How was 2007 for you?
Wow, 2007 really flew by. I can’t believe it’s almost over. And I can’t believe I’ve been at this blog for nearly a year.
This time of year inevitably means people start busting out the year-end lists of best and worst. For instance, this poll at Naver listed the Top 11 Dramas of the past year, along with the worst 5. I’m glad to see that while the list includes some expected names (No. 3 Coffee Prince and No. 11 Thank You), it also gives recognition to lesser-watched but very good shows like Mixed-up Investigative Agency (No. 8).
The rest of the list goes: (1) White Tower, (2) Time of Dog and Wolf, (4) Que Sera Sera, (5) HIT, (6) Unstoppable High Kick, (7) Conspiracy in the Court, (9) My Man’s Woman, and (10) Devil.
The Worst Dramas, on the other hand: (1) Moon Hee, (2) Blue Fish, (3) The Person I Love, (4) Hello Miss, and (5) Witch Amusement.
Do you agree with that particular list? Which were YOUR favorite shows of the year? I’m planning to do a mondo recap of my own thoughts on the past year, but first I wanna hear your opinions. I’ll leave all the polls open for the next month, then tally every thing by year’s end. Sound good?
Did I leave out your favorite? Leave me a scathing comment below!
SONG OF THE DAY
Ex (익스) – “TV Star” [ zShare download ]
Other categories appearing in year-end lists include “Best Characters” (and worst), “Best Ending Scene,” “Best Occupations,” etc. (Source: My Daily)
For instance, topping Best Characters were: (1) Kim Myung Min in White Tower, (2) Lee Soon Jae in The Unstoppable High Kick, (3) Jung Yumi in Que Sera Sera, and (4) Jeon Kwang Ryul in King and I.
Worst Characters: (1) Kim Hae Sook in Moon Hee, (2) Kang Su Yeon in Moon Hee, and (3) Han Ga In in Witch Amusement.
Best and worst Ending Scenes went, respectively, to White Tower and Moon Hee. (Gee, someone really hated Moon Hee.)
And best and worst Occupations in a drama went to the four friends’ investigative agency in Mixed-up Investigative Agency (best), and Shin Eun Kyung’s fashion magazine editor in Bad Couple (worst).
And on to more polls!
(Note: I tried to be inclusive, but that means I mentioned dramas I didn’t watch or know very little about, so forgive any errors!)
Romance and Couples
We’ve all seen how the strength of a drama’s core romance can make or break a series. Often, big names draw you into the show, but if the chemistry isn’t there, there’s no use in trying to buy into the story. On the flipside, even a mediocre drama can be raised by sparkling leads and crackling chemistry. If you didn’t buy into the attraction between Samsoon and Jin Heon in My Name Is Kim Samsoon, or Yoorin and Gong Chan in My Girl, or Chaegyung and Shin in Goong, it didn’t matter how good the rest of the series was, because it would’ve fallen flat. But when they work… wowsa!
Trendy Dramas
It’s no secret this is my favorite genre. Maybe because I’m a sucker for a good romantic comedy, even if it’s cheesy and unrealistic and just fanciful daydreaming. Lots of trendy dramas remain in solid B-level territory, managing to go through the typical motions to entertain and provide you with a cute romance, but it takes a really good trendy drama to do more with the genre.
Thriller, Action Dramas
I don’t watch nearly as many thriller or action dramas in proportion to the other genres (except for historicals, of which I watch even less). And when I choose badly, boy can the experience be grating and annoying. But when one of them is purported to be exceptional, I’ll give it a shot.
Funniest Dramas
I love light-hearted, entertaining romps, and while lots of comedic dramas also fall into the trendy-drama category, they aren’t always the same thing.
Historical Dramas
Daily or Family Dramas
Daily dramas are less likely to be fansubbed so they tend to be less popular outside of Korea than other drama series, but they enjoy steady and solid ratings in Korea. Maybe it’s because the topic is relatable (if mundane), maybe it’s because it’s familiar and easily digestible viewing (nothing shocking or groundbreaking here!).
Melodramas and Soaps
I really dislike tragic series and tearjerkers, but I admit that some of them can be very good. I haven’t seen any of the series listed here (I caught a few episodes of The Person I Love), so you tell me — were any of them good? I don’t think this was a big year for the melodrama and/or the soap, but here are a few of them anyway:
Most Underrated
I’ll admit to having a soft spot for underappreciated shows, cult series, and niche genres. It’s the classic impulse to root for the underdog. The big names don’t need any more help being appreciated, but the often-ignored ones are often so tragically missed. Oh the humanity.
Biggest Letdown
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the underdogs, there are those shows that for whatever reason incite lots of excitement prior to their airing. Maybe it’s a particularly exciting story premise, maybe it’s a certain star. Maybe it’s a combination of factors. But then the drama airs amid lots of fanfare, and then… meh.
Dramas I missed
Well, it’s been a busy year for me. Inevitably, I didn’t have time to watch some things I wanted to watch, and ended up watching some things I really could’ve done without. I know I missed a few big ones, and I intend to go back and watch them when I can. But how to decide??
Any other year-end thoughts about the past year in dramas?
Do you have any favorite characters, favorite endings, favorite settings, favorite actors, favorite sidekicks, favorite storylines, favorite all-around ensemble casts?
What about least favorites?
(NOTE: I’m putting up a link to this post in the sidebar for easy navigation until polls close. Voting will be open from now throughout the month of December. Let me know what you think!)
Tags: year in review
Time of dog and wolf! Nam Sang Mi is so pretty.
Top spot was easy. Definitely White Tower by a mile.
For No. 2, I struggled a bit (okay, for 3 seconds) between Time of Dog and Wolf and Mixed-up Investigative Agency. TODAW was awesome and so addictive but the first few episodes were iffy and the script wasn’t as tight as I liked. But overall an unforgettable drama with solid acting. MIA is pure love and everything about it has been perfect so far. Even though I’ve not watched the ending, I’m confident I will love it. So my vote for second spot? Mixed-up Investigative Agency.^^
I hate GOONG S with a passion. I was really excited when it aired, but after watching the second episode, I just couldn’t take it anymore. It bore and annoyed the living heck out of me. Se7en’s acting was just hmmm….horrible.
This year I watched a lot of Korean dramas and I also stopped midway in nearly 2/3 of the dramas I watched. After around the 8 or 10 episode, korean dramas become a little mundane. I lose interest very quickly.
psst, thundie, i’m sure you’ll find your faith in Mixed-up Agency well-founded by its conclusion. the last two episodes really stepped it up and i loved the ending.
Wish you would have had “Bottom of the 9th with 2 Outs” as a choice for Favorite Drama. I just learned that it aired the same time as Coffee Prince. At that time, I watched Coffee Prince instead due to all the noise level surrounding that drama and didn’t even know that Bottom of 9th existed. Just finished Bottom of 9th and it was so much better than CP. Much much better!
Truth is, I don’t watch the Daily, Thriller, or Historical dramas at all. I only picked the ones I caught one or two times.
I’ve got a lot of favorite dramas for 2007. Coffee Prince, duh. Thank You. Que Sera Sera (thanks to your extensive coverage, I got curious). Flowers. Dal Ja. Mixed Up, of course.
Biggest disappointment would be Witch Yoo Hee and Hello Miss. Goong S was better than I expected, mostly because the leads have awesome chemistry.
Best Couple, hmm, I so wanna pick CP’s EC/HG, but I dunno, it just didn’t sit very well. I still love GY with Kim Sun Ah and YEH with JJH better. And despite the fact that I love love TY, I still think JH and Jeon Ji Hyun looks better (I’m way too picky for my own good). Therefore, Best Couple goes to Eric and JYM. Runner up would be CR/LMK and LSG/CJA.
Funniest, hands down Mixed Up. Underrated, Flowers and Mixed Up.
i truly enjoyed every episode of Conspiracy in the Court, such a wonderfully done drama, the ending was just heart breaking though.
I don’t know the viewers reactions to it but it was really a great and beautiful drama.
I’m still not liking Golden Era of Daughter In Law, the lead actress has such an annoying voice and well it doesn’t help that every time she acts I find her annoying with her whiny voice and over the top “wannabe-cuteness”
Some of my favourites this year were Thank You, The Devil, Surgeon Bong Dal Hee and Dal Ja’s Spring. Those three were pretty entertaining and well made. I liked Coffee Prince but I wouldn’t say I was crazy about it but it is rather adorable.
Goong S was a huge disappointment for me. It flopped magnificently and I could see why. There wasn’t the same spark that the first series had.
Mixed-Up is pretty good but it wasn’t something I was crazy about. I can see the value there but I didn’t give it enough time to really pull me in. I need to go back to it I think.
I realy disappointed with Goong S after successfull Princess Hour drama, i realy not understand how come this drama plot bocame so flat anad i didi’t find any chemistry from the player. The most mysterious drama that i ever saw was Devil. The player character was awesome and crashed me…a lot… . But the most is Coffe Prince…, no one can beat it…The chemistri between YEH and GY was amazing. Thank you javabeans.
After discovering this site during the CP craze, I have to thank you for the past months, Java! I’m a relative newbie to K-dramas, but with your suggestions and comments from others, I discovered some truly entertaining shows. I watched Flowers for My Life, and am currently watching MIA. Thanks for the insights, fresh views, humor, and great tunes. Flowers was definitely underrated, and dare I say, underwatched?! Such a great balance between earnesty and humor! Loved it!
I thoroughly enjoyed 9 ends 2 outs, even though I’m a guy. That show extensively examined the potential relationship that could develop between a guy and a girl being best friends. It’s somewhat relevant to many people’s lives. I hope you can include it as one of the favorite dramas of the year, as that definitely is the one in my list.
The only one I truly couldn’t vote on was Thriller, Action Dramas, because I want to put HIT, but the goddamn series wasn’t subbed far enough for me to make that kind of decision.
At least I didn’t find anyone that subbed it all the way.
While I haven’t seen all of the dramas on your list, my top three for 2007 are Bottom of the 9th with 2 Outs, Coffee Prince, and Meri, Daegu’s Attack Defense Battle. I thought Hello Miss was pretty cute too.
Hi Javabeans,
Whoa…are we at that time of the year when we recap the year with the best and the worst polls?!!
Que Sera, Sera…yes…This is certainly one of my top series for the year. The performance was excellent. Do you remember the sizzling chemistry and out of the world shocks in the plot? Definitely one of the best out there this year for me.
Isn’t it a melodrama? I wish I could vote for QSS in the melodrama category but unfortunately it wasn’t listed as a choice.
For some reason, Witch Amusement also left a positive impression and it has nothing to do with the show but this BLOG. I remember fondly that I was laughing so hard at the ridiculous plotlines here at javabean’s blog. The show itself without this blog was nothing but a show….the show + comments from this blog = major entertainment.
Coffee Prince was the best most adorable series for me this year. And this is also the series that led me to your wonderful recaps.
Hello Miss was terrible. I couldn’t even finish the first episode.
lots of pictures! can’t believe 2007 went by so quickly. i hope 2008 brings a lot more great dramas.
Brigette, I watched the whole series in hopes of it getting better… and it didn’t. lol I was truly disappointed.
Also, are there English subs for White Tower floating around the internet?
wow…i couldnt agree more with ginnie! ^___^
I became a fan of your blog during the QSS days. I remember what a roller-coaster ride that drama was…every twist and turn in the plot was amazing. I loved the way it was shot too…it had the feeling of an independent film. I have been watching k-dramas for about a year now and have seen MANY but QSS is definitely one of my top favorites. I still remember the torture of waiting for the subtitles. it was the first drama to do that to me because it was also the first one i saw while it was still airing…
Goong S and With Yoo Hee were the biggest disappointments. I was excited about Goong S because i had enjoyed the first one (except for the last few episodes that dragged)…but omg was Goong S BORING! i tried so hard to stick with it but i just couldnt take it anymore…the plot and the acting was so FLAT…And what can I say about witch yoo hee? i stopped watching about half way through and just kept reading your summaries. I remember laughing my butt off at your comments on the crazy plot..it was really fun!
Thanks Javabeans! i look forward to another year of your great comments and insights ^___^
i really liked the drama “hello! miss”. it’s in my ‘all-time favorite asian dramas’ list…
i really enjoyed watching it. oh well, to each his own…
“A likes B. C likes B. D likes A, and then C. A likes D. C starts liking D. Is C gay?!”
lol you’re so funny, javabeans!!
awww.. i feel kinda bad voting since i didn’t watch all of them. i only watched like a few of the above mentioned. =[
The only 2 dramas that I have really completed watching this year are coffee prince and thank you. Auction House is the only k-drama that I’m still watching right now and the later eps are getting better (I know it’s really under-rated but it has it’s “hidden value”).
kudos javabeans for a great poll. the comments made it a lot more fun to vote and all the pretty pictures.
its okay that you haven’t watched Capital Scandal, Kang Ji Hwan fan that you are. save the best for last is what they always say. just be ready for days and nights going over CS again and again and again and again and again…im surprised that this wasn’t in the underrated category. i truly believe it deserves so much more attention.
fashion editor as worst occupation? isnt it supposed to be glamorous and exciting? id imagine being a bum would be the worst occupation…well not an occupation since a bum isnt exactly employed…its an odd category IMO.
Best K-drama-related moment: reading javabeans’ WA episode 15 summary. That gotta be your best snark fest.
Best music compilation: Coffee Prince.
Most adorable ensemble: the accidental MIA treasure-hunting posse.
Best character-actor this year: Lee Minki, he’s in 2 of the top 10 best dramas of the year. Totally different roles and looks.
Most pleasantly surprised by a series: Mixed-Up Investigative Agency.
Best ending skits since Delightful Girl Chun Hyang: MIA.
Best K-drama PD/writer combo: Lee Yong Jung and Lee Jung Ah.
Best breakthrough performance by an actor before he leaves for military duty: Gong Yoo (saving the best for last i guess).
Most what-a-waste-of-a-talent role: Jae Hee as Mu-ryong.
Most incredible blog entries: javabeans’ CP the series reviews and CP the novel summaries. That was awesome and memorable (especially during the site crashes).
Really enjoyed these this year: Dal Ja’s Spring, QSS, Thank You, Mixed-Up Investigative Agency. Liked CP a lot, but i’m surprised that it’s #3 on the Naver poll. It was nice to see the high quality and variety of shows.
Missed, but hope to watch in the near future: Capital Scandal, White Tower and Flowers for My Life. Hope that 2008 be as great as this year.
I’m a sucker for the comedy romance genre and thus limited my viewing to dramas of that type. Though there were several, I only loved Dalja’s Spring and Coffee Prince. Like you said, it was probably the chemistry between the leads that became the main attraction. Based on the results of the polls, most of the voters agree on this point. I also liked Flowers but was generally turned off by the terminal illness theme. Could you also take a poll on the favorite line i.e. “I like you even if you’re a man…”
My appreciation for kdramas was an offshoot of your blog and for this, my eternal gratitude!
This is the greatest entry ever! It gets so nostalgic as I scrolled down and recalled the past dramas you have reviewed this year. I’m so grateful I found dramabeans, I must have wasted like one month of my year dedicating to k-dramas, haha… Oh god the comments are awesome too, I kept saying “Exactly!”, “Oh, it’s so true!”… hesh. Even simple word like “meh” also got me laughed my heart out. It clicks right away with what I was thinking.
Thank you. Truly thank you.
“A likes B. C likes B.” Oh my god, I admire your talent javabeans!
I hope to see my Jae hee in 2008, since he did not have any drama this year. He did not, RIGHT? hehe…
Best kissing scene? Coffee Prince hands down!!
It may not be the best line, but I just cannot get it out of my head. “I don’t care if you’re a man, or an alien… Just lets go how far that we can..”
Oh, am I unbelievable. Haha.
Once again, thank you everyone for making my 2007 life brighter with your writings!
Gee, I thought that “Someday” would have shown up in some poll. The acting by the young guy, who rode the motorcycle, was really good. The issue of psychological affect in the story was interesting too.
Time of dog and wolf was really a great drama. and so were Capital Scandal, Thank You and Surgeon BDH and so much more. the year has passed by so fast and there’s so many more great dramas that will air soon.
thank you for dramabeans
i always look forward to reading your posts.
I’m disenfranchised here, because although it’s not yet over my list would be
#1 Insoon is Pretty
#2 Insoon is Pretty
#3 Insoon is Pretty
#4 Insoon is Pretty
#5 Insoon is Pretty
etc. I think I might just slot in Coffee Prince at #10, if only because it set the bar for subsequent dramas so much higher.
Slightly more seriously. Beware the voting robots. Polls like this, once a couple of robot voters are set loose on them, have brought down servers massively more powerful than the House of Dramabeans. May not happen, but do keep a close eye on your logs and your response times
Capital Scandal Forever! ^__^
Wow! Coffee Prince is taking the lead in the polls it’s listed in. It just proves that it’s loved by many. Including me. But I’m surprised it’s only #3 on the Top 11 dramas. But I guess it’s better than not being included on that list. So, is White Tower that good? If it is, I’d like to watch that. Oh and the poll “Favorite Line in Top k-dramas” is a great idea. I’d definitely vote on that. I already forsee the winner–Hangyul: “I don’t care if you’re a man or an alien…” ( the “alien” part is pretty funny =) )
Thanks Javabeans for all your hardwork! Hope to read more fun stuff.
Whoa..yes, 2007 will end soon. I saw too many dramas this year, but just few of them really impressed me…
I took your pool, but I missed the historical ones, since I don’t watch any of them..
My favorites this year so far will be : ( not in particular order )
- Coffee Prince, worth the hype
- Capital Scandal, YOU MUST SEE IT, dear. Kang! Ji! Hwan!
- Thank You, the girl is awesome, Jang Hyuk is damn hot..
- Que Sera Sera, and this thanks to you.. I finally finished it because I got intrigued by your summaries.
- Bottom of The 9th with 2 out, I LOVE their chemistry..wish I have my own Byung Tae..
I currently watching White Tower, and The Devil. I like White Tower, but I need to find better subs, because the ones I have are terrible..and The Devil, I accidentally read the ending spoiler at soompi ( usually I don’t mind read any spoilers, mostly I even look forward it ) but this one really ruined my expectation of this drama! Sigh.
I have episodes of Flowers of My Life, and my friend already recommended me to watch it, so I might watch it next time soon..
About 75% of the titles you’ve mentioned above I’ve already seen them. Should I ashamed by the fact?
Because my friends keep telling me to get a ( real ) life!! hehe.
OH. My recommendation for you to catch up, Capital Scandal, for sure. And if you still have time, Thank You will be another good choice.
I think my ID has already given it away, lol.
My fave for 2007 is Coffee Prince.
CP had 99% perfect for me.
The missing 1% is because there was no wedding
But i absolutely loved the YEH and GY couple.. the chemistry coming out of these 2 nearly blew up my screen!
I was also mesmerized by YEH’s acting! I still cant believe that this young lady has only been acting for 2 years! Natural born talent I say!!
Props to MBC for recognising such talent and nominating her for the Best Actress Award!!
Apart from CP, I also enjoyed watching HIT – very different from the normal K-drama genres, and Ko Hyun Jung’s acting was superb along with all the supporting actors!!
Thank you for that heads up, sarahbeans. I’m so glad MIA was good to the very end. I still have four more episodes to go and don’t really want it to end. *sob*
#24 tealeaf, for mentioning MIA and Lee Minki multiple times in your comments, I like you already, lol!
#29 Gramps, do I get a prize for knowing you were going to write exactly what you did?^^ (Ok, I cheated; I read what you wrote in the Insoon thread at soompi, hehe.)
Alrighty, here’s how I voted:
Favorite kdrama of 2007: White Tower, Mixed-up Investigative Agency (my two loves, Kim Myung Kim and Lee Min Ki; case closed)
Favorite romantic pairing: Chae Rim and Lee Minki, Dal Ja’s Spring (actually I don’t care who our spare tire Kang Tae Bong gets paired with; he’s yummy enough to eat on his own!)
Favorite trendy drama: Dal Ja’s Spring (yup, I’m one of the weirdos here NOT voting for Coffee Prince but that’s because I’ve only watched up to Ep 6 of CP whereas I loved DJS to its deliciously giddy end)
Favorite thriller/action drama: Time of Dog and Wolf (jaw-dropping fist-in-my-mouth cliffhangers; a perfect OST; thrilling and heartbreaking at the same time; great stuff!)
Funniest drama: Mixed-up Investigative Agency (the wittiest, funniest lines; lovable characters; perfect in every way)
Favorite historical drama: King and I (even though I have not watched it! but my pal Dahee Fanel says it’s the bestest and since she and I generally have the same taste, I take her word for it, lol)
Most underrated: Mixed-up Investigative Agency (I cry when I see the number of downloads for the MIA subs compared to some other overhyped drama)
And finally, I voted that you watch Conspiracy in the Court, sarah. Two reasons:
1) I heard it’s really good.
2) It’ll probably never get subbed so at least I get to read your recaps and know what it’s all about.
Thanks for the polls!! *muah*
I really enjoyed “9 ends 2 outs” (also called Bottom of The 9th with 2 out).
Wanted to vote for best drama, but seriously….can’t pick just 2 from Coffee Prince, Thank You, Flowers for My Life and Que Sera Sera
#34 Can’t believe I misspelled Kim Myung MIN’s name. Arrgghh! I really must stop posting comments just before I need to scoot off somewhere fast.
Some people were asking about White Tower subs. As far as I know, no fansub group has taken on this drama. But YA Entertainment is releasing an English-subbed DVD version soon. Innoform Media (based in Singapore) has already released its licensed version and the English subs are excellent.
Btw, sarah, Thank You is REALLY not that sad (Truuust me.^^) And woman, how can you call yourself a Kang Ji Hwan fan and not watch Capital Scandal?! Tsk tsk… (Although I confess I’ve yet to watch Episodes 14-16 of CS myself; stopped at Ep 13 months ago and somehow lost the momentum and desire to continue, oopsie.) Surgeon Bong Dal Hee is pretty light fare compared to White Tower; Lee Bum Soo is wonderful in SBDH and I liked the drama a lot but WT is way better (if you ask me, hehe). Resurrection/Rebirth is one of my all-time faves so Devil is a must-watch for me. Just need a push to get started. (Still deciding if I should pick up CP again, or start on either Flowers for My Life or Devil. Ah, decisions, decisions!) Have you decided to drop Insoon is Pretty? I’ve watched four episodes and it’s getting to be very good. (Am I officially in your good books for saying that, Gramps?^^)
I knew Coffee Prince would lead in every single poll it’s categorised in. Why am I not surprised? hehehe..
Well it’s not because I think CP deserved it (I thought it was good, but not excellent). But I guess I just wasn’t into the mainstream and popular dramas out there..
I chose Capital Scandal and Thank You as my TOP 2 choices. I was looking for 9 ends 2 outs but I couldn’t find it..I thought 9e2o was the best drama I’ve seen this year. Yes, it’s pretty dull in the first 3 eps, but it just got soooo much better towards the middle and the end. A simple drama without any exaggeration at all.. Just my fav cup of tea..hehehe.. I had a hard time choosing between CS, TY and DJS tho..they’re also my favs this year. Watching all those dramas just brought out so many meaningful things, and surprises from the actors as well. (*hints Kang Ji Hwan from CS, Jang Hyuk from TY and Lee Min Ki from DJS.. all 3 leads were AMAZING in their respective roles..
Well aside from that, I have been disappointed by several dramas as well. Witch Yoo Hee, Hello Miss and Goong S were TOTAL disappointments. And yes, a total waste of talent (LDH and Jae Hee)..Just wished they had been given better scripts..
Thank you Javabean for your extensive report through this year. It has been fun and educating sometime to come to your site. Bless you and pray that you will continue your good work in the future.
I watched some series that you have recomended and I must agreed that Flower and Mixed Up were underrated. I truly enjoy both series.
For me Coffee Prince was my favorite series this year. Followed by Thank You, Time of Dog and Wolf, Bottom of the 9th with 2 Out. Disappointed with Hello Miss and Witch Amusement (felt like I have wasted my time watching them).
I love Dal Ja Spring and the chemistry between the leading actor and actress, however I guess the drama emphasis too much of being single in their 30s. I mean what’s wrong being single in my 30s (my own opinion only).
I didn’t watch Moon Hee, but I thought Witch Amusement should have the worst ever ending!
I personally rate Coffee Prince the best drama this year (and possibly one of my all-time favourites too) but I think I should start watching Thank You as well coz my friends who watched this said it’s an extremely good drama.
i love your blog! i check it compulsively throughout the day =)
9 end 2 outs!!! The amazing character/relationship development, the hilarity, the storyline.. i loved it almost as much or as much as i enjoyed coffee prince (gasp)
For me this year and going back til the day i started watching kdramas in early 2006, my favourite got to be
THANK YOU
The reason being it being really a drama that touches me really deeply. The love and hurt. The pain and dislike. The actors and actresses are terrific. From the main characters to the villagers who appeared not more than 1 min per scene. Everyone touched my heart and made me feel their pain. The story is tight enough without feeling too sorrowful. It even cracked jokes at the most appropriate time.
For those who haven’t watch it, please give it a try, not just because the drama is really good (which is the truth) but because watching it will renew your faith in korean scriptwriters. Believe in them and i think we’ll see winners in the near future.
I want to add my comment, so I come back..:D
Worst character : the girl who took Kim Dong Wan at ‘The Person I Love’. I really want to stab her!
Worst ending : hmmm..maybe Witch Amusement..but..I never made it..I stopped watching it about 20 minutes before the ending..because I fell asleep.
Worst Drama : Mackerel Run. Did anybody here even watch it? I made the mistake.
Best occupation : Detective ( Go Hyun Jung’s character on HIT )
Best couple : Soo Ae and Lee Jung Jin of Bottoms of the 9th and 2 out..it’s a tie for me with GY and YEH.
Best soap : The Person I Love. I admire Kim Dong Wan’s acting, and I fell for Jo Dong Hyuk here.
Best Action : HIT!! I like Time between Dog and Wolf, but I love HIT more.
Underrated drama : I haven’t see Flowers of My Life..so I chose How to Meet a Perfect Neighbor. Quite funny, and thanks God they didn’t make the lead actress ended with….. ( Uh, I shouldn’t mention it here, rite? It can consider as spoiler, rite? )
From all the titles you mentioned, I really don’t want to watch Goong S. I lost interest at very beginning. Never watch a single full episode ( catch some because it was aired on our local television ), and never ever want to see more.
And once again,………Kang! Ji! Hwan!
( If you finally decide to watch Capital Scandal, please..please..blog about it. I really want to hear your take about it. )
I’m a little disappointed that Golden Bride didn’t appear in any of the polls, but maybe you’re only posting up the dramas that have already finished airing. Although, I DO see a thumbnail of it at the end of the post, lol. It seems as though it’s not popular compared to other dramas because its length probably makes everyone run scared. Not to mention that they are also planning on extending it, but I just thought Golden Bride would be a series worth mentioning.
Just wondering, are you watching Golden Bride?
I imagined Golden Bride to be a drama you’d have summaries for because I like to hear your comments on dramas while I’m watching it too (heck, I’m sure everybody does).
I have to concur with all of the sentiments expressed by Rong in entry 42. In a year that featured many strong contenders, I’d have to rate Thank You as the finest KDrama that these eyes have yet seen. The acting, the story, the message it conveys….and the irresistable talents of little Seo Shin-Ae as “Lee Bom.” I’ve viewed it in it’s entirety three times and each times found myself moved to tears of compassion, sadness, exasperation, and joy, and have also experienced elation beyond words. Taken as a whole, Thank You is truly a miracle of storytelling and presentation and affects me deeply with it’s warmth and understanding of a much more than difficult human tragedy.
I also voted for Coffee Prince for many of the reasons discussed by so many viewers fortunate to have been caught up in the tsunami that this magnetic series has produced. I could go on and on about the myriad of reasons why I find myself drawn to this drama but none can override the real attraction for me. Simply stated, Yoon Eun-Hye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A better young talent, actress, person….you could not find that deserves to reap the rewards of her labors. I am impressed by everything that this woman does and eagerly await her next project. She’s kind of like the Beatles of KDrama. There’s all of those other talent out there…and then there’s YEH. We love her yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah…..
My father is a big fan of historical, so I watch it alot. But the only one that really satisfied me was Dae Jang Geum and Immortal Yi Soon Shin. All the rest was BLAH.
Oh yeah, Javabeans, do you listen to Death Cab for Cutie?
Wanted to add another post – 4 mah favs in other categories.
Fav Leading Character – Seon Woo Wan (KJH) in Capital Scandal
Fav Ending – 9 end 2 outs and HIT
Fav OST – 9 end 2 outs
Fav Couple – Kang Tae Bong and Dal Ja in DJS
Fav Supporting Character – Cha Song Joo (Han Go Eun) in CS
Best Soap – The Person I Love (Kim Dong Wan was superb)
Worst character – Hwang Jung Eum in The Person In Love
Worst Ending – Witch You Hee
Funniest Drama – Capital Scandal
Most Meaningful drama – Thank You, Flowers for my Life and 9e2o
Most underrated – Flowers for my life
Best breakthru – KJH in CS, YEH in CP, JH in TY and LMK in DJS
Wow, I have just realized that I haven’t seen very many ‘07 dramas! I started recently, so I’m trying to see the classics right now. I did see Hello!Miss though, and I don’t see why it would be labeled one of the worst. I don’t think it was very exciting, but the story was touching and cute (even if it was a little slow and repetitive at times). *Shrug*
well~~ all I can say is, some of the best of this year is~
Dalja’s Spring! Bad Couple! Capital Scandal! Meri Vs Daegu Battle! As Much As Heaven & Earth! KimchiCheeseSmile! The Devil! Flowers for my Life! (:
and just a sidenote… best character was Lee Soonjae of Highkick??? You;ve gotta be kidding me… I mean,, that granpa’s character is.. ehhh. He bullies his wife and son and he’s always moody in the sitcom ㅡㅡ; I’d rather have Yunho (Jung Ilwoo) as the best character… kk!
& I hope Capital Scandal will be the next drama javabeans got to see ^^
it’s not just a period drama… its comedy,suspense and drama.. LOL!
LoL, I’m not too surprised to see Coffee Prince leading most of the polls. (To be honest, that’s the only reason I made the first poll for “favorite drama of 2007″ open to more than 1 choice, because I wanted to see what dramas OTHER than CP were enjoyed.)
Sorry if I left out your favorite shows! Some just slipped my mind (Someday
should probably be in there somewhere, even though I think very few people watched itoops, was technically 2006, airing its last ep on Dec 29) and some, I didn’t realize were so loved (Bottom of the 9th). I disliked Bottom of the 9th having seen its first episode, but maybe I’ll have to go back to it.I def agree with the person (thundie?) who said that Lee Minki had a fabulous year portraying two wildly different characters in two great dramas. If you saw Dal Ja and Mixed-up back to back, you would’ve thought he must have a twin brother.
Your comments give me tons to think about as I review the past year… (Btw, can I just say how much I LOVE the comments you guys write on this blog? They’re a total cut above the comments most blogs get, ja?) Let me know if you think of interesting categories to consider. I particularly like the “best quotes” one. Now I have to go back and compile a list.
Keep the thoughts rolling!
One daily drama that seems to have slipped past everyone’s radar screen (probably due to the fact that it’s aimed at a somewhat older crowd and doesn’t include much “eye-candy” from the younger set) is Here Comes Ajumma. This is the only drama currently on regular tv that I’m tuned into (while I catch up with past gems that I was completely ignorant of before discovering this wonderful world while channel-surfing about a year and a half ago and meeting the gaze of the pig-tailed Kim Ryu-Won as “Bokshil” in What Star Are You From. I was immediately hooked!!) The cast is first rate and the star Yang Jeong-Ah (who is currently featured as the birth mother of Oh Man-Suk’s character in The King And I)
provides a beacon of hope to any woman attempting to put her life together after suffering a huge setback with her fearless never-say-die attitude.
i found the results disappointing. coffee prince was always in the lead for almost every one of the polls. dont get me wrong, coffee prince is a great drama, but i feel people are too into it, that they’re ignoring other dramas that i think are even better than coffee prince. but thats just my opinion. i cant believe 2007 has gone by this quick! I have to admit, there were some pretty awesome dramas produced this year.
Holy…polls galore! Wheeee.
Amazing how quickly a year passes when one is a kdrama addict. Bring it 2008!
My Top 2007 faves, hands down, Flowers For My Life and Que Sera Sera in that order.
I was a little crushed after submitting my votes to see how few votes Flowers received, what a shame. All the more reasons to love this little gem of a drama. People, if you haven’t seen it, please go to the nearest BitTorrent site and download it or buy the drama, it’s precious.
I was wonderfully surprised by Thank You too, just darn endearing. A must see to warm your souls this winter.
Biggest let down, definitely Witch Amusement. Even eye candy Jae Hee couldn’t save this train wreck. I wish the writers, seeing the finished product/knowing what they know now that being it is was just ridiculously lazy writing, would rewrite the second half of the drama, ask the actors to come back and reshoot the series to prove to all of us that Witch Amusement can be awesome. Please?
Now I’ll have to squeeze 9 Ends 2 Outs to my list simply from those whom commented here. You guys are great sales people.
As always, thanks to Dramabeans for existing and keeping me kdramasane.
MIA is really the best drama this year.
It’s one of those shows that I would like to come to back to a few years from now and rewatch. :3
wow, so many comments! its hard to catch up..
i couldn’t vote very well in a lot of these polls, because i realized i haven’t been watching as many dramas as i thought! (i guess i watched a bunch of japanese ones too, but i really thought i saw more korean dramas than i did..). i tend to never watch dramas as they’re airing (i like to watch them all in one sitting, if i can..) so i’m behind in everything…. but thanks for this post! its helping me decide what to watch next..
ALL I really watched was MIA, because I can’t stand romance to a certain degree. I’ve already watched I Really Really Like you (Eugene, Lee Min Ki), and it started well but the ending was kinda forced, so that was the last drama I avidly followed. I tried Coffee Prince and it is adorable and I love the coffee theme (except I hate coffee). I watched 3 or 4 episodes and I lost the ambition to go on (we can get recorded vids from the korean grocery, and I forgot to watch them, oops). MIA just drew me in, gutted me and hung me to dry. I LOVED it, and the subtle romance made me smile instead of gag.
so I can’t really say much here o_o can anyone recommend a drama without so much romance and a good plot.
yeah you have to watch bottom of 9th from like episode 9. thats what i did and i LOVED it. (but still didnt go back and watch the rest. who wants to watch something where nothing’s happening?) Their chemistry is SO good. well, its actually not that good, but it’s reasonable in that friendlovestory thing. maybe it’s the way they fall in love. classic.
and best daily show has got to be highkick. (even if i was mostly watching for yunho). and i can understand why lee soon jae was so popular. a grandpa with flaws! how totally unrelatable! (sarcasm)
Coffee Prince won hands down for me as my favourite drama of the year. I LOVED adorable Go Eun Chan and the suave Han Kyul. The interaction of the entire cast was really engaging and added much to the attraction of CP.
I would’ve picked Surgeon Bong Dal Hee as one of my favourites for 2007. Initially, like you, I was reluctant to watch this drama as it seemed awfully similar to Grey’s Anatomy. However, I’m so pleased I decided to do so anyway.
Though Surgeon BDH shares some similarities in plot, it differs in many ways. The main actors were exceedingly well cast and brought life to the story. In the end, you can’t help but fall in love with the aloof but secretly caring Dr Ahn (played extremely realistically by Lee Bum Soo), and the kind and hard-working Dr Bong. I thought the supporting cast added to the overall storyline as well.
I also appreciated the fact that medical terms were explained to the audience through the use of on-screen text. This drama deserves a lot more attention than it has received so far, and I do hope more people will look past the initial connections with Grey’s Anatomy (which annoyed me no end with their senseless hook-ups) to give Surgeon BDH a go.
Although I initially wondered about the PD’s choice of Lee Bum Soo as the main male lead (he isn’t the usual suave, good-looking male leads that we’re so used to), but by the end of the drama I adored this actor and what he brought to his role.
@ thunderbolt: you agreed with my choices (hehe). Just didn’t want Lee Minki to go unappreciated. He may not have given the best acting performance this year (it’s a long list after all), but he’s versatile. I was impressed with his range. It must take total commitment to the craft for an actor to agree to sport that bowl cut hairdo. What more can I say, Mixed-Up Investigative Agency is a total riot. Oooh, and one last thing, thank you for all the works that you do with WITH S2. Much appreciated from a newbie K-drama fan.
I’m glad that someone else here also thought that Coffee Prince may not deserve the title of best drama. Don’t get me wrong. It definitely belongs in the top 3. I enjoyed it immensely (and was happy to be part of the CP community here). It set new standards for future dramas; but benefited somewhat from being a “popular/trendy” drama. The writing was excellent in the first half but dropped down a notch in the latter episodes. Its popularity (& adorable cast) was its saving grace at the end. But it’s still cool that 99.9% of the K-drama viewers think otherwise.
Javabeans, I’ll admit that I’m not a Hyun Bin fan (nor are you of Sung Yu Ri ) but I’m surprised that Snow Queen was not mentioned in your polls. Although it was the typical tear jerker, it was beautifully filmed. Soompi fans swear by their avatars that the leads oozed tons of chemistry and charm. Am I wrong?
May I also add these memorable ones?
Best ending: Thank You (I know many hated that, but I loved the ambiguity). Still haven’t watched MIA, so this may changed.
Best quote: “If it’s fate … it must be” (Dal Ja’s Spring) . Satisfied the romantic in me.
Best Prison Break parody: The Story of Hyang Dan
Most envied wish-it-was-mine wardrobe: Sung Yu Ri’s in Snow Queen
Most romantic Oh.My.God moment: Han Gyul’s serenading the “I love you” song to Eun Chan
Best finally!-they’re-doing-it-yupee! scene: Han Gyul/Eun Chan’s lip lock. That was a really nice shot of GY’s back. **sigh**
And to complete this poll thingy:
Actor most likely to appear on the next dramabeans.com’s banner: Kang Ji Hwan?
Actor most likely to appear next on my computer’s screensaver: see above line.
Poll on, people!
Ok, first off, you guys make me want to start watching Dal Ja’s Spring, but I wanna finish Mixed Up… and Insoon Is Pretty first.
As for favs, Que Sera Sera, The Devil, and Time of Dog and Wolf were amazing. They were all well written and had excellent acting. The three male leads really showed depth that I didn’t expect. Coffee Prince was my favorite comedy and I actually liked Hello Miss, more for Lee Ji Hoon’s goofy character than anything else.
For the worst, I could not get past more than 4 episodes of Get Carl, Air City (what a huge let down), Goong S and there were others that I didnt see to the end. With Amusement was just plain stupid after 10 or so episodes. I felt embarrassed that I even watched that many.
I hope next year brings us some really good dramas. These past few months have been pretty bad. I am bored with nothing to watch!
Que Sera Sera was the best drama this year for me. Eric’s acting blew my mind. I know that “scene” was controversial to many people, but I thought it was hella sexy. I love angst.
Bad Couple was another drama I enjoyed. So funny!!
I just could’nt get into Coffee Prince. I struggled to finish 1 episode!! I think I was just worn out from watching Hana Kimi and I was kinda bored with the whole crossdressing thing. But I was lucky enough to be in Korea when it was filming. I got to visit the actual coffee house (in hopes to see the actors) and watch the drama on Korean television.
I can’t believe you’ve only been doing this for a year. You’ve improved by leaps and bounds as the months went by. A toast to you and all your hard work. Hope to see you keeping this site going for many years to come as it has really helped to fuel my passion for kdramas. All the best.
P.S. The only memorable drama for me in 2007 was Coffee Prince because of all the buzz and interest. Otherwise, I was checking out past kdramas. BTW, I am one of the few that enjoyed Hello! Miss because I like the insights on Korean culture and tradition because I’m planning a trip to Korea in the future. I hope you’ll check out In-Soon is Pretty because I really like what I’ve seen so far.
@ #45 – you hit the nail there!
i loved the way you summed it up..
I loved loved Coffee Prince because it lead me to discover a precious gem by the name of “Yoon Eun Hye”
She was absolutely fantastic! GY and the others were all very good as well, not trying to bash GY, but any other tall, suave looking korean male actor would have nailed that role. But i can only think of one person who could have played the role of Go EunChan – Yoon Eun Hye.
and as robbo4 said: She’s kind of like the Beatles of KDrama. There’s all of those other talent out there…and then there’s YEH.
i know theres a few ppl out there who think YEH is overrated, but honestly speaking, how can we not overrate this great talent?
haha i’m back again. i can’t help it. this feels like home… or my own version of central perk. i’m such a dork!
i just realized how great this year was in drama terms. i don’t think my standards for kdramas will ever be the same. i hope scriptwriters/directers aren’t out to tease because they really brought the industry to a whole ‘nother level.
and javabeans, please watch 9 end 2 out!! Here I’ll even call it Bottom of the 9th instead, if that makes it a little more convincing to you. there’s no amazing soundtrack like coffee prince or soulmate, but i think once you get sucked in, you’ll be in for good. And i disagree with whoever said you should start at episode 9. you’d miss out on a lot of good moments before that!
Javabeans, you are simply the best: “THANK YOU. Nobody can resist Bom with her terminal AIDS. Now give me a chocopie.” Hahaha. Seriously, though. I had the same reservations about “Thank You” but I’m so glad I gave it a shot.
P.S. That was one of the best polls I’ve ever taken in a long time!
loved coffee prince but tried to vote for some of the other dramas i thought were just as strong in their own right:
Dalja’s Spring (hilarious story of 30-something singleton in the spirit of bridget jones’ diary),
Surgeon Bong Dal Hee (cried on nearly every episode–i must have been particularly emotional and hormone overloaded during that run),
Thank You (best family drama i’ve seen, and miraculously didn’t overdo the whole AIDS arc–i love the screenwriter and can’t wait for her next project since i’ve loved practically all of her previous dramas).
Another great one that Javabeans is awesome for backing is Flowers for My Life, seriously the ending is one of the best.
White Tower is probably great but i’ve only seen a few episodes. I heard that Kim Myung Min was excellent as the ambitious surgeon with hands of a god.
Waaaaah. I love this post!
And aren’t your readers the best ones ever?
We just all love your blog, that’s why.
Anyhow, I avoided the CP fervor and went for some alternative votes (although it doesn’t make much of a difference! ha!)
Congratulations on the great year of blogging and looking (so) forward to more next year!
Awww, I’m sad that my favorites – Jae Hee and Kim Dong Wan – have their dramas in the worst list, but it goes to show you…good actors can’t necessarily save bad scripts. I take consolation in the fact that their performances were the sparkle amongst the rubbish. I look forward to them both taking on better projects next time (esp. Jae Hee! At least I get to see KDW singing…JH is too talented NOT to be acting…speaking of, have you watched him MC at all?).
I’ve actually only seen two series in their entirety this year – Witch Amusement (only for Jae Hee) and Thank You. I’ve seen a couple from many others, but I don’t know, nothing really sparked my interest to see the entire thing or go back to episodes I missed (I’m super picky and I guess a bit ADD-ish lol). I know “Coffee Prince” was really popular, but I don’t think there was a quintessential “wow” drama of the year like other years have had. Which is why I have a lot of expectations for the Hong sisters’ new drama for next year. They always deliver.
thanks.. but i had a really hard time choosing my favorite drama of the year because in every catergory i had to pick between Flowers for My Life, Coffee Prince, Dal Ja’s Spring, and Que Sera Sera which are like my top four… D:
“… (Btw, can I just say how much I LOVE the comments you guys write on this blog? They’re a total cut above the comments most blogs get, ja?) #50 Javabeans
Javabeans….as comment contributors, we are a total cut above others because YOU and YOUR BLOG are a cut above other blogs. We merely reflect your tone, your substance and your posture and thus we respect you, your blog and each other. Simply read our comments and how devoid they are of petty immature comments/attacks as exist in other blogs. Your hard work has paid off immensely and I hope that you will continue this blog for a long time.
As far as favorite Kdramas, high on my list are White Tower, Coffee Prince, and Time of Wolf and Dog. I have been watching Kdramas for at least 8 years and my appetite has now been quite satiated by having watched almost anything Korean. I now choose more carefully any drama that is very well written which does not need the trite romantic triangle to hold our interest, nor leukemia and any other cancers to hold our sympathy, nor the almost incestuous relationships, etc. etc. etc. Of course, throw a cute, studly young actor in any drama, and my shallow values take over and I am glued to the screen by my drool. To support my position, my friend’s 94 year old mother will only watch if there is a handsome face on the screen. Ain’t that precious!
Let us all continue to support this blog and our favorite blogger, Ms. Dramabeans!
where can i vote?
The show 9 end 2 outs should be included in the most underrated. The movie has good story line. It made me laugh and feel goosebumps in their romantic scenes. I totally recommend this drama! If they didn’t show this around the same time as coffee prince craze going on i think they would probably raked in more viewers
#59 tealeaf, speaking of versatility and bowl-cut hairdos, Lee Bum Soo fits that description perfectly. After you watch Dr. Ahn in Surgeon Bong Dal Hee (SBDH) and then move on to other LBS works like Singles, Forbidden Quest, Oh! Brothers (just to name a few of the many movies he’s done), you’ll about keel over from the shock. I did. Fell off my chair laughing so hard I may have cracked two ribs. That guy is truly a chameleon.
And still on SBDH, are you squeamish about blood like I am, sarahbeans? Because you’ll see A LOT of the red stuff in this drama. Well, you could always cover half your face with a pillow (like I did^^) and direct the remaining eye at cute Dr. Ahn with the bowl hairdo instead of at the blood that’s a-swooshing and sometimes (horrors!) even flying. EVERYWHERE. And oh, SBDH also has the most adorable little boy with the mile-long eyelashes. As a bonus (or maybe not, depending on which way the wind blows for you), said adorable kid’s father is Kim Min Joon. Looking really spiffy in his white coat too. All kidding aside, I came away from SBDH with a much deeper appreciation for the work that doctors do. (Conversely, I was aghast at the wheeling and dealing in White Tower.)
Finally (and I really need to shut up for now because I can rant and rave about kdramas all day long), here’s my vote for most “I can’t believe that’s him” (aka “OMG, if that’s what the army does to you, I wanna enlist too!”) actor:
Jang Hyuk (as Dr. Min Gin Seo, Thank You)
I feel sad for Capital Scandal. It was a really really great drama. But it was too underrated. -o-
Anyways, I haven’t watched Coffee Prince yet… but I know I will love it.
It’s not hard for me to love dramas… and that’s why I wonder why Goong S didn’t seem to please me? My standards were already low… and… they still weren’t able to reach it?
Goong S was a total total disappointment. Especially with the fad that the original Goong had… it was really disappointing. -o-
Coffee Prince ,the best korean drama I ever seen before .
Coffee Prince is the best drama for 2007! *handsdown* :]
Dal Ja’s Spring is by far my favorite drama of the year. I can go on and on about what makes this drama the greatest but anybody who watches it would know. Thank you was definitely memorable. What a touching story. The lil girl was so talented. Hope to see more of her…
Golden Bride!! 50 episodes to “digest” and I wasn’t even sick of it. This drama is brilliant I’m telling you.
Air City and Money Warfare were refreshing. I really enjoyed them
~~~~~
Goong S was a big disappointment and Witch Yoo-Hee a PURE JOKE!
Bad Couple rules!
I also love Dal Ja Spring
@ thundie
I totally agree with your comment on Lee Bum Soo and his versatility. I saw Forbidden Quest first then SBDH and initially, did not recognize him in the former until I watched SBDH and read that he was in that movie as well!
I liked SBDH, one of my favorite dramas this year. I didn’t mind the blood and thought that some of the medical procedures were cool, although some were filmed a little over the top.
About Coffee Prince.. you know, it was an awesome drama with amazing chemistry among the cast members but the one thing that really made it one of my all-time favorite dramas, now that I think about it, was the soundtrack. What a lovely compilations of music. (and thanks, javabeans for the songs!)
This was how I voted.
Favorite k-dramas: Coffee Prince and Dal Ja’s Spring
Favorite romantic pairing: Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye (a close second was Shin Eun Kyung and Ryu Su Young.. they were really sweet together)
Trendy drama: CP
Thriller: HIT
Funniest drama: DJS
Historical drama: Yi San (because it was the only one that I started watching, although I’ve only seen one episode)
Daily drama: As Much As Heaven and Earth
Melodrama: The Person I Love
Most underrated: MIA (why aren’t many people watching this?!)
Biggest letdown: WA (I had high hopes for this show and expected that it would become one of my favorites because of the director and the cast, but oh man, like you’ve said previously, who spiked the Kool-aid and made it insane?)
Another poll suggestion: how about favorite scene? Has anyone mentioned this already? I was thinking about the scene from QSS when Jung Yumi spins around Eric and told him that she likes him.
Haha, I think you didn’t include Gong Hyo-jin (Lee Young-shin) and Jang Hyuk (Min Gi-seo) in the favourite couple pairings even though you put up their pictures =)
Oh yes, Thank You is higly recommended! I didn’t regret watching it, so I guess you’ll enjoy this show very much too!! ^^
I guess the reason why Coffee Prince excelled is because it’s not that heavy drama like the other kseries…
me, personally hate too much crying in a series…CP has many funny moments and just the right quality of crying time…plus the fact that they all blended together…they have this good chemistry that you wouldn’t think they are acting… instead it seems that we are watching a common people’s lives…
but to be fair I haven’t watch a lot other series….time is my enemy here…
what I do is to watch a few episodes and then if I don’t like it I will stop watching it…it happened to CP…but I don’t know I had this feeling that it will turn out good…so I watched it again and woah! I could have missed the best series (for me)ever…CP is like many say, a new kind of kseries,its different from the rest though other dramas are very well made, too…Eun Hye and Gong Yoo are certainly adorable, has great chemistry…the kissing scenes are not horrible but instead very real and spontaneous…when they kiss you’ll fall in love with them…
the other casts…very funny…soundtrack, great music too…
Javabeans, ur really doing a great job here…i really enjoy ur blogs…
u have the way of making my day…
can u come up with the a poll of what’s the best series that people watched so other series can be included…there’s a lot of other dramas that were nice to go back to…like Dae Jang Geum, Goong, Full House, Wonderful Life…to name a few… they also have great soundtracts….
well..lets keep the ball rolling…
Hmm I votes Best couple for CP Yoon Eun Hye/ Gong Yoo but honestly if it was possible I would change it for “BOTTOM OF THE 9TH WITH 2 OUTS: Best friends Su Ae and Lee Jung Jin”. I’ve currently watched half of the show and I have to say it was poorly rated but it’s definitly not their fault. Just like you thought Flower for my Life deserved better attention ( though I still haven’t started watching it ) I feel exactly the same. I actually love 9 End 2 Out more than Coffee Prince… It’s a pity that show got so unnoticed luckily WITH S2 subbed it
I so wished to see Conspiracy in the Court! Too bad no Subtitle Team had decided to take it up but I was planning to watch it without subs if it was the case… Problem is I want a top notch quality with x264 encoding and I just don’t know where to look for it.
As for the biggest let down I really stuggled between Hello Miss and With Yoon Hee. Hello Miss bored me after only 2 episodes, the characters were a bit too exaggerated, plus I felt Lee Da Hae was trying to act the way she had in My Girl it kind of got on my nerves… As for With Yoon Hee, it could have been great but they spoilt it so much! What a waste when they really could have done something awesome, the script had potential.
I’m looking forward to watch MIA ^^ I’m a bit in my romance period now so I’ll wait a bit. Currently watching too many sageuk at the same time though I love the genre I’m actually on overdose ^^
I really, really think Goong S was worse than Hello! Miss.
9 End, 2 Outs was really a fantastic show… I started watching the first three eps and kinda just jumped to ep 9, where I heard something actually happens between the two protagonists (I do have yet to go back on the missed eps
) and it was really smooth sailing from there. I marathon’d the rest of the eps in one day… cried many times… I don’t actually remember the ending, but the show was definitely very touching and relateable.
I think 9 End 2 Outs was such an underrated series… honestly I like it more than CP (gasp!) because the chemistry between Lee Jung Jin and Soo Ae was so natural… and their bestfriend-ship was realistic and cute ^^ I have to admit that the first 1/3 or so of 9E2O was a bit annoying (see my review…) because of the younger characters… but in the later episodes it really picks up and is genuinely enjoyable. CP was great, but I got bored in the last few episodes… and didnt watch it -____-;;
about Surgeon Bong Dal Hee… its alright, but i can’t really attest to it being all bloody… since it doesn’t really affect me as I am a student nurse (and that I’ve seen worse stuff than blood)…
I hate Grey’s Anatomy… and trust me SBDH is sooo much different!
one of my favourite dramas of 2007 was 9 Ends 2 Outs! but..it wasnt in the list
Coffee Prince was the best K-series for me in 2007.
I was excited to watch this series because I liked YEH in Goong. It was a well made series, actors were great and the story was fun and enjoyable. Best of all, this series led me to this wonderful site javabeans. I really loved your recaps. Haven’t watch another K-series after CP though.
I refused to vote for CP although its one of my favorites too. I just have to give credit to the others that are as good and even much better like Capital Scandal and Que Sera Sera. Though i admit, the comments round up of QSS here do helped me appreciate the drama more..i couldn’t thank you enough
I even became a crazy fan of eric now!! I almost thought that may be if you also watched Capital Scandal and blogged about it here, more would watch it and im sure it will be fun with your recaps 
CS was the only drama i watched while its aired and I remember the anticipation and torture of waiting its sub, and i believe it should be one of the underrated and funniest drama categories.
Thank God i never watched any of the let down dramas..it surely helped to check reviews and comments before choosing , i just dreaded wasting my time over such. Though i love period dramas too after watching Jumong and Dae Jang Geum, im dreading the sleepness nights of its long episodes, i still wish to watch the Legend though..if only i have all the time for myself…sigh…
trust me, you’ll never regret watching thank you. i can easily say that it’s one of the best drama of 2007. jang hyuk is one hot man i tell you!!!
Bottom of the 9ths…totally underated…my personal favorite, first time I watched a drama twice, thrice….
Does anybody know where I can watch the Legend? Before, you can download it from aznv.tv but now they changed it….
Thanks a lot for the dramas dramabeans!
I don’t think i would go as far as calling witch amusement the worst series of the year, there still is that itty bitty part of me that liked it [maybe it was cuz of jae hee....] even if it was a let down.
I
I just saw the other polls…
and I can’t believe that CP is leading in all categories that it’s in…
i’m estatic…
it feels so good ha…
I have to say my favorites of the year are: Dal Ja’s Spring and AT the Bottom of the 9th with 2 Outs (this one also has my favorite OST of the year). Both are about ‘thirty something’ theme and how the characters deal with it and the daily things in their lives. Or maybe I am just getting older
but I love both series. But I love the easy going theme, no typical characters like someone dying, or an heir or heiress, etc. But the interaction, chemistry, and storyline are excellent and well written. I haven’t watched CP yet, I have it, but haven’t watch and I am probably the only one that has not, so I can’t comment. But thank you Javabean for the great summaries. I became a fan of your website after I stumbled upon the Que Sera Sera summaries. Thank you for keeping us updated, providing hours of enjoyment, and for insightful comments.
Favorite drama:CP takes the top spot …for the 2nd spot i can’t decide which one i like better… QSS or Dal Ja’s spring
fav couple: EC and HK
thriller/ action: lobbyist
funniest: CP
historical: Legend
most underrated: MIA
biggest letdown: i can’t decide which one is the bigger letdown…Goong S or Witch Amusement…i would have to say both
drama i missed: Devil…just havent had time to watch it.
My favorite drama that I watched this year is Long Vacation… too bad it came out in 1996 and it’s a Japanese drama
So I guess that’s off topic. Well, I only recently saw it so maybe that’s why I’m still reeling but it’s one of the best miniseries I’ve ever watched.
On topic, for me, they are Queen of the Game, Thank You and Dal Ja’s Spring. I’ve started so many dramas (QSS, Bad Couple, Flowers of My Life, 9Ends etc etc) but stopped watching waiting for subs. I guess I better get back to them now.
Just finished 9End 2 Out and honestly… Ahhhh It was excellent and really touching definitly one of my favorite for this year.. So underrated…
Still waiting to decide which one is best. Based on everyone recommendations I’ve decided to watch Thank You at least before choosing which one’s my favorite for this year ^^
But I’m probably gonna have a drama marathon one of this days ^^ I’d like to watch War of Money, Thank You, The Devil, MIA and Capital Scandal before deciding. However, since you’ve put Coffee Prince in the best drama category it would be great if you could add 9End 2 Out in it as well.
Now that the Coffee Prince fever is gone, I have to admit it was certainly a good drama but not as good as I thought it was when I first watched it. Must be everyone’s enthusiam and the music that contributed to the addiction but I tried to rewatch it few days ago… And I found it really slow paced especially after episode 12… In short I felt bored which was not the case when I had rewatched other comedies such as Couple or Trouble or My Girl.
So now I’m wondering how did they manage to get me so hooked when I first watched it? That’s really a mystery! I mean you fell in the frenzy as well… Did they send subliminal messages or something?
I think I’m gonna start watching shows only when they have finished being aired, makes you able to judge it with a cool mind.
You guys don’t think the Lobbyist is good? And if it is one of the biggest let down that sucks for the producer, because the production cost around 10 billion won, according to dramawiki…
the Time of Wolf and Dog is really good!
I haven’t given a try to Lobbyist yet.. But I did download the first 12 episodes before erasing everything. I just felt I was gonna be bored…
For those interested I’ve written a review about 9 End 2 Outs on my blog here : http://lapetiteplume.wordpress.com/2007/12/02/9-end-2-outs-9회말-2아웃-review/
It may help you decide if you should give it a try ^^
the magazine dramatique’s December 2007 issue, lists the best 11 and 5 worst dramas of the year, as well as other best and worst categories. So does that mean it was taken from the naver poll? or did the naver article published the results that dramatique put out?
coffee prince (hands down)! besides GY and YEH’s undeniable chemistry, it is just lovely- a great way to reminisce one’s younger days…
…
i laughed more at Flowers for my Life
i fell in love with Coffee Prince (hard)!
the list should have included “bottom of the 9th with 2 outs”. hands down the best drama i’ve seen this year. jabvabeans, give this drama a try and would like to know what’s your take on it.
I too enjoyed 9 end 2 outs the most this year. I was watching both CP and this show at the same time. Towards the end I could not wait to see the next episode of 9E2O. I didn’t finish watching CP–thanks to Javabeans who wrote such excellent review of each episode that I did not need to watch the show to see how it ended. I will catch up someday. There is so much chemistry between the two leads! Many memorable moments in ep 15 and 16 especially. This was one of the best performances by Lee Jung Jin. I look forward to his next show.
2007 is a year of surprises and over excited drama!
I personally like COFFEE PRINCE. The story that really out of nowhere really surpasses any stroy I have seen so far! Plus the actors that really gave justice to the story. I think after Goong this is the next one that I am craving on for months. And it revived my Korean Drama craze!
“the magazine dramatique’s December 2007 issue, lists the best 11 and 5 worst dramas of the year, as well as other best and worst categories.”?
=
i always thought this list of best 11 and 5 worst was from Dramatique Dec issue and it was voted by 10 editors/journalist .
Drama of the year : of course it belong to White Tower !~^^
My top 3 are Coffee Prince, Que Sera Sera, and Witch Amusement. Idk I liked witch amusement. idk why people hating it sooo much. haha but im silly. Coffee Prince was the bomb !!!!! ahhh so cute. Que Sera Sera was so dramatic and i loved it! haha
After being disappointed by Goong S, my craving to watch Kdrama died down at the beginning of the year. I was really looking forward to QSS because YEH was suppose to star in it but got another disappointment when she dropped out. “Thank You” was the drama that made me start watching kdrama again. After this I actually had a marathon between Witch Amusement, Hello Miss & Que Sera Sera. The Devil was suppose to be on my list but I accidentally read the ending on Soompi and I’m not ready for a depressing ending but I manage to watch a few episode and I must say that I’m really impressed by JJH’s acting (no traces of Shin), I may give it a try again in the future.
I think that 2007 produced great dramas but my favorites would be:
1.) Coffee Prince – Great ensemble cast, great music, great PD who knows how to pull the heartstrings of her female audience, great set and use of lighting. I agree that it’s not the best drama this year but what made it great for me is its ability to make me relate on each character and I like how it has no real villain.
2.) Thank You – I think this is the first drama I’ve watched where I’m not familiar with the main leads. I would confess that I don’t like Gong Hyo Jin before, but this drama made me respect her as an actress, Bom is too cute for words and Jang Hyuk is just yummy. The Best Family Drama this year.
3.) Que Sera Sera – started watching because I’m curious why YEH really wanted to do this drama and I must say it’s worth getting depressed. I think like CP it set the bar on what kdramas of the future should be and that in spite of Korea’s conservative society, producers and directors are ready to tackle what their new generation’s outlook on relationships is and what is really happening between a man/woman’s relationship.
After typing the above I just realize the common denominator/s of the dramas I love this year and it is the small touch of realism they add that make the characters relatable to the viewers. Like how Eric’s character got blinded by the emotion he felt and nearly raped Yoomi’s character in QSS, how YM turn around and kiss Eric back in the rain in spite of the fact that he nearly raped her, how GY threw cautions in the wind and accepted the “thing” he loves no matter what, how YEH/EC decided to give her innocence to HK on her last day in Korea and how JH’s character exchange a comfortable life in the city to be with the two woman who change his life and gave him a new reason to live again. I just got teary eyed typing this so I’m gonna stop now.
Runner-ups:
9 ends out 2 and Time between dog & wolf
I lost my first lot of typings a few hours ago due to a network disruption…then back here to read jenni’s comments which are so similar to mine!! Anyway, here I go again.
My top favourite is definitively COFFEE PRINCE – no contest! It is in fact becoming my all time favourite.
The backlash against CP arising from its popularity is really unfortunate. Let’s revisit it. It’s great to me because of the crispy freshness of the overall production and sensual approach in its portrayal of its characters and their feelings. It’s largely rid of K-drama cliche and I didn’t do any fast forward at all as with many other dramas. In fact, I don’t feel like watching a k-drama (if you know what I mean). The total package is delivered just right on-the-spot: the excellent music, drop dead gorgeous sets (think those apartments/house and the CP cafe), cinematography, lighting (think the different hues and mood of the cafe during daytime and nightime, the night scene in HK’s roof garden), no extreme characters (aka evil girl that each drama seems to have to have), and all round excellent cast topped up by the superb chemistry between YEH and GY. To be a successful drama, the romance has to be convincing and engaging. CP has achieved just that and we audience can’t help to feel intrusive in watching their romance unfold. The ‘I don’t care whether you are a man or alien’ line is becoming a classic. The side stories and characters are just as watchable as the main ones. All in all, it is a layered drama with solid trunk complemented by strong branches and lusicious leaves.
Major criticisms of CP focussed on post-ep 12 development. I actually enjoy that latter part as much as the episodes before. This is the first drama – probably since 1% of something – that deals with life after love confession. I don’t wish to pay too much emphasis on feminism but I find the CP treatment of those issues enlightening. They are nothing new and in fact the ’same old’s in other dramas: family acceptance, status gap, choice between career fulfilment and marriage.
The CP treatment of these issues is positive and sincere – you don’t have to win over a bleeding heart! Finally, I have to say the artificial extension to 17 episodes does compromise the overall quality of CP as a terrific drama.
Back to the favourite list: ‘Thank You’ comes in the second deservedly. I’m not into weepy stuff and have been avoiding this one. When finally getting into it, you just get blown away. It’s a gem – a meaningful piece that makes you value life and your loved ones more. It is sad but not sad in the roundabout way. Trust me, you’ll end up with a smile rather than tears. The cast is just wonderful.
Other favourites for the year are ‘9 ends and 2 out’ and ‘Surgeon Bong Dal Hee’. I love the best friends-turn-lovers in the former and the charisma charm of LBS in the latter. QSS is also good in setting up a new type of drama. Many people like DJ’s Spring but somehow it doesn’t work on me and I wasn’t able to finish it. Maybe I’ll give it another go but Lee Minki is a new find. After seeing him in DJ’s Spring and I
Really Really Like you, I find him possessing comic talent similar to that of Rowan Aitkinson – not sure if others share this view though.
Lastly, 2007 is a great year that brings us back from the drama drought!
Firstly *wails* Javabeans dear, you missed out Dae Jo Young for the Period drama section!!!!! It’s awesome an drama eventhough I started watching from the tail end! It’s ratings were and are so good (still showing over 100 Ep, now) and Mr X also likes it – same with Jumong too…how come hoh 2 of the biggest Sagueks of 2007 and you didn’t even list them down in your list SOBS *this coming from a major Saguek fan* Both has over 30% in ratings too..sobs sobs LOL The others you listed I’ve not watched but following some on Soompi but dear Dahee loves King and I so I MUST watch that too, and YISAN with my darling Lee Seo Jin….then again there’s Legend also aiyooo spoilt for choice! I LOVEEEEEEEEEE SAGUEKS !!!
Also so heart warming to see alot of Surgeon Bong Dal Hee fans here talking about this wonderful drama – Dr Ahn U LA LA – ain’t he something – So loud, so solid, so silently loving BDH, OMO Lee Boem Soo is such an incredible versatile actor – if you see him in his usual comedic roles…you would have thought them 2 complete persons..when compared to Dr Ahn….but the height and stockiness would give him away but the hairstyles would NOT !!!! LOL LOL LOL
You’ve given so much to all of us Javabeans, I wish you had started your blog even earlier man it would have been wonderful to read your daily musings/thoughts on dramas like MISA, Lovers in Paris, Sweet 18 Bride, Phoenix, Be Strong Geom Soon…and so much more…nvm, better now then never!
And no signs of Jung Chan eh? Was hoping to see him in a new drama! The LOVERS thread was fun times… so funny when some of us jump ship to Jung Chan’s camp at some point!
Please don’t ever stop doing what you do on this blog!
A Fan…Hugs, E
^^^ Jung Chan is now playing on “Auction House”. Javabeans had recap some beginning episodes of this drama.
I like him too ( from the Lovers. I rooted for him, but on the other side I didn’t want him end up with Kim Jeung Eun though..)
bad couple forever! my top favorite!
and yes, i heart ryu su young….
@ epyc, *applaud* for a very convincing argument on behalf of Coffee Prince. Your passionate write up reflects how much i’ve gushed over this series during that crazy summer of 2007. Visually, the drama is top-notch. The cinematography and lighting/set were superb. I appreciate its muted tone, its effective use of light/shadow, its sense of realism – all of which elevated CP above many other dramas this year. The directing was sure and deft. There’s an intuitive sense of where and how camera needed to be – how it lingered just long enough to finish the scenes but still remained unobtrusive to capture those moments. Chemistry, acting and music no doubt were wonderful. It was a lovely production.
Personally, i’ve noticed a subtle change in CP during the viewing, not afterward (i.e.: didn’t jump on any bandwagon). The novel adaptation ends around episode 12. The show came into its own from there on. It’s great that Coffee Prince chose to explore the post-romance “happily ever after” premise. What surprised me is how the writer decided to shift into “female fantasyland” mode. There seemed to be a loss of balance in the characters; giving more weight to Eun Chan’s character. Granted that Coffee Prince depicted an idealized romance, i’d love it more if the writer had maintain its beloved sense of realism – to take in account the XY-chromosome’s point of view. It’s just my personal take, yeah? And since it doesn’t seem to bother you, it’s still cool, i hope?
Coffee Prince’s Achilles heel is its length (aside from episode 17 extension). The last 4-5 episodes were paced slower. I feel that creative sparks were few and far between at the end. (Honestly, there are other dramas this year whose writings were more consistently notable – original, witty, sharp, brilliant). But, man, there were some very good dialogues and performances from GY in those last eppies.
I’m just a little bit disappointed that it was not tightly written for the ENTIRE drama (aka: i’m too picky!). This alone does not take away Coffee Prince’s achievements but does highlight its weaknesses. Presented as a whole package, Coffee Prince is a worthy and sentimental best drama favorite. However, to be fair, shouldn’t the best drama excelled the entire 16-17 episodes? And then there’s the question re: the weight of its material and genre. Drama vs. Romantic Comedy? Case in point: two drama choices to satisfy and please the critics in us. LOL.
BTW, i agree with your comments on Thank You. I’d love to know your impression of the ending.
Hi Tealeaf, it’s great that our observation about CP’s production value is now validated by PD Lee Yoon Jung’s being one of two winners of the Yoida award for exploring “new ground in making a miniseries with her fresh sensibilities and directing technique” – see Javabean’s latest post.
I do not disagree with your comment on the later episodes. Many people have already made the remarks that CP is made by women for women audience. It would be extremely interesting if the balanced approach as suggested by you had been taken up – which might then propel CP to be the BEST drama of the year. Note that I didn’t choose to name it as the best drama but my favourite drama. It’s like Javabean’s dual rating of how much I like it/how much I rate it – ha ha!!
About Thank You, I like to think that the grandfather’s passing away provides a great prelude to (or the way forward for) the drama’s ending. There is a positive note on what you CAN do knowing what will come. Yes, the little girl’s fate is pretty much marked but not quite. And who got a better deal in the end – the girl & her mum or the birthfather & grandmother?
Dear epyc,
First off, let me sincerely apologize for misintepreting your viewpoint. Chalk it up to my incurable disease of reading and commenting on-the-go. In addition, i should never attempt to write windy incomprehensible comments on an empty stomach without the indispensable morning coffee intake.
Isn’t it great that we can be critical of something, admit its shortcomings and still can like it wholeheartedly. Coffee Prince is a perfect example. I agree that it’s flawed; yet that did not prevent me from enjoying the drama. It’s mainly because there were many more things that Coffee Prince did right (and well). It’s deserving of its praise. However, i feel that i should not overlook other as deserving dramas either. So like you, I considered Coffee Prince a favorite, not “best”. And no, i didn’t participate in the poll. I didn’t see all of the listed dramas so voting would be inappropriate. See, i’m not actually a true K-drama addict after all (hehe).
Gracias for the thoughts on Thank You. I like how the series stressed the positive aspects of the inevitable. That we should appreciate the present and be happy in the moment. In addition, family and relations are something intangible and real. They do not require validation or need to be defined and confined by society’s standards. Another good drama in a sea of great shows this year.
Thank you for the conversation.
I hope I don’t ruffle any feathers but may I ask that we avoid giving away major spoilers (especially ending spoilers) in our comments? Thank you. *muah!*
Jeongmalro djes shi? “Auction House” oh must take a look…AJA
*Spoilers* Thundie? *runs and check whether me by accident* aiyo
didnt enjoy coffee prince as much as i had expected.. it was boring for me, pacing was rather slow and basically the plot was very easy to guess.
i loved 9 end 2 outs alot, its definitely underated. i actually watched CP first due to all the hype, but i kinda regret
insoon is pretty’s awesome, but im until up to a few episodes.
My most fav 2007 drama is Surgeon Bong Dal hee. I’ve watched ER a lot and very few of Grey’s Anatomy but I found SBDH not recall me of those 2 series at all. I love the cast and the plot, the story is beautifully composed of career life and personal life plus love in adult way. Lee Bum Soo is so amazing playing the talented doctor as if he’s real doctor.
I do like romance dramas but I’m not much happy with Coffee Prince. The plot is kind of teen love for me.
Wow, what a great post! I just started watching KDramas this summer, and I started with Coffee Prince, and I have to agree, this has been my favorite one that I’ve seen so far!
I am saddened though that I didn’t see Golden Bride anywhere on this list. I started watching this show the same time as Coffee Prince, and now 42 episodes later, I still can’t get enough of it! I know some parts of it are cheesy and a bit over-the-top dramatic at times, but I still love it all the same, and did a happy dance when I saw that it was extended from 50 episodes to 70
Looking at your polls and reading the comments also gives me some ideas for more dramas to watch. I’ve seen Flowers For My Life after reading that you gave that drama a 10/10 on your ratings, and you were right, it was really incredible and very different from others I’ve seen. I’ve also seen Dal Ja’s Spring (so funny and cute) and Legend and Yi San, and I think that’s really all I’ve seen for 2007, so some of the polls I had to skip.
But I have to say, that after Coffee Prince, Golden Bride is my #2, so I was a little disappointed not to see it on here *sniff sniff* TT.TT
I’m Coffee
, and my absolute favorite is Coffee Prince.
COFFEE IS MY LIFE.
Thank You Dear Javabeans.
you should definitely watch thank you and conspiracy in the court!!! Thank You is not “sad” per say, but it’s such a heart-touching drama. I wouldn’t eqaute it with Flowers for my Life either because to me, they are totally different. I mean, the story line for FFML is truly unique and one that can’t be rivaled with (i think)…but thank you is something else…you just can’t help but love JANG HYUK..lol
but yea, now, conspiracy in the court is just something else!!!! It’s awesome…i was confused now and then (well maybe a lot cuz i had a lot of school work during the time that it aired and well, let’s just say i missed a lot of episodes here and there). I have yet to actually see the whole drama…but i saw the 1st episode and the last 8, (that’s enough right–to regard it as one of my faves?) lol… but yea…you should definitely check those two dramas out. I am pretty ashamed to say that i actually found some of the dramas in the “worst dramas” fun to watch and interesting…but when is “interesting” ever good right? anyways, thanks for this…i truly had fun with it.–oh dears, i have to go drama shopping to get some of the dramas mentioned here that got totally good ratings from you and the other readers here… =]]] thanks again!!
i just finished watching coffee prince coz everyone’s raving how wonderful that drama is…but unfortunately IMHO, it is totally overrated!
really love YEH in Goong…but…not so much in CP….sorry CP and YEH addicts!
I have watched most of the series mentioned…and so far, my most favorite is
BAD COUPLE!
Contrary to public opinion, I found Coffee Prince a little bit too long and draggy. In fact, it was so predictable and draggy that I went from Episode 1 to 2 to 16. Capital Scandal, on the other hand, blew me away…good cast + good script= WORTHWHILE It’s interesting how underrated dramas are underrated and how they should be overrated.
I really loved Thank You! I must really say “Thank You” to all those people who made this drama a success! One of the best Korean dramas of all time!
My favorite drama would be Thank You and Capital scandal for this year.
Both are not your typical drama.
Since you haven’t watch them, I suggest you do!
Thank you, like everyone else said, is really heart-warming and touching.
Capital Scandal, on the other hand, is really underrated but nevertheless, it’s good!
It’s a drama with a mixture of romance, suspense, action and comedy.
Let me join the hundreds of other people imploring you to watch Thank You. It is such a well-written, well-directed, well cast drama. It is not really sad (seriously–I don’t like sad dramas). I cried a total of 2 times and not for long, and I had good laughs watching it. To put into perspective it is no sadder than Flowers For My Life (it’s actually a lot more upbeat than FFML). So if you can handle FFML, you can handle Thank You. Thank You is such a heart warming drama. Please give it a shot. I don’t think you will regret it.
I’m not surprised to see CP leading although for me Thank You is the best drama of 2007. I’ve been reading the comments and seems like people are liking the Bottom of The 9 th-2outs pairing too. I think Soo Ae and Lee Jung Jin did a good job and they had great chemistry as best friends turn lovers.
Hey! The nomination lists for 2007 MBC and KBS Drama Awards are now out! Check Soompi for more details! Oh yeah, CP and Thank You got nominated, but seriously, I think Thank You deserves the awards more than CP. Why? CP just tells the story of a “guy” falling for a guy, which is getting more and more common in drama themes nowadays. Thank You breaks new ground by telling how people with AIDS cope with their lives and how ignorance can really lead to somebody else’s misery. It deals with how Korea is still prejudiced against people with AIDS and how AIDS sufferers face the discrimination they face from society. Overall, I really think Thank You should get the Best Drama Award. Although CP is leading in polls, that’s just because it’s a “trendy” drama. Trends do die off with time. Thank You, you can say it’s more of the educational type. It will remain firmly etched in your mind.
yeah! thank you rocks! and really, the nomination lists have come out already? haha! i shall go and check it out! thanks for telling us that!
hmm, as for coffe prince, i’ve finished watching it. it was good, but not as good as thank you imo. coffee prince didn’t hit me as “wow! this drama is worth the hype!” type. thank you, although it was quite ignored in the mediasphere, slowly won the hearts of the nation with its convincing storyline, great acting and good direction. i was a bit skeptical abt this drama at first, but yeah, now i really thank my friend for introducing this drama to me! it’s amazing how 2 words “thank you” can change the way you live, your attitude towards life. so… best korean drama of 2007 definitely goes to thank you! it definitely rejuvenated my love for korean dramas. 
Thanks for the news fanny. I’m gonna check it out.
Best dramas of 2007 for me are “9 End 2 Outs” and “Thank You” for the moment. But I’ve still got to check The Devil, Flowers for my life and Mixed Up Investigative Agency. I tried watching Capital Scandal but didn’t got into it so I guess I tried at the wrong time, but I’m still planning to watch it. The Legend was good, the visual effects were awesome but compared to other sageuks the story lacked a bit. It may have been because of the length but I felt too much attention may have been put on the visual effects instead of focusing on the story… But it may be just me.
I’ll probably make a review on Thank You tomorrow or the day after. That one was touching to the max. It’s really not the kind of drama I liked to watch but it was simply ahh I don’t know.
The little girl who was acting as Bom was extaordinary. Awesome. My english is too poor to allow me to express myself properly but she wasn’t acting as Bom, she WAS Bom. That’s pure talent I’m telling you, to the point of outshining her adult collegues. AH I’m gonna stop, It’s probably one the drama you start to talk about and you can’t stop. The thing is reading the summary you have the impression you’re gonna see something with a pitiful mum, completely unhappy, who’s to be pitied I mean she has to bring up a fatherless child who’s got AID, her grandfather ’s got Alzheimer, she couldn’t go to University and she lives in a remote village with only elderly people. But no. They’re happy! I mean watching it, you feel sometimes It’s tough on her but overall she’s happy, her daughter is cute, her grandfather is ill but nonetheless AH
I SHUT UP.
But as a drama addict it is A CRIME to not have seen it Javabeans so as soon as you’ve enough free time, please watch it and tell us what you think ( although I can’t see you finding the slightest flow in it except maybe the first episode).
Now then I’m gone.
#131 La Plume
“But as a drama addict it is A CRIME to not have seen it Javabeans so as soon as you’ve enough free time, please watch it and tell us what you think ( although I can’t see you finding the slightest flow in it except maybe the first episode).”
Hmm, interesting. Actually a few of us (and I know we are really in the minority on this one) felt that Thank You started out really good and lost steam in the last few episodes. I don’t want to elaborate as that will be giving away vital plot details but because of my disappointment with the writing (and Jang Hyuk’s characterization) toward the end, Thank You is not in my running for best drama. But I agree with everyone about little Bom being absolutely awesome. The veteran actors were fantastic too. Gong Hyo Jin wasn’t as spunky as I liked her to be (she was a class act in Ruler of Your Own World) but she has always delivered. I hope she gets some recognition at the year-end awards.
THANK YOU was AWESOME from beginning to the end! oh yes, capital scandal and surgoen bong dal-hee are really great too! i think this year is a pretty strong year for korean dramas. as in, this year’s korean dramas have better plots and acting compared to the 2005 and 2006 batch. ever since korean dramas hit their peak in 2004, things have been going slightly downhill i guess. 2007 is the year when kdramas gain back their momentum and i hope they will continue to dazzle me in 2008.
For Gramps, thunderbolt, and those of us frequent visiters at soompi – Insoon is Pretty really IS painfully underapreciated. If it’s not on the Favorite of 2007 list (though I think it should be), it should at the very least be on the Most Underrated list.
Although I loved Coffee Prince (will watch it again whenever I need a romance fix) and agree that it definitely moved the popular/trendy drama bar up a notch, it’s more on my “what I like” rather than “what I consider best” list. It was indeed one of my favorites this year, (and hey, it brought me to this blog, which I am forever thankful for) but I wonder how it would have turned out without the episode 17 extension.
Javabeans, give Insoon is Pretty and Bottom the of the 9th With 2 Outs another try. Thunderbolt and I agree on our reviews of Thank You, and this disappointed Jang Hyuk fan has a feeling that javabeans may, too. Capital Scandal was fun, but I wasn’t blown away by anything, except staring at Kang Ji Hwan.
Still meaning to catch up on Surgeon Bong Dal Hee (Lee Bum Soo, that versitile character actor), White Tower & HIT (subs anyone?), and Devil. Oh, the holiday vacation isn’t coming soon enough.
I have been a fervent reader of your website. And I must say it was actually you who motivated to watch Coffee Prince. I enjoyed Coffee Prince although I think the couple I preferred was HS and YJ.
One thing I really love about Korean dramas (as compared to HK and TW dramas) is how the scripted conversations between characters can really echo in my mind and make me reflect on real life. I think this was one of the real strengths of Coffee Prince as well as 2 outs in the 9th inning.
Thank You was also excellent in its portrayal of the subtleties of human relationships. I personally think if I had to choose a good overall drama Thank You really reaches a totally different plane from the one that CP and 2 outs in the 9th inning languishes at. It explores much more than the romantic relationship, but also familial love, the relationship that our external self has with our inner person and also the love that comes from proximity and familiarity (i.e. neighbours).
Other dramas I found commendable were The White Tower and Time of Dog and Wolf. I must say that Time of Dog and Wolf was a pleasant surprise. I watched it because I had nothing to do. But I ended up hooked to it — initially because of the fast-paced action and gripping plot, but later on because the character development really made me care about what happened.
I love medical dramas in general so it is hardly surprising how much I liked The White Tower. Also I watched The White Tower after I watched Coffee Prince, so I was impressed by what a good actor the actor who played HS in Coffee Prince is.
Hope to read more of your writing and reviews!
thank you for a wooonderful year…. i found a link between korean language to english language… greatly appreciate your effort, dedication and time… u have my time now… haha i am 34 this year. i just made it to your polls… merry xmas and a happy new year.
hmm, you should try watching surgeon bong dal hee and thank you! both are really very good, or should i say, the best korean dramas of 2007. i was really blown away by seo shin ae’s portrayal of lee bom. jang hyuk and gong hyo jin are great too! i hope gong hyo jin will win the top excellence award and jang hyuk win the excellence award! aja aja hwaiting Gomapseumnida!
I’ve just recently been watching In-Soon is Pretty and it seems like another keeper. It’s the first time for me seeing either of the leads. The lead actress (her name escapes me) is quite good and quite pretty, short hair and all. I wonder if her new coiffure has anything to do with the Go Eun Chan/Yoon Eun Hye influence?
absulately the answer is = 2 outs in the 9th inning best drama of the year….everything in this drama is fantastic , natural and soo ae perfect actress, CP=Subject is interesting maybe different than the others!! !! but acting is not so good when was compared with 2 outs in the 9th inning.
yes there are english subs to White Tower floating around the internet…but the subs are pretty bad…grammar/spelling mistakes everywhere
but hey..i managed to finish the drama w/ these poor subs…and i STILL think its the best drama of 2007!
Have we missed out long dramas (more than 50 eps) like Pure 19 (2006-2007) and Golden Bride (2007-2008)? How about adding one more poll for this category?
I enjoyed 9 Ends 2 Out. Find it light-hearted and a refreshing storyline. Was surprised it didn’t come into the Underrated Category.
coffe prince was good… but i just finished watching capital scandal and OH MY GOD its sooooooo goood! its got humor, suspense, excitement and action all in one! i stayed up all night watching! the way each episode ended was perfect and made u want to keep watching the next. I think capital scandal is DEFINITELY the most underrated series this year. hands up for capital scandal!
haha, i think Javabeans is really torn now. with so many of us asking her to watch this and watch that. it’s best that we keep our mouth zipped for the moment and let her choose what she wanna watch. sometimes, our recommendation may raise expectations unnecessarily and cause her to not enjoy the drama much. we all love the ones we’ve watched and we’re recommending cos we won’t want Javabeans to miss out the GEMs. but at the end of the day, unrealistic expectations can really spoil a drama, so let’s stay put and see how things go yea? =)
of course, we LOVE our dramas ya? we shall all keep a tight look on the MBC drama awards. have fun ppl!
Merry X’Mas! it’s a happy HOLIDAY! (one day where i don’t need to go to work) @_@
wow i didn’ realise 9 Ends 2 Out had so many fans. I myself haven’t checked it out, simply because i didn’t like the poster.. lol… i know…irrelevant, but at the time there were a few things out there to choose from it seemed like a good reason… i watched a few good dramas this year and it think its a four way tie between Que sera sera, Dal Ja’s Spring, Coffee Prince and Flowers for my life. They won me over by the simple fact that they were completly different from what we usually see…
Que sera sera and Dal Ja’s Spring were surprisingly good… Though QSS was much darker, the ending is really what did it for me… I think its one of the best drama endings i’ve ever seen.
As for Dal Ja’s it was all thanks to Chae rim and all the wacky characters…lol at the grandpa and grandma…
Coffee prince was good. Funny, filled with memorable convos and nicely shot… though the ending was lacking magic, the whole drama had enough for it to be overlooked.
Flowers blew me away… It was a shocker, cu i didn’t know much of the cast (esp. chae tae hyun), but i loved loved it… Death was never so beautiful explored…and i think Ran is one of my favourite character ever!!
But i was disappointed because there were dramas that started with a bang but just lost it midway or even 3 episodes away from the ending… Thank You, Hello Miss, Witch Yoo Hee and Bad Couple were those dramas for me.
Thank you was okay, it wasn’t bad, but i didn’t see any chemistry between the two leads and the last 2 episode were kinda sloppy…
Hello Miss was just a jumping, screaming mess…ugh…I expected a lot from it, but it didn’t deliver and you know what? I didn’t go past episode 6. It had so many good elements, like her family situation, the second lead actresses hilarious flashbacks…but i couldn’t take any more screamming, yelling, overly cute act they were trying to pull…
Witch Yoo hee is a funny one… How can it be nearly perfect fun for about 13 episodes and a half, then BIG DISSAPOINTEMENT! The ending was sloppy to say the best. The last few episodes were so shaky, sloppy, made you wanna throw up… Maybe i’m being a little harsh… But i’m because it was soooooo good at the beginning, almost perfect… The plot, most of the cast, even Jae Hee’s purse… Just seemed like the writters forgot what the story was about and started writing about a gangster drama, and the fact that mun ryong got a split personnality with leaving to go overseas how many times was less than charming…
Bad couple…OMG!! Same situation as witch Witch Yoo… I feel like this drama shouldve had 12 episodes. Just to say that i didn’t watch the last wo episode and read them here… I couldn’t TAKE IT anymore… I mean it started out great…Especially the third female lead, she was HILARIOUS! but the story got long,dragged and i fell asleep…
Hmmm, so 2007 was a good year…Fell in love with so many dramas….hope the bring the best for 08!!! (already, omg getting old…lol)
reading all 114 comments above, i think i need to get my copy of the wacky mixed up investigative agency (did i write this rite?)
hehe
am i the only one who think CP suck real bad if its not for the hottie cast? (i mean.. waffle guy and sunshine boy)
gong yoo-eunhye dont even have that chemistry
QSS win my heart simply because of the OST
i feel a bit surprised to see that Pure 19 wasn’t placed anywhere on this list.
but this drama didn’t have that… hook that would suck you in from the very beginning episode.
I was feeling a bit jaded with all the disappointments *witch yoo hee… hello miss (gosh what a miss. haha.. pun so intended..)
anyway. i went to soompi and i heard rave reviews about this drama.
granted, there weren’t a lot of people raving about it because this drama was the big commitment kinda drama- but i decided to try it just for kicks. (I admit, i only started to watch it when i discovered which male was exactly the REAL main character. look at the character charts and you’ll see what i mean.
of course- with all beginning episodes… specially big huge dramas like these, it’s hard to get sucked into the storyline. (Lesson learned with “as much as heaven and earth”)
However… from the very first episode… i was hooked.
Okay- so i admit- it is a bit cliche with the whole cinderella element and how the girl makes so many sacrifices… but. The romantic aspect was so sweet. I am a huge sucker for romantic stuff and for a bit of the cliched korean drama typeish stuff but again, most of the 100+ dramas depend on cliches to run it and gain viewership.
There is a reason why it was the third most watched drama. Amazingly enough, one of the longest dramas was also the top three. It may seem ironic, but there’s a reason. The main characters had amazing chemistry onscreen. Also, Goo- Hye Sun’s acting was one of the best i have ever seen from an amateur actress. Gosh. i think i could go on forever praising what they did in the drama. Yeah. i admit. there were times in each of the episodes where it dragged. since it is a family drama, every single part of the family was represented. From the grandfather searching for love, to the uncles, the aunts, the pesky invading mothers… it had everything which i had no interest in because some of the plotlines simply dragged.
I believe that the two main characters were able to haul this drama’s ratings, and quality to something that would actually be watchable and bearable.
Although this drama didn’t make the list at all, I believe that this was the best family/ daily drama.
I love han hyo joo (the cast from nonstop 5!) but… heaven and earth just simply didn’t appeal to me. i desperately tried to watch at least 30 episodes, but each one simply just dragged on.. and on… but i do think that she looked very pretty in her wedding dress
pure 19 had that hook.
i didnt think that witch amusement and Hello!miss were that bad…i think there are worse ones out there. i LOVED 9 end 2 outs.
Hi! I really like the fact that QSS made it to the list in the naver poll! =D I really enjoyed that series
MIA! BY 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 MILES! I’m sorry. I’m going into MIA withdrawal. And I must say, compared to Coffee Prince, it was so much better. I liked coffee prince– I really did. And I do think its publicity and fame was deserved. But seriously, writing-wise, comedy-wise, originality-wise., character-wise, plot-wise, MIA was just BETTER. Its so criminally underrated that I can’t believe it =(.
And lee-min-ki was freaking adorable!
do u have a review/recap/summary for capital scandal??
i just finished hong gil dong..and theres an empty space in my heart at the moment.. so am tryin to fill it up with another kan ji hwan’s…
I really like Golden Bride!!!!!!!! It was really cute..
Que sera sera was very addicting..Eric was so hot
Coffee prince was really good too as I recall…But I forgot about it as soon as I finished it..
Kang Tae Bong’s not real?
Javabeans, I wish you have warned me that there will be spoilers. T_T