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Be a Dramabeans recap minion: Now taking applications!

It’s time for another round of minion tryouts! We don’t do this often (we first took applications two years ago), but we’re opening up Dramabeans to try out new writers. We love our little family, but now we’re all overworked and we know there are still dramas that are slipping through the cracks, and here’s your chance to save a show. Won’t you save a poor, orphaned drama from obscurity?

If you’re passionate about dramas and would like to be a part of our crazy family, we want to hear from you. We’re mostly in search of recappers, but are also interested in news writers (news requires literacy in Korean). We do pay after an initial training period.

Instructions for recaps:

  1. Write a sample recap of an episode not recapped on Dramabeans. Make sure to include a comments section. No screencaps necessary.
  2. Tell us about you and a few of your favorite dramas. You don’t have to write an essay; we just want to know a little bit about you and how your tastes run. Also, let us know if you need subtitles, or if you can recap raw episodes from Korean.
  3. If you have a blog, send us your link. This does not replace the sample recap step.
  4. Email your sample to hello @ dramabeans.com. We’ll accept Word or text documents, PDFs, or recaps written into the body of the email.

Instructions for news:

  1. Select a news article from a Korean source, on something we haven’t written about on Dramabeans. Write a news post and send us the link to the original article.
  2. Tell us about yourself and what areas of news most interest you.
  3. Email your sample to hello @ dramabeans.com.

 
Deadline: Midnight on Sunday, April 10, 2016

 
Tips:

  • Make sure your sample is proofread and ready to publish. (We won’t be publishing them, but we want to see a finished product.)
  • You don’t have to recap the first episode of a series, but they are easier to follow. You might have better luck with a first episode than one in the middle.
  • Spend some time on the comments section. Pretend nobody’s watched the show yet, as though you’re recapping it on the day it aired.
  • Don’t worry about sounding like us or using our lingo; we want you to sound like you.

Happy recapping!

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The last time applications opened was 2 years ago?

Time doesn't just fly... it zooms, hurtles and hustles... -_-

Good luck to those applying! Recap-writing is not up my alley or ability (esp the comments section. I'm always grateful for that part!).

And thank you DB for all these times! I hope the background mess clears up soon.

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Why is this first comment... >_>

But, HWAITING!

(This is a Korean drama site after all)

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What if this were just an April fools joke and this hype was for nothing?

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Not an April Fool's joke, we swears it!!! Should've checked the darned date before posting, d'oh.

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That would be a darn, cruel joke.

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IKR ! I was thinking that was fast,they hiring new recappers so soon???
Actually opened the old post to see if it's true ! ??

How does time just DISAPPEAR !!!

We really need that fourth dimension !

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haha riiiight? I can't believe it's been 2 years! I remember really wanting to apply last time, but I didn't because I knew I wouldn't have the time. Now I definitely have the time but know I don't have any writing skill :p Best of luck to everyone applying :)

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Writing skill? I can help with that.

To all aspiring recap writers, I am volunteering my proofreading services! I just hope you have a very nice comment section because I have the opinion-formation ability of a zebra's or wildebeest's. Or the Four Stones from Iceland.

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Oh, gosh, how did I forget about the comments section?! If I could get away with only writing ".....so, yeah. That happened." at the end of every recap and calling it a day, I'd be all over this recapping stuff! haha

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What's your email? I want to take davantage the proofreading service.

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Cantankesaurus@gmail.com

Don't mind the weird email address. It's specially made weird because it's for my drama-addict activities. I like to keep real and online life separate.

And I think I'll be having some work on my hands, seeing how you spelt "advantage" wrongly, haha! Just kidding!

Hope to see your recap soon!

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Hi DB! I have been a fan since 2013. I wish that this site could also write about fashion and/or products we see in dramas - that would really be great.

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fashion - YES!!

i was squeeing over every outfit/coat/jacket song joong ki wore in Nice Guy... not real big on the women's fashions, tho kim hee ae's outfits in Secret Love Affair were very nice...

love all the women's coats - dang, who has that many different coats in the closet??

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I have this one blog which does this but it is no longer current. One thing that makes kdrama a standout among the rest is the fashion. The female lead may be a part-timer who wears designer clothes

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Lol. i remember a Boys over Flowers episode where Go Hye Sun's supposedly poor character were sporting Louboutins. XD

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Lol it's quite funny cus DB is already so busy from writing recaps and news that they have to recruit new writers and in the comments section you're asking them to include new stuff. Not trying to be mean though, I know there is a website that does Korean drama recaps and gives you information on the clothes that they wear, you can try searching for it(though they do not cover as many dramas). Peace!

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There's a hilarious blog I used to read that recapped (American) shows from a fashion point of view. Let me see if I can find it...aha! Here: You Know You Love Fashion

I get the feeling there was a kdrama version of this somewhere, but I don't remember where!

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Honestly, I'd love to be a recapper, but I'm still in school and constantly improving my writing. Maybe in two years? Good luck everyone!

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That was 2 years ago? :O

Seems only a couple of months ago when Lollypip's batch started...

Looking forward to see the new recappers!

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Yeah, I agree, it does seem like a few months ago when LollyPip just started....

How time flies!

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I'm a little surprised that it's been two years, myself! :)

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I recapped the first two seasons of The Vampire Diaries at After Elton. Even paid, I don't think I could keep up with the 2 episode a week schedule of K-Dramas. But, I've been thinking I'd like to be available as a fill-in recapper. For instance when someone is sick or you decide to cap a show that's already had a few episodes air. Since you've just made a formal call for recappers, you might not need a reservist, but if you think you might I will try to pull a sample together for you.

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Oh shoot, you right! :o I was actually excited and omg, even considering applying (that'd be one heck of a title--a recapper/writer for Dramabeans! *_*) Now that you brought it up, I think Dramabeans staff had something in mind, but not this... right? They wouldn't! This is too real.

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We've started recappers off at a 1-episode-per-week schedule with one show covered by a team, so if that load feels doable, do apply!

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Reasons to apply:
1. K-drama addict.
2. Love writing.
3. Graduating in 3 weeks.

Reasons not to apply:
1. Lazy.
2. Internet unpredictability.
3. Might sound too much like a fan girl if a drama has one of my favourite Oppas.

Ottoke :(

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I have the same number one reason for not applying. XD

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3. Might sound too much like a fan girl if a drama has one of my favourite Oppas.

Good thinking. Can you imagine me writing a Goodbye Mr Black recap?

---
In this episode, Woojin, looking dashing in a striped shirt, looks at Swan with a cheeky smile. His smile is like the sun. (Warning: you need sunglasses to watch this episode.)

Swan tells him "You're just my newswriting sunbae". Woojin starts crying. I want to reach into the screen and tell him I'm here. I love eggs. And I love fast men too. Better if they are secret chaebols with an evil dad.

(Meanwhile Black shows up and steals money from some folks and scares Sunjae into making stupid decisions.)

Back to Woojin, who's typing intently on his laptop. Is it a love letter for me? Probably not. But a girl can hope, right? Maybe if I cut my hair really short too?
----

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Please apply to be a recapper. I would religiously read your recaps if they were like this :-)

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Lol. Sound fun..its just like me if do the recaps i'll be focus only to my opa

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OMG! That was such a hilarious recap @mary! BTW, you're the one who's famously in love with Song Jae Rim, aren't you?

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That would be fun to read actually

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I think you just need to apply as Song Jae Rim correspondent, mary. Not even joking!

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"Song Jae-rim correspondent"

*laughing*

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Yes-- mary as a Rimcapper would be daebak!

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How about fanservice and gratuitous shower bidet scenes?

Ofc I second DarcyM's suggestion.

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oh god, i love it. please try out. or just please write recaps even if its not for db.... i would definitely read them

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Things I've always wished they'd do here on Dramabeans:
1. A Squeecap section - A place for pure fun and fangirling. (And of course we'd want Mary to be in charge of all things Rim.)

2. A DramaLab section- A place where "despite its flaws" does not pass as analysis. Where people actually explain in an objective way what would need to be adjusted to make a trope / plot line / character / episode work better. Where you could learn how to differentiate between the quality of the writing and the directing.

And another (newer) concept: a section called TeenDramabeans

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I like #2! Sometimes I daydream alternate endings, or, if it's taking waaay too long for the next ep to air, I make up one in my head....

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Number 2 is interesting. The hard part is how to define and maintain objectivity. I could imagine extreme fanwar and name-calling for certain types of dramas.

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Really that idea was born out of the frustration I've felt when reading the "despite its flaws" comment. Pointing out that a show has flaws seemed like such a statement of the obvious. I wondered if people felt they couldn't be up front about their critique. My thought was always 'don't stop there; tell us what you see.' I really did want to know.

You're right that it could get bogged down if it turned out to be a forum on how to remake the show according to personal preferences. One way to prevent that would be to take the general story the writer is telling and the devices they're using as that story's 'gospel.' The discussion would be on how it could be presented more effectively. Or delivered with more impact.

The recaps can't really do this as well because they're better when their emphasis can stay fun and positive. Unless, of course the show is outright nonsensical, then a hilariously scathing recap by Heads is always awesome.

It wouldn't be a good place for people who would be sensitive if oppa's (drama) character is criticized. Maybe they could find community in an Oppa-cap / Oppa hangout. (Probably a lot easier to find Recappers capable of a very short and simple character based Oppa-cap than a full blown recap. And imagine the comment palooza there!)

But maybe the DramaLab idea is simply too wonky. I just mourn the loss of what could've been gleaned from reading people like Jon G. And the analysis that seems to have been left unsaid by so many...commenters and recappers alike.

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What's supposed to go in at TeenDramabeans? Isn't all dramas already for Teens (and not-teens?)

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*Aren't

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Haaaaaaaahaaaaaaa! Perfect!

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I cry!

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Hahaha

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Oh Mary, I'm simply reiterating what others say...please do write recap! It's so hilarious I don't even care whether I watch the episode or not!

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Mary, sweetie, please do apply for the post like others have suggested. I love to read your squeeefull recaps on anything related to your lovely Jae Rim.

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Ah, if only I actually had time.

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Please somebody help me improve my Korean!! I really want to apply. Good luck to all you applicants!!!

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Sure this is not an April Fool's joke?

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That was my first thought too xD

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Good luck to the applicants.. it is a good opportunity for all those k drama addicts.. who also have some good skills in writing... i would surely apply for it but i am so much lacking in English as well as Korean..

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I wish I could send in an application, but not with my writing skills and being illiterate in Korean. (Hopefully it's not April's Fool joke, though. xD)

Good luck to all the applicants!

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I'm a fan of this site for so long now ever since this is still javabeans and I think the originals are still struggling through college.... Hahaha... Yeah, I'm that old. but I have your page bookmarked always and read through your recaps to have an idea which drama's are really worth watching...

I might consider this, hope this is not an April Fools prank though.

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Good luck for all those who wish to become db minions!

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Wow, a samsooki sighting! *waves * I bet DOTS has led some Beanies to watch City Hall, and to enjoy your wonderful recaps. Hope all is well with the samsooki family!

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Many thanks to those who answer the call!

Many more thanks to those who answered jb's and gf's calls two (wow) years ago! Through shows good and bad, you have sustained our hearts in the love of kdrama (ok, and some lust after oppas). Thank you for sharing your time and considerable talents with us and expanding the world of our addiction. So much. Soooooo much. Virtual hugs all around! And we hope you get more help real soon ❤️❤️❤️

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Ditto!

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*cracks knuckles*

Looks like I'll be working on this over the weekend.

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Eeeeeep~! Yay! Go go go and best of luck to you!

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Good luck! (:

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??✌?

Do your best!

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*sigh* if only I was good at writing and my punctuation wasn't so bleh *sigh* well good luck to all who are going to apply ?

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Good luck to all those who are applying. It's an honour to be one among the dramabeans. So do your best so that we get to read some excellent recaps.
I want to apply too but my writing still needs lot of improvement.

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JB,
I really didn't understand what you guys meant by the comment section. :(

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If you read their recaps, in the end they put their comments about that episode. Like what they feel & think of development of stories, character etc.

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Yes, I think this is what she meant, but omg it would be hilarious if applicants also had to put in a Beanut Gallery section pretending to be multiple commenters. The pretend rage wars that could follow!

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loll......That's what I thought when I fist read it:D

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The comments section comes right after the recap where JB/GF write down their thoughts on the episode.

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Oh gosh...so I love kdrama's and have always wanted to get better at my writing (I write mostly short stories).....maybe I will give drama recap writing a try!

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Good luck to all the new applicants :)

(Hopefully the dramabeans crew are not punking with an April Fool's Joke)

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Oh that comment section... Lol...stupid me!
Thanks @Eynay and @Gulsan

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can it be an old drama that hasn't been recapped before on the show?

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Yes, old dramas are fine. (For people with questions about applying, do email us directly! I'll try to keep apace with this thread but email is more reliable.)

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Gah, I want to apply... but I'm in high school and I doubt you want recappers that young. :(

If this isn't an April Fool's joke, best of luck to all applicants!

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don't know if there's any harm in giving it a shot, Willow! If you're a good writer, it would show! As long as you're above the legal age for employment in your country, I guess.

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Dramas ain't got no age limit. As long your recap isn't like Mary's (see above), you should be good at Dramabeans. Otherwise, try The Problematic of the Unproblematic where Mary once interned and has now gone missing from!

(And I don't think this is really employment so much as freelancing, which is not age restrictive.)

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Do you have to be able to speak/read Korean to apply? Can you recap from English subs?

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+1 I need to know too!!

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It says to tell them if you need subtitles for the recaps so I don't think you need to be able to!

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Korean fluency is not required for recaps (good writing IS required!), but we do value it highly! It is necessary for news coverage, however.

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Cool, I might give it a try.

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Sending good luck wishes to all the applicants!

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Oh my goodness...I really want to do this. Do we have to know Korean though? I keep up with dramas but i usually watch them english subbed.

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I think the knowing Korean bit is mainly for picking up on the subtleties of Korean that are sometimes not translated.

Not necessary, but is a bonus. Doesn't mean that your recap may necessarily be inferior to one written by a Korean, depending on the drama episode and the quality of the translations you have and your writing style.

Just give it a try! (And if you pass, please recap Ms Temper and Nam JungKi, thanks.)

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Good luck all the applicants.....hwaiting!!

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i wonder what the new recappers pennames will be

i miss the 2days 1night recaps bcoz of the commentaries. i still have the previous ep recaps saved. damn my poor internet connection

i hope at least the variety roulette comes back. i love varieties as much as i love dramas. yet i never get the humor of mudo

this site brought me back to reading which i don't normally do. looking forward to new additions to your team

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Aww I used to go to the library too and save the recap pages for reading later, cos we didn't have internet in the boarding house. :')

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Yay for more recappers! I've been thinking that it was about time to recruit some new minions-- I hope the boot camp isn't as stressful for you this time 'round. And hopefully you'll find new recappers who are not only talented, but reliable, committed, and a pleasure to work with as well. Fighting!

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...I love the insinuation that the current minion team aren't reliable, committed or a pleasure to work with lol.
well, at least its allowed that they're talented!

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No age limit?

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Nope!

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I would love to be recaper BUT its my senior year in school and I have alot over my head from university applicatons to official exams. And I would love to try out myself next year or this summer if you could use my help maybe ???

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aww this sounds like so much fun , to write about dramas and to be a family of db? oh yeah!

but unfortunately i dont have the luxury of time, urgh . and my korean is so basic. all the best to all the applicants !

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To recap or not to recap, that is the question.

Would love to apply. I love writing, written movie and book reviews, and alternate kdrama endings (for myself only). Haha. But would require subbed drama to do so. Not to mention a time machine to be able to do all my roles at once.

The prospect of being the first ahjumma to do a Dramabeans recap is so tempting though. Heh. Socializing with younger peeps might be my very own source to the fountain of youth. I will bring out my bottle of Smirnoff to ponder about this. (^_*)

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Ajummas welcome and encouraged to apply.

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I am a very bad writer, and also a very biased one. Doubt DB will want me. Haha.

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Lol that's what's keeping me from applying, too. I love writing... I just happen to suck at it. Haha.

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i wish i was better at writting in english tho...

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Good luck for those planning to apply! Can't say no to more recappers = more dramas covered!

More success to DB in the future!

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How much is the pay?

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Also, are recaps of Taiwanese dramas allowed?

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At this time, Korean dramas only please. We often get questions about expanding to Chinese/Japanese/Taiwanese dramas, but if we can't do a really good, thorough, comprehensive job of it I'm wary of doing it at all. We have our hands full with K-dramas! (And we can talk pay later in the process. ;) )

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Would it be nice if you guys also add Chinese and Taiwanese Drama Recaps. It would expand Dramabeans or would you guys prefer to have only kdrama recaps? I'm sure there are many fans in here who are also fans of other dramas.

Good Lucky in finding drama recappers. Lollypid have been very active recapping. Hope you guys find more dedicated recappers.

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Good luck to all the applicants. I would have loved to try out but I'm afraid I'm not as eloquent as some of the already awesome recappers on this site.

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Good luck for those who want to try ☺☺

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Wow. The way that time is disappearing, won't someone invent a time turner?
By the way, I have a question. Would you happen to be looking for variety show recaps? I watch tons of variety. Dramas...sadly, my intake is mainly from reading recaps.

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I'd love to try out, but I'd probably just end up fangirling over every shower scene. -.-' XD

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And then lamenting the lack of the same. XD

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Could we recap a webseries for our submission? I know DB doesn't really recap those but I think one might be good for a sample recap.

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Hmm..... If you're confident you can do a good job of it, give it a try. We'll read everything we receive so we won't discount it for being a web series. (But it does seem a tricky prospect.)

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This is so cool! I actually never really thought of maybe working to recap dramas, but that would be cool...but I feel like I would be too lazy to write, although I do like writing reviews for restaurants and stuff. This would be perfect too since I'm Korean and LOVE kdramas.

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I think a passable knowledge of spoken Korean would be requisite...sometimes an episode or drama just has these intricate elements you'd miss from the everyday subtitling that those volunteers can manage (most times they have just a few hours or less to churn out subs).

..Sooo if a non-speaker misses something important then the readers do too. I've done recaps, then read recaps of the same episode on DB and other sites, and noticed some errors I made in interpreting a scene or even a subtitled convo. Writing recaps for a personal blog, you might get away with a lot, but not on a bigger scale with a site that has a wider reader base/following.

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It all depends on the quality and source of the subs. Viki tends to be good at including explanations of cultural subtleties. I know from the about section on the website that some of the current recapers aren't native Korean speakers.

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Hi,
Has the drama 아이가 다섯 개 been recap? I want to do it for my Aplication...

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i don't think it was recapped but check the recaps page to make sure

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We haven't covered that show here. Go for it!

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Ok thank you. I love that show.

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If we want to an episode by episode recap, do we have to pretend like we haven't watched the rest of the series yet and only focus on that one episode? For example, will we have to "speculate " on the future and whatnot?

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This is such a lovely opportunity, and I would so like to be able to participate, but I'm way too opinionated and would therefore probably destroy the show for those who don't agree with my opinion lol. I've done kdrama analyses before (mostly tropes and narrative and Why You Should Watch X) but it doesn't have that recap factor. Best of luck to everyone applying, seems like such a great chance!

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