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Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

Why are there so many good shows to watch lately? Is anyone else watching so many dramas all at once that fictional worlds are starting to blur together? Every time I open up a new episode of a historical drama, I find myself having to ask, Wait, who’s the king in this one? I should probably just choose a few to binge-watch later, but sometimes it’s the fun of being in on the discussion now that keeps us watching! –girlfriday

 

javabeans

Currently recapping: Seven Day Queen

Circle: I get so excited to watch this show every week that sometimes I have to calm myself down before I start, and sometimes I actually stop watching because I’m getting too excited and it’s too late at night and if I finish this episode that’s sure to have another game-shifting cliffhanger at the end, I won’t be able to sleep. I’m a fan of the innovative sci-fi plot and sense of mystery driving this, but what I really love is that at core, this is a love story between two brothers who have lost each other and will push the boundaries of what they know to be truth to find each other again.

Suspicious Partner: Adorable! I was so tickled to see Bong-hee making Ji-wook sweat a little, and enjoyed her reaction to his confession, which felt realistic and sweet and understandable. I know she won’t keep him hanging too long, but for the meantime, I’d like her to make him work for it. I’m petty, okay? I’m also glad there’s more to this serial murder case than met the eye initially, though I do wonder if there’ll be enough twists to last the rest of the show. Not that I’m watching this for the murder mystery!

Father Is Strange: Joong-hee made me cry tears of sympathy when he cried over his first-ever birthday breakfast, and then he made me cry tears of hilarity when he foot-acted his way through his romantic scene like a robot trying to understand what the concept of love is, and then finding it in his sister. I mean, she’s not his sister! Not even a little! But he thinks she is, and that’s going to be all kinds of awkward. I’m just hoping this won’t result in some stupid separation now. Figure out your feelings nearby!

The Best Hit: Funny! There are jokes crammed into every moment, and I love how fast they fly, left and right, nearly manic in energy. I’m digging the refreshing, straight-comedy vibe we’ve got going, a lot. This show should be fun.

Fight My Way: This show remains breezy and enjoyable, but I actually thought my interest would be growing more intense and am surprised that it’s kind of just steady—present, but not increasing. Maybe it’s because there are so many shows right now that I’m feeling really sucked in by the ones with strong plots, and this one is way more about characters and gradual growth. I know this sounded like a negative, but I still have warm fuzzies about this show.

Lookout: This show isn’t very polished, but I’m finding a sort of rough-around-the-edges appeal to its underdog plotline. What it lacks in glossy production value, it makes up for with fast-paced missions-of-the-week, and usually delivers a satisfying payback arc for those wronged by the system. I find myself wishing the cases themselves were a little more nuanced, but at least the Lookout team itself has plenty of nuance within it, particularly with the mysterious Boss whose true agenda nobody can be sure of.

My Sassy Girl: Okay, now that I’ve settled into this silly world, I like this better than I did last week—it’s outlandish and jokey, but I feel like there’s a plot here and a direction, and I love the comic foibles between Joo-won and Oh Yeon-soo. It’s not a very mature plot and it’s barely a sageuk (it really isn’t one at all, actually), and I’ll be surprised (pleasantly) if it makes me feel any emotion beyond amusement. But as amusement, it’s doing the job, and I really do love the bright colors and beautiful cinematography, which make it a treat to look at. Also Joo-won. He’s so pretty it’s mesmerizing.

 

girlfriday

Currently recapping: Seven Day Queen

Chicago Typewriter: What a stirring, rewarding way to close out a show. A strong ending can really do wonders to leave you with a lasting positive impression, even when the sum of the show was uneven at times, and slow to grab me in the beginning. I still contend that the present timeline should’ve been the minor story, because all I ever wanted to do was stay with the independence fighters a little longer and flesh out their characters. But when it was good, it was very good, and I was genuinely moved by the fact that the entire show seemed like a thank-you letter to the youth who sacrificed their lives for a free country.

Fight My Way: This is pretty much an entire show about how embarrassing life can be, and I love that. The embarrassments are true to life, hilarious because they’re so mortifying, and touching because they’re so relatable.

Circle: Oh, the brotherly love, it hurts so good. It’s so great to watch them work with the same side characters in both timelines, because now that there’s so much overlap in the two worlds, I love comparing each of the relationships. I don’t even know how it ends and I already want a second season of this.

Lookout: I like this. It continues to be fun and capery, and stays on the light side, which makes it very easy to watch. I just want to know more about Kim Young-kwang’s two-faced prosecutor and Shin Dong-wook’s mysterious priest character so badly. They’ll get their turn, right? They’re being withholding on purpose? Well, it’s working. Hmph.

Suspicious Partner: The current flirty romantic tension is great, so I certainly hope Bong-hee sticks to her guns about keeping Ji-wook on the hook, because I want to linger in this fluttery stage for as long as humanly possible.

Man to Man: I miss the silly undercover hijinks. It got pretty serious in the last two weeks, so I’m hoping that the conclusion brings back the fun. I mean, no one is actually watching this for the spy thrills, right?

My Sassy Girl: This show is harebrained and sometimes a little embarrassing to watch, but I like that it’s not taking itself seriously in any way. It’s cheeky, good-natured fun, and the leads are committing to the comedy completely, which makes me like them all the more.

Duel: I’m so curious about this clone business that I tuned in just to see how they’re going to handle it. So far, Duel has a strong central conflict and a very compelling setup, though it did feel like it took a while to get going. The one unfortunate misstep was casting Kim Jung-eun, who can no longer emote with her face, which is only further highlighted when she’s acting opposite Jung Jae-young, who is so very emotive. It’s distracting, but I guess not enough to turn me off from the show. Because, clones!

Ruler–Master of the Mask: Aaaaauuuugh. Why does everyone in this drama insist on doing the opposite of what I want them to do? Why can’t people just be together? Why am I still watching you? Why must you do this to me, Yoo Seung-ho?

 

gummimochi

Currently recapping: The Best Hit

Circle: I always love a thinking man’s show, one that gets me nervous and tense and whose cliffhangers leave me thirsty for more. Last week’s major reveal was fantastic, and now we’re learning more about the side characters who populate Smart Earth. I can definitely see why everyone thinks that Woo-jin is the brains behind the Human B project, but then again, who really knows for sure?

Lookout: I’ve barely scratched the surface with this show. After the first two half-hour episodes, I definitely knew it was one I wanted to keep on my ever-growing to-watch list. Kim Young-kwang’s character is perhaps the most interesting of all. In terms of dramaland mothers losing their children, Lee Bo-young in God’s Gift—14 Days still reigns supreme in tugging my heartstrings.

Fight My Way: I told myself I would watch three shows maximum this cycle. Period. And then I added another Monday-Tuesday show to my plate. There are no regrets, however, because I envy how close Ae-ra and Dong-man are (both as friends and in the brewing romance).

Duel: There was definitely a lot of action in the first episode, but I felt the story could’ve utilized its time better once it rewound to the past to build its backstory. I’m still intrigued in the human clone aspect, because it certainly seems like Sung-joon was completely unaware that there’s a guy who looks just like him.

Suspicious Partner: I fell behind on this show pretty early on, and then I binge-watched up to last week’s episodes. I think the latest twist about the murderer was a good one, but then I realized we’ve juuuust reached the halfway mark. So we’re just going to wait until our good guys figure out who the bad guy is? *taps foot impatiently*

 

odilettante

Currently recapping: Duel

Super Family 2017: Ahhhh, I’d been worried about Gwi-nam’s secret “chaebol” status ever since we first found out about it, knowing Ms. Ahn wouldn’t take the news well. And she didn’t. I hope they can come to a reconciliation before the end because I love them together. But I’m also a little giddy that next-door-neighbor finally told Ik-hee how he felt, because I’ve been quietly rooting for him. While it’s sad that Ik-hee’s first love isn’t turning out the way she hoped, it’s also painfully realistic, and I’m glad she’s handling it with such maturity and grace. I just hope this doesn’t ruin her friendship with her BFF — no boy is worth that.

Chicago Typewriter: Oh, my heart. The highlight of the show for me has always been the 1930s scenes, so I’m pleased that storyline took front and center in the final two episodes (in fact, I momentarily forgot that these were the memories of the modern-day characters and not, say, a full period drama like Gaksital). I don’t know if I can talk about the ending without crying again, so let me just say that while I had my doubts originally, I’m glad I stuck with this show as each episode got better and better, and the finale was a beautiful yet heartbreaking gift that won’t be easily forgotten.

The Best Hit: As a devoted fan of 1N2D, they had me at PD Yoo Ho-jin, Cha Tae-hyun, and Yoon Shi-yoon (although I still instinctively want to call him Dong-gu). That meant I didn’t bother paying attention to any teasers or promos since I knew I was going to watch no matter what, and ended up being totally surprised that it’s a time-slip drama. The time-travel shenanigans are utterly delightful (the faucet and “handphone” scenes still have me howling with laughter whenever I think of them), but I am a total sucker for “found families,” especially when they’re made up of underdogs hoping to somehow achieve their dreams despite the odds. After months of enjoying dramas that were good but didn’t make me particularly head-over-heels obsessed about them, I think I’ve finally found my new drama crack.

 

tineybeanie

Currently recapping: Circle

Fight My Way: Ae-ra and Dong-man as children are adorable together. I wish more of the childhood moments were incorporated into the larger scheme of the show, instead of staying in the epilogues. I like their grownup chemistry as well, even though it’s not sizzling hot. Their feelings toward each other are like twelve-year-old crushes at this point, both hesitant to be caught because they’re not sure of how the other person would react. But it is cute, and I already know they’re going to end up together even with Hye-ran and Moo-bin significantly complicating matters. So I’m not too worried about our main couple, but now my heart is slowly ripping for Seol-hee. Half of me wants Joo-man to be honest in his interactions with the cute intern so that he can see what the grass is like on the other side, and come back when he realizes that Seol-hee is truly the only one for him. At the same time, that would be a complete disservice to her, because she’s been so faithful and amazingly sweet as a girlfriend. So I have conflicting feelings on how I think would be the healthiest way for their relationship to progress, which keeps me on my toes until the next episode where I see or don’t see my speculations play out.

 

Laica

Father Is Strange: Oh noes! I was so hoping that the secret would be out before Joong-hee realized what all his Oppa-like feelings signified. Now that things have developed this way, the fallout between him and dad is going to be so much worse when Joong-hee does find out the truth. Plus, I was so enjoying him being jealous and affectionate with Mi-young, and now that’s all going to be replaced with angsty avoidance.

Fight My Way: Last week this show made me cry and squeal, but this week I found myself boiling with anger—not at the drama, which I love, but at its second leads. Ex-girlfriend Hye-ran is a new level of shameless diva, and I hate the way she treats both Dong-man and Ae-ra. It was satisfying to hear him finally tell Hye-ran to get lost, but I wish that Ae-ra could have heard it too. Moo-bin’s been rubbing me the wrong way for a while, but I officially hate him after Episode 4. He’s a pushy, manipulative liar masquerading as a nice guy; the way he constantly ignores Ae-ra’s wishes makes me crazy. It also frustrates me that Ae-ra is passive in the face of his creepy advances when she normally has zero tolerance for people’s nonsense. And that kiss, when she was clearly not into it—ick. I’m so glad that Dong-man turned around in that hospital hallway, though; looks like we’re in for more brutal honesty between our leads, and I can’t wait.

Suspicious Partner: If there’s anything cuter than Ji-wook in denial about his feelings, it’s Ji-wook after he’s admitted them to Bong-hee and is openly trying to win her heart. The way he looks at her kills me, like she’s the most precious, wonderful, amazing thing he’s ever seen, and he can’t believe she exists. (Seriously, I’m dead and writing this from the afterlife.) I’m in awe of poor Bong-hee’s willpower, but I’m glad she’s making Ji-wook work for her good graces, because he deserves to sweat after the crushing heartbreak he put her through. I’m less happy that he’s still hiding what he knows about Jung Hyun-soo, despite her repeated entreaties for him not to keep secrets from her. He might be lying to protect her feelings, but she wants him to respect her enough to tell her the truth, and I wish he’d understand that that’s more important.

Heart to Heart: I binge-watched this last week because I loved Choi Kang-hee so much in Mystery Queen, and I remembered LollyPip highly recommending it. I was completely won over by this funny and heart-tugging drama about two broken people finding healing—and each other. Every character felt so realistic in their flaws and desires, and each of them had a meaningful journey throughout the story. True to the drama’s title, this is one OTP that will live in my heart for years to come.

 

TeriYaki

Currently recapping: Lookout

My Sassy Girl: I really wanted to like this new show, and I’m so disappointed that I don’t. There are elements that I do like — the sets and costumes are gorgeous and the camera work is incredible. Unfortunately, I find Hyemyeong too caustic and I fast forward through her scenes. After two episodes, I’ve decided I’m going to have to pass on this one.

Fight My Way: Park Seo-joon and Kim Sung-oh had some great scenes this week as Dong-man’s training ramps up. Are they coach and athlete, big brother/little brother, or old friends? More like all of the above, and their bromance offsets Dong-man’s conflicted feelings about Ae-ra.

Father Is Strange: Lee Joon has done a great job with Joong-hee; I just love his drama scenes within the drama. With his career on the upswing and acceptance by all of the Byun siblings, his realization that his feelings for Mi-young are anything but brotherly was a real shock. I didn’t feel an urgency for him to find out the truth about his paternity until now. I don’t want to see Joong-hee distance himself from the Byun family — he’s come to genuinely care for them, so I hope that his paternity is resolved soon and without too much melodrama.

 

tipsymocha

Chicago Typewriter: So. Many. Tears. There were some really touching and heartbreaking moments in the last two episodes, but that’s exactly what I wanted so I’m really happy with how this show wrapped up. In hindsight, I’m glad that we had the present timeline to soften the blow of how our main characters ended up in the past. Otherwise, I would’ve been an even bigger mess than I was. Also, I now have a Pavlovian response to that damn SG Wannabe song so that I automatically tear up whenever it comes on. Thanks for that, Show.

Circle: I luff this show. The story is perfectly paced so that as soon as I figure out the answer to a certain plot point, the reveal happens and then they throw a couple more questions in there. I really enjoy the 2037 timeline as well, if only because it gives a little comedy to relieve some of the intensity of the 2017 half, even though the stakes are just as high with our missing twin. It’s also fascinating to see where our characters in the present are in the future, and I’m left wanting to know more about how they got there and why. Monday can’t come soon enough.

Suspicious Partner: That kiss tho. I squeed so hard my dog started barking. I don’t know what it is about Ji Chang-wook and his onscreen romances that gets me every time (well, almost every time; we’re just going to ignore The K2), but it’s so cracktastic. Eugh, and these two are extra cute, especially now that the power dynamic has swung the other way and Ji-wook is the one openly, respectfully, pining after our Eun puppy, who is hilariously unnerved by the sudden attention. Is it sadistic if I want Bong-hee to resist just for another episode or two?

Seven Day Queen: Augh, I love it, dammit. I don’t have time for you, Show, why must you be so good! I haven’t been into a really good sageuk in a while, so I’m really excited to get sucked into this tragic love story, even if my dark circles will get that much darker. Lee Dong-gun is killing it (badum-ching! Sorrynotsorry) as Yeonsangun, who really is one of the most tragic figures in Korean history, tyrannical inclinations notwithstanding. Also, the child actors are too adorable and my heart’s already hurting from their impending separation.

Lookout: Yay, I’m glad we’re getting into the cases that brought our Lookout team together, because the ones in between made my interest wane. My expectations might’ve been too high because of the promos and the first week’s episodes, but I feel like the pace is slower than I’d like even though a lot of stuff happens. I actually think the time jump sucked some of the momentum out of the story because I wanted to see the team when they first started to work together. I wish this show was also smarter. Because you have this awesome vigilante team setup, but then so many elements moving the plot forward is through coincidence and not through our characters’ maneuvering. I’m hoping that Bomi’s case will bring the tension back, though.

 
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I'm just happy Queen for Seven Days is being so appreciated here. KBS never fails in giving me a good sageuk whether it be wacky (Sungkyunkwan, Moonlight) or angsty (Princess' Man, QSD). Bless them. And bless Park Min-young for starring in two of them.

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Suspicious Partner is still so great in marrying the crime-thriller genre with rom-com. It moves back and forth between them smoothly without giving me whiplash, and the best thing is that I'm as invested in the horror of Chan Ho's fate as I am in the comedy of the office antics and the romance of the OTP. It's not easy for a show to capture the same audience in all aspects!

I just started Fight My Way and then had to stop a while, so I'm behind. However, I did read enough of a recap to know what's going on. I feel this is a really no-stress-watch show. I can watch it when I like and take a break and come back to it, without the tension of feeling I'm missing out if I don't catch up. That's a relief in a busy schedule!

Now that Chicago Typewriter has ended, I wish I had the time to re-watch it slowly, now armed with what I know to look out for. I'm just so sure that there'll be little gems of clues and little scenes which when mentioned at one point in time, will find their answer or resolution in another episode.

I mentioned elsewhere, the smart alec remark of Soo Yeon, telling Hwi Young that a typewriter should be stronger than a gun, and to write not for fame, but something magnificent.

It was so apt that this was exactly what happened 80 years later. Se Ju had written for fame which left him cold and empty, but through the influence of Seol and Yoo Jin Oh, he came to grow in warmth and to write not what would sell, but what mattered most to him... his friends, their history and best of all, to give his best friend a chance to live on and find his redemption. Now that's some real magnificient writing, don't you think?. ? ? ?

I do appreciate that the writer respects the audience enough to have given us little scenes like these, which when recalled, makes us gasp in surprise, that the ending to resolve and satisfy was so well planned in advance. Thank you Writer-Nim!! ?

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Circle is still drawing me in, looping in the characters of present and rounding them out in the future. It's nice to see who became what and what they made of their lives so far. I like the central mystery arc of WHY that is the backdrop of the who. And I'm looking at Ho Soo with all kinds of hope. He may be a coward to begin with, but I'd really like to see that with Bum Gyun challenging him and befriending him, he can face his demons and accept his past and become an ally rather than a bane.

And because I always look forward to great individuals coming together to form mighty teams, I'm so glad to see Jung Yeon, Chief Hong and Minister/Prof Park on the same side as Bum Gyun. I want Ho Soo to be on the team too!

And how ironic it is that to be a human being on Smart Earth, one has to give up something that makes one human and be controlled by a machine in a chip. Human B is a misnomer... maybe Human A (for android) or Human R (for robot) or just plain Unhuman B might be the appropriate name. And surely to have gone the super safe way of chip-controlled peace, whose programming was bound to have 'bugs' somewhere down the line, was rather cowardly and un-smart of 'Earth'. ?

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Ahem, ahem @girlfriday...I am actually really enjoying Man x Man for the spy thrills right now. Of course I love our little trio, the bromance and romance, but I have also grown fond of Dong-hyun, MiEun, and even Jang. Yes the bad guys are terrible, looking at you Seung-Jae, but I am liking all our ghost spies, Kichul included. I am so glad to see them all working together, our little ghost family! Yes it's not the best thriller writing or executing, but for our ghost agents as well, it is more about their interactions, and how their ghost lives have affected and/or are affecting their current lives...and the people behind them like Dong-hyun and Jang. What is next for them?! I want to know!
I like that Man x Man is about more than our main trio and those side characters are still a prominent part of the show and have not just disappeared in the background, even Do-ha's dad and Sharon. Yes it does take away from more of the other stuff most prefer, but I guess for me I am finding it still engaging and fairly balanced. Kudos to the team for letting more than 3 characters shine!

Else, I am still watching Fight My Way and Lookout! I will miss Man x Man, I guess that show just hit all the right buttons for me!

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Rather the same here! I actually preferred watching the spy action. I wanted to see how slick everything was, how our heroes could outwit all kinds of security systems and fulfill their missions. I kind of missed that when the kind of action changed.

I always like character interactions and growth in every show, however I really wanted espionage and thrilling spy stuff in this show. ?

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Yeah, high five to all those who wanted more spy thrills! *high fives* I think the Black Auction was the highlight episode for me, where we managed to get some spy action and understated romance ('I'm watching over you' kind of thing). Of course, it was all made ridiculous and hilarious because WK and DH were the worst spies ever.
Ok, I'm off to watch the finale. Fingers crossed it ends well!

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*high five with you*
The finale week started sound since *spoiler alert* somebody survived and others look like total idiots - again (this feels good so far).

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*High five* both! I guess I should watch it now. ?

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It was hard to say goodbye to CT, it was a drama with a lot of heart, an ode to friendship and fighting for your ideals, and with such lovely characters.
But I already found a replacement for my drama addiction in The best hit. The truth is I'm happy this one has a light tone and it's all kinds of fun. Plus, I'm a fan of Yoon Shi Yoon and I'm enjoying his performance here so much. The moment I saw him in the promo pics I knew he would be hilarious and nailing the role. This show is my current happy pill and I'm already lamenting that this is not running for at least 50ep...well, I guess the shorter the more appreciated and the more it will be missed later...

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Fight My Way has been my treat from the day it began its airing until the latest episodes. The ride is worth watching. It's just breezy and refreshing, the similar feeling to the one I got from watching WLFKBJ.

This show manages to show us many things which can happen in reality. I particularly like the way AR is treated differently by Moo Bin and Dong Man. I can picture myself getting vulnerable also if someone as 'nice' and seems so 'perfect' like Moo Bin comes into my life. He is a doctor, a well-respected and established profession who has seemingly nothing to worry about in the future. Being his girlfriend seems like winning a lottery, you just don't need to worry about life in general I guess.

On the other hand, there is someone so understanding as Dong Man who still struggles with life as much as you do. The person knows you so well sometimes you just think he knows you better than you know yourself. He might not my with you all the time, physically, but you know he's there for you all the time. Both of you grew up together, and the bond is so strong you don't know if there's a change in feeling or if you should let that change in feeling take place.

Btw, I think I kinda like HR and MB as I think these sorts of people do exist in the real world. Both of them are achievement-driven and they do care tremendously about what they want. Both the actor and the actress portraying the roles did the roles justice.. They just don't seem to care about what others think (or do they just lack the ability to know what others are thinking or feeling?). Can they just end up together? hehe I think both of them would make a nice couple since they share so many similar traits.

I'm waiting to see what kind of things might happen with SH and JM's relationship. To me their relationship seems very realistic that I was invested in their relationship from the very beginning. Oh! about the bra-less scene.. I actually didn't catch that until I read some comments here about that scene! Wow.. AR did really think of DM as a close friend indeed that she went to places with him without wearing her bra!

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Romantic Doctor,Teacher Kim:
So far amazing..why i miss out this gem and only watching it Now?character are flawed.medical things is interesting.and love the conflict in the "old" hospital
Suspicious Partner:
I've been behind this show for 2 episode need to catch up ASAP..
Lookout:
My New drama crack..all character is enjoyable to watch.and unique in their own way.
Duel:
HOOKED.Great action drama.Female actress didn't annoy me that much.she's just doing decent enough job i guess?the clone thing is thing that i really love, and please next episode just revolve around the clone okay?can't wait when The father and good clone work together :v
Chicago Typewriter:
WHAT A UNDERRATED DRAMA.it's a gem you have to watch it guys :v i hooked from first episode and it steady improving and eps 15 is the Best episode for me.and about the ending It kinda confusing for me tho i still can't get what it is ..but the indepence thing is amazing i wish more drama come up with this idea as their main plot.and small detail is really what make this drama standout from the other it just consistent in the storytelling and gripping
Drama that i want to wacth but i dont have the time like:
1.Circle
2.Fight My Way
i wish i have the time to binge watching this show :v and not really into sageuk so i didnt watch any sageuk for this time around.

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Wow! This is the longest WWW ever I think!

My watch list
Mon/Tues
- Fight My Way
- My Sassy Girl

Wed/Thu
- Seven Day Queen
- Suspicious Partner
- Ruler

Fri/Sat
- Man to Man
- The Best Hit

-not to mention other variety show, RM, 2D1N, TRoS, KB.

Oh and did I mention this is my exam week?

24hrs never seem so short before. ?

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I've found my drama-watching groove, yay! \^O^/

-Mon-Tues: Fight My Way, or as I call it Reply 1990. It has that sort of Reply feel to it, which for me usually means I enjoy it but don't rush to watch it, and the emotional payoff happens later in the show. I have to be patient (Looking at you Reply 1988).

-Wed-Thurs Seven Day Queen: Fellow beanies, the few of us who are watching this will be promoting it non-stop. Superb acting and smooth writing thus far, and the romance is set up in a credible, not mushy way. I'm surprised how it's actually a story of two royal brothers who desperately want to be just brothers, but are being wrenched apart by circumstances, some villainy conniving, and their own flaws. It will hurt but in a good way.

Fri-Sat The Best Hit: Yoon Shi Yoon. 'Nuff said. Actually no. Yoon Shi Yoon taking up Goblin fashion trends and making phone ppl the cutest thing ever. I'm really warming to Kim Min Jae's character too.

And finally, Man To Man I might as well finish it. Will it end with a bang or with a whimper? If nothing else, I hope our favourite Oppa gets his $5.000.000.

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I think our favorite oppa is getting his 5 million dollars, the third carving wood, AND a brother! What a deal.

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Oh yes, it must. And maybe with the girl?

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Update on my own comment: After actually going through all the posts, I'm delighted that so many beanies are giving Seven Day Queen a try. I hope the word spreads among Korean viewers too, as it deserves better ratings. :)

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Seeing all the love from those watching is making me giddy! I'm so glad I'm not the only one already feeling this passionate about getting more beanies to dive in :) This show really deserves all the praise it's getting.

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Tbh I've never promoted a romance sageuk this much. I just hope it will retain its awesomeness and freshness until the end.

Please please please don't disappoint us, show. We've got so much hope in you!

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Hehe, I promoted Rebel everywhere but I guess it didn't have the star power to draw more people in. Still, one of the most satisfying recent sageuks.

I'll join you in that prayer that 7DQ doesn't disappoint! I have faith in the director of Healer so I know that even if there are plot holes at some point, the romance will be pitch perfect.

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You know that dramas are rrealy good when most of the DB teams up to write posts.
Right now watching Suspicious partner, Man2man (both twice, since I am always too anxious and fast foreward the first time), also Father is strange and My sassy girl. On hold: Perfect match and Fight my way.
Who needs sun or sleep. I need to get ill so I can productively use sick leave.

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Ha ha, having the same problem. I put Circle on hold for later binging because I loved it but I'm unable to follow the plot weekly with all the other shows as well. Keeping the romances, as they are less demanding and Ji Chang Wook is life.

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"Every time I open up a new episode of a historical drama, I find myself having to ask, Wait, who’s the king in this one?"

THIS IS SO TRUE!

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Odilittante, thanks for watching/writing about Super Family 2017! I feel like not enough people are watching it and it such an underrated sitcommy drama like the High Kick series. I'm liking that Ik-hee seems like she won't blame her friend for the stuff with Yoon, although I can see cute neighborhood boy causing a rift between the two girls. Also Gwi-nam-shi! You shouldn't have hid such an important fact from your girlfriend. Loving Hoya in this role.

Also I had the same reaction as Odilittante about Best Hit. I was going to watch it regardless, so I didn't keep up with the previews and didn't realize it was a time-skip drama. I kept wondering why Dong-gu was barely on the screen lol.

I somehow got dragged into watching Circle with my sister and now I need to know what happens next. Kinda wished I could marathon it so I don't have to wait 3 more agonizing weeks to find out what happens.

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Super Family!!! one of the BEST thing i've watched this year. OMG Why aren't people watching it?
Short, HILARIOUS, smart and meaningful. Everything works so well and natural. Doesn't feel one bit fake.
And hands down to Park Hyuk Kwon (as Na Chun Il the husband). He's done a great job. I still remember his Gil Tae Mi role in Six Flying Dragons - lol the only character i rmb from that show since i dropped it.
I agree with you on Hoya. He seems to do this kind of role well. Same role in Radiant Office. Like he jumps from this company to that company haha.

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I've definitely been keeping my eyes on it! From the sounds of it, it seems like it may be the best sitcom to come around since I Live In Cheongdamdong and High Kick so I'm looking forward to marathoning it when I'm in a slump :)

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Super family is love. And I don't think I've squealed this hard watching a confession scene. Bo-ram's frankness is so refreshing. And I love how Ik-hee's complicated first love didn't jeopardize her friendships. And Dir Choi is still my fave dream boss, so wise yet so humble.

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I am still reeling in myself and for the sake od my sanity, sticking to 5 dramas to live watch.

FATHER IS STRANGE: this is one weekend drama that I can't seem to not anticipating. Can we please reveal to JH his real paternity? Not too much angst,please. But then, it's a weekend drama.

FIGHT MY WAY: after this week, I want JM & SH to break up sooner rather than SH being more hurt. Their relationship at this point needs a major shake up,both for their sakes. Still annoyed with Hyeran & now also with Moobin.

CIRCLE: i love that each week, my questions from previous week is answered and then I get a new set of questions. Never loved a mystery drama like this before.

RULER-MASTER OF THE MASK: as much as I love YSHo & KSH, my interest is slowly slowly waning because of how it is turning out.

SUSPICIOUS PARTNER: JCW & CTJ gets to me each episode in two different ways. Now, what's up with our killer?

My list of currently airing dramas for Binge watching later is slowly increasing too...

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(Seriously, I’m dead and writing this from the afterlife.) - Leica
Lol!!!!!!! If Chang wookie could be charged for the many hearts he's put through cardiac arrest with his eyes , the man would be serving a life in prison sentence?

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There are definitely way too many dramas right now that seem good and I'm having a hard time keeping up with the watching and recap-reading. The struggle is real. XD

Fight My Way: This is soooooo good!! I love DM and AE's solid I-got-your-back-no-matter-what friendship and budding romance. SH and JM's relationship is realistic as well. HR is so evil that I have no words for her. MB is becoming less cute and I'm wondering when his cameo will end even though I usually love watching him. Anyway, Monday is just around the corner!!

My Sassy Girl: Oh, how I love Joowonnie in this role!! Cute, drunk, grumpy GW is the best!! I'm glad to see HM showing some emotions and isn't always so crazy. I wanna know her story of the past three years with the ex-lover and if she has any residual angst from her mom being dethroned years ago. Anticipating more hijinks and some serious battling with Minister Jung.

Ruler - Master of the Mask: I really like YSH in this, but it feels like he's the one carrying the show. KSH hasn't been given much to do and it feels like her talents are not being fully utilized. The plot doesn't seem to be moving forward much and Pyunsoohwe hasn't made much progress either with the puppet king in 5 years.

Still gotta find time to start The Best Hit and finish the last 8 ep's of Fighter of the Destiny.

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I just watching 2 drama right know but that already makes makes me mad for waiting next episodes: circle and 7dq!! Arguably two best drama this season. I'm happy i've made the right choice on which shows to watch yet in the same time i regrets to live watching these two because waiting made me so mad for the entire week!!
I dropped ruler two weeks ago. My head just cant stand the zero logic there. i still downloading (but not watching) the episode in case i want to take it up again sometime. But then i realize i wont. So i deleted the entire episodes. Good riddance. I will forever salty over how this drama managed to waste such talent that is ysh & ksh. Urgh
In the meantime- furiously watching yeok and chaegyung date in the river again n again n again~~~~

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One of the best dates among the child sageuks I've seen.

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Wow!! So many dramas to watch ?

I have yet to start watching one...

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Start with Suspicious Partner and Fight for My Way. You'll be hooked in the best way possible!! :))

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I just caught up the latest epi of Circle and every epi is so awesome ! Writer is so good and she/he throws wrong hints eveywhere. Anything can happen in this drama!! The lead cast is so great as well !! My most loved drama now !!

Lookout is milder than Circle and I'm still with it for now. It's my 2nd loved drama now!!

As for Suspicious Partner, I start to feel its drag nowadays and am now on the fence to see if I would continue with it.

Duel, may give it another 2 epi to see if I would continue with it cos episodes 1 and 2 doesn't impress me actually.

Man to Man, I have dropped it a few epi ago but may pick it up and continue with it if time permits.

My Sassy Gal, should I continue with it ???

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I'm wayy behind on all my dramas lately. What with so many new shows that are all really good, it's getting harder to catch up. I'm currently watching 9 shows and the list just keeps growing :(

My Sassy Girl - This is probably the only one I've managed to watch all the aired episodes of yet. I love, love Oh Yeon Seo and Joo Won in this. While the plot is kinda meh, it's breezy and fun.

Man to Man - I'm still somewhere in episode 10 and still need to watch the newer episodes. The comedy is great fun and the heartfelt moments are touching, but it can get a bit draggy with all the spy stuff. Also, Yeon Jung Hoon makes me miss Vampire Prosecutor soo much.

Circle - I love this show. It's exciting and the whole sci-fi element is interesting. Also, Kim Kang Woo :)

Lookout - The team is awesome and the story is great so far. The cast is the main reason I'm watching. Lee Si Young is soo badass.

Best Hit - Fun, so much fun. Yoon Si Yoon is awesome but Lee Se Young is my favorite.

Ruler: Master of the Mask - Having a hard time keeping up with this. Mostly cause I hate angsty melodramas. Add the political mess and it gets worse. The only reason I watch this is for Yoo Seung Ho.

Fight My Way - Kim Ji Won and Park Seo Joon have so much chemistry together. Their struggles in chasing their dreams are soo relatable.

Suspicious Partner - Nam Ji Hyun and Ji Chang Wook's pouty face are the best things about this drama. The second female lead I could do without. I know a lot of people find her badass, but I just find her annnoying and clingy.

Duel - Just started this. It seems to be good... so far. Kim Jung Eun, I'm not a fan of.

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The only two airing dramas I am actively watching right now or Suspicious Partner and Fight for My Way. Both are soooo good and I'm so invested in the relationships between the characters (both romantic and non-romantic). Every time I watch one I think "Okay, this is the one I'm most invested in, then a new episode of the other comes out and I'm like "wait, nevermind." What a great problem to have.

Even though I'm only watching two on-air dramas I started binge-watching completed ones in order to get me through the waiting period. ?. That's how I fell upon 'Oh my Ghostess' (Chep!!) and now I'm binging 'Strong Woman Do Bong Soon' because Park Hye Young has stolen my heart and won't let go.

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** Park Bo-Young not Hye Young

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So many dramas!

The goods:

Suspicious Partner

I have so many things to love this week, that I'm a little afraid of what might wait for us down the road. But I like that we get more story on Eun Hyuk. The smiley little lawyer has more facet than radiant smile, nice outfit, and a past to undo.

The new numbering system is still sth I need to get used to. To be honest, I like 16 more than 32 (although it's the same thing: 2 hours per week). Simple reason, really, because big numbers scare me.

7 Days Queen

I honestly didnt think that this drama would be something I would continuously watch and actually look forward to. The storytelling, the beautiful scenes, and everything just draws me in. Sad story? When you have watched Song Hye Kyo's Autumn in My Heart, you realize that being a good person and being treated unfairly all your life does not guarantee that your long-awaited prince charming will not be crushed by truck of doom at the end of the episode. I guess for these kinds of story, the award for being a good person lies not at the end of the journey, but sprinkled here and there during the journey. I'm enjoying 7 Days Queen, and will keep watching for those sprinkles.

Circle

I have not watched ep 6. But I will. As soon as I sort out my brain and find a nice, cozy, quiet place to watch it.

Btw, is it just me or does Byul really doesnt age outside but aged inside? I mean, when we saw her in the past, Byul looked stoic and was unable to communicate. I wonder if it's because she hasnt learned it -just like babies. Then, she gets matured over time, enters teenage/young-adult stage when they boys are in college. Hence the more expressive Byul.

Ruler
After watching the first 2 eps, I've decided to drop Ruler, for the reason that the villain lady feels awkward somehow, it feels like a strange drink, or if nightmare, it feels like being chased by a clown. Funny thing is, I dont have any problem with her acting in previous dramas. Perhaps she's not cut for it? Dunno. But I'm dropping this for now.

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I doesn't like the new numbering of epi too. Still can't get used to it especially some drama used the old numbering method but others still stuck to the old format.

I have to explain to one of my colleague who thought that Lookout has 32 episodes (she do not like long series too), I have to tell her that it is actually '16 episodes' (16 hours) for that drama and not 32 epi/hours.

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Suspicious Partners... Fight my way.
And I marathoned Weightlifting Kim boo ju this weekend!!! Oh my... I even want to watch it over again, because it was so good!!!!
Both SP and FMW are kind of watchable, but i feel they are not that good. If i have to compare, SP is better than FMW...
Anyway... This is how it goes to me these days...

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wfkbj is one of the best and cutest drama I've seen. It's worth for rewatching over and over. It's sad that ratings weren't so high because it was so good and heartfelt omg

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I never put a name to it, but TipsyMocha is right, Kdrama OSTs are totally pavlov conditioning me. For the past 2 months I get really emotional every time I hear PSH's Because of You from SWDBS come up on my playlist. I alway chalked it up to nostalgia when hearing an old drama OST that I loved but it is probably more to it than that. Interesting!

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I wishes tidak watch MSG And 7DQ And lookout Anda the best hit..unfortunatelly, the dramas re splited inti two parts, And honestly itu s not simple toko download And watch..HATE ITtttt

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Damn autotype!!!!!!???

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My same feels when I comment using my phone.

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I marathoned Best Hit. It's so funny! I like how light it is. There's a bit of mystery (why did he disappear and how did that producer get the book), a bit of under dog trying to go after his/her dream. It's warm. It's funny. Just right for me :)

I've started Circle...it's a bit strange.
I'm on ep. 3 of suspicious partner. I didn't really like the first two ep...but the ending was a cliff hanger. I think I'm going to like this a lot more now :) I might start Lookout...or catch up to Father is Strange.

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Totally stuck on Fight My Way! Aera and Dongman is ❤ and their chemistry is ???! As much as I love their developing romance, I am just as invested in their underdog story to reach their dreams. Also, I'm so torn about Seolhee, Jooman is taking her for granted and she's such a doormat so I kinda wish Jooman does something stupid so she snaps out of it and finds her confidence and backbone!

Lookout made me ugly cry. Just remembering the rape case with the dad breaking down and the mom-interactions makes me teary. Ugh. Not a fan of how Suji is so hot tempered and bullheaded but I'm really enjoying team missions! Liking Key and Kim Seulgi's characters a WHOLE LOT.

Suspicious Partners is cute, JCW is so pretty its distracting!

RULER -- I love YSH and KSH...what happened to this show and the characters? ???

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WHY ARE THERE SO MANY GOOD SHOWS THIS CYCLE? I AM OVERWHELMED WITH OPTIONS...

Maybe the next cycle will suck, and I can split this cycle into two...

Thank you for this feature!!

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Damn it...I'm so busy now, I don't have time to start any new dramas, don't even talk about watching those dramas that have ended. It's killing me. I can't even find the time to finish the last 2 episodes of Chicago Typewriter.....argghh...

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I'm happy because right now I have about 1 episode to watch every evening :D

Circle: I'm not sure about this one, I feel like the idea is old and the execution lame but I'm watching for YJG and hoping that something grand will happen.... 2-3 of 5 stars really

Suspicious partners: I like this one, it does remind me of Hello Monster a bit, but the romance is much better written, however the thriller suspense part is a bit weaker. Oh well, it stays interesting and sweet so I'm going to keep watching. maybe 3-4 out of 5 stars.

Fight for my way: This one is a straight 5 out of 5 for me. I love the characters, their interactions, the story, I love the way the writer makes the most terrible things be resolved in a logical way so that our heroes can keep going. Since I'm pretty sure this one will be a very happy ending I'm not really worried about anything :D

Masked Ruler: It's nice, it's stereotype, nothing surprising or exciting, but the children are beautiful, just watching them makes me content, so I'll keep watching. maybe 3 out of 5.

The best hit: Not sure about this one yet. I like all except for the biological parents of Kim Min Jae's character. Everyone is so clever and good and strong and sweet, this show is filled with beautiful characters. Well except for the 2 old idols who think more of themselves and less of the ppl around them than they should, which really annoys me.

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I've just realised Park Min-young and Ji Chang-wook are sharing a timeslot!

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Healer has dumped his lover in "Healer" and decide to be a lawyer and to woo after another gal named Bong Hee. Hahaha

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@laica : yeah, Heart to Heart is one of the gem in kdramaland. In my pov, I think it's one of Choi Kang Hee's best drama. I love the lead guy who played as the psychiatric doctor as well. He is good-looking and funny as well. This is a good psychiatric romance drama.

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This may be a little off topic, but I am really curious. in the past I rarely dropped a drama once I started it. I am just kind of stubborn about finishing what I start. Like many of you I am watching a bunch of dramas right now. Lately with many dramas using the new split episode format with two thirty minute episodes I have found it very easy to drop dramas early on in their run. Have any of you found this becoming almost a habit?

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Interesting. It hasn't happened to me because I happened to skip the weekday dramas with the split format. Exception: The Best Hit, and in that case it's actually making me eager to watch more. I don't think it would work in a sageuk though, so I'm glad they kept the 1-hour format in 7DQ.

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Ahhhhhhh Laica, you hit the nail on the head! I can't stand Moo-bin and it's not because I'm rooting for the OTP, it because he is a predator acting like he is innocent and nice. That scene in the hospital pissed me off on so many levels because he tried to make her feel bad because of that stupid room. No one told you to put her in a VIP suite. But he tried to use that to guilt trip her into accepting him and that wasn't cool at all. Dick.

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I need more time to keep up. I'm currently watching Ruler (I'm torn between dropping or not, I like YSH's character too much), Suspicious partner (OMG that kiss, that confession, that reaction, I love everything about this drama although this new story they introduced in ep 20 got me worried I hope they do it well) and Seven day Queen, which I'm surprised only @tipsymocha talked about because it is really a good one to watch, It's sad to say goodbye to teen actors because they did an amazing job and the casting nailed it because they look so much like their older parts.

I want to start the Best Hit and Duel. But waiting for subs even in english (spanish take longer) is annoying, maybe I should learn korean seriously and watch it raw :D

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Girlfriday and javabeans are recapping 7DQ, which speaks volumes :)

Hehe, I am watching the Best Hit raw and with subtitles. It's not difficult to understand what's going on, and it gives you an excuse to watch again with subtitles. ;)

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SUSPICIOUS PARTNER: dropped... I think even the kiss scenes will not save it...
RULER: DROPPED!!.. the story is going nowhere, since it's pre-produced...
SEVEN DAY QUEEN: of course I will stay till the end, cause it's so good...
BEST HIT: thanks for the awesome entertainment... will never drop till the end..

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I bet you guys have a hectic schedule. Happens to me too. So much to see. However, for me, if the 1st episode did not manage to capture my attention, I would abandon it & might catch it later.

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Watching SP, 7DQ, MSG, and Circle. Love all. Need to watch Best Hit and Lookout. I want to catch up on Ruler but.... sigh.

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Circle : I found myself pausing between each part of an episode to catch some breath. I couldnt even back to back 2 episodes at once, that's too much to my wrak heart.

Father is Strange : I cant believe there'll be the day that I'm looking forward to a weekend drama. Lee-Joon acting is impressive. I root for him in every aspect of his life; family, career, and romance.

Lookout : Things started getting more and more complicated and some of the characters started to be quite annoying. But I will stick around til the end, I really want to see those villains pay their price.

Suspecious Partner: Bong-Hee is such an interesting heroine. Ji Chang-Wook is amazing as usual.

I dont normally watch these much ongoing drama, I just try to keep up because discussing them with fellow beanies here make the shows even more entertaining.

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I am with everyone. There are so many good dramas out all at the same time and no time to catch them all! When was the last time this happened? I've only ever live-watched 2 or 3 dramas at one time but this time it's so crazy that I'm following and attempting to get onto so many at once.

Currently live watching Suspicious Partner, Fight My Way, Lookout, My Sassy Girl, Circle, Ruler–Master of the Mask and The Best Hit.

I still have to finished off Chicago Typewriter and Tomorrow with You.

I want to get started on Seven Day Queen and Duel but I haven't even caught up with the 7 currently airing dramas I mentioned! I have to split them in half and catch up on the first half one week and then catch up on the second half the next week, alternating like that. This makes me late joining in discussion threads, urgh! Not to mention I'm also following c-drama Princess Agents.

I wish I didn't have to work full time.

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I've been reducing my kdrama obsessions just because I couldn't take getting mixed up in characters and stories when watching different dramas every single day (just like before). So now I'm (only) watching Suspicious Partner and Fight My Way that are currently airing (among other completed kdramas). Ha!

All I can say is that both are hitting all the right notes on me. Ji Chang Wook and Park Seo-joon are killing the characters. Or maybe just because I can't take my eyes off their painfully awkward moments with Nam Ji Hyun and Kim Ji-won. I guess, I just don't know and care anymore about my real life when I'm seeing them on screen. *squeal*

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I watched Chicago Typewriter during this weekend and simply loved it.
The cinematography is incredible. I think after Goblin and Descendants of the Sun this drama is the best when it comes to great cinematography. I loved the 1930s setting of the drama and I wished the entire drama and plot could have been that. Other than in movies I have never seen that 1930s Japanese occupation era in a drama.

The story line and the plot of the drama is novel. It was very satisfying to watch it as it was good difference. The ending was both sad and happy. However, I preferred if there was more romance.

Yoo Ah In’s acting was superb as always. I liked Go Kyung-pyo’s character as well. I think he did well. Wasn’t a fan of the female lead however, she did justice to her character. Even though she was in her late 30s she was able to hide her age very well and get along with the two actors who are about 7–10 years younger.

I totally recommend and it is a MUST watch drama of 2017.

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