Ask javabeans…
Um. So I’ve been really bad with emails lately, folks. Well, I’m always prone to being bad with emails, but lately stuff is taking over my offline life and I’ve been really awful, and my inbox is overflowing, and I feel stressed out about that and guilty, but most emails ask for stuff and responding to requests for stuff takes time and I don’t have a lot of time these days and OMG did I mention the stress? I do have a job and a life (sometimes) and also a pretty busy blog and somehow I woke up and it was already June. June 2009. (Anyone who’s spent a number of years in the dreaded Real World knows the horror of realizing one day that not mere weeks but months or even years have slipped by, and boy isn’t that depressing.)
Also, I get a lot of repeat questions, and maybe I should just update that durned About page or make another FAQ but like I said, have! no! time! and also this site is also overflowing with too many pages and subpages already.
So anyway, I figured, I’d make a post where you could just ask me questions and I’d answer them as they came and maybe then I could alleviate some of that email-backlog burden, because face it, that backlog is more of a wasteland about now.
Let me answer a few off the bat:
- Are you Korean? I am ethnically Korean, but am also 100% American. I speak English. I speak Korean with the parents, but they’re fluent in English so I switch back and forth.
- Will you feature other writers? Maybe. Got a review/rant/recap you’d like featured here? I’m open to it! Email me and let me know what you wanna write. I’ve considered expanding this site in the past more than a few times but always ultimately ruled against it, deciding I’d rather post fewer things and be more in-depth than try to be comprehensive. Being comprehensive is a lot of work, yo! But I love guest bloggers, and if you’re a pretty good writer with something to say about dramas or cinema or pop culture, hit me up.
- Will you link to my site? Maybe. I hate being asked for links because it makes me feel guilty when I don’t. But I’m also pretty picky so I’ll usually watch a site for a while and if it’s cool, I’ll link it. A lot of really great sites I have linked or wanted to link have died out after a month or two. Of course, if I’m really missing out on a fabulous link — by which I mean well-written, interesting, relevant, and generates their own content — I’m always happy to be informed about it.
- You’re kinda pretentious, aren’t you? Yeah, well, whatchoo gonna do… I have strong opinions and the opinionator inside my brain usually works with the wordiness-multiplyer to equal very long-winded thoughts. But you know this.
- Can you send me the OST of __ movie/drama? If I have it, I’ll sometimes send it along. If I don’t, I won’t go digging around for it, sorry! I’d honestly like to give everyone what they ask for, but it’s that pesky time issue again.
- In a similar vein, What’s the name of __ guy in __ movie? Here, let me google that for you.
- Will you be watching/recapping [upcoming drama name]? I don’t know. I don’t ever decide until I’ve actually watched the first episode, or sometimes first two. If I say yes and I hate it, I don’t want to find myself stuck having committed, which either means (a) I’m stuck watching something I hate, or (b) I reneged on a promise to recap something. Easier just to say “I’ll wait and see.”
- Will you recap City Hall? No.
- Pretty please? It’s really good! I’ve heard that. Still no.
- But… No.
- Why not? Here’s the thing. I watched the first episode and part of the subsequent one, and was bored to tears. I know that it gets better and people are raving about it, which means maybe I’ll come back to watch it later. But in my mind the recapping boat has pretty much sailed. I never close the door to doing a “classic” recap, but thus far I haven’t had time to do any of the series I wanted to do after the fact. (Attic Cat, Alone in Love, Delightful Girl Chun-hyang…)
- If you won’t do it, can I? Really? Would you? Because if you can and are willing, I am open to guest recappers! (For instance, I know I won’t have time to watch The Man Who Can’t Get Married for a while…) What you need is access to the videos, decent ability to write recaps, and the desire and commitment to stick with a series. You don’t have to be Korean, you just have to be motivated.
- That’s kind of a big commitment. Maybe just a review then? That’s good too.
- I read your review of __ series. You’re sooo wrong. I’m just expressing an opinion, so I’ll stand by my review/praise/mockery. On the other hand, if you want to write a rebuttal… (refer to item above)
- When is the next recap coming of [pending drama]? When I have time. If I’m recapping a drama, trust me, I haven’t forgotten. Chances are I might even be more aware of the late recap than you! Again, there’s this thing called time, and it’s a limited entity… (I know and I’m sorry, Return of Iljimae!) If ever I actually decide to drop recaps, I’ll let you know.
And so on. Ask away!
Just out of curiosity … what kind of job do you have? Do you enjoy it?
when you get to watching ‘the man who can’t get married’, will you give us your opinion on it? Not a recap but maybe a short review on your first impressions.
I just finished watching a bit of ep 3 and I’m quite enjoying it even though it has it’s irky moments.
LMAO!!!!!
JavaB, “some”- funny funny questions and anwers!
Looks like a great idea….!
QUESTION:
Will this be posted weekly too, like your friday thread?
*GRINNING AT THAT CUTE LITTLE POSTER ON THE LEFT UPPER SIDE* (what do you call those anyway?)
i’ve always wondered about the same thing. what DO you do? i’m trying to imagine what kind of job you would have and i have no idea what so ever. in my head you just split your time writing for the website and doing a crazy assortment of mysterious things that you aren’t allowed to discuss in mixed company…
Yeah! Where do you find the time? Tell me I’d like to know as just watching dramas and reading this blog consumes a major part of my day and I need to find those extra hrs as well. Don’t know how you do it all and people still expect more.
I appreciate all you do and thank you for it.
Guest reviewers are a good idea. The resent post for Accidental Couple was great and I’ve just started to watch it. So far so good.
Just an aside, your twitter regarding eating ice cream while lunch is cooking reminded me of my Grandfather saying it doesn’t matter what order you eat things in as they all end up in the same place anyway, while my Mum and Grandma where trying to get me to eat sprouts! I was holding out for the ice cream!
LOL at the “crazy assortment of mysterious things” — maybe I should keep up the mystery? Let’s just say I mostly freelance and usually have time to blog in between my work except when it gets super-busy and then I have to learn how to juggle. I am very bad at juggling.
The cute little images on this post and open thread posts are avatars.
I was thinking this would be a one-off post to catch me up on emails, but hmm… if I continue getting lots of the same questions maybe I’ll pop up with another post. i’m just playing everything by ear.
along the same line…of “what do you do for a job? ” — “what do you do for pleasure?” of course, my escape is to watch dramas BUT i’m married w/kids and old! yikes!
Everyday we get to see some new post, do u have anybody assisting you in maintaining the site. I am amazed by how you time yourself with schools now jobs.
What do I do for fun? Normal people stuff, I guess? Nothing exciting: I watch TV, I hang out with friends and chat, I read a TON. I love to read. And they don’t even have to be good books. I like mixing up literary novels with biographies and trashy pulp fiction.
I do most of the stuff myself. It can feel like a lot of work sometimes, but it’s also a lot of fun. You’ll notice I DON’T post about a lot of things (like kpop – all those idol groups all sound the same to me) and that’s because I just don’t have that interest.
wahahahahahahahahahah…. you go girl !
It’s your site and doing us all a humongous favor. . . (thank you for Story of a Man)
You should do what you want and say what you want it is your site !
I don’t know where you find the time but I am THANKFUL ! that you do so I say . . .
PEOPLE there is something called GOOGLE…. use it !
No question here but just wanted to tell you that you’re hilarious and I love your dry humor. Your site is awesome and I visit here at least five times a day, every day of the week, every week of the month… you get the point.
Oooh, I love Q&A’s.
Please answer the following (the odd questions are appropriately odd) questions:
1. If you were an alarm clock, and YKS needed to be woken up, how would you wake him?
2. Everybody gets to dump on what you say, daily. What about you? Do you have any wishes, complaints, rants, critiques of commenters, whether in general or specifically?
3. If Lee Dong Wook, KJH and Binnie were standing around bored, and you could only invite one other person to a scary but romantic movie, who would you invite?
4. Can you really sustain the pace you are going? I find it incredible that you haven’t burned out yet. Do you have a wishlist that might help with this website?
5. What did you do with Belleza and Sere and a few others that haven’t been around? Is their disappearance have anything to do with off-topic commenting and the scary men in sun glasses and black suits that have been following me home lately?
6. Last question – I’ve always wanted to know. What is your favorite k-drama? I guess that is a little bit personal, so, you don’t have to answer this last one.
Thank you for answering!
hey java! sorry i know this is random but i’ve been trying to find your post of “G.O.D” songs that you’ve made into a story with BOF. now i can’t find seem to find it. do you think you can show me where?
i just want to let you know that i go to your site everyday!
i value your opinions on each drama that airs.
i originally wanted to a site just like yours, but i figured you’re so on top of the Kentertainment news, that my blogs would just be considered late.
i do would like to do guest reviews of some upcoming dramas that you decide not to blog about – just to make your site really on top of almost all the dramas that airs….
i understand how busy you are – i’m a single mom with 2 kids and a full time job – lol
sometimes i take a day off just to sit in front of my computer to do a marathon of a drama that i missed….lol!
keep up the great work – just know that i’m a HUGE fan of your site!
Blogging is really time consuming. I have no idea how you keep it up unless you NEVER sleep. I do love your blog and read it on a daily basis since your first recap of Coffee Prince. For all your hard work, thank you a million times.
How do we send you banners? not like I have time – but someday I might fine sometime to make you banners,
I kinda want to do reviews on k-dramas, like The Perfect Neighbor was actually somewhat intresting, the two leads didn’t end up together which was different from the usual drama equation but when are dramas too old for review?
Do you have friends IRL who comment here?
Uuuu I like this thing! Maybe you should do this monthly or something lol.
Well, feel free to reject my question (no offense taken), but I’m curious about your age range. My vibe is that you’re in your mid or late twenties (I want to guess 26 for some reason). If my vibe is completely off and you’re older or younger, then I completely apologize. I know this isn’t the most polite of questions, especially for a woman! ^^;;
G.O.D. song-title post! Ah, now I want to listen to G.O.D. again.
Seriously, guest reviews and guest recaps are welcome. I am toying with having an open call for Partner — I kinda want to do it myself (if I like it), but I’d also like to catch up on some stuff and doing it may be too much. @aquarianunicorn — any specific titles you’re thinking about? you can always email me as well.
Banners also welcome! Dimensions of the images are 825 x 200 pixels.
A drama’s never too old for some lovin’.
Oh wait oh wait…I actually am more curious about something else! hahaha sorry this randomly JUST popped into my head right after I posted.
Do you share your kdrama and kpop love with any friends or family? I’m pretty sure you might talk with your parents or something but do you have any close friends or relatives that you chat a lot with about interesting shows or news you find? In other words, is this blog (or the internet in general) the only place you discuss your kpop culture interests or do you do it offline too?
Ah…I feel kinda silly but thanks for entertaining my curiosity.
do u watch dramas that are cliched? Right now I am watching Brilliant Legacy and I think it’s quite entertaining if not substantial lol
and b/c I always read ur recaps it SEEMS like you are just interested in dramas that have complicated/unusual plots.
If you were an alarm clock, and YKS needed to be woken up, how would you wake him?
You want the G-rated answer, right? Lol, I’d probably just watch him sleeping all adorably. But Bridget Jones-style, not creepy vampire stalker style.
Everybody gets to dump on what you say, daily. What about you? Do you have any wishes, complaints, rants, critiques of commenters, whether in general or specifically?
I understand my online voice is somewhat loud… but really, it’s just one voice. So it would be nice if sometimes people remembered that I’m not trying to speak for someone other than myself. If you disagree, cool. But don’t take me to task for doing more than just writing what I think.
If Lee Dong Wook, KJH and Binnie were standing around bored, and you could only invite one other person to a scary but romantic movie, who would you invite?
KANGJIHWANKANGJIHWANKANGJIHWANKANGJIHWANKANGJIHWANKANGJIHWAN. Dude it’s like you don’t even know me at all!
Can you really sustain the pace you are going? I find it incredible that you haven’t burned out yet. Do you have a wishlist that might help with this website?
Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t have long-term goals, I just take things on a day-by-day (or sometimes week-by-week) basis. I’ll stop when I’m out of things to say or burnt out, I think. I’m a little amazed I’m not burnt out yet, too. I’ve gotten close a couple times, but a good (private) rant does wonders.
What did you do with Belleza and Sere and a few others that haven’t been around? Is their disappearance have anything to do with off-topic commenting and the scary men in sun glasses and black suits that have been following me home lately?
Not me, I swear!
Last question – I’ve always wanted to know. What is your favorite k-drama? I guess that is a little bit personal, so, you don’t have to answer this last one.
I don’t have one definitive favorite. I have special places in my heart for a bunch of them, but I’m not sure, because what I think is the “best” doesn’t necessarily have the tightest emotional grip on me. Let me think about it.
A couple of my IRL friends know about this site but I don’t encourage them to drop by. LOL. I like to keep things separate. My mom asked for my URL a couple days ago (again) and I told her NO WAY.
I’m in my late twenties, although I swear I’m an ajumma at heart. (Get off my lawn!)
I talk dramas with my parents but usually it’s only “What do you watch lately?” My friends don’t really watch much korean stuff, so all my deeper thoughts and analyses are poured out here. This site has helped in that I don’t force extended conversations about kdramas on friends who aren’t interested.
I ABSOLUTELY watch dramas with cliches! You can’t really escape them. I also have very odd taste in dramas — I really like the clever, well-written, high-quality dramas, but I can’t watch only those. My brain would hurt. I’ve absolutely enjoyed crappy dramas too because they’re fun. All things in moderation.
I know this will probably annoy you but any chance of giving Shining inheritance a chance? i would love to see your views on it.
And thank you, if it wasn’t for you I probably wouldn’t have watched A man’s story.
“KANGJIHWANKANGJIHWANKANGJIHWANKANGJIHWANKANGJIHWANKANGJIHWAN. Dude it’s like you don’t even know me at all!”
JB, it was a trick question.
I believe Lee Dong Wook is the answer you were looking for. (I’ve decided to give KJH to hjkomo and bspanda, which leaves Binnie for me).
Hehe.
I’d do partner, I don’t speak Korean so it would be pending subs, but I’d do Partner!
It’s the first drama I’m actually climbing the walls to see. Oh excited excited!
dbeans, i volunteer my services for city hall! i’ve been looking for an excuse to rewatch the drama anyway
where can i get good screencaps though? i watch the drama via online streaming with mandarin hardsubs. i suppose i could freeze-frame viikii if i credit them, but the video quality’s pretty LQ..
also my recaps may be slightly biased toward cha seung-won.. hehe (: let me know (are you able to see my email address?) and i’ll get my first draft ready for you!
Oh woah thanks for the quick replies! I love how I sandwiched one of your responses :p
I particularly like how you completely separate your online and offline life. It seems like you don’t want anyone you know to read this blog! LOL. Are you afraid they will find out just how crazily obsessed you are with kdramas?
As for your parents, do their tastes in dramas differ significantly than yours? Are they the typical older viewers who like daily dramas or does the crazy kdrama analysis gene run in the family? haha.
“If Lee Dong Wook, KJH and Binnie were standing around bored, and you could only invite one other person to a scary but romantic movie, who would you invite?”
OMG! of course Lee dong Wook! a bit disappointed
Heh, I’m irritated that someone called you pretentious (to the point that I started to amuse myself re: how irritated I got). FWIW, I hate true pretentiousness, but you don’t even show up as a blip on the radar. *huff*
Pretentiousness implies that the substance isn’t there to back up what’s on the surface; that’s obviously not the case at all, here. Someone somewhere pays you to write (I’m guessing), because you do it well. So we should be thankful you are doing it for us for free!
For my part, I’ve been nothing but genuinely impressed by your insight and appreciative of your willingness to essentially donate your time to those of us who understand English better than Korean.
And yes, I agree, it’s def. gotta be Kang Ji Hwan.
Ever pondered writing a book? I think you’d write something that I would like to read!
What did you study in college?
Will Jae Hee ever be in a good drama again? Rhetorical question, but *sigh* I remember your comment after WYH about how he so deserves to be a superstar…I completely agree.
Are the parents badgering you about getting married yet? (Considering that you’re in your late 20’s and well, Korean parents are just like that lol)
Screencaps. Ah, that’s the tricky thing. If you don’t make them yourself (you’d need to download the HQ video), you’d probably have to scavenge for photos. However, we can also strike upon a middle ground where your recaps aren’t as image-heavy as mine typically are, and I could help find photos. @bird and other volunteers who express interest, I’ll email you.
It’s not (just) that I don’t want friends to see my obsession, it’s more that I’ve found that knowing that real-life people are reading makes me think about them and can influence what/when/how I write… and i hate that. I just want to write what I think and leave it all out there, and keeping my online/offline lives separate helps to get rid of that constant awareness. On one hand, it would be cool for my mom to see what I think of things, but on the other hand, I would most definitely (subconsciously?) filter myself more if I knew she were here.
My parents are the typical casual TV viewers. Korean dramas air nightly in LA so they just catch what is on. My mom has general similar taste as I do, but mine is more picky/critical. My parents liked Beethoven Virus, for instance, and thought it was easy viewing. On the other hand, they liked White Tower too, which is a more intense show, and my dad loves sageuks (mom doesn’t). They didn’t like East of Eden and found Cain & Abel ridiculously crazy. Mom thinks You Are My Destiny and Wife’s Temptation are the worst shows ever made but she was totally addicted to both, and her favorite drama ever is Winter Sonata. (Which… is not mine.) I’ve told her how much I love Story of a Man but didn’t necessarily push her to watch it, but she’s going to go out and rent Queen Seon-deok.
LOL, interesting! This may come out weird, but I’ve always been curious about names. You mentioned you’re Korean, so do you mind revealing your Korean name?
And if you could direct a drama, what plot would you come up with and who would you cast? (You’re not allowed to cast Kang Ji Hwan XD, but others like Kim Kang-woo are very welcome, XD).
Also: do you like animals?
Do you have any pets?
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Do you read other blogs? (CUTEOVERLOAD!?!?)
What is your favorite classic Disney cartoon?
Writing a book is on my list of things to do before I die. Nanowrimo, here I come! Maybe this year I’ll finish.
Will Jae Hee ever be in a good drama again?
Siiiiiigh. Maybe he needs new management after he gets out of the army, which will push him to do more Kim Ki-duk movies and go for a more diverse drama career rather than silly fluffery. Don’t get me wrong, I love Jae Hee doing fluffery, but he needs one hard, edgy piece like Lee Dong-wook in La Dolce Vita, then he can come back and do all the rom-coms he wants.
Parents are totally bugging me to get married, and they think they’re being so sly and clever BUT THEY’RE NOT.
Dream drama cast? Hmmm. Jang Dong-gun, Kim Myung-min, Uhm Tae-woong, Go Soo, Yeh Ji-won, Ha Ji-won, Jung Yumi, Park Bo-young, Lee Min-ho?
I’m addicted to that crazy cat-cheezburger site. I want a cat.
What is your favorite classic Disney cartoon?
The Little Mermaid! Wait, does that count as “classic”? Only, I saw it again last year (after not watching it since I was a kid) and… uh… it was maybe not-so-good. Maybe so-bad-I-laughed-through-it-all. Maybe a little embarrassing to sing along to, although I did remember all the words to all the songs!
I agree with kitty #33.
It would be really interesting to read a drama that you have written. Included would be any preference and/or instruction regarding the directing, casting, lighting, sets and music for the soundtrack.
It would be your ideal drama. Your Utopia. Your Heaven. Your Eden.
Since I’ve been reading your blog from the beginning, I am also amazed at how you keep up with everything, for so long. It is such a delight to read your recaps, comments, etc.
As always, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
I just read about the parents and marriage. Are they going to sign you up with a match-making service. Tell them to use “Romance Zero”. I like that group! They’re hilarious! HAHAHAHA
i don’t currently have any questions for you (i think a lot of people already asked them anyway! haha) but i just wanted to say thanks for creating and maintaining such an awesome blog. It’s amazing how you find time to do what you do. I check it multiple times a day and when open thread friday comes around it’s like i don’t work at all haha..
I only recently got into participating in open thread friday and now i can’t wait for it haha. I love that it allows us to pretty much talk about anything, kdrama related or not, and nobody is on our back for getting off topic
I’ve watched sooo many awesome dramas and discovered different musical artists because of your site – keep it up. I love reading what you have to say about whatever is going on in kdrama and kpop culture and also enjoy the discussions your posts inspire. THANKS JAVABEANS!! =P
Have you read The Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris, or seen True Blood? If so do you like them?
Hi JB, happy to join the list of those singing your praises today!
Here’s my question.
We all have certain actors or actresses with whom we’re convinced we’d be great friends if only they had the chance to get to know us. Given the opportunity, who would you like to spend a day just hanging out with, getting to know better?
Okay, Javabeans what kind of character would you want to be in a Korean drama? What is your favorite song and why? What to you is the best thing about Korean culture?
•are there any american shows that you love & obsess over as much as kdramas? & i think it’ll be pretty awesome if you had a compare & contrast post betwen kdramas & american shows.
•& have you heard about the boys before flowers2 announcement? im confuzzled
as to if it really has been confirmed or not because some sites says it has been while other sites says its not. it’ll be cool if there will be bbf2 but it doesn’t seem inevitable. the ending though was not as bittersweet either, maybe just a pinch of sweetness & a handful of damn confuseness.
How far behind are you in emails? What’s the date of the oldest one?
You said, you keep your online/offline life separate? Isn’t that like having 2 personas?
By the way, “Ask Javabeans” is a good way to de-clutter your mailbox but it seems like the more answers we get the more questions pop up!
If this isn’t online stardom, I don’t know what it is!
After I started recapping episodes of Brilliant Legacy on my blog I really learned how hard they are to do. Kudos to you
hi there!!!!
Thanks a million for your effort!!!
I think it would be great if you could do a list of the songs featured in Triple just like you did with Coffee Prince and Soulmate.
I’ve only watched the first episode but so far so good.
Javabean,
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into the site. Along with my coffee and dramas is dramabeans, part of each day.
Hope that your book will be under the pen name Javabean, so we will be ‘first in best dressed’, for a read. International is a must, not all of us are from the USA.
Q.
Have you an all time favorite script writer, so you know that the dramas/films written by them are a must see.
Random flash – re: Parents marriage push. After all the dramas/films and books you must have seen almost all the plots, ploys and pushs that parents can think of along those lines. Maybe a few not thought of yet, lol.
Hahahaha
Thank you Javabeans, be strong, God bless you.
Ok and what are you doing now?
Also if you’re ever looking for someone to guest recap BL on your blog, I’d be happy to share recaps
As a non-Korean (specifically West Indies/Other), I want to say that I’m fully loaded with questions about Korean dramas, but I’m proving myself wrong by being unable to materialize any at the moment. . .
. . .But here’s a couple that I’ve had for some time now: What Korean stereotypes most commonly portrayed in Korean dramas drive you mad? And which ones in particular can you vouch for?
Just curious… but are you a Twilight fan, an Anti. or one of those people who just don’t care? I know it’s not really a drama-question… but your stalkerish comment kind of made me think you were taking a swing at Twilight (and if you were, I’ll respect you all the more for it).
Anyway, love your blog!!
I’m not really into vampires…. I loved Buffy, but that was more because it was a sharp and clever show, not because it was about vampires. I admit to not liking Twilight, because I flipped through it and the writing (not the plot, the actual prose) was horrible. That plus all my friends who read it — even those who liked it — said it was badly written. So I have no great desire to read Twilight. At this point, I kinda feel like I’ve already read it, yunno?
Hm, actor friends? I don’t know if I’d actually like to hang around with any actors. I’d hate for illusions to be crushed. I think the more fun personalities would be the less-famous ones though.
In a drama, I’d be the observant and cynical side character who sighs at all the stupid romantic leads who just can’t see how in love they are with each other and HOOK UP ALREADY. HAHA.
Best think about Korean culture? Well, this is a weighty question and my answer will be pretty brief in comparison, but there’s an interconnectedness of relationships that isn’t as emphasized in Western culture, which is much more about Standing On Your Own. It’s an extension of the family aspect, where co-workers aren’t just people who share office space but your sunbaes and hoobaes, mentors and mentees, etc. There are downsides of that, because sometimes you just want to be yourself instead of someone’s mother/daughter/sister/employee, but there’s a nice side too.
I used to be a much bigger fan of US television, but haven’t been into anything in the past few seasons. I was a big Buffy fan, also Veronica Mars, Arrested Development, Office, Gilmore Girls, Weeds.
As far as I know, BBF2 is just a rumor. If it was happening, the news would be EVERYWHERE.
wow! looks like there are some pesky questions regarding City Hall….hehehe!
I hope someday you will give it a shot, you don’t have to do recaps or review or anything like that….just kinna see what’s all the buzz about.
I really don’t have a question for you, because after coming here for almost 3 years now, i feel like i’ve known you…i like the songs you like, the dramas you like, the actors/actress you like, but lately….Actually I limited my Korean Drama viewing unless I like the actors/actress/writers/PD. Sometimes, i’ll give a new drama 1-2 episodes, but they just don’t pan out for me, so i basically do some re-runs ie. mnikss. But City Hall has me very occupied right now, and i don’t know what i’ll do when it’s done. I have been thinking about watching Love and Marriage and Story of a Man because i like Park Ki-Wong.
You said, you keep your online/offline life separate? Isn’t that like having 2 personas?
Not exactly. I’m always me, so I’m never saying anything I don’t actually think. But i think of it more like keeping the conversations to the topic at hand.
Favorite scriptwriter? For kdramas, I don’t have a favorite, although I’ll pay attention to previous works when a new drama comes up. Like the Hong Sisters. For non-Korean things, I have a tremendous respect for Joss Whedon although I don’t think he’s infallible. But he’s pretty damn close.
Stereotypes… The bitchy mother-in-law is SO TRUE. I have known some lovely mothers-in-law in my life but there’s always an element of superiority/dislike toward the daughter-in-law who can never do right by the precious son, no matter how she tries. There aren’t a lot of allowances for the modern career woman wife, for instance.
The cliches that drive me crazy? Um… the perfect chaebol dude? It’s like, Korea is a very small country. There are only a limited number of actual chaebol families! It’s the equivalent of every romance novel featuring a duke. And they always fall for the poor, innocent, plucky girl. (Trust me, Korean girls can be biznatches — we’re more fun that way! Ain’t nobody that pretty, sweet, pure, and good.) Also, the cliche of the study-abroad student who comes back to Korea and is supposedly fluent in English and all stylin’. Have you heard Eric Mun speak English? Kim Ki-bum? You don’t go to the U.S. for two years and come back Tablo.
Just curious…
How do you like your coffee?
I love your blog. Thanks a lot.
Black. (with milk if it’s bad coffee.
)
hey Java!! so i was wondering are the recaps for painter of the wind going to be continued, i thought that the drama was amazing and i enjoyed reading the recaps as much as watching the show. I think you had a guest blogger recapping so is there any chance you could get them to do it again?
“Have you heard Eric Mun speak English? Kim Ki-bum? You don’t go to the U.S. for two years and come back Tablo.”
lol JB!!!! I actually have not heard Eric speak english – is it that bad?? for some reason i thought he grew up in the states? But yes, Tablo is just.. well he’s Tablo. He excels in too many areas haha
I don’t really have a question but wanted to say thank you for starting this thread. It’s been really enjoyable to read your answers to a lot of questions I’ve had myself.
I read your blog every day – have been for a couple of years now, and you have contributed to A LOT of enjoyment and been a nice diversion from RL. I usually check out what you rave about – sometimes I like what you like, sometimes I don’t, but your recaps are always enjoyable and very informative to read. I even read recaps of shows I don’t follow.
I wish there was a Javabeans in the Jdrama world as well – alas….there isn’t. You are pretty unique, you know!
Oh, and I blame you for my obsession with KHW! ^_^
which city or state are u from? i am just curious, it if it is too weird for you to answer that is ok too
thanks for your blog, it is one of my bookmarks on my safari
Javabeans, just wanted to say how much i love your site – Being new to the world of korean drama’s your blog is like a light in the dense fog of a million dramas.
Finding you through the mutral apprication of the marvous coffee prince, i watched Que Sera Sera as you mentioned how much you liked it and loved it – although only still having watched a handful of korean dramas, they tend to follow a simlar patten so Que Sera Sera was a breath of fresh air, sexy fresh air even ohh err!
Anyway, just wanted to add you are now on my favourites list and thank you for your effort and hard work!
do you go to korea sometimes ?
First of all: thank you so much for creating this blog. It is always a pleasure to read. And thank you so much for the recaps. You don’t just go over what happens in the episodes, but you reflect on it. It’s almost like reading a short novelization of the drama sometimes. I love it! My favorite posts are the year-in-review ones you do at the end of the year- i hope you will always do them!
(i read a lot of romance novels and i totally agree with you on the duke thing!)
My questions:
Do you watching dramas from other asian countries (i.e. Japan, China, the Philippines)? And if so, what are your favorites?
Do you read manga/manhwa? If so, what are you faves?
How much time do you spend per day (on average)on this blog, including all the time it takes to research for news, writing out posts, and mere thinking about this blog?
We all know that you have a job and outside life to manage. So am very curious about your time spent on this blog.
If I had to guess, it would have to more than 3 hours for sure? Ya?
Thanks for maintaining a great blog!
No question, but I’ve just watched a video that, given how you’ve already spoken up about how creepy the whole Twilight (and Edward Cullen) thing is – totally agree with you there!! – and as you were a Buffy fan – me too! – I thought you might dig. It’s a Buffy-Twilight parody, and I thought it was AWSOME! Really well-edited, and I got a kick out of seeing some Buffy moments I actually remember being used to diss Edward! Hehehehe
Link: http://blip.tv/file/2261825/ (Buffy vs Edward (Twilight Remixed))
Enjoy!
PS: Thanks for opening this thread, it’s really entertaining!
In the future, if you have time, do you think you can do a summary of all the dramas airing right now, similar to http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/04/currently-airing-dramas-a-roundup/ but for now?
Cuz now so many dramas are ending/ended and there are so many new ones that I don’t know what’s airing anymore -_-;; Please do it if you have time! ^ ^ ♥
Also, the cliche of the study-abroad student who comes back to Korea and is supposedly fluent in English and all stylin’. Have you heard Eric Mun speak English? Kim Ki-bum? You don’t go to the U.S. for two years and come back Tablo.
That made me laugh out loud! It’s so true, too! I love how so many dramas use that “study abroad” trope. For example (and I know that the actress doesn’t actually speak the language, so I should just give in to the illusion and all that, BUT), in “Samsoon” (yes, I shortened the title), Samsoon’s French is HORRRRENDOUS! I mean, seriously. I’ve met some Koreans who had come to France to study the language (I was also there for a study abroad program), and they sounded marginally better, but I honestly couldn’t understand what Samsoon was saying to Henry in that one scene at the hotel. I had to read the Korean subtitles to figure it out. Ok, that was mean, I know. But still. I think similarly when I hear the just-got-back-from-studying-abroad-in-the-States character speak English. It’s just something that REALLY sticks out for me because I’m such a language-nerd. I do have to admit, though, that Koreans speak better English than most French people that I’ve met. I love French people, but their English just sucks. (Well, for the ones who don’t care, anyway)
I love your blog, and I have to seriously restrain myself from reading your recaps at work…especially if they’re recaps of a show that I’m actually, currently, watching.
Ok, done. Now I need to get out of this office while the sun’s still out (I’m over on the East Coast, so it’s past tae-geun time!).
TO EVERYONE:
I WILL BE CLOSING DOWN THE SITE TONIGHT AT 12:00 AM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT THESE PAST YEARS.
why????????
this blog has been part of daily routine!!!!!!! OMG, this is a SHOCK. Do you mean that you are closing down the site for good-permanently-always-final until further notice meaning if you change your mind??????
no no no no no no no no no!!!!!
i am petitioning for you not to close it down!!!! i am sure we can get thousands of signatures from all readers and bloggers alike from all over the world to agree with me!????
maybe it’s a hoax? javabeans’s reply is usually highlighted and boxed.
I’m pretty sure that JB didn’t post that statement, as all of her comments are usually contained in a pretty blue box.
No, that isn’t JB. Her name is always hyperlinked. And she’s much more articulate than that and knows her netiquette (sp?).
@67, if you are going to impersonate jbeans, you have to get yourself the BLUE BOX she answers in. Hijack PHAIL.
Jbeans,
I have one question:
Will you recap City Hall? Pretty please? It’s really good!
You’re much younger than I thought you were! I was sure that you were in your early 30s or mid 30s, and I mean that as a compliment.
I like your taste in dramas. I don’t agree always, and I don’t expect to, but I like how your taste goes beyond genre. Also, I like that you often can see through pretentious storytelling — Dolce Vita being a great example.
If you are single (and your parents are bugging you to get married), then I hope there are Korean men reading because you would be quite a catch. So my earnest question is: Would you prefer to marry a Korean man or at least a Korean man who is connected to Korean culture? I realize that this is a loaded “identity politics” question and irrelevant to your blog, but considering the fact that you enjoy Korean entertainment so much and you describe yourself as “ethnically Korean but 100% American,” I wonder how much of yourself feels split. Do you ever have the desire to move to Korea for a while? Do you feel connected to Korea as a nation or country or it more a cultural connection? When you are this immersed in Korean entertainment do you feel alienated in America where so much of contemporary identity is American pop-culturafied?
Also, it’s cool if you feel the questions are too personal, political, and irrelevant and don’t want to answer.
Thanks for the blog!
P.S.: Don’t give out too much information about yourself here in open forum! Sorry, that’s the old protective scaredycat in me speaking.
Omo omo! Who is that trying to impersonate me? HILAAAAARIOUS!
Ah, a quick check shows that it’s the same “irrashional” who thought my boy-kissing-boy post was offensive and “unnecessary”!
LOL jb! The idiot doesn’t know there’s such a thing as an IP address, apart from not knowing how to spell
LOL, javabeans! Take it as a compliment: you’re so popular on the Net now that people are trying to impersonate you!
And, by the way, thanks for creating this new thread! No questions for now, but later probably……
Your loyal blog-follower,
~*Sowon*~
On to the questions:
Eric’s English isn’t horrible (okay, he has a really thick accent) but it definitely isn’t suave or smooth, unlike how kdramas tend to portray the (supposedly) multilingual stars.
The only other Asian dramas I’ve seen have been jdramas, but not too many. It’s really mostly a time issue — as you know, drama fandom is a time-consuming hobby. Reading lots of comments about great jdramas and tdramas (and others) makes me want to catch some of them for sure, though.
I’m in Los Angeles, for now, but I’m planning a move soon.
I’m not really a manga/manhwa fan. I think I’m just not appreciative of the format — I’ve had friends try to turn me on to graphic novels several times, handpicking a few so I could see “the best” of the genre… and meh. I don’t like reading text with my pictures, I guess?
The blog does take up a LOT of time. Particularly with recaps, although I’ve settled into a pattern so I’ve streamlined the process since I first began writing them. Let’s just say, I treat this as a part-time job, almost. But a fun one.
That Buffy v. Edward clip says everything I’ve ever felt about Twilight and creepy Edward.
I would NEVER live in Korea. I love my connection with the culture and heritage, but as one cousin once told me (who was born in Korea, went to middle school through university in the U.S., and returned to Korea to marry), “Women who have experienced living in the West should never live in Korea, particularly with marriage.” I don’t know about the dating/marrying thing… In my “real life” I don’t actually think about my ethnic background at all — I went through an identity-seeking phase in college, but have since come to terms with it and it gives me no angst now, so I guess the generic, but true, answer would be, “It doesn’t matter.” Except when it matters. Haha.
What pattern do you use to streamline the recap-writing, Javabeans?
A few more questions -…I’m sorry if I’m spamming the comment section here but it’s just that I keep coming back every 10 mins or so, thinking, “Gosh, I forgot to ask that!”. And by that time, I can’t edit my previous comments anymore. Think of it as a new-found feeling that you’re more readily accessible to us here, if you will.
Anyhow, to the questions:
1) Where are you moving? And do you live in the city or county of LA?
2) What do you think of Choi Ja Hye? She’s not that famous…so just wondering.
And that’s all….for now….:) Thanks in advance for answering!
~*Sowon*~
First of all JB, thanks a million for all that you do to feed our k-drama addiction.
I’m a HUGE bookworm too….so my question is what’s the last good fiction book you’ve read?
Sarah, I just want to thank you for filling the last couple years with pure entertainment, fun, laughter, and insight. You are a godsend.
Even reading this post (while sick with a cold)…the laughter has given me a much-needed energy boost.
And I really must send you some home-roasted coffee one of these days. Email me if you’d like some.
Oh, I had been meaning to ask you about a song you posted back in the early days. It’s the one you said was perfect for listening to in the car. (And it really is a perfect car song, but I couldn’t find it.
)
@ Samsooki
Did you really need to ask? o_O
)
I’m more than happy to share KJH with someone as funny and generous (and non-delusional) as JB…how else could I repay her a fraction of what she’s given me and so many others? (Btw, JB, I know you’ve got the ad revenue to cover your costs now, but are you ever gonna reinstate your donate button? You deserve something extra….like another vacation.
p.s. LOL at the not-so-subtle marriage push from the parents. Just wait…after marriage, it’s the push for grandkids…then something else…it NEVER ends.
Glad you enjoyed the video! I love how the editor chose a lot of scenes of Buffy looking bored (and saying so, too) and altogether uninpressed (although I do thing it’s funny / ironic / curious that most of those scenes seemed to came from Buffy/Spike scenes, and I absolutely LOVED Spike back in the day…)
=)
thanks..JB..this is a great read..would you ever want to be a writer for korean drama and hand pick your favorite actor or actress to portray the characters (beside KANGJIHWAN)?
I’m not good in english..but..after i get addicted to your site..i’m going to improve my english….thanks to you Sarah
@80 hjkomo –
“Did you really need to ask? o_O”
PUH-lease.
1. It was a trick question!! It was obviously a trick question.
2. After our Lotte Duty Free connection between me and KJH (in Korean parlance, we matched eyes), all “mine!” claims other than mine were thrown to the curb. I had nothing to do with it. I felt bad… for a minute.
3. I also retract my announcement that you and bspanda get to share KJH. I only said that to bring you out of bed and back on the computer. Get better sickie!
I don’t know why, but when I read you are in late twenties, HA! So you’re around my age! HA!
IDK, in my real life mostly my fellow K-dramas addicts are at ajuhma’s age. I even share my collection to my mom’s older sister.
I, somehow learn English through your site. Like hjkomo said, you’re a godsend.
My questions :
1. do you have siblings? do you share your k-drama’s love with them? I’m only child, and my mom doesn’t into dramas – she’s busy working and I live apart from them for too many years – and sometimes I wish I have sister who shares the addiction.
2. how do you deal with crazy commentators? When I got my 1st offending comment in my blog, I couldn’t get it out of my head for days. Silly me.
3. when you finish your book, can we also take a look? I mean for someone who lives outside the US like me….I reallllyyyy want to read your book.
Hello there
I follow your site and I really admire the way you write
The way you are attached to your culture is amazing
I am not a korean, but i want to be one
I guess I am so addicted to Korean dramas 
Keep up the good work
haha! can’t help but be happy that you are also a big Buffy fan. I loved that show but stopped watching it after season 5 i think.
Post #67 gave me a jolt for a second. I have to reread it to see if it is correct. Your reply JB put me at ease right away. I love your site. And although I don’t leave comments a lot, I love reading the comments made by your readers. Many thanks for sharing your time with us.
the Korean student goes to america and is fluent thinig-
it really depends on how seriously you take your time in america i think -.-
I know a few long term exchange kids, and the ones that come because they are nal la ree and their parents need to do something with them don’t learn so much. also the ones who go to towns with large korean populations.
but a few friends – 2 who have been here for 2 years- are really good. like, really good. and one friend was ponly here for three and shes freaking as good as i am and i’ve lived in USA all my life
I remember the very first post I sent to your site and was so thrilled to get a “personal” reply. Lately, I have noticed fewer replies which is very understandable…I can barely keep up with reading the comments, let alone responding to so many of them. It truly is amazing the time & effort you put into this fabulous blog!
Would you ever consider meeting your readers in real life? Like a “K-drama Cruise of a Lifetime featuring discussions with the one and only Javabeans! Imagine wining & dining on a luxurious cruise ship around the Mediterranean while discussing all things related to Kdramas!” I’m only (half) joking.
Or, how about a meet & greet during the Asian Film Festival in NYC?
.
Have you ever seen/met a kdrama star in the flesh?
JB,
Are blind dates using a dating service and having your parents arrange blind dates for you more the norm than the exception in korea? i see it often in the kdramas i’ve seen, or they’re at least mentioned.
I know dating services are everywhere but at least compared to US tv shows, I don’t see it featured much. And I would die of laughter if my mom sets me up on a blind date. I bet she’s dying to do that but, it’ll really feel weird if she does hahahaha
I’d love for you to do episode recaps on Delightful Girl Choon Hyang. Didn’t see it til recently and now I fully understand the Jae Hee love. And Uhm Tae Wong (sp?) is such a good actor too. I watched it co’z it’s one of your highly rated dramas.
since you’re in the area, you should check out Kogi – i hear the truck stop is amazing.
i love this! this is even better than open thread (my opinion only). the impersonator was hilarious. keep it up!
What’s that korean instant noodles people recommended you a while ago seriously I have been craving for it but forgot the brand.
I’ve managed to streamline my recapping process down to:
1. Watch episode and capture screencaps as I go, while jotting down notes of each significant scene, translating important dialogue passages.
2. Pick out screencaps, upload them.
3. Format post to insert screencaps where appropriate.
4. Write recap. The notes jotted in Step 1 and screencaps help tremendously, because often I will have forgotten thoughts that struck me in the moment if I don’t write them down as they occur to me.
5. Edit, proof, post!
The last novel I read that I was impressed by was Markus Zusak’s I Am The Messenger. Zusak has an amaaaaazing way with language. It’s simple, unpretentious and powerful. I’m going to read his Book Thief next. When I have time.
Home-roasted coffee? For serious? Sign me up!!
Is this the “driving song” you were talking about? http://www.mediafire.com/?imd1nimmlqm
I don’t think the Donate button is coming back… I’m doing okay with ads, enough that I’d feel guilty taking your money! If you really want to do something, I’d appreciate a donation in my name or something. An animal shelter or literacy fund would be just tops.
(But I’ll take coffee!! Haha. Someone actually sent me 2 pounds of coffee way back in the day — thanks Amy! It was delicious.)
“how do you deal with crazy commentators?”
Okay, this is going to sound really weird but I try not to take this site too seriously. Er, I spend a ton of time working on it, and I’m committed to doing my best, but I try to keep in mind that in the scheme of things, it’s just a site in the open internet seas and sometimes you’ll get passers-by tossing out wreckage your way. irritating comments can sometimes sour my day for a couple minutes, but I TRY not take it seriously. The troll or flamebaiter or sometimes very eloquent angry dissenter doesn’t truly know me, so they are judging the 2% of myself I put out here on this site, not the whole 100%.
That said, my big pet peeve is when someone tells me I’m factually wrong and I’m not.
This means that if I don’t let myself believe all the negativity out there directed my way, I shouldn’t believe all the praise either. (Was it Elizabeth Taylor who said that?) Netizens are fickle and one day’s “You’re awesome!” can turn into tomorrow’s “You don’t know what you’re talking about, you stupid blogger.” Seriously, all ya gotta do is make one flippant comment about somebody’s favorite idol star and suddenly you’ve made an anti!
Hi Javabeans! I just want to say I love your site and I have no idea how you keep up with all the recaps! I tried to recap BoF and Coffee Prince on my website, but on about the 6th Cup of Coffee Prince, I linked to your recap and then gave up!
And about Twilight: I think I agree with you. I’m actually a HUGE fan of vampire lore/stories/movies, so of course I read Twilight. Can I just say, Edward and Bella are BORING and REAL VAMPIRES DON’T SPARKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, now that that is over with, I have, well, I guess it’s a suggestion more than a question, but I’ve noticed how you, and me, and few other people lay “claim” to certain K-Actors, and I thought it might be kind of fun to have a thread where we can claim our guys!
Oh, and if you do that, I want to be the first to claim Kim Bum, Kim Joon, Kim Jae-wook and Kim Jeong-hoon. I have a thing for “Kim” boys! *lol* And my KDrama Mama gets Lee Dong Wook! 
Also, if Dream is available with subs where I can get it, if you don’t plan to watch it or recap it, I would be happy to do so, as I FULLY intend to watch it….of course, if I do, my recaps may be biased towards a certain someone (see previous paragraph).
Hi JB! You’re moving? Where? I remember sometime ago that you were thinking of moving to Seattle? I think you will love it here! if Not, and want to be closer to your family. Frisco is nice too!
@ dramabeans (#32): okiedokes! i’m done with episode 1 but have no screencaps at all, sigh. i’ll catch up with the writing first (since the drama’s already on episode 17 this week), and then i’m thinking maybe someone else could screencap the drama and send the caps for each episode in a zip file to me? that’d really be appreciated, since i don’t have clubbox and enough space in my vaio to download videos.
Hey sorry to keep coming back (it’s kinda fun hahah) but I have a blog-related question. I think it was a couple of years ago when you put up a post on how you hit 500,000 hits (or something like that…)
I’m curious how has the site grown now? How much traffic do you average regularly? I’m sure it’s tremendous these days!
Thanks for sharing your recapping process. It’s a good idea to take notes while watching, hadn’t thought of that.
hi JB– this is my first time posting, so just wanted to say i love your site and thanks for all your hard work.
re: drama recaps… i noticed that you haven’t recapped any recent episodes of sons of sol pharmacy house and was wondering if you’d be interested in a guest recapper? i would love to do it! it’s my new favorite, thanks to your recommendation.
btw, i just sent you an email about this same subject, but i realized that the whole reason you did this post in the first place is because your inbox is overflowing. sorry for the redundancy!
Thanks for this wonderful column! I usually don’t watch Korean dramas that often because I’m very busy with school. I’m usually watching Japanese dramas b/c I’m studying Japanese right now in university and it’s pretty time consuming. But I’m sick of watching Japanese dramas (this past season has been pretty bad IMHO). THANKS for introducing A MAN’S STORY. I just finished Episode 14 and I will finish in about a week. (I can only watching 1 ep. a day since I have class 5 hours a day, 5 days a week). I can’t tell you how much I love the drama. It’s as good as when I was watching All In about five years ago. BTW…I just watched this movie called “Udon” in my Japanese class. If you like eating udon, you should watch it. It’s scrumptious! LOL.
Question for javabeans:
What are your favorite U.S. television shows (past and current)? If I had to pick four, they would be: The Price is Right, Charmed, Alias, and Lost. :]
Coz earlier my computer had a little bit problem, i’m only able to open it now… and spending almost an hour to read 100 posts
i’m LOL’ed hard at Samsookie’s questions and post #67…
i never failed to visit your site everyday since i found it back in Hong Gil Dong days, but just had the courage to comment on something or just say anything just a few months back
questions?? i think most of them are already answered and the most question i’m qurious about, which is the age range is already answered too, so nothing to ask about…
oh i have two question, when are you going to continue recapping Return of Iljimae, and are you going to continue recapping The Sons of Sol’s Pharmacy House/My Too Perfect Sons?
I’ve been curious about one thing (btw.. it’s 1:15 am, I was on my bed, and got up just to ask this.. I hope you’ll answer it..
)
Did you ever post a comment (rant or rave section) under a different name?
Hello JB noona! I wonder what you look like? Or, hows about we put it this way, which Korean actress closely resembles JB noona?
I read Kang Ji Hwan will be posing in the August issue of Esquire. http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/kang_ji_hwan_goes_playboy_status_for_esquire/ Will you be posting the pictures for us?
“In a drama, I’d be the observant and cynical side character who sighs at all the stupid romantic leads who just can’t see how in love they are with each other and HOOK UP ALREADY. HAHA.”
Hahaha….same! Though I’m more towards the “I get frustrated with those misunderstandings that just need to be communicated. feel like making them sit down and sort out everything rather than mope alone somewhere else.”
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your site, javabeans, ever since i found it. always have to restrain myself from going to your site more than once a day…just to read comments and your replies!
One question: what kind of music do you like and listen to?
Thanks for the introduction to bands like Loveholic. Because of your posts about them, I like Loveholic lots, esp Jisun’s voice.
@Samsooki:
“What did you do with Belleza and Sere and a few others that haven’t been around? Is their disappearance have anything to do with off-topic commenting and the scary men in sun glasses and black suits that have been following me home lately?”
Nothing else to say but: ROFL.
Hey Javabeans! I’m writing because I want to ask if you have ever seen any other Kdrama or kmovie with a complex and evil character like the character of Do-woo in Story of a Man- I really love watching really complex characters, even if they are really evil like Do-woo was (plus he was an evil hottie!). I especially like how he had a huge soft spot for his sister, which proved he did have some human emotion….. while we are on it I was wondering if you could tell me if you have ever seen a drama/movie where the villain of the story falls for the heroine? I would really like that plot line- I would love to see the villain who is evil but falls in love but doesn’t know what to do about it…Or it could even be that the hero is kind of villain-like and falls for her-….thanks
I am in LA too
)). I’ve saw kogi roach coach on a freeway once, almost jumped out from the car from excitement 
)). Friend of mine waited for it for 2 hours once, but she liked it still.
I just wanted to thank you for all your time and effort. It means a lot to me and my kdrama addiction
).
Hi there- I’m an avid reader of the recaps and article translations but I’ve never actually commented. I’m hoping you can help demystify me on a couple of things, though.
I’m currently watching Jewel in the Palace, and while watching episode 17 (whew, long way to go yet!), two questions I’ve always wondered about resurfaced. I believe you’ve said on your site that you haven’t seen the drama, but the questions are moreso about Korean culture than series-based:
1- I’ve noticed in Kdramas that sometimes when people pray, as they bow they raise their hands a little above the height of their ears, palm up. What is the meaning behind this gesture exactly? It is possible that this is a common Buddhist practice, but I’ve only seen it performed by Koreans, so I’m not sure.
2- It may be that I’m just totally ignorant and I’m making connections that aren’t at all there, but in Goong and now in Dae Jang Geum, I’ve found that some of the livelier, more upbeat traditional music in the shows reminds me a lot of Celtic music. Is that me being an uneducated listener, or is there really some commonality in the music/instrument styles used?
Thanks for providing such an interesting blog (with such a lively and colorful forum of people commenting).
if you don’t mind me asking, what did you major in at college?
how old are you?
do you hear Kpop?
Sigh….another Winter Sonata-loving mother. I gave my Mom the Winter Sonata dvd for Mother’s Day because she liked it so much (although I believe she wouldn’t like it nearly as much if Bae Yong-joon wasn’t one of the leads).
HI Javabeans…
Eversince I found your website, I am a fan. I love your style of writing. I am just started with getting crazy over kdrama so I got lots of catching up to do. I am not very familiar with all the actors/actresses and sometimes get confused with their names…but in the future, I know I will know them by heart..lol
Anyways, I got a question. Who do you think is the best kisser among the actors?
The dramas/movies that I had seen, there is not enough to judge. But I saw some clips in youtube and I think the actor in Coffee Prince is the most passionate one..:)
Have a great day…I truly enjoyed your site.
Just want to say a big THANK YOU to you for your time and effort! I really appreciated that you spend your time writing up recaps and posting news about dramas. I had been following your site since coffee prince recaps. Thanks a million once again.
One question: You say you would be moving soon, you mean moving to another state? or would still be in LA?
ok…who do ya think has got the best butt ???
Kang JiHwan?
Kim Kang Woo?
Song Kang Ho?
So JiSub?
any dudes from G.O.D?
Bae Yong Jun..(i hear screams???)?
Lee Byung Hun?
Lee Min Ho?
Eric Mun…?
Hee Chul..?..(someone found his handphone…)
p/s: love ya drama recaps…
Hi JB
I don’t really have a question – actually just been enjoying the Q&As posted. Definitely some funny ones.
Just want to say a huge THANK YOU for this website. I am addicted to your writing and of course, K-dramas etc. I appreciate all the work that you’ve put into this blog.
who you love more big bang,DBSK or super junior?
Hi sarahbeans!
1) Craft. Content. Which is more important to you?
2) Do you finish a draft and then go back and edit it, or do you edit as you go?
3) How would you describe your writing style? Eclectic? Breezy? Tongue-in-cheek? Ruminative? Others?
4) Your definition of “pretty good writers”?
5) Top grammar peeves? (Wretched hyphens, for example.)
6) If a blogger does not take notes while watching and instead writes recaps off the top of her head with no plan in mind at all, resulting in chaotic chronology of plot developments and a severe lack of corresponding screencaps, would you take her aside for a good spanking and then sit her down for a one-to-one lesson on How to Write Drama Recaps the Right Way? How much would you charge for that lesson?
hi JBeans
its nice to read the basic-questions you got from your readers .and your feedbacks are very fun to read too ^^…I’ve been following your blog avidly since last year and you don’t know how much I am grateful to have found it. heheh…(well semi-feeling of gratefulness to be truly honest LOL…your blog-writing have basically taken over my time and life 
…although not all the time…..really.)
& I really wonder how you make the time to recap all the dramas in your site so far..@__@<—-this is an emoticon of both wondering and confuzzle-ness to your time management…seriously.
But truthfully, I’m just here to say A HUGE THANK YOU to you dramabeans, JavaBeans, SarahBeans for every effort you’ve put here ;D..(..and to be quite honest, sometimes I think you’re crazy for doing this without profit…no offense though…I just have that thought sometimes after following this blog for almost…a year in a quarter?…lol. but that’s just me -__-;)
Hi JB!
I squealed while reading thru the posts and comments…. hahaha…our taste is so similar both in US and K-dramas, books, etc. It’s probably why I love reading your posts.
Thanks for your commitment. I find myself relaxed and amused every time I visit your site. Since I have such a stressful job, your postings are a great source of entertainment for me. I may disagree with you sometimes, but hey, we are all entitled to our own opinion.
Btw I am neither Korean nor American. I am actually a Filipina living / working in Singapore. I love the fact that this site brings a lot of different cultures together. We all get to celebrate the things we love and share our opinions on Kpop culture and other stuff. So I hope you stick with the site…we will be waiting.
Thanks JAVABEANS everybody knows it’s not easy. It takes an extraordinary person to have an extraordinary site/blog like yours. We’re really grateful, for sharing a part of your passion and welcomed us in your world. Though a lot of us sometimes misbehave and go overboard but you shamed us with your understanding and maturity.
Reading your blog is already a part of my daily routine and I’ve never regret joining and putting my things on the table. Hope you carry on, to be inspired and be blessed with knowledge and wisdom so that you could continue your love in reading and making your dream a reality.
Thanks again!
Hi Javabeans
I absolutely love your site. I discovered your site at about similar time I discovered Kdrama. I’d never have thought that I will love Kdrama but by chance watched a couple episodes of MNIKSS – and the rest is history. It is always a joy – and now a daily ritual – to come to this site. Thank you for bringing us the latest news, and sharing your thoughts and insights with us. You have built this haven and community for everyone of us here. THANK YOU!
@111 rikufallon –
“It may be that I’m just totally ignorant and I’m making connections that aren’t at all there, but in Goong and now in Dae Jang Geum, I’ve found that some of the livelier, more upbeat traditional music in the shows reminds me a lot of Celtic music. Is that me being an uneducated listener, or is there really some commonality in the music/instrument styles used?”
My wife and I noted the same thing when watching Goong! Traditional Korean folk music played on the horizontal stringed instrument thingie – gayageum (가야금) will have a certain tonal quality because the instrument is tuned to a pentatonic scale. And I believe a lot of tradtional Celtic music uses pentatonic scales too, so, that might be why? Stringed instruments playing simple upbeat folk single melodies on a pentatonic scale… might end up sounding similar…
Haha! It’s cool that the FAQs you have is 25% about city hall!
Looking forward to whoever will do the recaps
Hey JavaBeans – about your writing, I totally agree with a couple of the other posters who said you seem like you could write something I’d want to read. And your dream cast…hmmm, maybe you could write a script, post it online, and you’d get so much love from us fans, the k-studios would love to offer to buy it from you??!? Wishful thinking??? Yeah, I thought so, but it would be so cool if you did!!!
Anyway – I love this site and I really respect the fact you haven’t lost focus. There are many k-pop gossip sites, yet this is the only site that gives such detailed, informative, and fairly unbiased drama news. The reviews and recaps are amazingly balanced and entertaining – I always look forward to them as well as open thread day!
Thank you and keep up the great work!
jb, your insights are really funny and quite “on the spot” I hated Twilight! Not a fan at all. I have tried reading the series but I could not get into it for the world. Bella is just stupid!
I love your site because your drama recaps are very detailed and thorough. Keep up the great job. Is your ego getting bigger? Mine would after all these praises! lols
Firstly, I love your blog.
I have to check it several times a day and your recaps are sometimes even better the the drama ^^
My question what do you think about korean dramas and movies made from japanese mangas, books or doramas ?
Is it a negative thing that huge sums of money are payed for the rights for the works.
I’d say komowayo for giving us a chance to ask you some questions. Mine is not personal so it’s not gonna be hard i guess. I liked Last Scandal so much esp Joong Jun Ho’s hilarious acting in that drama series with the late Choi Jin Shil, and sometime ago I believe you did have something that indicates there’s going to be a sequel to this funny drama, any latest on this please Jbeans? Also, I’m really liking A Man Who Can’t Get Married with my other fave actor JJH, are you enjoying it too? I just finished watching epis 3 online & can’t wait to see the rest of it. Hope you have time to answer next time you get a chance. Kamsahabnida! BTW, your site is one I always visit everyday, it’s nice, the photos you shared with us are always beautiful, etc. Thanks for all you do!
fairly new to dramabeans… prolly like 2 months now.
really like ur style of writing. informative, objective, yet opinionated. works for me. makes me come back for more.
love the open threads on friday. so thanks. keep at what ur doing and how ur doing it and when. it’s yours, so i take it as it comes. no complaint, even if we don’t have the same view, but that’s why everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
thanks!
Hi JB,
I love your site and the running commentary from visitors is just as fun. I noticed a few years back you were able to have people vote on their favorite end-of-year drama. I really appreciated that page.
I want to say that it is nice to come to a site where people are helpful and kind. I’m sure it is a reflection on you (birds of a feather..)
That’s all. Thank you for the daily escape and cup of happiness.
This is one of only two blogs (other is not related to Korea) I follow.
Very long story short, my wife (we married in Korea in 1978) and I began watching Korean TV when her parents visited us in NJ last year, and I found two Korean channels were available on cable. We got hooked on Coffee Prince (great drama to start with) and have watched off and on, via TV and Internet, ever since.
We never would have tried Sons of Sol Pharmacy without your recommendation. It is terrific.
I suspect your parent’s tastes (our youngest is 30) and ours is pretty close. You Are My Destiny was bad (I actually did stop watching – wife stuck it out) but we both enjoyed Likable or Not to the very end. Did you parents enjoy that one?
Thanks for your always entertaining and enlightening blog.
It’s been really interesting reading all the questions and answers and finding out a little bit about you Javabeans.
I’ve only been a fan since Boys Before Flowers (good times, good times) but I’m totally hooked on this site. I constantly check it everyday – I love how you write, comment, stamp your opinion on stuff etc..
Thanks again Javabeans!
(P.S. I used to loveee Buffy too!)
Taking notes while recapping is really helpful, because before I did that I used to end up watching every episode twice, which takes more time.
RECAPPER PROSPECTS: I’ll be emailing you soon! Just so you know, I’m big on quality over quantity (or speed), and I’d rather have well-written and insightful recaps of fewer dramas rather than covering everything in only a cursory way.
I have totally been tempted to post under a different name, just to see if my comments would be treated differently without that shiny blue box. But I actually try not to comment too much anyway. I figure, the post is where I talk, and the comments section is where you talk.
I actually am not familiar with Buddhist customs, so I always assumed that the praying posture was a Buddhist thing. Anyone know if that’s right?
Who’s the best kisser actor? Hm, you won’t know until you try ‘em all!
Big Bang vs. DBSK vs. Super Junior? Honestly, I don’t really have an opinion. I know how they’re different, but they’re all out of my preference range. I guess Big Bang has the badass image, DBSK is the singing and dancing talent, and Su Ju are the lovable weirdos (who can’t really sing or dance minus one or two members)?
Craft vs. Content. BOTH are important! You can’t be all craft without content because then it’s just pretentious to read empty thoughts, right? But if you’re all content with no craft, it’s a headache to read all that garbled info.
I edit at every step of the way. I’m an editing monkey. Edit edit edit. Can you imagine how my monster posts look before they’re edited? Unfettered, undisciplined thoughts everywhere!
My writing style… erm… off-the-cuff? I think it’s fairly conversational, and when I read what I’ve written, it sounds (in my head) like the way I talk. I think. I try to mix it up a bit, so it’s not too serious or too earnest or too flippant all at once.
“Pretty good writers,” hm. I’m guessing my standards are pretty high. You (thundie), Dahee, and Sevenses are all excellent and I’m truly honored to have you guest-post! But you’re better than “pretty good.” I’d say pretty good means you look at a drama and are able to cogently describe what’s happening, and draw out some of the meaning behind it. Doesn’t have to be hard, in-depth literary critique — just a look beyond the surface, expressed in a pleasant, readable way.
Grammar peeves: I’m a stickler. Lots of things annoy me. Haha. I try not to get hung up on it, and just keep my fastidiousness to myself.
There’s no Right Way to do a recap! Just do what works for you — it took me ages to figure out what worked for me, and I’m always changing things up here and there.
Is it a negative thing that money is paid to buy rights to mangas and dramas? NO!!!! Very creative people created those original works, and the legal thing to do is to pay them for their effort when you use them to create another work. Copyright should be protected. If an adaptation is made well, I’m all for it.
Last Scandal 2 is not happening.
@ JB
As soon as hubby’s finished staining the fence, I’ll set him to roasting some more coffee.
Now, I can’t remember if that was the car song (memory is always failing me), but it’s a great song nonetheless. Thanks!
And a big thanks for all the music you post…I’m one who doesn’t really keep up on music (Western or Korean), so it’s great to hear stuff from someone with similar tastes.
i have been a silent reader a little before the coffee prince hype until NOW.
i was swept away by the korean wave when i saw “autumn in my heart” then stopped soon after that. and started again on “my lovely samsoon.”
later, i was introduced to your site. it was totally godsend. i’m so addicted to it and read your site everyday.
i really admire your writing skills. =)
i’m also a big joss whedon fan. have u watched dollhouse?
what about dr.horrible sing along blog?
NPH was fantastic there.
plus, veronica mars totally rocks. she is sweet, has spunk and sass!
thank you so much for your time and energy.
u have contributed alot to k-dramas.
=D
JB,
Do you watch any of the current American tv dramas like NBC Kings, HBO True Blood, or some other ones? I recommend checking out NBC Kings because it’s a different kind of show that you don’t see often or at all. True Blood is a fun show with lots of mysteries, gory, and some funny stuff.
What books would you recommend for summer reading?
Do you have a goodreads page at goodreads.com? If you don’t have one, will you make one? I would love to read your reviews on books you read. ^_^
I thank you in advance for answering these questions.
OT – JB, I am browsing your website in Mozilla and since yesterday it would not show up correctly, all posts under your main banner are pushed down, so it looks like it is empty, unless you scroll down a lot.. it was fine before yesterday..
How do you chose what K-Pop to keep? Thanks to dramabeans I have scouted some paces where albums are available, but it seems that you have to wade through a lot of muck to find a gem.
Also about books: do you have any absolute favourites or just very strong recommends (that you’d be willing to share, of course, lol)? Thank you:)
do you like this banner? Would you use it?
I wrote to make “javabeans” so that it won’t be too white, you think it’s ugly?
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh280/p3rk3le/dramabeanscopy.png
where did you go to college/grad? for some reason i imagined you as a bruin, but i’m sensing that i’m completely wrong since i drew the conclusion solely from the fact that you’re in LA, lol.
Hey javabeans,
I don’t have any questions, just wanted to commend you on your work. I don’t know how you manage to juggle life and this wonderful blog. Keep up the great work.
wowzer!
The Book Thief is really good. I haven’t read I Am Messenger but I was impressed with The Book Thief.
Thanks for always recapping shows and posting up news javabeans!! I visit your site everyday! Anyways I have a question, if you could pair up any 2 korean celebrities (pick a male & female), to star in a drama or movie, who would you choose?
I want Won bin and Son Ye Jin to do a drama together!!
Sorry if this is a repeat qst!hehe.
Javabeans,
If you’re recapping Delightful Girl Chun-hyang, I will definitely read it for sure. I’m curious to read your opinions all about it. ^^
LOL. So the one who impersonated you is irrashional. Wahaha! ^^
Hehe…Javabean have you been to any matchmaking lately since your parents are asking now?
Well, want me to read you palms? Still free charge for you in one setting!! Hehe…don’t ask me how I know it was you who post that message? ^__________^
jb #53
‘Trust me, Korean girls can be biznatches — we’re more fun that way! Ain’t nobody that pretty, sweet, pure, and good’
hahaha… thank you for clearing that up.
Hi sarah, thanks for that detailed response. *muahhh*
No, the honor is all mine. Had to pinch myself that I wasn’t dreaming when I got your invite to be a guest blogger. Still one of my proudest moments.
I’m an edit monkey, too. Can’t write a new sentence without having edited the previous one (to death). By the time I write the last line, I’m ready to hit publish!
About not taking notes, I guess I watch a drama the same way I read a book: right through to the end the first time without stopping to analyze it. It’s just more pleasurable that way (and suits the lazy bum in me just fine!). The noteless way has worked well so far when I’m reviewing a movie or drama, or when I’m recapping several episodes together. But since I started recapping single episodes recently, I find that I can’t rely on my memory alone because such recaps need to be a lot more detailed. So I’ve been doing what you used to do, that is, watch an episode twice. Still without notes! But I’m going to try your (streamlined) method if it means it will save me a lot of time. Like you, I’ve been feeling really swamped. I don’t know how you do it, updating your blog daily. You’re truly my blogging guru!
OK, I have tried, but I absolutely, positively cannot help myself, I have to ask this question. If you choose not to answer it, that’s cool, but seriously, I can’t keep it in any longer!
If you could date any one of the F4, who would it be, and why?
(I seriously think I should change my screen name to “WAY too obsessed with F4″ or something like that!)
If you could marry any kdrama actors you want, which one would it be and why? (Easy questions eh? Unless of course if you want to marry more than one…)
OK, now I have a somewhat more serious question. I am now on my fourth KDrama, and it seems like in every show I’ve seen, there is quite a bit of girls brushing their teeth. Is there a reason for this?
@125 samsooki- I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees the similarity in the music styles. I suppose the gayageum (가야금) could be a factor, but even the music which focused more on a woodwinds sound held the same feel for me. I watched this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwa5XoEdC98&feature=related
The woodwind instrument certainly looks like a recorder to me, but I don’t have enough music background knowledge to be sure.
@135 javabeans- I would like to participate in the guest speaker recapping project that seems to be developing. It’d be a good way to start being more critical of what I’m watching, and I would love to give it a try. Please let me know if I can help.
I recommend Book Thief highly. So~ good. I’ve heard some complaints about the first 30 pages or so, but the more you read, the better it gets. It’s just so amazing. On that note, any books that you would recommend to a teen who’s sick of (even seeing) trashy teen novels (coughtwilightcough)?
Pbth, for kicks, any dating tips?
@111 rikufallon
I think I can answer your first question. I’m not 100% sure but I believe keeping your palm up signifies accepting/feeling the power and presence of the buddha’s. I’m pretty sure its a buddhist thing. I went on a temple stay in korea last summer and did a similar prayer. Not only do Korean buddhists do it but all buddhists. Me being Chinese, I used to pray when I was younger and although the whole ritual is a bit different than I’ve experienced in Korea, both involved the whole palm up stance.
@157 jessica- Sorry for responding only now, but thanks for the info!