Dramas I’m watching right now:
- Love Like The Galaxy [China] (covered on Patreon)
- Little Women (covered on Patreon)
- Love In Contract (covered on Patreon)
- If You Wish Upon Me (covered on Patreon)
- Love Between Fairy And Devil [China] (covered on Patreon)
- The Princess’s Man (rewatch; Group Watch)
Dramas I plan to add to my plate, soonish:
- Icy Cold Romance
So many dramas, so little time..!
Hey, kfangurl!! Can you review duel? I recommend that you watch it. It has Yang Se Jong as the leads. Yes, he has a double role!! It is a little hard to binge because it is a little melodramatic and a thriller. I dont know how to put it 😂. However, it was a great watch for me and one of my favourite dramas in the triller and crime genre😊. And Yang Se Jong looks too good in it ! 😍
Is anyone watching Little Women, wow it’s fantastic! If you like mystery/thriller it’s just amazing in every way. The cast is wonderful, and this to me just showcases their ability to the max. The director, is so talented and she a long list of great shows. I love everything about this show, especially the dialogue is not predictable and boring, it’s snappy, articulate and clever. Kudos the the writer. So entertaining.
One episode left for me to finish watching Friend, Our Legend. FOL is my third drama staring Hyun and I’m glad I gave him a third try. I watched CLOY for Son Ye-Jin and I thought she was amazing in it, but found Hyun so-so even after a third watch. Memories of the Alhambra did not improve my opinion of his acting skills. I could not connect with him, I found the acting too cardboard-y on both dramas.
I’m so glad I took a chance on FOL. Hyun Bin got me talking to my screen. Watching FOL has been awesome, and an emotional roller coaster of a ride. Hyun’s acting is superb. I had to take a break after Dong-Su spoke this words “I’ve had enough.” Hyun gave a master class in acting all through FOL, but that scene should be studied for his brilliance.
Been a lurker for so long but I wanted to pop in and ask if you’d ever consider checking out Cang Lan Jue (Love Between Fairy and Devil)?
Hi there Mitski! I’m planning to check it out, as a possible replacement show for A Dream Of Splendor. Let’s see how I take to the first 4 eps! 😁
Whoah! You’re watching live shows? Since when?
Extraordinary Attorney Woo finished. What a great show. The only downsides are that some of the “case of the week” cases detracted a bit from the main characters, who should have been the focus of the show.
I felt like heading into the final episode that there was a bit too much unresolved. But they pulled this off much better than I thought they would. Stuck the landing. A.
Only minor quibbles (Spoilers)
Why Her. Just an update to apologize for recommending it highly based on early episodes. I think the show fell down in the last 6-8 episodes. Especially ep 14 which introduced a major plot point and then undid it in the most crass and embarrassing way. I think the “something for everyone” tendency of kdramas really hurt this show. It was trying to be (for a while) a noona romance, a revenge story, courtroom drama, action, etc. And some of those lines just weren’t finished in any satisfying way. Watched the last 3 episodes with the fast forward button. Sorry.
Anyone else watching Cleaning Up? Because I’m obsessed and we got a romance unexpectedly!
I am enjoying Love like the galaxy. The chemistry between Zhao lu si and Leo wu is winning my heart . I must say that everyone is doing their best. Those people who loveThe Story of Minglan , will love this ensemble historical drama.
It is a fabulous show, Sadia (Avenue X doesn’t rate it as highly as A Dream of Splendour, but as much as I like Splendour, Galaxy is way out in front). I have to thank phl1rxd for putting me on to it 😊
Sean – Galaxy is so good – especially E24 – and I cannot wait to see what happen in the future. I am so very happy you are enjoying it, Sean. Rosy is doing very well with this role which is a bit more demanding than her usual characters. I also appreciate that they are taking their time with the OTP arc. Viki is going to carry S2 so that is good news. Hopefully we will get that in August as the rumors suggest. I have to laugh at the way the powers that be in CDrama have figured out a way to combat the episode limitations that were put in effect. 😅🤣😂 I am also enjoying Dream of Splendor as well.
They are following the novel and so many OTP scenes are taken from the novel . It is a good thing they are not changing the novel.
Phl – I found myself with Galaxy watching one episode after the next at the expense of others, I have enjoyed it so much. like you said, some of those family moments are hysterical. Very good acting all round. Rosy understands her character so well. Some of the bts are golden – that scene where she removed the arrow from G. Ling’s chest. Before they shot the scene, Leo Wu had to do push ups to ensure his chest was in the best shape possible. Also, he wasn’t allowed to drink water in case it deflated his chest. Marvellous 😂🤣😂
I did laugh at the comments by Avenue X too re how the production team have got around the episode restrictions through splitting show into two seasons. I am watching it on the official YouTube channel, so a little behind on the released episodes. Even L is enjoying it when I’m home.
LOL Sean – Avenue X mentioned how stiff Leo Wu was carrying himself. I am betting you watched that one BTS videos where the director is instructing him to stand and move stiffly. I personally do not mind his posture.
I agree that arrow scene was shot so well. Laughing at the pushups and water. E24 just took my breath away.
GMom is a piece of work! I just love her. She lights up the screen with her shenanigans. I can’t stop laughing! I wonder if she is a comedian in real life as her physical comedy is top notch.
I think Leo Wu is marvellous in Galaxy and I say this because there are those moments when he has nothing but admiration in his eyes for Shao Shang, which is like a little beacon into his inflexible soul.
Avenue X also said the costuming was lack lustre as she does like to see a bit bling and colour 🤣 I find the costuming quite appropriate.
GMom is fabulous – trying to get oneupmanship on her grand daughter or any one else for that matter. I just laugh and laugh each time she has to give gifts or presents back. Her sense of entitlement knows no bounds 😂🤣😂
Me too, I was just about to suggest it. It’s really a pleasure to watch.
I’m watching Tomorrow (the show about Grim Reapers that save lives, that has Rowoon in it) and I think you’d really like it! So far it has a lot of heart and meaningful arcs, and Rowoon as a newbie, being all comedic and clumsy is suiting me so well. I just watched She Would Never Know and I love that this role gives him a chance to explore his serious side while still showing off the genuine, heart-on-sleeve comedic character he played in SWNK. Also Tomorrow is being so critically acclaimed! I’d love to hear what you think about it! Please consider watching it 🙂
I watched this through to the end. I thought it was ok, maybe a B. I liked all of the actors and thought they all did well with what was written. The historical/modern double story line was somewhat good, similar to Hotel De Luna or other stories. But the serial “suicide prevention of the week” didn’t always work for me, and detracted from advancing the plot.
Anyone else for Extraordinary Attorney Woo? I thought I wouldn’t like it at first (since it would have been so easy for a depiction of a type of autism to go so very wrong), but this is a solidly good show. There is a bit of “case of the week” legal drama, but the relationships among the main characters are interesting. Especially the relationship of FL with her female friend (?frenemy) at the law firm – the writers threw an amazing, subtle, understated, make-you-cry twist into this relationship in ep 6, which I won’t spoil for you. I’m not sure they have the main character quite right (she’s so smart legally and able to apply the knowledge so well, the degree of social impairment seems inconsistent). You’d expect she would have reasoned out more about other people with that level of intellect even if it wasn’t easy for her to do it. The lead actress is consistently playing the role – the lack of eye contact, continuous odd tics and movements, etc – she went all in and has not let up.
I’m also not sure about the romantic relationship that they are teasing. Does this character even want one? If she at the right place emotionally for it? We will see – it would be much easier to support if at some point they show us that this is A) something she proactively wants and B) something she’s emotionally ready to do. This is the same problem as “because this is my first life” – the main male character is depicted as so socially/emotionally disconnected that it’s hard to support him being in a relationship. He’s not a bad guy (like him and want him to be happy) but just doesn’t seem like he should be anyone’s boyfriend until something changes. The problem in Attorney Woo is similar but more serious.
I think many of you will enjoy this show.
I am, Eric – it’s awesome 😎
OK, the end of episode 8 dropped another of their understated drama bombs on us. (I won’t spoil it!). Just to say that the writing is so good for these moments. Characters just having quiet conversations with each other and then someone says something that completely changes their relationship. No yelling, no posturing, no fake contrivances, no unrealistic coincidences – just good writing. The show also deserves credit for letting old secrets come out in a timely fashion and not hiding and delaying these to build tension – they had several opportunities to do this but would just have something come out and move the plot forward.
Also, one of the best depictions of a female friendship between Woo Young Woo and her coworkers.
A+ so far.
Why is it inconsistent? Autism spectrum disordered humans are notorious for their emotional immaturity. Can add here, Hoffman’s character in Rain Main. Reasoned out is for sociopaths, who can see the human emotions in others, this for that, that other thing for that other thing, and then mimic them. Let’s not confuse our axis II personality disorders. The only hard part of any relationship is, well, one can see that she does NOT like to be touched, so that presents certain difficulties. We’ll see if that improves re our man.
Sorry, was thinking of my days when needed to be familiar with the DSM-IV. So instead of Axis II, let me simply say to not confuse autism spectrum disorder with antisocial personality disorder. The former simply has trouble knowing while the latter does not feel but may mimic with the best.
The degree of verbal reasoning skills (and understanding the subtleties of human motivations and emotions) required to ace the bar exam would necessitate a somewhat milder degree of difficulty understanding and interacting with others in life. It’s not a huge deal. Doesn’t ruin the show. Just seems a bit off to me.
Alchemy of Souls? I’m kinda split on this one so far. I like the actors playing both leads. I still have a little trouble seeing Jung So-Min (FL) in this role due since she made such a strong impression in Playful Kiss. And she still gives vibes of that goofy humor at times, which play against the current role. Overall it’s a fun magical not-really-historical fantasy. The first episodes had and impressive number of special effects and action scenes – but I worry they may have blown the budget and the rest of the show will involve people sitting around talking. The writing could be tighter since it seems like main plots points (do the characters stay where they are or go someplace else) sometimes have multiple different confusing resolutions (as if the writers couldn’t settle on one chain of events) rather than clear outcomes. It seems like the writers are wandering and uncertain. We’ll hope for the best here.
Is anyone watching Eve and want to give a verdict whether it is worth it? Seo Ye Ji was great in IOTNBO, but I’m not sure I can handle one of these ultra-rich, ultra-mean chaebol stories.
Perhaps someone should write a comedy with mellow, easy-going chaebols to mix things up a bit?
Ugh Forecasting Love and Weather, was disappointing it was a solid drama for the first 4 episodes, declines in quality for the next 11 but has a decent enough ending I guess. Was mediocre overall
For me some of the big issues were this:
A) Both main couples had weak chemistry. While alot of people jump to casting as the big issue, for me it felt like it was much more to do with the fact that the OTP get together as an official couple too quickly (could have been so much better if they had a dynamic as post ONS coworkers for at least another couple episodes before more naturally proceeding into a relationship), which presents the problem of there being not enough moments to actually build said chemistry early on. The first few episodes actually had some nice romantic moments between them but then it just pauses and they fall into a relationship where the cheese and fluff just vanishes afterwards. This is a problem because the plot of the show past that point is full of negative feels between the OTP and between everyone else also. Lots of Weather not much Love after that point and with not enough chemistry established early on, instead of feeling like ‘damn I wish these couples would reconcile and go back to the good days’ it instead feels like ‘damn these couples would be better off separated, why did they get in a relationship in the first place?’ I.e. the show doesn’t spend enough time demonstrating why this OTP would fall deeply in love to begin with, and then provides too little incentives for the audience to believe that this couple would want to stay together.
B) Song Kang is not really a good actor. It just feels very clear he that he’s acting rather than a genuine character – it didn’t help that his character is supposedly of genius IQ but seems like a run of the mill person throughout. He’s also an inconsistent character – there does not seem to be a cohesive idea of who Lee Si-Woo is. Is he a puppy like character, or is he a f—boy like he shows glimpses of, is he an over idealistic younger man, is he a disillusioned tortured soul? It doesn’t really feel multifaceted as much as it feels like both the writing and SK did not do justice to bring these different personas into one person. There was just a lack of nuance for most characters at any given scene they were one thing or another, not all at once. Only PMY’s character felt like a ‘real’ character in that sense.
C) Most importantly the writing seems to be grasping at straws the whole time. It just feels like this drama was built around the idea of a rebound office coupling but there was no conception of a driving narrative beyond that. Nor a meaningful endgame to progress towards. Song Kang’s backstory in particular is tropey and uneven. The side characters do not see enjoyable progression until essentially the last episode.
D) Tonally the show feels like a different series, this change happens somewhere before the halfway mark. It feels suffocating from this point onward.
Some positives
A) There’s one late coupling in this show that is fun to watch. Particularly because its light and drama free which by the end of the show feels like a welcome break from how needlessly heavy the OTPs got
B) PMY and Yoon Park are still solid actors, nothing crazy but they were decidedly better than SK and Yura.
C) The head of the office boss character played by Kwon Hae Hyo. He is pretty cool, treats PMY’s character well, probably the single best character in the show.
D) As aforementioned, the final episode wraps things up on a noticeably more positive note than what precedes it. Every notable plotline gets wrapped up pretty reasonably, I think. Anyway, this is the tone they should have honestly stuck with throughout.
Overall if you watch 1 through 4, and 16 this is a pretty enjoyable and pleasant watch. The middle and later episodes feel like the writers ran out of ideas in comparison and there are not enough appreciable elements built up to justify the significantly more depressing tone. It’s not the worst show by far, in 2022 there are already much graver offerings (Woori the Virgin has absolutely taken the cake) but I would not personally recommend it.
On another note I have just started Alchemy of Souls. Only the first 2 episodes are out so its far too early to make any proper judgement, but in terms of how hooking these premier episodes were, holy hell it is so much better than the trailers portrayed.
There was a point in Forecasting where a character literally steps in dog poop as a plot point. It was meta since the writing on the show did the same thing. They seemed to have no good idea how to end some of the plot lines.
The show I’m enjoying most now (and most looking forward to new episodes) is Why Her. For those not watching, it reminds me of I Hear Your Voice. Legal drama / noona romance in both cases, but no supernatural elements in Why Her. Each has good acting, good scripting and some depraved evildoers. If anything the scripting so far is better for Why Her, but the show could use a few more dashes of humor (even though IHYV was grim it had lighthearted moments as well). Seo Hyun Jin has major charisma and did great work in You Are My Spring, Another Miss Oh, and The Beauty Inside. It’s good role for her since she can manifest a range of emotions. I won’t spoil it for you, but well done up to ep 6.
Why her is a good watch. Seo Hyun Jin is fabulous in anything, she can be very comic and goofy, and here very serious and contained. It’s hilarious how Gong Chan (Hwang in Youp) is able to transport himself to wherever she is, at any time, and manages to have a love convo about her 1 metre away from her in a cafe, while not knowing she is there. I am also finding his expressions a bit flat, compared to her amazing emotive range. Otherwise it’s very entertaining.
Hey, I’m trying to decided which drama to watch next. I’m hoping for a little buddy cop with romanic comedy (kind of Strong Girl Bong Soon and While You Were Sleeping).
What can people tell me about the following dramas Two Cops, From Now On, Showtime, and Police University? Worth the watch? Any other recommendations?
Loved While You Were Sleeping!
Sixth Sense Kiss is really fun, and entertaining. Great chemistry between the leads. Great cast. I’m really enjoying it.
Good to hear that, JM! I hadn’t really been planning to take a look at it, but maybe now I will, since you’re enjoying it so much. I’ll maybe take a poke at it, the next time I’ve got some space on my drama plate. 😉
Actually, now not sure about this one. First 6 eps were great lightweight, fast, entertaining and funny. 7 and 8 drag on and have descended into tropeland in a big way. Orphanage, childhood connection/childhood trauma, 2ML syndrome, annoying 2FL, stalker – so the story lost momentum, direction and focus. Shame about that.
If you are in the mood for as romcom pls watch shooting starr. I want to know what are your thoughts about itt
Hi there Ty, I’ve got Shooting Star on my list, but I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get to it, as I’ve got a lot of stuff on my drama plate at the moment. Hopefully sooner rather than later! 😅
Shotting stars is really good, KFG! Only 2 more episodes to go and I think the show is very solid and hearwarming, the OTP is delicious, the kind that sticks together during hard times, just my cup of tea! The rest of the cast is great and the plot is tight.
Thanks for the endorsement, Alexandra! I think I’ll take a look at it soonish, once I can make some time!
Have you watched chinese drama ‘My Treasure’? It has unique theme ‘How to master the art of Living’. It’s a heartwarming drama focus on mother daughter relationship and has little romance plus nice acting. It’s on iqiyi.
Woori The Virgin – so far it’s good fun. The first two episodes have linked up the characters well.
Is anyone else watching Shooting Stars? Did you like Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Jo? And you wanted to see Lee Seong Kyeong (who played the title role) have another shot a a lead role? This. So far it is up to ep 6 and pretty good. It is a relatively tame office romance involving starts, talent agency workers, and gossip reporters.
One thing – the title is written Sh**ting Stars. As a native speaker of American English, when the word is written that way, we don’t read it as “Shooting”. I’ve asked others – same reaction. Poor choice.
@Eric – more like”purposeful choice” if you ask me. Why else would they asterisk the “oo”‘s in “shooting”?
Love the first 6 episodes so far. I find myself giggling while watching and some scenes make me laugh out loud. My first time viewing Kim Young Dae, who isn’t conventionally handsome, but gosh, I had to fan my face when I saw how they transformed him for the photoshoots in the show. Certainly am looking forward to the rest of this romcom.
Who are watching. ‘See you tomorrow’ a cute romantic drama?
How satisfying were the endings? (spoilers for 21/25, forecasting love and weather, business proposal)
21/25 –
Forecasting:
Business proposal
Netflix could work on their endings.
If you put yourself in the OTP’s shoes and understand who they are from the past 14 episodes, you would understand why they acted the way they did. Not everyone in the same position as they were would have ended up with the same outcome but I am convinced that the route they took is consistent with their characterisation.
I lost my kdrama binge watch addiction battle to Coffee Prince. I’m baffled it take me 3 years to discover this gem. Also, gobsmack this drama was made in 2007. I’ll now try to get back to watching Healer.
I finally got around to seeing Coffee Prince several weeks ago–a KFG iconic drama. I enjoy seeing the difference in the older shows versus the recent releases, however, a really good drama withstands the test of time. Currently, I am just LOVING Healer, about half-way through Chuno, and looking forward to the group watch of Queen Huyn & I coming up soon.
Finally, I have learned to look at Kfangurl grades AND her list of “iconic dramas” rather than immediately jump to a favorite star’s kdramas or a certain genre. If it weren’t for KFG’s suggestions, I would have missed masterpieces like Miseang, My Mister, Reply 1988, etc.
My goal is to watch all of KFG’s A+ and “Iconic Drama” list, plus keep up on the latest releases. Some of the ones with numerous episodes (Nirvana) may take me a while, but I know that it will be satisfying.
CHUNO!
I just finished Secret Love Affair an A++ from KFangurl. Its impeccable,
I generally find that with vintage shows, of any sort, or movies, it only takes me about 10-15 minutes to acclimate to the difference in style – if it’s good, that is. In the case of Coffee Prince, which I really liked, the thing that really got me was that it was that it was the first drama that I had seen at that time that had a more realistic world setting (I.e., it wasn’t all glitz and glamour). That made it different enough that I didn’t sense its age at all. Glad you enjoyed it, too (and see you over at Healer).
Coffee Prince took a lot of chances and it paid off. Great show.
I always say it was ahead of it’s time! I rewatch it every couple of years myself.
Hi everyone,
I want to recommend Be my Princess. Jeremy Tsu is doing a great job . The premise is interesting and ep 8 has a mesmerising scene that may steal your heart .
Absolutely agree 100%, Sadia. It is a wow from me 😊
Sadia – I third that – it is a big wow from me as well. The first 10 episodes left me impatient for more.
This is what I love – a very sweet, kind and loving FL. I am rooting for the second leads as well. SML Hu Yun Hao is showing his versatility compared to his role in the Darker series. There is a lot to love about this drama. Let’s face it – there is a lot to love about the ML as well. Not to mention her dad had my pulse going a mile a minute there.
@JJ – this is a puppy and unicorn drama right here. Adorable! 💖💥🧨💯👏💖💖💖
I couldn’t say it any better than this, phl and yes, JJ needs to put this on her list 😊
You know Sean, it is a twist from what we normally see – or maybe not at all, and I am just seeing this in a new and different way because of the way it is being portrayed by the actors?
I can use more of this kind of love. For all the craziness of the plot there are some stable conversations going on here and there. The whole thing feels fresh. I can safely bet we both even have the future twist/s already figured out (yes we know what is coming), and, even at that we are still excited to see it be played out.
It is a love fest over here right now as I am watching Be My Princess and Business Proposal along with a re-watch of Touch Your Heart. 💖💖💖💖
The actors are wonderful in this show, phl. I have classified Be My Princess as something completely different – a time travelling drama without the time travel. It is so clever how they have weaved past and present through using our leads in the filming of what would be a fabulous costume drama in its own right. That scene of Jeremy riding his horse back into the capital is right up there with the impact it portrays – it’s beyond dynamic and heroic – his acting is something else.
I love the immersive quality, the prologues each episode, the music (I happily watch the opening and closing credits each episode). I am looking forward to what’s coming, despite knowing how it will go, because it is in very safe hands and I want to enjoy every moment. This show is going to make them bigger stars than what they already are.
A love fest sounds fabulous 😊😊😊
As for a Business Proposal, it just makes me smile thinking about it, even as I write. I am so looking forward to when the chairman finds out about things. Isn’t he a delight?
I am so glad you are rewatching Touch Your Heart. I have come so close to a rewatch many times now.
25 21 is terrific too. Finally, a youth drama that has a bit of maturity about, with wonderful relationships set against a very interesting backdrop.
In short – I am one happy camper right now!
Sean – I am one happy camper as well! 😄
I have been on one of my Jeremy Tsui trips and have been watching all his dramas. Hoping his drama Trace gets subbed. I even watched Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 2. 😆 I will say he is showing a lot more versatility in Be My Princess than his usual stoic roles. I am in awe of his facial bone structure.
I will check out 25 21 although I really am not a fan of either lead. I am still in pain from Start Up. 🤣😂😅😆😏
With 25 21, the leads are acting without any shackles on. In the manhwa, the male lead is cold, in the show NJH, at his suggestion, has been allowed to play him with heart and warmth. KTR is a revelation. I have been impressed.
Sean – And because you mentioned it I am attaching a pic of that great scene!
Phl – awesome 😊
‘Shining for One Thing‘ lovers would enjoy ‘Legally Romance‘ a lot!!! I would describe it as the Rom-Com child of ‘Go Back Couple‘ meets ‘Weightlifting Fairy KBJ‘ except the leads aren’t married IRL (they are a bickering pair of lawyer & paralegal) and somehow even MORE fun than Bok-Joo & Joon-Hyung!!🥰
The wish for a do-over is for a career (& not love, as in most cases). There’s lots of straight-faced meta commentary from the FL as she regularly stares into the camera, breaking the 4th wall and giving us the deets/ FYIs!
Ps. EXO-Ls and The Bond (c-drama) watchers will find a familiar face in Z.Tao and Lareina Song as the two Main Leads! 💖✨
@CarpControl – who is married in real life?
In GBC’s story, the MCs were married IRL… 😀 (sorry if my rec above made it seem like a celebrity couple were married IRL…!) 😛
@CarpControl – Ahhh. Thanks. GBC is still on my Monster List. If I had already watched it, I probably would’ve got what you were saying. 👍
Is anyone else watching Business Proposal (Netflix). If you are in the mood for anything serious – watch something else. But if you want a wacky rom-com based on a manga that fully embraces being a live-action manga – this is good fun. Get out your “manga” viewing lens and enjoy.
Forecasting Love and Weather is also very enjoyable. It has a nice mix of the heightened reality romance you get in kdrama with a certain down-to-earth restraint. The toxic exes (boyfriend and girlfriend) are believable enough, and bad enough in the “I know people like this” way, without being depicted as psychopaths. Each episode is like a little meditation about some aspect of starting a relationship – and it works about 80% of the time.
Netflix has a bumper crop of solidly enjoyable shows so far in 2022.
Eric – it is a laugh riot. I am really enjoying this.
Aside from 25/21 and 39 which are both great I am so far enjoying Forecasting Love and Weather. It’s not trying to be anything but a well done traditional office rom com with charismatic leads but it is well done and entertaining and sometimes that’s all I am looking for.
MY SUNSHINE (Netflix) is by far, the BEST DRAMA I have EVER watched. The acting is superb, cute couple and lovely story-line. Delicious WALLACE CHUNG must surely be one of the BEST actors out there, and I would definitely leopard crawl across the universe to savour one of his passionate, swoon worthy, gob smacking and delicious kisses – where did he learn to KISS like THAT!? (My apologies to ELVIS PRESLEY, as he was renowned for his kisses). I never re-watch dramas, but this is a first to catch a breath, pause and rewind 3 x and counting. (Some folks have watched it 7x). Such a beautiful story and cutie-pie gorgeous couple. I would also recommend BECAUSE OF LOVE – superbly acted Melo-drama and that shower scene is soul wrenching to behold. This drama is on par with MY MISTER, if not better – enjoy the ride!
Hi Penni, thanks for the recommendations!! I’m suitably intrigued, and have put both shows on my list of shows to check out! ❤️
hi kfangirl, I’ve been a quiet reader of your blog for while now, I really love reading your reviews!<3 I recently watched Bad Buddy Series (Thai) and it surprised me without how good it was- story wise not anything new but the romance and characterisations are done very well. I thought you’d like it and wanted to recommend it to you, might put a smile on your face ):)
Hi kfangurl, i’m wondering if you have watched Delicious Romance. It’s just been added to netflix and i recently binged the 20 episode drama in 2 days. It was unexpectedly fun, with time-appropriate themes that are super relatable to ladies in their mid 20s to 30s.
Ooh, thanks for the tip, sessomary! I just checked out the trailer, it does look like it could be a fun marathon! I’ve put it on my list, thanks! ❤️ Now all I need is some extra drama hours..! 😅
Have you checked Bulgasal yet? This got me back to kdramaland and might ruin everything else that follows. So good chinggu!
Hi KaiaRaia!! Always great to see you!! I was actually going to give Bulgasal a pass, since it’s not my usual preferred kind of show.. And I also heard quite a lot of mixed reactions to it. I might have to rethink that, with your enthusiastic endorsement!
I recently started this Kdrama but because of the bloody & gruesome scenes I couldn’t get past the 1st. Episode. Not my kind of entertainment.
Missed you chinggu! It ain’t perfect but I enjoyed it a lot. The production values especially the cinematography, it’s just gorgeous. I also did not find it predictable, plus I find it a fresh take on immortality. It kept reminding of Nine, probably cause it’s Jinuk.
I found Bulgasal very engaging and informative — I got to learn all the different types of Korean folklore demons, which is very interesting to me.
And I found myself liking the villain instead coz 1) he’s handsome in a dangerous way 2) the way he speaks, even when he’s threatening – so sexy! The ML’s too broody for my liking. The story kept me wondering what exactly happened between the ML, FL and the Villain right till the end, which is great coz it forced me to watch the story till the end.
I’m looking forward to the review of Our Beloved Summer. I would give it an between A- and A, very enjoyable. There was humor and then it would grab you by the heart when our leads were suffering. The show was admirably restrained – no memory loss, evil chaebols (there was only one depraved character, who was a very minor part of the story). No artificial drama from contrived accidents or over the top conflicts.
There’s a wonderful scene where the secondary leads had this meta conversation about being like secondary leads in a drama. And a wonderful scene where one of the men in our secondary couples does a brilliant job of sending off a predatory ex-boyfriend.
Only two quibbles about the ending (very vague spoilers). I think they could have wrapped up the OTP a little more neatly than they did – it wasn’t bad but things veered around in the last episode before a cute end point. Second, I really liked our secondary couples. But I think they could have moved these relationships forward a lot more than they did. You can see how these could work out but we don’t get much payoff from these two after 16 episodes? A hug, a confession, anything? It would be better to give those more closure and actually less time to the primary couple in the last episode or two.
Overall, very nice. I hope everyone had fun with this as well.
PS – one very minor point. Is anyone else distracted by the product placement for winter coats? I can only assume that’s what is happening. Each lead seems to wear 10-15 different types of coats (no expert but some look very expensive). We know FL feels at threat of poverty. Does this make any sense in the story? Same thing in weightlifting fairy kim bok jo – poor students with $100K winter wardrobes – just look at the screen shots in the review to see a sampling. This would be fine if the character is supposed to be a rich fashionista, but not for characters who are supposed to be poor or average. I can see them present cars prominently sometimes (though it usually makes sense for the character to have a volvo or whatever), not nearly as jarring. There are probably many other items placed that I’m missing. Next drama I watch, I’m doing a coat count.
Maybe all these ‘poor’ characters are on the verge of poverty….. because they keep buying coats? xD
Anyone else watching “The One and Only”. It’s so good but it’s weird I haven’t really seen anyone talk about it, I feel like it may become a sleeper hit if show continues going the way it’s going. Anyone looking for something like “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” with a little more light, “Just Between Lovers” with a little less melancholia and honestly the male lead just gives me Ji Chang Wook in “Healer” vibes (that may just be me reaching because I’m so intrigued lol).
Any way if your looking for something interesting with a cast who has great chemistry give “The One and Only” a try.
I watched the C Drama ‘My Little Happiness’ a while ago … fluffy and entertaining with some of the best romantic scenes I’ve seen in a long time! It definitely isn’t deep or profound in any way, but I thought it was super cute and fun! Not too sure if you’ve caught this one. It stars Xin Fei and Daddi Tang (both from PYHOMS) and while Tang wasn’t my fav character in that series he seriously redeemed himself in my eyes in this one … and boy can he pull off a kiss … *fanning myself*!! And I really enjoyed the romance between the second leads as well.
Hey Sharbani, thanks for the recommendation! I actually avoided this one because I had a Daddi Tang aversion after PYHOMS, but.. maybe enough time has passed now, for me to try this one. I’ve added it to my list for later, thanks! ❤️
Woah … thanks for replying! I did too for ages and for that same reason … couldn’t stand his character in PYHOMS!! But I’m glad I watched it upon my sister’s insistence … like I said it was cute and fluffy and helped me escape from what had become a pretty hellish lockdown!! Didn’t really have to think too much or engage. And I did enjoy all the secondary characters!
@muksa Gosh, glad you had something fun to take the edge off a hard lockdown! ❤️
Is anyone else enjoying Our Beloved Summer? No significant spoilers. I’m only on episode 6 of the 8 that have been released. But this is so good! Normally I make heavy use of fast forward to skip parts of dramas I don’t like, but so far it is all good. Crackly couple fighting and falling in love. Humor. Generally interesting and enjoyable supporting characters. No boring subplots – normally even good dramas are prone to that. The couple fighting with each other is hilarious then they break your heart with the drama. Solid A so far. I really hope the writers can keep this quality to the end.
Took me forever to realize that Kim Da Mi (FL) was also in Itaewon class – the haircut there was so distinctive I couldn’t place her at first without it. She had the single greatest kissing scene in a kdrama in the Itaewon role (DEFENSE! You can find this on youtube if you don’t know what I mean).
Absolutely loving Our Beloved Summer! Hope the plot, pace and chemistry continue!
Can please take a look at The one and only .. it has less ratings but i liked the premise
It’s on my list – which means I have good intentions of checking it out, but am not sure whether I’ll actually manage to get to it.. 😅
I just saw your comment after posting a comment about “The One and Only” Can we fangirl together??!!!
Yesss!! although i have not picked it back since ep 3 … is the plot still strong? I ll continue then
Yes!!! The plot is still strong. Admittedly, there is a connection that’s just been brought up that I’m a bit confused about but I have faith they will be able to explain. Also our main couple 😍😍😍😍 are as swoon worthy as ever.
You convinced me … I am going to start binge watch it till I am up to date 😅
I already love my leads
Hi! Youth of May has a special place in my heart and I know you’re fond of it too. I’m just so excited today because Lee Do Hyun and Go Minsi are going to work together again in a short film/drama Reincarnation Love 🥰 Do you have any plan to watch it and review although the film/drama will be really a short one?
Ooh, thanks for the heads-up! I’d be curious to take a look at it! 🤩
Hi! Youth of May has a special place in my heart and I’m just so excited today because Lee Do Hyun and Go Minsi are going to work together again in a short film/drama; Reincarnation Love. Do you have any plan to watch it & review although the film/drama may be really a short one?
I see that Now We’re Breaking Up isn’t on your list and the truth is I don’t even like it that much but I would love if you reviewed it and validated what I think haha. Maybe if you’re looking for a fast paced drama about the fashion world you’ll feel up to watching it someday.
Have you considered trying Happiness fangurl? I know its not your typically preferred genre but I remember you having a soft spot for Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung sik and they are really good in this imo. Really enjoying this one so would recommend at least watching a few episodes.
Thanks for the rec, Kun! I’m actually planning to take a look at it – I am too intrigued by the idea of a zombie-contract marriage mashup! I need to see how this works! 😂
Another – One the Woman. This show had some fun parts, but ultimately was not original enough to be great. I would definitely like to see Lee Ha Nui in something better – she had to carry a lot in this show on her charisma. She almost did it but the story just wasn’t enough. Perhaps others liked it more?
Yes, I enjoyed One the Woman, Eric. Honey Lee was superb – in essence, I thought she stole her own show, she was that good!
Melancholia is high quality. I do have a little trouble reading emotion from our female lead Im Soo Jung (who also stared in search WWW). It’s not a huge negative since her characters are often supposed to be restrained. I wonder if this is just her or if she can be more expressive in other roles. As long as the writers keep up this quality, I’m betting on at least a B+.
I also tried Gentleman and Young Lady. Completist tendencies are really hurting me on this one. Plot: A retired naval officer, a rich widower, struggles to raise his young children. He’s not a bad guy but stiff and joyless. Into the family a young woman comes to teach the children. The Sound of Music? Yes. But if you subtract German Nationalist, Add Chaebols, scheming schemers, bad entitled parents, birth secrets, more birth secrets, and tropes tropes tropes – here you are. This wasn’t ever good but some unfortunately tropes overdoses in the late teen episodes killed it for me.
One aspect of the second one that really bothers me is a woman who abandoned her child at 2 months (child now 24 years) to have a more fun life has returned and is being treated sympathetically by the script. She’s kind and wonderful and somehow things just went a little off but it’s not her fault. You just know that a few tears, a few hugs, and all will be forgiven at some point. The adoptive mother (who did the work of raising the kid all those years) is treated contemptuously by the script. This is my least favorite principle of asian drama – you can be the worst parent ever, but you are entitled to infinite forgiveness from your children. Parent defined by blood rather than by the act of parenting. Ugh. May need to go watch Mother now to detox from this.
The script is pretty comically bad for sure. The mom who abandoned her somehow being more likable than her stepmom who raised her is actually an impressive feat to accomplish but the drama made it happen by making the stepmom look like a greedy leech with no shame or dignity.
Hey KFG! I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and I love your writing! I noticed that you were considering watching Falling Into Your Smile, and I wanted to tell you about my experience watching it. I dropped it about halfway through for a few reasons. Firstly, both main leads are rather stiff, but the female lead’s acting was particularly cardboard-like and difficult to watch. Secondly, the romance isn’t very romantic at all. It’s very textbook, and not a good example of a textbook romance either. Thirdly, there are a lot of intricately animated gaming scenes that are just really hard to follow (I’m not a gamer, so maybe that’s why?) I couldn’t tell what was going on for a solid 5-10 min in some episodes, which was a big issue for me. There were a few things I enjoyed (like our gaming team, and the male lead’s friendship with his greatest rival in terms of gaming) but overall, I didn’t enjoy this one and I doubt you would either.
Hi kfangirl, I was wondering if you or anyone has seen The Ideal City with Betty Sun and Mark Chao. Both leads are fantastic, Betty Sun is known for her strong, intelligent, courageous female roles, not overly sentimental. The rest of the cast is amazing. The plot is politics, machinations, ego in the building industry.
Also another Cdrama The Truth, also great narrative, acting not too sentimental and gushy, very interesting.
I’m also enjoying Jirisan, I really like Ju Ji-hoon (from Hyena, which I know you didn’t love kfangirl, but I did, oh well ) it’s just very different from the usual kdrama, beautifully shot etc etc. Thoughts??
I love The Ideal City. The office politic felt real and engaging, The machination reminded me a bit of Nirvana in Fire.
Hey please add dali and cocky prince to your list too.. it is really good till now
balancing comedy and drama
Also kim min jae is good in this & slaying it after brahms
Sounds good! Thanks Lehar!
Hi! I’ve been following & enjoying ur reviews for quite a while, i noticed some kind of patterns on ur reviews (the type of drama u like/enjoy, etc)
And because of that, i have a cdrama recommendation for u which i think u would enjoy, the tittle is Remembrance of Things Past (2021)
it’s a 12 episodes slice of life drama about 4 friends in their 30s and 20s living in a big city (Beijing), it’s a bit similar to Be Melodramatic (2019) & Because This Is My First Life (2017) which u gave high score
The drama got quite high rating on douban which quite rare for a modern drama (8.5). U can watch the drama on YouTube and Mango TV app or maybe some other sites, Here’s the 1st episode’s YouTube link: https://youtu.be/D0S9dSuhoRQ
hope u enjoy the drama!!
Thanks for the recommendation, Lisha!! I’ve added it to my list; it definitely sounds like something I might like! ❤️
Ur welcome 😊😊
Looking forward to your reviews as they are detailed and quite neutral. You lay out what’s great and what’s not. Ever since I stumbled upon your review page a few weeks back I am a fan! I’ll be checking out the other older reviews on the stories I’ve watched (I’ve only started watching Kdrama sometime late 2018, so I’ve only watched 40 — I keep track). Thanks for the reviews.
Hi Aiza, it’s nice to meet you! WELCOME. 😃 I’m glad you’re enjoying the reviews! ❤️
Kfangurl!! I saw that you had added You Are My Spring to your watch list previously but you took it off ): I know you have many dramas to watch but just really wanted to recommend this one! The ratings weren’t very good, I know, but here’s why I think it’s worth watching:
overall the pace of the drama is slow, and my personal opinion is that the thriller part could have been weaved in better, but 10/10 for the main romance line. I can understand if this is not everyone’s cup of tea, or your preference for now, but I’d be so glad if you would consider adding it back to your watch list again (: thank you!
Is anyone else enjoying Hometown Cha Cha Cha? Up to episode 4 so far. Here’s the pitch.
Did you enjoy “When the weather is nice” with it’s colorful small town characters and quiet, slow romance? Did you wish they could remake it without the murder/suffering elements to just focus more on adorable small town antics and our OTP. Do you want a drama with no chaebols, celebrities – but just normal people? Did you really enjoy these elements of Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol (for about 12-12 episodes, before it ran off the rails and lost this low-stakes small town charm that made it so fun)? This is the show for you. The characters are more assertive and stronger than those in “When the weather is nice” and they have some darkness in their pasts (but it seems like orders of magnitude less so far). I think “When the Weather is nice” also did a slightly better job of making their small town folks quirky and charming, but we’re only 4 shows in, so final verdict pending.
Did you enjoy watching Shin Min-A in her other work like “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho”, and tried to enjoy her work in “Oh My Venus” (whatever they paid her wasn’t enough) but want to see how well she can act with the greater challenge of a more normal character? Let’s assume you haven’t seen her other roles that are more normal, but even if you have, this one still provides the greatest challenge. So far, I’m enjoying all the performances and the nuance of emotions the actors can portray.
If you really need heightened reality and high stakes, this isn’t for you. Otherwise, enjoy.
Just finished Ep 1! I almost didn’t want to watch it b/c we just finished “Gumiho” so recently, but something about a breezy watch set in a beach town was too much to resist. So far so good….I’m enjoying the “Camellia” vibes and the contrast to our current group watches. It has some of the same charm as “Dinner Mate” w/o (so far) the downsides.
Glad I’m not the only one…
I’m loving Hometown. It is a very heartwarming show and I love the setting. I enjoyed When the Weather is Nice enormously, and I wouldn’t compare it with Hometown… They are different genres, When the Weather is Nice is a melodrama, whereas Hometown falls more in the romantic comedy category. The only thing they have in common is the rural setting. I also find that the significance of such setting is rather different in each show.
As for Camelia, which someone else mentioned in this post, I really didn’t enjoy that show… Too boring and bland for my liking. I feel that Hometown has much more spark, thank goodness!
I really must watch Do do sol sol la la sol. People keep mentioning this show and how much of a let down it was… but I have heard it all before with shows that I absolutely loved from beginning to end, like Something in the Rain, Start Up and When the Weather is fine. Maybe I’ll turn out to be that one person who loves Do so sol sol la la sol till the end, who knows.