of epic proportions. Thankfully, people have actually been patient enough to wade through each of them, and it's been win-win ^^ It really makes me appreciate my readers even more, though, knowing that they're so willing to spend the time to read the lengthy reviews that I post <3 <3
Real Life has been getting a little busy lately & I've been traveling for work more frequently. The downside of that is I have fewer drama and blogging hours to spend. The upside, though, is I seem to be getting more efficient at churning out the epic reviews.. So.. Silver lining? ;D Lol.
Hells yeah it is, I was desperately trying to find something else to fill the void of not being able to get back in to K-drama just in case I lose my marbles from not being able to cry over fictional charaters and that’s where books came in xD It was good while it lasted though, RIP my inner bookworm fangirling LOL.
Just saw a few of your reviews and OH MY GOSSSSSSSS you weren’t kidding on the monstrously long reviews but I LOVE THEM because they’re so thorough and detailed, your analysis is so good that I’m almost jealous of your skill of writing 😛 I haven’t watched Gaksital YET. Dora has been bugging me to watch it ever since she finished it but I just haven’t gotten around to doing so, so I promised that I would some time xD HEHE. That’s because your reviews are really pro and awesome xD
Oooh, travelling? so lucky ^^ Dora’s travelling with her significant other, she’s even going to Korea as well :'( BUT i will go one day, ONE DAY! *shakes fist* LOL. I’m glad that the epic reviews are getting better for you. Hehe, Dattebayo <3
Books are cool too! I used to LOVE reading as a child! But yes, dramas are a whole different experience. For one thing, you don’t get OSTs in books! ;D
Aw, thanks for the sweet encouragement on the reviews!! It means a lot. <3 <3 <3 Given the instant gratification of the TL;DR age we live in, I am always touched to know that people enjoy putting time into reading my reviews. <3
ALSO, you really should give Gaksital a go sometime. It is excellent, and Joo Won is AMAZING. I was blown away even though I'd already gone in with high expectations. And that's saying a lot!
Ooh, happy Dora, going to Korea! ONE DAY, we shall go to Korea too!! Fighting, us!! 😀
There’s something liberating about books that I love, which is the imagination part; you can imagine whatever it is you want, down to what the characters look like to what they wear and whatnot. The possibilities are endless with our imaginations and it’s a great thing.
HAHA. That’s because whilst it may be long, it’s actually really worth the read and it goes into depth and not just silly nonsense 😛
One day we will and it will be an amazing experience ^^ Oh how I can’t wait for that day to come. Hheh
True, that, about reading. The imagination part is completely liberating, and you can totally recreate scenes in your head *just so* and have the characters perfectly cast, vs, y’know a drama with patchy casting and questionable execution 😉 And if you’ve got a really fabulous writer, there’s the pleasure of delicious phrasing too ^^
Yes, one day: Korea, we are coming for ya!! Bring out your best kimchi & BBQ pork! XD
I am subscribed to various k-drama reviewers/bloggers. Let me tell you yours is absolutely the best. Your comments are very straight and wise. I have read some of your reviews after watching the shows and are totally in agreement with them.
It’s like the same thinking. Besides, your photos are awesome. Very unique. Please keep up your good work. Congratulations.
Aw, thanks Rosa!! What a lovely, encouraging compliment!! 😀 I’m honored that you regard the blog so highly, and really happy that you’ll be sticking around! ^^
Hi ! I hope your having a blessed day!! I came across your sight & I love it !!!!! I finished nine!! give me your opinion of the last episode the very ending ok!!! also check out the movie insadong scandal,love 911 ,these are two very good ones!! ik-drama for life!!!!
Welcome to the blog, Lucy!! Glad you’re liking my little corner of the internetz! ^^ My watch of Nine is coming along nicely, and I will post a review when I’m done. I anticipate that’ll be in about 2 weeks, as this week’s a traveling week for me & will be hectic. We can exchange thoughts then! 🙂 I don’t watch k-movies very frequently, but I’ll make a mental note that the ones you mentioned are well-recommended!
I love reading your blog, I hope you can feature and review Nine Times Time Travel. It’s a great kdrama because of its unpredictability and full of twist. It’s actually a smart drama. Lots op positive reviews from netizens. Hopefully, you can watch it and make a finale review. Thanks
Thanks, Jamok99!! It’s always great to know that others are enjoying the reviews! Thanks for the recommendation on Nine.. You’ll be pleased to know that once I’m done with my FBND review, I plan to finally start watching Nine, and will eventually post a review. It might take a while for me to do all that, particularly since RL’s kinda hectic right now, but I WILL get there! ^^ Hopefully you’ll find it worth the wait! 😉
Thank youso much. I will definitely wait and be looking forward on your Nine review. Thank you very much and I hope you will enjoy watching it.
Thanks! I hope so too! *crossing all my fingers and toes*
Hi! I nominated you for Liebster Award: http://saryre.blogspot.com/2013/05/between-worlds-is-nominated-for.html
Aw, thanks Indigo, that’s really sweet of ya! This does look like fun! ^^
What do you know? I had a WordPress account after all! Now to just go and delete EVERYTHING I had on it when I was in 7th-ish grade. OTL
I’ll definitely be fooling around with the stuff on WP and see what it’s like. If I have any questions about it, can I ask you? Your blog is absolutely beautiful, I want mine to be so clean and easy to navigate as yours!
Cool! I do find WP easier to manage than Blogger.. I struggled more with Blogger being uncooperative. It shouldn’t be too difficult to clean up your WP blog and start building it to what you want it to look like ^^
Thanks for your compliments on the blog, I’m glad you like the look and feel of it! Sure, if you have questions, ask away.. I don’t know if I’ll know the answers to all your questions, but I’m happy to take a crack at ’em 🙂 Also, WP should be fairly straightforward to tinker around with, so I don’t foresee you having major problems with it. Happy experimenting!!
I love your blog. im crazy for G.Yoo too.. I’ve wathed Coffe Prince, Hello My Teacher, One Fine Day, Finding mr destiny and last.. BIG.. i have to take a rest from watching gong yoo too much.. 🙂 . I’m planning on waching lie to me (Yoon Eun Hye).. i don’t see that you have that review on your blog.. have you wathed it?
Aw thanks doreremi! Welcome to the blog! 😀 And yay for a fellow Gong Yoo lover! He is just awesome, isn’t he? <3
To answer your question, I HAVE watched Lie To Me, actually. In a nutshell, there was one big plus and one big minus in this show. The big plus? Kang Ji Hwan and Yoon Eun Hye's chemistry was through the roof. They sparked and sizzled and their kisses were multiple-replay worthy. And they ad-libbed some of the most memorable couple scenes in the show, which just goes to show how much chemistry they shared. Ok, now the big minus.. The story made no sense whatsoever. Like, seriously. I've seen some badly written dramas, but this is a contender for the big prize. Logic was non-existent at times.
I started out wanting story and, not getting story, I grew increasingly frustrated with the show. But once I decided to let go of my need for logic and a solid story, I could sit back and enjoy the chemistry of the leads and the multiple couple moments that got served up. So the bottom line, I guess, is it really depends on what you look for in a show ^^
Have you watched Pasta? It's one of my all-time favorites. It's got a small story (but one that makes sense!) and lovely, natural chemistry between the leads. When I got to the end, I went right back to episode 1 to start over, that's how much I loved it ^^ You could possibly consider checking out Pasta if you decide against Lie To Me.
..amen to that..i’ve watched “Lie to Me” ’cause of Yoon Eun Hae..but the story is rather raw?…but Kang Ji Hwan and Yoon Eun Hye’s chemistry is overwhelming that covers the flaws in the story..they have this spontaneous reaction on screen…especially on kissing scenes..as for “Pasta” i haven’t started it yet….as my focus as of now is Lee Jung Ki’s “Arang and the Magistrate”…i’m on episode 6…and the story gets more exciting…hope you’ll have the chance to review ” My Daughter Souyong”..it is currently telecast here…many thanks..
Yay that you’re enjoying Arang, evez!! I plan to rewatch that sometime, I enjoyed it very much ^^ I’m sorry to say I’m unlikely to review My Daughter Seo Young as I haven’t watched it and don’t really plan on it even though I’ve heard some good things about it.. Reasons being that I’m not really a Lee Bo Young fan, plus there are so many other shows that I genuinely want to check out too. Nothing’s cast in stone, of course, and I might change my mind sometime. I’ve been known to radically change my mind about a show or an actor, so let’s see what happens ^^
..thanks for the reply kfangurl…actually, my mother wants me to buy a dvd copy of it so that she can watch the series without commercial interruption….she’s been asking me for some reviews about it so i thought of asking you..i only knew Lee Jung-Shin of CN Blue in it…the lead actor and actress is not familiar with me…one thing more, i’m a fan of rom-com genre…i want a series that can make me laugh and fall in love with..
I’ve heard pretty good things about My Daughter Seo Young, no wonder your mum would like the DVD ^^ I used to be all about the rom-coms too, and I do have some favorites, like Coffee Prince, Goong & My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. These days, though, I find that I’m much more open to other genres too. I’ve surprised myself with how much I’ve enjoyed some non rom-com kdramas! Guess we’re always evolving and changing, even as drama lovers 😉
..you’re presumably right i think…infact,i bought some a non rom-com type..like “That Winter The Wind Blows”, ” Queen of Ambition”, “Reincarnation of Money”…so far, i just watch 2 eps. of the first one… i halt watching it for a while to give way to Arang..well, the 2 episodes of “That Winter The Wind Blows” is good enough so far?…i guess, because of the lead characters…Song Hye Kyo is beautiful as ever..and i find Jo In Sung so handsome..and of course…Kim Bum is so cute……..oh. just want to share…Lee Min Ho is here in the Phils..it’s his second time…He’s here for a one night concert today..sad part is…i wont be able to see his concert….actually, i didn’t know that Lee Min Ho can sing?…;)
Ah.. Lee Min Ho is primarily an actor, not a singer. He recorded a CD pretty much purely as fanservice, and the concert is related to that. It’s something of a fan-meeting, except it’s dressed up as a concert. Many Korean actors learn how to dance, sing or even play an instrument in order to have something to share with their fans during fanmeets, and they often aren’t great at it. Their hard work and sincerity totally shows, though, and the fans love it. You can listen to the entire mini album here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NKI3Qtzi-M
..oh..i guess you’re right LMH is basically an actor…good thing is he doesn’t sing off key..;) …if you are an artist with a good voice..then you’re gifted!..what i observed among k-drama nowadays is that they include member from a k-pop group..i guess this is one way to entice more younger viewers…Korea has numerous k-pop artists/actors/actresses…but for me i stick to my favorite Korean stars….;)
Some of the k-stars ARE very talented and can sing &/or dance &/or play a musical instrument very well on top of acting. Really hafta admire them for that! Some are less talented, of course, but where talent lacks, their sincerity and effort is more than enough to please fans ^^
I’m generally not too keen on the k-pop idols crossing over to acting, since most of them aren’t very good at the acting.. Sometimes, though, someone will blow me away with how good he or she is at the acting, even though it’s not his/her primary focus.
Seo In Guk and Jung Eun Ji both blew me away in Answer Me 1997. Even though they are primarily singers, they were so good at the acting that you’d never guess they were singers first. Lee Hong Ki is also very good. He was adorable as Jeremy in You’re Beautiful, and managed to deliver some difficult crying scenes really well too. For discoveries like these, I’m willing to put up with the trend of idols dipping their toes into acting 😉
One of the most organized kdrama blogging sites i’ve had the pleasure to come across. Can u suggest a drama that’s similar to coffee prince for me? I loved that there weren’t any conniving women and sabotage and that it was truly comical. Mr. hong really added something to that show.
Aw, thanks Binkbaf!! Welcome to the blog!! 😀
I love Coffee Prince too! If you haven’t seen Sungkyunkwan Scandal, it’s got a very similar fun vibe and feels like Coffee Prince with a Joseon setting. I also really like Pasta, which has a small story, but has great chemistry between the leads. My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is also loads of fun & adorable ^^ Let me know if you’ve already seen all these & I’ll try to suggest other options 🙂
Pasta was my first drama and i loved it, partly because i did culinary management and i it was a feast to my eyes. The only one one i haven’t seen there in My girlfriend is a Gumiho. i know i have a lot catching up to do.
Aw yay! Another kfan who loves Pasta! 😀 I re-watched it several times, I loved it so much. It’s one of my all-time favorite comfort shows ^^
My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is adorable, so I hope you check it out sometime.. You’re Beautiful is also a fun watch if you haven’t already seen it. Dream High & Shut Up Flower Boy Band are also both very good and full of youthful energy. Playful Kiss is a nice, simple watch for the sweet atmosphere, even though it’s obviously a flawed show.
Hopefully you haven’t seen all of these, but if you have, I’d be happy to throw more titles out there for you to consider! ^^
Happy Easter if you celebrate it. Thank you for all the titles. I haven’t seen any of them. Have a good weekend.
You’re very welcome, Binkbaf! I hope you enjoy checking out these shows! Have a great weekend, and Happy Easter to you too! ^^
I have a K-drama party coming my way after May 22nd. i will turn into a curmudgeon holed up in my room only coming out to “feed” and bathroom breaks.
Woo! Sounds like a fabulous plan to me! ;D And something to look forward to after your exams! I’d love to hear all about how you feel about all the new shows! ^^
I don’t know where else to put this comment, but I just wanted to say that I LOVE the new rotating banners. I might occasionally sit at my computer refreshing your blog just to see all of them. I won’t admit to anything openly though…
Aw, thanks Eye Candy!! I’m SO glad you’re liking the new headers!!! 😀 I started experimenting on a whim – that’s quite a whim, considering I started knowing absolutely nothing about how to make a header or anything similar – & I’m learning as I go. Which means that I keep tweaking the headers everyday.. So if you’re wondering where some headers went, some got retired after I decided I didn’t like them so much after all, while others got tweaked &/or combined.. It’s a whole new creative world for me ^^ And at least the headers look better & not worse as I go 😉
They look so awesome! I’m very impressed you could figure all of this out so quickly. Just please promise if you find a picture of Gong Yoo and a skull you’ll caption it, “To Watch or Not To Watch. Is that even a question?”
But seriously keep up the good work 😀