Dramas I’m watching right now:
- Eye Love You [Japan] (covered on Patreon)
- Amidst a Snowstorm of Love [China] (covered on Patreon)
- Queen Of Tears [Korea] (covered on Patreon)
- Lovely Runner [Korea] (covered on Patreon)
- Captivating The King [Korea] (covered on Patreon)
- Love Like The Galaxy [China] [Group Watch]
Dramas I plan to add to my plate, soonish:
- Midnight Romance in Hagwon [Korea]
- Will Love In Spring [China]
- Small Town Stories [China]
So many dramas, so little time..!
hi – I hope you get a chance to check out Nirvana in Fire 2! I loved the first series but ended up approaching the second series without any expectations and ended up loving it! I’m curious to see what you think 🙂
Today I finished watching, Something in the Rain, a delightful kdrama that I hated to see come to an end. This couple had so much chemistry together that as w/ other kdrama’s viewed the couples seem to have a liking to one another. I will be anxious to read your review as I see it is listed in what you are presently watching.
One thing I forgot to mention is after watching these kdrama’s, I want to have a bowl of ramen or whatever it was they were always eating, it looked delicious. I looked up the Nirvana series but unfortunately it isn’t listed on Netflix.
Hi there Carol, sorry to hear that Nirvana in Fire isn’t available on Netflix. You should be able to view it on Viki. Try here: https://www.viki.com/tv/22943c-nirvana-in-fire?q=nirvana I hope that works for you! 🙂
I’m still watching Something in the Rain, Carol, but I hope to post a review in the not-too-distant future! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your watch!
Hi Cat, it’s on my list! I managed to watch E1 before getting sidetracked. It feels like a show that requires more of my time and attention, so it’s high on my list! 😀
Please do a review on My Mister. The story and plot are so good!! <3
My Mister is on my list! I’m admittedly dragging my feet in terms of actually checking it out, because it looks so sad, but I’m definitely curious to see why everyone’s raving about it 🙂
Hi Fangurl – I dropped by and noticed that you are watching Misty. I am a big fan of “Who dunnit” dramas. I am really curious to see your reaction. I thought it was such an intelligent drama – so well written and it kept me on my toes. I waited for new episodes every week. I really hope you are enjoying it. The actors are all so darn good!
Hey there phl! Thanks for dropping by! 😘 I’m liking Misty very well so far, but am only 7 eps in as I type this. The actors are excellent, and I must say, I’m seeing Kim Nam Joo in a whole new light. I’d only ever seen her play more ahjumma types, before this. I’m so glad she got cast for Misty! 😀
I hope you try out My Mister if you have time <3 There is so much potential in that show and its only ep 4!~
Thanks for the recommendation, Akisa! 🙂 I will keep that in mind!
Recently finished FantasiC on Netflix & loved the story & all of the characters. This kdrama really played with my emotions about dealing with breast cancer and the effects on the woman and the people who love her, especially her boyfriend played with so much feeling. I laughed, cried and I hope some of your followers will take the time to watch this very sensitive drama.
Carol from California
Hi Carol, Thanks for sharing your love for Fantastic! 🙂 I didn’t have that one on my list, but it does sound like a good watch. Maybe I will work my way to it, once I get through the other melodramas I’ve got on my list! 🙂
Hi Fangirl, It is interesting after watching a particular kdrama how the characters stay in your mind & you keep thinking of them however fictional. One thing I didn’t mention about FantastiC was the wardrobe, who ever was in charge, they did a spectacular job especially the sweaters that the characters wore, beautiful! Ready to start “Secret Affair” per your review.
Thank you for your response, Carol from California, USA
Ooh, pretty wardrobe sounds like a nice plus! 😉 And, YAY that you’re about to start on Secret Love Affair! It is a masterpiece. If you don’t find yourself in an art film mood, put it aside for a few days like I did, and then go back when your mood fits. I found that helped me, when I watched it. 🙂 Hope you enjoy the watch! <3
Hi
It’s true there so many dramas out there and few of them happen to be good. However, I do something sneaky if the drama has an I actor I like I skip some of the scenes and watch those that have him/ her in it, thus I never have to watch the drama wholly. For that, I
occasionally read the recaps and wait to see how the drama ends. Basically, I end up spoiling myself but I don’t mind that much. If the drama has a bad ending, I’m not going to bother watching it, unless it gets a season 2 which happens so rarely in k-dramas.
A bad ending for me is a pointless one, and you are left feeling just as frustrated as those who had watched it.
Right now, I cautiously avoid watching dramas that are on-air. I learned that mistake from watching “Jugglers”.
Anyway, I see your currently watching “Wise prison life”? So, how is it for you?
I completed that drama when it was currently airing, and I really enjoyed I feel that it is episode 3 where things start to get good.
One thing that I liked about it is that it has a variety of characters in it and how genuine it feels.
Okay that’s all for now
Bye!
Hi there Winterose! So far, I’m really enjoying Wise Prison Life! It was a bit of a slow start for me, but it wasn’t long before I started to really enjoy it. Now I’m reaching the last third of the show, I feel sorry that I’m getting to the end. It really does have a very genuine feel to it. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to these characters, sob.
Hope you’re enjoying your drama watching too!
Aww, you’re not watching Just Between Lovers? I wanna hear you talk about it. It’s a must-watch if you like thoughtful interactions and characters.
Thanks for the recommendation, Liri – it’s on my list! I just haven’t gotten to it yet. But I will, soon! 🙂 Thoughtful interactions and characters sound like JUST my thing 😉
Hey there 🙂 ! Just wanted to drop a line telling you how much i love your reviews! Sometimes i read them before watching a show, sometimes after (so I can read the spoiler section too 😀 ). I especially loved the one about 9 time travels and it was really helpful for me in explaining the ending! I have one question: Where do you watch those shows? Iam currently watching what Netflix has in stock, but I’m almost through their entire k-drama library xD so i was wondering if you can recommend other streaming services/websites that i could try once i sucked Netflix dry 🙂 ?
Best wishes and take care!
Hi there Karina! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the reviews! 😀 In terms of where to watch the shows, if you’re in the US, you could consider DramaFever. Alternatively, you could also try Viu, which also has an app that you can use off your mobile devices. Depending on geo-restrictions, sometimes Viki can be a good option as well. I hope that helps! 🙂
A Love So Beautiful is literally so good!!! Considering they’re all first or second time film actors, it’s really impressive.
It is!! Glad you liked it too! I finished it recently, and loved it <3 I'll be working on a review for it, I hope you'll enjoy that when it's done! 🙂
I just finished it just recently and I just can’t move on yet XD I hope you will continue to enjoy it <3
Hi kfangurl, have you tried “A Love So Beautiful”?? I want to recommend it to you. I think you will love it <3
You know my taste in dramas, Akisa!! 😀 It just so happens that I started on A Love So Beautiful a couple of days ago, and I’m enjoying it very well, 7 eps in! Simple and charming, with nice lashings of nostalgia. <3
I just finished it just recently and I just can’t move on yet XD I hope you will continue to enjoy it ❤
The characters are really growing on me, so I can imagine it’d be hard to move on afterwards! I’m 9 eps in now, so almost at the halfway mark! 🙂
I really want to suggest, Queen for Seven Days. Park Min Young does a KILLER job in this, and I loved her role in Healer a lot. She really delivers on her role. 😀 Lots of cracky scenes and a nice sageuk!
Thanks for the recommendation, Shirley! 🙂 It’s good to hear that Park Min Young does well in Seven Day Queen, coz like you, I really enjoyed her in Healer as well. <3 I'll add it to my list, for when I next feel in the mood for a sageuk 🙂
You should check “individualist ms. Ji young” if you haven’t.. it a 2 episodes special drama.. and i would love to read your thoughts about it.. even if it’s just in a comment here
Thanks for the recommendation, Layouly! That wasn’t on my list, but I’ve put it on as something to check out. 2 episodes sounds like a nice little diversion, for when I need a break from regular dramas! 😉
You should watch While You Were Sleeping. Jong Suk’s so adorable in it. And the story… so far so good. Hoping it keeps up.
Sounds good! 🙂 I’m keeping my eye on this one.. too many dramas have taken a nosedive in their later episodes, I’m managing risk by jumping into dramas later now 😅
Romantic doctor please.., thank you
Hi Fangurl,
If you have not heard about “Chicago Typewriter” yet, that may be one to put on your list. It’s still running, but so far the show is interesting and getting much more so (though maybe not as deep as “W Two Worlds”). Good music too — especially the song “Satellite.”
Hi! I hope you would watch The Liar and His Lover (or lovely love lie) I personally really enjoyed it! (Ut might be a little trying during the first few episodes, but it gets better! 🙂
Oh,I am so happy to see that you are watching SWDBS and Rebel~ I love SWDBS(even though the plot is kinda losing me,along with a lot of other stuff-*cough*In Gook Du *cough*- but still the leads are somehow everything for me,and I love them,their chemistry,their characters,freakin everything about them to death 😉 ) And Rebel is well,awesome.I started it for Yoon Kyun Sang-the same person for whom it was possible for me to complete Doctors-and I love all the cast by now~ I swear Ga Ryung is so bubbly and adorable,Gil Dong and her together are so cuuute!!~ What do you think of both of them?? Also, what is on your plan-to-watch list??
Hi there Akisa!! Glad that you’re enjoying SWDBS and Rebel! I am behind on basically everything these days. I am still a couple of episodes away from finishing SWDBS, and the gangster stuff and kidnapping stuff and well, a lot of the supposed humor stuff is just starting to lose me. But the OTP is fabulous, and they are the ones that keep me going back to that show. I’m stalled on Rebel just because I got busy and didn’t feel quite in the mood for Rebel. I do plan to go back to it. But I got completely sidetracked by Chinese drama Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, and now that I’m done with that, I find myself taking a detour into Chinese dramas for a bit. They feel different enough from kdramas that I find the watch experience quite refreshing. Right now I’m enjoying Love O2O, also a Chinese drama. It’s early days for me, but I have a feeling I’d recommend it too! 🙂
Hi kfangirl! No apologies needed I know ur pretty bz. I thought I’d let you know that I finished goblin(slow nod☺️)..aha..yup..I did. After all that I’ve said, I actually finished it hehee. I think ur right about having to be in the mood for this one. And that it’s not a boring show but it was boring me, u know what I mean? But it did get-pls allow me to use the term- better. I’m a bit cautious about saying anything coz I don’t wanna spoil it for u. I’ll just say that I liked it with a but. Hehe. Also ost and cinematography-beautiful! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you’ve finished it😊
Good on you that you finished Goblin and managed to like it, even with a but! I’m currently still stalled on it, because I just don’t find myself in the mood. But I’ve caught little snippets because it was available in-flight, and I watched a total of.. 15 minutes over 2 flights? HAHA. I find that I do kind of like it, but am just not in the introspective, slow sort of mood. Also, the fact that the subs were in Traditional Chinese instead of English also made it harder going, which is the reason why I only watched 15 minutes instead of a full episode. I have to agree the OST and cinematography are lovely! 🙂
I’m watching goblin and Ive just started ep 7. But I had to pause and look for something,anything you have to say about it. Coz as much as I love gong yoo, I have to say this show is boring me out😣 there doesn’t seem to be a lot of development in the story. I’m finding the pace too slow. Almost everything is slow.. I haven’t been watching kdramas that long so I’m still in the i-want-romance zone but I’m finding the bromance more engaging than anything else in the show. I’m still deciding on whether to fin ep 7 and see if it gets better or just drop it..😔 feeling disappointed
Hey there Ann, I’m sorry it’s taken me awhile to reply to your comment. I’ve been behind on everything – drama watching, drama reviewing, AND replying to comments – and I apologize.
I mentioned Goblin briefly in my 2016 year-in-review, as a drama I was watching at the time. You can check out those remarks here. At this moment, I’m paused on Goblin, because I find that I’m not quite in the mood for it. Generally speaking, I do find it a pretty slow-moving drama, which seems to emphasize atmosphere and mood more than story movement. Having said that, I don’t think it’s necessarily a boring show. I’ve had some fans share that the watch was very cathartic for them, particularly in the area of processing death and grief. Ultimately, I feel that one’s enjoyment of this show rests heavily on whether or not you’re in a reflective, introspective sort of mood. If the show’s not working for you right now, I would suggest shelving it for another time. I hope that helps! 🙂
I stopped watching Goblin after ep. 7, even with GY and LDW plus sungjae…I just couldn’t stand KGE’s acting…Sorry!
As for Legend of the Blue Sea, It just have to wait… I enjoyed the first few episodes, though.
I also like ” Father, Ill take care of you” and ” Missing 9″
Not a big YAI fan, but I enjoyed watching him in first few episodes of SLA…
I think I better go back to reading some more of your kdrama reviews. Seeyah!
I’m stalled on Goblin and Legend of the Blue Sea at the moment. I’m planning to go back to Goblin, but I’m not sure if I will go back to LOBS. I like it well enough, but I didn’t find it a very compelling watch. I think I stalled at around the E10 mark. I loved SLA, the entire thing is amazing and so well done. I hope you’ll give it another chance some time! 🙂
I just finished reading your review for Let’s eat 1 and 2 and I can say that it was worth reading! i love LE1! i I just couldn’t move on after all these years… shikshanim and SooKyungshi is my ultimate OTP!
I also tell myself all the time, ” so many Kdramas to watch, but so little time!”
I just love reading your blog! Keep up the good work! 🙂 Hello from CA, USA!
Glad you’re enjoying the reviews, evy!! And I do really like both Let’s Eat shows, although I’ve got a softer spot for Season 1 because it came first. 🙂 Big hi from Singapore! 😀
Hi chinggu! Just checking what’s on your plate these days. I recently finished viewing Legend of the Blue Sea, my first drama for the year. How do you find it? I enjoyed it much. Gong Yoo aside, I’d say I enjoyed it more than Goblin, mostly as it is light and funny with a great OTP chemistry to boot. I’ve begun Signal sometime last year but never got past the first episode yet, though now that I’ve started Tomorrow With You and warming up to Lee Je Hoon, I’d go back to it while waiting for the new episodes. TWY is quite a crack, well, as far as it goes. Reminds me of Nine but more up my alley as it’s about romance. You might consider adding it your looooooooooooooonggg list. 🙂
Yikes, I realize this reply is coming to you a few weeks late! I’ve put LOBS and Goblin on pause.. I didn’t find LOBS very compelling even though I liked it well enough, and I wasn’t in the mood for Goblin. I put it down to drama slump, and have plans to go back to both. I’m currently enjoying Strong Woman Do Bong Soon the most, out of the current batch of dramas. It’s quirky, and I love both Park Bo Young and Park Hyung Sik. ❤ Other than that, I’m finding Defendant solidly good, but hard to watch. I’m just starting on Rebel, and am liking it very well 2 eps in. I’m feeling relatively neutral about Tomorrow With You and Introverted Boss at the moment, but I do like TMY more than I like Introverted Boss. I feel like TMY is kinda like Nine, but also like W; more about the time travel & less about the romance. At least, that’s what I feel, just 5 eps in. 🙂
I’ve heard lots of good about Strong Woman and Voice. But given my sched at the moment and my new found love, can only take so much…Hehehe.
Lol. Priorities, definitely! I haven’t checked out Voice, but heard very mixed reactions to it. Since I’m not in a crime sort of mood, I’m not planning to check it out anytime soon. 🙂
How do you like Goblin so far?? I remember you said that it was not as amazing in the middle (episode 7?) because the story was not quite picking up but after that the story developed a lot,so what do you think??
Also,will you try Introverted Boss???
I’ve shelved Goblin for now.. it’s a thoughtful, introspective, atmospheric kind of watch, and I wasn’t quite in the right mood. Which means, that in my eyes, everything was just moving way too slowly. But, I do plan to go back to it, coz I’ve heard some people say that it’s actually a very thought-provoking watch. I’m paused at around the E10 mark at the moment.
I’m currently just 3 eps into Introverted Boss, and I’m feeling pretty neutral about it so far. I like Yeon Woo Jin in it and he’s very good at the nervous ticks of the titular Introverted Boss, but Park Hye Soo isn’t giving a very nuanced delivery as our leading lady, which, when combined with the script, is making our leading lady not very likable at all. I’m still watching it for now, but make no guarantees about making it to the finish line, even if Yeon Woo Jin IS pretty fantastic in it. 😛 Hopefully I’ll like it better as I go though!
The story of Introverted Boss gets very much better after EP6,because they underwent a script change!! And I can assure you one of the best ex-girlfriends of dramaland is in this drama XD I hope you don’t drop it and are able to like it ^^
Thanks for the heads-up, Akisa! I’ll keep that in mind and keep going for now! I did hear about the rewrite, but I didn’t hear about the ex-girlfriend!
She is not EXACTLY ex-girlfriend though,but totally along that line XD
Thanks to your coaxing, I watched half an episode last night as a drama night cap – just so you know! 😉
Hey Kfangurl!!! <3 <3 <3
I noticed you're watching the chinese version of scarlet heart. Wondering how you are finding it? The korean version sure had its flaws… but LJK was as usual flawless and has just done something to me… man oh man.. i can't revive 🙁
Hoping to hear from you soooon 🙂
I have to admit that I’ve only watched about 8 or so episodes of the Chinese version of Scarlet Heart. I got sidetracked after a while, with Real Life and other dramas. 😛 But I like what I’ve seen so far, and can already see that the Chinese version is the better show all-around. But, like you said, the k-version has LJK in it, and that made up for A LOT. LJK was some kind of wonderful in the k-version, and literally rose above a mediocre script to make his character uber memorable. ❤
I know you’re having a lot on your list, but since you find Secret Love Affair amazing as I do, I think you might enjoy these 2 dramas of 2016: “Age of Youth” & “My Wife Is Having An Affair This Week”. They don’t reach the art level of SLA just yet, but they’re pretty solid on their own.
Both do have slice-of-life feeling. First, “Age of Youth” is similar to Heart To Heart, light-hearted yet silently captivating. On the other hand, “My Wife Is Having An Affair This Week” is about the same subject as SLA, but it shares more views on the improvement of a relationship. Not a crazy romance, it’s pretty real.
So yeah, I hope that helps which one and when you want to watch. Those two stood out for me in terms of art directing, story-telling and acting. They do try to be uniquely good in k-dramaland.
Thanks for the recommendations, murmuringmind! Thanks to your recommendation, I put My Wife Is Having An Affair This Week on my list. I’ve also already got Age of Youth on my list. Based on your description, I do think I’d enjoy them! 🙂
are you going to watch globin and all of gong yoo’s glory? 😀
Yes! I’m watching Goblin – I’m far from being caught up, but I’ll get there! 🙂
Do a verdict on SOMETHING ABOUT 1%. It’s a clichè story but has some good and interesting conversations. 😬 Plus, you will get diabetes when watching this drama. 😍
It’s on my list, Deena! I plan to check it out when I’m done watching Drinking Solo. So that I don’t get confused about seeing Ha Suk Jin in two roles at the same time, heh. 😅
I realize there are older posts here but your list is up to date so I wanted to recommend one bit of deliciousness to that list and that is Shopping King Louis. It is adorable and watching it is like eating your favorite piece of candy. I was feeling down last week and got caught up on the episodes and it really made me smile and washed away all of my blues. This will remain on my re-watch list for “Times When I Am Not In My Happy Place”. Adorable!
I am also on K2 and so far I am so confused that I do not know whether I am coming or going. Jealousy Incarnate is being held up by the fantastic (as always) performances of Kong Hyo-Jin and Cho Jung-Seok and I am also on the Disguiser although it is taking me some time to get past Episode 2. I keep turning it on and off. I am also on my 3rd re-watch of Nirvana. That never gets old – it just gets better.
I am so glad that you have this blog! I know it takes a ton of time and I think we all appreciate being able to share our thoughts here. Thanks so much KFangirl!!
I’ve been hearing quite a lot of positive reaction to Louie, so I admit my interest in this show has gone up a little. Although, I confess to being a little wary, coz my preferred funny doesn’t seem to match Korea’s idea of funny. When everyone was loving Beautiful Gong Shim and remarking how quirky and cute it was, I decided to join in to see what the fuss was about. Sadly, I never loved the show like other people did, and ended up dropping out after hanging on for 14 eps. I didn’t enjoy Seo In Guk’s High School King either, for the same reason, and am wary that I won’t find Louie as cute or funny as others seem to. But I must say your endorsement of the show does make me curious! 😉
I’m unsure of whether I’ll stick with K2 to the end. 8 eps in, it’s giving me strong Yong Pal vibes, and I ended up extremely underwhelmed by Yong Pal. But I’m told that E9&10 are better than E7&8. So I’m still in, for now. I’m enjoying Jealousy Incarnate in a moderate sort of way. It’s not rocking my world, but it’s not bad. 3rd rewatch of NIF! My mum watched it 3 times as well, and loved it each time – that show is truly special. ❤ I’m stalled on Disguiser at the moment, but I do plan to go back to it.
Glad you’re enjoying the site, phl! It does take a lot of time, and of late I’d gotten sidetracked by Real Life obligations. But I’m happy to be getting back on track again! 🙂
We are happy as well! I always stop here first to see if you have a review on a show I am interested in and I pay close attention to it. I have gone back and watched all of your B+ and above rated shows and thoroughly enjoyed each one.
I also dropped Beautiful Gong Shim but King Louis is different. It is really funny and incredibly sweet and Nam Ji-Hyun shines in this. I am not a big fan of Seo In-Guk but he does well here. It is full of feelz, as you say. I have to laugh as I know you are probably backed up on your watch list, but if you can sneak in a few episodes you may see what I am talking about. It is for watching when you need a break to get away from the world. Simply put – this show makes me very happy.
Oh, I’m so pleased that you’ve enjoyed my higher rated dramas, phl!! 😀 It sure looks like our drama tastes are nicely aligned! I am backlogged on quite a few reviews, so if there’s a show you’re wondering whether to watch, feel free to drop me a comment. If I’ve seen it, I’d be happy to give you a quick grade or impression, if that helps your drama decision-making 🙂
It’s good to know that you dropped Beautiful Gong Shim AND yet are enjoying Louie. It give me some assurance that it’s not the same style of humor (which didn’t work for me). You’re so right in that I’m drowning in dramas that I want to watch, but on your recommendation, I will make it a point to at least poke at Louie a bit, to see how it lands for me. Thanks for the recommendation! 😘
Whoah! I’m finally able to wrap up Six Flying Dragons! I literally slept through some stretches. I think the story would have had more impact if told in 24-30 episodes only. Also, I just couldn’t get into Yoo Ah In’s acting. I don’t know why, I normally like him. 🙁 Glad to know that King Taejong is the father of King Sejong (Tree With Deep Roots).
Woah, you’re way ahead of me on this one, kaiaraia! I’m stalled on SFD, at around the halfway mark(ish), and I just can’t seem to muster up the interest to continue. This, when I’m usually a fan of Kim Myung Min and Yoo Ah In’s acting. Maybe I have a very limited appetite for long sageuks? But I loved NIF, and that was long too. In fact, I think NIF spoiled me. After NIF, SFD started to look low-rent to me. Oops. 😛
I’ve already started NIF but since you said it’s so good, decided to put it on hold and watch SFD instead. Otherwise, I might not get interested in SFD at all. We got to strategize, don’t we. 🙂 In that note, thanks for the heads up.
Strategize we must, and you adopted the smarter strategy, finishing SFD first! Now you’re free to enjoy the gloriousness of NIF! 😁 I, on the other hand, may never get around to finishing SFD..! 😅
Hey kfangurl😊
I love reading you reviews! It gives me deeper insight of the drama and i always find myself agreeing in most of your opinion..
I’m currently watching Jealousy Incarnate. I enjoy it very much!
Do you have plan on watching it and review it? Because i’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
Hi there virnasd, I’m sorry this reply is coming so late! Real Life got in the way, and I’m only just catching back up now. 😝 I did start on Jealousy Incarnate, and am slightly behind as I type this. I think I’m about.. 18 eps in, of the 22 that have aired. I like it quite well, but I don’t love it. I’ll have to see the rest of the eps and chew on it, before I give it a final verdict. Thanks for recommending it! 🙂
Hey kfangurl😊
I love reading your reviews!! It gives me deeper insight of the drama and i find myself agreeing in most of it. I’m currently watching jealousy incarnate. I enjoy it very much! Do you plan on watching it and review it? Because i would love to hear your thoughts on it!
Arghhhh am I the only one who is annoyed that there are different versions of the same episode of Scarlet Heart Ryeo??? Why can’t the PD make a decision and stick with just one version? I love the drama but I hate having to hunt for different versions on different sites. Also, the endings are different, which elicit different reactions from netizens. It’s so stupid! 😦
What do you think of Scarlet Heart Ryeo so far? I love LJK in it 😍 But PD-nim seriously needs to get his shit together!
Lol. I know, right?? It’s really annoying, but in this case, I can see how it would happen, since they sold the show in full to the international market before it started airing, and then, as the show aired, they couldn’t resist the temptation to edit the show to tweak it to fans’ reactions, to maximize ratings. I personally am watching the version that’s airing in Korea, but I’m pretty behind on it. I’m just 7 eps in right now. I like it more now than before, but I do think that LJK is rather underutilized right now, and that sometimes the editing is oddly choppy.
Sometimes when I watch one version, I was left wondering why some things don’t add up. Only when I watch the other version, the penny drops. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, so I can’t give you an example. I’ll wait for your review to discuss further 😉 I think E9 and 11 are the best so far. Drop everything else and catch up, you won’t regret it!
can’t wait to see your w-two worlds review!
love your blog. keep up the good work. 🙂
Hi there bucktooth wonder!! Thanks for the encouragement! 😀 I’m rather behind on W-Two Worlds coz life’s been extra hectic lately, but yes, I will definitely finish it and write a review! Thanks for your patience! 🙂
Hey kfangurl, I couldn’t find anything about Empress Ki on your site. Are you planning to start? I’m on episode 1 and it seems pretty good but I’d like to hear your take on it before I watch all 51 (!!!) episodes. 51 hours seems a lot when YAI isn’t in it 😉
Hmm.. I haven’t seen Empress Ki myself, but I can say that most people seem to like it well enough. A couple of my non-drama watching friends happened to catch it on local TV when it aired, and they liked it quite well. On the other hand, my mom watched it, and she says that the show’s best stretch is the first 15 or so episodes. She also mentioned that after the first major act concluded, she had no desire to keep watching the show and ended up dropping it. 😛 On the upside, she does say that the story feels whole enough with just the first major act, and that if Show had ended there, it would’ve felt pretty complete. So you could watch just that first half of the show, and then drop it if you’re not feeling it enough to keep going? 😁
I followed your advice, I’m on E20 and it’s good! I want to know how she ends up being Empress Ki, the signs are pointed in the other direction so far! I don’t know who I should be shipping at this point. JCW is very funny in this, yet there are some real heartbreaking moments. He can do the pretty cry just as well as any leading lady 🙂 Sadly that’s why I’m not a big fan of JCW, he’s way too pretty… gives me a major complex 😉 His acting reminds me so much of Park Bong Soo in Healer, which is the not-so-good aspect of the show. The other male lead looks so much like my uncle I’m having a hard time falling for him, even though he’s good-looking in a much more manly way than JCW. As for the female lead, I’ve only seen the feisty and fearless side of her so far, so I’ll have to wait for her character to develop before I can comment.
My list right now:
– Empress Ki (E20)
– The Thieves
– Deep Rooted Tree (E3)
– Padam-Padam (still need properly synced subs 🙁 )
– Thread of Lies (YAI!)
– Bounty Hunters (need subs 🙁 )
I’m so looking forward to Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, which is supposed to be starting tomorrow night on Viu. The cinematography looks gorgeous from the teasers, and the two leads look so pretty!
Also waiting for Scarlet Heart: Ryeo to start. I’ve never been tempted to view anything that is still being aired, I usually wait til all the episodes have aired so I can binge-watch. But these two are so tempting!!!
Deep Rooted Tree is very good, I remember liking that one a lot. I also really enjoyed Padam Padam. The Thieves was rather uneven for me, and I haven’t seen the other shows on your list. Right now I’m loving Moonlight Drawn By Clouds, even though Lee Jun Ki does look suitably broody-glorious in Scarlet Heart. 😁
Sounds like you’re having a good enough time with Empress Ki, so that’s good! I’ve seen a fair number of enthusiastic reactions to this one, and it sounds like this one is landing with you pretty well, in spite of some smallish issues 😁
I finished Empress Ki. It definitely started strong (despite multiple plot holes), but it tapered off towards the end. I used the FF button A LOT. It started getting draggy around E30, so I watched the rest just to know how it ends. Ha Ji Won as the titular character also did not develop after E30, she looked like she gave up and just went through the motions. I also did not like how JCW’s character ended up… It was also sad that they under-used the second male lead towards the end. Writer-nim probably ran out of ideas towards the end and decided to just use a lot of flashbacks. My finger was tired from FF-ing. I’d rate the beginning 8/10 but overall 6/10.
I’m watching Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and Arang right now… LJK squeeeee 😍😍😍
Lol. Your verdict on Empress Ki sounds a lot like my mom’s experience with it. She also got bored partway through. Which is part of the reason I haven’t gotten around to checking it out myself. There are just too many other better dramas out there that I want to spend my drama hours on. Like Moonlight. Ahem. 😍😍😍
I finished Thread of Lies, YAI had a timy part in it but he was excellent, as usual. It’s an unexpectedly poignant, yet sad movie. At first I thought I was going to FF all the parts without YAI, but I got drawn into the sad yet beautiful family drama and ended up liking it. I didn’t know Kim Yoo Jung and Kim Hee Ae were in it too, but I can see how Kim Hee Ae hand-picked YAI because of his performance here. He was so wonderfully kind in this movie, which makes his meek, dorky outer appearance forgivable. KYJ was also excellent as the antagonist. I’d recommend it, but you need to get in the right mood for it. It’s quiet and deeply reflective.
So, I bit the bullet and subscribed to Viu Premium just to watch Moonlight Drawn by Clouds. I blame it on the Park Bo Gum magic 😍😍 I’ve never looked forward to a new episode more. I love love love love it!!! I’m just hoping writer-nim does not follow history too closely when it comes to Lee Young, though. It would break my heart 🙁
So my current list is:
– Arang (stalled at E5, not sure if I’m going to continue)
– Dream High (E13)
– Moonlight Drawn By Clouds, as it airs
– Scarlet Heart Ryeo, as it airs
I dropped Deep Rooted Tree after 5 episodes. I just couldn’t get into it once SJK left 🙁
Planning to start:
– Padam-padam
– Bounty Hunters (Lee Min Ho in a Chinese movie, questionable but will watch for the kkotminam factor)
– Producers
– Reply 1988
– The K2 when it airs
Anything else I should put on the list?
Hi. I thought thread of lies was excellent.
Yes, I was surprised by how great it was.
I did watch Thread of Lies, actually, and I really liked it. It was just very good, even though it was dealing with such a melancholic subject.
Wow, you subscribed to premium just for Bogummy?? You DO have Bogummy Fever in a big way! But – so do I, so I completely understand! 😉 I’m hoping that Moonlight will give Yeong a better ending as well. So far, I’m optimistic, since Moonlight seems to lean on the happy show end of the scale. Fingers crossed!!
I have to admit I can’t remember what shows you’ve seen already, neve. 😛 Have you watched Healer yet?? Coz that is fab. If you’re looking for something a touch older, Queen In-hyun’s Man is one that I really loved. For a classic, did you watch Coffee Prince? 🙂
Bogum Magic is indeed strong 😍 even my friends who are non Kdrama fans started watching it. I started waking up at 6am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays so I can watch the new episode before getting ready for work. I download the episode too so I can watch it again at lunchtime :p Yes let’s hope it ends well!
Yup seen Healer… not under JCW’s spell but the drama was really great. I’m even anticipating The K2 because of it 🙂 I think I’ll have to skip Queen In Hyun’s man because I can’t stand Yoo In-Na. She was so irritating in YFAS. I might check out Coffee Prince at some point. Gong Yoo was good in Train To Busan. He’s cute in a “kind uncle” kind of way hehe… Very vanilla, but cute 🙂
Wow, that’s commitment, to wake up early to catch the episode before work!! The Bogummy Fever is strong in you 😉
I found Yoo In Na annoying in YFAS, but she was adorable in QIHM, I thought. I actually really liked her in that! Perhaps you could give it a chance sometime when you’re in the mood. It’s very romantic and was a very good watch, I felt. Also – I think watching Coffee Prince might er, evolve your perception of Gong Yoo. He’s so wonderful in Coffee Prince. I’ve watched it several times and I still swoon. <3
I’m watching Coffee Prince based on your recommendation. It was a slow burn, but things got interesting around EP8, where the feels just got amped up. I think it’s the OTP’s chemistry that really made the show for me, because I still don’t have the hots for Gong Yoo. He’s good looking, for sure. I was just more interested in his bod than his face or character in the show 😛
Hahaha! I’m sorry, this was funny! 😂 But yes, Gong Yoo does have a good bod. Which is put to excellent display in Big. Which, unfortunately, is a drama that I can’t recommend. 😛 He’s fabulous in Coffee Prince though. So much feeling and emotion, and such easy-cracky chemistry with Yoon Eun Hye too. ❤
BTW why isn’t there a Coffee Prince review? Did I miss something?
I have good intentions about a Coffee Prince review, but I watched that long before I started the blog (story of so many of the older dramas, really!), and haven’t gotten around to it. 😛 But because I do love Gong Yoo, I still have a half-constructed one in my drafts folder which I will finish one day. (Can you tell that I’m drowning in review backlog?!? 😅)
hi unnie! I noticed you aren’t as active to new threads as usual… could you please check them out??
Same with me. I am hooked on so many k dramas. I discovered them only last month back and I just cannot get enough of them. Binge watching has taken a new meaning with so many sleepless night occurring due to such addictive shows
Ooh, welcome to the wonderful world of kdramas, Sunshine!! How cool, that you’ve just discovered them, coz that means you have so many shows that you can dive into and enjoy! Let me know if you’re ever in need of drama recommendations – I’d be happy to throw some your way! 😄
Write now I am watching W and I am in love with that show..Lee jong suk is heart <3
Ya that seems like a promising show
Ooh, I’m watching W as well, and I’m really enjoying it so far!! Lee Jong Suk really is lovely. Have you had a chance to check out my Lee Jong Suk post? If you haven’t, and aren’t opposed to lots of LJS, you can find the post here. 😁
Signal and Six Flying Dragons are hands down the best things to come out in recent years imo. Hands down.
aw I loved Mirror of the Witch too ;;
Looks like you’re way ahead of me, Storia! I’m still not done watching any of these 3 dramas, even though all have finished airing. I’m in the final stretch of MOTW, but am still in the early eps of Signal and in the middle stretch of SFD. I guess this is what happens when you get too greedy? 😂 Glad you enjoyed all 3 dramas – I hope I will feel as satisfied as you do, when I get to the end!
A friend who just came back from Korea said noona romance is prefered by most men there.
Ooh, that’s really interesting! I always thought it’d be the other way around, since Korean men have a particular weakness around being addressed as “Oppa” – which they wouldn’t get, in a noona romance. I’m.. intrigued. 😉
I just discovered your site through obsessively researching SJK and YAI, and I must say your reviews are insanely thorough, I like! Although I started watching K-dramas a long time ago (Autumn in My Heart, Won Bin OMG. He’s still so hot btw ;)), I took a long break because I got really tired of the overly long contemplative silences, violent wrist-grabs, and back hugs. I still watch Korean blockbuster movies, but not dramas for a long time, until DOTS. It started me fangirling (fan-ahjumma-ing?) on SJK. I went through DOTS, SKKS, Nice Guy, and all his movies in about a week… and through SKKS discovered YAI. I agree with you, he was brilliant in SLA! Now I’m in the process of watching all his K-dramas and movies. OCD much?
I’m binge-watching Six Flying Dragons right now (up to ep 23), riveting stuff. I have to confess I started watching it for YAI, but now I’m well and truly hooked. The story is part of history, but the show makes Yi Bang Won so much more human, vulnerable yet determined, and all around less villainous than his Wikipedia bio. I can’t wait for your review.
Hello!! Welcome to the blog, neve, it’s really nice to meet you! 🙂 I’m really glad you’re enjoying the reviews, although I feel I must qualify that thoroughness tends to vary across reviews! It really depends on how much I want to say about a particular drama now, even though I went through a phase of mostly writing only monster-sized reviews. 😛
Also, you’re absolutely not alone in obsessively watching all the projects of a favorite actor! Isn’t that what most fans do after all? ^^ I know I tend to do that, once an actor blows me away! I’m taking it slow on Six Flying Dragons, actually. I had stopped at around the E29 mark because I was watching Chinese drama Nirvana in Fire at the time, and NIF is SO GOOD that it made SFD look clunky in comparison. 😛 I’ve finally picked back up now, and am starting to enjoy it again. I’m still quite a way from the ending, so an SFD review is probably not in the near future. In the meantime, though, I think you might enjoy my Pure Pretty post on YAI (here), if you haven’t seen it yet. ^^
Thanks for the warm welcome 🙂 I just finished SFD over the weekend… There were moments in the last two episodes that made me cry. I won’t go into details so I won’t spoil it for you. I liked it a lot, especially because they stick pretty close to history despite the additional fictional characters. History geek here, so I’ve been comparing SFD to the real thing haha… This site really helped: http://bodashiri.tumblr.com/
Also, check out Like For Likes (movie) if you have time. I had to fast forward though one of the storylines because it was so irritating, but the other two were great. I hope you’ll watch and review it because your reviews so far seem to be along the same line as my thoughts.
I’m starting Jang Ok Jung and Fashion King (cringeworthy, so I’m just watching it for the shirtless eye candy factor). I’m running of YAI stuff to watch so I’m taking it very very slow 😉
Wow, you’re making quick work of all of YAI’s projects, neve! XD I can definitely sense the dedication in you! 😉
I’m making slow progress with SFD, because I like it well enough, but haven’t managed to love it like most viewers have. I’m glad the NIF effect wore off enough for me to get back into SFD, so that’s something! Thanks for the suggestion on Like for Likes – I will add it to my list for when I’m next in the mood for a movie fix. I really enjoyed Jang Ok Jung, but I must qualify that I watched that while fast-forwarding all the boring court politics parts. That made the OTP romance pretty much my only focus, and I enjoyed the show very well that way. Which is a huge step forward from actually dropping the show – which had been my first reaction based on everyone’s exasperated response to the show. You can check out my quick review here, if it helps. I.. don’t have enough YAI love to sit through Fashion King. I watched E1 and hurriedly bailed. Coz it was so ludicrous, with pirates and all. 😛
Dedication, obsession, whatever you call it, I’ll own it 😉 I find it interesting to see YAI’s growth as an actor backwards, because I started from his latest works and I’m working my way back to SKKS. His Sado is so much more nuanced and heartfelt than his Sukjong. Even from the first to last episode of SFD, I saw how he transformed and transcended his own range. I’m glad you’re savoring SFD slowly, it gets better towards the end! And strangely, I like Lee Bang Won better in the latter part of the show. I’ll tell you why once you’ve done a review 😉
I did read your JOJ review, which convinced me to start it in the first place. I also FF through the “evil” politicking; it’s just not evil enough. As for Fashion King, I’m plodding through. The liberally sprinkled EngRish makes my ears bleed 🙁 I just live for the shirtless moments (sad, I know).
It’s definitely interesting to see an actor’s growth, particularly when he’s just getting better and better at his craft. 🙂 YAI is definitely impressing me. He strikes me as someone who’s serious about acting, and more concerned with creative integrity than mass appeal.
I hope you’re enjoying JOJ! I was completely sucked in, which was a big surprise for me, considering how I’d dropped it prior. As for Fashion King, I can only say, you’re made of steelier fangirl stuff than I am! XD I was so horrified by E1 that I couldn’t get out fast enough, shirtless YAI or no. 😛
Yes SJK and YAI are my favorite actors because they seem to try to get better in acting. I’ll be sad when he goes for national service. Two years of YAI drought 🙁
I’m enjoying JOJ so far, halfway through E11. YAI is so dreamy and fresh-faced 😀 And I can’t help thinking that he prefers older women even IRL, since he seems to have better chemistry with his older female leads. He truly smoldered in SLA and JOJ (and Like for Likes).
Well, I guess the silver lining is that SJK’s already done with MS. Imagine if they’d gone at the same time! 😉 Double the drought, eek!
True, and I appreciate how SJK came back a man 🙂 I’m looking forward to an even manlier YAI 🙂
Yes, I definitely credit the military with some of that manly swag that SJK was oozing in DotS! And I’m sure YAI will make good use of his MS time too – to stretch not only his physical limits, but challenge himself mentally too. 🙂
I was right! Hes really into older women 😁
“He admitted to feel more comfortable acting with actresses older than him. Aside his work, he’s very comfortable being with older women as well, and all his ex-girlfriends were older than him.”
From https://yooahinsikseekland.wordpress.com/2014/10/11/birthday-celebration-post-101-fun-facts-about-yoo-ah-in/
Oops I was signed in to my WordPress account. neve=irenenevada 😉
Lol! You were spot on! Guess you’ve got a good sense for him now, after watching so many of his projects! 😉
I’m one episode away from the finale of Fashion King and I’m losing the will to live. The writing is beyond bad and the characters are such jerks or doormats that I really just want to stop watching. I’ve read spoiler reviews of the ending and I’m not sure I have the strength to go through it 🙁 I should have followed your advice argh… But I’ll probably plough thrugh. I can’t stand not finishing something even though it hurts, but YAI shall be my consolation 😉 I’m rewatching Like for Likes and The Throne in between Fashion King episodes, just to remind myself I’m just watching it for YAI and to distract myself from the horrible characters and same plotline repeated over and over again. It’s like watching a trainwreck in slow motion.
Oh my. You really are suffering for fangirl love, neve! I applaud you for making it all the way to the very end! I saw that ending, and yeah, it was very much a WTH sort of ending. At least you’re almost done? 😛
I finished it, and actually laughed out loud at the ending. It was just stupidly comical, so bad that I wasn’t even sad that YAI’s character got snuffed out. I don’t even think I need to write a spoiler alert here, because I believe I’m saving a lot of people from wasting their time with Fashion King. I should get an award for willingly burning my retinas and killing so many brain cells by persevering to the end of that fiasco. BUT I still love YAI :p
I guess laughing out loud at the ending is much better than wanting to tear your hair out? XD Congratulations neve. You’ve proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that your YAI love is burning strong! 😉
You really should start watching “Task Force 38”. It is bloody amazing
Thanks for the recommendation, Bunny! I’m hearing good things about TF38, so it’s on my list. Right now – as you may have noticed – I have wayyy too many shows on my drama plate, and I’m literally unable to keep up with them all. But I plan to get to it sometime! 🙂
There is a drama that I started watching called D-Day and it is about what happens after a large earthquake happens in Korea. I’m loving it so far and I would love to read about what you think about it 🙂
Hi there Halle, it’s great to know you’re enjoying D-Day 🙂 I’m sorry to say I don’t currently have plans to watch it, since disaster shows aren’t quite my thing, but if I ever do decide to check it out, I promise to write about it! 🙂
Since OMV and SFD Have the same time slot, I’m just thinking what drama do you prefer?
SFD had higher ratings from korean viewers but idk from intl fans.
Personally I’m enjoying SFD more than OMV, but I do think it’s really a matter of personal taste. 🙂 I notice a lot of spazz over OMV among my drama friends, but even though I’m enjoying OMV quite well, I’m definitely not feeling it as much as so many other people are. Which means to say, I might not be such an accurate indication of general international sentiment, in this case 😛
I’m enjoying She Was Pretty so much, i hope show will not disappoint up to the end <3
Aw, I’m enjoying She Was Pretty too, Nancy! Crossing my fingers right along with ya! 🙂
Hi! I just want to just how you grade dramas? Thanks
Mostly subjectively 😉 You can find out more about my rating system here – I hope that helps! 🙂
omo! I’ll be waiting your review for Oh My Ghost! This drama is just sooooo right and so incomparable to other dramas i’ve watched 🙂
Aw, thanks! It’s great to know that 1, the show ends well, and 2, someone’s waiting for the review! Makes me feel all reassured and important at the same time, lol. I’ve put almost everything on hold for now, coz RL’s super busy AND I want to work on my very belated and probably very epic Healer review. Once that’s all done, I should be reviewing OMG. 🙂
How’s your watch of My Beautiful Bride?
It’s on pause, along with almost everything else at the moment! A combination of work travel and general feeling of drama fatigue made me decide to focus only on a rewatch of Healer, so that I can finally write it that epic review ^^ I got up to about E8 of MBB; like it well enough so far, and fully plan on going back to it 🙂 Are you done with it already?
Not yet. All the running and the hitting tires me easily so I just watch like an ep in a day or two. But I’m liking the lead guy.
Isn’t Kim Moo Yeol fab? I love how he’s so full-on in every way. He really brings the character to life, and he’s the main draw of the show, for me. Where I paused on my watch, I was beginning to tire of LSY’s character’s less-than-kickass policing. And yes, all that running and fighting is totally the kind of stuff that I’d watch just an ep a day of. Not the kind of show I can marathon, lol.
So far, absolutely loving Yong Pal – and Joo Won.
Oh, I totally feel ya, Linda! I’m also currently loving Yong Pal – and Joo Won in it! He’s SO GOOD <3
Oh you’re watching this. I was wondering if you would because you love Joo Won but hate medical drama. I’ve thought it runs parallel to Healer in some aspects and I laughed so hard at how similar was the scene to Healer when Yong Pal was complaining that given the difficulty of the task they should have charged a lot more. Hahaha!
I usually don’t enjoy medical dramas much at all, but I must say that I’m really enjoying Yong Pal! Also, it’s far from a typical medical drama, and that helps a lot. Badass smart Joo Won ALSO definitely helps. A LOT. 😉 And yes, that beat about grumbling about needing to charge more, definitely had echoes of Healer about it – in a good way! I’ve also started watching Good Doctor, coz I figured a great way to balance out seeing Joo Won acting as an autistic character, is seeing him as Yong Pal at the same time, HAHA. It’s working well so far! 😉
Good Doctor I think is the best medical drama in kdramaland.
I have no idea how Good Doctor stacks up against other medical dramas since I haven’t really watched any except for New Heart (which I found underwhelming). So in MY experience anyway, Good Doctor’s proving to be a heartwarming, engaging sort of show. VERY different from Yong Pal, which is such a unique sort of show that I don’t even know if it’s quite considered a medical drama XD
HI Kfangurl!! hope you are doing well! I just finished “Jewel in the palace” and every time I think I’ve watched a great Historical drama , I find an even better one! for instance Yi San , which I thought was great, then I find Jewel in the palace even better !!! I fall in love with Lee Seo Jin after watching YS, Jewel in the palace gives me Ji Jin Hee!!! Ughhh!! I can’t take it!!! LOL what a fine man!!! He played the character so well, so loving , so caring, so passionate! Aigoo!!
I have watched quiet a few historical dramas now, and I noticed the same actors play the same role in other historical dramas. Especially the roles of Prime ministers or court ladies:) I thought that was funny. Most people that played in Yi San are also in Jewel in the palace.
Great to see ya, Surusa! And ooh, I do enjoy both Lee Seo Jin and Ji Jin Hee! Both so fine indeed! 😉 I haven’t gotten around to watching Jewel in the Palace, but I did like Ji Jin Hee in Dong Yi. That’s one of the few longer sageuks that I’ve checked out. I tend to watch the shorter sageuks coz they feel less intimidating, heh. Chuno & Tree With Deep Roots are great shorter sageuks, if you haven’t seen them 🙂