Dramas I’m watching right now:
- True To Love (Bo Ra! Deborah) [Korea] (covered on Patreon)
- My Perfect Stranger (covered on Patreon)
- Nothing But You [China] (covered on Patreon)
- Oh No! Here Comes Trouble [Taiwan] (covered on Patreon)
- Doctor Cha [Korea] (covered on Patreon)
- Dr. Romantic 3 [Korea]
- The Love You Give Me [China]
- Queenmaker [Korea]
Dramas I plan to add to my plate, soonish:
- Delightfully Deceitful [Korea]
- King The Land [Korea]
So many dramas, so little time..!
OML I NEED MORE KDRAMAS LIKE GANGNAM BEAUTY AND TRUE BEAUTY QUICK OR I’LL DIE
(BTW- TReam seojunor Suho? I’m team seojun but if inyoup isn’t in the drama, eunwoo it is)
Has anyone seen The Spies Who Loved Me? With Bo-ra! (Deborah) airing right now, I’m on a Yoo In-na kick!! It didn’t get the best reviews, but I wanted to know what people in this community thought…
Bo-Ra! is currently the show I look forward to seeing the most each week. It takes a bit of lens adjustment to enjoy. If you think you will find perfect protagonists who make all the right moves – no. But if you take the view that both of them screwed up and have some growing to do, then it’s good fun. Sorry I’m can’t say anything about Spies.
Is anyone else watching Doctor Cha? This is a “woman reboots her life and finds her mojo again” drama. Similar theme to Romance is a Bonus Book or Second Twenties. Eom Jeong Hwa is back and, even better, it’s a role that (so far) deserves her talent. Interesting, light and the plot is moving along nicely after the first couple episodes.
Sadly, I dropped it during the first episode, Eric. I thought it was quite good, I just wasn’t up for the type of scumbag so and so that was being delivered (if that makes sense without me giving anything away). I just couldn’t take to it, unlike Romance is a Bonus Book, which I thought was fabulous.
I loved Romance is a Bonus Book as well. There was something so wholesome about the story. Kind, optimistic, funny. No bad guys. I vote for fewer serial killer subplots and more couples sitting quietly reading together in future dramas!
For Dr. Cha, I agree 100% that there is a prominent character (actually 2) who are not kind or honest. So a certain level of hate-watching in regards to them is necessary. While cheering for most of the others.
I vote for less serial killer subplots and more of couples doing constructive things together, too. I have started “The Good Bad Mother” – definitely worth a look. The supporting cast is a who who’s of the older supporting actors from so many shows of late.
Is anyone else watching “The Real Has Come”? It seems like the ratings on Korean TV are good, so someone else must be watching it. This is a melo with cold (but not cruel) ML and plucky down-on-her-luck FL who seem destined for contract marriage. It gives me the same vibes as Marriage Contract, which I really liked. The plotting and events are on some level unrealistic but the emotions and portrayals and archetypes fit just right.
Also Divorce Attorney Shin? Just finished. Solid short legal drama, down to earth. B+.
I’m interested to year the final verdict on Heavenly Idol I tried to enjoy just but could just never figure out what viewing lens to use. The tone seemed to vary from horror, to comedy, to quasi-religious/inspirational. Just didn’t know what to make of it and gave up.
Also watching Divorce Attorney Shin and it’s better than I expected. I’m at Ep 5 and I agree with your B+ rating. I’m enjoying it. It veers wildly between slapstick and misery but manages to walk the line well enough I fell, and the characters are good and very stereotyped.
PS. Regarding the Real Has Come. This show increasingly gives off the vibes of a show written 20 years ago. The plots and tropes (family forcing marriages, scheming mean chaebols, domineering older relatives, birth secrets, etc) fit better in some past era. The characters and the whole show are in some sort of time warp from the 1990s. I mean it’s set now, but the background and expectations are like that. So I’d caution to only watch the show if this is something you’d enjoy.
PPS. I’m dropping this show. Too much like an American soap opera. Very little plot progress. Weird Chaebol meanies. I’m out.
Has anyone seen Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency??!
it looks cute! Is it worth watching?! Thank u!
I really enjoyed it. I found it very cute indeed.
If any of you were looking to watch “We married as a job” (great review on this site!) it is on netflix US as “the full time wife escapist”. I can’t explain the title but thought I should mention it.
I watched it and really enjoyed it. It’s pretty unique with the boss locked in the phone and the ML taking on his role as the CEO of the company. It’s a bit murder mystery, with a bit imposter syndrome, and some cheekiness thrown in. Its actually pretty funny, but has these intense moments. It’s got some heart warming moments as well with the boss’s young daughter and other character’s family members. It’s a strange mix but it all worked. At least for me. It’s hard to come up with a show it is like. There are lots with this similar vibe, but not content.
Love it! I’ll check it out. I know what you mean about the blend. It’s tricky, but when it works, I love it!! What other shows blend elements like this? All that comes to mind are shows like Healer, While you were sleeping, and Strong Girl. What other shows come to mind?
I’d love a post from kfangurl on this!! Haha.
Has anyone watched Unlock My Boss?
When I very first saw it on Viki as a suggested title, I wasn’t interested, but now that Netflix is picking it up, I wonder if it has a wider appeal than I originally thought. I’d love to know what other dramas it’s most like, and if it’s worth my time.
I guess I’m also curious how Netflix chooses which dramas to license, but that’s another matter ha ha.
Sorry I just responded but forgot to do it to you specifically. It is in the main thread.
Is anyone else watching Call It Love? If you remember Lee Seong Kyeong (Weightlifting Fairy and Shooting Stars), this is her shot at a more serious role in a more serious drama. I won’t spoil it – it’s only 2 episodes in. It starts off a bit like a revenge drama, but it is really ambivalent right from the start about whether revenge is what the characters really want. So this isn’t another Glory and has a different tone. So far the writing, acting and pacing are solid. High hopes.
I’m watching it, Eric. I think it’s a show that needs to be watched on the big screen. It’s very much like watching a Korean movie – it has that cinematic feel to it. If you look at LSK’s earlier roles such as in Doctors, that tough independent feisty streak is very much in evidence there. So, yes high hopes for me too re Call It Love because she is very talented, but her roles in recent times have been a bit underwhelming for me.
I’m watching it, I actually think it’s pretty good so far. It has something of a fresh feel, compared to what seems very formulaic stuff on right now.
PS. After watching through ep4 I remain positively impressed. One thing that took me a while to notice was how well visually constructed many of the shot are. So Seankfletcher’s comment about this being like a movie is spot on. It’s shot like a movie. One other facet I enjoy is how there is this messy realism about the characters and their motivations. No one is 1 dimensional. It’s like the anti-revenge drama.
Has another else seen the cdrama “Go Ahead”? This is about 3 children and 2 dads forged into a family by choice when various families by blood blow up. The whole thing is relatively restrained (no chaebol types, one of them becomes a dentist, another a chef, etc). And there is a relationship that makes me question whether too many only children writers have trouble understanding how siblings work. But the show deserves the most credit for one of the best, most honest depictions of children dealing with neglectful and abusive parents in the context of Chinese culture. So many dramas have parents who are incredibly, criminally abusive undergo a miraculous 11th hour rehabilitation. Go Ahead shows a more realistic response by the children, and resists the urge to magically make everything ok and turn a complete monster into dear old mom/dad in the last episode. One of the sons has this amazing speech where he tells the rich birth parent to shove off and announces his plan to take care of the dad who raised him. This show does depict some of the best dads ever in a cdrama who truly deserve the parental respect that the other parents did not.
Watched it and loved it!
Watching The Glory and am really digging it so far. Any plans to watch it?
Hi! Yes I plan to check it out, probably starting later this month, when I clear some space on my drama plate!
Hiii do you have plans to watch The Glory?
Hi! Yes I plan to check it out, probably starting later this month, when I clear some space on my drama plate!
I binged The Glory on Netflix. Spoiler free review. This is, as advertised, a dark revenge drama. The drama reminds us of the lesson, taught in many kdramas, that Korean high school is more dangerous than US maximum security prison. If you have a choice, send your children to the second one – it’s safer and they meet better people. Overall, I was impressed by the story – the revenge plan was generally realistic, and the way events unfolded slowly was believable. The acting was strong. Grim, violent at times, not suitable for younger viewers – it delivers what was promised. And they only put out the first 8 episodes so things stop in the middle – due to finish in March. So don’t start now if that bothers you.
oof
PS. One element that adds to the gritty realism (or more realistic than usual for a revenge drama) is how the villains are losers. Sure some of them have money or power, but they have a lot of flaws. Stupid, vain, petty, suck-ups, addicts, etc. Pathetic in many ways. And they are prone to turn on each other in a snap and humiliate each other as often as their prey. This is more convincing and no less scary than the unstoppable evil chaebol type villains that are more common. If you are in the market for a grim revenge tale, could do worse.
so basically like vincenzo?
Important difference is Vincenzo is hyper-competent. In this case the FL is smart and determined but doesn’t do anything that a smart and determined school teacher couldn’t do. She doesn’t have fighting skills, mafia connections, etc. The main antagonist (admitted not there other semi-antagonist) in Vincenzo was also super competent, unlike the (messy losers) ones in The Glory. So in this sense The Glory has a more realistic vibe. Not that it is better or worse, just different.
Binged the show too. Thought it was very boring and over the top.
And all the villains can’t act and overact
@Eric – I thought I would really dislike this due to the heavy violence. However – I am intrigued, which was really not expected. I am surprised at my response. I think part of this intrigue is my curiosity about the ending. The baddies are SO bad, that I cannot help but wonder exactly what kind of revenge would wipe away the pain of all of their horrible deeds. I might also add that I cannot help but truly feel the victim’s pain here. Let’s see what karma brings them…
To me, I generally dont go for this much intense dark ones but was curious to know more from the trailor.
I could feel her pain, very very cruel on those bad guys’s part. Thought of leaving after a while but then inside of me wanted to see how these baddies get punished by her, n moreover as in management term ‘sunk cost’ .
FL is more realistic as Eric has pointed.
That go player – bad girl’s husband caught my eye n felt sad for him as he genuinely got attracted towards our FL.
does anybody want to scream at Ju Kyung for not choosing Seo Jun in true beauty?
HES HOT
HES CARING
HE LITERALLY DID SO MUCH MORE THAN SOO HO
HE WAITED FOR A WHOLE 2 YEARS
HE SINGS SO WELL
HE HAS THAT PERFECT HAIR
WTH DOES HE NOT HAVE 😭😭😭😭
Anyone is watching “Time and Him are just right”?
Anyone watch Lighter and Princess? I thought it was amazing!!
Very angsty but I did enjoy it immensely – Zhang Jing Yi’s character as ‘Zhu Yun’ is simply amazing – she is so resolute and firm, and with so much conviction and integrity!
You forgot clingy, intrusive, annoying and being full of herself
Looking forward to your review of Reborn Rich!!
@mags
Tried commenting on your post, but it didn’t seem to work. Sorry if any duplicates show up for others :/.
I just finished watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo and I am floored! I loved the OTP so much. If you liked Weightlifting or Hometown, check it out. I also really really love the way Min Min treats Bong Soon in Strong Girl. I’d love some recommendations too.
My favorites include Romance is a Bonus Book, Healer, and While you were Sleeping (among the ones I mentioned above)!!
Thanks!!
I need a drama with the same chemistry as in weightlifting fairy, stong woman, and hometwon cha cha cha : ( pls help me
I’ve been looking for one as well. If you haven’t seen, Romance is a Bonus Book, I would recommend that one.
Very open to other suggestions as well. It’s better when both parties are really interested in one another or at least one of them is enough for the other one to be convinced ha ha.
I appreciate your taste. . Love the small town quiet romance dramas. I really enjoyed Our Beloved Summer – it’s a bit more emotional than the ones you listed but still excellent. Once Upon a Small Town is also short, charming a light – if you enjoyed the rural vibe of cha cha cha (I did), give this one a go. No chaebols, no bad guys, no malice. I’ll See You When the Weather is Nice also has this quiet small town vibe, but there is a darker element to it.
Like Strong Woman? Hmm. Uncanny Counter has superhero type action, but is a little darker (not grim, but darker). Healer is well regarded (again a bit darker) and has a semi-superhero vibe. I Am Not a Robot has a cute love story and some not-quiet-real elements. Business Proposal was light and fun, romance as a live action Manga, and matches some of your other choices as well. Or how about Beauty Inside? This has a magical element like Strong Woman (the FL transforms into a random physical appearance – man/woman, old/young, any race or body type) and has to deal with this. Charming. And if you haven’t seen I Hear Your Voice, one of the all time great dramas with superhero type element, romance, great idols. A bit darker than Strong Woman though.
Weightlifting fairy was so unique, there isn’t another precisely like it. Quirky Romance/drama – Run On could fit your taste as well.
Happy watching!
exactly, weightlifting fairy is easily my goto drama!!
Strong woman and weightlifing fairy are such bad dramas
PS – if you haven’t seen My Love From the Star, it’s excellent. That has the supernatural element, humor, romance, interesting story, action, and major star power.
Following up on the excellent suggestions from @M M and @Eric Lancaster, since “Strong Woman” was my very first drama and I also liked the other two you mentioned. My second drama was “Oh My Ghost(ess)”, also starring Park Bo Young, and it cemented my enjoyment of K-dramas. Supernatural elements and an entertaining love story, plus a surprisingly heartfelt turn of plot. Also, it is a great vehicle for the fantastic Kim Seul Gi as the titular ghost. I agree also with “My Love from the Star” for this space and am right now 75% done with “Romance is a Bonus Book” which I am greatly enjoying as well and is in the space you mention. Really, I haven’t disliked any of the shows the other have recommended here. Enjoy!
PPS. I love this question, it makes me appreciate how many great dramas there are. If you want more Lee Sung-kyung (played the weightlifting fairy) then check out shooting stars (spelled sh**ting stars). It’s a solid show. It has the most hilarious confession-reaction ever. I wish they would cast her more. She’s also in Dr. Romantic 2, 3 (I haven’t watched it carefully so no comment).
And if you’d like a retro quirky romance drama that takes place in and about a coffee shop (one character is a chaebol but he’s basically running the shop the whole time), Coffee Prince is an all time great drama.
I’ll stop now. 🙂
Love , love, love all of this.
I just finished Extraordinary Attorney Woo and am floored!!
I loved it so much. Please go check it out if you liked weightlifting or hometown.
I’m now in the market for something else. My favs are romance is a bonus book, healer, While You Were Sleeping. I really appreciated the cuteness between the OTP in Strong Girl and Attorney Woo too.
Open to ideas!
Hope these give you that warm and cozy feeling like Weight-Lifting Fairy.
On Netflix you may like *Touch Your Heart* or *Crash Landing on You.* Both are rom-coms with no yucky love-triangles or stupid OTT (over the top) melodramatic twists and a decent ending. Others: *100 Days My Prince* and *Rain or Shine.*
Do you subscribe to VIKI? Subscription is totally worth it in my opinion! *Fight for My Way* or *What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?* fun. Also, I loved *To.Jenny,* which is an ADORABLE 2-part drama–more like a movie.
Free online on YouTube’s “Cereal” channel: *Queen In-Hyun’s Man.*
Happy New Year and Happy Kdrama viewing!
I just finished watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo and I am floored! I loved the OTP so much. If you liked Weightlifting or Hometown, check it out. I also really really love the way Min Min treats Bong Soon in Strong Girl. I’d love some recommendations too.
My favorites include Romance is a Bonus Book, Healer, and While you were Sleeping (among the ones I mentioned above)!!
Thanks!!
I just finished watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo and I am floored! I loved the OTP so much. If you liked Weightlifting or Hometown, check it out. I also really really love the way Min Min treats Bong Soon in Strong Girl. I’d love some recommendations too.
My favorites include Romance is a Bonus Book, Healer, and While you were Sleeping (among the ones I mentioned above)!!
Thanks!!
yes, exactly what I’m looking for!!!
Please do watch Silent as well. It’s an ongoing Japanese drama. It is really really good. Do check it out. Only 2 episodes are out yet
Agree 100% re Silent 😊
Is anyone watching ‘A romance of a little forest ‘?
I think Yu shuxin has amazing chemistry with her male leads. Don’t miss this cute sweet romance .