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Now, I must jump right in to what’s eating me up—Witch’s Romance—the end of Episode 12.
** BEGIN SPOILER**
I admire and respect Shi-Hoon’s honesty and self-respect in ending things with Ji-Yeon. I totally understand how he feels seeing that she is just not that into him anymore, but his execution? It sucked. He was insensitive, cruel, mean-spirited, and just a plain @$$. He also showed an intent to hurt her that I absolutely cannot forgive. He went through with the wedding photo shoot knowing that he was going to end things. Then he sat there appearing to happily look at the photos & introduced his break up speech by selecting a photo to keep. Really!? Who does that? And his break up speech—telling her he was dumping her because they did not get along like they did before. Like she’s supposed to be the same person she was six years ago.
His selfishness has peeked through slightly at times, but it was in full force in this scene. Because to me what he is really pissed about is that she is no longer all about him. He cannot handle her life not revolving around him.
I have tried to like Shi-Hoon but, unfortunately, the way his character is written makes that impossible. He is too one-dimensional. There is no glimpse into the inner workings of his mind and heart. We know he has a backbone because he fired his assistant and he said no to being in a relationship with someone he loved who did not love him back, but that’s about it.
He could and should have taken the fact that he deeply hurt Ji-Yeon into account when he ended things with her. I cannot imagine the pain of your fiancé not showing up at your wedding and being m.i.a. for six years. Having done that to her, you mean to tell me he could not have sat her down and talked to her about how he felt and at least given her the appearance of choosing to walk away? Instead, he hurt her again.
Having said all that, from a narrative perspective, I like where the writer took him. The second lead silently suffering as he/she watches the person they love loving someone else is something I have always hated. Just once I’ve wanted the second lead to acknowledge what they see and what they feel and move on. But no, it’s usually just an abrupt letting go and the next minute they’re fine and happy for the OTP. However, I’d have taken that sad troupe over Shi-Hoon’s cruelty any day.
My only hope is that Ji-Yeon gets her fire back and gives it to him in Epi 13. If not, she’s going on my list . . .
Here I fault execution more than anything in the character, because what actually happens in the story is this: Shi Hoon realizes she's with him mainly because she feels she should be, and despite loving her and wishing for her to stay, he breaks up with her because she cannot do it herself.
He doesn't come across as mean spirited to me at all, and I'm curious to see if this show will end as the original did, with friendship.
More than Polar Bear being a douche bag I am bothered that the "break-up" happened because of him and not her taking the initiative to be more truthful to herself about her feelings for DH!! :/
i have to say i am as irritated with ji yeon as i am with shi hoon. partly coz neither of them can move their face! all i see ji yeon capable of doing is staring at varying distances from shi hoon and dong ha with the same expression. i know what i think she is supposed to feel and i keep willing her to move that face just a little bit more. but no. not happening.
the script is just sooooo lame. i am only watching coz dong ha is still good enough reason to watch but i cant even understand why he would fall that hard for her. the story hasnt been convincing for me on that part.
i know most WR fans will not agree but sorry, thats how i see it.
@enz I disagree with you here. The script is lacking because a lot of details are missed in translation. However, JY's face is wearing the same expression all the time? How odd...even in Baidu and Weibo where young fans at first complained about the age gap between the two leads and UJH's PS, they all have grown to like UJH and her acting. In these two episodes, she looked at DH with sorrowful eyes, but with SH, her eyes are just "empty." Her voice acting is nuanced too. In fact, one Korean drama critic even said that sometimes her facial expressions are overly expressive, which she never did in her films.
I'm with you fandomscape. I think both Uhn Jung Hwa and Han Jae Suk are solid in the acting department. I find that the writing is the problem. Noh ShiHoon is the least developed of all the characters and as a lead, that should not be the case.
SooChul is more developed (and loved) than SH at this point.
I can't dissect every SH scene, but when he's witnessed the closeness between JY and DH, I think he's played those moments quite well. You can read a lot of emotion in his glances--the love he feels toward JY, the jealousy at them being together, the fear he has of losing her, his anger and a bit of helplessness, etc. I think HJS can't do much more as an actor given the script's limitations. But that's my take . . .
I've seen him in dramas since All About Eve, but it seems lately that he aged a lot...? Can't quite explain why his face looks that way. Or maybe his baby is keeping him at night? (I think his kid is a few months old, from what I remember)
But he's definitely an actor who can act, can emote...so I agree, you can read what he's trying to convey -- especially with his eyes.
I know that you two are referring to her PS and botox. It's no news for everyone that she has Botox and PS for the longest time. I didn't like her at first for the same reason and I cringed at her face in episode 1. But I was astonished by her acting from episode 2 where she got beat up by the fortune teller and her mom, and her eyes were teary while her voice tried to cover up her sadness. First-class acting. Then gradually when she smiles at DH and laughs together with him with her beaming eyes, I even started to find her charming and cute, and I am not the only one who feels the same way. Then I went back to rewatch "Marriage is a Crazy Thing" ...gosh. I love that film and everything about it. I didn't quite get it when I was young and now it's one of my favorite Korean films. (And I do wish her not to do so much PS because she was actually really beautiful back then.)
Anyway. Everybody is entitled to her opinion. There are also different styles of acting out there and everyone has their own preference. I am just really enjoying everyone's acting and chemistry in this drama (except SH), even more so than MQ. :)
I'm glad he was able to realise the relationship wouldn't work, but his way of breaking up was pretty lame-ass, particularly the "let's do the wedding photos".
His "You waited for me six years, but I can't wait for you for a few weeks"... wow, I mean, sure break up, but how can you say something like that without sounding like totally selfish (and yet he's still sort of blaming her)?
I was also really bothered by the fact that he initiated the break up, with Ji-yeon just remaining the passive damsel. I would have much preferred for her to realise her feelings (that things are not working out with Shi-hoon) and owe up to them. Her passivity makes me think she isn't really ready for another relationship. Even if Dong-ha is a good guy, she happily on her own before being truly happy with someone else.
Here is the link to the post with 35 Korean dramas and 2 Japanese dramas. Can you guess them all without looking at the answers at the end of the post?
Roommate is awesome, although a bit hit n miss. Sometimes it can be a bit slow. And why does Soo Hyun keep crying over everything!? Nana and Sora tell her a random story about their past, and Soo Hyun starts crying about it, lol. Nana's reaction to her crying was hilarious. "Are you crying? Seriously? Don't cry!"
Chanyeol jumping up and down when he's excited is the most adorable thing in the world.
he is an angel!! just so considerate and wonderful. look at how he is mindful that poor dong wook would be hungry and straight away does something about it. he is LOVELY.
I wondered about that, too. So, he lived alone since he was twelve?! Isn't he 47 now? Korean age. Western age is still 45. How is that even possible? That would in fact make him 10 since he lived alone. Impossible.
and that such a good guy is alone anyhoot - maybe he hasn't found anyone worthy of his chivalry ~ (and I sure don't see any prospects in this houseful of roommates, either)!
Enz - I think, if you lived alone for this long and especially during the important years of growing up, it might become a habit hard to break. You'll become a loner.
Surprising to see how clueless LDW is in real life. Overwhelmed buying a handy, unable to cook (all those men spoiled by their mamas!), but at least he knows how not to eat. *irony mode off* :P
@newie, i meant how come the girls are not considering this guy? they look at the flower boys but this guy is so much more solid and seems like such a nice bloke. i mean i can understand him being a loner etc but why arent the girls at least considering him instead of just all the young ones!
Oh, I'm wondering about that, too. But then again not. The massive love Goguma received in INR3 is just the same thing. The wrong guy getting the girl, because he got the right looks. And almost no-one complained. *sigh* If this really is the prevalent way to choose a partner, I see a lot of divorces coming.
Looks fade, but sharing common interests, having the same humor and all around some abilities to master every day life (e.g. cooking, DIY etc.) are way more important in the long run.
So much rain this week -.- Mood level is somewhere below 0^^ Though I guess we can be lucky that it’s not as bad as last year where we had one of the worst floods in decades!
Doctor Stranger: I think I’m starting to ship Hoon with Soo Hyun^^ I don’t really care for the politics behind everything. I’m all in for Lee Jong Suk’s performance bc he is delivering!
Witch’s Romance: Don’t tell me that Shi Hoon has finally understood that no one needs him in this drama! Thank you very much now let’s have some sexy times between JY and DH!
Big Man: I honestly have no idea how Mi Ra is still with Dong Suk bc his family (except Jin Ah) is batshit crazy and she should just bolt! I know she loves(d?) him but seriously woman. You have witnessed how far his family was willing to go to get what they want and DS is actually even worse. I just hope that Ji Hyuk finds a way to DESTROY them otherwise I’ll be furious!
New Leaf: One episode per week is not enough! It’s getting really interesting now and the drama does quite well with balancing the court room scenes and other stuff. That audition bit with Sang Tae though^^ My love for Oh Jung Se just keeps growing. He’s hilarious! And I love that he as SJ’s best friend finally knows about the amnesia. But drama…seriously… Alzheimer’s for dad?!
You’re All Surrounded: Those were 2 very fast hours this week^^ It’s amazing how time flies when you enjoy a drama! I am glad that Pan Seok finally knows and can’t wait for the fallout. And how much do I love Dae Gu’s growing crush on Soo Sun?! I hope the big secret of Tae Il is revealed next week bc I can’t stand not knowing^^ Especially bc I love him and Gook to bits and I want the awkwardness to go away! (The YFAS reference about TI had me busting a gut btw :D)
Gap Dong: So have we finally seen the real Gap Dong?! I’m still not sure but it seems this time it’s real one. And though I was surprised it wasn’t that shocking considering that the drama had me suspecting everyone^^
I’m still intrigued by TO’s character and how much his mom and lawyer have to do with his killings bc they know something. And Joon is doing a great job which makes the fangirl in me extra happy^^
Horse Doctor: The game is on =) Kwang Hyeon is back for good and I know that there is much time to screw him over again in the last 14 episodes but I won’t lie when I’m saying that it is oddly satisfying to see the smirks wiped off the faces of Lord Yi every time KH (and Seongha and Jinyoung) screw him over xD
I tried watching the Oldboy remake and gave up after one hour of torture -.- It’s bad! Actually it’s worse than I thought. T.T There was, is and always will be just one Oldboy and that’s the one directed by Park Chan Wook! I have an undying love for this movie bc it was one of my first K-movies I ever saw and I love Choi Min Shik, Kang Hye Jung and Yoo Ji Tae so…
Witch's Romance: Don't know about sexy times but Park Seo-joon and Uhm Jung-hwa sure are having fun times as illustrated in this cute selfie with silly shades to boot!!
Speaking of Park Seo-joon: it has to said - I've fallen head over heels for him. He relatively comes out of nowhere and knocks it out of the park as Dong-ha. I miss seeing his million faces that he'd make in the earlier episodes of the show. BUT, he also does angst really well. Am sad already that I won't get to see his face when WR wraps up in two weeks.
If I'm not wrong I read that he'll feature in E198 of Running Man. So YAYY of more fun times with him as he was great when he came on earlier.
Yeah I'm gonna miss him too! He's really great =) And his faces... They never fail to amuse me :D
Oh seems like you're right about RM... That guest line up was total news to me^^ Though now I'm a bit disappointed bc I thought the next two eps were going to be the Park Ji Sung eps... I'm just super eager to see those bc PJS is a hoot on RM^^
I will miss his kindness. real world is so scary. the character of Dong Ha is like everyones´comfort pillow. or that teddy bear everyone had as a child. but I have to be fair: that bright kindness also made me notice a lot more nice people right around me. there are these selfless people anyone hardly pays attention to although they are giving more than we are aware of. I have realized that I am also riding on many peoples´kindness. I have to be more grateful.
My baby girl turns 21 tomorrow, far far away from me. I know Mom is the last person a 21-year-old wants to be with on that day, but I'm still a little sad not to be there. So she's been getting packages and cards all week from me! The excited calls make up for a little bit.
We won't discuss how I can't even wrap my head around 21.
Let's see...Witch's Romance is about to get rid of that annoying Polar Bear, and Fall In Love with Me is about to get rid of that not at all annoying nice boy (but let's face it, I want the bad boy.)
You're All Surrounded is one giant huggable gang of puppy cute, and yes, I'm even including CSW in that. But someone please tell me he's not really a bad guy.
Grandpas! I love you! But you don't get subbed fast enough.
I'm behind but interested on Triangle, A New Leaf, and Wonderful Season. I want to disappear into the dimples on Angel Eyes, I want to slap a few people on Jang Bori, and I want to figure out if it means something that I am attracted to a serial killer on Gapdong.
and then there's the whole Hoon-Joon thing in WTF Doc. Oh and ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMATES. I luff them all. Tell me Dong Wook is coming back?
Hmm, I agree that ShiHoon sees that JiYeon is with him for the wrong reasons, but I also think he does not like it that she has grown a bit beyond him. And I totally think his execution was mean spirited. **SPOILER** Why would he go through the motions (photo shoot, developing the pics, going thru the pics) when it was clear he had had enough when he saw JY and DH together at the hospital? I think that was when he decided it was over. And his break up speech--you do not think it was cruel? Using lines like "I love you but not enough . . . " and "This marriage talk, let's pretend it never occurred." Huh!? Is that what you say considering that you hurt this person and now you're hurting them again . . . even if the person is not with you for the right reasons. I mean, she obviously wants to be with DH but it's not like she does not love and care for SH. S
Yes, we ALL have checked out the squeecaps! Your, errmmm, "modified" screencaps are a thing of genius! heeeeeee. They've gotten me through when uri Dong-ha's been sad and moping around.
Yes, LOVING your squeecaps (and have ever since Heirs). I can't seem to figure out how to make comments there, so I will do it here! You guys are great and make me laugh so hard, thank you.
I prefer to think that he didn't make his mind up until that moment, wavering as people do when they love someone and hope for a thing. Also, the speech: I love you, but not enough - I don't take that the way you did. You think he says he doesn't love her enough to marry her. I say (after watching him uncomfortably swallow situation after situation where Dong Ha and Ji Yeon demonstrate closeness) that he is saying he loves her, but not enough to continue accepting the situation as it stands. Which he shouldn't have to, so I don't see him stating it as a bad thing. Eventually, his love would turn to anger and bitterness. I also make allowances for translation, because the way we use words can sound cold. 'We'll just pretend this never happened.' doesn't really MEAN that. It's short hand, it implies a re-set to a better moment.
And again, I'll say that as much as he hurt her, she hurt him. It is unfathomable to me how people are so willing to blame him for not calling, but give her a free pass on it. I don't want him with her either, but I'm at least clear-eyed about the situation!
Good points. I'm still mad at him though & if I were her I'd want to slap him :-;
But I do not quite understand how she hurt him if you are referring to the six years they were apart. The way I understood it is that she had no idea where he was. Her mom hired a PI to find him & coudn't. She did not know that the famous Philip Noh was ShiHoon & she did not know he was injured, etc.
As far as hurting him now that they are back together . . . yes, unintentional and as well-meaning as she may be, it would hurt anyone to know the person they love does not love them the same way. That is why I do not mind him acknowledging that he sees the truth & has enough self respect and love to let her go and move on. That is absolutely what he should have done. I just do not like the way he did it.
*****************spoiler************************
He did not know that she didn't know any of this. Since he didn't know that his assistant called her and broke up with her on his behalf (very cruelly), he only knows that when he woke up from his two month coma, she had returned the wedding rings. So for me, they are both sitting in exactly the same position:
1. Each thinks the other dumped them, doesn't really know why, but what's done is done. Why would you call?
You're right! I totally forgot about THAT part of the equation. I'm all about JY & DH so I guess pieces of the SH arc are a little foggy. But yes! SH did think he'd gotten dumped which would explain why he failed to call in all those years . . . sheesh.
At least he fired that *-----* assistant. She was so psycho.
Still, he needs to go far far away again. I luuuurve DH!
There IS one difference though: he COULD have called, but she couldn't have.
Why should he have? Well, personally I would want an explanation directly from the person I was with for ten years. If they slam down the phone, well, at least he would have tried... but why was he conducting the end of his ten-year relationship via a third person?
The whole six years and Shi-hoon's appearance are pretty badly written, there are too many open questions. Like when he reappeared. Did he reappear to finally seek her out? Why after six years? Or was it the coincidence (I presume) of running into her in the same restaurant that made him seek her out? (Not sure that make sense b/c given his status and the exhibition he was having, his picture would have made it into the news at this point anyhow, and she would have finally found out about his whereabouts.)
I also wonder about all the details of what happened after the breakup since supposedly Shi-hoon didn't set foot in Korea for six years. Which is strange itself – how do you do an impromptu abandonment of the country you've been residing in long-term? And why would you do that? International moving isn't that straightforward. What happened to all the stuff he had in Korea (it's not like he had planned moving anywhere before, but was preparing for life with his fiancée), the stuff he surely left with fiancée, what happened to his family and why did he have no contact with other people (friend), etc etc etc
I, point blank, do not want to pay any more attention to Shi Hoon The Smug. Let him be gone and no reason to talk about him. fed up and annoyed till latterday
This whole eps made me wonder if the Polar Bear broke up with her because he found out that she could not bring herself up to break up with him so he needed to do in a mean way so that she can finally get free from him once and all, or man tells a lie to protect himself just like his conversation with her pregnant best friend,. If his reason were the latter, he still has a big room to grow up. Once you reach nearly forty years old or older, he does not need to save his face, just be honest with her and tells her what he sees and break up with her for her sake. For God sake, he made her stranded for six years. That is something he could do at least! Be civil and mature.
Yep, that's how I understood the scene. *spoiler* SH knows that JY isn't happy, is settling, can't let go of Dong-ha he read her response in the book, so he is calling it quits & piling up the asshole points to reveal her guilt. *spoiler* I also hoped SH would have 1 honest, lay it all on the table conversation with her. I guess only Dong-ha and JY's mom get to be the more evolved characters. Still find the writing & acting better than most of the K-romcoms/dramas I've seen (granted, I'm a novice compared to most Dramabeaners.
I think Dong Wook is just shooting for Hotel King.
Btw, my friend turned into LDW fan, after watching him in Roommates. She told me on another day that LDW is so handsome and I just like, "Well, yeah, of course"...
Then, now she's trying to watch LDW's drama, even the makjang Hotel King.
LDW looks a bit haggard in Hotel King. He was really good looking in Scent of a woman. What to say about Lee Da Hae ? Her performances as anti-heroine in Miss Ripley and the slave in Chuno were good. Now she comes across rather unnaturally in Iris 2 and Hotel King. Even the way she speaks now seem different.
JoAnne, I knew you were a woman after my own heart. My baby is now 26 and my eldest is 36, with a 15 year old grandson thrown in. Time will now fly and you won't know where it went. K dramas have become my guilty pleasures and I find I have become more selective on what I actually watch and what I just read recaps for. Love what you and your cohorts do with sqeecaps. Witch's romance, Angel eyes and wild chives are the only ones keeping my interest right now. Maybe it's because of the puppies in them that it's like that. And yes. Lee Sang Yoon and Nam Goong Min are classified as puppies in my book. Too young for me to think of them any other way. I what to take them home and feed them a good home cooked meal and make sure they get a good nights sleep. LOL Catch y'all later.
happy birthday to your daughter!! no la. dong wook is coming back. roommates is all i get to look forward to these days :( . i really am at a lost as to which drama to start..
might have to just wait for the eric and yung jumi one.
Do you ever watch K-dramas and think, "nobody's life is like that?" I used to. And now I feel like I'm living in a mak-jang. I hope everyone else is having a good week--kind of karma evening out because mine is so bizarrely . (Honestly, if I saw the things that happened this past week as a tear jerk/evil mother episode, I would have thought, "what over acting.")
Obviously you are taking life with a sense of humor. Hope whatever drama is causing you trouble gets resolved soon.
Watching an episode of Jerry Springer always cheers me up when my life takes a down turn. No matter what, at least there isn't any paternity tests and hair pulling going on in my family drama.
I've experienced some head scratching moments where I think "I thougth this only happened in dramas" being in China (so much drama happened over 2 pieces of carrots. Also swapping dance order).
Hope things work out whatever it is! It will soon turn for the better I hope. And the later you can look back on it and compare how real life and dramas act out.
Hey Beanies!!!!
I trust you all had a great week! Okay so I'm basically just going to squeal about YAS,the chemistry is definitely on!! Daegu+soosun=adorable but panseok+soosun= sizzling.I don't know why everyone is picking father-daughter vibes I'm totally picking pan seok flustered by soosun vibes I mean the camera scene and kitchen was just *sigh* he's totally hyperaware of her,I love daegu but I want more panseok soosun scenes. and it seems that apparently I'm the only one that likes the chemistry(well its chemistry I see) btw soosun and panseok
Witch romance is boring me out with the angst can we just get back to the 1st 6 episodes I totally loved.and can someone pls change shi hoon's face or something
Anything between Panseok and Soosun would just be a waste of time because they both have their other halves to get with. I only see them as Sunbae/Hoobae, and that's how they see each other.
I don't think that this writer is going this way (fatherly direction). The writer will make the chemistry will sizzle out because many fans won't accept this coupling.
Hello Beanies! Happy Friday and OT!
Children's day preformance was held today and finished successfully! Finally it's done and I shall never had to hear that song ever again. One of the children gave me an ice cream, making her my favorite child as it's very very very warm here (thank god for the air con finally working in my room, no more heath strokes!)
Also counting down the time until my housemate leaves for England giving us all a break from his moods. Not looking forward to being alone with him for 2 + weeks starting now though, as my other housemate is going away to catch a break and visit family.
Dramaland of rewatching and recaps):
-Rewatching Masters sun. I do really love this drama, and so nice to see all the little things again.
-reading recaps for You are all surrounded and Witch's Romance and fall in love with both of me. Need to watch all shows, but am currently in a no-motivation period to watch new things.
Started: Shinigami-Kun. I like it so far, running a bit behind on it though. Ohno is cute in it.
-Rewatching old episodes of Running Man to keep my mood up from housemate drama.
Glad to hear things went well with the kids. ..... Plus ice cream! Yay!
Regarding the housemate, I hope the next two weeks won't be super awful. I know if must be very difficult, so sorry. ...... I don't know what to say other than try to avoid each other as much as possible, although I know this may be impossible given the space/living situation. ...... Is there another international friend available who can accompany you as a housemate temporarily for the next two weeks? I don't know if this is a solution, but perhaps. ....... Whatever you do, just please keep your personal safety in mind!
I just heard on the news that you guys have sandstorms this week. Hopefully not too severe.
I think if I had more time, I'd rewatch Master's Sun also! It's so good! ....... I'm watching Ghost now, so that's where I get to see So Ji-sub!
Korfan- Yeah I'm good now that I have a working air con. Went down with heath stroke the other day but now fully recovered. And ice cream is the best. China has mango ice cream and I now totally get the halbe's obsession over it in Granpa over flowers. Soo Yummy!
Yeah I shall manage. Hopefully he won't be too moody, I'll mostly have to deal with him at work and evenings. But now that my air con works not leaving my room is a tempting option :p Also our days off doesn't match (I have friday + saturdays off, he sundays and mondays) so don't have to deal with him much on the weekend.
Haven't noticed a sandstorm here luckily! Also not seen much of the monsoon rain either, which has hit the south a lot I've heard.
Haven't seen Ghost. I did however watch the chinese movie he played in the other day. Enjoyed the movie, but a little weird seeing So Ji-Sub and not having his voice :p
Oh thank goodness for the different schedules!! ...... The less contact the better.
The mango ice cream sounds yummy. ....... The only mango ice cream I've ever tried is a Japanese-style mochi (glutinous rice) ice cream, .......... creamy mango ice cream ball with a mochi covering. It's a tasty little treat!
He will! He'll be back though but I get a month + of being able to breath and not feel like treading on eggshells. I won't know what to do with myself :P
Hm. I might give them a try. So many interesting dramas coming up as well, so really feel the need to get my motication back.
hi manin, i havent been keeping up with OT much so i dont know about your housemate woes. hope it gets sorted soon and everything will be well again for you.
i am also not motivated to start any new dramas. its quite hard to only have one currently airing drama to watch and not know what i want to start or even which old one to try. i just cant move on from SLA still at the moment i think although i am not rewatching that either.
anyway, keep the spirits up!! sending good vibes your way.
Yeah, housemate is an.. interesting character at times. It's become the thing that I refuse to let ruin my time in China, but also one of the things that makes me happy I am going back in September as well. But we shall preserve!
Ah yes I followed the recaps of SLA cause I was interested in seeing how it did before watching. It seems like it was quite the addiction for a lot of people.
I am also kinda aimless about what to watch with no motivation. Started masters sun again because I sent it as a suggestion to a friend and then just wanted to see it. But I am jumping a lot in it as well, although I love the drama.
It makes me feel a little useless in the OT (or other threads) as I have little to say in the currently airing dramaland because I just can't get anything started.
yes, i think there is a group of very dedicated fans of SLA and i am one of them. in fact, so dedicated are some of them, they created a blog fully dedicated to it.
it has everything - including translations of the actual script for it as well as very interesting interviews with the director. check it out if you have time
are you not going to watch it?? i managed to get a real (as opposed to virtual) friend to watch - and she isnt a kdrama fan - and she really enjoyed it. it was different from the little she had seen of kdramas.
ahh, your time will be up in sept?? hope you get the most out of it from now till then. your time in china will surely be a rich bank of memories for you later :)
moody Englishman roomie - yuck. enjoy your breathing space when he's gone
Wait and do a Witch's Romance marathon - it's that kind of drama.
Is school year-round? or do you have some time off now?
I taught 2nd grade and loved it but the school closed and I jumped to high school geometry/algebra/art, and actually loved that, too. Now I nanny year round. I am going to the Oregon coast for a week in July. I would love to go to Korea. I spend a month in New Zealand, it was a true escape where I did what I wanted in the remote south island and had no demands. Ahhh *snap. shakes head* Gotta go change a diaper.
Hey Manin! Sucks about your roommate, I hope you have a good break when he goes though.
And Master's Sun is SO rewatchable. I know there were questions when it ended, about how well it would hold up in the rest of the Hong sisters' drama lineup, but it does really well on a rewatch too. Plus all that sexy, incredibly natural chemistry of the best romcom OTP ever **swoon**
Yeah the break will be nice. And after that only 1 month something until I'll go back so all good.
Yes the rewatch looses nothing upon being rewatched. You still get dragged in. i feel like the ghost elements work for rewatch as well because they do have that comic book feel to it. And the chemistry is amazing. Shame it didn't go into real life. Oh well.
I haven't responded much in recent OT's, but I always look for your posts and think of you often. Be well and happy, stay hydrated, and enjoy this phase of you life journey that is experiencing China. (((hugs)))
Dr.Stranger: okay, I think the plots getting better this week, although the ping pong politics between doctors can be tired sometimes. Who really cares about the First and so on? I ship Hoon and Soo Hyun too. Don't care about Jae Hee/Seung Hee. I think I really have severe case of dislike to Jin Se Yeon. Sorry JSY, but you just can't make me feel and seem to have same plain expressions. Whereas Kang Sora is more lively and better at acting.
A New Leaf: How much I love new Seok Joo!! And Ji Won too... SJ is all lovey dovey to Jung Seon and I really love it. I feel bad for Ji Yoon but at least she doesn't cry in the corner but choose to do her works instead. I can't hate CYW too, it must be because Kim Sang Joong charisma.
Rather than watching current dramas, I'm currently watching oldies like What Happened In Bali (yes, I know the ending), Damo, etc. Mostly HJW dramas.
I also find the strike at KBS to be devastating and at the same time interesting. Public TV station should be the most neutral and give proportional news, not just backing the government. I hope it resolved soon!
The doctors in Dr Stranger are so ridiculous. I mean, Kang Sora's character didn't know how to be a First? Really? And they're still trusting her to help with an operation of an infant? And then there's the anaesthetist getting her boyfriend the role. And the other male doctor who doesn't appear to have a clue what's going on ever. If i were a patient in that hospital, I would be seriously concerned for my life, lol
I don't know if it's Jin Se Yeon or the writing. I don't think her character is supposed to be emoting a whole lot anyway, and we're not supposed to know what's really going on with her. So her acting just helps that along.
The whole hospital politics is just ridiculous anyway but at least the plots moving faster than the past week. Regarding Jin Se Yeon, I really don't have anything nice to say to her, except she looks nice and innocent. I just don't understand her character and her acting doesn't help it.
I think people are blinded by their dislike for Jin Se Yeon or blind to what it means to be a spy, double agent.
Of course Seung Hee/Jae Hee cant show emote, show her feelings toward Park Hoon because she is a spy and acting like she isnt Jae Hee.
I thought it was moving the first time she smiled at him when they were staring each other before she saw Comrade Chae in the background. Thats her trouble she cant show her feelings in front of others. Throwing herself against her love Park Hoon would just get them killed.....
The funny thing is, Soo-hyun has been presented as smart and competent all along and we've seen her in action....but now she can't be a first for the surgery because Doc Getting-It-On says so? WHAT.
I don't know, there's cold and unemotional but even that takes some degree of acting ability to express, as opposed to 'cannot generate more than two facial expressions no matter what'.
A New Leaf is a first in that Jung Seon as the fiancee, second lead isnt being written like she is in the way. Seok Ju cares for her and doesnt look romantically only twoard Ji-Yoon. I love seeing SJ and Jung Seon.
I liked that scene where he promised he would try harder when he knew she wasnt convinced the old him loved her. I like the growth of Seok Ju and hope they dont ruin his current thing with his fiancee since he knows her family, why they choose him.
I also love SJ with Jung Seon, SJ with Sang Tae, SJ with Ji Yoon, hahaha. I think KMM can even generate chemistry with log. At first I was afraid JS just like another 2nd female lead but I was wrong and JS garners my sympathy. And who wouldn't like have a boyfriend that proposes you and says, "If I marry you the love will grow as much as it needs to be"? Swoon!!
Hi OT
I posted it everywhere I could and now I will post it here as well ... Kim Ji-hoon himself retweeted the link to our blog (or rather the link to the recap of his current drama), twice in fact, and now I can happily retire.
over and out (my bum hurts from too much sitting right now, oups, TMI??)
I assume you know he retweeted your post because you are following him on Twitter? So is he going to start following you on Twitter?
Your blog is ten kinds of awesome! I want the world to know. I want you featured in an article on Chosun Ilbo. I want you to be invited as special celebrity guests at an upcoming Drama award ceremony in Korea.
This could be just the start of your fame. You've already had a million page views. Why not? (big grin)
But if not, then I am glad because I want to keep your awesomeness all for us, your loyal fans.
I guess he retweeted because I mention him in the post (his twitter handle is @jiraishin99) and because he has a filter set for Jangbori stuff. I actually doubt he read it :) but who knows!
Thanks for the compliments! But to be honest, I'd rather not have any fame, because my RL is stressful enough as it is :)
Good of him. If only he knew the lengths you go to for him. It is just the start. I wish what JBB also wished for you. I understand though that you are your own celebrity and would not need the complication. Who knows though, you can give more joy than you are doing now with your blog. Hope it is a joyous ride for you, too. Hope Kim Ji-hoon continues to follow you; and we get to know about it, too.
Huh, am for once early for OT...because I OT-ed and am now grabbing dinner, hahaha. There's some irony there.
Happy Friday Beannies and hope everyone had a great week! Mine was crazy busy which in translation means I've only had the energy to keep up with one drama and that was Witch's Romance. I miss the cute fun between the OTP but can totally understand the choice that JY has been making. Although if I had a puppy like DH waiting in the wings I would be having serious second thoughts about wanting to marry SH. Hopefully the end of ep 12 means we can move to more cute stuff like rainbows and unicorns and lots of kisses! For a cable drama this has been awfully tame.
Other than WR I'm unfortunately not following anything else cos they all seem depressing and I need some good old rom-com in my life to lift my mood. Anyone has recent twdramas or jdoramas in that field to recommend?
In other news, God's Quiz 4 is back!!!! Am waiting for more episodes to come out before I start watching because knowing me I'd want to marathon the episodes.
This is not a j or t drama, but have you ever seen What's Up Fox? It's a GREAT noona romcom that had me laughing throughout and is surprising low on angst. 16 eps on Drama Fever, came out in 2006. It's a new fave for me.
Three Days - Finally finished this. Overall, it wasn't bad. ..... My only little gripe is how loooooong the characters took to answer the telephone during times of crisis/emergencies or to answer questions. I know it's kind of silly, but hey, weren't they portraying an emergency half the time??
Big Man - While I haven't been watching this regularly, I did watch eps 5 and 6 this week. ...... Oh my goodness, I had absolutely no idea Daniel Choi could pull off a character who flys off the handle like that! ...... It's interesting watching his character go from like, zero to irate in less than 2 seconds flat.
Ghost - The good guys are always 2 steps behind the baddies, ...... but I think they'll catch up to them next week.
I Miss You - I didn't catch it the first time I watched it, but this second time around I just found out Harry's mom was Han Jeongwoo's mom's sister. ........ It certainly makes the family tree all that more interesting.
That's about it for now. ....... Everyone take care and have a great Friday!
YES..oh my gosh, Daniel Choi! I haven't had a lust for a character since my mad crush on Kim Boong Do. (Yep, i know...the other extreme.)
Between Dong Suk and Ryu Tae Oh, I am seriously enamored of baddies, but Daniel Choi's character has the real emotional core, that spoiled petulant must-have-it-his-way envy and that desire to show he can do things better than his father ...and that sibling rivalry with faux-brother! Soooo good! Tae Oh is bascally pity-me, I'm confused. Pity goes a long way with me, but apparently not as far as angry deathly ;-) cold disdain and pissedness. And all the while Dong Suk is IN LOVE!!!! And totally mixes up possession/need/control/entitlement with that love. So yeah, Daniel Choi has my warped heart.
Oh dear, yes!!!!! Choi's character is like this combo of little needy kid and cold, calculating power player wrapped into one, but he goes around with this veneer of docile nice guy. ......... Unless something sets off that short fuse of his, of course!
You're right on regarding his mixing up possession/need/control etc. ....... He wants to come across as a man in love, but he's toxically obsessed ....... they way he talked to the girlfriend in the two eps I saw, yikes!!
Daniel Choi is amazing all around - charming, handsome, a great actor, sweet, even plays cold chaebeol so well that I still like him even though I shouldn't.
I didn't get to high-five them or anything because I wasn't one of the lucky ones *sniffs* but I managed to see them up close while they were leaving!! Unfortunately my camera's pic quality is really crappy, ugh :c but memories are forever~ hehe :>
Okay, back to K-drama stuff: I'm honestly growing a little bored with Doctor Stranger...but every time LJS appears on screen I'm back to a squealing mess. LSG and CSW are surprisingly good in You're All Surrounded; I started watching it for Ahn Jaehyun but now I'm hooked because of the quartet (and Pan-seok, of course). I don't have the time to watch any other dramas at the moment but I'm hooked on Witch's Romance and A New Leaf's recaps and the summer holidays have started for me so we'll see~
how are you?
getting more into You Are All Surrounded and I just looove Go Ara´s acting. She is so expressive.
Witch´s Romance - two of the most serious episodes this week, probably. Heart bleeds for Dong Ha, a guy this kind and warm does not deserve to be rejected.
In one thread this week someone mentioned hanboks and national clothing in general. I was wondering, does any of you have a folk costume? what is it like? when do you wear it? are there people in your country who wear it every day?
and also, which actor /actress do you think looks best wearing hanbok /sageuk clothes?
I love you too Mary!
If Song Jae Rim had joined the cast of Roommate, we could have WATCHED him lounging at home (in bed?) waiting for drama offers. That is a look I can get behind. Or in front of.
I picked no. 4 as well. well let´s see if there are wtfś in my life... a marathon running poet, a submariner, 3 levitating yoga instructors, a shaman...yup. khmmm.
Hmmm. That's a tough one.
I'm tied between #2 & #10.... only because Lee Joon is nekid and a nekid, showering Lee Joon is almost as good as a bound one. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW6YL4K92jk )
SJR on the other hand, sexy no matter how many layers of cloth you drape him in.
idk if you would call a sari a 'folk costume',lol. I don't wear them much, but lots of people wear them every day and often at formal events like weddings, graduations etc. I like the way it looks but hate the accessorising - fussy shoes and all - I once wore matching sneakers with my sari and the whole experience of wearing the thing improved 500% esp. since no one even noticed!
Actors who look good in hanbok: Lee Jun-ki of course! And Yoo Ah-in when in Mane of Glory mode.
Among the women: Moon Chae-won, Shin Mina and Lee Young-ae (see the recent pictorial she did in hanbok, it was heavenly)
I guess we have no choice but to announce Lee Jun Ki as the winner.
forgot to mention I also went to Riga last weekend and it was fantastic as always. Whoever wants to go, then go the the Motor Museum! Those lovely old cars, I did not want to leave. I made like 5 rounds between them. I wanted to live there.
I also saw crazy folk dancing. now I understand why all latvians constantly run in the museum. they are just so full of energy and their dances are faster than hungarian if it is possible.
I own 3 sets of folk costumes btw and I wear them to Song Festivals and some important events. and relatives birthdays sometimes. One is made by my mom, one by myself and one is a choir costume.
I have a folk costume called "bunad". It's basic from is a woolen skirt with a vest and a special type of shirt inside often also an apron(for girls). Boys have their own version. There a lot of different types though, varying in cut, colours and what decorations and embroidery there is on the skirt, vest and shirt. and are generally tied to the geographical area of where you live (or where your family comes from).
People wear them for special occasions like weddings, baptism etc. Also during the national day celebration. Many also wear them for Christmas Eve.
Dr. Stranger – Hoon really is a little crazy. What a coconut shuffle to make up the two teams. I am convinced Kim Tae Sool (Nightshade) is working hard to get Jae Hee and Hoon together without NK or the PM knowing. Presumably, Kim wants it to appear that Jae Hee is dead and if Hoon loses he can “dispose” of him, too. No one will be the wiser as he works to reunite them. Lee Jong-suk is killin’ this – sizzlin’ in the long green plaid jacket and all that. The hair ~
Big Man – It is like the stacked hands game where the bottom hand pulls out and goes on top, and so on, until it is on the bottom again, only to go back on top. Love the acting by everyone. Evil husband says to evil wife, “Sometimes you give me the creeps. You’re scary.” What a pair - they deserve each other. Ha!
You’re All surrounded – happy for the double romance in the air~
Witch’s Romance – bipolar bear – off with you to Alaska. Alone.
Nah, for sheer over the top creepiness, Daddy in Golden Cross wins hands down.
"Hey daughter, I just sent out a bunch of guys to kill your lover because he keeps pestering me about me killing his sister and father - how about a hug and a battery recharge.."
There was a bit of a discussion about Tae-Il's secret in YAS on the other post so I'm bringing my post here because I wonder if anyone else is also feeling the same way about it?
Mandy - "I don’t think its the gay thing because they’re trying so hard for us to believe it is. "
Me - Me too. I would really love if he really is gay though because he behaves like he is. If this is all a big joke on being gay I find it very stupid and offensive. I can take jokes like in Personal Taste because it wasn't about being gay is wrong, it was just something the character used for some gain but in YAS it's not the character, it's the whole show using it to make funny scenes so I'll be offended if he isn't gay, because it would be like if he was, it would be some big taboo.
Yes, but doesn't it bother you? The way the show is using it as a joke? I don't know, I'm not a very politically correct person or anything but I'm liking this and apart from that I like everything else on the show.
I don't think they're treating it as a joke, though? I mean, even before that first scene where he and whoever that guy was were arguing, I was wondering if that was his situation.
Now I think it's a misdirect and that picture they've shown twice is his brother, or a friend who died; something that he feels bad about, clearly.
Whatever he said to Gookie, it's not that he's gay. I think it's more along the lines of him being a certifiable genius or something. Gookie was fine when it was just that Tae Il was tall and handsome...but if he's now a genius, too, then poor Gookie is just in the dust, comparison-wise. It's clear he feels 'less than', at least that's how it looks to me.
Yes, I think it's a joke what he said to Gookie as the secret. But if he was just a handsome well dressed guy and people thought he was gay, the joke would be on them.
But he isn't, he really is playing a somewhat feminine guy, he wasn't even subtle in the beginning. I'm not saying ALL guys like that are gay, of course not, I loved when I thought the show was just showing a different kind of guy/cop. But they DID choose to go with the gay issue. If he behaves like that and there is the stupid tension of people suspecting he is gay and after all he isn't, I don't know, for me, it's like the show used a form of being gay as joke which is kind of offensive.
IF that is where it's going I don't think an American show could get away with this anymore.
@Lixie I both agree and disagree with your statements. On one hand, I would think it have been more interesting if was gay and and just left it at that, but your right in I think its all just a crazy misdirect that will keep getting drawn out long past when it need be (seriously who whispers in a car?) And one possible explanation is that they threw it out as a possiblilty but due to ratings or feedback, changed the storyline (which is probably not the case but if it is UGH.)
But then again, many effeminate men can be straight and vice versa. In fact, my college roommate was so against type (masculine, athletic looking) that people always thought we were a couple. But nope he was as gay as a 1940's showtune. I guess what I'm saying that maybe the endgame message of YAS for this particular storyline could be don't judge a book by its color. This is probably the most favorable reading, and they probably could have done a better job w/ this when its all said and done, but we shall see!
I think it might be more in the lines of something medical and the guy on the picture (borther or friend). My imagination is non typical and wild so....maybe he stopped someones heart at med school and it never worked again but then he is relatively calm for that. or he was just a witness to some operation
my first thoughts about the secret were pretty grim
but it might also be a million things... "I am an alien....I am actually a girl (LOL ha) " or ....or maybe it is what everyone thinks which would be boring.
I would love for him to be gay. As an actor, I think he would do a fine job as an actor. But I don't think that's the secret. I also hate how they're teasing us about it.
**SPOILER***I think the secret has to do with Team Leader's Ex wife***END SPOILER***
However, kdramas are not ready for gay characters, IMO. They cheated us out of a good relationship in Reply 1997 by never showing us who Hoya got in the red car with, although he acknowledged being gay and happy in the end. In Reply 1994 they cheated us again by making us think Baro was gay an in love with Hyung but then suddenly it was just a moment of confusion and he ended up with that random girl. I didn't buy it. I truly believed his character to be gay but either writers and Korea are not ready to go there. The only drama with gay characters was that drama "Life is Beautiful". They did an ok job, if only to never show them actually kissing. I did like when they discussed how they met in the plane and who approached the other first.
In School 2013, that epic Bromance was the closest we've gotten to how I would portray a "gay" relationship in a kdrama.
Secret Garden had a gay character (the one played by Lee Jong-Suk).
But, generally, I agree that k-dramas are sadly not ready for gay characters, let alone a gay relationship. We'd probably need some of the Korean film directors to venture into drama making for that to happen.
The bromance in School 2013 didn't really strike me as gay – not the way the bromance in Shut Up Flower Boy Band did. I really, really wanted the two boys that were always attached at the hip to each other to be a couple!
Spring is wonderful around here. Well, Spring is wonderful everywhere, I guess. Am pushing past panic to actually take the plunge and move. Finished my first review for the scifi website I'll be reviewing for. The review totally bottle-necked everything else but am glad it's done.
Presently, my frustrations with Angel's Revenge is making me wonder about the long-form 100+ episode k-dramas. Cause, seriously, if the Big Bad's in these dramas are allowed to frustrate us at every turn, it makes me wonder about the tendency to create tension by prolonging conflict. After a while the conflict no longer enthralls. It just makes one tired, frustrated, bored with repetition, and feel manipulated. There really has to be a happy medium.. I am totally hooked on Angel's Revenge. And am in it for the long haul but wow...if all longform kdramas are like this one, I shall beware of jumping into another.
Golden Cross: Okay, i totally buy the love story. Aaargh. I feel like such a wuss for believing in it. The Golden Cross organization doesn't seem as powerful as I thought/hoped it would be. The "cross" seems to be more about all these double-triple-crosses and complications.
Gap Dong: Haven't seen this week's episode yet.
Grandpas: Dang, why are all those who know the secret dying off? Am thinking this is the real golden cross. I love how they fit the larger arc with the smaller one-episode mysteries
Big Man: Oh my gosh! Right now! I so want an evil chaebol powerful manipulative chaebol boyfriend with "I can do it, Daddy!" issues. I WANT Daniel Choi! Please snap some sense into me.
Happy Together: This week's episode was about foreigners in Korea. Soooo good.
Glorious Day is so sweet but am not really committing to it.
Wonderful Season is trying my patience with the Dong Seuk storyline.
J-drama: First Class: My patience is running out with this one. The voice-overs are not necessary so why use them? The actresses are great at conveying their inner evil. But the main character is sooo good, so meant to be sweet, innocent, likeable (with all that gooey music highlighting her sweetness) thatI'm just balking at liking her.
we had +31 last week and then it suddenly dropped back to how the whole winter was. *whine, whine, we like whining*
nah.
at least I had days off when it was warm!
Secret confession - I downloaded a Japanese app to my phone called "Bedtime Sweetheart". It so amuses me. I want a Korean version.
Basically. you get a young Japanese man lying in bed and you poke him and he gives different responses (in Japanese of course) but with English subtitles.
sample phrases:
"I am a hard worker. It is because you are so supportive."
"It makes me want to keep you here forever. I want you to wait here for me and to see my reflection in your eyes when I return."
"Stop holding on to me so tightly. If you do, I won't be able to tell you what I want to say."
It all makes me laugh, but I am a little charmed too. Sigh. I do love romantic men.
Does anyone else use Viki and Dramafever on their iPads? I have had so much trouble watching anything straight through lately, and it's a pain to lug the laptop around the house. Even on the laptop, I find Viki and Dramafever just stop playing and I lose a lot of time.
Has anyone got a fix? I've already changed to Open DNS.
Also, I've been searching the Viki help questions, and it seems this question has been posted before, and, as with me, they're not answering. So, a fix would be great (got to watch my Jang Bori!) if anyone knows one.
I use Chrome and safari for viki on the laptop and keep having issues that I don't, say, with Netflix or youtube.
Also, I'd really like to be able to watch Viki and Dramafever on my iPad, but can't do so because of the video errors. I've asked them both, but they're not responding.
So, I'm wondering if anyone has managed to fix via settings, either within app, or on their iPads.
Don't have the iPad app so I really can't say. A week or so ago DF app Kindle & Android was giving errors saying that some shows couldn't be played. Wasn't just me, saw posts on their website. It seems to be okay now.
Viki's "tech support" is something else. Write to them about one thing and they respond with something not even close to what the question was. Then they pestered me with e-mails asking me how the tech support was. Links in their e-mails didn't work either.
any time I make a complaint to @viki, they respond to me via DM asking me to send an email to some email address. I never do, because if I wanted to email them, I would have already. If I tweet @vikisupport, they respond. It was always for temporary issues like login or something though.
I don't have an iPad (or any other "i" stuff). Viki seems to work OK with Android, never tried DF, as I use the ROKU app for that nearly always (which is also bugged at times, it loses sync with the subtitles).
I do 90% of my watching on either the desktop, or on the laptop plugged into the TV for big screens. I often have problems with Viki, Drama.net, and k-drama.com hanging up and have to refresh.
I am sure it is their servers or apps, because I never have the same issues on Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube.
If it's their servers, then they're not likely to respond to avoid appearing in the wrong.
I like watching on my iPad. It's the right size to see comfortably, and I can move around easily or even use the exercise bike. I could do that with my phone too, but it's not as comfortable to view as the iPad.
I've been having a problem with viki on my iPad but not DF. I do not use the app for viki but I do have the DF app on my iPad.
When I try to watch viki on my iPad lately, it goes to commercial break, then starts the drama from the beginning every time so I can never watch past a commercial break. I've given up & stopped using viki since the problem has been occurring. I've had to watch Witch's Romance on d r a m a c r a z y as a result instead of viki. And WR is not on DF so that's not an option.
Perhaps I will try try the viki app and see what happens.
Message me at my tumblr (click on my name here) and let me know if you have the same problems with the iPad app. I'm curious at this point, since they're close to losing my custom.
After all, what is the point of paying for vikipass if I can't watch any of the vikipass exclusives? :-P
Hello everyone.....
Hope your week had been good enough because mine was the worst .....My 12th grade result came out few days ago and I found out that I have scored the least marks in that very subject in which I was expecting excellent marks...I got so disappointed but then it finally dawned on me that my answer sheet hasn't been checked properly....Auuggghhh....
Now I would have to submit a lot of applications and also I would have to make long visits for my grade improvement.....Still so tensed..don't know what will happen next....
I am feeling as if I had been framed for some murder or something and now I have to fight for my justice....What do I do?
Phew...now onto the dramas--watched only YAS this week as I didn't felt like watching anything.
P.S.---Is there any one out there who could help me with the verification process of CBSE class 12th,India??
That would be such a big relief....
That is tough regarding your answer sheet. However, no matter what anyone says, grades are important, and seeing things through is also important. So, good luck and lots of strength getting this fixed!
Hi everyone, here's my two cents on the current dramas:
1. Witch Romance: I am getting a bit tired with all the angst, and I can't wait till our OTP get together for real (with some sexy scenes too pls)
2. Golden Cross: This drama is AWESOME. You guys should really watch Golden Cross! The plot is tight and to the point, and you won't get bored at all. Two thumbs up esp for the writer!
3. Doctor Stranger: The plot is still a bit too weird for me, and it doesn't help that I like LJS and Kang So Ra better, but at the same time I wish Park Hae Jin won't be left alone either. Agh, dilemma...
4. Glorious Days: Very good weekend drama! Such a sweet OTP and I always look forward to this drama every week :)
5. YAS: Not bad, but somehow I don't love this drama as much as I expected
6. A New Leaf: this is another AWESOME drama. Looking forward to see Kim Myung Min performance every week!
Love Sang Tae too haha, he's hilarious!
7. Big Man: getting better, not a bad drama
My Top 3 drama now: A New Leaf, Golden Cross and Glorious Days! What about you all?
Golden Cross is sooooooooo good. And is it me or do you think Daddy Seo is able to turn and hate/destroy/murder his daughter if she stops worshiping him?
The only drama nowadays that makes senses and very real in a way is Golden Cross,,, that is why I really enjoy watching the drama. Because there are not popular pretty faces in the drama, the thread of this drama in Soompi is only 25 pages? I also watch You are all surrounded. This drama is packed with popular actors and actress but in terms of the plot, it is not that interesting. In Golden Cross, you feel the guy's agony and hatred so much.
as for Carole's question, Yes, Daddy is capable of doing anything to save himself from falling. He can be delusional so his lie can become the truth in his delusional mind. I think Daddy Seo is a socio/psychopath. In this world many guys who are top in financial fields have borderline sociopath tendencies. It is sad but it is true. He is one of the extreme cases,,, his affection towards his daughter creeps me out sometimes. No wonder why his wife really hates him.
Watching Daddy Seo in Golden Cross and Mommy in Big Man, it's like seeing that once someone crosses the line of evil....well, there's nothing to stop them from venturing even further into cruelty. They both have tasted evil and developed the taste for it. I remember in Bride of the Century when evil mommy decided that since she was evil in a past life ..then she might as well be evil now.
But Mommy in Big Man has no such reasoning (as far as we can see) and she just is gonna go full on murderous now for no good reason (wrong daughter-in-law and all) And Daddy Seo, yes...he IS delusional. Or he has a mind that keeps one aspect of his mind/conscience separated from another. HE is a loving dad and a good citizen of the republic....oh yes..and he's a double murderer as well
I don't think he's such a good citizen of the republic so much as he's well-connected and got good public service positions to help out his father-in-law.
Hi everyone, I'm currently taking a break from Korean dramas and catching up on Sherlock instead. There are just too many dramas online to choose from - past completed, currently airing, that I'm paralysed with choice and ended up choosing none.
And watching Sherlock simply puts things into perspective for me. Between the last time that I watched Sherlock and now, I caught some pretty decent Korean and Japanese dramas, but I wouldn't spend the time to go back and watch them. With Sherlock, there's NO question of it. It's as if you don't know what it's like to love a drama until you came across The One. Heck, even hearing the theme song gives me a thrill....
I totally agree! The suspense and intellect in Sherlock are things that will encourage repeat viewing, but the suspense and angst in Korean dramas are not worth revisiting because you already know what all those emotions lead up to.
Hi all, I read a rumor on Kang Dong Won's comeback in dramaland in Kim Eun Suk drama !! Maybe it won't happen and I'm not really fan of the writer but I like the the idea of seeing KDW again in drama :p
Hi everyone, I am very excited about a book I just received called "100 Thimbles in a Box". The subtitle is "The Spirit and Beauty of Korean Handicrafts". It's beautifully done, beautifully photographed and covers symbolism, traditions and all the handicrafts from ceramics to painting, paper, wood, fiber arts and metal. It is published by Seoul Selection and available on Amazon. It's wonderful!
Also, if anyone is near St Louis in the US, next Friday and Saturday there will be special Korean presentations at the Art Museum.
Friday! Overcast here, but a break from earlier in the week, when it was 90+.
The wife's car has gone bye-bye, officially "totaled" from the car wreck, ( I think the whole insurance /car business is a criminal enterprise), but yeah, "We'll pay you to go away", is what it amounted to.
Went to a car auction on Wednesday, (90+ degrees), saw a couple cars but didn't buy, went too high.
The wife is leaving on a trip tomorrow to spend a few weeks with our youngest daughter and family in New Mexico. When she returns, she'll have our grandson in tow, he'll stay for a few weeks to visit.
Let's see, drama wise, following:
New Leaf : Haven't seen this week's episode.
Your All Surrounded: Behind, fell asleep watching one episode. Kinda meh
Big Man: Mi Ra, why aren't you doing anything to help Ji-Hyeok ? Jung So-Min, squee
Gap Dong: Looking forward to seeing this week's episode
Roommate: Why's Bom crying? Nana's cute, but I dunno. Ga-yeon is level headed, I like her. Soo-hyun 's crying again.
Sung-woo, what lady wouldn't like this guy? I like how he and Chan-yeol get along. Se-ho's a jackass. They need to duct tape him and throw him in a closet for a day or so.
J drama: Gokuaku Ganbo: Has Machiko Ono and Riisa Naka. Tomokazu Miura , with his dyed hair and sunglasses reminds me of Park Sang-Min's character in Scandal.
Anime: First two episodes of Sgt Frog or Keroro Gunso, it's funny.
I can hardly reconnect with the adults cos they look so different. Adult Da Hae can pass as Gook-ie (except for the voice), Jun Soo visibly shrunk, my sweet Moo Chul grew taller.. the dongsaengs are off too! They were in Love Rain together, right? Funny one is still a doctor here..
In the first episode, Dallae's aunt told the stewardess that Dallae underwent plastic surgery and became much prettier. I like the earlier episodes. Don't quite like the main lead (this actor sports the same hairstyle and acting "cute" despite his age) for the past few dramas.
Mi-Ra is very boring to me. I'm not sure if it's the actress though, she is expresionless, should have stayed in second lead territory forever for me. On the other hand I'm loving the So-Min character, she is pretty and the complete opposite! So alive, so spirited, in the few seconds she has or could have if script allowed, far better chemistry. Besides even the story would be more interesting if he just fell for her. I find his love and forgiveness for what she did totally crazy. Even more when he stopped the trial because he was afraid she would get in trouble for helping him. Crazy. Anyway, the good bits on BM for me are 2 actors I didn't know, Daniel Choi and Jung So-Min but I'll watch this until the end, I've dropped too may shows this season!
Wow! I feel the same way about the supposed OTP. Mi-Ra is okay but the whole kdrama trope of falling in love with someone simply because you're the lead female is really getting to me.
I'm also liking the rejected chaebol. He's cute but alas...too late. That ship already past.
Doctor Stranger
If Seung Hee was played by a more experienced/nuanced actress I'd be shipping them like mad. They're sweet and cute with an underlining darkness to their characters that I like. As it is they're winning me over but I'm not as invested as I wish I was.
The plot not making sense I could cope with if I had an OTP to cling to and obsess over.
Wild Chives and Soy Bean Soup
I take it back, I want the younger versions to return and stay forever. His mother is like nails down a chalkboard, she could be bearable in small doses but in every other scene there she is.
I know, his mom, (Park Hae Mi) , can play an annoying wench to a T. I loved her in Unstoppable High KickBut even there her character was exasperating.
I miss the young crew as well. At least I can see a little bit of Yoon So Hee in Big Man. What's up with Lee Tae Im's , (adult Da Hae) voice ? She sounds manly.
She doesn't look (or sound) much like her younger self but at least her personality seems like a natural progression Joon Soo's on the other hands is more a personality transplant.
Hi John ~ Seho bugs me to death, go away.
The outdoor table is awesome, love our roomies Chaneyol and Sung-woo. So ra - will she become the spiritual guru? or health coach? Soo-hyun is very annoying. Min-woo better have more up his sleeve than just fb looks. Ga-yeon is herself and I like that. Nana-eh. Bom - drama. I am wondering about the show's concept in the first place - any missions? any eliminations (haha)?
I wonder how Gap Dong will wrap up. It has kept my interest.
When Nana met the 2NE1 members, they seemed a bit stand offish. Don't worry Nana, you're much cuter than any of them.
That one girl was wearing that over sized Wicked Witch hat , wth ?
I mentioned on the Gap Dong thread, if there's going to be any Maria & Moo-Yeom romance, she should be in her Vixen Maria mode. Hot hot hot. Needs some fanfic webtoon treatment.
I'm a 2NE1 fan and based on what they've said/what I see, they don't interact much with other idols (non-YG) and hence are rather awkward when they do. I don't think they intend to be mean/stand-offish but it ends up coming across that way.
The hat was part of her costume for her Inkigayo performance (forgot which song though).
I find Soo-hyun annoying as well!! I was cringing when in the initial episodes she was hitting on the flower boys. In the absence of SKJ she took to PMW which irked me even more. It was deliberate on her part for attention or to create some (lame) loveline. She also was taken aback when Nana mentioned she was interested in SKJ which was unnecessary.
My likeness for those two boys also decreased when they admitted their "ideal type" is her. As she needs some protecting or whatever they claim. I find the other female roomies more interesting than her and those waterworks she turns on a dime, blehhhhhh!!
hi kdramas ~ yeah, the two fb picking SH as ideal, I don't get it. She ispetite and cute, but that's trumped by her being so annoying and needy. Guys don't like needy after a while, I'm sure. I think Kang Joon just likes the fact that he has a bed :) PMW is going to have to up his presence in ways more than just riding the tail of FBRS. I like the bromance, let's keep it at that, huh?
I saw The Final Encounter with Hyun Bin this past week. There were six Koreans in the theater besides me. Very quiet. I thought I was the only one saying "ooph!" and "agh!". The movie reminded me of "Braveheart" with all the bludgeoning and decapitations. An absolute blood bath. Binnie's role seemed small compared to those of the various assassins, so I can't say he was "great". But that was more the function of the directing and the writing than Binnie. There was a gratuitous upper body nude scene at the very beginning of the movie. Anyway, it kept my interest for the entire 2h15mins, so I can recommend it if you like that kind of movie.
Watching Angel Eyes, Witch's Romance, A New Leaf, and YAS. Yes, I said I would drop YAS, but I'm in the mountains this week, so I used it to help me fall asleep.
Oh yes, since so many of you loved Secret Love Affair, I watched it this past week. I found it very interesting, although I am totally against adultery for any reason. I liked the music, cinematography, and the business politics. I'm glad all those rich SOBs got some time in the klink.
The new adultery drama -- the guy with three women-- is one I definitely won't watch. I'm still against adultery..despite my love of Secret Love Affair. And my love of Wang Family. But those writers did adultery right, me thinks.
What's up with the whole "Imma gonna tie your shoelaces to show you how awesomely sweet I am" ... frist off, why do Kdrama girls walk around with untied shoelaces in the first place?
Secondly, I wouldn't trust a boy tieing my daughter's shoe laces because it gets him WAAAAYYY too close to her skirt ... I mean ... seriously as a teen I'd only be doing that as an excuse to see if I could look up her skirt.
Does it really rain THAT much in Korea?
Everyone in Korea can get ANYWHERE in 15 minutes
90% of the Han River is made up of tears
and
Koreans have terrible hearing and peripheral vision.
On some show last year G-dragon said he tied his girlfriend's shoelaces for her and the whole female panel swooned. It's like how applying ointment and a bandaid to a wound is a romantic gesture - it is, I wonder? A sign of caring for someone you like, I guess.
Logan5, I can't explain why, but when I was 16-17 years old, it used to thrill me no end when my boyfriend would tie my shoelaces. I made sure it happened on a regular basis! It might have had something to do with the fact that he was much, MUCH taller than me, and I never saw the top of his head otherwise. But I remember such delight. Now, it would just feel weird if someone were to do that, and if they were my age, they probably wouldn't be able to stand back up either!
On my drive here I got caught up on my podcasts from The Korea Society. There was one that I thought some of you might find interesting. It was about a book called "How in Heaven's Name?" which is about Korean POWs in WWII.
There was also an interesting set of podcasts on modern Korean cinema. I got through part 1, but part 2 was a little confusing to listen to while driving.
Also, the Korea and Regional Relations talk was excellent. It was about the contingency plans that different countries have for if/when North Korea collapses, for whatever reason, and how they (we--the world) all needs to get together to have one plan because it would be catastrophic for the region in the short term.
I need two more Kdrama-Hollywood lookalikes/doppelgangers, and then some crazy shenanigans can ensue. Any thoughts? Gong Yoo has to look like someone from Hollywood (though maybe hes just too sexy for comparison)
Oops! The site ate my post--probably because of the links, so I will remove them and tell you to google The Korea Society to find them.
On my drive here I got caught up on my podcasts from The Korea Society. There was one that I thought some of you might find interesting. It was about a book called "How in Heaven's Name?" which is about Korean POWs in WWII.
There was also an interesting set of podcasts on modern Korean cinema. I got through part 1, but part 2 was a little confusing to listen to while driving.
Also, the Korea and Regional Relations talk was excellent. It was about the contingency plans that different countries have for if/when North Korea collapses, for whatever reason, and how they (we--the world) all needs to get together to have one plan because it would be catastrophic for the region in the short term.
I have now 9 days until I'm done with high school forever.. Gah I'm so excited!
Of course, that means I have exactly a week to finish a semester's worth of online class.. Procrastinator to the end, I am.
In other news..
Empress Ki was absolutely STUNNING in the beginning. I loved the characters, I loved the setting, I loved the conflict. And then, I don't know why or how, but I started losing interest... And stopped watching at episode 38 (although that might be because my sister spoiled a LOT of things)..
I've started rewatching Coffee Prince, because it's Coffee Prince, and am going to start watching Mandate of Heaven soon... Purely due to my little baby from Princess' Man who played Gim Seung Yu's cute niece. :3 She's so dang adorable!
I hope y'all are doing well this Friday, yes?
Hang in there, you can do it - don't forget, tomorrow is Saturday~
Congratulations on finishing high school! Do enjoy your last days...I kinda regret wasting away those days and wanting them to end quick, in retrospect :)
I was like you, I loved Empress Ki in the beginning...and lost interest mid-way through. Ended up watching the last 10 or so eps though, just to see how things ended.
Kim Yoo-bin was adorable in Mandate of Heaven...if anything, I loved her interactions with "scary" Song Jong-ho.
She also in Hooray for Love (with a curly ajumma perm! too cute). Dunno if you'd watch HoL because of its craziness but I liked the scenes with KYB and her drama dad, Ahn Sang-tae (I laughed whenever they said his name on the show--Nam Dae-moon, which kinda sounds like open fly in Korean - I think? haha)
Hi fellow beanies nice to see so many comments already and what people are watching.
I wanted to say that last sunday i was in 4Minute concert in Stockholm, i dont follow K-pop really and only went because of my two sisters. It was a great concert for two reasons the group, girls was so much better live than seeing them my sisters watch them on Youtube. They could really dance, sing so well live for a mainstream pop group.
I also enjoyed the part they talked to fans, answered questions because i learned that i had learned many Korean words for Dramas. Many words me, the other fans didnt need the translator to get. Which shocked the girls but they must underrated the world wide fame of Korean Dramas:)
ad 1. It's only the meat that the customers grill, isn't it? They do it themselves to eat freshly made pieces that are exactly to their liking.
ad 2. Maybe it is to avoid further complaints, when the groom hates the dress?
Actually, I think it is reasonable in a way. In the last weeks I went to many bridal salons to assist my sister while picking a dress. And I would gladly pay for not having to. I think if the fiance said the dress is gorgeous, the bride would be happy and could decide faster.
Re the restaurant thing, no, I don't think that. If that was the case, they could do grill at home. I dunno, it's an odd one to me. If I go to a restaurant, I expect the chef to make the meat the way I request.
Re the wedding dress, I wonder if culturally the guy pays for the dress? That can happen.
As far as I know it is common to rent a dress; it is often a part of the service that you get for renting the wedding hall (which is hella expensive in Korea). I haven't heard of the custom of groom paying for the dress, though it is not unheard of in Cinderella-type dramas...
The restaurant: Koreans eat out a lot, even things that they could easily make themselves at home.
If the chef were to grill meat for each guest, it would get cold before being served! lol
Re 1. Having the diners cook their dinner (or some of it) is common in Asian restaurants. Sometimes the chef cooks the food on your table right in front of your eyes. There's a grill and/or stove at the center of the dining table. In some buffet restaurants in the Philippines you get to go around and point to the seafood, etc. you want cooked.
Re 2. I have wondered about that as well. In our culture (Philippines), there's still the widespread belief that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding finery before the wedding. So what I see happening in k-dramas where the groom helps in deciding what the bride should wear rarely happens, if at all.
Lifted this directly from the Doctor Stranger recaps comments this week:
Heads, why does this recap series sounds like a Dr. Jin in Modern Time with Dr Hoon with Special Guest: Better Acting.
This is starting to sound scarily accurate. The show is trying to keep bad North Koreans, bad South Koreans, presidents, prime ministers, pretend-brainwashed girlfriends, wronged orphans out for revenge, all in the air at once. I don't care about Miss Two-Expressions no matter how much Hoon does, because the other parts of him are way more interesting than that. It took till episode 7 for this drama to even acknowledge that Hoon had way worse stuff affecting him in NoKo than Jae-hee, but at least they remembered he had a dad. The only bits of this drama I actually care about are Soo-hyun, it's pretty much at pass-the-popcorn levels for me apart from her.
Triangle: If Doctor Stranger is moving way too fast to make up for its hotchpotch plot, Triangle is doing the opposite - moving really slow but with a hint now and then at the plot. That said, I am worried about pacing and the brother reveal, no matter how much I enjoy the collective pretty of the three brothers abd their good acting. I like Jung-hee too even if she doesn't have much to do Baek Jin-hee has great chemistry with both Jaejoong and Im Shi-wan.
Gap-dong - only sticking with this one for Lee Joon. And the hope that he'll have more scenes with Kim Ji-won, in a different drama I'd ship them but here I just want them to be around each other more since they bring out a different side of each other's characters.
Trying to cope with the stress of my parents separation by watching more dramas. Getting out of bed and being a person is hard sometimes, ugh. Hoping things settle down soon...
Gap Dong- considering we have 8 episodes left, I think Chief Cha isn't Gap Dong; He's just here to throw us viewers off the trail of the real Gap Dong- Profiler Han.
Also... I think Chief Cha was the husband of the woman in case 4 or 5- the newlywed with the whistle who was dragged off and murdered. I remember he visited the case site looking forlorn. That would explain why he's eager to catch Gap Dong, too.
Big Man- just started. Not really exciting but it's keeping me coming back. Just finished episode 3.
A new leaf- idk who to ship and it's messing with my feels.
You're all surrounded- so much mystery and cheesy cuteness.
Doctor Stranger- wth.
Started a Jdrama called 'The Hours of My Life' great so far and trying to find time to watch more.
The Hours of My Life - Miura!! Although it's a serious drama. Good though. Have you seen Last Cinderella, Summer Nude, or (silly off the wall) Switch Girl?
I haven't seen any of those- The Hours of My Life is only my second Jdrama. (Future Diary was my first). Even though I've been studying Japanese longer than I've been watching Kdramas, I'm just now stepping into the world of Jdramas. I'll look at your suggestions, Thank you owl ^_^
I put off watching for the longest time, because I hate serious/terminal illness stories, but this one is superbly done and the acting is top-notch.
Miura has acted in a lot of average or just terrible stuff, some of which only showcased his pretty face (Ummm, Last Cinderella X_X), but this drama made me totally change my mind about him. I hope he does more dramas/films of substance rather than some of the fluff he's done before.
Plus, Fumi Nikaido is of course a wonderful, wonderful actress (and a fantastic character in this drama – really wish we'd get more characters like hers!).
I remember talking to you about this and you saying you might not watch - I'm so glad you did! Wasn't it fabulous?
Last Cinderella was how I discovered Miura and I won't lie...he took my breath away, but it wasn't necessarily for the acting. Although I didn't mind his acting, either.
I went on to watch several other things he's done and what can I say...he's on my list of likes, for sure, although it was only in Last Cinderella that I found him panty-combustion material. He's very, very young - and I think he's going to be around for a long, long time.
It as the rare exception to the rule of illness dramas – I still don't know why! Nothing else the director did sticks out, though I did like Osozaki no Himawari from the same writer a lot as well. (The acting and cast did it's bit, but it was more than that that made it so fantastic.)
Got the actress wrong though, it's Tabe Mikako – they both stellar though, Tabe and Nikaido Fumi (I just always confuse them!).
Finished marathoning "The Greatest/Best Love" over the Memorial Day weekend - all 16 episodes.
It was good! Enjoyed it very much. Now I know why folks love Dokgo Jin and how Ding Dong came about!
Spent the weekend downloading the OSTs from that drama and also from Iljimae - The Phantom Thief - that I marathoned in March while on vacation. Enjoyed that show very much and am waiting eagerly to Lee Jun Ki - Joseon Gunman! The 2 instrumental pieces (Plum Flowers and Lonely Footstpes) from Iljimae is just SO AWESOME. Both very mesmerizing! The 3rd OST is from Park Hyo Shin - Flower Letters. The man has a beautiful voice!
Downloaded the OSTs from Witch's Romance too.
So have been rotating these OSTs heavily on my mobile devices all week!
Real world rant--o.m.g.--I need a hug or a drink. You decide.
Being attorney is great sometimes but dealing w/other attorneys is very difficult at times, esp. when you're like me. Weakness has always been my idealism & sense of fairness & honesty. That is hard esp in the context of family law where I see too many of my fellow attorneys just trying to make money instead of legitimately trying to navigate a family through an extreme difficult time.
My opposing counsel in a current case is one such atty. She is very adept at creating chaos & conflict to drive up her fees which in turns drives up my client's fees. Case-in-point--we were ordered to complete mediation by the end of June. I sent her an email with two mediators, their availability throughout June & their rates. I asked if she had an issue w/the mediators, their availability or rates to send me the names of two or more mediators with their availability & rates and we could coordinate from there. This was all totally reasonable & professional on my part.
But she responded with a series of emails--first ranting that she did not like my mediators, then ranting that this one mediator was the best in the area and she would only use her, etc. Then demanding that we do mediation on Monday (less than two business days' warning) but only after 2:30 b/c she had a hearing. When I said I was not available Mon & pointed out that we could not complete the mandatory minimum 2 hrs mediation if she was not available until after 2:30, she accused me of being difficult. Finally, I would only respond to her emails by quoting my request that she "provide with at least two mediators w/ their June availability & rates," but we ultimately scheduled mediation w/o her ever doing so--but it took 10 emails over the course of the morning & afternoon.
What kills me is that I know exactly what she's doing. She charges a ridiculous $500 an hour rate. Attorneys bills in 6 minutes increments. It's only taking her a minute or two to type a ranting email and send it to me but that one to two minute email is costing her client $50. She billed for an hour of work, i.e. $50 x ten emails=$500, just to schedule a damn mediation that we could have scheduled in five minutes.
Days and times like this I feel like retiring. If only I could find another job . . . does Javabeans pay well? I'd learn Korean & become a blogger if I could.
Be warned people--hopefully you won't need an attorney, but if you do, please choose carefully.
Wow. It is indeed a hard life that attorneys have. On one hand I admire their knowledge (and there was a time that I seriously thought of studying law), but on the other hand it is so tempting to use laws to your/your client's advantage and not to find the truth and apply some just solution to a given problem.
The situation you describe is actually scary. I hate it when a person with some power manipulates people into going through unnecessary difficulties and even demands to be paid for that. Unfortunately it is quite common thing, also within many professions (like doctors who prescribe unnecessary but expensive medication). Not being like that is not idealism, it's basic decency.
Being a teetotaller myself I can gladly offer you a hug :)
I feel your pain - just slogged through a mediation that spilled over into a weekend, no less! But too bad you don't practice out here in the NorCal court system -- if an opposing counsel does not agree on a mediator or arbitrator within TWO exchanges (phone calls/e-mails/correspondence), then the ADR Division sends a nastygram to the side that is stonewalling telling them to get with the program. Works. Every. Time. :D Is there such a governing body that you can utilize for your own situation?
Hang in there -- it does eventually all work out. And the margaritas are on me! *hic*
We def need something like that here. Unfortunately, we don't have it. It's sad that you need to police these type of issues but the fact that in your jurisdiction they've actually put something in place to combat it is great.
Usually the b.s. does not get to me b/c in this line of work you really have to learn how to let stuff roll off of you, especially small stuff--like this mediation issue. But this OC has been more difficult than usual & it's been a fight to do e.v.e.r.y. s.i.n.g.l.e. thing w/her in this case so I just got fed up w/her antics. I've let it go now though, lol!
1. Law School Debt
2. Stupid Clients
3. Finding Clients
4. Making Clients Pay
5. Tedious Documentation
6. Opposing Counsel
7. Moronic/Biased Judges
8. Public Perception
9. Lack of Jobs
10. Alcoholism/Drug/Food Abuse
Not necessarily in that particular order.
I dream of quitting it all to go teach English/write in China every single week. Then I think about that damned debt and lack of career prospects teaching in China. Woe be to the ambitious. Never happy, never satisfied.
Wow! I probably would have written her back and said, "You're going to charge your client all this money for all these emails, right? I'll put this in the records for the court to see." I've heard of attys doing this kind of stuff
Did you hear about the changes to Jung Il Woo's new drama? So it's been changed from three male actors to two.... NOOOOOOO!!! I was so excited to finally see him back in dramaland and now it will be him and you-know-who. So disappointed. Guess the writers don't have any clear ideas about where they are going with the story.
oh gee, i like DBSK and all but I'd've preferred the other guy and if they are getting rid of one actor this late (or early) in the game, does it mean they have no story at all?
Soompi reported yesterday that "the original plan was to cast three male actors and one female actor, however, they changed it to two male actors and two female actors."
You can read the full post here:
This is completely unrelated to anything happening this week, but there is a small voice over in 10cm's song Tonight that sounds SO MUCH like Song Joong Ki. I haven't been able to find anything to corroborate this, but I just can't shake the feeling. Does anyone know if it's actually him? It starts around 2:40.
I think that's Yoon Chul Jong (the guitarist) who does spoken word bit. When they play Tonight live, he's the one who does it as well (although he often says the words in a playful/greasy tone because he's embarrassed).
Ah! I have watched one of the live performances and wondered about that, but wasn't certain because as you said he plays it very differently. That made me wonder if they had someone famous do the recorded version. It would make sense if it's because he's embarrassed though; it's a pretty greasy song.
I don't know why I end up being that much more tired on a week where there's a day off, but I've felt like I've been behind and off since Monday -- which I spent the whole holiday catching up on housework and no relaxing :/ Anyhow...only three this week.
Triangle: This week's episodes upped the ante in the interesting department -- for me, at least. So, suddenly Young-dal becomes a "whiz" poker player -- after nearly a lifetime of being a crappy player. He goes all in without even looking at his cards, and then gets a nearly impossible King full house -- against younger bro Yang-ha, no less?? The end of ep7/beginning of ep8 kinda had me rolling my eyes, although it's obviously being written that way to show that YD's luck is finally beginning to change. And poor YH...he realizes his adoptive dad is involved with Skunkman Go, he sees Jung-hee being so happy and smiley with YD, and he loses to YD (although I have to say, his 3 aces? Freakin' near impossible draw too...and I've watched my fair share of World Series of Poker tourneys. The budding (or rekindling?) relationship between boring Shin-hye and Dong-soo is good for DS (maybe he won't get into those sudden fits of rage?) but bothers me with the professional ethics between doc and patient...first love nonwithstanding. I think Gummimochi said it and I agree...I feel bad for Oh Yeon-soo because she got stuck with a boring character. (I still remember her fondly when she was paired with Oh Ji-ho and she was a divorced ajumma who hit it big with a gamja-tang place...haha, old school memories!).
Witch's Romance: I wasn't a happy camper because if Dong-ha's sad, I'm sad too :/ Argh for Shi-hoon, who's been nothing but an ass who thinks he can just plop back down into Ji-yeon's life and suddenly try to marry her again, without any real discussion with her</ about why he was gone for 6 years?? And JY, girl...isn't it telling if you're not glowingly happy and lovey-dovey with SH and his marriage proposal...and you keep thinking about DH?! For someone so smart and on top of things, it's a bit of a contrast to be so short-handed on the love side. Granted, SH was a complete jerk who dumped her via his bitchy assistant (hm, I think she's got the hots for him, why else would she be so shifty?)
Wonderful Days: Had watched until ep15, and I've been putting it on hold since...primarily due to the boring dullness that is Dong-seok and Hae-won (I had been watching for Dong-hui's kids). I was kinda fed up and just decided to skip those 12 eps and just watched both 27+28. I had no idea the dad was still around...I remember them discussing him as a philanderer but thought he was dead. (It was kinda weird to see him because I still remember him and his evil portrayal of Moon Chae-won's dad in The Princess's Man).
I wanted to apologize to JB and GF for my flaming remark (which was deservedly removed) on the...
Oops, got cut off and italicized (forgot to close the html, drats)
...post about the casting of ___ (I don't even want to mention the name, for the "safety" of my post from those crazies, haha). I know I should have chosen my words carefully, even if I cuss a lot in rl -- lol :P But at least they enforced the commenting policy! It's the first, but hopefully the last, that'll happen to me :)
ooohh. now i'm totally curious about what you said that got removed, lol.
i don't think i've ever seen a comment removed--but it's probably more likely that i have not noticed it when i do see it. do you get an email saying your post has been removed or do you just come back and it's gone . . . quite interesting stuff here!
Lee Jong Suk is saving the drama but still I think this drama is having a direction compared to episode 1-6 it is just difficult to like Jin Se Yeon but I think she is working it out.
Oh, I'm surprised no one mentioned the PPL banner that ran at the top for awhile!
A sideways shot of (who?) holding a shopper style bag with a graphic and "Dramabeans: Deconstructing ... " message on it. The bottom of the bag had a subtle address for kwinconceptshop.com. Interesting....Anthony would be so proud.
I actually took the bait, and windowshopped a little. But didn't see that actual bag. Perhaps javabeans is testing the waters to see if we noticed. Or someone else hijacked the site? Anyway, I don't see it anymore. Just as well, things looked a little overpriced, but they always do in tens and hundreds of thousands of won!
Regular lurker here (well I hate the name lurker - sounds creepy, but anyway I'm often here), but I felt like I had to say: GOODBYE SHI HOON you will not be missed!!!! Ugh I'm so glad to have him finally stop raining on the cutesy and flirty WR and have it return in the last weeks to that.
Also watching You're All Surrounded and Roommates and loving both.
Been a long time since I last posted. It's been mainly old dramas for me these 2 weeks.
First I finished Let's Eat, which was so much food porn but oh so good. I could only manage 1 episode a day (right after dinner) because it made me feel so hungry after watching it. The story was ok, and I was surprised how well Doojoon fit into his role. I like Beast, but never thought of how he would do as an actor. I just kept having random cravings for korean food the whole time I was watching the show, and now that I've completed it I feel withdrawal symptoms. Also because I felt like those 3 were really my neighbours, and I just wanted the show to continue telling me what happened to them.
Next I watched White Christmas. [some spoilers ahead]
Wow. I know DB readers have always raved about this show, I never had the urge to start watching it until this week. It is one of those shows that stick with you long after, and one that forces you to realise that people are so complex that they don't fully understand themselves. I really think the students' descent into darkness started when they began to tell themselves it was ok to take the alcohol from the teachers' dorm because people would think the murderer did it. But just because someone committed a crime does not mean that every crime in the vicinity can be blamed on him. And once they started rationalising their actions, it sort of foreshadowed the way they ended things. I think I will definitely rewatch this one. I can't believe many of the actors were newbies when they did this show. They were really good at portraying all the complex emotions.
And now I'm stuck again. No idea what to start. Wondering if I should start Heartless City or go with something lighter. Any suggestions?
If you want something older, I watched Someday (2006) recently and would recommend it.
It seems to have fallen under most people's radar, but it's a rather well made drama that doesn't unfold by the usual k-drama norms and unique in other ways (beautiful drawings included!). Bae Doona is in it (which says a lot already) and Lee Jin-wook (love his character). Plus, it has the best female second lead character I've come across in a k-drama. The only downside is that it also has an awful male second lead (hated that guy with a passion).
While I appreciate foremost a well written and executed drama, I seem to always find myself fondly remembering those that made me feel something for anything that a particular drama offered. It's something that can't be boxed with logic, for it goes way beyond it. It is something that is felt and personal. I believe the closest colloquial term drama viewers use is "the feels" and boy did the show splashed me with tons of it.
Ultimately, it is unfortunate that the show was not able to match the emotional intensity (which was able to grip my attention and made me invest as a viewer) with the type of storytelling it deserved. Nevertheless, despite its flaws, it is a show that I will remember fondly.
My weeks just seem to fly by. Every time I hear of some drama I never quite finished because I entered the world of language learning, I think "Oh, I really have to get back to that!"
I'm not sure how many dramas there are that I abandoned, but here are the ones that come to mind:
You from Another Star ... just 1 episode to go
Can We Love ... how does the director's romance end?
Let's Eat ... still eating and waiting for me to come back
Grandpas Over Flowers ... still in Spain, somewhere
Full House Thai ... I haven't even seen the icecream kiss!
I feel such guilt that I have started other dramas without finishing the ones I was watching. Like I watched 10 episodes of "The 100" and "Deadbeat". I went thru my Hulu queue that was taunting me with it's high number of unwatched episodes and weekly expired videos and deleted most (including Grandpas!) because I just didn't want it hanging over me. My viewing habits changed. I only get a few hours a week. Now Hulu has zero videos instead of 33. That feels like such a burden off my shoulders.
So perhaps this week, I can finally see a few of those dramas that mock me for abandoning them. I am curious if 3 months of writing pen pals and watching random Talk To Me in Korean videos has yielded any improvement in my listening skills with dramas.
![[K-drama Treasure Hunt] Heart-fluttery bottle opening](http://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kdrama-treasure-hunt.png)
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1 a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 6:14 AM
Happy Friday everyone!
Now, I must jump right in to what’s eating me up—Witch’s Romance—the end of Episode 12.
** BEGIN SPOILER**
I admire and respect Shi-Hoon’s honesty and self-respect in ending things with Ji-Yeon. I totally understand how he feels seeing that she is just not that into him anymore, but his execution? It sucked. He was insensitive, cruel, mean-spirited, and just a plain @$$. He also showed an intent to hurt her that I absolutely cannot forgive. He went through with the wedding photo shoot knowing that he was going to end things. Then he sat there appearing to happily look at the photos & introduced his break up speech by selecting a photo to keep. Really!? Who does that? And his break up speech—telling her he was dumping her because they did not get along like they did before. Like she’s supposed to be the same person she was six years ago.
His selfishness has peeked through slightly at times, but it was in full force in this scene. Because to me what he is really pissed about is that she is no longer all about him. He cannot handle her life not revolving around him.
I have tried to like Shi-Hoon but, unfortunately, the way his character is written makes that impossible. He is too one-dimensional. There is no glimpse into the inner workings of his mind and heart. We know he has a backbone because he fired his assistant and he said no to being in a relationship with someone he loved who did not love him back, but that’s about it.
He could and should have taken the fact that he deeply hurt Ji-Yeon into account when he ended things with her. I cannot imagine the pain of your fiancé not showing up at your wedding and being m.i.a. for six years. Having done that to her, you mean to tell me he could not have sat her down and talked to her about how he felt and at least given her the appearance of choosing to walk away? Instead, he hurt her again.
Having said all that, from a narrative perspective, I like where the writer took him. The second lead silently suffering as he/she watches the person they love loving someone else is something I have always hated. Just once I’ve wanted the second lead to acknowledge what they see and what they feel and move on. But no, it’s usually just an abrupt letting go and the next minute they’re fine and happy for the OTP. However, I’d have taken that sad troupe over Shi-Hoon’s cruelty any day.
My only hope is that Ji-Yeon gets her fire back and gives it to him in Epi 13. If not, she’s going on my list . . .
**END SPOILER**
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Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 6:24 AM
Here I fault execution more than anything in the character, because what actually happens in the story is this: Shi Hoon realizes she's with him mainly because she feels she should be, and despite loving her and wishing for her to stay, he breaks up with her because she cannot do it herself.
He doesn't come across as mean spirited to me at all, and I'm curious to see if this show will end as the original did, with friendship.
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Patch
May 30, 2014 at 7:25 AM
Is that what happened there? I've taken to skipping any scene with Shin Hoon so I had no idea they'd broken up.
And what a crappy way to do it, Ji Yeon lacking agency right to the end.
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kdramas
May 30, 2014 at 7:45 AM
More than Polar Bear being a douche bag I am bothered that the "break-up" happened because of him and not her taking the initiative to be more truthful to herself about her feelings for DH!! :/
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a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 9:15 AM
Totally! In a perfect world she would have been honest with herself and SH and ended things.
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enz
May 30, 2014 at 7:37 AM
i have to say i am as irritated with ji yeon as i am with shi hoon. partly coz neither of them can move their face! all i see ji yeon capable of doing is staring at varying distances from shi hoon and dong ha with the same expression. i know what i think she is supposed to feel and i keep willing her to move that face just a little bit more. but no. not happening.
the script is just sooooo lame. i am only watching coz dong ha is still good enough reason to watch but i cant even understand why he would fall that hard for her. the story hasnt been convincing for me on that part.
i know most WR fans will not agree but sorry, thats how i see it.
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Ennui Young
May 30, 2014 at 8:45 AM
@enz I disagree with you here. The script is lacking because a lot of details are missed in translation. However, JY's face is wearing the same expression all the time? How odd...even in Baidu and Weibo where young fans at first complained about the age gap between the two leads and UJH's PS, they all have grown to like UJH and her acting. In these two episodes, she looked at DH with sorrowful eyes, but with SH, her eyes are just "empty." Her voice acting is nuanced too. In fact, one Korean drama critic even said that sometimes her facial expressions are overly expressive, which she never did in her films.
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enz
May 30, 2014 at 8:53 AM
i am afraid this is what i see. its great if you can see her emoting. it would be what i would want to see. but i cant see it!
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a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 9:40 AM
I'm with you fandomscape. I think both Uhn Jung Hwa and Han Jae Suk are solid in the acting department. I find that the writing is the problem. Noh ShiHoon is the least developed of all the characters and as a lead, that should not be the case.
SooChul is more developed (and loved) than SH at this point.
I can't dissect every SH scene, but when he's witnessed the closeness between JY and DH, I think he's played those moments quite well. You can read a lot of emotion in his glances--the love he feels toward JY, the jealousy at them being together, the fear he has of losing her, his anger and a bit of helplessness, etc. I think HJS can't do much more as an actor given the script's limitations. But that's my take . . .
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Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 10:19 AM
I agree. His face is weird now, but there's nothing wrong with his eyes, and I don't often have trouble understanding his emotions. Or hers.
Tara
May 30, 2014 at 3:17 PM
I've seen him in dramas since All About Eve, but it seems lately that he aged a lot...? Can't quite explain why his face looks that way. Or maybe his baby is keeping him at night? (I think his kid is a few months old, from what I remember)
But he's definitely an actor who can act, can emote...so I agree, you can read what he's trying to convey -- especially with his eyes.
Ennui Young
May 30, 2014 at 1:32 PM
I know that you two are referring to her PS and botox. It's no news for everyone that she has Botox and PS for the longest time. I didn't like her at first for the same reason and I cringed at her face in episode 1. But I was astonished by her acting from episode 2 where she got beat up by the fortune teller and her mom, and her eyes were teary while her voice tried to cover up her sadness. First-class acting. Then gradually when she smiles at DH and laughs together with him with her beaming eyes, I even started to find her charming and cute, and I am not the only one who feels the same way. Then I went back to rewatch "Marriage is a Crazy Thing" ...gosh. I love that film and everything about it. I didn't quite get it when I was young and now it's one of my favorite Korean films. (And I do wish her not to do so much PS because she was actually really beautiful back then.)
Anyway. Everybody is entitled to her opinion. There are also different styles of acting out there and everyone has their own preference. I am just really enjoying everyone's acting and chemistry in this drama (except SH), even more so than MQ. :)
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Nokke
June 4, 2014 at 2:02 AM
she has too much botox, so she cant move her face!
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alua
May 31, 2014 at 1:27 AM
I'm glad he was able to realise the relationship wouldn't work, but his way of breaking up was pretty lame-ass, particularly the "let's do the wedding photos".
His "You waited for me six years, but I can't wait for you for a few weeks"... wow, I mean, sure break up, but how can you say something like that without sounding like totally selfish (and yet he's still sort of blaming her)?
I was also really bothered by the fact that he initiated the break up, with Ji-yeon just remaining the passive damsel. I would have much preferred for her to realise her feelings (that things are not working out with Shi-hoon) and owe up to them. Her passivity makes me think she isn't really ready for another relationship. Even if Dong-ha is a good guy, she happily on her own before being truly happy with someone else.
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2 Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 6:14 AM
Watching Roommates. I love the hot Ajusshi. Grow back the beard! Someone find me pictures of the 3 Musketeers!
On my blog, focused a lot on learning numbers. Created 35 flash cards with Dramas to try to help me remember the numbers.
Loving the online class.
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 6:21 AM
Here is the link to the post with 35 Korean dramas and 2 Japanese dramas. Can you guess them all without looking at the answers at the end of the post?
http://jreidy17.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/can-you-count-in-korean-the-number-of-dramas-youve-seen/
Some have a tenuous connection to the number ... like 4 is Boys Over Flowers. Others are just dramas I have watched.
Have any number related dramas I should have included in my list?
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Caitlyn
May 30, 2014 at 6:23 AM
Roommate is awesome, although a bit hit n miss. Sometimes it can be a bit slow. And why does Soo Hyun keep crying over everything!? Nana and Sora tell her a random story about their past, and Soo Hyun starts crying about it, lol. Nana's reaction to her crying was hilarious. "Are you crying? Seriously? Don't cry!"
Chanyeol jumping up and down when he's excited is the most adorable thing in the world.
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 6:48 AM
Chanyeol is seriously adorable. I could completely do without the stuck up model.
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 7:44 AM
Shin Eomma is the best! He makes maturity seem so sexy.
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enz
May 30, 2014 at 7:58 AM
he is an angel!! just so considerate and wonderful. look at how he is mindful that poor dong wook would be hungry and straight away does something about it. he is LOVELY.
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owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 10:40 AM
...and he's livee alone for 35 years since he ventured to Seoul when he was in the 6th grade?
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Newbie
May 30, 2014 at 10:56 AM
I wondered about that, too. So, he lived alone since he was twelve?! Isn't he 47 now? Korean age. Western age is still 45. How is that even possible? That would in fact make him 10 since he lived alone. Impossible.
owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 11:13 AM
and that such a good guy is alone anyhoot - maybe he hasn't found anyone worthy of his chivalry ~ (and I sure don't see any prospects in this houseful of roommates, either)!
Enz
May 30, 2014 at 4:06 PM
Yeah, they are all not even considering him. WHY???!! He is perfect boyfriend materail. Oops, he isnt gay right?
Sexy, hot, can cook, considerate, sensitive, single, handyman. Imean so far, its all pluses.
Newie
May 30, 2014 at 11:25 PM
Enz - I think, if you lived alone for this long and especially during the important years of growing up, it might become a habit hard to break. You'll become a loner.
Surprising to see how clueless LDW is in real life. Overwhelmed buying a handy, unable to cook (all those men spoiled by their mamas!), but at least he knows how not to eat. *irony mode off* :P
enz
May 31, 2014 at 3:06 AM
@newie, i meant how come the girls are not considering this guy? they look at the flower boys but this guy is so much more solid and seems like such a nice bloke. i mean i can understand him being a loner etc but why arent the girls at least considering him instead of just all the young ones!
Newbie
May 31, 2014 at 6:01 AM
Oh, I'm wondering about that, too. But then again not. The massive love Goguma received in INR3 is just the same thing. The wrong guy getting the girl, because he got the right looks. And almost no-one complained. *sigh* If this really is the prevalent way to choose a partner, I see a lot of divorces coming.
Looks fade, but sharing common interests, having the same humor and all around some abilities to master every day life (e.g. cooking, DIY etc.) are way more important in the long run.
Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 5:11 PM
I sometimes think of Open Thread as a small party where each person who posts is attending.
I forget about the lurkers.
Open Thread is more like a panel discussion at a Convention. We hear the few voices, but there is a whole crowd also there listening to what we say.
Thanks lurkers! I am remembering you today. :-) Jump in and join the conversation if you like.
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3 zakin89
May 30, 2014 at 6:19 AM
Happy OT
So much rain this week -.- Mood level is somewhere below 0^^ Though I guess we can be lucky that it’s not as bad as last year where we had one of the worst floods in decades!
Doctor Stranger: I think I’m starting to ship Hoon with Soo Hyun^^ I don’t really care for the politics behind everything. I’m all in for Lee Jong Suk’s performance bc he is delivering!
Witch’s Romance: Don’t tell me that Shi Hoon has finally understood that no one needs him in this drama! Thank you very much now let’s have some sexy times between JY and DH!
Big Man: I honestly have no idea how Mi Ra is still with Dong Suk bc his family (except Jin Ah) is batshit crazy and she should just bolt! I know she loves(d?) him but seriously woman. You have witnessed how far his family was willing to go to get what they want and DS is actually even worse. I just hope that Ji Hyuk finds a way to DESTROY them otherwise I’ll be furious!
New Leaf: One episode per week is not enough! It’s getting really interesting now and the drama does quite well with balancing the court room scenes and other stuff. That audition bit with Sang Tae though^^ My love for Oh Jung Se just keeps growing. He’s hilarious! And I love that he as SJ’s best friend finally knows about the amnesia. But drama…seriously… Alzheimer’s for dad?!
You’re All Surrounded: Those were 2 very fast hours this week^^ It’s amazing how time flies when you enjoy a drama! I am glad that Pan Seok finally knows and can’t wait for the fallout. And how much do I love Dae Gu’s growing crush on Soo Sun?! I hope the big secret of Tae Il is revealed next week bc I can’t stand not knowing^^ Especially bc I love him and Gook to bits and I want the awkwardness to go away! (The YFAS reference about TI had me busting a gut btw :D)
Gap Dong: So have we finally seen the real Gap Dong?! I’m still not sure but it seems this time it’s real one. And though I was surprised it wasn’t that shocking considering that the drama had me suspecting everyone^^
I’m still intrigued by TO’s character and how much his mom and lawyer have to do with his killings bc they know something. And Joon is doing a great job which makes the fangirl in me extra happy^^
Horse Doctor: The game is on =) Kwang Hyeon is back for good and I know that there is much time to screw him over again in the last 14 episodes but I won’t lie when I’m saying that it is oddly satisfying to see the smirks wiped off the faces of Lord Yi every time KH (and Seongha and Jinyoung) screw him over xD
I tried watching the Oldboy remake and gave up after one hour of torture -.- It’s bad! Actually it’s worse than I thought. T.T There was, is and always will be just one Oldboy and that’s the one directed by Park Chan Wook! I have an undying love for this movie bc it was one of my first K-movies I ever saw and I love Choi Min Shik, Kang Hye Jung and Yoo Ji Tae so…
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kdramas
May 30, 2014 at 7:27 AM
Witch's Romance: Don't know about sexy times but Park Seo-joon and Uhm Jung-hwa sure are having fun times as illustrated in this cute selfie with silly shades to boot!!
http://www.soompi.com/2014/05/29/uhm-jung-hwa-and-park-seo-joon-take-a-lovely-selfie-together/#.U4iUKfmSxUV
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kdramas
May 30, 2014 at 7:40 AM
Speaking of Park Seo-joon: it has to said - I've fallen head over heels for him. He relatively comes out of nowhere and knocks it out of the park as Dong-ha. I miss seeing his million faces that he'd make in the earlier episodes of the show. BUT, he also does angst really well. Am sad already that I won't get to see his face when WR wraps up in two weeks.
If I'm not wrong I read that he'll feature in E198 of Running Man. So YAYY of more fun times with him as he was great when he came on earlier.
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zakin89
May 30, 2014 at 7:46 AM
Yeah I'm gonna miss him too! He's really great =) And his faces... They never fail to amuse me :D
Oh seems like you're right about RM... That guest line up was total news to me^^ Though now I'm a bit disappointed bc I thought the next two eps were going to be the Park Ji Sung eps... I'm just super eager to see those bc PJS is a hoot on RM^^
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redfox
May 30, 2014 at 11:21 AM
I will miss his kindness. real world is so scary. the character of Dong Ha is like everyones´comfort pillow. or that teddy bear everyone had as a child. but I have to be fair: that bright kindness also made me notice a lot more nice people right around me. there are these selfless people anyone hardly pays attention to although they are giving more than we are aware of. I have realized that I am also riding on many peoples´kindness. I have to be more grateful.
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 7:47 AM
oh gee...now you have me wanting to watch Surrounded now. I might return.
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4 Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 6:20 AM
Good Morning, My Wondrous Beans!
It's cold here in CT, but at least it's sunny...
My baby girl turns 21 tomorrow, far far away from me. I know Mom is the last person a 21-year-old wants to be with on that day, but I'm still a little sad not to be there. So she's been getting packages and cards all week from me! The excited calls make up for a little bit.
We won't discuss how I can't even wrap my head around 21.
Let's see...Witch's Romance is about to get rid of that annoying Polar Bear, and Fall In Love with Me is about to get rid of that not at all annoying nice boy (but let's face it, I want the bad boy.)
You're All Surrounded is one giant huggable gang of puppy cute, and yes, I'm even including CSW in that. But someone please tell me he's not really a bad guy.
Grandpas! I love you! But you don't get subbed fast enough.
I'm behind but interested on Triangle, A New Leaf, and Wonderful Season. I want to disappear into the dimples on Angel Eyes, I want to slap a few people on Jang Bori, and I want to figure out if it means something that I am attracted to a serial killer on Gapdong.
and then there's the whole Hoon-Joon thing in WTF Doc. Oh and ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMATES. I luff them all. Tell me Dong Wook is coming back?
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Caitlyn
May 30, 2014 at 6:24 AM
He's not really the bad guy!
And yeah, did Dong Wook actually leave? When he was packing his bags, I was like "wait, what?"
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Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 6:28 AM
I'm not watching Hotel King - maybe they had to do a location shoot?
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kakashi
May 30, 2014 at 6:32 AM
Hello JoAnne
Wow, I haven't spoken to you in ages .... NOT
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter! I wish her all the best and more
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a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 6:34 AM
Hi JoAnne!
Hmm, I agree that ShiHoon sees that JiYeon is with him for the wrong reasons, but I also think he does not like it that she has grown a bit beyond him. And I totally think his execution was mean spirited. **SPOILER** Why would he go through the motions (photo shoot, developing the pics, going thru the pics) when it was clear he had had enough when he saw JY and DH together at the hospital? I think that was when he decided it was over. And his break up speech--you do not think it was cruel? Using lines like "I love you but not enough . . . " and "This marriage talk, let's pretend it never occurred." Huh!? Is that what you say considering that you hurt this person and now you're hurting them again . . . even if the person is not with you for the right reasons. I mean, she obviously wants to be with DH but it's not like she does not love and care for SH. S
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kakashi
May 30, 2014 at 6:39 AM
OMG Polar Bear annoys me SO MUCH
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rainerust
May 30, 2014 at 6:44 AM
I've seen the squeecaps you guys write and they are awesome in expressing the level of hate I have towards polar bear haha.
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a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 6:58 AM
I'll have to check out the squeecaps. Another Polar Bear hater!? I'm in, lol.
okiejune
May 30, 2014 at 7:07 AM
Hee hee - if we only read the squeecaps, we'd have no idea what the Polar Bear really looks like :)
kdramas
May 30, 2014 at 7:30 AM
Yes, we ALL have checked out the squeecaps! Your, errmmm, "modified" screencaps are a thing of genius! heeeeeee. They've gotten me through when uri Dong-ha's been sad and moping around.
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bbstl 🧹
May 30, 2014 at 7:56 AM
Yes, LOVING your squeecaps (and have ever since Heirs). I can't seem to figure out how to make comments there, so I will do it here! You guys are great and make me laugh so hard, thank you.
kakashi
May 30, 2014 at 8:02 AM
yeah, many people have issues with comments. any kind of mobile/tablet usually doesn't work unfortunately. I can't fix it, it's a Blogger issue.
Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 6:44 AM
I prefer to think that he didn't make his mind up until that moment, wavering as people do when they love someone and hope for a thing. Also, the speech: I love you, but not enough - I don't take that the way you did. You think he says he doesn't love her enough to marry her. I say (after watching him uncomfortably swallow situation after situation where Dong Ha and Ji Yeon demonstrate closeness) that he is saying he loves her, but not enough to continue accepting the situation as it stands. Which he shouldn't have to, so I don't see him stating it as a bad thing. Eventually, his love would turn to anger and bitterness. I also make allowances for translation, because the way we use words can sound cold. 'We'll just pretend this never happened.' doesn't really MEAN that. It's short hand, it implies a re-set to a better moment.
And again, I'll say that as much as he hurt her, she hurt him. It is unfathomable to me how people are so willing to blame him for not calling, but give her a free pass on it. I don't want him with her either, but I'm at least clear-eyed about the situation!
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a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 6:52 AM
Good points. I'm still mad at him though & if I were her I'd want to slap him :-;
But I do not quite understand how she hurt him if you are referring to the six years they were apart. The way I understood it is that she had no idea where he was. Her mom hired a PI to find him & coudn't. She did not know that the famous Philip Noh was ShiHoon & she did not know he was injured, etc.
As far as hurting him now that they are back together . . . yes, unintentional and as well-meaning as she may be, it would hurt anyone to know the person they love does not love them the same way. That is why I do not mind him acknowledging that he sees the truth & has enough self respect and love to let her go and move on. That is absolutely what he should have done. I just do not like the way he did it.
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Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 7:22 AM
*****************spoiler************************
He did not know that she didn't know any of this. Since he didn't know that his assistant called her and broke up with her on his behalf (very cruelly), he only knows that when he woke up from his two month coma, she had returned the wedding rings. So for me, they are both sitting in exactly the same position:
1. Each thinks the other dumped them, doesn't really know why, but what's done is done. Why would you call?
a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 9:19 AM
You're right! I totally forgot about THAT part of the equation. I'm all about JY & DH so I guess pieces of the SH arc are a little foggy. But yes! SH did think he'd gotten dumped which would explain why he failed to call in all those years . . . sheesh.
At least he fired that *-----* assistant. She was so psycho.
Still, he needs to go far far away again. I luuuurve DH!
alua
May 31, 2014 at 1:16 AM
There IS one difference though: he COULD have called, but she couldn't have.
Why should he have? Well, personally I would want an explanation directly from the person I was with for ten years. If they slam down the phone, well, at least he would have tried... but why was he conducting the end of his ten-year relationship via a third person?
The whole six years and Shi-hoon's appearance are pretty badly written, there are too many open questions. Like when he reappeared. Did he reappear to finally seek her out? Why after six years? Or was it the coincidence (I presume) of running into her in the same restaurant that made him seek her out? (Not sure that make sense b/c given his status and the exhibition he was having, his picture would have made it into the news at this point anyhow, and she would have finally found out about his whereabouts.)
I also wonder about all the details of what happened after the breakup since supposedly Shi-hoon didn't set foot in Korea for six years. Which is strange itself – how do you do an impromptu abandonment of the country you've been residing in long-term? And why would you do that? International moving isn't that straightforward. What happened to all the stuff he had in Korea (it's not like he had planned moving anywhere before, but was preparing for life with his fiancée), the stuff he surely left with fiancée, what happened to his family and why did he have no contact with other people (friend), etc etc etc
Just lots of holes in the story....
redfox
May 30, 2014 at 11:24 AM
I, point blank, do not want to pay any more attention to Shi Hoon The Smug. Let him be gone and no reason to talk about him. fed up and annoyed till latterday
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atz
May 30, 2014 at 1:17 PM
This whole eps made me wonder if the Polar Bear broke up with her because he found out that she could not bring herself up to break up with him so he needed to do in a mean way so that she can finally get free from him once and all, or man tells a lie to protect himself just like his conversation with her pregnant best friend,. If his reason were the latter, he still has a big room to grow up. Once you reach nearly forty years old or older, he does not need to save his face, just be honest with her and tells her what he sees and break up with her for her sake. For God sake, he made her stranded for six years. That is something he could do at least! Be civil and mature.
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Hari
May 30, 2014 at 3:59 PM
Yep, that's how I understood the scene. *spoiler* SH knows that JY isn't happy, is settling, can't let go of Dong-ha he read her response in the book, so he is calling it quits & piling up the asshole points to reveal her guilt. *spoiler* I also hoped SH would have 1 honest, lay it all on the table conversation with her. I guess only Dong-ha and JY's mom get to be the more evolved characters. Still find the writing & acting better than most of the K-romcoms/dramas I've seen (granted, I'm a novice compared to most Dramabeaners.
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kanz
May 30, 2014 at 6:38 AM
I think Dong Wook is just shooting for Hotel King.
Btw, my friend turned into LDW fan, after watching him in Roommates. She told me on another day that LDW is so handsome and I just like, "Well, yeah, of course"...
Then, now she's trying to watch LDW's drama, even the makjang Hotel King.
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Caitlyn
May 30, 2014 at 6:40 AM
I was going to watch Hotel King for Dong Wook until I found out it was a weekend drama, and not even for him will I put myself through that.
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lh39
May 30, 2014 at 8:24 PM
LDW looks a bit haggard in Hotel King. He was really good looking in Scent of a woman. What to say about Lee Da Hae ? Her performances as anti-heroine in Miss Ripley and the slave in Chuno were good. Now she comes across rather unnaturally in Iris 2 and Hotel King. Even the way she speaks now seem different.
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leane
May 30, 2014 at 6:47 AM
JoAnne, I knew you were a woman after my own heart. My baby is now 26 and my eldest is 36, with a 15 year old grandson thrown in. Time will now fly and you won't know where it went. K dramas have become my guilty pleasures and I find I have become more selective on what I actually watch and what I just read recaps for. Love what you and your cohorts do with sqeecaps. Witch's romance, Angel eyes and wild chives are the only ones keeping my interest right now. Maybe it's because of the puppies in them that it's like that. And yes. Lee Sang Yoon and Nam Goong Min are classified as puppies in my book. Too young for me to think of them any other way. I what to take them home and feed them a good home cooked meal and make sure they get a good nights sleep. LOL Catch y'all later.
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 7:21 AM
Happy birthday to your baby girl!
Dong Wook will def be coming back! (I hope)
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enz
May 30, 2014 at 7:56 AM
hi joAnne
happy birthday to your daughter!! no la. dong wook is coming back. roommates is all i get to look forward to these days :( . i really am at a lost as to which drama to start..
might have to just wait for the eric and yung jumi one.
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spazmo
May 31, 2014 at 2:23 AM
i know the feeling... my daughter is turning 21 in 2 weeks...
why is it we can still smell their baby's breath while still in diapers as an infant? 21 years passes so fast!
: (
but the good thing is they are grown up, and we raised them WELL!! so kudos to you, oma!
; )
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5 Wag_a_Muffin
May 30, 2014 at 6:21 AM
Do you ever watch K-dramas and think, "nobody's life is like that?" I used to. And now I feel like I'm living in a mak-jang. I hope everyone else is having a good week--kind of karma evening out because mine is so bizarrely . (Honestly, if I saw the things that happened this past week as a tear jerk/evil mother episode, I would have thought, "what over acting.")
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 6:57 AM
Obviously you are taking life with a sense of humor. Hope whatever drama is causing you trouble gets resolved soon.
Watching an episode of Jerry Springer always cheers me up when my life takes a down turn. No matter what, at least there isn't any paternity tests and hair pulling going on in my family drama.
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Wag_a_Muffin
May 30, 2014 at 7:54 AM
Thank you for your kind words. I just saw the open thread and thought, "nobody knows me--so I won't embarrass my daughter if I vent."
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Wag_a_Muffin
May 30, 2014 at 7:55 AM
Oh, (I just reread this.) I want to make it clear, I am not the evil mother. The boy friend's mom is. : )
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 8:51 AM
I've experienced some head scratching moments where I think "I thougth this only happened in dramas" being in China (so much drama happened over 2 pieces of carrots. Also swapping dance order).
Hope things work out whatever it is! It will soon turn for the better I hope. And the later you can look back on it and compare how real life and dramas act out.
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redfox
May 30, 2014 at 11:32 AM
it is the opposite: my life is constantly like a drama. seriously. but so bizarre it is not makjang.
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 2:27 PM
I'm OK with the fact that my life has been a romantic comedy the last 3 months.
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6 Laden
May 30, 2014 at 6:21 AM
Hey Beanies!!!!
I trust you all had a great week! Okay so I'm basically just going to squeal about YAS,the chemistry is definitely on!! Daegu+soosun=adorable but panseok+soosun= sizzling.I don't know why everyone is picking father-daughter vibes I'm totally picking pan seok flustered by soosun vibes I mean the camera scene and kitchen was just *sigh* he's totally hyperaware of her,I love daegu but I want more panseok soosun scenes. and it seems that apparently I'm the only one that likes the chemistry(well its chemistry I see) btw soosun and panseok
Witch romance is boring me out with the angst can we just get back to the 1st 6 episodes I totally loved.and can someone pls change shi hoon's face or something
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Caitlyn
May 30, 2014 at 6:26 AM
Anything between Panseok and Soosun would just be a waste of time because they both have their other halves to get with. I only see them as Sunbae/Hoobae, and that's how they see each other.
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Muenchabench
May 30, 2014 at 8:44 AM
Yeah, if they continue down that road I will be almost grossed out, Why those furtive glances Panseok? you were just getting your shi-t together!
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redfox
May 30, 2014 at 11:33 AM
I would rather they go a fatherly direction with Pan Seok.
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Team PanSun? PanSoo?
May 30, 2014 at 3:31 PM
I don't think that this writer is going this way (fatherly direction). The writer will make the chemistry will sizzle out because many fans won't accept this coupling.
Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 6:26 AM
I see it but I'm not sure how I feel about it.
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enz
May 30, 2014 at 8:03 AM
if you want shi hoon's face changed, you can check out the squeecaps at problematic of the unproblematic. they did it.. literally.
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Team PanSun? PanSoo?
May 30, 2014 at 3:28 PM
I agree with you about the sizzling! Hot hot hot! The only way that this ship would sail though is if the writer also has the hots for CSW, me thinks.
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7 Manin
May 30, 2014 at 6:28 AM
Hello Beanies! Happy Friday and OT!
Children's day preformance was held today and finished successfully! Finally it's done and I shall never had to hear that song ever again. One of the children gave me an ice cream, making her my favorite child as it's very very very warm here (thank god for the air con finally working in my room, no more heath strokes!)
Also counting down the time until my housemate leaves for England giving us all a break from his moods. Not looking forward to being alone with him for 2 + weeks starting now though, as my other housemate is going away to catch a break and visit family.
Dramaland of rewatching and recaps):
-Rewatching Masters sun. I do really love this drama, and so nice to see all the little things again.
-reading recaps for You are all surrounded and Witch's Romance and fall in love with both of me. Need to watch all shows, but am currently in a no-motivation period to watch new things.
Started: Shinigami-Kun. I like it so far, running a bit behind on it though. Ohno is cute in it.
-Rewatching old episodes of Running Man to keep my mood up from housemate drama.
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korfan
May 30, 2014 at 7:00 AM
Manin -
Hi! Hope you're doing well.
Glad to hear things went well with the kids. ..... Plus ice cream! Yay!
Regarding the housemate, I hope the next two weeks won't be super awful. I know if must be very difficult, so sorry. ...... I don't know what to say other than try to avoid each other as much as possible, although I know this may be impossible given the space/living situation. ...... Is there another international friend available who can accompany you as a housemate temporarily for the next two weeks? I don't know if this is a solution, but perhaps. ....... Whatever you do, just please keep your personal safety in mind!
I just heard on the news that you guys have sandstorms this week. Hopefully not too severe.
I think if I had more time, I'd rewatch Master's Sun also! It's so good! ....... I'm watching Ghost now, so that's where I get to see So Ji-sub!
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 8:15 AM
Korfan- Yeah I'm good now that I have a working air con. Went down with heath stroke the other day but now fully recovered. And ice cream is the best. China has mango ice cream and I now totally get the halbe's obsession over it in Granpa over flowers. Soo Yummy!
Yeah I shall manage. Hopefully he won't be too moody, I'll mostly have to deal with him at work and evenings. But now that my air con works not leaving my room is a tempting option :p Also our days off doesn't match (I have friday + saturdays off, he sundays and mondays) so don't have to deal with him much on the weekend.
Haven't noticed a sandstorm here luckily! Also not seen much of the monsoon rain either, which has hit the south a lot I've heard.
Haven't seen Ghost. I did however watch the chinese movie he played in the other day. Enjoyed the movie, but a little weird seeing So Ji-Sub and not having his voice :p
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korfan
May 30, 2014 at 10:44 PM
Manin -
Oh thank goodness for the different schedules!! ...... The less contact the better.
The mango ice cream sounds yummy. ....... The only mango ice cream I've ever tried is a Japanese-style mochi (glutinous rice) ice cream, .......... creamy mango ice cream ball with a mochi covering. It's a tasty little treat!
Take care and careful with the heatstroke!
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 7:24 AM
yay...moody roomie will be gone soon!!!!! Ah, you'l remember what it's like to exhale freely.
Force yourself to watch Golden Cross or Big Man. They set the adrenalin running.
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 8:19 AM
He will! He'll be back though but I get a month + of being able to breath and not feel like treading on eggshells. I won't know what to do with myself :P
Hm. I might give them a try. So many interesting dramas coming up as well, so really feel the need to get my motication back.
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enz
May 30, 2014 at 8:09 AM
hi manin, i havent been keeping up with OT much so i dont know about your housemate woes. hope it gets sorted soon and everything will be well again for you.
i am also not motivated to start any new dramas. its quite hard to only have one currently airing drama to watch and not know what i want to start or even which old one to try. i just cant move on from SLA still at the moment i think although i am not rewatching that either.
anyway, keep the spirits up!! sending good vibes your way.
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 8:24 AM
Hi Enz, how are you?
Yeah, housemate is an.. interesting character at times. It's become the thing that I refuse to let ruin my time in China, but also one of the things that makes me happy I am going back in September as well. But we shall preserve!
Ah yes I followed the recaps of SLA cause I was interested in seeing how it did before watching. It seems like it was quite the addiction for a lot of people.
I am also kinda aimless about what to watch with no motivation. Started masters sun again because I sent it as a suggestion to a friend and then just wanted to see it. But I am jumping a lot in it as well, although I love the drama.
It makes me feel a little useless in the OT (or other threads) as I have little to say in the currently airing dramaland because I just can't get anything started.
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enz
May 30, 2014 at 9:02 AM
yes, i think there is a group of very dedicated fans of SLA and i am one of them. in fact, so dedicated are some of them, they created a blog fully dedicated to it.
it has everything - including translations of the actual script for it as well as very interesting interviews with the director. check it out if you have time
http://pianoconversations.wordpress.com/
are you not going to watch it?? i managed to get a real (as opposed to virtual) friend to watch - and she isnt a kdrama fan - and she really enjoyed it. it was different from the little she had seen of kdramas.
ahh, your time will be up in sept?? hope you get the most out of it from now till then. your time in china will surely be a rich bank of memories for you later :)
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 12:30 PM
Its on my (ever growing) list to watch, no idea when I get around to it. :p
Yes time is up in september, when I'll return to Europe to study. Very muh tempted to go back afterwards though.
owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 8:42 AM
moody Englishman roomie - yuck. enjoy your breathing space when he's gone
Wait and do a Witch's Romance marathon - it's that kind of drama.
Is school year-round? or do you have some time off now?
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 8:54 AM
Hi Owl How are things? Seem ages since we spoke!
Haha yuck indeed!:p
Marathon seems to definitively be happening. Especially as I'm sure it will already have ended by the time I get around to watch it.
Kindergarten is year-round (as far as I know anyway). I'm planing a week off in July to get lost in Japan though.
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owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 9:54 AM
I taught 2nd grade and loved it but the school closed and I jumped to high school geometry/algebra/art, and actually loved that, too. Now I nanny year round. I am going to the Oregon coast for a week in July. I would love to go to Korea. I spend a month in New Zealand, it was a true escape where I did what I wanted in the remote south island and had no demands. Ahhh *snap. shakes head* Gotta go change a diaper.
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 12:35 PM
Ah New Zealand, I've always wanted to go there (okay, so even more after Lord of the rings, not gonna lie). Looks so pretty.
How is it being a Nanny? Looking after many children?
CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 5:26 PM
lol! Ah, the quick perceptive nose of the nanny. You cracked me up just then.
pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
May 30, 2014 at 9:57 AM
Hey Manin! Sucks about your roommate, I hope you have a good break when he goes though.
And Master's Sun is SO rewatchable. I know there were questions when it ended, about how well it would hold up in the rest of the Hong sisters' drama lineup, but it does really well on a rewatch too. Plus all that sexy, incredibly natural chemistry of the best romcom OTP ever **swoon**
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 12:40 PM
Yeah the break will be nice. And after that only 1 month something until I'll go back so all good.
Yes the rewatch looses nothing upon being rewatched. You still get dragged in. i feel like the ghost elements work for rewatch as well because they do have that comic book feel to it. And the chemistry is amazing. Shame it didn't go into real life. Oh well.
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 2:31 PM
I haven't responded much in recent OT's, but I always look for your posts and think of you often. Be well and happy, stay hydrated, and enjoy this phase of you life journey that is experiencing China. (((hugs)))
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 7:33 PM
Thank you Julia! I shall try my best. hopefully after all this madness of childrens day I get to go back to observe for more kdrama toddlers again.
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8 kanz
May 30, 2014 at 6:32 AM
Hello everyone!! Happy OT!
This week I just watch Dr.Stranger and A New Leaf
Dr.Stranger: okay, I think the plots getting better this week, although the ping pong politics between doctors can be tired sometimes. Who really cares about the First and so on? I ship Hoon and Soo Hyun too. Don't care about Jae Hee/Seung Hee. I think I really have severe case of dislike to Jin Se Yeon. Sorry JSY, but you just can't make me feel and seem to have same plain expressions. Whereas Kang Sora is more lively and better at acting.
A New Leaf: How much I love new Seok Joo!! And Ji Won too... SJ is all lovey dovey to Jung Seon and I really love it. I feel bad for Ji Yoon but at least she doesn't cry in the corner but choose to do her works instead. I can't hate CYW too, it must be because Kim Sang Joong charisma.
Rather than watching current dramas, I'm currently watching oldies like What Happened In Bali (yes, I know the ending), Damo, etc. Mostly HJW dramas.
I also find the strike at KBS to be devastating and at the same time interesting. Public TV station should be the most neutral and give proportional news, not just backing the government. I hope it resolved soon!
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Caitlyn
May 30, 2014 at 6:39 AM
The doctors in Dr Stranger are so ridiculous. I mean, Kang Sora's character didn't know how to be a First? Really? And they're still trusting her to help with an operation of an infant? And then there's the anaesthetist getting her boyfriend the role. And the other male doctor who doesn't appear to have a clue what's going on ever. If i were a patient in that hospital, I would be seriously concerned for my life, lol
I don't know if it's Jin Se Yeon or the writing. I don't think her character is supposed to be emoting a whole lot anyway, and we're not supposed to know what's really going on with her. So her acting just helps that along.
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kanz
May 30, 2014 at 7:08 AM
The whole hospital politics is just ridiculous anyway but at least the plots moving faster than the past week. Regarding Jin Se Yeon, I really don't have anything nice to say to her, except she looks nice and innocent. I just don't understand her character and her acting doesn't help it.
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Firdhiye
May 30, 2014 at 7:38 AM
I think people are blinded by their dislike for Jin Se Yeon or blind to what it means to be a spy, double agent.
Of course Seung Hee/Jae Hee cant show emote, show her feelings toward Park Hoon because she is a spy and acting like she isnt Jae Hee.
I thought it was moving the first time she smiled at him when they were staring each other before she saw Comrade Chae in the background. Thats her trouble she cant show her feelings in front of others. Throwing herself against her love Park Hoon would just get them killed.....
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windsun33
May 30, 2014 at 8:00 AM
And this is supposedly the best hospital in Korea??
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
May 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM
The funny thing is, Soo-hyun has been presented as smart and competent all along and we've seen her in action....but now she can't be a first for the surgery because Doc Getting-It-On says so? WHAT.
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
May 30, 2014 at 10:01 AM
I don't know, there's cold and unemotional but even that takes some degree of acting ability to express, as opposed to 'cannot generate more than two facial expressions no matter what'.
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Firdhiye
May 30, 2014 at 7:34 AM
A New Leaf is a first in that Jung Seon as the fiancee, second lead isnt being written like she is in the way. Seok Ju cares for her and doesnt look romantically only twoard Ji-Yoon. I love seeing SJ and Jung Seon.
I liked that scene where he promised he would try harder when he knew she wasnt convinced the old him loved her. I like the growth of Seok Ju and hope they dont ruin his current thing with his fiancee since he knows her family, why they choose him.
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kanz
May 30, 2014 at 4:33 PM
Hello Mohammed,
I also love SJ with Jung Seon, SJ with Sang Tae, SJ with Ji Yoon, hahaha. I think KMM can even generate chemistry with log. At first I was afraid JS just like another 2nd female lead but I was wrong and JS garners my sympathy. And who wouldn't like have a boyfriend that proposes you and says, "If I marry you the love will grow as much as it needs to be"? Swoon!!
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9 kakashi
May 30, 2014 at 6:34 AM
Hi OT
I posted it everywhere I could and now I will post it here as well ... Kim Ji-hoon himself retweeted the link to our blog (or rather the link to the recap of his current drama), twice in fact, and now I can happily retire.
over and out (my bum hurts from too much sitting right now, oups, TMI??)
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Caitlyn
May 30, 2014 at 6:41 AM
Really? That's awesome!
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kanz
May 30, 2014 at 6:43 AM
Ow, really? It's not the troll right? LOL
Congrats kakashi!!
You're being recognized by himself as his fan now :))
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kakashi
May 30, 2014 at 6:48 AM
lol, no, it's his real twitter account :)
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a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 6:44 AM
so cool!!
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korfan
May 30, 2014 at 6:48 AM
kakashi -
Congrats on the Kim Ji-hoon retweet!
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 7:04 AM
I assume you know he retweeted your post because you are following him on Twitter? So is he going to start following you on Twitter?
Your blog is ten kinds of awesome! I want the world to know. I want you featured in an article on Chosun Ilbo. I want you to be invited as special celebrity guests at an upcoming Drama award ceremony in Korea.
This could be just the start of your fame. You've already had a million page views. Why not? (big grin)
But if not, then I am glad because I want to keep your awesomeness all for us, your loyal fans.
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kakashi
May 30, 2014 at 7:17 AM
I guess he retweeted because I mention him in the post (his twitter handle is @jiraishin99) and because he has a filter set for Jangbori stuff. I actually doubt he read it :) but who knows!
Thanks for the compliments! But to be honest, I'd rather not have any fame, because my RL is stressful enough as it is :)
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merry
May 30, 2014 at 8:26 AM
Good of him. If only he knew the lengths you go to for him. It is just the start. I wish what JBB also wished for you. I understand though that you are your own celebrity and would not need the complication. Who knows though, you can give more joy than you are doing now with your blog. Hope it is a joyous ride for you, too. Hope Kim Ji-hoon continues to follow you; and we get to know about it, too.
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kdramas
May 30, 2014 at 7:56 AM
ahhhhh, SO awesome!!
In WR's squeecaps would you mind mentioning PSJ (his handle is @BN_SJ2013)?!
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kakashi
May 30, 2014 at 8:01 AM
We sure can! thanks
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 8:56 AM
Congratulations Kakashi! I can only imagine how excited you must feel. (please don't retire).
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
May 30, 2014 at 9:55 AM
!!!!! congratulations kakashi!
(but please don't actually retire lol)
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owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 11:28 AM
totally awesome, kakashi!
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10 rainerust
May 30, 2014 at 6:41 AM
Huh, am for once early for OT...because I OT-ed and am now grabbing dinner, hahaha. There's some irony there.
Happy Friday Beannies and hope everyone had a great week! Mine was crazy busy which in translation means I've only had the energy to keep up with one drama and that was Witch's Romance. I miss the cute fun between the OTP but can totally understand the choice that JY has been making. Although if I had a puppy like DH waiting in the wings I would be having serious second thoughts about wanting to marry SH. Hopefully the end of ep 12 means we can move to more cute stuff like rainbows and unicorns and lots of kisses! For a cable drama this has been awfully tame.
Other than WR I'm unfortunately not following anything else cos they all seem depressing and I need some good old rom-com in my life to lift my mood. Anyone has recent twdramas or jdoramas in that field to recommend?
In other news, God's Quiz 4 is back!!!! Am waiting for more episodes to come out before I start watching because knowing me I'd want to marathon the episodes.
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Kate C.
May 30, 2014 at 4:57 PM
This is not a j or t drama, but have you ever seen What's Up Fox? It's a GREAT noona romcom that had me laughing throughout and is surprising low on angst. 16 eps on Drama Fever, came out in 2006. It's a new fave for me.
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11 korfan
May 30, 2014 at 6:42 AM
Hi Everyone!
I hope you are all doing well today!
Watched this week:
Three Days - Finally finished this. Overall, it wasn't bad. ..... My only little gripe is how loooooong the characters took to answer the telephone during times of crisis/emergencies or to answer questions. I know it's kind of silly, but hey, weren't they portraying an emergency half the time??
Big Man - While I haven't been watching this regularly, I did watch eps 5 and 6 this week. ...... Oh my goodness, I had absolutely no idea Daniel Choi could pull off a character who flys off the handle like that! ...... It's interesting watching his character go from like, zero to irate in less than 2 seconds flat.
Ghost - The good guys are always 2 steps behind the baddies, ...... but I think they'll catch up to them next week.
I Miss You - I didn't catch it the first time I watched it, but this second time around I just found out Harry's mom was Han Jeongwoo's mom's sister. ........ It certainly makes the family tree all that more interesting.
That's about it for now. ....... Everyone take care and have a great Friday!
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 7:30 AM
YES..oh my gosh, Daniel Choi! I haven't had a lust for a character since my mad crush on Kim Boong Do. (Yep, i know...the other extreme.)
Between Dong Suk and Ryu Tae Oh, I am seriously enamored of baddies, but Daniel Choi's character has the real emotional core, that spoiled petulant must-have-it-his-way envy and that desire to show he can do things better than his father ...and that sibling rivalry with faux-brother! Soooo good! Tae Oh is bascally pity-me, I'm confused. Pity goes a long way with me, but apparently not as far as angry deathly ;-) cold disdain and pissedness. And all the while Dong Suk is IN LOVE!!!! And totally mixes up possession/need/control/entitlement with that love. So yeah, Daniel Choi has my warped heart.
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korfan
May 30, 2014 at 7:54 AM
Carole -
Oh dear, yes!!!!! Choi's character is like this combo of little needy kid and cold, calculating power player wrapped into one, but he goes around with this veneer of docile nice guy. ......... Unless something sets off that short fuse of his, of course!
You're right on regarding his mixing up possession/need/control etc. ....... He wants to come across as a man in love, but he's toxically obsessed ....... they way he talked to the girlfriend in the two eps I saw, yikes!!
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owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Daniel Choi is amazing all around - charming, handsome, a great actor, sweet, even plays cold chaebeol so well that I still like him even though I shouldn't.
Warped hearts need love too :)
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korfan
May 31, 2014 at 5:48 AM
owl -
Heh. Warped heart indeed ...... poor guy, all that inner pain!
Daniel Choi is certainly good in this role.
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12 Alyssa
May 30, 2014 at 6:46 AM
Who went for the B.A.P fanmeet in Singapore? ;)
I didn't get to high-five them or anything because I wasn't one of the lucky ones *sniffs* but I managed to see them up close while they were leaving!! Unfortunately my camera's pic quality is really crappy, ugh :c but memories are forever~ hehe :>
Okay, back to K-drama stuff: I'm honestly growing a little bored with Doctor Stranger...but every time LJS appears on screen I'm back to a squealing mess. LSG and CSW are surprisingly good in You're All Surrounded; I started watching it for Ahn Jaehyun but now I'm hooked because of the quartet (and Pan-seok, of course). I don't have the time to watch any other dramas at the moment but I'm hooked on Witch's Romance and A New Leaf's recaps and the summer holidays have started for me so we'll see~
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13 redfox
May 30, 2014 at 6:57 AM
Hello,
how are you?
getting more into You Are All Surrounded and I just looove Go Ara´s acting. She is so expressive.
Witch´s Romance - two of the most serious episodes this week, probably. Heart bleeds for Dong Ha, a guy this kind and warm does not deserve to be rejected.
In one thread this week someone mentioned hanboks and national clothing in general. I was wondering, does any of you have a folk costume? what is it like? when do you wear it? are there people in your country who wear it every day?
and also, which actor /actress do you think looks best wearing hanbok /sageuk clothes?
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korfan
May 30, 2014 at 7:15 AM
redfox -
Doing well here, thank you. I hope you're doing well also.
Regarding the hanbok/sageuk clothes, I think the actors who look great in these clothes are (in no particular order):
- Kim Soo-hyun
- Ji Jin-hee
- Jung Il-woo
- Lee Jun-ki
They all look absolutely fantastic!
For the actresses? ...... I honestly don't know ...... apparently, I've been too mesemerized by the men to pay attention. Heh.
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 7:31 AM
Lee Min Ho did look kinda hot in the General Choi costume, though. Just had to add him.
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enz
May 30, 2014 at 8:21 AM
i like yoo ah in in his regal clothes in JOJ.
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owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 10:54 AM
Anything but the pink angora sweater (Heirs).
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 9:05 AM
Ji Jin-Hee looks awsome in sageuk. Also feel like adding Bae Soo Bin to this list. Loved his look in Dong Yi
And you cannot forgett Song Jae Rim of course.
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shaynanigans
May 30, 2014 at 7:17 AM
Lee Jun Ki and Song Jae Rim especially during fight scenes.
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mary
May 30, 2014 at 7:31 AM
I love you. :D
Yes, Song Jae Rim looks good anywhere, in anything.
Except at home, waiting for drama offers. That is his worst look. I wish his agency would fix that look. Does not suit Song Jae Rim. AT. ALL.
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shaynanigans
May 30, 2014 at 7:42 AM
I love you too Mary!
If Song Jae Rim had joined the cast of Roommate, we could have WATCHED him lounging at home (in bed?) waiting for drama offers. That is a look I can get behind. Or in front of.
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mary
May 30, 2014 at 8:09 AM
:O
What d'you mean "in front of"???
Can you please take this Kdrama Psych Test and tell me if you're a #10? I'm pruning--- err... just checking out who Song Jae Rim's fans are.
http://kdramalaws.tumblr.com/post/87137168227/what-is-your-kdrama-blind-spot-this
Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 8:10 AM
on top of. next to.
CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 10:40 AM
Love me some Song Jae Rim. Oh my lands, the pretty!
Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 2:42 PM
Mary, I picked Rooftop Prince, and I am not unhappy with the result. :-) Thanks for the test.
redfox
May 30, 2014 at 2:51 PM
I picked no. 4 as well. well let´s see if there are wtfś in my life... a marathon running poet, a submariner, 3 levitating yoga instructors, a shaman...yup. khmmm.
korfan
May 30, 2014 at 8:00 AM
mary & Shaynanigans -
*laughing*
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shaynanigans
May 30, 2014 at 9:13 AM
Hmmm. That's a tough one.
I'm tied between #2 & #10.... only because Lee Joon is nekid and a nekid, showering Lee Joon is almost as good as a bound one. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW6YL4K92jk )
SJR on the other hand, sexy no matter how many layers of cloth you drape him in.
mary
May 30, 2014 at 9:23 AM
Shall I schedule you for a "Han River chat"?
I'm booked until August though. Too many chose #10.
pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
May 30, 2014 at 9:38 AM
idk if you would call a sari a 'folk costume',lol. I don't wear them much, but lots of people wear them every day and often at formal events like weddings, graduations etc. I like the way it looks but hate the accessorising - fussy shoes and all - I once wore matching sneakers with my sari and the whole experience of wearing the thing improved 500% esp. since no one even noticed!
Actors who look good in hanbok: Lee Jun-ki of course! And Yoo Ah-in when in Mane of Glory mode.
Among the women: Moon Chae-won, Shin Mina and Lee Young-ae (see the recent pictorial she did in hanbok, it was heavenly)
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redfox
May 30, 2014 at 11:43 AM
I guess we have no choice but to announce Lee Jun Ki as the winner.
forgot to mention I also went to Riga last weekend and it was fantastic as always. Whoever wants to go, then go the the Motor Museum! Those lovely old cars, I did not want to leave. I made like 5 rounds between them. I wanted to live there.
I also saw crazy folk dancing. now I understand why all latvians constantly run in the museum. they are just so full of energy and their dances are faster than hungarian if it is possible.
I own 3 sets of folk costumes btw and I wear them to Song Festivals and some important events. and relatives birthdays sometimes. One is made by my mom, one by myself and one is a choir costume.
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Manin
May 30, 2014 at 12:58 PM
I have a folk costume called "bunad". It's basic from is a woolen skirt with a vest and a special type of shirt inside often also an apron(for girls). Boys have their own version. There a lot of different types though, varying in cut, colours and what decorations and embroidery there is on the skirt, vest and shirt. and are generally tied to the geographical area of where you live (or where your family comes from).
People wear them for special occasions like weddings, baptism etc. Also during the national day celebration. Many also wear them for Christmas Eve.
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14 owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 7:12 AM
Back around to Friday again?
Dr. Stranger – Hoon really is a little crazy. What a coconut shuffle to make up the two teams. I am convinced Kim Tae Sool (Nightshade) is working hard to get Jae Hee and Hoon together without NK or the PM knowing. Presumably, Kim wants it to appear that Jae Hee is dead and if Hoon loses he can “dispose” of him, too. No one will be the wiser as he works to reunite them. Lee Jong-suk is killin’ this – sizzlin’ in the long green plaid jacket and all that. The hair ~
Big Man – It is like the stacked hands game where the bottom hand pulls out and goes on top, and so on, until it is on the bottom again, only to go back on top. Love the acting by everyone. Evil husband says to evil wife, “Sometimes you give me the creeps. You’re scary.” What a pair - they deserve each other. Ha!
You’re All surrounded – happy for the double romance in the air~
Witch’s Romance – bipolar bear – off with you to Alaska. Alone.
Roommate – check out http://www.cimiart.wordpress.com for ep 4 update dawing and FT Island’s Hangul Live! ep 8.
Heartless City overdose high rewatch– I just love kdramas!
I hate this round of WGM global with Heechul and Key. Sad to see our JungMi couple leaving on WGM.
\/
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 7:32 AM
Yeah wow...the wife is so cold. I wonder what she'll do to Mi Ra-shi when she is finished with her.
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windsun33
May 30, 2014 at 8:15 AM
Nah, for sheer over the top creepiness, Daddy in Golden Cross wins hands down.
"Hey daughter, I just sent out a bunch of guys to kill your lover because he keeps pestering me about me killing his sister and father - how about a hug and a battery recharge.."
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15 Lixie
May 30, 2014 at 7:14 AM
Hey everyone!
There was a bit of a discussion about Tae-Il's secret in YAS on the other post so I'm bringing my post here because I wonder if anyone else is also feeling the same way about it?
Mandy - "I don’t think its the gay thing because they’re trying so hard for us to believe it is. "
Me - Me too. I would really love if he really is gay though because he behaves like he is. If this is all a big joke on being gay I find it very stupid and offensive. I can take jokes like in Personal Taste because it wasn't about being gay is wrong, it was just something the character used for some gain but in YAS it's not the character, it's the whole show using it to make funny scenes so I'll be offended if he isn't gay, because it would be like if he was, it would be some big taboo.
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Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 7:23 AM
I don't think it's the gay thing either.
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Lixie
May 30, 2014 at 7:27 AM
Yes, but doesn't it bother you? The way the show is using it as a joke? I don't know, I'm not a very politically correct person or anything but I'm liking this and apart from that I like everything else on the show.
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Lixie
May 30, 2014 at 7:32 AM
I meant NOT liking this. :)
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Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 7:41 AM
I don't think they're treating it as a joke, though? I mean, even before that first scene where he and whoever that guy was were arguing, I was wondering if that was his situation.
Now I think it's a misdirect and that picture they've shown twice is his brother, or a friend who died; something that he feels bad about, clearly.
Whatever he said to Gookie, it's not that he's gay. I think it's more along the lines of him being a certifiable genius or something. Gookie was fine when it was just that Tae Il was tall and handsome...but if he's now a genius, too, then poor Gookie is just in the dust, comparison-wise. It's clear he feels 'less than', at least that's how it looks to me.
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Lixie
May 30, 2014 at 7:50 AM
Yes, I think it's a joke what he said to Gookie as the secret. But if he was just a handsome well dressed guy and people thought he was gay, the joke would be on them.
But he isn't, he really is playing a somewhat feminine guy, he wasn't even subtle in the beginning. I'm not saying ALL guys like that are gay, of course not, I loved when I thought the show was just showing a different kind of guy/cop. But they DID choose to go with the gay issue. If he behaves like that and there is the stupid tension of people suspecting he is gay and after all he isn't, I don't know, for me, it's like the show used a form of being gay as joke which is kind of offensive.
IF that is where it's going I don't think an American show could get away with this anymore.
Muenchabench
May 30, 2014 at 8:34 AM
@Lixie I both agree and disagree with your statements. On one hand, I would think it have been more interesting if was gay and and just left it at that, but your right in I think its all just a crazy misdirect that will keep getting drawn out long past when it need be (seriously who whispers in a car?) And one possible explanation is that they threw it out as a possiblilty but due to ratings or feedback, changed the storyline (which is probably not the case but if it is UGH.)
But then again, many effeminate men can be straight and vice versa. In fact, my college roommate was so against type (masculine, athletic looking) that people always thought we were a couple. But nope he was as gay as a 1940's showtune. I guess what I'm saying that maybe the endgame message of YAS for this particular storyline could be don't judge a book by its color. This is probably the most favorable reading, and they probably could have done a better job w/ this when its all said and done, but we shall see!
redfox
May 30, 2014 at 1:55 PM
I think it might be more in the lines of something medical and the guy on the picture (borther or friend). My imagination is non typical and wild so....maybe he stopped someones heart at med school and it never worked again but then he is relatively calm for that. or he was just a witness to some operation
my first thoughts about the secret were pretty grim
but it might also be a million things... "I am an alien....I am actually a girl (LOL ha) " or ....or maybe it is what everyone thinks which would be boring.
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whatsthescenario
May 30, 2014 at 6:09 PM
I would love for him to be gay. As an actor, I think he would do a fine job as an actor. But I don't think that's the secret. I also hate how they're teasing us about it.
**SPOILER***I think the secret has to do with Team Leader's Ex wife***END SPOILER***
However, kdramas are not ready for gay characters, IMO. They cheated us out of a good relationship in Reply 1997 by never showing us who Hoya got in the red car with, although he acknowledged being gay and happy in the end. In Reply 1994 they cheated us again by making us think Baro was gay an in love with Hyung but then suddenly it was just a moment of confusion and he ended up with that random girl. I didn't buy it. I truly believed his character to be gay but either writers and Korea are not ready to go there. The only drama with gay characters was that drama "Life is Beautiful". They did an ok job, if only to never show them actually kissing. I did like when they discussed how they met in the plane and who approached the other first.
In School 2013, that epic Bromance was the closest we've gotten to how I would portray a "gay" relationship in a kdrama.
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alua
May 31, 2014 at 1:41 AM
Secret Garden had a gay character (the one played by Lee Jong-Suk).
But, generally, I agree that k-dramas are sadly not ready for gay characters, let alone a gay relationship. We'd probably need some of the Korean film directors to venture into drama making for that to happen.
The bromance in School 2013 didn't really strike me as gay – not the way the bromance in Shut Up Flower Boy Band did. I really, really wanted the two boys that were always attached at the hip to each other to be a couple!
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16 Patch
May 30, 2014 at 7:15 AM
Is anyone else having problems with the site eating their posts?
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 7:23 AM
It is a bit on the slow side, but my posts eventually pop up. Have you waited a few minutes and refreshed?
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Amell
May 30, 2014 at 7:28 AM
I've switched to Chrome and that seems to be doing the trick.
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17 CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 7:18 AM
Hi all:
Spring is wonderful around here. Well, Spring is wonderful everywhere, I guess. Am pushing past panic to actually take the plunge and move. Finished my first review for the scifi website I'll be reviewing for. The review totally bottle-necked everything else but am glad it's done.
Presently, my frustrations with Angel's Revenge is making me wonder about the long-form 100+ episode k-dramas. Cause, seriously, if the Big Bad's in these dramas are allowed to frustrate us at every turn, it makes me wonder about the tendency to create tension by prolonging conflict. After a while the conflict no longer enthralls. It just makes one tired, frustrated, bored with repetition, and feel manipulated. There really has to be a happy medium.. I am totally hooked on Angel's Revenge. And am in it for the long haul but wow...if all longform kdramas are like this one, I shall beware of jumping into another.
Golden Cross: Okay, i totally buy the love story. Aaargh. I feel like such a wuss for believing in it. The Golden Cross organization doesn't seem as powerful as I thought/hoped it would be. The "cross" seems to be more about all these double-triple-crosses and complications.
Gap Dong: Haven't seen this week's episode yet.
Grandpas: Dang, why are all those who know the secret dying off? Am thinking this is the real golden cross. I love how they fit the larger arc with the smaller one-episode mysteries
Big Man: Oh my gosh! Right now! I so want an evil chaebol powerful manipulative chaebol boyfriend with "I can do it, Daddy!" issues. I WANT Daniel Choi! Please snap some sense into me.
Happy Together: This week's episode was about foreigners in Korea. Soooo good.
Glorious Day is so sweet but am not really committing to it.
Wonderful Season is trying my patience with the Dong Seuk storyline.
J-drama: First Class: My patience is running out with this one. The voice-overs are not necessary so why use them? The actresses are great at conveying their inner evil. But the main character is sooo good, so meant to be sweet, innocent, likeable (with all that gooey music highlighting her sweetness) thatI'm just balking at liking her.
Have a great weekend, all!
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redfox
May 30, 2014 at 7:51 AM
what spring? we have +6 degrees and 28mps wind
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 8:09 AM
oh gee. I knew when i wrote "spring" that somewhere "spring" just wasn't happening.
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redfox
May 30, 2014 at 1:32 PM
we had +31 last week and then it suddenly dropped back to how the whole winter was. *whine, whine, we like whining*
nah.
at least I had days off when it was warm!
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windsun33
May 30, 2014 at 8:21 AM
Already Summer here - 108 (42C) and no rain for weeks. Phoenix is great in the winter.. summer not so much.
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trekkie
May 30, 2014 at 8:33 AM
I love the guests in Happy Together this week... especially Sam O!! Hope to see more of him in K-Variety shows...
Now waiting patiently for KBS World to upload Cook Kiz on the Block! Ole.. Ole.. Ole!!!!
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18 Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 7:21 AM
Secret confession - I downloaded a Japanese app to my phone called "Bedtime Sweetheart". It so amuses me. I want a Korean version.
Basically. you get a young Japanese man lying in bed and you poke him and he gives different responses (in Japanese of course) but with English subtitles.
sample phrases:
"I am a hard worker. It is because you are so supportive."
"It makes me want to keep you here forever. I want you to wait here for me and to see my reflection in your eyes when I return."
"Stop holding on to me so tightly. If you do, I won't be able to tell you what I want to say."
It all makes me laugh, but I am a little charmed too. Sigh. I do love romantic men.
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 8:02 AM
I want this app.
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 30, 2014 at 2:51 PM
Shall we sleep? CV Dating sim
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koyonplete.soine&hl=en
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redfox
May 30, 2014 at 1:43 PM
that is like Zettai kareshi without clinging
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19 Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 7:22 AM
Does anyone else use Viki and Dramafever on their iPads? I have had so much trouble watching anything straight through lately, and it's a pain to lug the laptop around the house. Even on the laptop, I find Viki and Dramafever just stop playing and I lose a lot of time.
Has anyone got a fix? I've already changed to Open DNS.
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Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 7:24 AM
no problems on laptop or Kindle for that matter.
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 7:29 AM
Also, I've been searching the Viki help questions, and it seems this question has been posted before, and, as with me, they're not answering. So, a fix would be great (got to watch my Jang Bori!) if anyone knows one.
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Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 7:43 AM
I use Chrome as my browser and rarely have issues. When I was using Explorer, that was not the case.
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 8:00 AM
Hi Joanne,
I use Chrome and safari for viki on the laptop and keep having issues that I don't, say, with Netflix or youtube.
Also, I'd really like to be able to watch Viki and Dramafever on my iPad, but can't do so because of the video errors. I've asked them both, but they're not responding.
So, I'm wondering if anyone has managed to fix via settings, either within app, or on their iPads.
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john
May 30, 2014 at 8:11 AM
TS ~
Don't have the iPad app so I really can't say. A week or so ago DF app Kindle & Android was giving errors saying that some shows couldn't be played. Wasn't just me, saw posts on their website. It seems to be okay now.
Viki's "tech support" is something else. Write to them about one thing and they respond with something not even close to what the question was. Then they pestered me with e-mails asking me how the tech support was. Links in their e-mails didn't work either.
Tech support? Hmmmm... Dubious claim.
Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 8:20 AM
Hi John,
Thanks for telling me. I've contacted Viki over twitter too, and no response. I don't really know what to do now.
At this rate, I'll eventually stick to gooddrama or dramafire.
Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 8:49 AM
any time I make a complaint to @viki, they respond to me via DM asking me to send an email to some email address. I never do, because if I wanted to email them, I would have already. If I tweet @vikisupport, they respond. It was always for temporary issues like login or something though.
Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 9:01 AM
@Joanne
Okay, I've been tweeting to @viki, so I'll try tweeting to @vikisupport. I hope that works!
windsun33
May 30, 2014 at 8:28 AM
I don't have an iPad (or any other "i" stuff). Viki seems to work OK with Android, never tried DF, as I use the ROKU app for that nearly always (which is also bugged at times, it loses sync with the subtitles).
I do 90% of my watching on either the desktop, or on the laptop plugged into the TV for big screens. I often have problems with Viki, Drama.net, and k-drama.com hanging up and have to refresh.
I am sure it is their servers or apps, because I never have the same issues on Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube.
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 8:43 AM
If it's their servers, then they're not likely to respond to avoid appearing in the wrong.
I like watching on my iPad. It's the right size to see comfortably, and I can move around easily or even use the exercise bike. I could do that with my phone too, but it's not as comfortable to view as the iPad.
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john
May 30, 2014 at 8:53 AM
windsun33 ~
Yes, DF on Roku, the timing of the subs is off, usually not by much, other times, it's borderline unwatchable. I've been meaning to write to them.
If I switch to watch DF on the LogiTech ReVue , (Android), the timing issue isn't there.
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bbstl 🧹
May 30, 2014 at 8:30 AM
Watching on iPad and not had any problems.
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a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 10:24 AM
I've been having a problem with viki on my iPad but not DF. I do not use the app for viki but I do have the DF app on my iPad.
When I try to watch viki on my iPad lately, it goes to commercial break, then starts the drama from the beginning every time so I can never watch past a commercial break. I've given up & stopped using viki since the problem has been occurring. I've had to watch Witch's Romance on d r a m a c r a z y as a result instead of viki. And WR is not on DF so that's not an option.
Perhaps I will try try the viki app and see what happens.
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 1:27 PM
Message me at my tumblr (click on my name here) and let me know if you have the same problems with the iPad app. I'm curious at this point, since they're close to losing my custom.
After all, what is the point of paying for vikipass if I can't watch any of the vikipass exclusives? :-P
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20 Chhavi
May 30, 2014 at 7:24 AM
Hello everyone.....
Hope your week had been good enough because mine was the worst .....My 12th grade result came out few days ago and I found out that I have scored the least marks in that very subject in which I was expecting excellent marks...I got so disappointed but then it finally dawned on me that my answer sheet hasn't been checked properly....Auuggghhh....
Now I would have to submit a lot of applications and also I would have to make long visits for my grade improvement.....Still so tensed..don't know what will happen next....
I am feeling as if I had been framed for some murder or something and now I have to fight for my justice....What do I do?
Phew...now onto the dramas--watched only YAS this week as I didn't felt like watching anything.
P.S.---Is there any one out there who could help me with the verification process of CBSE class 12th,India??
That would be such a big relief....
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 8:45 AM
That is tough regarding your answer sheet. However, no matter what anyone says, grades are important, and seeing things through is also important. So, good luck and lots of strength getting this fixed!
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21 RenaLoh
May 30, 2014 at 7:25 AM
Hi everyone, here's my two cents on the current dramas:
1. Witch Romance: I am getting a bit tired with all the angst, and I can't wait till our OTP get together for real (with some sexy scenes too pls)
2. Golden Cross: This drama is AWESOME. You guys should really watch Golden Cross! The plot is tight and to the point, and you won't get bored at all. Two thumbs up esp for the writer!
3. Doctor Stranger: The plot is still a bit too weird for me, and it doesn't help that I like LJS and Kang So Ra better, but at the same time I wish Park Hae Jin won't be left alone either. Agh, dilemma...
4. Glorious Days: Very good weekend drama! Such a sweet OTP and I always look forward to this drama every week :)
5. YAS: Not bad, but somehow I don't love this drama as much as I expected
6. A New Leaf: this is another AWESOME drama. Looking forward to see Kim Myung Min performance every week!
Love Sang Tae too haha, he's hilarious!
7. Big Man: getting better, not a bad drama
My Top 3 drama now: A New Leaf, Golden Cross and Glorious Days! What about you all?
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 7:34 AM
Golden Cross is sooooooooo good. And is it me or do you think Daddy Seo is able to turn and hate/destroy/murder his daughter if she stops worshiping him?
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RenaLoh
May 30, 2014 at 8:02 AM
I'm scared he will!
Poor Yi Re, I totally ship the OTP romance :)
The pain feels so good haha
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 8:22 AM
I think he can. He's insane enough, and there's been a hint she's not his real daughter.
I'm saving Golden Cross for this weekend.
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Rie
May 30, 2014 at 7:38 AM
I love Golden Cross too and I love Kim Kang-woo !!
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atz
May 30, 2014 at 7:55 AM
The only drama nowadays that makes senses and very real in a way is Golden Cross,,, that is why I really enjoy watching the drama. Because there are not popular pretty faces in the drama, the thread of this drama in Soompi is only 25 pages? I also watch You are all surrounded. This drama is packed with popular actors and actress but in terms of the plot, it is not that interesting. In Golden Cross, you feel the guy's agony and hatred so much.
as for Carole's question, Yes, Daddy is capable of doing anything to save himself from falling. He can be delusional so his lie can become the truth in his delusional mind. I think Daddy Seo is a socio/psychopath. In this world many guys who are top in financial fields have borderline sociopath tendencies. It is sad but it is true. He is one of the extreme cases,,, his affection towards his daughter creeps me out sometimes. No wonder why his wife really hates him.
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 8:21 AM
Watching Daddy Seo in Golden Cross and Mommy in Big Man, it's like seeing that once someone crosses the line of evil....well, there's nothing to stop them from venturing even further into cruelty. They both have tasted evil and developed the taste for it. I remember in Bride of the Century when evil mommy decided that since she was evil in a past life ..then she might as well be evil now.
But Mommy in Big Man has no such reasoning (as far as we can see) and she just is gonna go full on murderous now for no good reason (wrong daughter-in-law and all) And Daddy Seo, yes...he IS delusional. Or he has a mind that keeps one aspect of his mind/conscience separated from another. HE is a loving dad and a good citizen of the republic....oh yes..and he's a double murderer as well
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windsun33
May 30, 2014 at 8:39 AM
Daddy Seo is downright nuts - there were a few minutes in the last episode that I actually expected him to hire a hit man to kill his daughter.
Big Man Mommy is not immoral, she is totally amoral - the question of good or evil is not even in the equation.
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 8:47 AM
I don't think he's such a good citizen of the republic so much as he's well-connected and got good public service positions to help out his father-in-law.
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 8:36 AM
Yet, at the same time, she protects the daughter from knowing about her dad's proclivities.
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windsun33
May 30, 2014 at 8:35 AM
I am loving New Leaf a lot more than I expected. And he found the dog, so all is well.
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22 Lc
May 30, 2014 at 7:32 AM
Hi everyone, I'm currently taking a break from Korean dramas and catching up on Sherlock instead. There are just too many dramas online to choose from - past completed, currently airing, that I'm paralysed with choice and ended up choosing none.
And watching Sherlock simply puts things into perspective for me. Between the last time that I watched Sherlock and now, I caught some pretty decent Korean and Japanese dramas, but I wouldn't spend the time to go back and watch them. With Sherlock, there's NO question of it. It's as if you don't know what it's like to love a drama until you came across The One. Heck, even hearing the theme song gives me a thrill....
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Rachel
May 30, 2014 at 7:00 PM
I totally agree! The suspense and intellect in Sherlock are things that will encourage repeat viewing, but the suspense and angst in Korean dramas are not worth revisiting because you already know what all those emotions lead up to.
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23 Rie
May 30, 2014 at 7:37 AM
Hi all, I read a rumor on Kang Dong Won's comeback in dramaland in Kim Eun Suk drama !! Maybe it won't happen and I'm not really fan of the writer but I like the the idea of seeing KDW again in drama :p
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spazmo
May 31, 2014 at 2:41 AM
<3 kang dong won!
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24 bbstl 🧹
May 30, 2014 at 7:43 AM
Hi everyone, I am very excited about a book I just received called "100 Thimbles in a Box". The subtitle is "The Spirit and Beauty of Korean Handicrafts". It's beautifully done, beautifully photographed and covers symbolism, traditions and all the handicrafts from ceramics to painting, paper, wood, fiber arts and metal. It is published by Seoul Selection and available on Amazon. It's wonderful!
Also, if anyone is near St Louis in the US, next Friday and Saturday there will be special Korean presentations at the Art Museum.
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mommai
May 30, 2014 at 12:19 PM
How neat! I love crafting and learning about other cultures, so I just added that to my wishlist! Thanks for sharing!
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25 john
May 30, 2014 at 7:47 AM
Friday! Overcast here, but a break from earlier in the week, when it was 90+.
The wife's car has gone bye-bye, officially "totaled" from the car wreck, ( I think the whole insurance /car business is a criminal enterprise), but yeah, "We'll pay you to go away", is what it amounted to.
Went to a car auction on Wednesday, (90+ degrees), saw a couple cars but didn't buy, went too high.
The wife is leaving on a trip tomorrow to spend a few weeks with our youngest daughter and family in New Mexico. When she returns, she'll have our grandson in tow, he'll stay for a few weeks to visit.
Let's see, drama wise, following:
New Leaf : Haven't seen this week's episode.
Your All Surrounded: Behind, fell asleep watching one episode. Kinda meh
Big Man: Mi Ra, why aren't you doing anything to help Ji-Hyeok ? Jung So-Min, squee
Gap Dong: Looking forward to seeing this week's episode
Roommate: Why's Bom crying? Nana's cute, but I dunno. Ga-yeon is level headed, I like her. Soo-hyun 's crying again.
Sung-woo, what lady wouldn't like this guy? I like how he and Chan-yeol get along. Se-ho's a jackass. They need to duct tape him and throw him in a closet for a day or so.
J drama: Gokuaku Ganbo: Has Machiko Ono and Riisa Naka. Tomokazu Miura , with his dyed hair and sunglasses reminds me of Park Sang-Min's character in Scandal.
Anime: First two episodes of Sgt Frog or Keroro Gunso, it's funny.
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john
May 30, 2014 at 7:53 AM
I always forget a drama. Also watching Jang Gook Becomes Dallae. Not sure about the adult phase.
I've never understood how 10-12 years separation magically makes people "unrecognizable".
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dfwkimchi
May 30, 2014 at 10:36 AM
LOL - i was wondering about that too!
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D's handphone
May 30, 2014 at 3:47 PM
I can hardly reconnect with the adults cos they look so different. Adult Da Hae can pass as Gook-ie (except for the voice), Jun Soo visibly shrunk, my sweet Moo Chul grew taller.. the dongsaengs are off too! They were in Love Rain together, right? Funny one is still a doctor here..
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lh39
May 30, 2014 at 5:36 PM
In the first episode, Dallae's aunt told the stewardess that Dallae underwent plastic surgery and became much prettier. I like the earlier episodes. Don't quite like the main lead (this actor sports the same hairstyle and acting "cute" despite his age) for the past few dramas.
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Lixie
May 30, 2014 at 8:00 AM
Mi-Ra is very boring to me. I'm not sure if it's the actress though, she is expresionless, should have stayed in second lead territory forever for me. On the other hand I'm loving the So-Min character, she is pretty and the complete opposite! So alive, so spirited, in the few seconds she has or could have if script allowed, far better chemistry. Besides even the story would be more interesting if he just fell for her. I find his love and forgiveness for what she did totally crazy. Even more when he stopped the trial because he was afraid she would get in trouble for helping him. Crazy. Anyway, the good bits on BM for me are 2 actors I didn't know, Daniel Choi and Jung So-Min but I'll watch this until the end, I've dropped too may shows this season!
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 8:26 AM
Wow! I feel the same way about the supposed OTP. Mi-Ra is okay but the whole kdrama trope of falling in love with someone simply because you're the lead female is really getting to me.
I'm also liking the rejected chaebol. He's cute but alas...too late. That ship already past.
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26 Amell
May 30, 2014 at 8:09 AM
Doctor Stranger
If Seung Hee was played by a more experienced/nuanced actress I'd be shipping them like mad. They're sweet and cute with an underlining darkness to their characters that I like. As it is they're winning me over but I'm not as invested as I wish I was.
The plot not making sense I could cope with if I had an OTP to cling to and obsess over.
Wild Chives and Soy Bean Soup
I take it back, I want the younger versions to return and stay forever. His mother is like nails down a chalkboard, she could be bearable in small doses but in every other scene there she is.
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john
May 30, 2014 at 8:21 AM
Patch ~
I know, his mom, (Park Hae Mi) , can play an annoying wench to a T. I loved her in Unstoppable High KickBut even there her character was exasperating.
I miss the young crew as well. At least I can see a little bit of Yoon So Hee in Big Man. What's up with Lee Tae Im's , (adult Da Hae) voice ? She sounds manly.
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Amell
May 30, 2014 at 11:25 AM
She doesn't look (or sound) much like her younger self but at least her personality seems like a natural progression Joon Soo's on the other hands is more a personality transplant.
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Tara
May 30, 2014 at 3:55 PM
Lee Tae-im's voice has always been low/manly. Doesn't fit her look at all.
Saw her in Believe in Love (she was the almost-mistress of Lee Jong-hyuk), and even then she had that voice.
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27 owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 8:31 AM
Hi John ~ Seho bugs me to death, go away.
The outdoor table is awesome, love our roomies Chaneyol and Sung-woo. So ra - will she become the spiritual guru? or health coach? Soo-hyun is very annoying. Min-woo better have more up his sleeve than just fb looks. Ga-yeon is herself and I like that. Nana-eh. Bom - drama. I am wondering about the show's concept in the first place - any missions? any eliminations (haha)?
I wonder how Gap Dong will wrap up. It has kept my interest.
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owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 8:47 AM
opps, put this under 25 please :)
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john
May 30, 2014 at 9:07 AM
owl ~
When Nana met the 2NE1 members, they seemed a bit stand offish. Don't worry Nana, you're much cuter than any of them.
That one girl was wearing that over sized Wicked Witch hat , wth ?
I mentioned on the Gap Dong thread, if there's going to be any Maria & Moo-Yeom romance, she should be in her Vixen Maria mode. Hot hot hot. Needs some fanfic webtoon treatment.
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opaque
May 30, 2014 at 1:28 PM
I'm a 2NE1 fan and based on what they've said/what I see, they don't interact much with other idols (non-YG) and hence are rather awkward when they do. I don't think they intend to be mean/stand-offish but it ends up coming across that way.
The hat was part of her costume for her Inkigayo performance (forgot which song though).
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kdramas
May 30, 2014 at 9:29 AM
I find Soo-hyun annoying as well!! I was cringing when in the initial episodes she was hitting on the flower boys. In the absence of SKJ she took to PMW which irked me even more. It was deliberate on her part for attention or to create some (lame) loveline. She also was taken aback when Nana mentioned she was interested in SKJ which was unnecessary.
My likeness for those two boys also decreased when they admitted their "ideal type" is her. As she needs some protecting or whatever they claim. I find the other female roomies more interesting than her and those waterworks she turns on a dime, blehhhhhh!!
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owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 10:05 AM
hi kdramas ~ yeah, the two fb picking SH as ideal, I don't get it. She ispetite and cute, but that's trumped by her being so annoying and needy. Guys don't like needy after a while, I'm sure. I think Kang Joon just likes the fact that he has a bed :) PMW is going to have to up his presence in ways more than just riding the tail of FBRS. I like the bromance, let's keep it at that, huh?
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28 ktiep2003
May 30, 2014 at 8:33 AM
Friday at last! Hi Beanies.
I saw The Final Encounter with Hyun Bin this past week. There were six Koreans in the theater besides me. Very quiet. I thought I was the only one saying "ooph!" and "agh!". The movie reminded me of "Braveheart" with all the bludgeoning and decapitations. An absolute blood bath. Binnie's role seemed small compared to those of the various assassins, so I can't say he was "great". But that was more the function of the directing and the writing than Binnie. There was a gratuitous upper body nude scene at the very beginning of the movie. Anyway, it kept my interest for the entire 2h15mins, so I can recommend it if you like that kind of movie.
Watching Angel Eyes, Witch's Romance, A New Leaf, and YAS. Yes, I said I would drop YAS, but I'm in the mountains this week, so I used it to help me fall asleep.
Oh yes, since so many of you loved Secret Love Affair, I watched it this past week. I found it very interesting, although I am totally against adultery for any reason. I liked the music, cinematography, and the business politics. I'm glad all those rich SOBs got some time in the klink.
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 10:46 AM
The new adultery drama -- the guy with three women-- is one I definitely won't watch. I'm still against adultery..despite my love of Secret Love Affair. And my love of Wang Family. But those writers did adultery right, me thinks.
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29 Logan5
May 30, 2014 at 8:41 AM
What's up with the whole "Imma gonna tie your shoelaces to show you how awesomely sweet I am" ... frist off, why do Kdrama girls walk around with untied shoelaces in the first place?
Secondly, I wouldn't trust a boy tieing my daughter's shoe laces because it gets him WAAAAYYY too close to her skirt ... I mean ... seriously as a teen I'd only be doing that as an excuse to see if I could look up her skirt.
Does it really rain THAT much in Korea?
Everyone in Korea can get ANYWHERE in 15 minutes
90% of the Han River is made up of tears
and
Koreans have terrible hearing and peripheral vision.
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owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 9:11 AM
On some show last year G-dragon said he tied his girlfriend's shoelaces for her and the whole female panel swooned. It's like how applying ointment and a bandaid to a wound is a romantic gesture - it is, I wonder? A sign of caring for someone you like, I guess.
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newgirl
May 30, 2014 at 9:25 PM
Logan5, I can't explain why, but when I was 16-17 years old, it used to thrill me no end when my boyfriend would tie my shoelaces. I made sure it happened on a regular basis! It might have had something to do with the fact that he was much, MUCH taller than me, and I never saw the top of his head otherwise. But I remember such delight. Now, it would just feel weird if someone were to do that, and if they were my age, they probably wouldn't be able to stand back up either!
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30 ktiep2003
May 30, 2014 at 8:44 AM
On my drive here I got caught up on my podcasts from The Korea Society. There was one that I thought some of you might find interesting. It was about a book called "How in Heaven's Name?" which is about Korean POWs in WWII.
http://www.koreasociety.org/policy/korea_and_the_politics_of_identity_i_how_in_heavens_name.html
There was also an interesting set of podcasts on modern Korean cinema. I got through part 1, but part 2 was a little confusing to listen to while driving.
http://www.koreasociety.org/corporate/tks_or.html
Also, the Korea and Regional Relations talk was excellent. It was about the contingency plans that different countries have for if/when North Korea collapses, for whatever reason, and how they (we--the world) all needs to get together to have one plan because it would be catastrophic for the region in the short term.
Same link as above:
http://www.koreasociety.org/corporate/tks_or.html
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31 Muenchabench
May 30, 2014 at 8:47 AM
I need two more Kdrama-Hollywood lookalikes/doppelgangers, and then some crazy shenanigans can ensue. Any thoughts? Gong Yoo has to look like someone from Hollywood (though maybe hes just too sexy for comparison)
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32 ktiep2003
May 30, 2014 at 8:47 AM
Oops! The site ate my post--probably because of the links, so I will remove them and tell you to google The Korea Society to find them.
On my drive here I got caught up on my podcasts from The Korea Society. There was one that I thought some of you might find interesting. It was about a book called "How in Heaven's Name?" which is about Korean POWs in WWII.
There was also an interesting set of podcasts on modern Korean cinema. I got through part 1, but part 2 was a little confusing to listen to while driving.
Also, the Korea and Regional Relations talk was excellent. It was about the contingency plans that different countries have for if/when North Korea collapses, for whatever reason, and how they (we--the world) all needs to get together to have one plan because it would be catastrophic for the region in the short term.
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33 Muenchabench
May 30, 2014 at 8:59 AM
Ahh thank you! I've been looking for another podcast for my drive times, and this sounds like just the ticket!
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34 Sei Ryoku
May 30, 2014 at 9:15 AM
Happy Friday-ing, everyone!
I have now 9 days until I'm done with high school forever.. Gah I'm so excited!
Of course, that means I have exactly a week to finish a semester's worth of online class.. Procrastinator to the end, I am.
In other news..
Empress Ki was absolutely STUNNING in the beginning. I loved the characters, I loved the setting, I loved the conflict. And then, I don't know why or how, but I started losing interest... And stopped watching at episode 38 (although that might be because my sister spoiled a LOT of things)..
I've started rewatching Coffee Prince, because it's Coffee Prince, and am going to start watching Mandate of Heaven soon... Purely due to my little baby from Princess' Man who played Gim Seung Yu's cute niece. :3 She's so dang adorable!
I hope y'all are doing well this Friday, yes?
Hang in there, you can do it - don't forget, tomorrow is Saturday~
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Tara
May 30, 2014 at 4:05 PM
Congratulations on finishing high school! Do enjoy your last days...I kinda regret wasting away those days and wanting them to end quick, in retrospect :)
I was like you, I loved Empress Ki in the beginning...and lost interest mid-way through. Ended up watching the last 10 or so eps though, just to see how things ended.
Kim Yoo-bin was adorable in Mandate of Heaven...if anything, I loved her interactions with "scary" Song Jong-ho.
She also in Hooray for Love (with a curly ajumma perm! too cute). Dunno if you'd watch HoL because of its craziness but I liked the scenes with KYB and her drama dad, Ahn Sang-tae (I laughed whenever they said his name on the show--Nam Dae-moon, which kinda sounds like open fly in Korean - I think? haha)
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35 Firdhiye
May 30, 2014 at 9:25 AM
Hi fellow beanies nice to see so many comments already and what people are watching.
I wanted to say that last sunday i was in 4Minute concert in Stockholm, i dont follow K-pop really and only went because of my two sisters. It was a great concert for two reasons the group, girls was so much better live than seeing them my sisters watch them on Youtube. They could really dance, sing so well live for a mainstream pop group.
I also enjoyed the part they talked to fans, answered questions because i learned that i had learned many Korean words for Dramas. Many words me, the other fans didnt need the translator to get. Which shocked the girls but they must underrated the world wide fame of Korean Dramas:)
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36 Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 9:45 AM
Couple of culture questions:
1. Why do you have to cook your own food at a Korean restaurant?
2. Why do bridegrooms see the bride trying on her dress for the wedding? are they paying for it?
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kopytko
May 30, 2014 at 11:58 AM
ad 1. It's only the meat that the customers grill, isn't it? They do it themselves to eat freshly made pieces that are exactly to their liking.
ad 2. Maybe it is to avoid further complaints, when the groom hates the dress?
Actually, I think it is reasonable in a way. In the last weeks I went to many bridal salons to assist my sister while picking a dress. And I would gladly pay for not having to. I think if the fiance said the dress is gorgeous, the bride would be happy and could decide faster.
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 1:23 PM
Re the restaurant thing, no, I don't think that. If that was the case, they could do grill at home. I dunno, it's an odd one to me. If I go to a restaurant, I expect the chef to make the meat the way I request.
Re the wedding dress, I wonder if culturally the guy pays for the dress? That can happen.
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kopytko
May 30, 2014 at 1:52 PM
As far as I know it is common to rent a dress; it is often a part of the service that you get for renting the wedding hall (which is hella expensive in Korea). I haven't heard of the custom of groom paying for the dress, though it is not unheard of in Cinderella-type dramas...
The restaurant: Koreans eat out a lot, even things that they could easily make themselves at home.
If the chef were to grill meat for each guest, it would get cold before being served! lol
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 2:07 PM
Hmm, now I see a point for self-grilling. :-)
Makes sense to rent the dress. As for showing the groom seeing, it must be part of the Drama Cinderella Complex. :-)
Amell
May 30, 2014 at 12:46 PM
2. There's not the suspicious about the groom seeing the dress before the wedding?
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Amell
May 30, 2014 at 12:52 PM
*superstition*
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kopytko
May 30, 2014 at 1:07 PM
There are plenty other superstitions, so why make up another one artificially?
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Tulipsaki
May 30, 2014 at 1:24 PM
Again, if he pays for it, then there shouldn't be. :-)
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dramabliss
May 30, 2014 at 5:48 PM
@TS
Re 1. Having the diners cook their dinner (or some of it) is common in Asian restaurants. Sometimes the chef cooks the food on your table right in front of your eyes. There's a grill and/or stove at the center of the dining table. In some buffet restaurants in the Philippines you get to go around and point to the seafood, etc. you want cooked.
Re 2. I have wondered about that as well. In our culture (Philippines), there's still the widespread belief that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding finery before the wedding. So what I see happening in k-dramas where the groom helps in deciding what the bride should wear rarely happens, if at all.
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37 pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
May 30, 2014 at 9:51 AM
Lifted this directly from the Doctor Stranger recaps comments this week:
Heads, why does this recap series sounds like a Dr. Jin in Modern Time with Dr Hoon with Special Guest: Better Acting.
This is starting to sound scarily accurate. The show is trying to keep bad North Koreans, bad South Koreans, presidents, prime ministers, pretend-brainwashed girlfriends, wronged orphans out for revenge, all in the air at once. I don't care about Miss Two-Expressions no matter how much Hoon does, because the other parts of him are way more interesting than that. It took till episode 7 for this drama to even acknowledge that Hoon had way worse stuff affecting him in NoKo than Jae-hee, but at least they remembered he had a dad. The only bits of this drama I actually care about are Soo-hyun, it's pretty much at pass-the-popcorn levels for me apart from her.
Triangle: If Doctor Stranger is moving way too fast to make up for its hotchpotch plot, Triangle is doing the opposite - moving really slow but with a hint now and then at the plot. That said, I am worried about pacing and the brother reveal, no matter how much I enjoy the collective pretty of the three brothers abd their good acting. I like Jung-hee too even if she doesn't have much to do Baek Jin-hee has great chemistry with both Jaejoong and Im Shi-wan.
Gap-dong - only sticking with this one for Lee Joon. And the hope that he'll have more scenes with Kim Ji-won, in a different drama I'd ship them but here I just want them to be around each other more since they bring out a different side of each other's characters.
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38 Lovely.
May 30, 2014 at 10:26 AM
Trying to cope with the stress of my parents separation by watching more dramas. Getting out of bed and being a person is hard sometimes, ugh. Hoping things settle down soon...
Gap Dong- considering we have 8 episodes left, I think Chief Cha isn't Gap Dong; He's just here to throw us viewers off the trail of the real Gap Dong- Profiler Han.
Also... I think Chief Cha was the husband of the woman in case 4 or 5- the newlywed with the whistle who was dragged off and murdered. I remember he visited the case site looking forlorn. That would explain why he's eager to catch Gap Dong, too.
Big Man- just started. Not really exciting but it's keeping me coming back. Just finished episode 3.
A new leaf- idk who to ship and it's messing with my feels.
You're all surrounded- so much mystery and cheesy cuteness.
Doctor Stranger- wth.
Started a Jdrama called 'The Hours of My Life' great so far and trying to find time to watch more.
Have a good weekend everyone!
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owl 🦉 🫰
May 30, 2014 at 11:17 AM
The Hours of My Life - Miura!! Although it's a serious drama. Good though. Have you seen Last Cinderella, Summer Nude, or (silly off the wall) Switch Girl?
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Lovely.
May 30, 2014 at 12:32 PM
I haven't seen any of those- The Hours of My Life is only my second Jdrama. (Future Diary was my first). Even though I've been studying Japanese longer than I've been watching Kdramas, I'm just now stepping into the world of Jdramas. I'll look at your suggestions, Thank you owl ^_^
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Hanami
May 30, 2014 at 11:25 AM
That's is a great jdrama! And Miura...WOW... he is just....WOW. Love him to pieces!
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Mama J
May 30, 2014 at 11:44 AM
ohhh, so good.
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alua
May 31, 2014 at 1:52 AM
'The Hours of My Life' is fantastic!
I put off watching for the longest time, because I hate serious/terminal illness stories, but this one is superbly done and the acting is top-notch.
Miura has acted in a lot of average or just terrible stuff, some of which only showcased his pretty face (Ummm, Last Cinderella X_X), but this drama made me totally change my mind about him. I hope he does more dramas/films of substance rather than some of the fluff he's done before.
Plus, Fumi Nikaido is of course a wonderful, wonderful actress (and a fantastic character in this drama – really wish we'd get more characters like hers!).
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Mama J
June 1, 2014 at 4:22 AM
I remember talking to you about this and you saying you might not watch - I'm so glad you did! Wasn't it fabulous?
Last Cinderella was how I discovered Miura and I won't lie...he took my breath away, but it wasn't necessarily for the acting. Although I didn't mind his acting, either.
I went on to watch several other things he's done and what can I say...he's on my list of likes, for sure, although it was only in Last Cinderella that I found him panty-combustion material. He's very, very young - and I think he's going to be around for a long, long time.
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alua
June 1, 2014 at 1:36 PM
It as the rare exception to the rule of illness dramas – I still don't know why! Nothing else the director did sticks out, though I did like Osozaki no Himawari from the same writer a lot as well. (The acting and cast did it's bit, but it was more than that that made it so fantastic.)
Got the actress wrong though, it's Tabe Mikako – they both stellar though, Tabe and Nikaido Fumi (I just always confuse them!).
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39 dfwkimchi
May 30, 2014 at 10:51 AM
Happy Friday to all!
Finished marathoning "The Greatest/Best Love" over the Memorial Day weekend - all 16 episodes.
It was good! Enjoyed it very much. Now I know why folks love Dokgo Jin and how Ding Dong came about!
Spent the weekend downloading the OSTs from that drama and also from Iljimae - The Phantom Thief - that I marathoned in March while on vacation. Enjoyed that show very much and am waiting eagerly to Lee Jun Ki - Joseon Gunman! The 2 instrumental pieces (Plum Flowers and Lonely Footstpes) from Iljimae is just SO AWESOME. Both very mesmerizing! The 3rd OST is from Park Hyo Shin - Flower Letters. The man has a beautiful voice!
Downloaded the OSTs from Witch's Romance too.
So have been rotating these OSTs heavily on my mobile devices all week!
Happy Drama watching friends!
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40 a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 11:06 AM
Real world rant--o.m.g.--I need a hug or a drink. You decide.
Being attorney is great sometimes but dealing w/other attorneys is very difficult at times, esp. when you're like me. Weakness has always been my idealism & sense of fairness & honesty. That is hard esp in the context of family law where I see too many of my fellow attorneys just trying to make money instead of legitimately trying to navigate a family through an extreme difficult time.
My opposing counsel in a current case is one such atty. She is very adept at creating chaos & conflict to drive up her fees which in turns drives up my client's fees. Case-in-point--we were ordered to complete mediation by the end of June. I sent her an email with two mediators, their availability throughout June & their rates. I asked if she had an issue w/the mediators, their availability or rates to send me the names of two or more mediators with their availability & rates and we could coordinate from there. This was all totally reasonable & professional on my part.
But she responded with a series of emails--first ranting that she did not like my mediators, then ranting that this one mediator was the best in the area and she would only use her, etc. Then demanding that we do mediation on Monday (less than two business days' warning) but only after 2:30 b/c she had a hearing. When I said I was not available Mon & pointed out that we could not complete the mandatory minimum 2 hrs mediation if she was not available until after 2:30, she accused me of being difficult. Finally, I would only respond to her emails by quoting my request that she "provide with at least two mediators w/ their June availability & rates," but we ultimately scheduled mediation w/o her ever doing so--but it took 10 emails over the course of the morning & afternoon.
What kills me is that I know exactly what she's doing. She charges a ridiculous $500 an hour rate. Attorneys bills in 6 minutes increments. It's only taking her a minute or two to type a ranting email and send it to me but that one to two minute email is costing her client $50. She billed for an hour of work, i.e. $50 x ten emails=$500, just to schedule a damn mediation that we could have scheduled in five minutes.
Days and times like this I feel like retiring. If only I could find another job . . . does Javabeans pay well? I'd learn Korean & become a blogger if I could.
Be warned people--hopefully you won't need an attorney, but if you do, please choose carefully.
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kopytko
May 30, 2014 at 11:46 AM
Wow. It is indeed a hard life that attorneys have. On one hand I admire their knowledge (and there was a time that I seriously thought of studying law), but on the other hand it is so tempting to use laws to your/your client's advantage and not to find the truth and apply some just solution to a given problem.
The situation you describe is actually scary. I hate it when a person with some power manipulates people into going through unnecessary difficulties and even demands to be paid for that. Unfortunately it is quite common thing, also within many professions (like doctors who prescribe unnecessary but expensive medication). Not being like that is not idealism, it's basic decency.
Being a teetotaller myself I can gladly offer you a hug :)
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a_diva
May 30, 2014 at 4:43 PM
Thanks kopytko!
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cherkell
May 30, 2014 at 5:07 PM
I feel your pain - just slogged through a mediation that spilled over into a weekend, no less! But too bad you don't practice out here in the NorCal court system -- if an opposing counsel does not agree on a mediator or arbitrator within TWO exchanges (phone calls/e-mails/correspondence), then the ADR Division sends a nastygram to the side that is stonewalling telling them to get with the program. Works. Every. Time. :D Is there such a governing body that you can utilize for your own situation?
Hang in there -- it does eventually all work out. And the margaritas are on me! *hic*
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a_diva
May 31, 2014 at 5:32 PM
We def need something like that here. Unfortunately, we don't have it. It's sad that you need to police these type of issues but the fact that in your jurisdiction they've actually put something in place to combat it is great.
Usually the b.s. does not get to me b/c in this line of work you really have to learn how to let stuff roll off of you, especially small stuff--like this mediation issue. But this OC has been more difficult than usual & it's been a fight to do e.v.e.r.y. s.i.n.g.l.e. thing w/her in this case so I just got fed up w/her antics. I've let it go now though, lol!
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Kestrel
May 30, 2014 at 5:28 PM
Top 10 Reasons Being a Lawyer Blows:
1. Law School Debt
2. Stupid Clients
3. Finding Clients
4. Making Clients Pay
5. Tedious Documentation
6. Opposing Counsel
7. Moronic/Biased Judges
8. Public Perception
9. Lack of Jobs
10. Alcoholism/Drug/Food Abuse
Not necessarily in that particular order.
I dream of quitting it all to go teach English/write in China every single week. Then I think about that damned debt and lack of career prospects teaching in China. Woe be to the ambitious. Never happy, never satisfied.
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a_diva
May 31, 2014 at 5:33 PM
if u ever do quit, take me w/you, lol
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dfwkimchi
May 31, 2014 at 5:25 AM
Here's a hug going your way!!
People going thru hard family situations are already traumatized enough - attorney's antics do no have to add to the situation!
Having gone thru a divorce that cost a bunch in attorney's fees - i feel for you client.
Anyway - u keep to what u always believe in and Fighting!
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a_diva
May 31, 2014 at 5:39 PM
thx!
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 31, 2014 at 1:55 PM
Wow! I probably would have written her back and said, "You're going to charge your client all this money for all these emails, right? I'll put this in the records for the court to see." I've heard of attys doing this kind of stuff
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41 Hanami
May 30, 2014 at 11:22 AM
Hey guys,
Did you hear about the changes to Jung Il Woo's new drama? So it's been changed from three male actors to two.... NOOOOOOO!!! I was so excited to finally see him back in dramaland and now it will be him and you-know-who. So disappointed. Guess the writers don't have any clear ideas about where they are going with the story.
Somebody please tell me that it will be ok?!
I'll just go and sulk in the corner :(
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kdramas
May 30, 2014 at 11:51 AM
So, does this mean it's only going to be him and Yunho?!
*cricketssssss*
Well, that'll be awkward!!
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 30, 2014 at 12:13 PM
oh gee, i like DBSK and all but I'd've preferred the other guy and if they are getting rid of one actor this late (or early) in the game, does it mean they have no story at all?
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korfan
May 30, 2014 at 10:33 PM
Changes?? ....... What changes??
I've not heard/read of any changes.
Uh oh.
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Hanami
May 31, 2014 at 2:28 AM
Soompi reported yesterday that "the original plan was to cast three male actors and one female actor, however, they changed it to two male actors and two female actors."
You can read the full post here:
http://www.soompi.com/2014/05/29/female-casting-has-been-completed-for-the-night-watchman/#.U4mf5PmSyK8
Still sulking in the corner...:(
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CaroleMcDonnell
May 31, 2014 at 5:43 AM
Ah me! Sounds like this will up the romance possibilities.
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korfan
May 31, 2014 at 6:01 AM
crazy4kdramas -
Oh ok. ...... Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.
Who knows, maybe things will work out fine.
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42 agentsawse
May 30, 2014 at 11:23 AM
This is completely unrelated to anything happening this week, but there is a small voice over in 10cm's song Tonight that sounds SO MUCH like Song Joong Ki. I haven't been able to find anything to corroborate this, but I just can't shake the feeling. Does anyone know if it's actually him? It starts around 2:40.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSi-bkfMHpU
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bloatyramenface
May 30, 2014 at 1:11 PM
I think that's Yoon Chul Jong (the guitarist) who does spoken word bit. When they play Tonight live, he's the one who does it as well (although he often says the words in a playful/greasy tone because he's embarrassed).
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agentsawse
May 30, 2014 at 2:57 PM
Ah! I have watched one of the live performances and wondered about that, but wasn't certain because as you said he plays it very differently. That made me wonder if they had someone famous do the recorded version. It would make sense if it's because he's embarrassed though; it's a pretty greasy song.
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43 Tara
May 30, 2014 at 3:01 PM
Hey everyone...happy OT!
I don't know why I end up being that much more tired on a week where there's a day off, but I've felt like I've been behind and off since Monday -- which I spent the whole holiday catching up on housework and no relaxing :/ Anyhow...only three this week.
Triangle: This week's episodes upped the ante in the interesting department -- for me, at least. So, suddenly Young-dal becomes a "whiz" poker player -- after nearly a lifetime of being a crappy player. He goes all in without even looking at his cards, and then gets a nearly impossible King full house -- against younger bro Yang-ha, no less?? The end of ep7/beginning of ep8 kinda had me rolling my eyes, although it's obviously being written that way to show that YD's luck is finally beginning to change. And poor YH...he realizes his adoptive dad is involved with Skunkman Go, he sees Jung-hee being so happy and smiley with YD, and he loses to YD (although I have to say, his 3 aces? Freakin' near impossible draw too...and I've watched my fair share of World Series of Poker tourneys. The budding (or rekindling?) relationship between boring Shin-hye and Dong-soo is good for DS (maybe he won't get into those sudden fits of rage?) but bothers me with the professional ethics between doc and patient...first love nonwithstanding. I think Gummimochi said it and I agree...I feel bad for Oh Yeon-soo because she got stuck with a boring character. (I still remember her fondly when she was paired with Oh Ji-ho and she was a divorced ajumma who hit it big with a gamja-tang place...haha, old school memories!).
Witch's Romance: I wasn't a happy camper because if Dong-ha's sad, I'm sad too :/ Argh for Shi-hoon, who's been nothing but an ass who thinks he can just plop back down into Ji-yeon's life and suddenly try to marry her again, without any real discussion with her</ about why he was gone for 6 years?? And JY, girl...isn't it telling if you're not glowingly happy and lovey-dovey with SH and his marriage proposal...and you keep thinking about DH?! For someone so smart and on top of things, it's a bit of a contrast to be so short-handed on the love side. Granted, SH was a complete jerk who dumped her via his bitchy assistant (hm, I think she's got the hots for him, why else would she be so shifty?)
Wonderful Days: Had watched until ep15, and I've been putting it on hold since...primarily due to the boring dullness that is Dong-seok and Hae-won (I had been watching for Dong-hui's kids). I was kinda fed up and just decided to skip those 12 eps and just watched both 27+28. I had no idea the dad was still around...I remember them discussing him as a philanderer but thought he was dead. (It was kinda weird to see him because I still remember him and his evil portrayal of Moon Chae-won's dad in The Princess's Man).
I wanted to apologize to JB and GF for my flaming remark (which was deservedly removed) on the...
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44 Tara
May 30, 2014 at 3:11 PM
Oops, got cut off and italicized (forgot to close the html, drats)
...post about the casting of ___ (I don't even want to mention the name, for the "safety" of my post from those crazies, haha). I know I should have chosen my words carefully, even if I cuss a lot in rl -- lol :P But at least they enforced the commenting policy! It's the first, but hopefully the last, that'll happen to me :)
Have a great weekend, yall! :)
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p_d
May 30, 2014 at 3:51 PM
ooohh. now i'm totally curious about what you said that got removed, lol.
i don't think i've ever seen a comment removed--but it's probably more likely that i have not noticed it when i do see it. do you get an email saying your post has been removed or do you just come back and it's gone . . . quite interesting stuff here!
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45 messy
May 30, 2014 at 8:34 PM
Lee Jong Suk is saving the drama but still I think this drama is having a direction compared to episode 1-6 it is just difficult to like Jin Se Yeon but I think she is working it out.
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46 newgirl
May 30, 2014 at 9:41 PM
Oh, I'm surprised no one mentioned the PPL banner that ran at the top for awhile!
A sideways shot of (who?) holding a shopper style bag with a graphic and "Dramabeans: Deconstructing ... " message on it. The bottom of the bag had a subtle address for kwinconceptshop.com. Interesting....Anthony would be so proud.
I actually took the bait, and windowshopped a little. But didn't see that actual bag. Perhaps javabeans is testing the waters to see if we noticed. Or someone else hijacked the site? Anyway, I don't see it anymore. Just as well, things looked a little overpriced, but they always do in tens and hundreds of thousands of won!
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47 Kailani
May 30, 2014 at 9:51 PM
Hi!
Regular lurker here (well I hate the name lurker - sounds creepy, but anyway I'm often here), but I felt like I had to say: GOODBYE SHI HOON you will not be missed!!!! Ugh I'm so glad to have him finally stop raining on the cutesy and flirty WR and have it return in the last weeks to that.
Also watching You're All Surrounded and Roommates and loving both.
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48 katey
May 31, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Hello!
Been a long time since I last posted. It's been mainly old dramas for me these 2 weeks.
First I finished Let's Eat, which was so much food porn but oh so good. I could only manage 1 episode a day (right after dinner) because it made me feel so hungry after watching it. The story was ok, and I was surprised how well Doojoon fit into his role. I like Beast, but never thought of how he would do as an actor. I just kept having random cravings for korean food the whole time I was watching the show, and now that I've completed it I feel withdrawal symptoms. Also because I felt like those 3 were really my neighbours, and I just wanted the show to continue telling me what happened to them.
Next I watched White Christmas. [some spoilers ahead]
Wow. I know DB readers have always raved about this show, I never had the urge to start watching it until this week. It is one of those shows that stick with you long after, and one that forces you to realise that people are so complex that they don't fully understand themselves. I really think the students' descent into darkness started when they began to tell themselves it was ok to take the alcohol from the teachers' dorm because people would think the murderer did it. But just because someone committed a crime does not mean that every crime in the vicinity can be blamed on him. And once they started rationalising their actions, it sort of foreshadowed the way they ended things. I think I will definitely rewatch this one. I can't believe many of the actors were newbies when they did this show. They were really good at portraying all the complex emotions.
And now I'm stuck again. No idea what to start. Wondering if I should start Heartless City or go with something lighter. Any suggestions?
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alua
May 31, 2014 at 2:03 AM
If you want something older, I watched Someday (2006) recently and would recommend it.
It seems to have fallen under most people's radar, but it's a rather well made drama that doesn't unfold by the usual k-drama norms and unique in other ways (beautiful drawings included!). Bae Doona is in it (which says a lot already) and Lee Jin-wook (love his character). Plus, it has the best female second lead character I've come across in a k-drama. The only downside is that it also has an awful male second lead (hated that guy with a passion).
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katey
May 31, 2014 at 6:23 AM
Thanks for the recommendation! Will check that out! The synopsis looks quite interesting. :)
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49 Fight the bad feeling
May 31, 2014 at 2:52 AM
On God's Gift - 14 days:
While I appreciate foremost a well written and executed drama, I seem to always find myself fondly remembering those that made me feel something for anything that a particular drama offered. It's something that can't be boxed with logic, for it goes way beyond it. It is something that is felt and personal. I believe the closest colloquial term drama viewers use is "the feels" and boy did the show splashed me with tons of it.
Ultimately, it is unfortunate that the show was not able to match the emotional intensity (which was able to grip my attention and made me invest as a viewer) with the type of storytelling it deserved. Nevertheless, despite its flaws, it is a show that I will remember fondly.
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50 Julia the Berkshire Beanie
May 31, 2014 at 4:50 AM
My weeks just seem to fly by. Every time I hear of some drama I never quite finished because I entered the world of language learning, I think "Oh, I really have to get back to that!"
I'm not sure how many dramas there are that I abandoned, but here are the ones that come to mind:
You from Another Star ... just 1 episode to go
Can We Love ... how does the director's romance end?
Let's Eat ... still eating and waiting for me to come back
Grandpas Over Flowers ... still in Spain, somewhere
Full House Thai ... I haven't even seen the icecream kiss!
I feel such guilt that I have started other dramas without finishing the ones I was watching. Like I watched 10 episodes of "The 100" and "Deadbeat". I went thru my Hulu queue that was taunting me with it's high number of unwatched episodes and weekly expired videos and deleted most (including Grandpas!) because I just didn't want it hanging over me. My viewing habits changed. I only get a few hours a week. Now Hulu has zero videos instead of 33. That feels like such a burden off my shoulders.
So perhaps this week, I can finally see a few of those dramas that mock me for abandoning them. I am curious if 3 months of writing pen pals and watching random Talk To Me in Korean videos has yielded any improvement in my listening skills with dramas.
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