What’s Dear kfangurl?
A fairly new addition to the site, Dear kfangurl is an agony unni sort of thing, just specifically geared towards drama and fangirling.
I may not have all the answers you’re looking for, but I can certainly listen. And of course, share my own experiences and perspectives as well. Much like a friend might listen and share and chat with you over tea. š
Index of posts:
Dear kfangurl:
-
Is it normal to have a heart attack when you learn Oppa is gay ANDĀ dating?
- Is it wrong to ship myself with Oppa?
…And more to come, asĀ more questions come in!
Dya have a question?
Send me your question in the way that you feel most comfortable.
You can either:
- Drop me a comment, or
- Send me an email at kfangurl@thefangirlverdict.com.
Look forward to hearin’ from ya!
Smooches.
~kfangurl
Hwo do you think the infiltration of Western streaming companies (netflix, Disney+, etc.) have affected Kdramas?
I think your question could almost be a post in itself, Su San. There are lots of angles, considerations and opinions out there. There is also some good factual reports as to why Disney+, Amazon, Netflix and others are investing so heavily in Kdramas.
Hi Fangirl! I do have a question – as an introvert who is quite arts-inclined (loved studying Literature, History, Philosphy etc and love museums, theatre, musical performances, cultural stuff etc – sadly I do not work in the arts-related industries!) I would love to watch shows along such lines. It’s easy to search for crime dramas or sports or youth dramas, but it’s harder to search for shows that have a more contemplative vibe, or thoughtful writing that infuses poetry/ literature, or are set in a more arts-related setting. I guess what I’m looking for are in a separate categories (1) those in a more arts setting (aka Romance is a Bonus Book in a book publishing setting) (2) those with a more thoughtful lyrical writing (A Poem A Day, Because This Life Is My First), (3) those with a more cinematic vibe? I can’t quite find the words to say it but I’m thinking Secret Love Affair, Lost/ Human Disqualification, maybe even Bloody Heart. And (4) featuring introverts would be lovely!
Feel free to ignore this question if it’s too all over the place!
Ooh, thanks for the questions, MC!! I think I might break it up into separate questions, to make them easier to tackle! They’re all going on the list! ā¤ļø
Dear Kfangurl,
Hello! Iāve been a lurker here for some years, but this is my first post here. I found your blog because of Hong Jong-hyun. Yes I was obsessed with WGMās Hong Jong-hyun lol.
Could you please share your opinion about award winning actors/actresses and celebrity actors/actresses? Baeksang 58th nomination was just posted yesterday and I just got curious. So I backtracked through the years and found some names Iām not really familiar with are regulars on the nomination list, especially for the film categories. Then I realized the names Iām most familiar with are mostly the popular ones. Thank you!
Dear Kfangurl – this isn’t really a question (that is, unless you know the answer?) My goal is not to send you on a research project, knowing how busy you are; but I found this incredibly interesting. While watching an older drama – Jang Bori – a statement was made that one of the characters could never hold a governmental office because he’s the son of a mistress. I was shocked to see this in a modern day drama. So I Googled “can a person born illegitimately hold public office in S.K.” Not much came up other than this article. It confirms that was the case in ancient times, but the article itself ended with the same question. Here it is, if you or anyone else is interested https://m.koreatimes.co.kr/pages/article.asp?newsIdx=294360
@Beez – Awesome question, Beez. From what I can see, this is what Article 11 in the SK constitution says:
Article 11(1)All citizens shall be equal before the law, and there shall be no discrimination in political, economic, social or cultural life on account of sex, religion or social status.
(2) No privileged caste shall be recognized or ever established in any form.
Article 25 of the constitution goes on to say:
Article 25All citizens shall have the right to hold public office under the conditions as prescribed by law (The law in this case is Public Official Election Act).
Public Official Election Act
Under the Public Official Election Act, Articles 18 and 19 say you cannot be a candidate if: you are sentenced to imprisonment (at least one year), your eligibility is forfeited by a judge, you committed a crime: you are excluded for five years where the fine was less than 5M won, you are excluded for 10 years re a more serious crime, you undertake election fraud, you are declared incompetent, and are corrupt (extensive criteria).
I think we can make an educated guess as to why so many dramas are the way they are because the constitution and various laws seem to be ignored and the young folk have had enough of this.
@Seank – Wow! Thanks so much, Sean. As I always say, S.K . reminds me of the U.S. 50 years ago. We had the laws on the books but they didn’t apply to all of us. Despite the fact that I do criticize my country (with good reason), at least those particular invisible barriers have come down.
@Beez. My pleasure, Beez. Yes, SK does have that feel. I am glad, that over here, we have come a long way too š
Big thanks for this explanation Sean. Yes, Beez asks the best questions.
Yes, she does, phl, and they are ones that have a bit of meat to them underneath it all š
@phl1rxd @seank – aww shucks, you guys. š
Dear Fangurl
Could you please talk about the controversy surrounding the new drama ‘Snowdrop’? As a non-Korean drama fan, I am rather clueless as to the huge backlash this show is receiving from fans. But to my surprise, the internet community is clearly divided whether the show should be taken off-air or not.
So it will really help drama fans like me to know what and how do you feel about this controversy.
Thank you in advance.
Dear Kfangurl – if you know – what’s the deal on those gift coffee trucks that K-stars send to other K-stars? Am I correct in assuming its just for publicity of the sender’s latest project? (Usually when I see articles about the coffee trucks, the sender has a new movie or new drama series that’s about to air (and there’s a known personal friendship between the sender and the receiver)). And what’s the big deal about a coffee truck anyway? Is it a certain brand of coffee that’s a trend? Is it the equivalent of Hollywood’s Kraft Services – just a break for the crew? I just don’t get the gesture unless it is a publicity thing.
I’ve been wanting to ask this for a while, but seeing this gift truck from Yoo Ah in š to Ma Ri ran š, which actually has a funny message for a change and not just “best wishes on your new show”, made me finally write to you about it. https://www.soompi.com/article/1500147wpp/ra-mi-ran-shows-off-yoo-ah-ins-thoughtful-gift-to-her-drama-set
[This is a totally frivolous curiosity so I totally understand if you don’t have time for the research this question probably involves.]
@Beez – so sorry to drop in on this but I cannot find your post about Darren Wang. š¤¦āāļø
I spent quite a lot of time looking for it to no avail so I am forced to hijack this – I just wanted to say that I picked the Wolf back up due to your comment about Darren Wang. I am so glad I did Beez. Even though they could have shaved off 20 episodes of “What the hell was that all about?”, the bottom line is I simply cannot get this drama out of my head. That last episode – OMG.
So a little thank you for inspiring me to go back and take another look. š„°š
OK, back to coffee trucks….
@phl1rxd – Always glad to hear when someone else likes what I like – I feel less alone š My only irritant with The Wolf was female lead’s voice. And when I think that voice is an over dub *klunk-klunk to the side of my head* – Whhhhhhyyyyyy?
@Beez – yes, her real voice is quite lovely as is Darren’s.
@phl1rxd – Do you remember that some time ago, I mentioned the Chinese drama CrossFire starting Leo Wu? I’m almost done and I’m loving it! I have zero interest in video games normally but… Although it’s nothing like Chicago Typewriter, it gives me the same feeling of anything can happen. (And I wrote that just now, not even thinking about the fact that they both deal with slipping into the past.) The show is serious one moment, ridiculous and zany in the next, but through it all Leo Wu is amazing!
@Beez – I started it and it fell by the wayside with the immense watch list I have. I think I finished 3 episodes. I do enjoy time slip drama.
I will say this – ‘Lil Bit has something doesn’t he Beez? I cannot put my finger on it. I really enjoy watching his performances. If you are loving CF, I am going to go back and pick it up as soon as I finish Meng Dynasty 1566 which is very, very good. It is strictly a political drama but the writing is top notch. Hopefully I can find this thread šagain and let you know how I liked CF.
@phl1rxd – I’m not big on political dramas, *ho hum* but I’ll Google Meng Dynasty 1566 to see what it’s about based on your loving it.
@Beez – It is very political (and very dry) so it is probably not for you. šI just love the writing in this.
@phl1rxd – You know me so well. š„° I was reluctant to reply to say “I checked it out but not enough eye candy to gain/retain my interest.” embarrassedšš But since you already know… š
@Beez – no biggie š and you are A-OK just the way you are! š
š„“
Dear Kfangurl,
Iām not sure if this is a question or a rant or a combination of both.
So, I ended up watching Youāre Beautiful on Netflix and I liked it so much I was reading recaps of it (from another site) at the same time. Thatās when I realized, a 3-minute chunk of it has been removed from episode 9 (where Mi-nam sings Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and gets hosed down on stage). I was wondering why she got sick āall of a suddenā and this deleted part explains why. I am soooo annoyed! I have minor complaints with various drama sites but this is the biggest one I know of so far.
On Netflix, I notice they remove or overdub (?) any background music thatās not officially part of the OST. It affects romcoms the most (or maybe thatās all Iāve been watching lately, heh). Some examples:
If itās a copyright issue, both Viu and Viki seem alright with it because thatās how I got to watch all the other little scenes that Netflix deleted or covered with their generic repertoire of songs. Do you know why theyāre so careful (or maybe just lazy)?
But even if I hate Netflix for this, the other sites have issues too.
Viu loves to blur knives and gore (but if I remember right, not guns). Sometimes the blurring is done so much that thereās barely anything left for me to look at the screen (especially in crime scenes that our lead characters are looking at).
Viu also for some reason, had Youāre Beautiful looking not at all beautiful in a grainy, 4:3 aspect ratio. It looked all its 12 years! And because I had so much free time I actually checked it side by side with Netflixās and it looked waaaay nicer. Netflix’s looked high def to my untrained eyes and definitely in widescreen format.
Viki, on the other hand, seems to abruptly cut the end of each episode in some of their (older) series like City Hall, Scent of a Woman, Faith etc. Itās probably pre-configured in their app but still really annoying. The Greatest Loveās finale for example, is cut by 5 precious seconds and deletes the part when the cast breaks the 4th wall to say goodbye to the viewers.
So now that I got all these off my chest, perhaps you can tell me other pros and cons that youāve noticed in these and other sites?
Also, do you know how long kdramas are generally on specific sites? Viki seems to keep them longer but Iām wondering if I should buy DVDs of some of my favorite older shows. Or is there an Apple TV version of sorts where I can buy my shows digitally?
@jiyuu – I too often used to wonder about how older Kdramas would have many of the top hits from the U.S. playing in the background because it didn’t seem like they would be paying for the rights (especially since the full version would play. At one time, in the U.S., shows could play about 15 seconds of a song without having to pay for the rights. I’m not sure if that’s still the same now though.) But once I saw how, at the time (that being Kdramas from 2005-2010), used images that I know are copyrighted and rigorously enforced (i.e., Disney characters), then I knew that the dramas from back then knew that the dramas were made for “in-house” (within the nation) viewing only. lol I noticed a change for dramas around 2012 when we began to see t-shirt’s and Apple computer logos blurred out and no more American music in the background.
As far as cutting scenes, I feel you on that! Because of that, I’m leery of watching movies on Viki. Although, from what I can see – and from the answer that Viki have me – there’s no rhyme or reason for it. Unlike what happened to you with “You’re Beautiful”, where they had to remove the song (you’d think they could’ve just replaced the song with something else (but I didn’t finish You’re Beautiful so maybe nothing else fit the scenario??????))
Dear Kfangurl – I’ve been going through a period of not having time for my Kdrama addiction (other than your blog, of course)š. And I’ve found that there are tons of shows that have been released that I wasn’t even aware were coming down the pike. I used to live my Kdrama watching life through a very popular blog but felt it lost it’s flavor (whatever it was that appealed to me). I think it lost my devotion when the set up/format changed. Anyway, I’m curious as to what/where do you follow to know which shows will be coming out and how do you decide which ones you think are going to be worth watching?
Dear Kfangurl – After your in depth, thorough, review of Move to Heaven (you’ve always done thorough reviews, but I’m amazed that you still manage to squeeze in watching dramas, much less having the time to deep dive in your writing to break down every character and every characters’ interactions with other characters the way you still do) – so after reading that recent review, I became even more curious of how you manage your time? I’d bet others here would also like to see a timeline post of “a week in Kfangurl’s life”. I imagine you writing, watching, and scribbling 24/7 (almost chained to the television and computer): “Sunday, interacting with patreon members. ‘Oh, it’s Monday, time to finish my notes on NIF’ to post on Tuesday. Wednesday, watch episodes of the latest dramas while taking notes. Post new review on drama recently completed. Thursday, Watch a couple of 1-hour drama specials, prepare and post reviews. Friday, watch episodes for KMHM and prepare recap to post on Saturday. Sunday, hair pull out day.”
But seriously, I’d be so interested in seeing how you manage it all. I guess you don’t have to tell us when you have time to brush you’re teeth, unless you want to… š
Hi, kfangurl, thanks for your amazing and detailed drama reviews. I’m currently watching Mr. Sunshine, and although I’m not loving the OTP, I have enjoyed learning about the time period in Korean history when the show is set. I’ve learned so much about Korean, Japanese, and U.S. relations at the time, and it’s fascinating! Similarly, when I watched Crash Landing on You, I loved seeing the different perspective of North Korea so much that I started getting really emotional thinking about the separation between North and South Korea. I was wondering, what dramas have you seen or recommend where you felt like you were getting a new or better understanding of history or culture?
Dear KFG, is there a way of finding more about the people behind the screenwriting and directing? I’ve done some research but there appears to be very limited information, at least in English. Or maybe you could write a little bit about it yourself? Thank you! :-))
Dear Kfangurl – so I was perusing The Site Which Shall Not Be Named and I came across a Singaporean-Chinese drama. That made me pause and think – does Singapore produce its own series/movies? If so, are there any you recommend?
@Beez, Hi! Yes, Singapore does produce its own dramas & movies. The industry here is pretty small though, mostly because Singapore is tiny. That said, there are a few Singapore dramas that are popular here. For something more recent, My Star Bride has been well-received. My sister and brother-in-law watched it and liked it; my sister said it reminded her of a kdrama. I checked out the first episode & it does have the flavor of a classic Hallyu rom-com. I have vague plans to give it a few more episodes. You can check out My Star Bride on MeWatch, a legal Singapore streaming site, here.
For something that’s a bit of a modern classic here, The Little Nyonya was super popular when it came out in 2008, so much so that it recently got a remake, last year. I haven’t checked out the 2020 version, but the 2008 version does give a nice glimpse into the Peranakan culture. Peranakans are people of mixed Chinese and Malay heritage, which is quite unique to this region due to Singapore’s largely Chinese population, and our geographical proximity to Malaysia. Happily, you should be able to check out the 2008 version of the drama here.
If you are curious to take a look at the 2020 version, which is longer by quite a few episodes, you can find it here.
Also, just FYI, in terms of the other shows that you see available on MeWatch, there’s a mix of stuff there, and not everything is a Singapore show. I notice they include dramas from other countries too. š
PS: English subtitles are available; you just need to click on the icon on the bottom right that looks like a speech bubble, to select the option for English subtitles. š
Awesome! Thanks for responding so quickly! I’ll check them out.
@Beez: Dang, I just realized that the 2020 remake of The Little Nyonya only has Chinese subs. I guess that leaves you with the 2008 version, which I’ve verified has English subs. I almost always prefer the original work to a remake anyway, so I guess this works out? š I find the 2008 one has a nice nostalgic, retro flavor.
@kfangurl – That’s okay because I always (usually) prefer the original. As much as I love Fated to Love You, the original (which I saw after FTLY) is really endearing to me. But I tend to check out remakes and other versions, and I’m not sure if it’s because I want to see the different takes on the story or if I’m just seeking more of the show that I love.
I’ve saved the response with the links you’ve given me for later. Right now I’m watching two Chinese dramas (I can’t believe it! I thought I’d never stray from Kdramas. I fault NIF for all of this! āŗ)
dear kfangurl: will you ever do a review of The untamed?
Ahaha! Gosh, I really need to take a second look at that show – so many people have asked about this! I’m sorry to keep everyone waiting, but I do find that I need to be in the right mood for something like this, and.. well, that mood hasn’t been forthcoming. š
Dear kfangirl ,
I was watching kdrama clips and have been wondering. They all look so pretty , even one with jobs in which there is exposure to excessive sunlight and dust look so…. clean . Its all good adding to kdrama fantasy but are there any dramas whose leads look more like normal us …with common jobs and maybe cheaper clothes?
Maybe all I am talking about is more realistic dramas out there. I liked another Oh hae young in that aspect and felt i was more into story and scenes rather than their appearances.
Thank you for your time !
I’m wondering about one of the most infuriating story elements I’ve noticed in kdramas. I’m talking about the seeming ease with which people slap or raise their hand to slap others. Usually this takes three forms: (1) mean bosses slapping subordinates; (2) rich or entitled customers slapping retail or service employees; or (3) people attacking police or security personnel. I’ve noticed this in pretty much every kdrama I’ve seen – whether rom-com, crime drama, or workplace show – and they do it so casually.
I’m wondering if you or your readers who are familiar with Korean society know how much basis this trope has in reality. I know from reading about workplace harassment that (1) is likely a real problem, but I couldn’t imagine expecting employees to get slapped by customers. Regarding (3), I may be American but I’m also pretty sure that in any country in the world attacking police is taking your life into your hands.
Love your reviews!
š
@wljohnny
May I safely guess that you are American (“Western”) and haven’t much exposure to Asian – South Asian countries and their people.. Either by travel or films – dramas or books or personal acquaintances or friends.
What you pointed out is absolutely noteworthy and something that makes most of us brought up as “global citizens” in multicultural environments, with cross cultural exposures – by way of having been schooled in an international education system or because the family was in diplomatic postings across various parts of the world not limited to “developed” nations; or any number of reasons – that led to straddling different cultures and traditions much more easily accept or even take in stride behaviour that may seem very odd, unfamiliar, unacceptable, unbelievable (even “barbaric”?)
:))
I’ve always been fascinated by much of this too and always wondered how a Korean Drama with all these depictions still find such a HUGE following in the West – not just by expats, immigrant, emigres form Korea and the South East and Eastern countries, but a white western audience too. There must be some powerful connect happening too.
Anyway to answer your question.
I’ll bring in the South Asian POV (as an Indian): the reason Korean Drama resonates here is that so much of what we see in Korea is exactly as it is in India.
I am a newbie to Korean Drama and what struck me immediately is how similar the behaviours and attitudes and acceptable social mores of Korea were when compared with India (generic India).
Your list of some of those shocking behaviours are very common in India too. Why?
I imagine it to be linked to a historical reality that came as baggage when the country became a nation – India is in its early childhood if you look at it in terms of how old the nations of the west are. The US. UK. Most European countries.
It’s feudal past followed by a centuries long colonial period casts a shadow over much of its modern day reality.. There are two privileged classes: one is by way of wealth – legacy wealth and the nouveau rich; the other is the entitlement from a caste system that is a millenia old.
Long story short.
Such scenes are not uncommon and often not disputed. The further you move away from the large cities and centers of modernity the stronger such attitudes prevail.
The family is strong and prime. The parental figures determine the children’s choices and trajectories in life.
Mothers are strong influences. Respect for elders is always by a show of physical deference.. “Bending” is natural and expected.. Calling strangers by “familial” names is natural.. Unique names for each and every family relationship and the degree of “physical show of respect” that goes with it..
I could go on and on.
This note is getting too long..and I bet KfanGirl will do a far more comprehensive note on your query, but I couldn’t resist my tuppence.
A minority of “Western influenced, internationally traveled, schooled and educated” from many of the developing nations (Esp the subcontinent) flinch equally strongly as any “Westerner”… However they are familiar with it.
Korea is at par with the developed nations economically.. But definitely has a long way to go, as does India (and this entire subcontinent) in achieving a “individual sense of dignity” and “public civility” to percolate deep into its psyche.
Please do not read this as a judgemental of a society or a country…but a way to understand what why of different cultures and the roots of it.
Lastly but not least – the flipside is the beauty and grace and humanity one finds in these cultures because the community as a whole is valued and the role of an individual in fitting into that fabric is of great value too..
Fierce individualism and independence also comes at a steep price.
Loneliness, emptiness, lack of social support that otherwise usually stems from our common humanity is sacrificed and often lost for good.
Thanks āŗļø
Please se excuse typos – there must copious amounts of them
I also think that, besides the slaps, the attitude of the people in other matters, such as morals, remind us of simpler times. (American pov here.)
You are correct that I am American, but I am an American of Chinese descent so I am quite familiar with some of the paternalistic and family-centered attitudes of many Asian cultures. I guess my point was that I find it hard to believe that so many people would so casually slap cops and security guards, as is shown so often in kdramas. I can believe mean bosses would do it, and maybe even believe it about rich entitled customers, but I feel like slapping cops is a sure way to get a beating – even if the officers aren’t American.
LOL – probably not a commissioned officer of the law (who get into the forces after they pass special state examinations) .. but subordinates and lower rank recruits would .. the ones NOT licensed to carry weapons (only sticks) – it happens in South Asian countries.
ONLY the Wealthy Elite will get away with it – in fact lower rank cops will NOT mess with that lot USUALLY.
YUP shameful – such is the colonial legacy – still kicking after 73 years of independence
Dear Fangurl
I discovered your blog after watching Crash Landing on You and searching for reviews online. After that I immediately would read your reviews after watching a show and using your ratings for recommendations. I absolutely love your format and style of writing. I have some questions I am highly curious about.
What are the shows you have dropped which are not on the list of shows. This started after I watched Goblin and was searching for your take. It wasn’t on the list and learned reading one of your year end recaps that it was not for you. This got me curious to know which shows you have tried and dropped. No need to write any review or explanation, just a straight up list would be great.
What are shows you dropped but plan to continue. I read on one of your replies that you eventually plan to return to Dear My Friends ( a show I loved) and Signal (I loved it as well.)
What are famous shows that you have no intention of watching. I remember mentioning Kingdom. Are shows like Dr Romantic and Stranger included in this list?
They don’t have to be 100% complete and maybe they could also help as well by lessening the number of requests you get from new members wondering about some old shows.
Of course if this is too time consuming or not something you are interested in answering then no problem whatsoever.
Thank you again for the wonderful reviews
Hi there Jonan, thanks for enjoying the blog, and thanks for your question! It hadn’t occurred to me that this would be something folks would be interested to know more about; thanks for asking the question! I’ll put it into the pool for Dear kfangurl, and hope to have a response post out in the not-too-distant future! š
Oh you must must must watch Dr Romantic..
It’s superb!!!
However it will be of greater interest to only those who are very interested in “medical stuff” – the reality and intensity and detail with which medical info (trauma centers) dealt with.
The passions of doctors – and of course the sizzling chemistry of the OTP in both the seasons.
The eponymous Dr Romantic is a HUGE IDOL – pulled off brilliantly by the actor.
But I am a sucker for well made hospital / medical dramas, be it politics within the system or romantic or a balance of all elements.
I’ve watched Doctors (another gem!!) as well as Good Doctor.
Excellent stories and treatment in both.
As far as I have gathered (KFanG admitted herself) is not into medical dramas.. They mostly “bore” her – dear Fangirl I hope I am not completely off track on this – do you’ll probably not find them reviewed with a high rating if at all.
She also is not much into melodramas – although some are gems..
Do not mistake my above statements to mean I don’t enjoy reading her reviews..
I thoroughly enjoy them – I take much tips fun her recco and laugh – always laugh aloud. She is hilarious with a great bag of colorful vocab which I have frequently peppered in my own convos and feedback.
I also thoroughly enjoy the comments section – serious drama lovers write in very thoughtful pieces.
I have enjoyed reading those and replying to them.
This is a great blog to keep under your pillow as your navigate Kdramaverse.
However do check out stuff that others elsewhere have raved about that may have been dropped or rated low in this blog.
You’ll inevitably find your own strong likes that may not resonate here.. But that’s the wonderful variety of all of us – that’s what I best like about this blog and KFanG – it’s a liberal and generous place that accommodates everyone with all their range of reactions.
Dear Kfangurl, I need help! I know my K-bloom isn’t totally off the rose but I feel as if it’s hanging on by only a couple of wilting petals. I’m not tired of Kdramas but I find I can’t easily decide what to watch these days.
At this stage in the game, where my biases (actors that I watched in ANYthing they starred in next) are getting older so filling less leading roles, I find myself with less that I’m interested in watching unless the synopsis snags me with a unique subject matter or hobby or career/lifestyle that I’m interested in. So how do you (I’ve noticed you’ve become more selective) choose the shows that are worth your busy time? For example, I see you reviewed My Unfamiliar Family. I haven’t read your review yet because 1) I never read reviews of shows I have no intention of watching and 2) I never read reviews beforehand of a show I intend to watch. So looking at the synopsis on AsianWiki for My Unfamiliar Family – sounds like a total snoozefest. And I learned to never rely on video teasers as they are totally random and can set me up for disappointment when a teaser is hilarious but the show turns out to be a drama and vice versa. So, how do you decide what’s up next to, not necessarily review, but to watch?
You know, this reminds me of another Dear Kfangurl post? I can’t remember when I read it, but it’s here on this site. So I suggest checking it out if you have the time.
Okay, I’m not Kfangurl but I’ve been in this exact position before! When I was new to dramas, I used to binge-watch them at a really fast pace, skip all the scenes until I got to the ~romantic~ ones, and at some point I got to the point where I couldn’t tell you the plot of the story but could tell you at exactly which minute in which episode the main couple kissed, held hands and backhugged. So after a while I naturally got really bored and went into a drama slump. Here’s what I did when I got into one: (it’s tried and tested!)
I rewatch all of my favorite dramas! These could be the ones that got you into dramas, or your all-time favorites! It doesn’t matter if t actually really suck or were given D reviews on this website or were so bad that Kfangurl didn’t bother to watch past the first three seconds. If you liked it, watch it! (Mine are Heirs, Meteor Garden, A Love So Beautiful, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo.)
If that doesn’t work, watch a drama that everyone loves. It could be a classic k-drama or a drama that broke the ratings ceiling. A universally well-liked drama. But make sure it’s in a genre you like/has elements of things you like to watch in a drama, because if you like detective shows and start watching Reply 1988 you’re probably not going to enjoy what you watch. Bonus points if your bias is in it!
Check out new dramas coming up! For K-drama, MyDramaList puts out a YouTube video every month of the upcoming month’s dramas with a whole synopsis and list of actors. (Of course there’s other sources, but that’s what I use!) I think they have similar list-y videos for C dramas and J dramas, too! And in a big pool of twenty odd dramas a month, you’re bound to like at least something. If you’re not sure about whether you like a drama or not based off a synopsis, try watching at least three or four episodes. Of course we can’t rely on a synopsis to give us a good idea of what the whole drama will be like, but watching a couple episodes gives me a far better idea!
Oh and lastly… reviews are really unreliable. Yes, I know this is horribly hypocritical of me to say, especially ON A REVIEWS SITE, but every time I read a review on here, I have to remember that people’s tastes are subjective and what one person loves may not be what another person likes! And checking out reviews before I read a drama is really discouraging, sometimes, especially if the reviews are bad. I wait to form my own opinion before reading reviews, usually!
So that’s my unwanted opinion. I can guarantee this method works because it’s survived the six drama slumps my extremely short teenager’s attention span has put me through. And even if you do end up giving up on dramas, it’s okay! it’s okay if you leave drama land for one year, or two years, or even ten years. It’s always here waiting for us. You don’t have to stick to liking one thing forever, because people and their interests change and that is normal.
I hope you leave your drama slump soon! Good luck!
@bubblebathdaisies – The problem is, because of my memory issues, I often return to rewatch my favorite dramas so that won’t work for me. But you made me smile and I will definitely take your advice to check out MyDramaList on Youtube. Thanks for the š!
@Beez
I’ve entered that phase of my life on Kdramaverse.
I relate to so much of what you’ve written above š
Although I started watching Kdrama only during Covid Times (May – end 2020) I have some 100 shows (watched – part watched – DROPPED) under my belt.
Started feeling the drought from last December 2020 .. as the good stuff seemed to be drying up from Nov onwards.
BUT here’s the wonderful surprises I got along the way when I thought I had nothing to watch (I followed shows from reccos on blogs mainly) I started browsing Viki Reader Comments of shows with high viewership numbers and High ratings!!
Such a pleasant surprise that I found gems in there that I loved š unexpected discoveries – of shows AND actors I hadn’t seen before :-))
Have you watched the following:
She was Pretty
Another! Ms Oh Hae Young
Undateables
Secrets (this was a Melo .. sometimes cringey .. BUT it’s Hwang Jung Eum cringey so it’s bearable) out and out .. the ONLY reason I couldn’t leave it was the OMG levels of OTP chemistry .. and that last scene .. uffffff
I rewound SO many times š
ANYONE watching Vincenzo? Am waiting for it to can. March end binge waiting.
Hi bosujiboseBosuji (don’t be surprised if you see comments directed at you as “BBB” š)
You’ve watched a LOT! (Although, I myself don’t count the dropped ones as watched š but that’s still a lot.) Although I’m surprised you’re feeling burnt out already? It’s taken me 7 years! I’ve actually been checking out a couple of Japanese and quite a few Chinese dramas. They don’t have the same relatability that I feel from Kdrama characters but a good story is a good story.
I admit I totally ignore Viki’s currents because they rate EVERYthing 9 or 10 stars, including stuff that I know is barely even a 6!
I enjoyed She Was Pretty although I found the OTP boring. I became a fan of Choi Siwon for keeping that show “alive” for me. I ā¤ Park Seo joon but his character was boring to me. I was hoping for that rare Kdrama unicorn where the OTP (One True Pairing) switches to the second lead.
I finished Another Oh Hae Young but I didn’t like it much.
Secrets has been on my watchlist for a while. It looks very interesting. Thanks for the reminder cause the list is so long now it’s hard to pick something from it.
I will definitely be watching Vincenzo but I haven’t started it yet. While you’re waiting to binge, have you watched Mr. Queen? It’s hilarious and has great actors.
Dear kfangurl,
(This is a long intro, so skip it if you wish) Hello! I’ve been a silent reader of your blog for a really long time, since I was thirteen and I just made this account to comment! I’m sixteen now, and I feel like I’ve grown up with your blog- you introduced me to dramas and k-pop, and I still read your older articles when I feel down, it’s like comfort food for me. So thank you for that!
The question I have is: What do you think of idol actors? I don’t know if it’s just me, but it feels like a lot more idols are starring in dramas nowadays, and they may not always be good at acting. The general consensus among some of my other drama-watching friends is that idol actors take away jobs from better-trained rookie actors, and some think it’s unfair that they get to use a drama as an acting class. Personally, I think it’s a bit of a gray area, since there’s plenty of perfectly well-trained and decently popular actors who can’t reeeallly act that well, but also it kind of ruins the drama for me if the lead cannot act well (fourteen year old me wasn’t that bothered about acting skills so much as ~swoon~ factor and watched The Great Seducer on repeat, but I watched it last week and had to skip a big big chunk of the scenes because the acting was…not the greatest) What do you think?
(But I think we all know idols are going to keep getting casted anyways, lol. They’re far too popular to miss out on for profit-related purposes, and some of them are really really good!)
Hi bubblebathdaisies – Love your name! I usually shy away from idol and school themed dramas because I cannot relate to them. I prefer detective stories personally. I understand exactly what you are saying though.
There are some former idols that have done so well – Park Seo-joon being one. It also does not help that I am not into KPop – I am frankly too old although, I have to admit that I really like BTS’ dancing and I like a few of their songs. Most KPop idols are extremely talented and so hard working but moving to acting is still al challenge for most.
I agree that this site is like comfort food! I am right with ya!
@phl1rxd – Park Seo joon was a singing idol? That’s the first I heard of that! Could you maybe be mixing him up with Park Yoochan? (Although I could be wrong because all my knowledge of Kpop consists of following Rain; knowing who BTS are (barely); and knowing a few older group’s names because certain actors came out of them like Yoochan; Choi Siwon; and Lee joon. And a handful of others. So let me know if Park Seo joon was really an idol?
Hi Beez – My bad. You are quite right. This is what happens when you do not follow KPop. ššš For some reason I remember him singing several OSTs and must have gotten him mixed up in my head. Apologies to the KPop fans.
Thank you!
I usually don’t watch idol dramas, too, unless it’s one of my biases acting or the story is REALLY interesting. When I was younger, I used to pretty much watch school dramas all day every day. I watched Heirs on repeat and thought it was the greatest drama on Earth (thankfully, I’ve grown out of that phase now!) But as I’ve grown a little older, I’m getting more interested in more mature-ish, older-people dramas, and I’m proud to say that I completed a whole drama with no romance in it (Save Me, starring Seo Ye Ji!) And school dramas kind of depress me now, especially since they’re all about the evil school system in Korea and school bullies and the wealth inequality gap thingy (which are important issues but I like to watch school dramas that make me happy!) So if you do have any detective drama recs, I’d be very happy to watch them!
Hi bubblebathdaisies!!! It’s great to finally meet you, thanks for making an account just so that we could chat! You are so sweet. ā¤ļøā¤ļø
Thanks for your question, it’s a great one, and I hope to post a Dear kfangurl post in answer, perhaps later this month. Do look out for it! š
Dear KFanG,
Finished watching “Backstreet Rookie” on Dramacool.
Highly recommend. I will take a bet that it’s right up your alley ;-p
I two day bingewatch .. count get off the couch ..
ESP recommended for all Wookie-lovers ..
THAT GUY’s acting chops have gotten so so so sharp .. and who knew that he could do comedic roles to such perfection .. polar opposite from Healer-ya’s .. all the more kudos ..
He’s sticking to his word (post K2 interview) that he’ll avoid Action Roles.
Awww!
(Wookie don’t do that!! The K2 Wookie look and act was steamy hot phenomenal .. tho’ the show – sniff – was a total dud. So wasn’t surprised that it made him swear off action drama after all that hard work froze over)
Y’know, I gotta be honest, I don’t think I’ll like Backstreet Rookie, unfortunately. š I took a look at some snippets, and it just didn’t grab me. I also think Show’s sense of humor would be a problem for me. So, to preserve my Wookie affection, I’m giving it a pass. š
š
I hear you on the humour.
There was some very OTT humour which was also dragged out and in repeat mode – which made me cringe and ffwd a lot.
Esp the second lead portions.
Even sections in the Rookie’s family dynamics which was supposed to be funny wasn’t at all.
I skipped through a lot of it or simply adjusted my lens to see it as a severely dysfunctional family.. Pitiful.. But it was balanced by some heartfelt moments and coming to terms with “we are broken but this is as good as it gets” kind and of poignancy.
The OTP was just so adorable it pulled me through.
And it always intrigues me when one lead is deeply invested in an existing relationship…and it’s full of bated breath waiting to see when the other shoe will drop.. When ans how will the focus shift etc.
Plus I read that the show got into a lot of controversy too.
I wrote somewhere in a comment about that.
If I find it hope it’s OK to share here.. For other commenter to share their opinions.
:))
Backstreet Rookie suffered from the same issue I had with Melting Me Softly. In MMS, it’s obvious he won’t stay with his previous girlfriend because she’s aged and he hasn’t but they never had him deal with it emotionally (for us to see) and now he’s suddenly with his new girlfriend. Likewise, in Backstreet, I felt he broke up with his girlfriend and SNAP stated liking Saet-byl. Why? (Besides the obvious that she’s gorgeous and into him. But that never tempted him or swayed him before.) Those links in the steps in the relationships are important for me to see to get on board an OTP.
That said, I was still glad to see JCW on my screen again and Backstreet was waaay better than Melting, which had ridiculous leaps in logic.
In my opinion, plot wise, the reason for the clear cut “turn of the page” was explained within the drama: we saw him struggle with the breakup, then after the discovery that she hid the truth about her family, despite insisting on honesty, and particularly after seeing his parents humiliated (which she insisted she didn’t have anything to do with, but that was clearly a sticking point for him), he had the drunken “vision” scene at the beach, and then he was over her, definitely.
As for the FL, she was attractive, into him, and always around him. They were both unattached. So, in light of the fact that the “clean break” of his previous relationship was explained, it didn’t feel illogical for them to fall for each other (though there was not really much conflict in the “love triangle” after that point).
Yes feel free to share. I’m sure it would help other readers, or at least provide a platform for conversation. š
Hi Bosuji! I did not make it to the end of E1. It just wasn’t for me. However, I am glad that you enjoyed it and I am happy that it made you happy!
@KFanG
LOL
“So, to preserve my Wookie affection, Iām giving it a pass.”
What I love about your writing is that you manage to come up with lines that have insta-resonance with the reader (especially someone like me who has no one with whom to bounce off and ‘girl talk – drama buff talk’ about KDrama).
Example : the above quote
The MAIN reason I quit DOTS.
Oh No (hand over eyes monkey emo)!!! Song Joong Ki!!
I can’t watch you in a show that began to feel like a “patriotic march for my country song” ” and look like a “Travel guide” add on the “poor acting by Song Hye Kyo”.
She who played the Blind Girl so well in That Winter the Wind Blows.. And then Full House.. Is a wooden robotic disaster (IMO of course – with a deep Miyane bow to SHK fans and supporters š).
Wooden robotic?? š¤Ŗ lol bad metaphor? That’s how irksome I found her role..
Freudian? This repulsion??
Sigh.. maybe..
Joongki stole my heart since SSKK with that wink. (Is he or is he NOT Winker par excellence in the world of Drama actors?)
Anyway I diverge..
š
Lol. Sometimes you need to quit in order to preserve the love, so you do what you need to do! I personally managed to enjoy Song Joong Ki being macho in his military fatigues despite my disenchantment with the OTP, but if the OTP puts you off that much, you’re probably better off avoiding it! š
Chuckle – oh have no problem watching Joongki in Fatigues.. He cuts a hottt figure especially the flirty role he plays so well here..
I wish there was a I could block out the female lead (green screen her out with some special graphics card able to do that) and choose a different actress.. (The role is very cool too).
Who would I choose? Han Ji Min? Bae Suzy?
Aaah SIGH – I’d have loved Sulli to bring her rebel independent soul into this role…she’d be stunning to look at. Soulful. Yet playful and feisty.
You can tell I am fresh from falling in love with her in To The Beautiful You and then some.
I Googled and was head over heels with who she was in real life too. Then my heart crushed to pieces.
I’d lend Sulli to Joongki and ship them to the moon and back.
Why do I read a tragic connect in their orbits…even though one has sped away into the galaxy far far away
Goodnight @KFanG
I found it much better than the webtoon, at least. The humor did not really play a big role, though I found it pretty funny if you knew the context/background, for example the expectation vs reality fighting scene with the ML was hilarious, given that he is famous for action roles where he is a depicted as a powerful fighter.
Dear Fangirl ..
In the Drama Review Index you have created I find that the alphabet E has no entry ..
I’d gone looking for one of your detailed breakdown style review for Empress Ki.
š
This show was scrolling on Netflix for a long time but I’d whip past it ..
AND THEN I watched Healer (since it was highly rated by you) ..
It was my first Ji Chang Wook drama .. He struck like a magnet dart .. Right then I knew I was going to rummage through everything else he’s done.
Empress Ki?? I was shocked that he was in it. (Healer certainly was a world apart from a saeguk).
But 51 episodes???
The prospect of 51 hours with a JCW show – its seriously high ratings – pushed me headlong into it.
First episode, first scene onwards I was embedded firmly into the show.
Unforgettable!
Been loop playing the OST since š
cheers
Hi there Bosuji, thanks for suggestion on Empress Ki.. I know it’s a much loved show, but I haven’t found myself in the mood to give a second try. The first time I tried it, I think I wasn’t in the mood for it, and I didn’t get past E1. š It doesn’t help that I’m not a huge fan of Ha Ji Won’s. š Maybe someday I’ll give it another try.
;-p
I wasn’t into Ha Ji Won either .. I first saw her in Secret Garden ..
Not the conventional “picture perfect face” .. the fall in flutters at first sight kind of physicality.
I’ll admit I am so often shallow enough to skip promising shows because the still images of OTP wasn’t attractive enough ;-p
Hyun Bin’s chiseled, all planes and angles jaw and cheekbone days from some 13 years ago helped block out Ha Ji Min negating effect
;-p
I hooked by Binnie’s ‘arrogant nasty act’ played with such sexy panache that you’d want to pin his ams down, wrist-grab and whisk him around to whack him!!
(Surprised that the scriptwriter – director didn’t put it in the show – especially since Ha Ji Won is a stuntwoman, they leave it as mild kicks in the shin – CUMMON!!).
BUT Ha Ji Won goes fluid and she snuck into the role filling it out and I ended up costing up to her.
(I now find her to be a talented actress – put her at the same level as Han Ji Min / Song Hye Kyo / Son Ye Jin / Kim Go Eun / Yoon Eun Hye)
Her weepy, sad eye situations don’t make me cringe – which gets sooo uncomfy “Melo” in many otherwise well acted roles by top actresses.
So I expected that Ha ji Won fluidity would bring her alive in Empress Ki too.
I found her her average looks which is fluid enough to move in the wide spectrum from down-to-earth to gobsmacking stunning fitted the role to a T.
So her character’s arc in the Empress Ki achieved the solidity it required, which I cannot quite imagine another actress filling in.
Anyway it’s of course the eye of the beholder ;-p
I hope you’ll watch it someday and do a stunning review as you always too.
I’ll be back to chat on it ;-p
cheers
Considering I started watching for the two male leads, I have to say Ha Ji won (and the writers) gave the character the strength that it would’ve taken for the real Empress Ki to survived in a foreign court where Korean girls were, I hate to say it, treated as “Comfort Women” the same as their descendants would be six centuries later. HJW’s Empress Ki had a spine of steel and a will of granite. I thought it was a great tribute to the historical person.
I tuned in for Joo Jin mo but I stayed for the full series because of Ji Chan wook (and I hadn’t even seen Healer yet at that point). He starts out really annoying and funny but the role takes him to a range of total serious drama.
@beez
š
The silly – ditsy – pesky – self entered – entitled segment of the Emperor’s character arc to the angsty, angry, venting, jealous, arrogant…to the romantic – grief stricken – prankster – gullible – intelligent – regal – kind generous – loner type – lover boy…
Ji Chang Wook touches upon all these facets and more. Wow!!!
From the tip of the nose to the toes of Emperor Ta Hwan.. Loved every bit of the portrayal
Eyes crying flowers of joy
@Bosuli – while its not pleasant, he also played cowardly and a rapist in that long list of emotions – oh! And let’s not forget insane. He really was required to touch on everything a human could and JCW brought it all!
Dear Kfangurl, how do I delete a comment I’ve posted twice??? Done it a few times.
Thanx.
Carulhein
Unfortunately there’s no delete function on this blog layout, but I saw the duplicate comment on the dance moves, and will delete the duplicate for you. š
I watched SnowQueen – on Dramacool website .. I wish Netflix would get it :-I
I am a recent inductee into the Kdrama Universe – Beginning in June 2020 .. My Anti-Covid Stress busting drug of choice .. and ever since watching Hyun Bin in CLOY .. Have been running through his entire oeuvre!
Dramas .. films .. YouTube videos of him in interviews and singing – BTW does that guy not dance ?! Sigh!
Came to look here for your review of SnowQueen. Two time watch with a toilet roll in hand ..
I hope you will watch :~>
Here’s me looking out for it
cheers and stay safe
Gosh, I’ve had Snow Queen on my watch list for years now, but haven’t gotten to it, because there’s always something newer and shinier that I want to check out. š Thanks for reminding me of it!
āŗļø
In another post I have also recommended Empress Ki – was looking for your standard detailed review, even though in a post you mentioned that “melodrama” isn’t quite something you like to sit through…
Empress Ki I thought was a classic.. With two of my fave actors JCW and HJW as one of the OTPs.
I guess when I saw the excellent JCW special you wrote (Healer was love at first sight with JCW) made me think Empress Ki would be on the watched list My main reason to jump into its 52 episode deep waters.
On Sat, 15 Aug 2020 at 12:34 PM, The Fangirl Verdict wrote:
> > > > > kfangurl commented: “Gosh, I’ve had Snow Queen on my watch list for years > now, but haven’t gotten to it, because there’s always something newer and > shinier that I want to check out. š Thanks for reminding me of it!” > > > >
Hi, yes, I saw your comment on Empress Ki (and recently replied to it – sorry for being late!).. I did try Empress Ki, but only for about an ep. I think I wasn’t in the mood for it, and also, I have to confess that I’m quite meh towards Ha Ji Won as an actress (so far), which didn’t help. I’ve heard lots of positive sentiment for it though, so maybe one day? šš
Hello KFG! I come here often to see which kdramas are worth watching. We may have similar tastes as I find some of the dramas you graded A really worth the watch. I love WFKBJ, Reply 1988, Misaeng, Prison Playbook, etc. I recently watched Live, and I loved it. Although you havenāt reviewed it yet, maybe you can help me find something that is close to it. If you can recommend a kdrama which centers on friendship, which is fast-paced, somewhat realistic, mature, and deals with everyday human struggle, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
Hi there, I’m sorry for this late reply; I wonder if you’ve watched My Mister? It’s not fast-paced, but it checks your other boxes and I thought it was amazing. Another one you might to consider is Itaewon Class. I hope that helps! š
Dear Kfangurl, Are supporting actors too funny to ever cast as leads? I keep waiting for my favorites – Park Jin-Joo, Kim Seul gi and my all time favorite, Kim Sung oh to be part of an OTP or at least a single lead in their own dramas. I’ve seen all of them give snippets of really moving scenes so their acting talent is not in question. What gives?
Ooh, thanks for the question, Beez! Phl also asked a question related to supporting actors, so I feel like both your questions would combine really nicely for a post! š It’s on the list – after I get a couple of reviews out! š
Park Jin-joo is seriously great. I loved her role in IOTNBO, and also in Sunny.
No doubts on her acting chops. So I’m sure she’d do good as a lead as well.
But I guess after being cast as a supporting cast many times your prospect of being casted as a lead thins down a little, especially in main stream or big name dramas.
But looking at a longer game, it’s these supporting characters who hone their skills more than the leads. And become big names in the industry.
I think the director of Melo Suits Me casted a lot of unfamiliar faces and relatively new people in his drama. And the drama was nothing short of epic. So I think there’s definitely hope!
Cheers!
Dear KFG,
I totally agree with your insights as to why āweā like watching kdramas. To add i like watching kdramas more because it focuses on the story and yes you dont need to wait for another season to know the ending. I love how you give a full review and it really helps me on what to watch next. The most we have the same taste… though i like Heirs .. that is where i discovered Lee Min Ho and cried with him too hehehe. Anyway continue to provide full reviews.. i am a fan…
Okay, this is truly a random question/comment… but itās one that suddenly occurred to me in the middle of an episode in a drama (A Korean Odyssey), and other than Reddit I didnāt know if there was any where else I could ask this question other than here āso here I go…
Have you/anyone else ever noticed how the male lead in a lot of these new Kdrama (the Netflix ones) progressively dress in a more professional manner as the show progresses? I was sitting there watching my fine Monkey King in A Korean Odyssey, and I was suddenly like, āOmg. What happened to his ridiculous furry coats, his punker jackets, bad-ass baggy pants and his sensible action-hero vans?!?ā Now he just looks like… every… other… male lead in… every Kdrama there ever was. āPolished. Professional. Cool. Snoozeville.ā I loved his punker/anime inspired esthetic. His wardrobe added that extra panache to his character. It kinda felt like a return to the golden age of the 2010 Kdramas with the whole ābad-boyā vibes he was giving off. I half expected him to have a ring in one ear. š Which would have been very, Time Between Dog and Wolf. But I digress… back to my totally random question of why is there currently a trend in Kdrama of making the male lead more sophisticated as the story progresses? Iāve noticed this trend in Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class and a few other newer ones.
Hi Naomi!! Thanks for your question! Let me work on a reply, and hopefully we can shed some light on this phenomenon! š
Hey KFGā„ļø
Whenever I talk about kdramas with people who don’t watch them,they’re always like ‘why kdramas specifically?’which I’ve never been able to answer that well,I’ve never really looked that deep into it,I just say that ‘I enjoy them more’. So to phrase my question better ‘What makes kdramas more appealing than western dramas?’ I don’t know if a lot of people can relate to this but ever since I got into kdramas,I honestly can’t watch anything else,I still watch some western shows but it’s not the same,I’m not as drawn in. I know that everyone has got their different reasons for why they prefer/enjoy kdramas but I would really like to hear your take on it,maybe I might able to understand more about why I do as well.
Hey liability! <3 I've put up an answer to your question, I hope you enjoy! š You can check it out here.
Thanks so much for replying to query/question!Sorry it took so long for me to notice.
So my question is: Is it just me or is it really hard to find likable leads these days in dramas? I mean most female leads these days annoy me compared to older dramas. But also male leads are just sometimes you know …. facepalm material.
Is that me or is there actually something changing in dramas? Back in the day I liked 9/10 of the dramas (and their leads) that I watched but now it is more like 3-4/10…
Am I getting old? š
Hey Larius, thanks for your question! I’ll need to think about this one.. hopefully I’ll be able to come up with something! š
You don’t have to write an article or a doctorial essay ^^ Just keep it simple š
Dear kfangurl, I know this is mostly a blog about kdramas, but please do a post on recommended Chinese dramas! I actually found your blog after watching (the terrible) Well-Intended Love, and then read through your posts on NIF and NIF2 (my two *favorite* dramas of all time!). While I mostly watch kdramas, I’m always on the lookout for a good C-drama to brush up on my mandarin skills. Please share your top 10 (or 20!). Since you watch Kdramas and Cdramas, it would be nice to get your perspective. In general I only watch historical Cdramas (and find them more interesting and well-plotted than historical Kdramas) and vice versa for modern dramas (only watch modern Kdramas and find them SO much better than modern Cdramas). So I’d love to hear your perspective on Cdramas or maybe a comparison between Kdrama and Cdrama?? Thank you for considering!
Thanks for the question, Nao, I’ve added it to the question pile! š I don’t know if I’ve seen enough C-dramas that I love, but let me see what I can do! š
Dear Kfangurl,
I like reading your witty and thoughtful musings on dramas and their fans. I would like to read your take on one of the most popular drama tropes, the anti-hero (or heroine). I admit that I am fascinated with conflicted characters because I think that inside each of them is hidden the possibility for redemption. And redemption and character growth are the bread and butter of good storytelling. So if and when you are able, please share your insights about what makes a good anti-hero and why do the drama fans like them.
Sincerely,
Snow Flower
Hi Snow Flower, thanks for this very interesting question! I’ve started thinking of how to answer your question, and hope to post a reply in the not too distant future! š Stay tuned! ā¤ļøš
Oh this is JUICE!!!
@SnowFlower thanks for putting the convo starter question to @KFanG
The anti-hero show is top fodder for me – the reason a good melo will always be my first pick for a watch..
What is a “good” melo of course is open for description and depends on personal taste.
Can anti-hero characters exist outside the Makjang genre?
Anyway will keep returning after more thought.
Love that KFanG has listed her favourite and not so favourite anti-hero characters.. Some of which is on my watch-wait list and some I have too have watched.
Here’s a few more :
That Winter the Wind Blows
What Happened in Bali
Cain and Abel
City Hunter
Mr Sunshine (am yet to finish watching.. But it’s premise has already cast the die)
would Empress Ki qualify too? Yes and No?
Art is not science…thus the beauty and flexibility of how genres can overlap and intertwine to create such unique weaves in endless story telling with the same themes
Oh yes, I forgot about That Winter, Jo In Sung’s character definitely qualifies as an anti-hero! I’d agree with City Hunter too. I haven’t seen the other ones you listed, and I never finished Mr. Sunshine, so I won’t comment!
I do like what you say about art not being science. Very eloquently put! š
@Bosuli – Empress Ki. Verrry interesting. I’m assuming you’re talking about Ha Ji won’s character? She was excellent throughout in different embodiments – from the girl disguised as a boy playing Robin Hood but for serious; and then using her feminine wiles on the emperor; to her behind the scenes manipulations which started out for survival but morphed into changing a nation’s policies.
Hey my friend,
I hope you are safe and well with this virus going wild. It has been a long time no talk. Life has a way to make you focus on things. Sense we talked last I think haha I got divorced. Then met a wonderful lady from Cebu, PH. She was visiting her niece that was going to college at William and Mary. I was at the beach near the school and she stopped and asked how to get to this place to eat. That was the start of a yr long messenger everyday date haha. After yr I went there to meet the family and we got married. I sold my stuff there in the US and moved here. So kind of neighbors now haha. I lost your email and somehow started to get your reviews again. Glad to be able to touch base. How are things? Drop a email when you can. Will tell you more. Cheers my friend Russ
Russ! Wow, long time! š Glad to hear from you! š And wow, you’ve had A LOT going on, since we last chatted! Feels like I’m reading the summary of a drama, in a way! š Glad to know that you’re happy and settled, and doing well in your new home. I’m basically the same, honestly. Not a lot to update, except that I’ve moved house since we last spoke. But unlike you, who moved countries, I only moved neighborhoods, HA. šš I will drop you an email, just so that you have my email addy again! š
I loved the terrible OTP article especially becos you solved my secret garden dilemma…I saw it recently and just didn’t like it…and didn’t understand why you did.. thankfully our tastes mature like wine!!
Ahaha! Whoops! I’m sorry for perplexing you! š I was very into SeGa when I watched back when it aired. I didn’t love the ending, but I ate up the rest of it with relish. And now.. I can’t bear to watch it at all! What a turnaround! š Glad you enjoyed the post, and YAY that it helped clear up your dilemma! <3
Dear kfangurl,
thank you very much for your answer to my previous question, the one about strong and nuanced women š
I already started watching “The Story of Minglan’ and I am loving it so much! (Btw it’s also one of my first C-dramas, so thank you for the new experience!)
This time too, I have a similar question about couples. I love romance and I’ll never have enough of it, but many times it seems to me that the characters end up together just because it’s a “plot requirement” and because we expect them to get together. So there may be no chemistry at all, or plot holes about their coming together, things can feel clichĆ©d and may lack of depth.
I read your review of “Crash landing on you” and since you appreciated the OTP, I went to watch the show and yes! The OTP was marvellous! They were very believable and engaging. Thus I ask for your advice once again xD
Can you recommend me some dramas with believable couples and good chemistry?
Hi there Reka, thanks for your question! I’ve just posted my reply here, I hope you enjoy! <3
I know this maybe hard to answer and it isn’t too specific but “What is the most interesting subplot you have ever seen in a drama?” and/or “What is your worst unsolved subplot in a drama?” like did the writer forgot about this or the resolution was underwhelming.
I’ll be thanking you if you ever get to read this. And you should also take care amid this COVID-19 scare. I’m just here chilling with my dramas and anime.
Hi there Jae.. that’s an interesting question. I’m sure there are others that I’ve encountered, but for today, my answer is the female lead’s supposed bad luck in 2016’s Lucky Romance, which is a driving force that keeps her apart from her loved ones and the guy that she likes, for a very large chunk of the show. But, without explanation, that supposed bad luck is poofed away in the final episode, so that she can get a happy ending. That was bad. :/
Thanks for your well wishes, Jae, you take care too! š
Dear kfangurl,
I love you blog! Your reviews are very interesting!
I started watching kdramas last year, and haven’t stopped since xD
I was wondering, can you recommend me any kdramas with good, compiling, interesting female characters? Because I find this aspect kind of lacking D:
Hi there Reka, I’ve managed to post an answer to your question. You can find it here. Do also check out the comments coz everyone else has chimed in with suggestions that I either missed or didn’t know about. I hope you enjoy. š
Dear kfangurl, what makes a kdrama addicting enough that I want to rewatch at least 10 times?
I’m kinda in the middle of a tough transition period at the moment and I found myself going back to rewatching all my favourite dramas – Healer, My Love From Another Star, Because This Is My First Life, Fight For My Way and Suspicious Partner, but with the FF button when it came to the “evil chaebol” or “bad guy” bits. But when I decided to try a drama that I hadn’t watched but was on my list, I kept dropping them half way. What is it in the above dramas, which I believe you loved as well after reading your reviews (which were amazing btw), or any general drama that makes me come back to these again and again?
Thanks for your question! I will work on posting an answer, hopefully soonish! <3
As promised, I’ve attempted to answer your question, dear shorterthanparkboyoung – you can check out the post here. I hope you find it helpful! <3
Loved it so much kfangirl. I’ve left a very detailed comment on the actual post which will express my gratitude in much more detail.
Lots of love from this short girl!
Aw, lotsa love back atcha, m’dear! ā¤
Hi kfangirl it’s me again, I found that your last post reply to my question was very helpful and very well explained so thank you very much and I’m here with another question (sorry). Basically I was wondering why is it that so many dramas employ the same, sometimes very cringeworthy tropes (wrist grabs, accidental kisses, chaebol family drama etc) and viewers like me, who have seen them so many times before, still continue to lap them up? That was a very long winded question sorry, and adding to that why is it that writers continue to add in these tropes. I became interested in this when I began watching Crash Landing on You thanks to my undying Hyun Bin love ever since I watched secret garden. The show definitely has a lot of these tropes and yet I still continue to get sucked in. Am I the only one?
Hi there diti, thanks for your question! š I’ll have to think about it for a bit, but I hope to post my best attempt at a reply soonish, so do look out for it. š
Hey diti, I’ve attempted to answer your question in a new Dear kfangurl post, you can check it out here. š
Thanks kfrangurl! That was wayyy sooner than I expected and answered so well! š Absolutely loving your site and your work on it!
Aw thanks my dear, I’m so glad you liked it, and I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying the rest of the site as well! <3
Dear Fangirl,
I love your reviews. They are well written, insightful and detailed.
Why do you prefer K dramas to C dramas?
Can you review more C dramas?
Hi there Oscar, thanks for enjoying the reviews! š I guess I’ve reviewed fewer Cdramas coz those tend to be very long, while the kdramas tend to be shorter (except for the family and daily dramas, which have much higher episode counts). Because of their length, it takes me much longer to finish a Cdrama than a kdrama, which is why I manage to write more kdrama reviews. I’ve heard that China’s going to control the number of episodes per drama, so hopefully that will help me to watch – and review – more Cdramas! š
Dear kfangirl, is it normal that I am so so addicted to kdramas that real life seems dull and I can’t focus on studying because all I want to do is just click for the next episode?
Hi there diti, thanks for your question. I hope this post helps inspire you with some ideas to manage your drama love! š
Thank you so much for this post!
I’m sincerely going to try and implement the strategies u have suggested and here’s to hoping that 2020 will mean a less drama crazed me š
Aw, you’re very welcome, diti! š I’m so glad that you found the post helpful! <3 And yes, may 2020 be more balanced, and yet still full of fun drama times for ya! š
Hay, hay, hay…it’s me, Reiko! *hugs* Long time no talk ne? Sry, I know it’s been a long while, and possibly maybe too long to even remember when I last used to write comments on your blog either. *sigh* ššš¤¦š»āāļøš I guess for a long while (back then), I had to take a long break from watching kdramas. (I know, I know) You’re probably wondering ‘why’ too. lol But, I started up again in wanting to watch, and so far I’ve finished watching ‘Tunnel’, which I LOVED to death! So much so, I REALLY wished that dang research doctor on it would DIE, and thankfully, he did in the end. LOL š¤¦š»āāļøš¤Ŗšš¤£š I usually don’t ever wish for a drama character to die, but in that drama, ohhhhhh you bet I did! hahaha I’m currently watching (2 at once) ‘The Last Empress’ and ‘Devilish Charm’. I’m almost half-done watching The Last Empress and my goodness…talk about a romcom roller coaster ride of the year w/this one! The writers (I felt) were exceptionally fantastic to this storyline because it’s REALLY made me feel all sorts of feelings/emotions. lol Not to mention, the 2 main characters to this one, I SWEAR TO GOD I WANTED THEM DEAD. LOL It’s my honest-to-God feelings on them. (UGHHH) And, when Lee Hyuk had Min Yoo-Ra burn in fire inside of his truck and left her to burn, I took complete happiness knowing she would be left for dead. Both of them were conniving/manipulative/deceitful/cheating/lying characters so, hey…what can I say you know? lol An eye for an eye is what I always say. What goes around, comes around. Both of them got karma back to the bone and deserved every bit of what came to them. Who I really felt sorry for was Oh Ssu-Ni (Jang Na-Ra) and Na Wang-Sik’s (Tae Hang-Ho) characters. Both of them endured so much, and then some. šš¤¦š»āāļø Thankfully, Oh Ssu-Ni was able to stand up for herself mid way into the drama, and I rooted for her even more when she stood up to Lee Hyuk and Min Yoo-Ra, telling them off and not putting up w/their shenanigans anymore. If it were me, I’d tell both of the characters ‘…today is my last straw I put up w/any of your sh*t! No more already!’ lol Oh gosh, I just realized I did it again didn’t I? (revealed too much stuff on here) If you want, just immediately delete the necessary sentences in my comment. Anyway, another thing I wanted to tell you was…I fell for Choi Jin-hyuk BIG TIME since ‘Tunnel’!!!! Ever since that drama, I started looking for more of his dramas, and I finally found a (sort-of) recent one called, ‘Devilish Joy’. Holymoly, I read on certain blogs that his kissing scenes in that drama were SUPER HOT and intense, weren’t they? *dies* Ppl have said it was as if the couple’s kisses were like as if they were married or something. šš„°ā¤ļøšš¤©šššššššš»āāļø (GOOD! lol š) I’ve never seen Choi Jin-hyuk kiss passionately before in a drama so, this I gotta see! haha Well, I’ve seemed to have written too much already and it’s now so late on my end. Pretty soon I have to get up in an hour from now. (I’ve had no sleep again; insomnia.) ššš¤£šš Hope to talk again soon and you tc! Let’s try to keep in touch? I’ll be sure to remember to come back on your blog here and start commenting again! ā¤ļø
Hi there Reiko!! It’s lovely to see you again! <3
I haven't seen Tunnel, but I did hear some good things, so I'm glad you enjoyed that one! š YES, Empress is Quite The Ride. So much crazy! I just posted a review on it here, feel free to check it out if you have time. š I thought Choi Jin Hyuk was very decent in it, but I also thought he has done better. š¤ He does look great tho! Ah, I did hear that Devilish Joy can be a fun watch, though I haven’t seen it myself. I did dip my toe into E1, but wasn’t in the mood for that kind of romcom at the time, and I haven’t gone back to it since. Many of my twitter friends seemed to enjoy it, so I hope you’ll enjoy your watch too! <3
For an unknown reason, the message containing my question is in such a mess. I am so sorry! It doesn’t look at all with my text. Where are all the paragraphs gone??!!
Hey serena, I just checked my inbox, and your question arrived fine, don’t worry! š
Thanks for submitting your questions, I actually find them very interesting – let me chew on them for a while before I post an answer, ok? š Smooches to ya!