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Happy Friday OT, Beanseelies! I ain’t got much to say, other than my week has looked a little something like this:
Work, work, work, 1-year-old’s birthday party, work, attend baby shower, work, work, work, work on ‘Five Fingers’ soompi site, work, work, deal with angry supervisor, work, try to make sense out of some girl idol group kerfuffle, sleep, work, work, work, spazz over My Precious’s new photoshoots, work, work, deal some more with angry supervisor, work, work, get angry over another AGD extension, work, work, work, work, catch head cold, work, work, work…………. ::clunk::
But it’s time to wrap up and head to the office. Another full day of court awaits, and I want to take my leave before someone accuses me of ‘ranting’ again. Hasta la vista and vaya con queso, y’all!!
Love your slip of tongue about AGD: Cancellation replaced by extension. Make it true, make it true!!
LOL if only the Drama Gods would ever listen to me… I guess the proper term would have been ‘postponement,’ but I can’t see straight because my eyes are still half-shut.
Hello cherkell & rest of you beanies,
writing from New Delhi this week and I have NO clue what time the Open Thread now begins for me (had figured it out for London, but not yet done the math for India).
Rushing out to get some food (cucumbers and cheese) with my Dad, will be back later.
Lissy.
Hi Alua, have a great time in India! So cool you are with your dad!!! Are you traveling with him, for the month?
No… just visiting… he is based for work here, I’m just hanging out (and brought all my work of me).
Funny thing: we when we paid for the cheese that song “We speak no Americano” from City Hunter came blaring… Cracked me up!
Alua,
What did you mean here :
“Funny thing: we when we paid for the cheese that song “We speak no Americano” from City Hunter came blaring… Cracked me up!”
I didn’t get that. Can you explain, please. I see that you mixing business with pleasure, good for you !!!!
Alua!! *waves* So that’s where you’ve been hiding! Hope you’re having a good time (in between the intermittent power outages, that is). Bring back some palak paneer for me, okay?
I just got here two days ago… but, yeah, having a good time so far. Well, I haven’t done anything and my Dad is pretty busy at work but I’m happy. Just to the change of scenery, eating mangoes every day and different climate.
You can have the palak paneer, but I’m not sharing any dosas!!!
oooh – paneer? yum.
I hope you will have a great weekend, Cherkell, despite working a lot. For some reason, it was weird for me seeing a short post from you
.
HI Cher! ^^
Hope no work on the weekend! have a drink for me! hehe
Happy Friday everyone!
Not watching a lot of dramas apart from Jin as am waiting for dramas to finish before starting them.
Hope you all had a great week better than mine anyway. I had an explosive argument with my future MIL which totally ruined my week and wrecked all the nice feelings I may have had for her.
Anyway have a good day!
oooh shik’s, you’re supposed to fight after you’re married. Have a good day!
Thanks Bunny, thought so too. I should have just kept quiet
Just got the news on AGD. [sigh]
I feel like the network is being run by an 8-Ball. “Signs point to No.”
Oh well, on to Rich Man Poor Woman!
Shuk~
I like Rich Man, Poor Woman.
Have you tried Office Girls?
Thanks to your recommendation, I’m enjoying RMPW also.
Haven’t posted for a few weeks.
I lost my enthusiasm for a bit since “Big” disappointed me so badly and “A Gentleman’s Dignity irritated me.
Currently Watching “Rich Man, Poor Woman” and “Gokusen”(I’m on ep. 4).
I really like them both so far.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve marathoned “We Got Married” – Adam Couple, Sweet Potato Couple and Brave Couple.
I was happy to see “Infinity Challenge” back again. HaHa is just so dang fun to watch.
Of course I watched “Running Man” and kept thinking about PSY’s “Gagnam Style” because of JaeSuk’s funny grasshopper dancing in it.
Watched the idol Olympics too. Bora from Sistar is a tough cookie!
I know what you mean with “Big” robbing you of your drama watching enthusiasm.
I’m kinda ignoring k-dramas at the moment and only watching Japanese.
Maybe Arang and the Magistrate will reignite my enthusiasm…
alua~
Enjoy your trip.
Waiting for Arang and Faith too.
Hey, I was also pretty bummed out with how BIG ended. So I’m actually watching ” I love Lee Tae Ri” or I love italy from TVN, which is really good, and does the whole BIg movie adaptation just so much better.
Be sure to check it out, it’s on viki full subbed too!
Hi Lang! Yes, ILTR had the ending that Big should have had.
any chance of them inviting psy onto the show? he’d be a great force on RM!
Hi Pigtookie, what is RM?
I have watched the first episode of Office Girls, and it didn’t exactly grab me. I still have it on d/l though, to retry.
Ah looking forward to starting that!! Nice to have a Japanese Drama to watch for a change!!
Although it’s all about GAKSITALLLL for a me!!!
Anyway hope you week is good Unni!!
JoAnne has all but got me convinced to watch Gaksital in the near future.
Week is going well so far! It’s hot here, but I think that’s true for most of the Northern Hemisphere.
I spent all day awake today, so I’m hoping to sleep a little tonight! Working a midnight shift really messes up your sleep cycle when you are trying to interact with non-nitecreatures. hee hee.
Gaksital is getting a lot of thumbs up from the Noona Brigade, and so it is definitely on my radar to watch.
How’s everything 1/2 world away?
True for most of the Northern Hemisphere except for the UK haha
But it’s super super hot here in China. About 30 plus degrees. I am so so not used to this weather!!!!! I’m merely a pale weak english girl… I’m used to rain and freezing cold not sun!!!!
But still enjoying the weather even if I did turn a tiny bit red today! No missing sun cream for me in future!!
But the thing I’m worried about is that Seoul is even hotter!! 38 degrees or so! I’m gonna die…. well… at least I get to visit before I die haha.
And yes… GAKSITALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! is epic and awesome and just so so brilliant. I want the next episode now!!!
And yeah I am loving being 1/2 a world away!! Except does make keeping in touch a bit tricky such as trying to wish my Grandpa a happy birthday when he’s in VA.
Hope you are having a great week Unni!!! <3
Happy Friday Shuk!
Yeah, I heard (read?) the news about AGD. Not following the show, but it does seem to be a fail planning wise. Why would you delay a rating leader so much?
Because they’re doofusses? Lol, it wasn’t the smartest move on SBS’s part. I think it’s lost a lot of steam, so it might be interesting to see what the ratings will be. Plus, I’m not happy about pushing back 5F.
Good morning Shukie, I am glad you still have RMPW to fall back on. Knowing you (or knowing what I know of you), you probably have some dramas you could start or finish, while waiting for AGD. I hope your week will go well. Parents OK? And you?
Bonjour, Ivoire! I’m just getting back after spending all day with my bestie from San Antonio.
I’m on episode 21 (subbed) of TWDrama “The Queen of SOP” – neither male lead is insipid or morally bankrupt, and both are hot in their own way. Plus the lead female is competent, so I’m enjoying it. All 32 episodes are available and the subbing is going at a quick pace, so I expect to finish it by next week, when SBS gets off their collective duff and restart my interest in AGD.
My father is still having problems with his legs, so it looks like I’m Shuk Lawncare Service for a while longer. No problem, I love my parents.
I’m doing good, still busy though, and it will stay that way until the end of summer. One of the problems working in a city along the Atlantic Seaboard.
How is everything with you, job / home wise? I’m thinking no news is good news.
Good morning Shukie, will be back later to respond…
Happy Friday, Shukmeister! I just want to know the end of A Gentleman’s Dignity already, I think we’ve waited too long for that.
Rhia!
I agree, my drama ADD has kicked it, and while I want to bask in the warm glow of a happy ending, I think I can mosey over to watch versus watching it raw. Too much time has passed for me to feel invested in the characters anymore. [sadface].
I think I read that the viewer ratings for the Olympics are tanking for SBS. They’re 3rd for overall medals as a country, so, if that’s true, it’s kind of sad. Especially taking a speed runner like AGD and essentially tripping him within view of the finish line.
Yes, I know the feeling. It’s like too much delay has led me to go, “Meh, whatever to the two of you.” And that’s already saying a lot. I do hope there isn’t another preemption, though. What if they give us another week?! By then I think I’d have forgotten what went on before. No wait, I think I HAVE forgotten.
OMG! me too! I watched RMPW after a week of waiting of AGD and now I’m stuck waiting for another episode of RMPW T_T
Kinda makes you a bit crazy doesn’t it, neener.
it does! and when you start to watch another drama that’s also recent and after watching you’re gonna wait again! I guess this is dramaland!
Love that show. Also what’s all this I’m hearing about AGD??? I heard cancelation, postponement, extentions…..what is it I’m freaking out.
I just can’t react anymore; I’ve gone into “it is what it is” mode, and likely won’t watch AGD 19 & 20 until they’re fully subbed. SBS just crushed the momentum.
Happy Friday! Hope everyone is doing well.
A quote for the day:
“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows their own pain and renunciation. It’s one thing to feel you are on the right path, but it’s another to think that it’s the only path.” Paul Coelho, author of the Alchemist
That is brought to mind because I am still reeling from episodes 13 & 14 of INR2. Oh why, oh why, did you have to go there? It is WAYYYYY too close to home for me. Just rip my heart out, break it into little pieces and stomp on it. I want my cute sexy rom-com back!
I was always hesitant about INR2012, after the ending to INR but it is testament to the story that they have left me in a place where I don’t mind how it ends unlike INR1. I think it is the manner they move the story along through character growth, more than anything else and the way their emotions pace the plot. I like it.
For you.
You warmed my heart, so I took a step closer,
until my blood burned bright hot,
and scorched my heart,
leaving a bitterness, I taste in every breath.
Btw, Sabah, I love the poem. Did you write it (or is it something I should already know?) It’s excellent
Aw, that is really kind of you.
I just like playing around with words. Like Will in Good Will Hunting who just plays around with maths EXCEPT not so proficient.
I liked the idea of blood burning rather than just heating up, so that it becomes burnt and like food leaving that bitter taste. It isn’t about being burnt by love so much but more that once you have felt an intensity it becomes an expectation of every relationship thereafter and more than likely most will fail leaving a bitter-sweetness.
Very well done, and I like your explanation, too! But I also like how the poem itself leaves things open ended, allowing the reader to have a multitude of possibilities as to what you could have meant. Thanks for sharing!
ooh boy,
I was waiting for the 1nr2012 shoe to drop. I’m still hoping it won’t hurt like the original keep me posted! Did you know Paulo Coelho wished shiwon happy birthday on twitter?
Paulo Coelho and Shiwon is the most random combination ever.
Agree!
Yup! So random, I didn’t see that one coming, although there was a time where Paolo Coelho was one of my followers on twitter (not sure if it’s the real Paolo Coelho though, but I was ecstatic to find that at the time
)
Yeah, I knew about that. Shiwon was really happy about it, it seemed.
Really? I’m so jealous of Shiwon! Imagine that…
What? Nooo….. My heart is going to broken? Waahh. I still am leaning towards bachelor #1 for some inane reason. Bachelor #2 is so much nicer to her. Argh. Guess I’ll bite the bullet and watch it. (and get the supplies to mend my broken heart.)
INR2012 has me completely confused. My head knows that guy 2 is really the better more stable option. But my heart bleeds for guy 1.
Although for heaven’s sake could guy 1 have consistant feelings for at least a 24 hour period? He wants her to go, she goes. No, he wants her to stay, she comes back. Now he thinks it’s better if she goes.
But guy 2 is so wonderful that I almost think it would be better for him to just get out of the way of that disfuncion. Guy 1 and YM will never be out of each other’s lives. They will never cut that cord between them. There is just too much shared between them and the feelings are too deep. He just need to get out of that hot mess while his heart isn’t completely destroyed just a little wounded.
My thoughts exactly, Rashell. If only YS can be more consistent then I would ship this pairing whole-heartedly. But I couldn’t get what’s in his mind now. I’m sure that YM would still be there for him if he’s more open with her. But now.. He wants to push her back again, after she’s coming back for him? It’s so frustrating to watch. I really don’t get why the story has to choose the noble idiocy route. And now my heart bleeds for guy 2…
I got my initial mixed up. It’s supposed to be SH for Seok Hyun (was thinking Yoon Seok, dunno where that comes from
)
I knew who you meant.
Hi Maya,
I 2nd everything you said and I could (STRONGLY) smell the noble idiocy route COMING in the first couple of episodes and I went ” agh!!!! really???? OK, let’s see how this plays out.” I personally don’t like how the male lead is pulling and pushing the heroine. I think he should just be straight with her AND LET HER DECIDE FOR HERSELF based on the information he has. She is an adult, not a child, for crying out loud **End of rant.**
I might be in the minority in this, but I am for the 2nd lead, all the way. If she won’t have him, could I, please, please, huh??? I will be really good to him, promise. And the way he especially looks at her, *Sighs*
Same here. I won’t go all ranty, like I have on the soompi thread, but suffice to say I view SH with Great Disapproval.
Hi Skelly, I High Five you for your comment!
Ok, this will contain SPOILERS. I won’t try too hard to justify SH’s actions because I learned my lesson from arguing with another DBer over A Thousand Day Promise, but I’m 99% sure I know ***SPOILER ALERT***what disease they’re referring to and I have personal experience with this situation. I 100% can understand his actions. It would be difficult to fully realize the ramifications unless you lived through something like this. He knows what his future might be and is terrified. If you watched episode 14, you know that YM had previously said she couldn’t deal with something like that, so of course he wants to get things status quo without a commitment.
OK, now I’m finished my rant!
Hi KL,
You can argue with me, I know you mean well, so I think it would be OK. It would be a back and forth conversation, how about that?
I think someone here hinted at his disease and I understand that. But to be fair to her, and treat her like an adult (and not a child), even if she doesn’t always act like one, I still think he should have told her and let her decide for herself.
Or, if he pushes her away, like he has done, he should not try to have her back. Remember when he LIED that there was no electricity, just so she would come back from her date? And he ruined it? and HE ended up having a sleep over with her guy, not her. I had A HUGE PROBLEM with that. That was SOOOO wrong. He MANIPULATED HER and she fell for it. I was glad when her boyfriend came along. I just don’t want him to pull stunts like that anymore, is all I am saying. So, as long as he doesn’t, he and I are OK! Since that tent sleeping outside incident, he hasn’t pulled any more stunts, has he? He pushes and pulls her was what it seemed like to me.
Am I the only one BOTHERED that HE STRONGLY ARGUED WITH HER IN THE STREET AND ALMOST HIT HER????? What was that??? Are we supposed to pretend that didn’t happen? Because if that were me, I would be out of that relationship in a NY minute. I have seen abuse around me (not physical but emotional and psychological), and I have seen how it affected those in that environment, me included. I am not going near that. I wouldn’t stay, but that’s just me, maybe *I raise my shoulders for the maybe*. I am just being real with who I am and how I feel. I don’t want to pretend that something is not there, when it is there, starring me in the face. I REALLY don’t! And yeah, I DO feel strongly about things like that.
I do think that the heroine participated and made things escalate, she contributed to that. One of them at some point should have walked away or stopped or gotten in cab or called a friend or something… I don’t know what but get out of the argument because it is not being constructive. When I see fists in the air, in a position to hit, I am telling you, IT IS THE END FOR ME. I AM OUT! I could be the worst woman on the planet, (which I am not), but walk away from me, separate or something but don’t threaten to hit me and PLEASE, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, DON’T HIT ME. But then again, I don’t live in Kdramaland, thank goodness! The male lead totally lost me when he did that. You couldn’t justify (to me) doing that, ESPECIALLY NOT TO ME! ***End of Rant***
and then he DESTROYED her bike!!! Again, what was that???? I am just asking… If you think you can help me understand the things I have just ranted about, please do. I am open to listening, err… in this case, reading. Being sick is not a (valid) excuse for being abusive in my book.
Hi Ivoire,
I’m one of these DB lurkers and just pop in once in a while to comment – but after reading all of your comments on INR2012 I have to say I totally agree with you. I watched the first season, and although I initially hated the ending for that one, after I thought about it, I was able to accept it (still don’t like it though). For this one though, I totally detest the idea of SH and YM together, for all the reasons you listed, but also because I think that JH actually makes YM a better person. When YM is with SH, she is just a selfish brat (as SH said himself), but with JH, I can see her changing for the better. I know, a lot of people say that you shouldn’t have to change yourself to be in a relationship, but I disagree. I think people do change, whether in a relationship or not, and if you are in a relationship that makes you change for the better, isn’t that better for you? If it is the other way, though, I say get the hell out of the relationship. Although YM and SH have a lot of history together, that’s not always the right reason to stay together.
@Ivoire, mais oui, we can agree to disagree! And as I said, I’m not going to argue my point. I am only saying, knowing what I know from personal experience (read 10.4.3.2) his actions make sense to me. Are they right? Not necessarily. Do they border on abuse? Possibly. People can do crazy things when terrified. But as far as the fight in the street, she was right in it with him.
Do I think that she’s a better person with JH? It appears so, but then who wouldn’t be if they had all that loving attention. She also admitted that she was selfish and only thought of herself when she was with SH.
I’m actually sorry that this drama took such a turn and has struck such a cord with me, but that doesn’t mean everyone has to agree with me!
Good evening KL,
Thank you for your response, yet again. I have read it and have been talking to myself (actually to you, but you can’t see me or hear me, so it actually looks like I am talking to myself).
I have to go get some food (actually fix my dinner), I tend to eat late (I know) and I will be back to respond to your comment. I have a lot to say, and I feel a long post coming, just so you know. You said you won’t argue your point, well then I will argue mine, and we will definitely disagree, I can almost guarantee it.
@Ivoire, I like your feistiness, but I think we need to put this to rest for the sake of the other DBer’s. There is really nothing to argue.
I have lived through (and am still living through) this personally, so BASED ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND OBSERVATION, I can understand his actions is all I’m saying. And I can respect your opinion but not agree with it. C’est tout! I should have dropped this earlier but I was trying to enlighten a few who may not be familiar with the disease. Now I just want to get off this topic as it’s too painful.
Hope everyone has a good week until the next OT!
@ Twinkles, Hello,
I just wanted to let you know that I will be back later to answer your post, and I hope that you see this message.
@ivoire-thanks did see message! Maybe we can catch up on next ot-just saw final i need romance 2012 and i think i’m gonna……well, don’t know yet, dont want to damage my stuff over a tv show….
I never quite understood the “2nd lead syndrome” for many dramas/romcoms – such as Pil-joo in “The Greatest Love” who was, let’s face it, nice but a bit boring/bland.
Otoh, I can totally get it for INR2 – can see it being really hard for YM to choose btwn the 2, but sometimes history gets in the way.
Have to say, Jung Yumi just killed it in her character’s quite confession about the sister.
Happy Friday and weekend to everyone!
I haven’t been watching anything this week except for the Olympics, maybe
I’m planning to start on a couple of jdramas due to recs, I hope I’ll like them. Waiting patiently for new kdramas to start airing!
Happy Friday
. Enjoying the Olympics too.
I need Romance2 idk why but I can’t watch it on viki using my phone is anybody els having tht problem?
Is anybody else watching Shinhwa Broadcast if u don’t u should watch it is makes your Saturday amaizing
I think Viki was having problems yesterday. I almost wish I hadn’t watched INR2 though. Have tissues, lots and lots of tissues!
Yep, there’s some glitch yesterday, but it worked fine this morning
Hello all!
Quick question: Has anybody watched the drama Couple or Trouble? I was reading a bit about it on dramafever and thought I might put it on my to-watch list. It has mostly favorable reviews, but I wanted to get another opinion on it…
And by the way, I am like dyingggg from Gaksital withdrawal. Can’t say I’m the only one though from the looks of it. xD
G-G-GaksiTAAAAAAAL! *shakes* They’re killing me. They’re just k-k-kiling m-me.
F-four and a half more d-d-days….
Ah it’s soo soo good! <3<3<3
I'm was so happy it's gonna be a longer drama too <3
I really liked overboard but I had no idea what a korean interpretation should be like. The american version had a nice balance in the relationship between the new couple, they balanced each other out- the things he was lacking she brought, and the things she was lacking she found with him.
There are hijinks and love sonnets to makgolli and jjajangmyon and some really nice characters aside from the otp. I also think the otp took too long to otp and it didn’t even matter to me if they did or not. I think I wanted her to go back to her husband as the new woman. I’d give it 3 stars out of 7.
If you can tolerate the female lead in the first few episodes, it’s not bad. It was my first glimpse of OJH – his dimples helped me get through the drama!
OJH did make everything better in that one. I agree with ahjummabunny – the OTP took WAY to long to OTP. But then again, there is OJH. Did I mention OJH is in it?
It’s not the best, but it’s an ok drama.
It’s a Hong Sisters one. Much closer to Chun Hyang and My Girl story and jokes-wise than Best Love or Big.
We were just talking about this on one of the threads here last week.
This is one of my favorite Hong Sisters rom/coms- it has its’ flaws, but overall, a delightful watch. There’s something about self-entitled, rich bitches who get their comeuppance through funny circumstances to be viewing gold!
I loved ‘Overboard’ and the HS did a good job of taking the essence of that and putting it into CoT.
Yes I have watched Couple or Trouble. Its basically the drama version of overboard. (A movie I loved for some reason growing up). I enjoyed it mostly because of Han Ye Sul post amenesia self. A lot people hate on her but she killed that role. Its a cute drama but it is light on the romance and there are few really idiotic characters but overall if you are looking for a filler drama – go for it.
Ok thanks so much everyone! I totally didn’t know it was a Hong Sisters drama…Fail. I might try it out if I don’t have anything to watch.
Happy Friday everyone!
The weather is cloudy today
(for now and it is kind of cold) and we are in early August. What is going on? (It is kind of a rhetorical question, but feel free to answer if you wish 
).
Also, I have been watching the last few episodes of Gaksital, and I now understand what the fuss was all about. Wow!!!!. I also watched episode 14 of INR2, which confirmed what I was thinking all along. I was glad the heroine didn’t waist time confessing her what was bothering her. I understood why the heroine did what she did, but was still sad about it. I like the male 2nd lead better. I have been listening to the OST of TK2Hs a lot this week, and it made me want to rewatch the drama.
I am enjoying the fact that we have less dramas airing this week, as it has given me the time to do other things (more), namely deep cleaning my friend’s place which I actually enjoy doing.
I have a question: ***sPOILERS ABOUT AGD***
Does anyone have an idea of how old JR’s wife (Min Sook, I think) is, in AGD? If she is older than him (and they make it sound like she is way older than him), I thought she wouldn’t be able to have children, at her age. So why are they still trying to conceive? Aren’t they worried about birth defects? ***END OF SPOILERS***
I do hope that you will all have a great weekend and a better weather than I seem to be having
Ivorie, bonjour! Re INR2, you need to read my email if you haven’t already.
Eps 14 was so jarring for me that when they got back to the cute friend and co-worker relationship, I totally forgot they were even in it and was like, wait, what are they doing here?
Bonjour KL,
Yeah, I still have to read your email (sorry
). I will, I promise. What do you mean here:
.
“Eps 14 was so jarring for me that when they got back to the cute friend and co-worker relationship, I totally forgot they were even in it and was like, wait, what are they doing here?”
Are you talking about the friend who is in the shoes business, or the other friend? I like how things are progressing between the other friend and her boss and what happened at the pool
I just meant I was so emotionally uprooted by what was going on with SH, YM and JH that I forgot there were other characters in the show. So when the scene switched to the friend and her boss at the pool, I was momentarily confused about who they even were. They went from heavy scene to cute scene but I hadn’t adjusted emotionally yet!
Oh I see, I love that scene at the pool. I love that the boss asked for what he wanted (and got it
) and how he took over. I also LOVE that the boss is not necessarily drop dead gorgeous, but good looking in his own way. I also love that he is not too thin. He has muscles and he is well proportioned 
. **End of rave**
I need to watch the episodes I have missed
. Oh, I also LOVED their bathing suits 
(of both).
Oh, and I forgot to add that I am loving PKW in Gaksital, I have loved him for a while now (the actor playing him. He caught my eye when I was reading the recaps of “The Musical”) and I love watching his transformation and the mind games all the characters are involved in. I really love PKW, he is soooo cute… (and pretty!). Someone posted a BTS of JW and PKW falling asleep on the set, poor babies… It was cute to watch though…
I feel so bad for them (their filiming schedule and the intense heat), I want to take them home and feed them (and keep them cool, as in not hot from the heat). That is Ivoire’s code speech for I REALLY love their acting and I would like to know the person behind the actor (what makes them tick and what do they get enthusiastic about, that kind of thing…). I would stop at the feeding them and hanging out. I LOVE to cook, so I have to have people who love to eat, and there are not enough of them around me right now, so some of my favorite stars (male and female) would do
.
I have noticed that when I like an actor (their acting) or actress, I become curious (not in a creepy way, I am no saeseng [sp?] fan) about who s/he is as a person. That’s just me.
Also, on one of the articles about “Faith,” Cynthia and other people and I were discussing facial hair on Korean men and debating whether they looked good with it or not. One the commenters put facial hair on LMH’s picture, altering it. He looked OK, and I said that most Korean men (by that I mean actors) looked better shaved. I did change my mind when I saw some pictures that were posted later on and I have to admit, I hadn’t seen BM from the beginning yet ( still haven’t seen the beginning).
Now I stand corrected: I saw Baek Gun (JH, the actor) in BM and oh My!!!!! What a handsome man, and he is very close to my age and actually older than me, so I can oogle and squee without feeling guilty. The long salt and pepper hair, the stache and goatee (sp?) look really good on him. Now I wonder what he looks like clean shaven. Come to think of it, some men do look good in sageuk dramas as well with that look.
There was another guy in “The Princess’ man” who was very handsome as well (I thought). He looked very distinguished, suave, debonnaire, etc… He was rocking the whole long hair, facial hair thing *Smiles while remembering*. I can’t currently remember his voice, but I think he had a nice voice too (I tend to pay attention to their voices, both of the actors and the actresses). I think his name is Kim Roe Ha and his character’s name was Ju Suk-joo.
I wanted to mention a few other things, but I can’t remember them right now, so I will do it later…
Hi Ivoire! Hope your Friday is starting great! I still need to reply to your comments on Gaksital thread, and I’m sure that there’s still a lot to discuss about horsital!
Btw, I’m glad your enjoying Gaksital. It’s pretty awesome right?
I think that INR2012′s better episodes lie in the first 12 since that’s where all the cute stuffs are. The secret was killing me though, they dragged it for too long. Episode 13-14 just break my heart to pieces, it’s the kind of secret I dreaded most, plot-wise.
Hi Maya,
No worries, I will be looking for your response on the Gaksital threat. There is something I would like to add there myself
And yeah, Horsital and BM are really awesome, violent show (IMHO) but really good, keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love looking @ PKW’s face when he is trying to read someone, trying to decide whether to believe/trust them or not. Shunji has done that with LKT and with MDR and I LOVE how PKW does that. I also love the way he walks, he has the swag when he walks. There is a way that he tilts on the left and on the right when he walks, at least at the beginning of episode 18, and it had some swagger in it. And he looked happy, that was nice to see, even though we know he is not a good guy. I really enjoy watching Shunji and LKT and their transformation. I also now LOVE the Baek Gun character (and the actor who plays him) and I have raved about him above, in my 2nd post. Rie is supposed to fall in love with LKT, so I am still waiting to hear that.
Re: INR2, I l loved episode 14 because of the 2nd male lead. He was so moving and so endearing, poor guy, to have his heart broken like that. I REALLY LOVE Ji-suk’s voice, I have to say. I also raved about it earlier.
I think I also (still) owe you some replies from last OT and the one before that. I haven’t forgotten, I will post them when I am done. I like to end conversations that started. Please remind me where you live again, and where you are from? If you don’t mind
…
Awww Ivoire, I still owe you some responses for Gaksital & Horsital. I’ll try to reply them by tonight. It’s just that OT has been quite distracting with its diverse and interesting topics..
I loved how you describe Shunji’s walk. I didn’t pay attention to the way he walks, but I’m sure he has some swags. Now I want to rewatch the scene again! Ha! Shunji is getting more evil and interesting at the same time. I think Gaksital really does have many interesting characters with their own trajectories. Kang To is still the most interesting one out of them all though IMHO, given the circumstances he had. And I sincerely hope Mok Dan will be given a character growth ASAP. Talking about Shunji and his manipulative ways. I found it interesting how Mok Dan definitely didn’t buy his faux-kindness, while Shunji is buying (or maybe he is in denial) her excuse of not wanting to stay with Gaksital and opt to get his protection instead. Although you definitely can see who is more calm and collected with being manipulative.
Btw, have you watched Chuno yet? I would say that PKW’s character there is almost similar to his character in Gaksital, although the circumstances are different.
Regarding INR2012, I love the second lead as well, he just the dream guy: nice, tender, honest, etc. But on the other hand, I love YM and SH chemistry, it’s so palpable when they’re together. So for some time, I was not rooting for any pairing. But when I watched episode 14 today, SH really frustrated me! He was begging her to come back when she’s in a happy (& healthy, may I say) relationship with the second lead. And now that she decided that she’s gonna give up on that for him, he pushed her away again. I’m really lost…
Hi Maya, I just wanted to let you know that I will be back later to respond… I hope your weekend is going great
Happy OT Unni!!!!
Hope everything is going well <3
Hello my lovely dongsaeng!!!!
So gooooood to read about your fun times in China. You seem to be adjusting well and having a lot of fun. I am sooo glad you are learning some Korean (that you will be able to use with your boyfriend *I am smiling right now*). How are those plans to meet with him coming up? Please, remember to give me the details about how things went down when you guys meet *I am smiling again.*
Wouldn’t it be great if we could really meet our favorite stars and spend some time with them? *Sighs and starts daydreaming…*
Unni!!!!!!!! <3
Yes there are lots of fun times here!!!
We just went to the Zoo today and there was a show with a sea lion and a super hot guy and it was AWESOME!!! <3 We have two Chinese guys who show us around (we were speaking to the French teacher when we arrived and she asked them) and they take us out! But unfortunately my 'fling' did not come today ^cries^ haha… but my friends are trying to set me up with him. He's 196cm tall so I don't exactly mind… lol
And yeah my friends have already told me that seeing as me and my boyfriend have been dating for 3 years now he's bound to propose to me when I visit him in Korea
When we had to introduce our families in class mine went: 'My family has my Mum, my Grandpa, my nanpengyou (boyfriend) Kim Bum and me' My Korean friends who knew who I was talking about were in histerics. They think I'm very cute haha.
Anyway yeah I having lots of fun!!
Hope you are having a good week!! <3<3<3
Hey Dongsaeng <3,
I quickly read your post and I just wanted to let you know that I will be back later to respond… It sounds like your weekend is going great
Hello Ivoire! How are you?
What do you think of INR2012 – is it worth watching at all?
Best drama/romcom of 2012 and one of the best K-roncoms ever done (up there with “Coffee Prince” and “The Man Who Can’t Marry”).
Hi Bd,
good to read from you, and I hope that your weekend is going well. I am glad you like INR2 so much. I haven’t watched all the episodes yet, I skipped some of them, so I will have to properly watch it from the beginning.
Helloooo OTS,
How are you? I am good, thank you for asking. Re: INR2012, I wasn’t sure what to expect going in. I usually try not to assume too much about a drama going in, since they tend to surprise me. I wasn’t crazy about the 1st episode of INR2 and I haven’t found the plot to be innovative, so I am not attached, moved by it. I watched episode 14 early this morning (around 12:30am Friday am my time) and the things I was suspecting turned out to be true, so again, I just was not surprised and I haven’t been impressed by how the male lead handled the info affecting his life.
I REALLY do like the 2nd male lead (I also find him more attractive, he is more my type) and I hate to see him suffer. I also have to say that I LOVE the 2nd male lead voice (I am very sensitive to people’s voices. It can contribute to me liking or appreciating someone more). He has somewhat of a raspy voice, I just LOVE how he talks and how he modulates his voice. I know he is just a character, but I like him, much, much better. I get the sense that he might not get the girl in the end though (like in the very end, in episode 16), so I am curious about that.
I also don’t particularly care for the heroine, some here have said that she is selfish, but people forget that the male lead fought with her in the street (as in really fighting), and he almost hit her (sorry for spoiling you). That was when he lost me. I can’t stand a character being abused (male or female), and I lost all respect for him. I would be out (of the relationship) if something like that happened to me in real life, and I would STRONGLY suggest that the person get some help.
Someone here suggested that the 2nd male lead and the 2nd female lead get together, and I 2nd (STRONGLY) that motion. They are both hungry for love and they are good at giving it, so I think they should get together. I also want to say that there is a big thing (emotion wise) that the 2nd ml (male lead) does at the beginning of episode 14, that brought tears to my eyes. I LOVED how Kim Ji -suk played that scene (so moving) and I LOVE how he is acting in the whole drama. His character is more likable and lovable than in “personal taste.”
I also like Lee Jin-wook’s acting here, I just don’t like his character as much. I find him hypocritical, he feels one way, acts the total opposite way and feels entitled to act that way with the heroine (I am trying not to spoil you). He irritates me. I don’t agree with his logic. I will also say that I find the side characters’ stories interesting. One of the guys is frustrating and irritating, towards the end though.
You could give the series a try, a few first episodes, to see for yourself. IF you do, let me know what you thought. I saw that you decided to forgo BM. It’s alright, if you don’t want to watch anything violent right now. I can understand that.
…so I went and watched the first episode of this show. I can’t say it managed to pulled me in, and after reading your post, it seems like it is not exactly my cup of tea. Will wait until it’s over, and in the meantime, I might try the first season instead. It seems like we both do not particularly enjoy violent relationships (correct me if I’m wrong!), but it’s fine – after all, some other viewers do enjoy more aggressive bickering.
I really, really want to watch Bridal Mask, but can only stomach more light-hearted fare at the moment (that is, something that doesn’t require too much focus and/or thinking), and I don’t want this to affect my judgement of the series. BM is my incentive to finish this big chunk of work I’m trying to complete, and it finally looks like I’m getting somewhere!:)
You may have mentioned this before, but have you seen 9 Ends 2 Outs?
Hi OTS,
I sooo like you
, you are so fast!!!! The good thing with shows on that channel is that they are 47 mns (or a little less) long and so quick to watch. Yeah, I was not pulled by the 1st couple of episodes either and thought “this is not for me.” I do like Ji-suk in it, so I might come back for him.
You are right, I don’t appreciate violence in a relationship, especially if it is not addressed afterwards and handled properly and let’s be honest, it usually is not addressed in Kdramas and there are no consequences to that kind of aggression and abuse. Makes me wonder what are the messages the writers/ directors/ actors/actresses are sending to women and especially the teenagers who love those kinds of dramas.
A man dragging you by your wrist is not in love with you, I am sorry, it is not a loving gesture. There are many more gestures I frown upon and recoil about when I see them in Kdramas. However, I am also an adult who knows the difference between fiction (TV) and real life, and at times I find myself saying (to myself) :”It’s a Kdrama, I will give it a pass.” We know to expect those things now, but I still cringe when I see certain acts happening in Kdramas. I worry because those dramas are becoming popular worldwide and many in that population are young impressionable teenagers and young girls, who in my view (I hope) are educated about what a healthy and appropriate and proper relationship looks like, sounds like and feels like. I personally did not know, and I learned along the way. So I don’t take that lightly and I don’t fool myself.
So many times I have said, “Oh, that would so not fly with me in real life,” I am just saying… When I was in college, I was a Communications Major and so I learned that when you write or produce a piece, you do that with an audience in mind. So I always wonder, “what are they trying to say here?” “Do people in Korea like this? Find this acceptable?” “What do the men, women think of this?” And I don’t expect the show to preach to people, but I do believe that each drama has a goal, whether it is serious, light, historical, comedic, etc…
I am enjoying BM, but I also prepare myself going in. Some scenes are really poignant and emotional and well played. I like that it makes me think and engages me and often I have to read the recap to fully understand what happened. I love that it is multilayered and the conflicts are complexed and real. It is also well acted, well directed and I LOVE the OST. I want to eventually buy the CDs and the DVDS of that drama, down the road, to have it in my library.
I do think it is very violent, however, more violent than the King 2 Hearts. So yeah, you’ve got to keep that in mind.
I still recoil and cringe when I see the level of violence they show. The acting is really good though, which is a testimony to how committed everyone is on that show and the standards of excellence they are striving for (I am always one for that, even in my personal life). I also learn a lot when I watch it, and I LOVE that. The conversations on the recaps’ threads have been rich, passionate and informative, so that is a plus as well.
I saw the beginning of 9ends 2 outs and the last 3 or 4 episodes, I haven’t seen the whole show. I didn’t feel pulled in and so it is not a show I would rave about. I don’t feel about it the way that Javabeans and others do. Besides, when I watched it on Dramafever, the streaming was bad, which was annoying, so that didn’t help. I would like to watch it one day, so I can know and understand why people are raving about it.
I get annoyed and frustrated when I think some scenes could be more tender, gentle and romantic moments and I tend to rewrite them in my head. I don’t mean sexual scenes because that is not what I want to see, but there are scenes that call for a gesture(s) that would indicate really well that the guy is in love with the woman, that he wants to be vulnerable, that he wants to be touched, comforted, talked to, etc… and be engaged (having some interactions) with his love interest or parents or children, etc…
I LOVED it when things are shown, you don’t always need a dialogue (and sometimes you do,
) and that is why I personally LOVE Kdramas. They can be very good at that and very creative when it comes to showing emotions and needs and the fact that people care or don’t care. Those people could be parents, lovers, children etc…
So, when that is not done to my liking, I tend to pull away from the show for a while (long or short). And that happened with 9E2Os for me especially in the last episode. I also didn’t think the leads had chemistry, on the drama and BTS (I saw some and I was like WOW, Su Ae [SP?] must not really like this guy or she really keeps her distances. That was interesting to watch and quite revealing.
I did think that the ending was realistic and that the girl was right in how she wanted to pursue the relationship, and not rush things, if you see what I mean. Did you like that drama? Would you recommend it? If so, why?
What other dramas have you liked?
Another journal for you to read
Have a lovely weekend, Ivoire!
Re Park Ki Woong, I noticed him way back in Invincible Lee Pyung Gang as the dorky suitor of Pyung Gang’s best friend /unnie. He sure has come a long way since then!
Hi Laya, good to read you here,
I will have to check out PKW’s early works. I am glad they get many opportunities to improve their acting
. I feel like I must owe you some responses from last OT or the one before that. I will go back and revisit. I like to finish the conversations that were started 
. I will let you know when I post something 
Hey everyone! I hope everyone is fine.
I recently watched I love Lee Tae Ri, and I wondered (once more) about something.
Is it trendy for Koreans to go study or live abroad for a while? Is there such a big community of Koreans or “half” Koreans living abroad?
I remember reading something written by Javabeans about her blog being read all over the world and I wondered if many of you guys had Korean origins for instance.
Usually in the kdrama I watched, most characters come back after studying and such or go abroad to do so. And also, they say they speak the language of the country they lived in, but it’s not often the case for the actors. Is it only a trend in drama?
Another (maybe stupid) question: who are the famous music composers for kdrama and movies? ‘Cause I couldn’t find it on the Internet: who composed the songs for Secret Garden and the King 2 Hearts OSTs? Did they compose music for other drama or movies?
(I mean the songs without lyrics, like themes or something… my English is worse than I thought, sorry! But I’m a huge fan of that type of OST like music… Yann Tiersen, Murray Gold, Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma…)
I think studying abroad is a pretty big trend in Korea…here’s an oldish article with some numbers from the Korea Times.
And there are a few Kdrama actors who studied/lived abroad, including Park Yoouchin from Rooftop Prince and Jung Ryeo-won from History of the Salaryman.
Hello colors!
-About studying abroad: It’s partly true in real life but in dramas, mostly a way to show than a character is from a wealthy family. Also, SK politics try to promote English learning in the country. If you speak foreign languages it’s super appreciated for work.
-About Korean diaspora, you may want to read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_diaspora. To summarize, big K communities in North America and Japan, not much elsewhere. If you want to see where people on DB come from, you can have an idea with this: http://whos.amung.us/stats/maps/s1inqcsy/
-About drama OST: They are a mix of songs written and sung by trendy pop singers. Often, a few songs are recorded by the actors of the drama themselves. (Hyun Bin for SeGa, Jang Dong-gun for A Gentleman’s Dignity…). For the purely instrumental tracks I can’t help much.
Wow, this map is cool! Thanks for the links
I found the songs on the Internet, like on youtube, but not who compsed them; so I just found titles.
Hi Colors,
Often, a character is sent to live abroad (very often in the US) to send the character away (if the character isn’t killed in the drama) so the OTP can be together. And so that would usually be the 2 lead, male or female. An example is the female 2nd lead going back to the US in Thorn Birds, and the sister of the male lead going to live abroad (I think to Japan) in “Wretched (or Bad) Love” with Kwon Sang Woo. His sister didn’t like his love interest, there was bad blood between them.
Sometimes, the character is not from a wealthy family and it is merely to help the plot, such as in the beginning of Rooftop Prince, for the heroine.
I, like you, LOVE the instrumental songs in Kdramas OSTs, I think they are the best. I ended up buying the CD for the OST of the TK2Hs because I was looking for a particular piece and I couldn’t find it online. Unfortunately, they didn’t include that piece on the OST CD either, I was majorly disappointed and I didn’t understand why they did that (and they do that sometimes, they did the same thing with BOF. I bought all 3 CDs, only to find out that the instrumental piece I was looking for wasn’t included
.
I usually do searches on Youtube and I enter the drama’s name, and “Instrumental OST” and often it comes up. You have to wait until someone posts it. At “YesAsia.com,” you can look for the OST CD and on that page, they usually give the name of the musical director and what other dramas he has done the instrumental OSTs for. You could then research that name, or buy the CD, if you really like it. I compare prices with “amazon.com” before I make my purchase. Both places have done a good job with the shipping and handling so far, for me (though I only bought one CD so far on “yesasia” [The King 2 Hearts] and 4 CDs on “amazon.com” [Boys Over Flowers])
For the instrumental OST for The King 2 Hearts, check these pages:
1–
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ost+instrumental+the+king+two+hearts+&oq=ost+instrumental%3A+the+king+two+hea&gs_l=youtube.1.0.33i21.402.7464.0.10350.18.13.0.0.0.0.1777.3658.7j2j1j1j0j1j8-1.13.0…0.0…1ac.Q_0KAO1yXIU
and this: 2–She has a lot of the instrumentals posted on her page for the King 2 Hearts. The cd is not very expensive on “YesAsia” (in US dollars), if you can afford it, and really like it, you can buy it, so you will have all the songs. It is worth the purchase, in my humble opinion.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Becca9179
I haven’t done any research on Secret Garden (about the instrumentals), so I don’t know. I hope what I shared helps, however. Have a great weekend!
I think it’s so lame when the main character is sent away during the last few episodes so that the other one can stop him from going.
But overall they make it sound like people can run away from their country as they like (no time to get a visa for the US for instance, just a plane ticket that you can’t change to get another flight! Sense of urgency and all… then you can start a new life far away.)
As for OST, I understand what you mean. It’s frustrating to look for a song and never find it. Actually, I was surprised in Love rain, when they used a song with French lyrics I couldn’t find at all on the Internet, not even the singer or the band. But you’re right, they tend to do that with instrumental (that’s the word I was looking for, thanks!)
I’ll try and follow your advice for yesasia when I get paid for my summer job.
You said this:
“I think it’s so lame when the main character is sent away during the last few episodes so that the other one can stop him from going.
But overall they make it sound like people can run away from their country as they like (no time to get a visa for the US for instance, just a plane ticket that you can’t change to get another flight! Sense of urgency and all… then you can start a new life far away.)”
Did you mean “the other one can’t stop him from going” or the other one “Can stop him from going?” I wasn’t sure what you meant to say here.
I have wondered about easily it is for Koreans to come the US. Maybe they don’t need a visa to travel here.
And remember that “yesasia” often gives the name of the musical director on the page of the CD. You can look things up that way as well or ask here. You never know who might know something about your inquiry, you can also ask on other blog sites. Some bloggers/administrators respond to the questions asked, and some of them currently live in South Korea, which is a plus
ah daum is also a good place- drawback? it’s in hangul. I mean just learn to read it and you can piece together with google translate. Also a lot of google searches produce better results if you search in hangul. The wikipedia pages for korean subjects, in korean also offer a lot more information. I haven’t searched for any instrumentals but I have done artists searches by lyrics etc. It can be a fun adventure.
It’s a trend in real life, but more for reasons different than those in dramas.
One of the reasons why a country’s citizens study abroad is technology transfer. Korea is big on this, especially after the war. It’s their way of catching up with the economies of Japan and other neighboring countries/territories. Taiwan did the same, that’s why in terms of technology, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan are among the frontrunners not only in Asia, but also in the world. China is fast catching up too. And to assimilate and improve on the technologies of other countries, they learn the languages. And what better way to learn both foreign language and technology than to send them students abroad? And then to reel them back in they had programs of incentives and future career for them at home to get into once they return.
An example of how effective this is is how Samsung has overtaken the once leader in mobile phone manufacturing – Nokia – in the world market.
Yep the communities of Koreans abroad are growing. Here in Southeast Asia (particularly the Philippines and Thailand) Korea towns are increasing in number. They come mostly for the lower cost of living and lower educational cost. Here in Manila, it’s rare to go out and not see/meet a Korean.
Thank you so much for that info, IZzie:), really informative. The things we learn on OT here… I hope your day is going well
ur welcome, Ivoire.
the day went well, thank you.
I hope you’re having a great weekend too.
The Korean community in Japan is largely made up of Zainichi (permanent residents – mostly descendants of those who were forcibly sent to Japan as labor during during the years running up to and during WII).
The vast majority of Korean students who go abroad to study overseas is to English speaking nations (the most to the US, but also a good amount to Canada and Australia).
The reason for this is basically to get away from Korea’s uber-competitive educational system and to earn how to speak English fluently which many Koreans think gives their children an advantage in the uber-competitive Korean jobs market.
And this isn’t just college/university students, but younger students (anywhere from grade school to high school) where the children live w/ their mother or relatives overseas (won’t see these younger students in Japan) w/ the father (usually) staying in Korea to earn a living (commonly referred to as “goose fathers”).
Not surprisingly, this type of living situation has caused not only economic strain on the split families, but emotional strain as well – as kids grow up not really knowing their fathers (which can lead to rebelliousness and behavioral issues), fathers feeling lonely and depressed and the husband/wife bond being broken down.
Frankly, I think the whole need to learn how to speak English is overrated when it comes to the Korean job market since networking via school connections (HS and university) is big in Korea and the overseas students don’t have access to that network, and hence, isn’t worth the strain on families (the one benefit is the kids not having to deal w/ the cram schools and such to pass the Korean university entrance exam).
Now places in SE Asia are becoming more popular due to the lower cost of living, but still, the largest nos. are to the US, Canada and Australia (even tho, the nos. have declined some due to the economy/expense).
That’s really interesting, thanks for sharing!
It’s weird to compare educational systems, but from a European point of view, the Korean one is seen as better than most Europeans. Yet, the cirteria they use to compare don’t take this type of phenomenon into account.
True. The Koreans also like it here (Phil) because English is our official language (together with our own) apart from the lower cost of living and shorter travel distance from SK. Some Korean schools even send students in groups here during the summer for language learning camps.
And I thought the trend of sending students overseas would drop due to the proliferation of online learning sites and English-speaking teachers going to Korea, but it seems the students prefer to be in an English-speaking environment to speed up and improve learning.
“Frankly, I think the whole need to learn how to speak English is overrated when it comes to the Korean job market since networking via school connections (HS and university) is big in Korea and the overseas students don’t have access to that network, and hence, isn’t worth the strain on families (the one benefit is the kids not having to deal w/ the cram schools and such to pass the Korean university entrance exam).”
Might be that the highly competitive educational culture, which can make it difficult for them to have access to the school-to-work networks, pushes students to opt for easier ways to get degrees and arm themselves with skills that would help them become competitive and fare better career-wise?
This is what sets SK apart from Taiwan and Japan. The latter two sent students abroad but learning foreign language wasn’t big on the citizens like they left it to those who studied abroad. What exactly is Korea’s need for learning the English language that Japan and Taiwan didn’t need or see?
I know a lot of those families here in Southern California. I can’t imagine being away from my husband (or taking my child away from her dad) for years on end. Not sure it’s worth it. It’s ironic, because Korea consistently outranks the US and just about every other country on International tests. The other funny thing is that the Korean parents bring that hyper-competitive mentality to American schools, and end up changing the culture of the schools their kids attend.
Thanks Izzie, it’s very informative!
I agree that Thailand (and Philippines) do have the highest number of Korean communities in SEA. I remember that even the hostel that I stayed at in Thailand is runned by Korean family.
There’s quite a number of Koreans living in my hometown in Indonesia as well. But as far as I know, half of them come to Indonesia as part of missionaries, while others come for different reasons. I used to tutor Indonesian to foreigners, and one of them is Korean and I learnt some Korean also from her
Btw, I think there was a lengthy conversation also regarding this in old OT, maybe back in the 2010, but I think it focused more on the first/second generation Korean American.
Good morning My Wondrous Beans!
I’m so happy that it’s Friday – because tomorrow is AGD again, right? I have missed F44 so much! GAH..just saw the DB headline. Sigh – life is SO.HARD.
Gaksital – Watching Shunji become a loathsome monster while still wearing that doofus face…it’s chilling. So happy that Young Master and Boon Yi are reunited…here’s hoping that works out for, you know, the people they are NOW: Kang To and Mok Dan. I don’t see how it can. I’m expecting a City Hunter end (and possibly my foot through a computer screen.) I LOVED the Notsital this time around, although my idea that it was the count’s son seems a bit premature. I do expect him to do something big, though. Maybe just not yet.
I Need Romance. 1st season – I knew going in that she chooses the ex-boyfriend and that most people were unhappy with that decision. I am not one of them. They had a strong relationship that had slipped into complacency but they loved each other, and I think if you could ever trust a man not to make that same mistake again, it’s him. The little vignettes at the end just show that they both internalized the lesson that if you are in a committed relationship, there’s no such thing as harmless flirtation. (I make exception for random strangers – but neighbors, coworkers, etc? VERBOTEN.) Better to lay out the facts right up front and look silly than to find yourself in a hotel room telling yourself ‘just this once’ and then realizing how much you’ve hurt everyone around you and carrying that regret forever.
I Need Romance. 2d season: COMPLETE justification for my strong belief since day one that the majority of viewers (I’m looking at YOU, VikiTwits) had it wrong about Yoon Suk Hyun – and about Yeol Mae, too. I was appalled at her selfishness and insensitivity and completely understood why he would shut down to get away from her incessant YAPPING. I do love Shin Ji hoon – even more after this episode – but I’m going with Suk Hyun on this one. It’s funny because both series get praised for being much more frank about sex than is the norm, but I find them in their essence to be not about ‘romance’ at all – each story is, in its own way, a very strong argument for commitment, faithfulness, respect, companionship, and love. You know, the same things prim and proper KDrama always espouse.
Silenced. I can’t even talk about it. It should be watched. It’s well done. It’s one of the most horrible stories I have ever heard or seen, and my eyes are filling up with tears just writing this. I kept stopping it to go find people on twitter and amuse them with my biblical curses, but I couldn’t bear it any other way. It was too hard.
In a weird moment of serendipity, looking for something lighter to watch so I could go to sleep after that…I watched the 1st episode of I Love Lee Tae Ri. The young boy is the boy in Silenced! It was possible to sleep after seeing him in happier situations, but only just barely.
I liked the ending of the original INR, too. I think they were great together, but was a little concerned that they left the female lead was holding onto her bitterness about the whole thing. That’s an excellent way to ruin a relationship—if you decide to give it another try, you truly have to forgive and forget or you’ll end up hating each other.
Noona, uljima! *passes tissue*
Ricky-ssi! *smiles*
Yes! From the beginning I had thought that Seok-hyun and Yeol-mae were equally messed up. I still think he should have been more open, but I’ve always understood why he didn’t feel like he could confide in her. [SPOILER SPOILER] Even now that she’s left Ji-hoon for him, she dealt with it in a selfish way. Trying to leave in the middle of the night, without a word? That’s cold. Even if she was going to leave anyway, she should have given him that last day. [END OF SPOILER] So, yeah for awhile now, I’ve been rooting for Seok-hyun more than Yeol-mae. My fear is that they are TOO messed up and they’ll never get their timing right.
As for Ji-hoon: I love the guy, and he breaks my heart (even though Seok-hyun is my favorite). I usually dislike consolation pairings, but I’m seriously hoping that Ji-hoon and Na-hyun can get together. Those two deserve someone who will love them back.
Happy OT Friday!
I agree with you about each characters! I really like Ji Hoon, but not with Yeol Mae, so what you said about Na Hyun makes sense. though the guy is a bit weird: he somehow playfully forced her to agree to marry him even though they had just started dating. He may be too serious and innocent for his own good.
Hm, not sure I’d say that he forced her because it seemed to me that she made that decision, after some initial hesitation. But I do think that they were both moving too fast with regards to marriage. After all, they had been dating what, a couple of weeks? That’s really fast, especially since she was coming out of a long-term, serious relationship.
It think one of the things the “VikiTwits” (haha, your words, not mine!) don’t understand is SY’s Fear of Commitment, emphasis on FEAR. Knowing what we know now, I can understand 100% how crippling his fear would be.
I like the original INR because I think life is a lot more complicated than “hey, he cheated, it’s over.” And i like how INR2 is of exploring the same long term relationship, with all the elements you names. I’m just surprised they went so heavy, and also surprised because I think what they are referring to is rather uncommon in South Korea.
by the way aren’t viki-ers getting really nasty these days? I used to love the comments but now I just want to pause and tell them to only say nice things and squee ( I did recently).
I was anti old boyfriend because he is a habitual cheater. She let it go once before. The second time around he more or less had a couple apartment with the new girl. Are you kidding me? I can nod in agreement about their biggest issue being complacency. I think their time apart had something to do with their final decision to be together in the end. And new boyfriend wasn’t ready yet- what now? change your identity?
He wasn’t a habitual cheater. He explains that to her towards the end, that he let it go because it was easier than trying to get her to understand, but he never actually cheated with the other girl. It was a misunderstanding.
The couple apartment comment…that just fed into my belief that he honestly didn’t get how things like that would be interpreted. At the time that he got the apartment, he wasn’t intending to cheat with the slutty girl. (I do have serious issues with her behavior and belief system, by the way.) – he got that place for THEM. You know the slut said oh hey, I live in a nice place, you should check it out. And stupid him did just that. That’s kind of the point, that it was more of the same. He just doesn’t think about how easily you end up at C without ever realizing you passed B, and believing all the time you were still standing at A.
my memory is fuzzy, but it’s one thing to be friendly- which the apartment stuff can be, and another thing to go on an overnight trip to hotel with a girl that isn’t your current girlfriend.
Well that was definitely cheating. I didn’t say he never did – I just said that the time 5 years ago turned out to be a misunderstanding – he had lunch with a school mate, the girl gave him a book with a picture of her (which he didn’t even realize) and a kiss on the cheek. He got ‘caught’ because there was lipstick on his face. Again, he didn’t even realize. Because to him it was nothing, not something worth being secretive or hiding over.
Well I didn’t say the first time…but that’s what I meant.
@ ahjummabunny -I turn off the comments because they are too annoying/distracting. But I’m one who speaks my mind, so I am trying to be better and remember everyone comes from a different place in life.
I kind of forgot that in the first INR he cheated several times. I was very impressed with his speech to her parents, though. I get a little bored with the Perfect Second Lead all the time. I think I’d like it if they showed some of their flaws, too. Make the choice a little harder, like hey, this new guy’s not all I thought at first. Isn’t life more like that?
@ becca_boo – YM is super impulsive and I’m glad she admitted she was self-centered. I, too, thought it was pretty cruel how she handled things. I think I have the least sympathy for her – the others all leave me wondering who I feel sorrier for!
I talk to my tv screen so sometimes the comments match what I was thinking or saying out loud, but sometimes I turn them off. Right now the golden time comments are so annoying and the samsoon comments were just plain rude. I turned those off.
I like the original INR because I think life is a lot more complicated than “hey, he cheated, it’s over.”
ABSOLUTELY.
Maybe it’s our years of life experience? haha
I don’t think he was afraid of committing to her. He is, actually, committed to her – and always has been.
He’s afraid that he’ll pass the illness (is it Parkinson’s?) to their children. He’s afraid of causing her that pain, of having children who suffer that pain, of feeling that pain – and he’s afraid (because of her own words) that she wouldn’t be there next to him if the worst came to pass.
In short, apart from not wanting to bring children into the world who will suffer and die like his father and sister, it’s not his level of commitment that he’s afraid of. It’s hers.
And I don’t actually see his decision as being idiotic. If I knew that there was a 50% chance that my child would be born with some terrible disease – I might not risk getting pregnant. You can talk to me until you’re blue in the face about the fact that even that kind of life has beauty and meaning and that maybe one person’s suffering serves to ennoble another’s life, and I agree with you, actually. But I don’t want my babies to suffer. If I don’t have a choice, then we’ll deal with it. If I have a choice, they won’t get the chance. Others will choose differently, and that’s fine.
Agreed. I also think that Seok-hyun doesn’t want to see Yeol-mae become his mother.
I do wish that he had been honest with Yeol-mae, but, as I’ve said before, I understand why he didn’t open up to her. And as you said, it’s not a matter of whether he loves her or is committed to her, it’s a matter of whether or not he can trust her to return those feelings and that commitment.
As for the matter of children, I’m inclined to agree with you. In that situation, giving birth to a child would be out of the question as far as I’m concerned. That’s one of the reasons why I think adoption is such a wonderful thing: bringing another child into the world might not be possible, but that doesn’t mean that a child who is already here can’t be loved just as much.
Seok-hyun keeping such a secret from Yeol-mae may not have been the best thing for their relationship, but I can see that he had reasons for doing so (one being SH’s about YM being ready to “self-sacrifice”).
Really hard to root for one guy over the other – which means that the writers did a good job.
Jung Yumi’s acting (esp. in the part where she quietly tells Ji Hoon about the sister) was particularly stellar in ep. 14.
Some people may be turned off by YM’s flaws (part of me was really peeved about her leaving JH the way she did, but I can definitely see her reasons for going back), but that’s what makes here such an interesting female lead.
It’s so nice to see Kang Ye-sol play a part that suits her (she was so ill-suited for the role as the b!tchy/jealous sister in “My Princess’); the part where her character, Ji Hee, explains why she gets to sleep next to SH (innocent face + voluptuous body not equating to “sexy” due to the mismatch) was cute/hilarious.
@bd – My sentiments exactly (about everything you said). Yeol-mae’s flaws do bother me, but it’s nice that she IS so flawed, instead of your average cookie-cutter heroine. I also like that she realized how Seok-hyun really felt and went back to him, but I disagree with the abrupt way she ended things with Ji-hoon.
But that scene when she told him about Ki-hyun? Jung Yumi had me in tears. Quiet scenes like that always get me, and the acting (from both actors) was pitch-perfect.
I only watched a couple of episodes of My Princess, so I didn’t see much of KYS, but I love her as Ji-hee, who is my favorite of the friends. Her explanation for why she’s “safe” had me in stitches, too.
@Joanne, I’m pretty sure they’re referring to Huntington’s Disease. If you have the gene, you have a 50% chance of passing it on to your children. But you’d have to have the gene to do that, and if you did, you will get the symptoms first. It is one of the most insidious diseases. Your motions will become out of control. Your brain is slowly affected, also. Once symptoms start, you will quickly need full time care and eventually will die in a nursing home. The number one cause of death for HD patients is suicide. Out of people at risk (who had a parent with it + have a 50% chance of inheriting it), only 5% choose to get tested to see if they inherited it because there is currently no cure or treatment and therefore no hope. So you can see why SH would be terrified to reveal it. I don’t really want to go into how I have so much experience with HD, but I was devastated when INR2 went that route!
That sounds terrible – I can’t even imagine. It puts even more credibility into his reactions/decisions. I’m sorry that you had anything to do with this in your own life, KL.
In the first INR I was very honestly rooting for the second guy: It was a matter of self respect for the woman. I also believe than when you start searching for fresh flesh it means the relationship is already over. In the new season I am more in the camp of the leading man: I saw the noble “idiocy” coming from episode 1 and I understand why he is acting the way he does. Truth to be told, I don’t like the female character: You do a good thinking/introspection BEFORE leaving. Once the decision is taken, you don’t look back: I’m all for a clean friendly cut. The “oh! but I didn’t know why you acted like that and now I will be the perfect mate” feels forced to me: You have to be sick to be loved? Feels more like pity than genuine affection.
LOL. As you can see, I’m not much a fan of second chances when it comes to love relationships. It works or not.
That’s just it. He WASN’T searching for fresh flesh. They were happy enough, just going along, and this young thing threw herself at him. He admitted when questioned that it was flattering and he liked it, but he had no intentions of doing anything about it. In the end, though, she wore him down and he gave in to the temptation – or was about to – but when faced with the fall out of his actions he IMMEDIATELY reverted to home/family and began trying to make amends. He never wanted to leave her. He thought he would have this little thing on the side this once and no one would be the wiser, it would be one self-contained moment in his life. He was wrong about that, of course, but he learned that very clearly. And the show did a good job of showing all the peripheral damage, too – her parents, their friends, EVERYONE is affected by this.
Also, I don’t really subscribe to the ‘it works or not’ school of thought, because that implies no effort is needed. I think the reality of long relationships is that sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t and when they don’t, you work AT them.
Sometimes you don’t even know they’re not working until something external shakes it up. Everything has to be looked at clearly and cleanly and there is no one size fits all answer for cheating, or any action which serves to put distance between a couple. We react strongly to cheating because it’s sex – but there are other betrayals that are far more damaging, I think.
For me the simple fact that you have to “fight”, “sacrifice” or “make an effort” is the proof that something’s not right. Granted, I’m not married but what always amazes me is how it’s easy to give and talk and understand when you love someone (for me at least).
It’s like the difference between a job to pay the bills and a job you do by passion: Maybe the paycheck is low, the hours are endless and the conditions chaotic but you don’t question yourself. I don’t subscribe to “you have to suffer and compromise to be happy” at all. To take another analogy, it’s like doing fitness: You do it because it feels good and because it’s self rewarding. When you do it because you have to it’s like military service. LOL.
Mystisith, as someone who is married, let me tell you now that making a life with another person absolutely involves making an effort, sacrificing, and working hard. And I’ll tell you that having a sucessful relationship, even though it is work and effort, does feel good. I love my husband with all my heart, but there are days I don’t like him much. And I’m sure it’s the same for him.
Anything worth having its worth working for. And I appreciate our happy times together so much more because I know how much effort we’ve both put in to have them.
Sorry if I sound like the lady know it all, because believe me I don’t have all the answers. I just don’t want you to think that a real relationship is only worth having if it’s easy. You could miss out on something really special that way.
I think it’s a matter of interpretation. If the relationship is ALWAYS a struggle, something is not right. My daughter’s friends, for example, were given to tempestuous relationships in high school and now in college. They would ‘stick it out’ with the boy who cheated on them in Month Two, or who was verbally abusive almost from the start – because they ‘love’ him. Stupids. It’s not just kids. Grown women do that too. If it starts wrong, it’s going to stay wrong.
But if, over the course of 10 years, you have easy smooth sailing and then say, year 11 is hard, and weird – for whatever reason – it doesn’t mean you should throw it away. It means you should look at it.
I’ll hate myself after I hit “post,” but I think this is an appropriate moment to quote some Maroon Five lyrics: “It’s always rainbows and butterflies. It’s compromise that moves us along.” I think that’s actually one of the reasons I liked INR1—it honestly showed the good parts *and* the bad parts of a longterm committed relationship. When it comes to Kdrama relationships, most are all beginning with hardly any middle or end.
And really, as a single girl the relationship between the leads in INR1 was about as enviable as they come—they were family, not just lovers.
I’ll hate myself after I hit “post,” but I think this is an appropriate moment to quote some Maroon Five lyrics: “It’s not always rainbows and butterflies. It’s compromise that moves us along.” I think that’s actually one of the reasons I liked INR1—it honestly showed the good parts *and* the bad parts of a longterm committed relationship. When it comes to Kdrama relationships, most are all beginning with hardly any middle or end.
And really, as a single girl the relationship between the leads in INR1 was about as enviable as they come—they were family, not just lovers.
OMFG! Now I *really* hate myself =X I noticed a serious typo and tried to stop posting the comment, but no avail. Let’s just pretend I posted once and didn’t botch the lyrics, shall we?
I love Maroon 5 and that song!
Yep back again. I needed to add this: It’s not much of a commitment if everything is easy all the time. The commitment comes in when it’s hard and you stay anyway. Not stay bitterly, or stay to punish, but stay with love and faith and hope in the future. That’s the commitment – ‘we can get through this, if we do the work together.’
I think this is what they were saying – not ‘oh, I’ll just go back because I know him.’
“We react strongly to cheating because it’s sex – but there are other betrayals that are far more damaging, I think.”
So true! I remember sometime telling me that there are a lot more damaging things that can happen in a relationship than infidelity. I was pretty young and idealistic at the time, but after observing many, many couples in my life, I’d have to agree.
And also agree about a relationship needing the ability to work things out. I always tell people the reason my marriage has lasted so long is half luck (we got engaged after 3 months-not something I’d normally advocate) and half hard work!
I’m just going to follow you two around this thread and post ITA each time! You guys are spot on with this. Falling in love is the easy part of a relationship it’s being in love that’s hard.
I think knowing that is why in both of the INR dramas I’ve rooted for the original couples to stay together. New relationships are fresh and simple. And there hasn’t been the time to learn those little things about the other person that will drive you crazy. But relationships that have lasted decades are REAL. You’ve navigated through that first rush of “love” and made it to the real deal. You see eachother’s faults and love anyway. To throw that history away for something new is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Because every relationship has it’s issues. And who’s to say in ten years you won’t be standing in the exact same place with the new person.
First, I’m with Rashell: you two have a great perspective on this.
Second: I certainly agree with what you said about hard work. I was raised to believe that love is a choice, which is something that I think I applies to both romantic and non-romantic love. Warm fuzzy feelings won’t get a couple (or a family, or friendship) through the hard times: it takes a conscious decision to love and commit, and a strong foundation of faith in God.
@ Rashell,
What does ITA stand for? I Totally Agree?
I think all of these are ideals that everyone should strive for but I think in reality only one part of the couple really does the striving. I haven’t been able to see one woman that lives as a woman, beside a man that also lives like a human being. It’s possible it exists but I wouldn’t know how to do it.
I think the balance of power in a relationship usually doesn’t shift unless something external comes along to shake it up…but I can tell you that I’ve seen it happen on more than one occasion in my life.
And even though I obviously can’t know everything in the relationship, not being in it – what I witnessed was enough to make me a strong believer in the power of two people being able to move past REALLY hard times, and do it in a healthy way.
When I was younger, I thought that once trust was lost it couldn’t be regained. I no longer feel that way – but as in all things, much depends on the circumstances.
Depends upon the person, JoAnne – some people can learn to trust again, some cannot.
In the face of huge, long-standing lies, like SH’s to YM in INR2, I don’t think most people could ever trust again…he is an incredibly good liar, and good at feeling fully justified in his actions, no matter the chaos they cause to others.
I just finished watching Silenced, too – I had to watch it in itty-bitty chunks to handle it, especially as I live in Pennsylvania and it drew a lot of parallels to the Sandusky case.
The movie is very well done and extremely moving (as well as frustrating). One thing that did pull me out of it and make me AS angry as what was happening to those poor children in real life was how on earth a parent could allow their child to portray those scenes – and how could you PREPARE them for that? One in particular (little boy, teacher’s home, bathroom) – don’t see how that particular bad touch could be faked, and he was what? He looked 5, so no more than 8? 9? The little boys who live next door to me are 8 and 9. I can’t even.
WOW!!!! JoAnne,
Thanks for the warning and for calling our attention on that. I will be paying attention when I watch the movie and I will prepare myself mentally before watching it. It sounds gripping and engaging and terrifying (to see those images).
One would think that they would not show the act or image (of physical abuse) but just show a door slowly closing (like they do in Kdramas) and hint at what happened, like they did in Dream High 1 with the almost rape scene. I now wonder, as you do, why parents let their children be involved in such scenes. Just my 2 cents.
I hope you are doing well.
I would never. I’m a protective parent, I’ll admit it, but still I just can’t imagine the justifications these parents go through, to convince themselves that it is OK for their kids to experience these things. It’s bad enough that this happens in real life, do we have to have other little children mimic it for us?
Hi Skelly,
I am right there with you. I don’t have biological children but I am the oldest of 6 and the age gaps between us are big. My youngest sister and brother and I are respectively 13 and 15 years apart, and I (literally) helped my parents raise my siblings.
I have also been a nanny (sometimes live-in) for more than 20 years, and I have taken care of children from the time they were born for some until they were five, and at other times, I have helped take care of teenagers. All of that to say that I have been around children a lot, and I have loved them as my own. I truly question why some parents would let their children be in such a position, and how that would affect the children, even if they were just “mimicking” those acts. How do you coach a child for that? What DO you tell them? DOES that even make sense? What do you tell them once it’s over?
Ni hao everybody!!! How has everyones week been?
Mine is good!! Still in China and we just came back from Town where we had alcohol (nice) and formed our own walking nightclub!!! haha
Meet loads of Korean friends here and everyone knows me as Oh Mireong!!! I’m fairly famous
They are teaching me Korean so I can now talk to my Boyfriend. I even introduced him in my family in class. So they taught me ‘Oppa upsin motsalah’!!!! Which means Oppa I can’t live without you!!!!
haha…
Anyway love from China xxx
Mirong ah!
I like the sound of your walking disco. I know you said nightclub but disco is the only image in my head Nightfever, Nightfever!
Unni-ah!!! haha I’m imature enough to still say Disco with cringing from Primary School contations haha. I’m 18 here
and Oh Mireong is the Korean version of my Chinese name Ou Mei ling. (Mei – beutiful from the ‘bel’ in my english name and Ling meaning bell also from my name haha)
I live being Oh Mireong
Hope your week is good!!
Wah… meant to be like
Haha I think I’m too tired to spell properly…
hmm disco has connotations?
Definately…
Disco is 80s and old fashioned and what we called parties back when we were kids.
Once you turn a teenager they remind you too much of embaressing parents etc and therefore the word is not used. It becomes all about the clubs…
haha… or at least that’s what it is like where I am…
the 80′s are not old fashioned! disco was the 70′s by the way! in my little old fashioned town we still call clubs discos. When I was a teenager two new clubs opened library 1 and library 2 and so the slang term for club became library. I was a very studious teenager.
Ah thanks!!! I’m a bit fuzzy on the details as I just can’t seem to remember that era…
And omg that might be the greatest thing ever… seriously whoever decided to call it ‘Library’ is a genius!!!
Mireong-ahh,
Nice to see that you’re having fun!
Definately <3
Hope everythings good and the hard work will be other soon!
Ni hao! What part of China are you staying in? I’m about to depart for Zhengzhou in a few weeks to be a english language teacher. I’m nervous, but I’m also really excited.
I’m in Yantai Shandong. It’s the Province along from where you’ll be I think.
Anyway have a lot of fun here!
Happy OT everyone!
Watched this week: Gaksital, Queen of SOP, Answer me 1997 (dramacrazy has first two eps subbed!)
Queen of SOP: Chu Chu (the second secondary girl) is starting to bother me. Weirdly enough, I actually like the model girl even though she’s been far far meaner than Chu Chu. No idea why.
That’s becauce Chu Chu is begining to descend into Daddy Aeygo territory, whereas the model girl was a spider-woman from the get-go.
You have to admire a strong woman sometimes, even if she is evil.
Whiny / clingy is always annoying.
Hello, people!
I hope everyone is fine.
I have been swamped with academic stuff. My life has been dull so I’ll spare you the details. The most eventful moment the past few days would be hearing people talk about how hot the German male gymnasts are and how some of my girl friends would like to lick a certain Marcel Nguyen. *rolls eyes*
Here’s an Olympic related question, which event do you like to watch the most?
Anyways, Answer Me 1997 is seriously GOOD!
Can’t wait for the rest of the dramas to start airing. I’m talking about Arang in particular.
Have a great weekend, people!
Take care,
Gold medalist for Most Self-Photography in London 2012 :p
OPENING CEROMONY!!!!!
I still haven’t been able to watch it due to Youtube being blocked along with every other method of watching ^cries^
But happy the UK didn’t embaress itself completely… haha
Anyway hope everything is going well Oppa!! <3
Same here. The only Olympic related video I’ve watched was a short clip on Mr Bean’s stint during the opening ceremony.
Yeah… that’s the only video I’ve see too!
I want to see the one with the Queen and James Bond!! haha
NBC has the opening ceremony video clips. You’ll need to sift through a whole bunch in order to get to the beginning, but this may help.
The main video site is http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/index.html
Just type “Opening Ceremony” in the searchbox.
It’s ok… I’ve given up being able to watch it until I get home…
That link is only available for US and youtube is blocked here in China. ^cries^
Actually I’m more upset about the Facebook thing… at least none of the news sites are blocked or else I’d really be doomed!!!
Or you can watch on atdhe.eu or atdhe.tv
I thought the OC was OK. The Parade of Nations is always my favorite no matter where the Olympics is held at.
hello kid!
I was just thinking about you. There was an ad in the subway in malaysian nice national costume photos and so on. Did you go to London then? I’ve been but I have no photos. Since I’ve been living in America I don’t think I’ve watched any olympic events. I just can’t seem to get behind an american team after rooting for my own country or neighbor countries.
Hey, Bunny!
Nope, I’m still in my homeland. Couldn’t possibly abandon school to to London. What was the ad about?
phone cards!
LOL
That’s random!
Actually… I’ve always like the gymnastics best. But I’m definitely not a ogler! I’ve just always been fascinated watching the jumps, flips, and thing-a-m’-bobs that the gymnasts do.
I’m pretty sure Arang will be my next crack drama. That could be a problem, since, for a few weeks, it will be airing alongside my current crack drama, Gaksital. And all this in the month that school starts back up. To all the other students out there: Never give up! Never surrender! We may look like death warmed over by the end of the year, but we WILL make it through with our dramas and our grades in tact!!
Forgot to mention the boxing! I haven’t been able to see much because it isn’t usually on when I have a minute, but I think I like the boxing as much as the gymnastics – maybe more. When both fighters are good and they’re well-matched, I think it can be beautiful. To quote Jack Handey, “To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there’s no music, no choreography and the dancers hit each other.” Dancers will frown at you if you say that, but I think it’s pretty apt.
It’s amazing how gymnasts are able to do all those acrobatic movements!
I am in school at this moment and I just want to tell you that as long as you manage your time and prioritize, you’ll have all the time in the world to watch dramas. My main tip is to NEVER procrastinate. If there’s a paper due next month, get on it NOW. You’ll feel less burdened that way & less guilty when you watch an episode or two.
I’m excited about Arang too. Shin Mina is the most beautiful ghost ever! Heh.
All the best in school!
Actually I had a big crush on a Russian gymnast, back in the 90′s Alexei Nemov. So I understand your friends
OMG you are not the only one lol. He is still my favorite gymnast and will be for a very long time cause I have not seen anyone like him.
Here’s an Olympic related question, which event do you like to watch the most?
Love swimming (go USA). I’ve had this crush on Nathan Adrian since the Bejing Olympic lol, achery (Congrats South Korea for dominating this event) ,Gymnastic (yay for Gabby Douglas. Ive been cheering for this kid for a long time,rowing,soccer, beach volleyball, track and field at the end.
I used to love watching badminton since Indonesia used to rule that branch, but I can’t bring myself to watch it anymore with recent performances (which is quite poor admittedly, esp since we used to at least get a medal in that branch).
I mostly enjoy watching gymnastic and syncronized diving for the athletic display though. However, my friend accused me of watching them for seeing men in tights. Lol.
I only watched a little of the badminton event due the controversy with the Chinese duo. They were disqualified for trying to lose to win. Doesnt make sense right?.
Yes, it doesn’t make sense when you consider it competitiveness-wise and from audience’s perspective, but it does make sense when you consider the long term, esp if their losing on purpose trick will place them in more favorable place next round. However, with this kind of tournament, the players are supposed to give their best efforts to win the game, and if the competitiveness is taken out from the game, then it’d pose damage to the sport. Not to mention the huge disappointment for the audience who root for their respective teams. I wish they would change the system to knockout since the beginning so that whoever doesn’t try his/her best would just leave the competition.
Lee Chong Wei is representing Malaysia in Badminton.
We have a lot of hope for him. In any case, he has already made our country proud with all his achievements.
I find the whole disqualification puzzling. I understand why they did that, I just can’t understand how unsportmanship the players or their coaches acted. I’d be joining the crowds in shouting “OFF! OFF! OFF!” too, and I’d be shouting even louder if the players are from my country.
Happy Weekend, Your Highness!
Which Olympic event? Hmm. That would be diving and gymnastics. I’m simply at awe for people who could maneuver their bodies while on air.
Haha! Why do you have that gold medal?
HAHAHA It was a joke I shared with my friends.
We were talking about ridiculous events for the Olympics and one of my friends said I’d win a medal for Most Self-Photography.
Hi Ricky!
I love Gymnastics, Swimming and Track and Field events and am rooting for both US and Kenyan teams.
Today I actually watched some horse competition which looked like horse dancing. It was very interesting.
I have also caught up in soccer/football, beach volleyball and normal volleyball, rowing and sometimes basketball.
I hate how they are showing the Olympics in the US as I prefer to see the whole competition instead of the chopped up coverage they are giving us e.g. gymnastics.
Seriously happy Gabby won the AA gold in gymnastics and feel bad for the Hannah Whelan the British girl who scored a 0 in vault because she fell. Although I understand why Komova was crying since she wanted gold and got Silver I think she is a little bit of a sore looser as there are worse things than scoring silver e.g. getting a zero in an event or not medalling.
I love watching women’s volleyball. Men’s volleyball is too fast for me. It seems that all they care about is coring. Women’s volleyball is more fun too watch because I feel that they have better teamwork and longer rallies.
Hey ricky trh,
I only watch track and field because my country dominates the middle- and long-distances:) Go Team Kenya!
Hi Mrembo, did you watch today’s 10,000m race? Kenyans got silver and bronze. I was pulling for them to get gold but the Ethiopian was too good. Her final kick was awesome.
I didn’t:( Moved houses and still in the throes of getting things unpacked. Arrrgghhh! @ Dibaba, LOL. Okay, she deserved it if she was that good
Silver and Bronze aren’t too shabby. Can’t wait for the rest of the races with Kenyans in them:)
Hello, mrembo!
I’ve always been fascinated with the stamina of all the middle- and long-distance runners from Kenya! Just when you think that they’re out of steam, they’d be sprinting for the last few hundred meters. So good to watch!
I am equally entranced at their performance. It’s all in the genes, they say. Wonder how those Olympic/World Championship/Marathon genes skipped me, being Kenyan and all;)
Happy Friday, all! Just wanted to check in. Haven’t watched much k-drama since the Olympics is still going on. For some reason, though, I ventured into J-drama with “Rich Man, Poor Woman”. Seems kinda intriguing! Anyway I hope you are all having a good day while I eat my late breakfast. (Peanut butter on wheat bread with a banana and almond milk. I know, boring.) Be back later!
I had grapes for breakfast, your breakfast definitely beats mine.
Heh. I had TWO apple cider doughnuts from our local farmstand. With coffee. I beat both of your breakfasts – and I would take pride in it except that I really shoulda just applied those doughnuts directly to my hips……
but do those doughnuts taste like apple cider?
Yup, pretty much. They’re a seasonal goodie here, not too sweet, mellow spices and chunks of sweet apple minced into the batter along with the underlying tang of sweet cider.
Now I want to go and eat 2 more. Thanks.
but it’s too early for that! Apple Cider donuts are for the fall. I won’t even GO to Clyde’s Mill until the end of September and truthfully if the leaves aren’t changing, I’ll wait longer than that.
jo anne I think the whatsits on the street are okay- because they are just using the stuff they didn’t sell to make the cider. But I hate to buy things that should taste like something and then they don’t. Which why I don’t eat cakes.
wow breakfast… it’s super late here so I’m about to go to bed soon haha.
Have a good day!!
Happy Friday kewbie. I definitely need to watch RMPW soon. Btw, I had 4 jumbo pancakes for breakfast. It was my final attempt at clearing out my groceries before I move out from my old apartment this weekend.
Maya, good luck moving
!
Awwww… Thanks Ivoire! I’ve been putting off packing until last minute and now I have to clear up all the stuffs. Kinda wish that all those stuffs can pack themselves…
I totally hear you, I had to move twice in two months earlier this year, and I will have to move again, soon (this time things will be lighter). I know how stressful that can be, hang in there. You will be happy when you are done
!
Happy Friday everyone.
Watching:
C Drama: Beauties of the Tang Palace
J Dramas: Liar Game, Rich Man, Poor Woman
K Drama: Ruler of Your Own World
aww ruler! I hope you like it as much as I did. Have you seen yang dong geun’s other drama dr. kang?
Ahjummabunny~
No, I haven’t Dr. Kang.
He’s not a time travelling Dr. is he?
people ‘roun’ ‘ere jus’ call me bunny friend.
No dr. kang has a similar tone like ruler and is somewhat more conventional.
Hi John, which season of Liar Game are you at?
Maya~
I’m on the last episode of season 1.
Happy OT!!!
How was your week yeoreobun?
Mine was pretty good, but went by too quickly. Probably because Monday still felt like Sunday to me, since I was at Raine’s. She starts her ride to Colorado today.
I’m also super happy, since my best friend is having a baby. She’ll visit the States in September, so I hope I can go up to NY to see her.
My roommate has decided to encourage my plans for the future, so she’s helping me to put my plan in order. I have to admit I’m gladly surprise about this.
On the drama front:
Kadramas:
Loving I Love Lee Tae Ri: this drama is everything Big should have been
I Need Romance 2012: I knew the direction this drama was going to take, but I can’t help to disapprove the excessive melodrama of the story.
Jdramas:
Loving Rich Man Poor Woman: it get better every episode
Enjoying Sprout: perfect summer teen drama. With the love square A like B, B likes C, C likes D, and D likes A
zgz!
I hope you have a good weekend.
I have I love lee tae ri on my list but I’ve been side tracked by how warm golden time is making me feel. I think it’s the director and photographer and the actors not so much the story yet.
I’ll check that one later on. Not feeling like watching a medical drama at this moment.
I love Italy is cute and funny. I’m on ep 12 and so far no disappointments
I watched the first episode and flailed about laughing hysterically at the transformation. Also…I loved that coach when he was in SeGa and I’m so happy to see him now!
But I’m debating waiting for it to appear at DF. It’s coming soon, they say.
I think you should watch it on viki. I’m watching 2 dramas on dramafever and they add 2 episodes a week and I think that’s mean considering these dramas aired months ago.
Hello DB World! Happy Week-end!
It is my baby girl’s birthday today. You know the one who is taking her road test Monday? Gulp!
I am currently in a J-Dorama phase, and loving it. I am blaming it on Oguri Shun’s Hyuga in RMPW. One look was all it took.
I am hoping youse guys have favorites that you recommend.
What I watched so far, and really enjoyed:
HYD, Hana Kimi, Pride, Buzzer Beat, Long Vacation, Love Shuffle, Hotaru no Hikari. Just started Hanayome to Papa because I LOVE Ishihara Satomi, too.
It’s tough getting used to all the abbreviations for the dorama names and stars; the fan base is different too.
This is what I mean: If the folks who watch K-dramas had a party, they would greet you at the door, hand you a drink and introduce you around. I feel (and I could be completely wrong) if the J-dorama folks had a party, they would stick together over at the bar and only shoot glances at you, while speaking in some strange code I have never heard of.
Ha! Maybe I haven’t found the J version of Dramabeans, yet.
These JD’s really have my number. Everything happens faster. The characters have sex with each other, and nobody dies as a result. They wear the same outfits more than once!! Their apartments, evn the rich people, are not huge. Interfering parents are rare.
I may actually use my wordpress blog to work through what is going on in my brain as a result.
Thanks for listening!
Jomo, love your explanation of Kdrama fans! I’m loving RMPW now, also, and finding Hyuga’s interpretation of the Mark Zuckerburg character strangely captivating! I’ve only watched one other Jdrama, the You’re My Pet version which I really enjoyed. But I do find the clothes on the women more realistic and it is good fare for keeping it light. I may have to wait until more episodes are subbed, though, as I’m impatient.
Happy Birthday to your daughter. Wait till your baby girl gets married and has a baby of her own! That’s really a gulp moment!
I love Kimi wa petto, sooo cute
Kind of put the Korean movie to shame. Actually, I couldn’t even finish that, and that’s when I decided to try the Japanese drama. Those characters were so cute and the story made so much more sense (if there was any sense to be made out of that situation!)
I recommend:
Kurosagi- this one needs an older cast and a korean remake but it is still very good.
1 litre of tears: I’m not really recommending it
Yankee kun to Megane Chan: Very jdrama
Is 1 litre of tears really really bad? Should I avoid it?
it is very sad but the drama is good. It’s just very sad.
I’m sorry to say that I hated this drama, even though I felt I had to see every episode because of its topic and its popularity. I think I hated it because I watched many tearful jdrama and jmovies at that time (“Taiyou no uta”, etc), but it was too much, I didn’t even feel sad in the end.
One jdrama I’d recommend about work place and adult twisted relationships which ending was okay is Tsuki no koibito (but I think the moon metaphore was corny and useless).
I watched many more jdrama than kdrama (because I started earlier) but I never felt part of a fanbase. So the Japanese abreviations and stars and faces feel less strange to me than the Korean ones (too many stars, I don’t know most of the kpop singers, a whole new language with new sounds despite a few comparisons possible…). I really enjoy hanging out on dramabeans: I can find explanations and comments, etc, about actors and singers and faces I don’t always know or remember right away.
When I think that my first kdrama was Snow White and I didn’t know it was a krama (just “Asian but non Japanese”). It didn’t make a lot of sense but was cute. Then, I really discovered kdrama with the Korean version of Hana yori dango. I thought I should stop watching it until the end, it was lame and only “Doumyoji” and side characters such as his sister and his fiancé were fine, the main song “paradize” something became awful as time went by. I don’t even remember the Korean names for the characters, but I wanted to try something else anyway. I think I watched Personal taste after, because of the main Boys before flowers actor, and later on Coffee Prince.
I became addicted, so recently I focused on kdrama and forgot a little about j-ones (mainly detective ones or too poor on the romance side). It’s nice to actually like Rich Man Poor Woman.
It’s really nice to read everyone’s opinions, though. That’s also why I watch more kdrama than j-ones lately. The dramabeans effect.
Just wanted to add my rec..
Tatta Hitotsu no Koi ( I found it a bit slow but still, it was a good series)
Taiyou No Uta (this one’s kind of similar to 1 Litre of Tears)
Nobuta Wo Produce
Zettai Kareshi (I find this one very funny)
I am also riding the bandwagon that is Rich Man Poor Woman. I’ve been reading, and rereading all the recaps I could find, and kept replaying particular scenes from eps 1-4. I’ve been an Oguri Shun fan ever since I saw him in HanaDan, followed by Gokusen. I last saw him in HanaKimi and haven’t seen him in anything since. RMPW is resurrecting my forgotten crush on him.. hehe
Plus the female lead is just too adorable..
Zettai Kareshi is sooo adorable. [POTENTIAL SPOILER] I cried at the end though.
Me too! and I cried at the end of Nobuta, but those were different kind of tears
Awwww Nobuta… I also cried at the end, wish they would stay together longer (and the drama would never end). But glad that the bromance still lived on
… And it took me ages to forget that catchphrase “bye bye bicycle”
I liked their little ‘Nobuta Power’ thing!
Loved Nobuta myself.
I also would recco the J-version of Zettai Kareshi over any other version.
Lucky Seven: A detective agency story, starring Eita and Jun Matsumoto, yum.
Nankyoku Tairiku: A historical series about the first japanese Antarctic Expedition. Breathtaking photography, more snow than romance.
Love Shuffle was fun; I also like the old Kimura Takuya doramas, like Gift (very quirky) and One Million Stars (creepy!). Pride is my favorite but finding a decent translation of the lightning-fast wordplay is VERY difficult.
I’m on a Jdrama fase too
I’ve been for the last six months. Mostly because I’m running away from excessive melo, and you can find more jdramas with out that ingredient
I agree with you about the party description.
I feel it takes a while till you get used to the different environment. But I just jump there and try to do my best to fit in.
I love A Long Vacation, I felt in love with that drama the first 5 min of the first episode.
Buzzer Beat has been on my lo watch list for quite some time. I have to get to it.
For recommendations, it depends on what do you like best.
Itazura Na Kiss (1996)was my firs jdrama. I like it, but how many tiem can you see the same story.
I’ve seen slow dramas that I loved, like Yasashii Jikan.
But if you don’t like slow and cold that might not be it
I love Mr. Brain and Hero both funny and fast, work place investigation stories with Takuya Kimura
Atashinchi no Danshi, Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge, and Binbo Danshi (this last one with Oguri Shun) are fun to watch
But I’ll have to look for more I can”t remember all tittles now
@zgznoona – Long Vacation
I can’t tell you how many times I watched that opening.
Everything you needed to know was right there.
It was brilliant.
Minami is my hero for Jdoramas – right up there with Kim Sam Soon and Buyng Hee (What’s Up Fox?)
I love the strange office like architechture of their apartment – the loud creaky doors and floors.
Despite being extremely chirpy, I loved her best friend. Loved how they stood on the swings during that photoshoot.
I was actually thinking of doing a recap for it, even though Blue did cover it in a quick fashion on her blog.
I always wanted to live in an apartment like that. You know, a remodel industrial space or office space. Their apartment has a lot of personality.
Also, I always wanted to do what they do with the rubber ball. I was so envious when I saw them playing like that.
I’m also fan of those 3 characters. Strong independent women dating younger guys rock
Omo! Long Vacation actually started my undying love for Kimu Taku. Haha. Admittedly, I don’t find him that handsome, but he has this charm that makes him so damn attractive, and therefore he remains in top of my list of favorite Japanese (hang on, let me rectify that as Asian) actors.
haha… I feel duty bound to say that no matter how much my love for K dramas is I am not that exotrovert type of person. I have shockingly bad social skills and pretty much avoid all parties…
Maybe I should watch some more J dramas? haha…
as far as the parties, me, too.
Happy birthday to your daughter!
With J-doramas, I guess it depends on the genre/type of series you prefer. There’s a whole sub-genre of doramas I call ‘gambare’, which consists entirely of shows about work/jobs/workplace issues. There are also high school doramas, mystery/suspense doramas, slice of life shows, offbeat comedies etc. You’ve seen all of my favourite doramas already (yay, panda!), but you might like the original version of The Man Who Could Not Marry and possibly Slow Dance.
I forgot about Slow Dance I love that one
and yeah, Love Shuffle rocks!!!
@ots – I like all genres. I heard Mr. Brain was good.
Love Shuffle was all kinds of awesome.
I fell in
lovelust with Matsuda Shota in about a millesecond, even though I don’t remember him from when I wathced HYD years ago.Tamaki Hiroshi – so unique in his appeal. He’s funny, then he’s heart-breaking, then sexy, then super cool – especially during the poolroom scene. He seems like he could do just about anything. I own Nodame, so I will jump back into that. I think I got to ep 3.
Yes! Love Shuffle is one of my top 5 dramas! It has everything – romance, comedy, suspense, sex appeal. I keep trying to pass it on to more people, but I haven’t had any luck so far.
Tamaki Hiroshi is one of my favorite Japanese actors. He really knows how to tug on your heartstrings. And he is sexy as hell, which doesn’t hurt
I loved Kekkon Dekinai Otoko. It’s quirky and interesting. Abe Hiroshi’s eccentric character and good acting made it unique. And it’s one of my LOL j-doramas…
Happy Friday, jomo! And Happy Birthday to your daughter.
I’ve never tried J-doramas, but if I’d start I’d pick these ones you’ve listed. Like taking eonni’s advice.
Jomo, you made me LOL with your descriptions of K-drama vs. J-dorama fans and the intrinsic differences between the two types of shows! The fact that J-doramas have that little slice of “realism” (ie, a finite supply of clothes, sane parents, people in their 30′s who have actually had previous relationships) really appeals to me.
That’s not to say that I don’t love (or love to hate) all of those tropes in my K-dramas, but it is nice to see the world through a different lens sometimes.
As for recommendations, I would start with Nodame Cantabile. That one nearly ruined me. I had to sneak around to try and finish it on my last family vacation, which didn’t go down well. Damn those TV specials and feature films! ‘Cause you know you can’t just stop your crack half-way through.
I enjoyed Boku to Star no 99 Nichi. It’s a nice J/K drama mix, both plotwise and with some familiar Korean actors (hello there Taecyeon!). Zettai Kareshi is a lot of fun, but is one to watch with a box of tissues. Zenkai Girl is another dorama with a bit of K-drama flavor to it. Really cute and fun plot (loved the little boy *sigh*), and Nishikido Ryo isn’t too bad to look at.
There are quite a few of the weepy, social commentary ones that I have enjoyed too (14 year old mother, Kamisama Mou Sukoshi Dake, Majo no Jouken, Beautiful Life). Of course, those kind of dramas are not for everyone.
Ladytron33~
Nodame is one of my all time favs. Both live action and anime are outstanding.
I read the manga after seeing the drama and it was fine, but it’s so much better with the music, obviously.
I would say that Nodame is probably #2 or #3 on my list of favorite doramas. It’s just so beautiful and well done. And I agree with Colors that the music makes it.
Hey Jomo, fancy meeting you here and talking about RMPW of all things. ;D
As far as I can tell there is no equivalent to Dramabeans for J-doramas, I’ve searched. That says something about the quality of writing and research that Javabeans and Girlfriday bring to the table. Kudos!
But in other words there is a need/opportunity for bright writers who love Japanese Entertainment to step up.
For my needs, (which include background story on culture and language, news on actors, references to other shows and quasi-intellectual insights on the plot, characters and production) most sites I’ve found are bloggers who fall in to two categories
1. They watch all kinds of Asian entertainment, so J-entertainment shares time K-dramas, Taiwanese, Lakorns etc or
2. Those who watch niche shows in J-entertainment that I’m not always into but that supply satisfying answers as to what is going on in the industry.
I typed all this to say I have culled some prime sites that have educated me in the ways of J-dorama that you may or may not already be aware of:
http://rainscene.livejournal.com/
http://darkeyedwolf.livejournal.com/
http://hamsapsukebe.blogspot.com/
http://2400express.wordpress.com/
By nature I am a lurker until a post or comment beckons me, I recognized you from Captain Koala’s blog and thought I’d deposit my 2 cents. Have a Great Day!
Hi Jomo – I started out with j-doramas and loved Pride, HYD, Hana Kimi and Long Vacation. I’m going to check out the other ones you liked. Other ones that I really enjoyed are Gokusen, Kimi wa petto, Great Teacher Onizuka, Nobuta wo Produce, and Nodame Cantabile. Another one that was kind of strange but really drew me in was My Boss My Hero.
Happy Friday, everyone! Happy OT from a relatively new poster yet long time lurker!
I’m happy with how the mystery in Answer Me 1997 is shaping up–its not conventional at all, and the last two episodes have shaken up things quite a lot. And I can’t believe that we’re only on it’s second week of showing! The other shows with which I’m reading recaps: Ghost, Gaksitaaaaaal and White Christmas. Hah–I love mysteries!
I’ve been thinking of downloading White Christmas. Shall I?
And I have a five day break from classes! Lucky! A-vacationing imma go!
How is everyone!
if you like mysteries, I would watch “Joseon X-Files” and “Tree With Deep Roots” – both are sageuks, but among the the best series ever done in Korea.
I’ve read about Tree With Deep Roots, but haven’t really delved into it. I’ll check both out, thanks!
tree is awesome okay. Just watch it!
I just finished dramathoning Tree With Deep Roots, and I love it, well except for the ending [POTENTIAL SPOILER AHEAD] although I understood that the writer might want to emphasize that power often comes with loneliness, but the two final scenes just tugged my heart, in a bad way. However, I love how quick paced the plot is, and I can’t believe that a twist during the midpoint of the drama could leave me dumbfounded the same way The Usual Suspect did to me! It was awesome!
I’m all for quick plot pacings and mind-numbing twists that make me go, ‘Wait, what?!’ and then click replay. To Maya and ahjummabunny, alright, I’ll go watch!
Yes! Download WC! The LQ streams does not do justice to the gorgeous cinematography at all.
Alright, I will!
Hello everyone!
).
I’m taking a break from K-dramas, mostly because I can’t handle anything too heavy/serious at the moment (yes, I’m hinting at Gaksital here), and Rich Man Poor Woman provides my (teeny tiny) weekly dose of romcom. I still have faith in Faith, hope it doesn’t disappoint.
I wanted to see TDKR again yesterday, but was ultimately distracted by Andrew Garfield’s charms and ended up seeing The Amazing Spiderman, which was unexpectedly entertaining and – dare I say? – cute. Andrew really gave it a heart – as my friend said, at the end of the day, he’s just a nice boy who brings his aunt some eggs from the grocery store (on his way back from defeating a giant lizard
Now, back to K-dramas. Am I the only one who uses them for fashion/outfit inspirations (and I’m not even a huge fashion junkie)?
Nope, I have scoured the internet to find the designers of the clothes in some dramas
I’m thinking that’s the point of a lot of the clothes in Kdramas – product branding to whip up an interest. I can’t believe that they dress the women in those outfits as a reflection of what woman really wear at work over there. Maybe I’m wrong, but does anyone know if they allow little tiny tiny shorts and various types of jeans in the board rooms?
Hi KL, I have been wondering about the outfits Korean women wear to work as well (not the entertainers and actresses), and wondered why the characters in Kdramas wear such short outfits so often. Aren’t the men distracted by that? Or maybe they are used to it?
Sorry for butting in, it’s just that there is an interesting video on this on Eatyourkimchi, in the TL;DR series, I wish I could find a link…
Hi OTS,
Please don’t be sorry for butting in, we want you to but in
. what is the TL;DR series? When you find that video link, please share, thanks!
Ivoire,
Here’s the link:
There’s a great website/blog run by a Canadian pair, currently residing in Seoul. It’s called Eat Your Kimchi – eatyourkimchi.com. They have different types of videos – K-Pop updates (including K-Pop Music Mondays, where they review a new K-Pop video chosen by the viewers), funny videos about their everyday life in Seoul, and also videos in which they answer viewers’ questions about Korea (also known as TL;DR). I actually just managed to find the video I referred to in the previous post!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBcoH3WiG7Q&feature=relmfu
Let me know if it doesn’t work for you.
@ OTS, thanks, I will let you know
!
I might not be able to get the designer clothes, but I sometimes steal ideas on how to combine clothes/accessories/colours. =))
agree! I use them drama fashion as templates. Haha! I can’t afford their designer clothes.
Happy Friday!
Cause you just gotta have faith right, oftheshore? Yes I’m singing that line as per your reference in last week’s OT!
I’m more of T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers for fashion. But I do love the cuteness of the costumes in K-dramas. However my winter outfits are inspired by the winter K-dramas. Like how you should coordinate jacket/coat, with scarf, hats, etc.
Haha, yes, indeed! I heard the song the other day, and all I could think of is the mystery of Lee Min Ho’s hair in the still we’ve seen so far.
See, I used to be a T-shirt and jeans kind of person, but then two things happened. First, I met this girl at uni: http://stylekrunch.com/. Then I started work. Now I’m back in the academia, but have all of these smart/smart casual office clothes, and dramas often give me ideas on what I can do with what I already have.:)
One thing good about Nate/Naver/Daum is that those search engines have a special section where designers post on their personal blogs pictures of the stars who are wearing their designs in a drama, at a VIP movie premiere, or just walking out and about. But you’d be amazed how many K-stars are starting to wear American brands like Union Bay and Jil Stuart and Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren. Weird.
And geesus! $6,000 USD for a designer bag and $5,000 USD for a pair of designer shoes? I’ll stick with my $16.99 pair of Target shoes, thankyouverymuch.
Oh yes, in the Secret Garden discussion someone mentioned how the poor stuntwoman somehow managed to afford all of those seemingly cheap sweaters designed (I think) by Vivienne Westwood.
$6,000 USD for a designer bag? *dead* I always use a backpack these days, because of the heavy laptop. It looks weird with sundresses and dresses in general, but it’s just to convenient.
Nope. I have a list of clothes and accessories from K-dramas that I want (still chasing after that CDG Play shirt that LSG and HHJ wore in Brilliant Legacy). Or at least similar items, like PSH’s outfits in You’ve Fallen For Me. One of my happiest moments was finding a copy of Jun-pyo’s star-moon necklace.
jomo~
Hotaru no Hikari. I loved it . Ayase Haruka, love her.
The pair was soooo cute together.
I loved when Manager found things at the house, asked quizzically “What’s this?” and then decided, “I don’t want to know…” Loved the wheel woman scene when he joined her.
She reminded me of Jennifer Garner and Joan Cusack intermittently. Is the sequel good?
those two women do look alike now that you mention it. I think it’s the eyes and shape of the face.
jomo~
I haven’t seen the sequel of Hotaru no Hikari.
I did watch her in the J Drama versions of Dr. Jin though, ( that’s why I had to avoid Time Slip Dr. Jin at all costs).
The sequel was fine (I liked it as much as the first one to be more precise) but I think it was a bit repetitve sometimes.
It was more of the same, but since it’s the same that we know and love, it worked out just fine, I think.
Exactly. I’m just waiting to find subs for the movie that came out this year
Hi everyone! This is my first time writing in OT, been a lurker for too long.
Recently marathoned White Christmas and oh my gosh, I did not expect to like it so much. The suspense, twists, cinematography and ost were amazing. Seeing so much snow in the show, I wish it snows where I live.
Can anyone recommend any similar drama/movie (high school setting) to White Christmas? I’ve seen Jungle Fish, God of Study and Forth Period Murder Mystery and really like them. Dream High and What’s Up, not so much.
Thank you
There is nothing like White Christmas, that drama is so good. But if you are looking for High School or School dramas…
Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy
all the High Kick seasons have school stories since the children go to school and one family member works at the school
I haven’t watch it yet but I’m Sam is also a School drama
By the way, welcome to OT
I agree. White Christmas is so so good. I’m still recovering from watching it. I can’t believe I forgot that I’ve seen Biscuit Teacher. The premise for I am Sam sounds interesting, I’ll give it a shot. I accidentally spoiled myself with the ending for High Kick a while back and I lost interest in watching it, lol.
Thanks, many more OT to come
I haven’t seen anything like White Christmas in KDrama so far – it’s only been a year, but I have seen a lot of them! Maybe Hon, a little bit.
Agreed. I’ve only watched asian dramas for about a year too and I still haven’t really found another drama like White Christmas yet.
I haven’t watched Hon, but it feels kinda similar, though it’s horror not mystery/thriller.
There’s also this t-drama called Bump Off Lover that’s kinda similar to WC. It’s also a murder mystery/thriller series set in a high school, but the production values are lower since it’s an older series and the writing isn’t as tight as White Christmas’. It also had some old fashioned moral-pushing which I found really annoying. But if you’re looking for a dark, twisted high school mystery/thriller you might want to check out the first few eps.
I watch Hon some time ago, but not alone
I like it, fortunately, not as much horror as I first thought. But I watched it while making kimchi and joking with Raine. So probably that help
I would recommend “Death Bell” (2008) and “Death Bell 2″ (2010). Several k-drama stars that we all know and love are in the casts. But be warned, there’s a lot of blood and gore in them, since they’re dealing with a student killer. Nine thumbs up!!
Thanks for the rec! I now know what I’ll be watching over the weekends. And I appreciate the warning too, k-movies tend to go all the way when it comes to blood and gore compared to dramas.
By the way, welcome!
Thank you! Everyone here is so nice (you too)
Answer Me 1997 seems like an awesome high school drama, although I don’t think it’s anywhere with subs! T__T Maybe try Shut Up: Flower Boy Band?
amee~
Dramacrazy has Ep. 1 of 1997 subbed. Dramafever says that they’re going to be airing it, “soon” .
I’m enjoying the recaps of it here on DB as well.
I second Amee’s suggestion of Shut Up: Flower Boy Band. The title makes it sound like a bad Disney channel show (I like to shorten it to Shut Up), but it’s the farthest thing from it: gritty and atmospheric, underdog story, with awesome, rockin’ music, and it’s all about the bromance between the guys.
Happy OT Friday, everyone!!
Gaksital goes back to two-a-week this week, right? Because I’m not sure how much longer I can deal with this once-a-week schedule. My internet was down for about 15 minutes this past Wednesday – right when I was bout to start ep 18!! – and I nearly went nuts. Well – nuttier.
Happy Friday everyone,
I have been taking a break from watching too many dramas so I can watch the Olympics. I have seen swimming, diving, gymnastics, volleyball (beach and court), tennis, badminton, water polo, fencing, and kayaking. a.k.a. way too much tv.
I am so excited this weekend the Blue Angels are in town making noise and putting on an amazing airshow. here is a quick link to show what they look like: http://www.queenanneview.com/2012/08/02/whats-that-roar-blue-angels-are-back-in-town/
Dramas currently watching:
Drunken to love you – ep3
Rich man poor woman – ep4 (why only ep a week, like I am not krazy enough)
Beloved -ep 10 (I am not sure where this drama is going but I am still really enjoying the music)
No drama for me this week and next week. It’s all about the Olympics. My Olympic drama, Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte and it has been entertainning so far but I have the biggest crush on Nathan Adrian though so I find him more interesting to watch lol.
I’m cheering for South Korea too (Yay K-dramaland). I’ve been watching archery and Korea is dominating this sport (men/women). Bo Bae Ki so amazing, hope to see her in a sageuk lol.
wow I really feel like I’m missing out not watching the olympics now.
It’s in London… you have to watch!
it is somewhat anti humanity not to watch right?
Missing out on the world’s eyecandy ahjummabunny
. You know, they are real….no acting there.
haha… no that was just my tiny piece of patriotism coming out…
Don’t worry. It’s now been killed… lol
HELLO! HAPPY FRIDAY to the other side of the earth! and HAPPY almost-saturday to some!
watching kdramas has been put into a pause because of Olympics! so I started some jdrama….watched rich man poor woman last night….4 episodes straight ^_^! got late from my first class
but it was worth it 
how’s your week guyss??
Happy Friday/Saturday to you too
Have you seen the results from the voting? they are out, and Tokei Jikake no Umbrella is one of the most voted
yup! saw it, but I read somewhere that it wasn’t official….but still no Carry On BUT nino’s gimmick game is there!!!!!!!!!!
I Need my Korean dramas baaaaaccccckkkk~
I’ve been watching I Need Romance 2012, but it’s nto enough, give me my injection. I don’t care about gymnastics. Give me my Korean dramas~~~ OK, I respect the fact actors are getting a good break for once in their lives, but Running Maaaaannnn~ *sob*
And I polish off all the J-dramas too quickly. K-dramas~~~ I can’t live without you.
my obsessions from the past week: watching devil beside you (my first taiwanese drama!), the olympics (swimming, archery, and men’s gymnastics gives great eye candy LOL) and avatar the last airbender (sooo good for a children’s show!!!) yup, pretty much random. happy friday everyone!~ :3
Yay for Devil Beside you! One of my top TW dramas. I also really enjoyed Fated To Love You (a classic by now), It Started with a Kiss 1 and 2 (the sequel being my all time favorite drama!), Hi My Sweetheart, and Autumn’s Concerto. I’m in the middle of Queen of SOP, which is a lot of fun.
I just recently finished Gloomy Salad Days. That one was quite different from the dramas I usually watch. Very overwrought and full of adolescent angst. But I totally loved it! Don’t watch it if you have a problem with characters dying though, as there is an incredibly high death toll in this one!
Ah, thanks for the TW drama recommendations!
I really enjoyed Devil Beside You, and now I’m on a non-kdrama binge. Yay!
OMG “Devil Beside You” was so good.
(But kinda long and FRUSTRATING)
“Fated To Love You” and “Why, Why Love?” were good too.
Really, anything with Rainie Yang, Mike He or Kingone Wang is good.
It did take a while for me to get used to the poorly dubbed voices in some of the T-Dramas.
I suffered through “Absolute Boyfriend”, “Momo Love”
and “Fondant Garden” and got very close to the last episodes. I suffered for as long as I could, but I never made it to the last episode in any of those T-dramas.
Yay, Devil Beside You! Probably my favorite next to The Prince Who Turned Into A Frog. Then Fated To Love You. I won’t count Meteor Garden I & II, those are in a class by themselves.
Happy weekend!
I liked everything you mentioned, although Prince Frog would probably be last on my list.
Of the “..To Love” pair, I prefer “Drunken To Love You” over “Fated To Love You”, mostly because I thought the male lead was a jerk who didn’t deserve her.
I’m up to episode 21 of “Queen of SOP”, and I highly recco it, especially for the male leads and the Cantonese accents.
Haha, I only have a soft spot for Prince Frog because I fell in love with Ming Dao in that drama. And I liked that Tian Yu’s room was decorated with a Frog Prince theme (although it did get kind of over the top). Plus, I loved the camera work. So many scenes I wanted to screenie and make into wallpaper.
One T-drama I have never finished (and want to finish, if only I could find a copy) is La Robe De Mariee des Cieux or Heaven’s Wedding Gown (with Leon Jay Williams). Only because I watched it on local TV and then my schedule changed so I never found out the ending– Ming Dao’s the second lead in that one.
The first thing I saw him in was “Angel Lover”, then Prince Frog, then the cameo in “Queen of SOP”. Love his eyebrows…oh what the heck I think his whole face is boss!
lol
Happy Friday everyone!!! I am okay with AGD delay. Due to that I am watching My Husband got a Family. It is getting really good. =) I will be total piss off if they delay Ghost final two episodes. It is getting soooo good. I do hope they have a great ending than coughBigcough.
I am watching Ojakgyo brothers now (not because of Joo Won, but because of all the talk about it) and actually I am amazed at UEE. she is pretty convincing there and the ahjumma is stellar of course. I also really like the father. that´s how it is, kekeke they want to give in in every matter when it comes to girls.
on another note, I am still confused about Horsital. Does the car turn into a horse and back? and where is it kept inbetween changes? and… could the car run on hay-power, and the horse drink petrol…? what am I saying. No, what I am saying is… poof? Magic Horse? ahh damn. If it were a comedy, the horse could open his mouth and tell me.
I watched it while it was airing – every episode. I loved it! With that many, they really explored the relationships of each brother (and the parents), even though the focus was JW and UEE.
I hope you’re enjoying it!
Hiya y’all. Howdy!
Any funny break-up stories?
It’s not really funny it’s kind of mean, but a friend of mine was dating someone who didn’t speak english very well but he was a very nice guy- a true gentleman, my friend however wanted someone who was less of a gentleman and decided to stop seeing the guy. She telephoned him and asked to meet at starbucks and she explained to him that she wanted to be mistreated a bit and that they should stop seeing each other. He said “How should I do that, close my eyes?” He closed his eyes and my friend got up and left.
Ouch. That’s REALLY mean.
Happy Friday everyone!
This has been a slow Kdrama due to traveling home for a family reunion and now my mother being in town. However we are both watching the Tree with the Deep Roots. (I am trying my best to get her hooked on dramas). Its is awesome so far and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Still watching Can love become money because subs are soooooooo slow! Why!!! Still really enjoying it, though I am afraid of what is going to happen next (at episode 17) but they finally Kissed!!!! (It was a kind of weird awkward kiss. But a kiss nonetheless).
I am behind on INR2, and based on people’s comments from this week’s episode my worst fears are happening. I really want Kim Ji suk to pull a Park shi hoo and steal Yeol mae from Lee jin wook. I haven’t seen this weeks episodes so maybe i will be fine with it.
On the dorama front, I am watching Hana yori dango for the first time. Though BOF was my entry into Kdrama land and my first crack drama. I think Hana yori dango is a better drama on all accounts. On the second season which is not as fun as the first part but its interesting to see how it deviates (usually for the better) from BOF. The only thing that had me scratching my head was the beauty pagent thing – like seriously wtf! lol
I also recently finished Love Forward and really liked it (yay for strong girl friendships) except for the last episode that seriously made me want to punch the writers in the face. So this drama had some serious flaws, there was mutliple bouts of amnesia, really inappropriate workplace sexual harrassment, a 4way love triangle with partner switching, a really really creepy second lead who blackmailed the woman he was in love with to mary him, and yet I was still ok. But the last episode was a combination of all the worst cliche bad drama endings in exsistence. First doublebout of Noble idiot syndrome, a unnecessary move and time jump, and weird reunion rush to wedding all in the last 15 minutes! It pretty much ruined the series for me. Sigh
Ok ranting over, hope everyone has a great weekend!
Hi Lovebug,
I am loving this:
“I am behind on INR2, and based on people’s comments from this week’s episode my worst fears are happening. I really want Kim Ji suk to pull a Park shi hoo and steal Yeol mae from Lee jin wook.”
and I am there with you, except that she doesn’t seem to love him as much as he loves her. I think he deserves someone who will love him wholeheartedly and as much as he would love that person.
OMG! I can’t believe I totally forgot that it’s OT/Happy Friday! ahahahahhahahahhaha
I remembered only by clicking on dramabeans. Goodness sake, where did my mind go? errr…. Lots of real stuff to do that is. haha!
Anyways, Happy OT all! ^^
Watching RMPW—IT’s my new love for the moment. I hope it stays that way.
Beeeeeen waiting for Ghost! arrgh! come on Wed/thurs. When are you going to get here!?
Can’t wait until the new batch of dramas are out. Please drama god, make them good—storyline/plotline, acting and awsome ending! That’s all I ask.
In other news, I read 50 shades of grey—wasn’t all that. I am waiting for the other two bks in the series. I only read it cuz I’ve heard mixed review…If you haven’t read, don’t, if you are curious, go ahead, you might hate or like it. Depend on your taste of reading.
But I’ll finish the series because I started the first book.
Personal opinion– I’ve read better.
Compare to other series—-Bared to you by sylvia Day is much better in storyline, writing–smoother and detailed. There is a sequel to this. Just not out yet. ^^ (*Warning***If you aren’t into erotica reading, this is definitely not for you!)
Also waiting for more news on Big Bang concert tickets to New Wark! awwwwwwwwwwwwww! I don’t understand why most other countries have gotten their tickets and yet USA haven’t! The waiting suks. *rolleyes*
did you read the book on an ereader?
Everyone I know has read 50 shades of gray! And the ereader comment made me laugh bc on the bus I’ll see 80 year old women reading 50 shades of gray … I’m happy I have a kindle so no one can judge me!
And yay big bang!
hehe! R u planning to read it too?
BB is awsome. Oh TOP, how I miss you. lmao
Nope, I read the book. My library carries this book so I checked it out. I didn’t want to pay for it. LOL
It’s actually my book club selection this month. Haven’t started it yet, but can’t wait for the discussion! (although I’ve heard the writing’s really poor.)
Hey as a guy, I’m planning to read this. My girl friends are telling me it’s hilarious, and it’s parody of the erotic genre.
Lang, haha, yes it is. ^^ You should and then read Bared to you or another erotica book and compare.
You read enough fo the genre and you’ll be able to tell it’s not the best writing out there.
Happy Friday!
I still suffer from IDID withdrawal symptoms. Yes, I know I’m little bit slow.
At the same time I’ve started to watching Rich Man, Poor Woman. Not love it, but like it.
Tomorrow (08.04) will be my birthday. It’s birthday blues-time. I feel that i have nothing to celebrate.
Someone, give a slap.
No blues allowed on birthdays! Unless it’s Ray Charles, in which case, go right ahead. : )
Here’s wishing you a happy birthday and a great year! Just remember that you’re only as old as you feel and keep that sense of humor going strong!
No slaps, but I would be happy to piggy back you to a happier place!
Happy Birthday no blues!
happy birthday! HAPPY
You don’t have to celebrate anything extraordinary. You’re alive and in good health, you have teeth, and dramabeans ot friends who don’t even know you but are pleased to wish you happy birthday.
Happy Birthday Kbnhkr,
And please, don’t be blue
! We don’t want you to be blue. Do you think that if you look closely, you might find some things to be happy about or celebrate? I hope you will have a great weekend and a great day tomorrow!!!!
Thank you all so much! You’ve made me happy.
It is good to know that somewhere on the other side of the world there are people who are thinking of me. Me, the stranger.
Well I have no job, but at least I have someone who loves me. And I’m healthy too.
I live with my parents, but they are still alive so I shouldn’t complain.
I try to be optimist.
Thank you.
Hi Kbnhkr,
I don’t know if you realized it, but you just listed an # of things you could be grateful for, and I think that you could find some more. As someone who has been working only a few hours a week for over a year, I understand (trust me I do) the bit about not having a (full time) job.
I really hope that you had a great day today, and remember to celebrate the person who loves you (many would love to have that) and your parents. At least you have them, I lost my dad in February. Hope that gives you a little perspective…
Hey kbnhkr,
Welcome to the club of those who suffer from IDID withdrawal syndrome. We will get over it, together.:)
Don’t feel so sad about your birthday – do something fun, get yourself a really expensive cake (or, if you don’t like cakes, something else you would enjoy), and think of all the good things you’ve done and everything you’ve achieved this year. Watch something good and engrossing in the cinema, it will distract you from any sad songs. Finally, if you’re feeling blue…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dBgK9xH3I0
Awww IDID, yeah… That’s all I have to say. I had to comment on that
Happy Birthday, kbnhkr! Just celebrate life! And having someone to love you is HUGE. Hopefully an addicting Kdrama that you love will come your way soon and it will be the icing on the birthday cake!
Saengil chukhahabnida!
No, no, we can’t have the blues, it’s your birthday! Unless it’s the CN Blue boys…
Happy Birthday on your birthday!
Just think “Well at least I’m not a birth secret twin born 10 years after my sibling, suffering from temporary amnesia combined with the urge to ride a horse and flay about with a stick while wearing designer high heels.”
Have a good day!
I really loved this Shukie, this is sooo like you!!!!
It made me LOL…
Anybody out there watch all of Padam Padam? How was it?
I did, from A to Z. I’m not into melo at all and still loved that drama a lot. It’s a bit slow paced but the characters felt so real. The acting was great in it. Also loved the music.
A little uneven story-wise, but I loved the acting, directing, and, of course, the bromance. It ranges from awesome to scratching-my-head-strange, but the fantasy element gave it a nice edge – I just wish they’d developed it a bit more. I give it 8 out of ten.
Hello!
I have not been on Open Thread for a while since I started working on Fridays, and I do miss reading all the comments on here.
In drama news, I watched most of Big except the last three episodes (I know it’s probably old news, but WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED THERE??) Yea, talk about messing up a drama that was basically handed to you on a silver platter (meaning LMJ/GY.) I am on episode 3 of White Christmas and I love it, and loving the recaps! Strange cause usually I just go for straight rom com. I also plan to watch Answer Me, 1997 (recaps are hilarious!)
I have a question for you (and I know there’s a thread for this already, but maybe asking you guys directly will give me the most up to date options.) I am going to seoul in december (yayy, one thing off my bucket list!) and for those of you who have gone, I was wondering where you recommend staying? I definitely want to stay in a hostel, on the cheaper side but I am willing to pay more for good service. If anyone can give me recommendations or direct me to any links I would be most grateful
Happy Friday!
Oh God, I don’t write here, usually I’m just a passive reader but today I need to do it.
Last week I started watching K2H because my friend told me it was really good and that I should have watched it instead of Rooftop Prince. And… She was so right. Last night I watched the final episode and I loved it. I don’t know, I have so many feelings right now, not sure what to write because it was such a great drama: romance, writing, filming, I love it. Specially the characters. I’m still in denial about Shi Kyung’s death. I just can’t, okey? It was so hard. I did not like him right away, I started liking him as Jae Ha started liking him… But when I did, oh sure I did like him. I love the way he saw the world, his words towards Jae Ha and Jae Shin. Earnest boy was the best… Actually in the final episode, I didn’t cry until he appeared, when Jae Shin was talking to birdie and then he was there answering, and I died because they were so real. I love both OTPs so much so… I don’t know. I feel like robbed, but I guess the writer killed him because it was the story she wanted to tell us. I will never forget him as a character, and I will follow Jo Jung Suk career because now I’m his fan. Forever. Also Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won were spectacular. To tell you the truth, I am not a big fan of Ha Ji Won, I didn’t like Secret Garden that much. But here I loved her since the beginning. Seung Gi has my heart, he is not the best actor out there, but here his feelings were so raw that I felt for him so much. I love how Jae Ha became the King that we all knew he could be. Ah, it feels so good when a drama fulfills my expectations and goes beyond them.
I regret I did not watch it with all you, waiting week after week. I read the recaps though. After watching two or three episodes I read them and read the comments as well… Girlfriday was amazing as always. Her and your comments represented my feelings so well. That’s it, I just needed to write this somewhere… and here it’s the perfect place.
Thank and have a good friday! ;D
for a person who is going to be unemployed in 28 days (yay!) I feel burdened by the length of my to watch list. I’ve now added k2h to this list. Thanks kira!
SO MANY great moments in this. You will be happy mostly, but man…there are tears too.
I don’t mind the tears at present I just want an enjoyable drama with all the episodes.
@ahjummabunny I recommend it, 100%. I think that it has so much heart, even though one can find some flaws, they do not matter because everything else is there to make you love it even more.
Too bad that you will be unemployed though u.u
ah, this sounds just like how i felt when i finished it too!!! I marathoned to catch up when it was almost done because of a couple of the recaps made it sound worthwhile. SO glad I did, it’s one of my favs.
Hi Kira and Isnin,
and all the other DBners who just wrote about TK2Hs, you guys have just taken the words out of my mouth, and if any of you have ever read my posts, you know that I am rarely without something to say.
I also joined the K2Hs watching team (of a lot of people) after reading a couple of recaps and because I was curious about seeing LSG act. I didn’t like HJW in SeGa either, and she was my least favorite actress (of all the actors and actresses) in TK2Hs. I felt that she overdid the accent and the cutesy. She however grew on me, as I kept watching the drama. I LOVED the K2Hs and I RAVED about it to whoever would listened to me. I had said (to another African friend who loves and watches Kdramas) that Rooftop Prince (IMHO) was a drama that you watched, and TK2Hs was a drama “TO BE EXPERIENCED,” and I stand by those words.
I ordered the CD in June and I listened to it all week. It made me want to go back and watch it all over again
@ AJB, you won’t regret the time invested to watch it, and I hope that you will get some rest when you are out of work and that things will work out for you in the future.
@ Isnin, I have never experience withdrawals before about a drama. I didn’t know what that was about. I DID experience it after I watched the last episode of the King. I couldn’t get into anything else for a while, and I wanted to watch QIHM (everybody was raving about it). I felt like I had to grieve this drama and let it go 1st, which I did. I could talk about this drama ad nauseam (until the cows come home) and I would still feel excited about it.
I wasn’t a big fan of LSG before this drama. I had seen him in 1N2D and I had seen him sing (wasn’t impressed) and I thought he was a nice guy. But in this drama, he TOTALLY won me over. I was floored and VERY IMPRESSED. I kept thinking that he would drop the ball at some point, but he NEVER DID!!! I was so happy for him and so proud of him **RAVE OVER**
Thank you for reopening these wonderful memories
!
K2H was SO good that I really felt withdrawals afterwards.
Outstanding cast, writing & filming.
A series seriously can’t get much better than K2H.
TOP 5 for me.
I was NOT fond of Seung Gi before this show.
I’m now a fan of pretty much the entire cast
….especially the actors who played John Mayer and the “so psycho yet disturbingly hot” Bon Bon.
Happy OT everyone!
Well BOF just got put on blast. In a Entertainment snippet recommending shows from other countries, BOF was mentioned. Is it just me or is BOF like the gateway drug to dramacrack? I think it was my first and look at me now jittery with anticipation for the new set of dramas. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME!
Any who. I started watching GTO 2012 and I love it so I decided to watch the original. I have to say from what little I have seen I really like the differences between them.
Is anyone watching Awkward?
BOF? They recommended BOF? Not Coffee Prince or even…I don’t know, Goong? Well, we might see an upsurge in the Almost Paradise video views on YT soon.
It took forever to get that song outta my head.
Haha I ALWAYS recommend BOF as a gateway drug… it’s what got me into k-dramas.
I think if you don’t watch it first you won’t really get it…
Plus it’s awesome!! In a kinda let’s make up another drinking game kinda way (I refuse to say so bad it’s good haha)
Happy Friday!!!
I think I have figured out that this thread posts around 6/6:30 AM Pacific Time? That seems to be the time stamp around when the first comments roll in. I love reading all this chatter, but even these few hours later I feel late to the party!
The past couple weeks I’ve only been following Gaksital and watching back episodes of Running Man. After I finally gave it a chance, I’ve been wandering around thinking “SHOW! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE!!!” I’m not usually a big game show/reality show fan at all. The only US reality shows I’ve ever followed beyond one season are The Amazing Race and So You Think You Can Dance.
I’m almost done with all the most recent episodes that are on Dramafever, and found the Dramacrazy page to see how many of those links still work! Man, it’s come a long way since the first episode and I’m actually excited to watch and see how it’s transformed into the set up it is now!
In other news, in the interest of getting to know people here, I thought I should share a little more about myself: I’m 26, live in Northern California, working part-time, have a degree in Architecture that I’m trying to put to use, job searching SUCKS and kdrama’s are a welcome escape! I’m thoroughly American: my family can be traced back to coming to this country from Ireland before the Revolutionary War and along the way French, German, Cherokee, and English all got in the mix too, so let’s just say I can’t be in direct sun without sunscreen for long or I end up looking like a stripped peppermint candy. I LOVE to travel and have wanted to learn another language for the longest time. I got to spend 2 months in Europe one summer when I was in school, and every country I was in at the time was the language I was going to learn!
But I’ve actually stuck with studying Korean longer than anything else (besides the required 2 years of Spanish in HS, which I’ve forgotten a lot of as I haven’t used it since)
I’m determined to one day watch a drama and understand what they are saying in it without needing subtitles! And traveling to Korea has become my goal/reward/motivation in my quest to pay off student loans.
Anyway… I actually haven’t watched much of the Olympics due to my Running Man bingeing…. But I’m still cheering for all those amazing athletes in my heart!!!
Hello,
I wish I had running man as an excuse for not watching the olympics. I’m just not interested. At work the tv is on in the pantry/break room area and all those people look very hot. I think if you watch enough dramas you’ll be able to watch dramas without subs. Drama stories are helpfully very similar with similar dialogue. I wonder if that is true with us tv too? Maybe the crazy 80′s soap operas e.g. dynasty.
What was your original plan when you studied architecture?
my original plan is still effect, just severely hampered by a thing called the US economy. sigh. I’m going for an architect’s license and would eventually like to work for myself, but I have to log so many hours of experience working in a firm in different competency areas and pass a big test, and that usually takes people anywhere from three to five years post grad. Since I graduated in 2009, right in the middle of the housing market collapse and so many firms laid people off it’s been one “thanks for your interest, we’ll keep you in our files” after another. I keep hearing rumblings about things looking better for the industry…but somehow it’s always two or three months away! Never hurts to be optimistic tho. Something will shake loose and then I’ll complain about not having time for drama watching.
HA, my dad watched a few eps of K2H with me and was like “isn’t there any action? all they do is talk.” Of course it had to be a few with more exposition than not, but it got me thinking… I’m sure if I watched my US shows (Covert Affairs! White Collar!) with subtitles, there would seem like a lot of talking too! There is one line that a college friend and I would always make fun of because once we laughed over one noticeably awful and over dramatic delivery, it showed up EVERYWHERE: “What is this place?!” I cracked up laughing so hard the first time I saw it in subtitles!! Some things are universal
maybe there’s a boom in another state? would it make sense to intern in another state without a license? I hate the ridiculous talking when the audience should be seeing. I hate when it’s noticeable that it’s an attempt to give someone lines. gaaah I really really hate noticing things like that in shows. you know like my beloved haven- I loved the first season anyway the second one just seemed like an awful repeat without any true exposition.
I could intern anywhere, even internationally, there are all sorts of provisions and regulations for different situations. The Architect’s Registration Exam is a national standard, and most states simply require passing that that as their basic qualification. Some states have some extra’s tho, like here in CA, I’d actually need eight years total experience and to pass a supplemental exam. (it basically focuses on designing to resist earthquakes!) I’ve been looking in other states too but there are often more experienced locals so I haven’t had much luck anywhere really. I’ll find out next whether the interview I recently went to locally will turn into anything or not. Here’s hoping!
My Beloved Haven? Actually haven’t even come across it yet! How does it have a second season? I haven’t seen any kdramas that aren’t in this mini-series style!
Greetings All DB OTers:
Since I am an intermittent lurker I have some saved up questions. I’ve been watching K-drama since about July 2010 so I’m a newbie by some standards. Especially in the way I watch, so here goes.
How do you all keep track of the shows you’ve watched and the shows on your to be watched list?
What are the benefits of downloading dramas + subs versus watching on streaming sites? Is it the paranoia of one day the video could be broken and you won’t be able to watch your favorite scene? Or is it the feeling of once its downloaded you OWN it?
What brought you to Korean Dramas? Everyone has an interesting backstory but I find that similar things lead to K-drama, be it music, movies, manga.
To give a little background I’m not new to this obsession business. From middle school through college I was an incorrigible British historical fiction fan, any mention of a bodice, reticule or puce and I was already there. So that of course meant period dramas and movies. Which led to lots of French and Spanish subtitled movies and when I happened upon BOF on Hulu of all places I had no fear of subtitles whatsoever. 25 episodes was a measly price to pay for a look at what to me seemed to be modern day Korean fops. I find it weird that Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer led me here but there you have it. Okay, testimony time is up.
Have a great day Dramabeaners!
howforwardsale!
I remember when I was a lurker. Someone was talking about kim rae won and I just had to add my two cents and I just made myself right at home.
Open thread always has someone talking about some drama they loved or hated, or an actor, actress, Dramabeans does drama announcements with actor credits, streaming sites have community or review areas these all help to jog my memory. I don’t have an official list, I don’t think I’ve ever thought I saw a drama before that I didn’t.
A lot of downloaders do it because of bandwidth. When I first started to watch dramas the videos would disappear from sites or the links would be broken, so I became a marathoner. If I had thought about it I might’ve become a downloader and saved some of my youthful looks.
I used to be able to watch movies and shows over and over because I don’t remember everything and it’s true I don’t remember everything in kdramas, but I very rarely rewatch. I think there are still too many I haven’t seen to rewatch.
If it was a show in german with subtitles I would be a german drama watcher instead. I was just flipping through the channels and there was a cinderella story unfolding complete with stepmother and stepsister being wicked and scheming.
I’m wondering how I knew it was korean and not chinese or japanese that first day, or how I knew that googling would find me more episodes and the wonder that is viikii (viki).
I didn’t keep track until I was traipsing around dramacrazy and hit the wrong link that led me to mydramalist. Why, why did I do it? Not only am I now aware of all the hours spent on dramas in the past but my to-be-watched list is no joke now.
During my period drama/movie stint I purchased untold amounts of vhs and dvds and to the extent that I’m just not about owning vids anymore. I think the internet can hold them and trust my googling capabilities enough to find them even if they become obscure. But there is a small voice that pops up when I’m chasing a hidden gem that I can’t find on my tried and true sites. What if this happens to my favorites?
ha ha. I just can’t get into the video buying. I own a lot of used books and a lot of cds but keeping a dvd of a movie or show I’ve seen seems strange. ymy dramafever queue is being pared down little by little. I added a lot of dramas and then deleted them some without even watching the first episode just because I didn’t want to watch it. I watch a few dramas at once and sometimes I pause a drama and watch 2 or 3 whole ones before finishing it. I’m doing that to sandglass right now.
My drama list is based on Dramabeans recommendations.
I have yet to update mine though, I’m so sadly behind now.
Benefits of downloading – with poor connections like mine it takes less time to download than wait for a video to buffer, and once you have it you can rewatch as much as you want (stares at poor overwatched copy of Brilliant Legacy). But then there are other alternatives in my country (whispers “cheap bootleg DVDs”).
What brought me to K-dramas? They’re regularly shown on our local TV channels, dubbed in the local language and broken up into 25-minute daily episodes. At least two K-dramas a day at that, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. I got fed up with the 25-minute increments for Brilliant Legacy and wanted an instant fix, which led me to find it online and made me realize how many cultural references were dropped in the dubbed versions. I did the same when Personal Taste was shown (because Lee Min-Hot!) and found my way here because of the recaps. Now I prefer to watch K-dramas subbed, not dubbed, and have begun to try to learn Korean.
Haha, it’s funny that you mention manga in your post, because I started watching dOramas first. I read BOF (the manga), then watched the J-dorama, and followed up with the Japanese Hana Kimi. When it ended, I wanted to watch something else and accidentally clicked on the Coffee Prince link. I thought Gong Yoo was not good looking in the first episode, but loved YEH’s character, so I kept watching. By the 3rd episode it completely won me over. By the 5th or 6th episode, I found JB’s website and you can guess the rest of the story…
I’m super new, I count my obessions beginning in March of this year, even tho I had watched one almost a year and half before that. (Then, it was just enough to scare me away from getting hooked, not fully hooked yet!) When I had some downtime and a jogged memory I thought I should give another one a shot and…..I was history!
Since I found Dramabeans when I was only four or five dramas in, most of the titles I’ve watched since then I’ve picked from their ratings list. It also just helped clue me in to what was current and was complete.
I started keeping track on a “sticky” on my desktop. (I have a macbook.) I’ll just quickly type in the title that I’ve checked out, and if I actually get into watching one, I move it under a heading “currently watching” and of course I have a “complete” and “recommended” section too. If I lose interest really quickly, I stick it under “Dabbled In” and if I end up abandoning it, “Abandoned”. (Here lies BIG) I’m rather overly fond of lists, so this works for me.
I’ve only streamed thus far, but I was just considering perhaps I ought check out download +subs, so thanks for asking this question as I’m paying attention to the others recommendations to!
I have to laugh how we all keep our lists! I, too, was horrified at how much time I have spent watching dramas, and after only a year and a half. I found them by accident as I recorded something I thought was a movie but turned out to be a drama. But the internet did it for me, when I found the hundreds of titles available.
I actually joined a download site because I picked up a nasty virus from trying to stream something. I even bought a Mac to avoid those kinds of issues. I tend to use Viki a lot now because I’m impatient and they are so fast with the subs.
Finding sites like Thundie’s Prattle, Koala’s Playground and of course Dramabeans just furthers the addiction. But at least there is always someone to discuss your current drama with!
@Korazy Lady: Even with a macbook I’m a timid downloader. I’ll have to give it another good old college try. And Yeeeessss! these sites are awesome. Its not just gushing about how handsome an actor is (although there are healthy amounts of adoration) but really talking about what drives a character, how the production effects the drama etc.
@Laya: the fact that K-dramas air on tv where you are lends itself to other people in your locale being K-drama watchers. Do you have friends who also watch? If so I envy you. In my area its hard to find someone to talk to about K-Drama, no one has ever heard of it.
@oftheshore: I watched BOF and Coffee Prince as my 1st K-dramas too. I didn’t get Gong Yoo’s appeal either at first, I was more interested in The Voice. But as Eun Chan’s feelings changed, mine did too.
@christy: I have a macbook too and never thought to utilize stickies for my drama lists. Maybe I would watch some on my to-be-watched lists if I did.
I’m a vertical drama/movie watcher. My process: I’ll get excited by an actor, research everything they’ve done, watch everything I can click on, listen to OSTs and then go check out the commentary and forums for those shows and actors.Then I go back to my list and add these to my “watched” list. But this method hardly ever lets me scratch off titles on my “to be watched” list. Do you realize how inefficient this is? I love scratching off things from lists!!! *Sigh*
I’m a bit of an organizational nut and its killing me that my drama habits don’t harmonize, I’m led by my emotions. One day I will streamline my obsessions, and that day will be glorious.
I use stickies for all sorts of random lists – music to buy, books to read, email snippets from friends, to do lists, ect.
And hey, that’s sorta how I’ve been going through them too! My first few were random, I just read the summaries and was looking for fun, fluffy ones, so I saw Fantasy Couple/Couple or Trouble, then Pasta, then Playful Kiss, which then led me to Lettuce Couple and BOF, and then I knew resistance was futile and went all in, watching stuff with Kim Bum and Lee Min Ho first, and of course it rather snowballed from there, esp with Dramabeans help! And Dramafever, I love how they have the actor profiles, I always get so excited when I see a show with at least two or three actors I’ve seen elsewhere, it makes me feel like I’m making a little bit of headway in “getting caught up” lol!
I’ve been into TV and movies for a long time, so that’s how I’ve watched a lot of US TV too and actually, the ONLY US show I was ever this into that I went online and got active in forums for was Alias. Now I have a whole genre I’m that crazy about again and it feels so goood.
Oh yes, I have a lot of friends and acquaintances who watch. My former roommates and I fangirled together through Brilliant Legacy and Queen Seon Deok. My family also watches K-dramas– we’ve marathoned Dae Jang Geum, Jumong, and Dong Yi together, because “dramas with kings and queens” are one thing we agree on watching.
There was even this ridiculous Facebook discussion where someone else’s acquaintance started bashing Dream High on one local channel saying it was unpopular and low-rate as compared to Dong Yi on the other channel, and people were just flaming each other as to which drama was “better” without saying why. I was like what, why do you even include K-dramas in the local network wars?
2010 isn’t that newbish….
Anyway I am fantastically organised in my Dramawatching as I have an Excel spreadsheet where I write down all my K dramas, K variety, C/T dramas, anime and the odd western show… I put what episode (or sometimes what part) I need to watch next. I also have a list on the right of upcoming dramas which I am interested in or old ones I should watch.
So yeah… once again I should put the same effort into my school work as I do dramas haha.
Umm… well I had a external hard drive so I downloaded dramas and put them on there. Then it broke and I lost everything. It still makes me cry…
I then had to stream which can be very very very annoying… however websites like dramacrazy have got better so that sometimes the quality is almost as good if I downloaded….
So yeah… basically I use a mix now that I have my replace hard drive… if it’s a sageuk or just super pretty I download… if it’s just average looking (ie typical rom com) then I stream…
Yeah no idea if that’s gonna be of any help…
I may have to copy your method. I’m always thinking that I can be more efficient since let’s face it, I have days (not hours) of dramas ahead of me.
Hello, howforwardsale!
I’m at the 3-year mark for drama watching, but my first love is anime. I started watching them in the late 70′s when a lot of them were dubbed (and destroyed) by Carl Masek.
I also read a lot of graphic novels, not just manga or manhwa but aso Neil Gaiman (love the Sandman series!)
I started watching KDramas on Hulu after I ran out of anime to watch. First one was “Bad Guy” starring Kim Nam-Gil, which confused me mightily but awoke a burning curiosity. So I started researching KDramas, actors, culture, and the like. Next one was BOF, and the hook was set.
I track my watchings with a MS Access kernal I wrote, which cross references country of origin, primary actors, years, genre, plot remarks, etc. It’s scary when you look back and see how much asian entertainment you watch.
My first site was Alice Chen’s blog, which was also where I saw my first KPop video (“Keep Your Head Down” by TVXQ). She linked me to Dramabeans, and there ya go.
I d/l a lot, mostly because I have blocks of my life where there is no internet access, and this allows me to enjoy watching. Also, I tend to d/l older movies / drama because sometimes they are harder to find. I delete after watching most of the time.
I stream all Thai lakhorns, mostly because I can only take them in small increments and only watch them once.
If there is a show or anime that I watch over and over, I will buy the DVD. So “Secret Garden” is nestled in right next to my “Inuyasha” collection and down from my collection of Mel Brooks movies. lol
Also, when you think about it, the themes in English literature classics can easily be found in Kdrama.
- Austin’s Pride and Prejudice: Poor but plucky girl falls in love with a chaebol.
- Bronte’s Jane Eyre: Older character falls in love with younger one with seemingly insurmountable obstacles between them.
- Bronte’s Wuthering Heights: Birth secrets and makjang.
Even from American television to Asian, it’s there. One of my favorite Taiwanese Dramas is “Black and White” – a straight-laced by the book police officer is paired with a lazy but successful one who drives a Porsche, and together they investigate the local Triad (mafia). There’s even an episode where the triad daughter brings donuts to the precinct!
So what’s not love about asian drama, except perhaps ones fear of subtitles? My first subbed experience was “Women On the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown”, a Spanish film from 1988 and I’ve never looked back.
Anyways, that was probably much too long-winded, but you get the idea.
Welcome to DB! And feel free to de-lurk!
Thanks for the welcome!
Why is it that BOF makes normal people rabid for K-Drama? In retrospect that drama had all kinds of holes but I can never turn my back on it. It defies reason.
<> I haven’t been able to watch any other versions of HanaDan because I don’t want it to be ruined. I’ve coated it in amber and that’s enough for me (Even though Oguri Shun beckons from time to time.)
I have a TB external drive that is only 12% full and I appreciate your tips for d/l.
I’m a fan of Austen too, and prior to K-drama I was on a Brit TV kick. Still watch it. I started watching Korean dramas and movies quite by accident last year. I was on Netflix and was in the mood for a martial arts film. I did a search and The Man From Nowhere came up (after scrolling through endless Jackie Chan offerings, not that Jackie is bad, but I was looking for something different). I fell completely in love with The Man From Nowhere. So,can I blame Kim Sae-ron and Won Bin for my addiction? Just for the record I fell in love with little Kim Sae-ron before I had the thought, hey, that creeper pawnshop guy is attractive, lol. Because of that viewing, Korean movies and dramas came up on Netflix recommended to me. I watched The Perfect Couple, thought Lee Dong Wook was adorable, so looked on the list again, and the first one up was Boys Over Flowers. Again completely fell in love, JanDi was hysterically funny, all the boys were lovely, and Lee Min Ho is a force to reckon with. That show was CRACK. My daughter came one night towards in the last episodes…she was sucked in and I watched it all over again with her over the next month. Then a friend of hers came over, and the three of us watched the whole thing marathon style. That led to intense googling and list making for my next fix.
I type all the shows/movies that I want to watch in a sticky on my desktop. That way, instant access to cut and paste to google. After watching, I started noting if they were great, good, okay, etc., but now I only note them if I really like them. I delete the ones I do not like or the ones that were okay but don’t have something in them to make me say oh, that had a great moment, to avoid clutter. I’ve started re-evaluating and deleting ones that I liked but will not watch again.
I’m glad to know there are others who value organization even when it comes down to keeping track of dramas. Thanks for the tips!
I still haven’t watched A Man From Nowhere, I need to just do it. How could I have resisted Won Bin for so long? Off to change my to-be-watched list.
Realized it’s already Saturday morning, so dropped by to say hi to the OT. I’ve been rather busy with that free online course on Fantasy and Sci-Fi on Coursera these days and didn’t notice the time!
No K-drama watched this week, alas. Suffering some deprivation pangs.
Still watching Princess and I, still loving it. Maybe I need to list down the K-drama tropes I’ve found in it so far– I realized it even has cellphone product placements too!
I just found out that there are plans for Lee Min Ho to be in Manila in November. AAAArgh, why now, when I’m not there? I need a ticket back! /BRB, spazzing.
At least Manila is somewhere that idols go more regularly!! Try living in the UK for limited availability of hot Korean guys…
I need my Boyfriend to visit again ^cries^
Um, but if your boyfriend visits UK and you’re still in SEA, doesn’t that defeat the purpose?? Just sayin’…
I watch Music Bank and wonder if any of these less-famous groups will ever tour in the US at smaller venues and locations. Although I’m going to Newark NJ for the BigBang concert, I’d rather stay closer to home in Virginia and see a group like M4.
The chances of seeing LSG shopping at the local grocery store are pretty slim, I think. So if you see anybody there, awesomesauce!
Well I’ve already suffered that… I was in VA when he came to London last time ^cries^ I was returning to London when he was there!!! But I didn’t know where he was…
My friends did get see Lee Seunggi in Manchester last months!! She got two autographs as well!!
And my other friend was on the same flight back as him!!! But he was in first class and she was in economy…
Hello! It’s been a few weeks since I ranted here on OT….
BIG is a BIG disappointment. Hmph!
I still love gaksital and ghost!
How are there over 400 comments and yet we’re still on one page. I probably don’t want to know.
Anywho, howdy fellow Beaners! Happy Weekend! Just stopping in to say hello since anything I have to say that’s interesting is also work related and boring. lol.
Oh! One semi-interesting thing I’m working on (two, maybe) is a fic-a-day fic-a-thon in which I must write a new crossover standalone fanfiction story every day for the month of August, while simultaneously working on a special request fic due on Sept 1st. Thing the second, which I’ve probably mentioned, is that I’m working on an original k-drama-esque steampunk novella. Yeah, I know, that’s a lot of story but somehow it’s working.
How are there over 400 comments and yet we’re still on one page. I probably don’t want to know.
Anywho, howdy fellow Beaners! Happy Weekend! Just stopping in to say hello since anything I have to say that’s interesting is also work related and boring. lol.
Oh! One semi-interesting thing I’m working on (two, maybe) is a fic-a-day fic-a-thon in which I must write a new crossover standalone fanfiction story every day for the month of August, while simultaneously working on a special request fic due on Sept 1st. Thing the second, which I’ve probably mentioned, is that I’m working on an original k-drama-esque steampunk novella. Yeah, I know, that’s a lot of story but somehow it’s working.
And yet again I am “stuck” on Best Love. Maybe it’s because I couldn’t work up the nerve to finish Scent of a Woman…
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