[Theme of the Month] Happily never after
by stroopwafel
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time of year to watch a rom-com or romance. Love and romance are never lacking in dramas and while I love a good happy ending, I often find myself thinking about the star-crossed lovers who didn’t get a happily ever after. For every OTP that rides off into the sunset together, there’s another couple that fate decides to keep apart.
Did your hero or heroine fall victim to the Truck of Doom? Were you rooting for the second lead? Was there a time travel plot? I’ve learned that if I watch a drama involving time travel, I need to steel myself and not get too emotionally invested in the lead couple, because no matter how strong your love is, there are times when love can’t conquer all.
Which happily never afters touched you the most? Tell us about the happily never after that broke your heart or remained with you long after the drama ended.
(Thank you to solangelvp for the theme suggestion!)
To submit:
- Email your submissions to hello@dramabeans.com. If you have a registered Dramabeans account, include your handle so we can link to it.
- Include at least 1 image, though more is preferred.
- Suggested length: Between 500 and 1,000 words.
- Deadline: We will post these on a rolling basis, so we’re taking submissions now. We will cut off accepting submissions on February 23. If you miss this month, join us for a new theme next month!
RELATED POSTS
Tags: Theme of the Month
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 strawberry
February 1, 2019 at 10:35 PM
Queen In-hyun's man immediately comes to my mind when I think of a time travel story with a perfect happy, romantic ending <3 ahhh
Required fields are marked *
Yashashree Jadhav
February 4, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Queen In Hyun's Man is probably my #1 drama of all times (well co-#1 with Dae Jang Geum)
Required fields are marked *
LollyPip
February 5, 2019 at 3:26 PM
It's not my #1 drama (though I do love it!), but I've always said that Boong-do is pretty much my perfect man. Cute, nerdy, a little awkward... GIMME!!!
Required fields are marked *
Tizzy
February 5, 2019 at 12:00 AM
I love Queen In-Hyun’ Man! It’s prob in my Top 5 dramas of all time.
Required fields are marked *
2 purplerain☔
February 1, 2019 at 11:11 PM
Reply 1998 comes to mind. my dear Jung-hwan had no Happy ending
Required fields are marked *
BdxPelik
February 2, 2019 at 4:22 AM
Heck, we didn't even know what kind of ending he had! I'm still mad at the writers for not telling us.
Required fields are marked *
alasecond
February 5, 2019 at 8:20 AM
Didn't he have a W ending..
came out of the movie, found his girl and is enjoying life since ever after.
Required fields are marked *
k1000a
February 2, 2019 at 10:54 AM
My exact thought... Luckily he got the girl in real life
Required fields are marked *
earthna
February 2, 2019 at 11:10 AM
He changed his name to Ryu Junyeol and is now dating this girl called Hyeri who , omg omg, looks exactly like Deoksun!
Required fields are marked *
ohduhree
February 4, 2019 at 8:19 PM
Your comment cracked me up haha. Yes, happy they're still doing well. And Junghwan's been busy doing movies lately.
Required fields are marked *
3 sph_7
February 1, 2019 at 11:13 PM
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes immediately comes to mind.
Wait, so we are not celebrating Valentine’s Day? Cheers to breakups and separation 🥂, I guess?🤷🏻♀️
Required fields are marked *
sph_7
February 2, 2019 at 8:36 AM
Reading all the later comments, I guess I misunderstood the theme, completely 🤦🏻♀️.
Ok, if this is about shipping the wrong ship, my picks are...
1) Ryu Jun Yeol, Reply 1988 (still 🤬)
2) Park Seo Joon, Kill Me Heal Me
3) Seo In Guk, Master’s Sun
4) Chan, 30 but 17
5) Jung Kyung Ho, Endless Love
6) Park Min Young, Ja Myung Go
Required fields are marked *
UrsulaX
February 3, 2019 at 7:31 PM
Wait, so you rooted for Park Min Young in Ja Myung Go? That was the drama that convinced me she should play more villains. She was pretty evil in that, wasn't she? She caused the downfall of her kingdom.
Required fields are marked *
sph_7
February 5, 2019 at 4:06 PM
Haha, yeah~ poor girl fell for the wrong guy.
Required fields are marked *
4 gadis
February 1, 2019 at 11:59 PM
Do we only write about romantic love? Or is the term "love" open to interpretation?
Required fields are marked *
mary
February 2, 2019 at 4:32 AM
I wanna know too... though I never manage to finish a theme post. XD asking @stroopwafel?
Required fields are marked *
stroopwafel
February 2, 2019 at 8:26 AM
Hi @gadis, yes, romantic love (sort of an anti-Valentine's ode). :)
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 8:31 AM
Dramabeans featuring subversive "anti-Valentine's ode" in February? Perfect antidote to excessive saccharinity!
Required fields are marked *
WishfulToki
February 2, 2019 at 9:55 AM
This suits me ahahaha.
In all seriousness, it’s a great theme. The love stories that stayed with me the most are the ones that couldn’t get their happy ever after. I’m thinking historical dramas. *shakes fist at Fate*
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 9:59 AM
Drama god is merciless. It keeps reinforces the message that ultimately it is Fate which brings lovers back together, but ultimately it also has the power to tear them apart.
5 realraul23
February 2, 2019 at 12:25 AM
They were not the lead couple but Earnest Bot and Princess Jae-shin in the King 2 Hearts deserved their happy ending!!! I cried buckets of tears for what happened to them😭😭😭
Required fields are marked *
mano
February 2, 2019 at 4:15 AM
OMG, there's time I was more invested to their love story than the main couple.
I don't understand why earnest bot had to be killed off, it didn't served any purpose.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 9:57 AM
Exactly. If the death actually is justified in a narrative sense it would be heartbreaking but understandable. In this case, the death of Ernest Bot is senseless therefore rage-inducing.
Required fields are marked *
Sim
February 2, 2019 at 9:19 AM
lol GEE, THANKS A LOT
I hadnt thought about that just long enough to think I was over it, and now I am crushed all over again.
Required fields are marked *
dukseonnoona
February 2, 2019 at 8:48 PM
Still hurts me to this day. 💔
Required fields are marked *
mochi fluffs
February 4, 2019 at 12:52 PM
I'm still scarred by that one. I literally went through a packet of tissues, because not only did that end the romance, it also ended a great bromance. *sniff*
Required fields are marked *
KSKalways
February 5, 2019 at 6:38 AM
I knoooow ! They deserved soooo much better than what life gave them in the end!
Required fields are marked *
LollyPip
February 5, 2019 at 3:28 PM
Every time I try to forget this one, someone reminds me... *SOB*
Required fields are marked *
6 javinne
February 2, 2019 at 1:16 AM
This one is not famous, and the end is not necessarily unhappy, but I feel... just impossible. Three dads and one mom, with Eugene.
The three in love with her, but she didn't seem to be in love with them.
The drama is silly somehow, but sweet and they made me cry once in a while, mostly at the end, when they realised how much she did for them even without knowing it.
Required fields are marked *
Midnight
February 2, 2019 at 7:03 AM
SO TRUE!
Required fields are marked *
PakalanaPikake
February 2, 2019 at 3:04 PM
@javinne, I agree! THREE DADS AND ONE MOM was a cute show, with Daddy's three best bros pitching in to help out Mom. And Shin Sung-rok played a cop, not a villain, woo hoo! ;-)
Required fields are marked *
thequiet1
February 2, 2019 at 8:18 PM
He was in that? I need to rewatch!
Required fields are marked *
k1000a
February 4, 2019 at 5:45 AM
My exact thoughts!
Required fields are marked *
javinne
February 2, 2019 at 10:52 PM
Yeah... i really truly liked Shin Sung-rok in there. He was amazing.
Required fields are marked *
PakalanaPikake
February 3, 2019 at 10:47 AM
Shin Sung-rok is even better in HYENA (tvN, 2006). Beware the show's 19+ rating for raunchiness -- although SSR's character is dignified and well-behaved. It was apparently his first significant TV drama performance, complete with a very moving piano ballad to underscore the heartbreak. What a voice. A fervent prayer, it's towards the end of ep. 9, and starts at about 52:45. I've posted the lyrics as rendered by WITH S2 on my fan wall.
http://www.dramabeans.com/members/pakalanapikake/activity/711122/
Kim Min-jong and Oh Man-seok also sing in the course of the show. Weirdly, these solo pieces are not included in the OST.
https://wiki.d-addicts.com/Hyena
http://asianwiki.com/Hyena_(Korean_Drama)
Required fields are marked *
egads aka Dame Maggie
February 3, 2019 at 10:56 AM
I started 3 dads 1 mom, but not even for SSR could I get very far. I skipped to the end to find out if my hunch was correct. It was.
SSR was the most interesting of the 3 dads though.
Required fields are marked *
7 marina
February 2, 2019 at 3:52 AM
The picture is the answer. Moon Lovers💔
The moment Wang So hugged Hae Soo’s urn of ashes is when I lost it.
Required fields are marked *
nilsche
February 2, 2019 at 6:04 AM
Love story between the drama amd the viewers also really heartbreaking. We want more, the story could give more, but the circumstances (a.k.a tv rating) said no...
Required fields are marked *
marina
February 2, 2019 at 8:06 AM
Yeah. We, the viewers, deserved more than what they gave us. Sigh
Required fields are marked *
transient
February 3, 2019 at 9:55 PM
That drama is a mess. Not only Wang So and Hee Soo did not get their happily ever after, we did not get one either since the ending is like "...Huh? That's the ending? Or did this episode get cut off prematurely at the end?"
Required fields are marked *
8 BdxPelik
February 2, 2019 at 4:21 AM
Queen for 7 Days! Oh, their separation broke my heart! Even more so when Yeok had the dream where they had children together and lived a peaceful life. What really brought it home was when after 38 years, they finally reunite.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. My husband."
"Just once is enough."
*Wipes away tears*
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 8:33 AM
*sobs* I still couldn't bring myself to watch the last episode of Seven Day Queen.
This is one drama I knew heading in would break my heart but the journey was so rewarding that I was willing to be the moth flying into the all consuming flame.
Required fields are marked *
PakalanaPikake
February 2, 2019 at 3:12 PM
@kimbapnoona,
The staging of SEVEN DAY QUEEN'S final reunion scene was incredibly beautiful and touching. Yes, it hit me like a ton of bricks, just like Heo Joon's walking through the gateway did in MIRROR OF THE WITCH. And I wouldn't have it any other way. ;-)
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 3:28 PM
Thank you @pakalanapikake for letting me know that the ending is beautiful.....one day I will muster enough courage to let myself get hit by a ton of bricks in all of its glory 😭😭😭
Required fields are marked *
elenapotato
February 4, 2019 at 7:40 AM
@pakalanapikake is right. Yes, they got separated but the ending was nothing but perfect. It was so beautiful~
Required fields are marked *
Mel
February 4, 2019 at 6:46 PM
wait, what?! they met after 38 years? How did I miss that?!? do i need to watch the whole thing again 🤔
Required fields are marked *
PakalanaPikake
February 5, 2019 at 5:33 AM
@gmelenco Mel,
Did you watch the final episode? Watch it carefully in its entirety without fast-forwarding. It is poetic.
Required fields are marked *
Mel
February 5, 2019 at 9:55 AM
I did!... and I didn’t ff
I think I might’ve just been crying my eyes out that I missed it..!?
Required fields are marked *
PakalanaPikake
February 5, 2019 at 12:05 PM
@gmelenco Mel,
A lot happens in the final episode, which I just rewatched. I'm not certain whether Yeok actually stopped by Chae-kyung's residence on his return from Yeonsangun's place of exile, or whether it was a dream. A definite dream sequence follows. In another scene, Chae-kyung sews hanbok for Yeok and sends it to him.
At about 58:00, against the backdrop of the palace courtyard, the chyron states the year as 1544, 38 years later (39th year of King Jung Jong). Indoors, after a physician takes his pulse, the King calls for Eunuch Song. Later, a palanquin enters the palace gate. Notice what happens when the woman passes through an inner door.
Does that help? I hope so. ;-)
PakalanaPikake
February 5, 2019 at 12:13 PM
@gmelenco Mel,
PS -- Notice the hanbok the King gets dressed in. Recognize it? It's the one Chae-kyung made for him.
Mel
February 5, 2019 at 1:02 PM
Oh wow! Thank you so much for writing this!! But is that his death bed ?!!? 😭😭😭😭
Required fields are marked *
PakalanaPikake
February 6, 2019 at 8:58 PM
@gmelenco Mel,
You're most welcome. You might have to watch a couple of times to catch the subtleties.
*finger to lips* ;-)
9 mano
February 2, 2019 at 4:22 AM
Kim Shin and Chae Eun-soo from Story of A Man comes to mind. I think it's the only drama with sad ending that doesn't make me mad about it.
Required fields are marked *
10 HelenaCan
February 2, 2019 at 6:46 AM
Oh the sad sad City Hunter... I am still heartbroken thinking about this poor boy being abandoned by everyone, including his girl...
Required fields are marked *
Vespertyne29
February 3, 2019 at 6:58 AM
The ending could have been written better, for sure, but he was with his girl at the end. It’s just that the way they ending was written/directed made it subject to being seen as a dream or vision. I read an article in which either the writer or director said unequivocally that it wasn’t a dream, but reality. Still, it was a lame ending for such a fantastic drama.
Required fields are marked *
HelenaCan
February 3, 2019 at 9:34 AM
I have read this article too, but I still think this ending was just fun service.
Required fields are marked *
Tizzy
February 5, 2019 at 12:04 AM
I was really mad at the way City Hunter ended.
Required fields are marked *
11 JustMe
February 2, 2019 at 6:48 AM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
12 JustMe
February 2, 2019 at 6:50 AM
Ive never really had second lead syndrome, but looking back the girl deserved choi siwon in She Was Pretty. He was much kinder to her. So. Much.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 8:37 AM
*feeds you a slice of Danmuji*
I like Park Seo-joon as an actor but his character was so mean that he was undeserving of the heroine. Si-won doesn't deserve to be sad.
Required fields are marked *
JustMe
February 2, 2019 at 8:55 AM
exactly! this was my first drama and I was enamoured by PSJ, but rewatching a few clips I was aghast at my lack of... insight. He was almost toxic. Thank god he changed. but still.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 9:06 AM
Hahaha for sure we have our own growth arcs as critical viewers. The difference now I consciously and actively ignore some of these types of cringe if I still enjoy the other elements of the shows.
Required fields are marked *
sph_7
February 2, 2019 at 9:01 AM
Once upon a time, hostile bosses were fetishized.
Maybe we’re still in that time🤷🏻♀️.
They still giving Park Seo Joon these roles.🤦🏻♀️
Required fields are marked *
Vespertyne29
February 3, 2019 at 7:02 AM
Despite the considerable sexiness of PSJ, I abandoned that drama less than halfway through because I could not bear to see or hear one more second of that awful lead actress. I HATE that type of female lead, and I can’t stand to watch that actress, as that is apparently her specialty.
Required fields are marked *
earthna
February 2, 2019 at 11:14 AM
I loveeeee Siwon so much but couldn't get myself to finish this show. I stopped when I realized there's no way Siwon is getting the girl. PSJ's character is such a butt, I still haven't watched another drama he's in. I know it's not his fault and it's not him but ughhhh I hated that character so much.
Required fields are marked *
JustMe
February 2, 2019 at 11:24 AM
PSJ himself is such a down-to-earth sweet guy. I've seen him on many variety shows and he's hilarious. his FMW character is much closer to his real personality. But I get how you feel. After seeing his character in WWWSK i was so put off.
Required fields are marked *
earthna
February 2, 2019 at 3:52 PM
Was his character in WWWSK like that? Ugh why does he keep getting these roles?!
Maybe the real question is why are male leads made to be such mean jerks?
Required fields are marked *
Vespertyne29
February 3, 2019 at 7:07 AM
His character in WWWSK was intentionally supposed to be a clueless egomaniac, in an over the top, humourous manner, and he played the part perfectly, and with great enjoyment. His ego causing him to assume everything was about him was a big part of what made the show so funny and enjoyable. That type of drama isn’t something I would usually watch, but I found it hilarious and charming, mostly because of PSJ’s character and performance.
Nam Joo-hyuk is Tall
February 5, 2019 at 11:28 PM
I read somewhere that he wanted to play that role because it was the complete opposite of how he is in real life. Gotta stretch those skills
Required fields are marked *
natzillagorilla
February 2, 2019 at 11:36 AM
I actually hated the FL so much, I was happy Siwon wasn't left with that mess.
Also, I believe this theme is perfect for RH and Rocky ^^
Required fields are marked *
JustMe
February 2, 2019 at 11:46 AM
right? But I'd be ridiculous at this point to write a 500-1000 word post about their doomed love. (oh gosh it's practically writing itself).
Required fields are marked *
PakalanaPikake
February 2, 2019 at 3:17 PM
@justme,
My first case of Second Lead Syndrome was triggered by Siwon in SHE WAS PRETTY. I didn't know what hit me. ;-)
Required fields are marked *
egads aka Dame Maggie
February 2, 2019 at 11:10 PM
Am I the only one who didn't like Si-won's character in She Was Pretty? I mean, besides lying about who he was, I guess he was an okay human, but I absolutely had no SLS there. Yes, Park Seo-joon's character was a jerk at first, but at least among all the lead characters he wasn't pretending to be anyone else.
I'm not sure I've ever really liked any of Choi Si-won's roles. Maybe I just don't like him.
Required fields are marked *
Eden
February 2, 2019 at 11:24 PM
Yeah, I liked his character in She Was Pretty, but not as a love interest. He was too goofy I guess. And then manipulating her with the story about his dead sister who was actually a dog and then comparing her to the dog LOL He just seemed like fun and a good friend but not boyfriend material. I haven't seen him in any other roles yet...
Required fields are marked *
Vespertyne29
February 3, 2019 at 7:11 AM
I didn’t watch the drama that long, but I didn’t think he was that special. Anyone who liked that horrible screeching female lead was immediately an unrealistic, unbelievable character as far as I was concerned. Plus, the entire story was so stupid and badly directed, all of the characters were awful.
Required fields are marked *
bbstl 🧹
February 3, 2019 at 6:35 PM
No, you're not the only one. He was a really good guy underneath all the crazy but I badly wanted to see him get on some meds.
Required fields are marked *
egads aka Dame Maggie
February 3, 2019 at 7:04 PM
Yes, absolutely.
Required fields are marked *
JustMe
February 4, 2019 at 5:45 PM
Y'all are RUTHLESS!!! I love it HAHAHA
Required fields are marked *
lacewng
February 5, 2019 at 4:29 PM
I am with you. Everybody says that Seo-Joon's character was a jerk.But nobody questions how inadequate the girl was (the actress herself is always annoying). He came to save a business, he had no time to sweet talk to a fumbling idiot. Till her friend pointed out, she didn't even bother to get the basic knowledge. He never judged her for her looks. It never mattered to him.
Choi Si-won character was never into her until he realized he cant have her. He seemed too shallow.
Required fields are marked *
13 Ally
February 2, 2019 at 7:16 AM
Is this one all about second lead syndrome? Because I’m sure a novel could be written on every Reply series ever.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 8:45 AM
I started watching dramas after Reply series had ended so I was lucky to be able to shield myself from SLS by finding out who are the end games after reading about the intense shipping wars. But for me, Tae-woong oppa in Reply 1997 actually never felt like a real challenge for me or real option for Shi-won unlike second leads in 1994 and 1988.
Required fields are marked *
sph_7
February 2, 2019 at 9:04 AM
There was no contest in 1997, but the war of 1988 was for real 😅
Required fields are marked *
cherry 🍒
February 2, 2019 at 9:12 AM
My thoughts exactly, there was no real war in RM97 because it was obvious who the husband was. And of course Seo In Guk.
But RM88 was brutal. I’m glad I didn’t watch it live when it was aired.
Required fields are marked *
Kurama
February 2, 2019 at 12:05 PM
There was no contest in 1994 neither. And 1988 was disapointing :p
Required fields are marked *
grass
February 3, 2019 at 12:44 AM
Seriously, I knew all the spoilers and the endgame before I marathoned R88 in one go. And I'm the type who never gets SLS (well I guess till this day, R88 remains the only exception)
Still had a mental breakdown at the 18th/19th ep.
Even amidst my heartbreak I was curious to how the finale would turn out since I knew the spoilers. But well... let's just say after R88 I'm scarred LOL
(Good thing I've recently let go of my R88 trauma- Thanks to Bogum in Encounter!)
Required fields are marked *
earthna
February 2, 2019 at 11:16 AM
That's why I liked 97 more than the others. There was that heartbreak with Junhee but yeah, no real competition there.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 11:23 AM
OMG yes, @earthna!! How can I forget one of the most heartbreaking unrequited love stories in Dramaland worthy of a Happily Never After post! (and still possibly the most well-handled same-sex loveline in mainstream Asian dramas.
Our consolation as viewers is that Writer-nim does show us in the end that Joon-hee seems to be able to move on from his first love and finds his happiness elsewhere.
Required fields are marked *
PakalanaPikake
February 2, 2019 at 3:39 PM
@kimbapnoona,
There's a touching unrequited same-sex loveline in PERSONAL TASTE between Lee Min-ho's architect character and the gallery director. And an absolutely heartbreaking one with a reverse twist between Shin Sung-rok's character and the dippy medical resident nicknamed Conch in HYENA.
earthna
February 2, 2019 at 3:48 PM
"Why do I like you? Because it's you."
/cries in a corner
earthna
February 2, 2019 at 3:49 PM
@pakalanapikake Yes! Personal Taste! I haven't seen a lot of people talk about that drama but it's my fave LMH drama. Now, I miss it and want to rewatch.
PakalanaPikake
February 2, 2019 at 5:10 PM
@kimbapnoona, @earthna,
In PRINCE OF THE LEGEND / BOOK OF THREE HANS / JUMONG, here's a loveline between hermaphrodite Sa-yong (Bae Soo-bin), tactician for Jalbon paramount chieftain Yeon Ta-bal, and Jumong's lieutenant, Hyop-bo (Lim Dae-ho). They have quite the mutual admiration society, but their jobs often take them in divergent directions. Their parting is permanent when So Seo-no resigns as Empress of Koguryeo to found a new kingdom in the south for her sons to rule: Baekje.
🍙 kimbap noona
February 2, 2019 at 5:15 PM
Wait, @pakalanapikake, there is a hermaphrodite character in a K-drama? That's is the most surprisingly awesome thing I have all day!!
Even though I never finished Personal Taste, I do remember that the gallery director's feelings for LMH were treated respectfully in the show. Thank you for reminding me!!
PakalanaPikake
February 2, 2019 at 7:26 PM
Re: @kimbapnoona
February 2, 2019 at 5:15 PM
I was surprised, too, when I recently watched JUMONG. Soon after he is introduced to Jumong and the boys, Sa-yong says something about having both sets of parts, if I understood the subtitles correctly. He is soft-spoken and has a quiet, unflappable demeanor, and is an able fighter when the caravan is attacked, which is often. IIRC, he-man Hyop-bo is put off by his ambiguity, but admires Sa-yong's nimble mind and talent for strategizing. They end up commiserating on their involuntary single status.
There are plenty of other thwarted romances in JUMONG, and in KINGDOM OF THE WINDS, too.
That scene in ep. 7 of PERSONAL TASTE was so well done. Kudos to Ryoo Seung-ryong as gallery Director Choi Do-bin, and LMH.
Sim
February 2, 2019 at 9:21 AM
i have been on the right ship each reply series, but even IIII was surprised when it turned out to be cannon lol. Especially 88. I shipped the right couple but when it started I was like WAIT WHAT?
Required fields are marked *
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent, Dame Judi
February 2, 2019 at 12:06 PM
Hello, my name is Jisoo and I am looking for love....
I am tempted to finally write that "Jisoo never gets the girl" piece I've been pondering.
But then again... there's this show called Circle...
Required fields are marked *
Ally
February 2, 2019 at 1:19 PM
That right! You want a love story there. That electrifying chemistry you mentioned in our piece that never got published! Fighting! 😂😂😂
Required fields are marked *
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent, Dame Judi
February 2, 2019 at 1:47 PM
It's okay, it's published on your blog now. The masses can finally read it.
To be serious, I can't help thinking that "Happily Never After" sounds like couples I think are doomed. And I do have a piece like that floating around...
Required fields are marked *
14 Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 2, 2019 at 8:12 AM
Oh gosh darnit, there's so many!!! All the 'what could've been' moments come to mind now..... And yes, for this Theme, I think Second Leads DO count:
- Reply 1988
- Moon Lovers
- Marriage Contract (the one drama I hoped to God that an unlogical-in-real-life-drama-logic type of medical miracle would happen) T....T
- Queen for 7 Days.... Is it really true that 'it's enough' just to know the person you love and are in love with (there's a difference, but those 2 things can definitely be felt by one person for another) is alive and well even though you're no longer able to be with them??
- Fated To Love You-- oh, Daniel Pitt, you and your puppy eyes
- She Was Pretty-- giiiiiirl, you be blind 10x over if love-blinded-ness was an actual thing
- even though I'm a Ye-Liner, I send my respects to all the MinHoYoungs out there
- MDBC, oh Yoon Sung (Jinyoung), had you not gotten the life taken outta you (literally), would you have gotten a fighting (pun not intended) chance? I'd like to hope so
Required fields are marked *
nilsche
February 2, 2019 at 8:30 AM
She was pretty
If its was your real life. Who would you choose? Your rich first love (who act really rude when you were in your lowest state but then slowly warming up) or a billion dollar writer who loves you even in your worst?
*just a fun question tho. Anyone who happen to read this, may answer if they will.😃😃😃😃
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
February 2, 2019 at 9:31 AM
In real life I’d pick That jerk you have feelings with - you can’t help who you love. Just saying 🤷♀️
Maybe in the course of your relationship you can change him and talk to him out of it, but it just doesn’t sit with me well if you’re only with the guy because he loves you. It’s not fair to him in any angle you look at. Especially if you know you’re not gonna grow to love him. It’s not fair for you too for lying to yourself.
If the jerk guy doesn’t change, love yourself and make yourself a priority. Try to get over him if he gets overly toxic. You’ll find someone worth loving for one day. If not, nothing is wrong being alone. You have other people - family and friends that love and care for you for sure ❤️
Required fields are marked *
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 2, 2019 at 2:00 PM
Can I have a mix of both?? Hehe A guy who REALLY knows me because he's known me from childhood but also because he will--and does-- love me even when I am at my worst
Required fields are marked *
Sim
February 2, 2019 at 9:22 AM
UGH, these comments are bringing back oooold woundsss (I should stop reading them, shouldnt I?) I AM NOT OVER MARRIAGE CONTRACT. IT HURT TOO MUCH. I AM SAD NOW
Required fields are marked *
earthna
February 2, 2019 at 11:19 AM
But it hurts so gooood
Required fields are marked *
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 2, 2019 at 2:04 PM
"Marriage Contract" will forever remain precious in my heart and in my Star Pocket forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever.... You get the point :)
Required fields are marked *
javinne
February 2, 2019 at 10:59 PM
even though I'm a Ye-Liner, I send my respects to all the MinHoYoungs out there
LOL 😂
You are sweet and funny. I am a Ye-liner too. But even until the beginning of the last episode I remember I was afraid she would suddenly think Min ho was better, because she knew him longer and felt comfortable with him. I mean, he was all the time the "main lead", but I am so happy she knew her heart better! Dr. Ye, I love you! 😍😂😍😂
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
February 3, 2019 at 6:59 PM
Oooh yes the second lead in MDBC... still mad about that too...
Required fields are marked *
Bebe | Nessa❣️
February 3, 2019 at 8:03 PM
Yoon Sung ahhhhhh
Required fields are marked *
Kwan
February 3, 2019 at 8:28 PM
I just finished Marriage Contract, and I was in love with the story. Such devotion to a dying wife is hard to find. I have only found it one other place and that's, A Thousand Days' Promise, staring Kim Rae Won. Is it just me, or can Kim Rae Won get himself into some sad romantic fixes?
Required fields are marked *
15 13infamyss
February 2, 2019 at 8:21 AM
Off the top of my head - Misty. Tragic tragic
trashending. Both of them loved each other, Hye Ran, feisty girl as she was did love her husband and felt an unfamiliar sparks with him at the beginning. Though throughout their marriage it felt like they were only together for the show, but she did love him. The husband loved, obsessed over her. What amazing end would it have been had he own up to his sins and dealt with them like a responsible human being. But nope, I guess to the very end, love wasn’t enough and their, errr I guess I meant his selfish desires and pride won.As I was writing this post, it made me remember Rooftop Prince 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 caged with living in different time periods, there’s just no way they can be together. I mean yeah he got reincarnated, but it just doesn’t feel the same to me. It still left me bittersweet seeing that end scene
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
February 2, 2019 at 8:27 AM
Oh yeah 49 Days too 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Han Kang and the ghost lady (sorry forgot her name) and.............
😭😭😭😭😭 Scheduler and Yi Kyung. I mean there’s just no happy ending to that, really. So poignant but then again I couldn’t have asked a better ending. Wish it didn’t break my heart, but both couples did have closure, so I forgive the drama for poking at my vulnerable heart.
Required fields are marked *
cherry 🍒
February 2, 2019 at 9:15 AM
49 days made my eyes swollen every single episode. That was really a tragic love story. I think JIW was perfect in that role as a Scheduler and I didn’t really care about the main couple.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
February 2, 2019 at 9:37 AM
Right I was more invested in Schedule and Yi Kung’s story too, but then I remember how Han Kang loved the girl secretly and how genuine he was for her. I can’t forget the scene when she got her first tear and it revealed that it came from Han Kang, like 😭😭😭.
But yeah scheduler’s story stole the show for me too!
Required fields are marked *
owl 🦉 🫰
February 3, 2019 at 1:08 PM
Scheduler!!! Where I first fell in love with JIW~
Required fields are marked *
owl 🦉 🫰
February 3, 2019 at 1:10 PM
Misty - what a tragic train (er, car) wreck of an ending.
Required fields are marked *
Kwan
February 3, 2019 at 8:30 PM
I thought the most startling character in Misty was the pro-golfer! Wow! Did he ever put on a sexy show!
Required fields are marked *
16 Irene
February 2, 2019 at 10:30 AM
Goblin...I’ll never forgive the writer for that ending. This would’ve been my favorite drama if not for that ending
Required fields are marked *
17 mk
February 2, 2019 at 12:38 PM
*screaming from the mountaintop* KUDO HINA DESERVED THE WORLD.
Required fields are marked *
18 DelSatu
February 3, 2019 at 1:25 AM
TREE WITH DEEP ROOTS: So-yi and Chae-yoon; did you really have to die over an alphabet after all you've been through ?
speaking of alphabet:
SPLISH SPLASH LOVE: I know she had a new version of the guy, but it's not the same, and what about him??? their goodbyes on the raining beach was so beautiful and sad!!
Required fields are marked *
mary
February 3, 2019 at 1:50 AM
Why did your Tree With Deep Roots description make me laugh and cry T__T
Required fields are marked *
Nam Joo-hyuk is Tall
February 5, 2019 at 11:31 PM
Same. Those were my exact thoughts.
Required fields are marked *
Kwan
February 3, 2019 at 8:38 PM
I really liked Splish Splash Love, for several reasons. It was short and to the point; I've watched so many Korean historical dramas so I caught all the little historical innuendos; and I liked the ending.
Required fields are marked *
transient
February 3, 2019 at 9:48 PM
The king in Splish Splash Love ended up having many concubines, so I guess he's quite happy with his life?
Required fields are marked *
19 Azalea
February 3, 2019 at 1:33 AM
Yoon ji Hoon from boys over flowers...And Taekwang from school 2015
Required fields are marked *
transient
February 3, 2019 at 9:49 PM
Blame Hanazawa Rui from Hana Yori Dango for it. He's the one who started all the doomed "nice second lead who didn't get the girl"
Required fields are marked *
thatstp
February 6, 2019 at 11:19 AM
I was wondering if anyone was going to mention BOF. That was my first drama where I got SLS. I didn't know anything about kdramas then so I stopped watching when I figured out Ji Hoon wasn't going to get the girl and Barrel Curls (that's what my daughter and I named Jun Pyo) was.
Required fields are marked *
20 k1000a
February 3, 2019 at 6:16 AM
No happy endings.... A few come to mind but let me start with the ones that infuriate me:
The King 2 Hearts' Princess and Her Bodyguard: So unfair!! ㅠ..ㅠ They deserved a happy ending.
Who Are You: School 2015's Bullied Kim So Hyun and Her Loyal Friend Yuk Sung Jae: He was the first one to recognize her, was supportive and encourage her to stand out for herself, then why? why? WHY? Why she choose Nam Joo Hyuk ? I still don't get it.
Gu Family Book's Half-Gumiho Lee Seung Gi and Human Suzy: In a story about creating our own destiny, the two lovers' fate couldn't be changed... Discouraging.
Goblin's The Hottest Goblin Gong Yoo and His Underaged Human Girlfriend: Contrary to GFB, here fate and destiny were an extremely powerful force, but then writer-nim decides mid-way to violate her own lore, only to back-stabbing us at the very end. Be consistent woman!!
Replay 1988's Deok Sun and Jung Pal: I do not get second-lead syndrome very often, still I was left heartbroken (and in denial) when this drama ended. I guess real-life Deok Sun must felt the same way I did ;p
The ones I actually liked and enjoyed:
Seven Day Queen's Star-Crossed Crowned Prince Yeo Woo Jin and His Beloved Chae Kyung: Painfully beautiful romance. After years of watching saeguks I have learnt that Joseon's love stories are full of drama and tragedy and this was no exception. It's sad and unfair but very realistic and consistent.
Lookout's Morally Doubtful Prosecutor Kim Young Kwang: Ok, not exactly a love story, yet a well deserved happily never after for a character that did awful things, for a good cause but still, so he needed to be punished. A great closure for his character.
Required fields are marked *
Goryeo princess
February 3, 2019 at 12:39 PM
Also if I could ask for a second season of a drama... That'd be also Gu's Family Book. That part in the present was so. Good. But so short too
Required fields are marked *
Kwan
February 3, 2019 at 8:16 PM
I thought that episode was the best one of the bunch.
Required fields are marked *
21 Jadielaw
February 3, 2019 at 7:36 AM
My beloved drama Stairway to heaven! Song-joo and Jung-suh.
Required fields are marked *
Kwan
February 3, 2019 at 8:42 PM
Wow! Now that one was a long drawn out affair. I felt like I was dying along with Jung Seo. But the ending was sad enough that I could have filled up that ocean behind them.
Required fields are marked *
Mel
February 4, 2019 at 6:49 PM
😭😭😭 this was one of my very first k-dramas and the litres of tears 😭😭😭
Required fields are marked *
22 isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
February 3, 2019 at 11:04 AM
I am like...really...really...tired of my brain associating all of these themes with APAD and Pretty Noona Who Hurt Me. I'd like to quietly put these dramas in a box and return them to the earth (or a pile of manure) and forget that they existed.
Required fields are marked *
javinne
February 4, 2019 at 10:40 PM
But APAD has a happy ever after... more or less... hum.... unless you are team Min ho...🤔
Required fields are marked *
isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
February 4, 2019 at 10:43 PM
I will always sail on the good ship MinHo. Official Cheerleader and Librarian.
APAD stopped being happy long before the end with the way they treated the real lead. grr.
Required fields are marked *
javinne
February 4, 2019 at 10:49 PM
Well, there you have enough material to write an essay. I belong to the Ye-liner from the very beginning, so I was ok with how it developed. The whole serie is not perfect in the way they treated not only Min ho, but some other characters as well... It lacked conclusions but still... I enjoyed watching the show. I think it was one of those shows you can watch again with your sister at least once, and comment on the poems and the heartwarming parts of it.
Required fields are marked *
isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
February 4, 2019 at 11:06 PM
It was a fun time to be on db but as for the drama itself...I think the hype and the interactions on the fanwall elevated the drama to seeming like it was better than it actually was? For me, knowing how it ends and knowing that it ends that way because of a wishy washy author who couldn't stay true to the story that she was telling and instead gave into the demands of a vocal part of the fans watching? No...I dont think I'll be rewatching this one. Or watching anything from this writer again.
javinne
February 5, 2019 at 6:38 AM
Again, your opinion is respectable. And yeah, the hype in DB around APAD was fun🙂✌😀
But maybe that is all part of the experience. I remember one of the beanie recappers saying she enjoyed recapping certain show (which was trash), because since nobody was watching or reading, she could add her own twist to the recap and did it as if she was talking to the characters and that's the only way she could finish the task. I was so curious I started to read the recaps as well, and yeah, she is fun.
I suppose, and it is good to say it, we were making the best of it. I will always remember the shipping war because we really didn't know who was going to win. I had lots of fun then 🙂😅😊😂😍
Required fields are marked *
23 Goryeo princess
February 3, 2019 at 12:37 PM
Oh that photo. That drama. I was expecting at least a reunion on the present. Worthy of an entire episode,at least. And a truly happy ending. Lee Jun Ki..
We need a second season of that drama.
Required fields are marked *
24 owl 🦉 🫰
February 3, 2019 at 1:03 PM
Moon Lovers happyily never after - aauugghh! Don't remind me, it was such a killer. Now you've got me looking over the K-dramas I've watched for other fated opposite directions for our OTP.
Required fields are marked *
Goryeo princess
February 4, 2019 at 11:38 AM
Like I said..... We need a proper second season! hahaha ;)
Required fields are marked *
25 larelle79
February 3, 2019 at 3:49 PM
Uncontrollably Fond. It wasn't just Eul that Joon-young left behind. You knew it was coming, but it didn't hurt any less for Eul....and Joon-young's family and friend.
A parent outlived their child. Who wants that.
Required fields are marked *
thatstp
February 6, 2019 at 11:32 AM
THIS!!! I knew from the beginning that I shouldn't watch it because it was destined to break my heart. The scene in front of the school is still one of my all time favorites.
"I skipped school because it's our 100th Day"
Sighhhhhh... another casualty of the DramFever demise #gonebutnotforgotten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qB6h2U8AWo
Required fields are marked *
larelle79
February 6, 2019 at 1:52 PM
The loss of Dramafever still hurts.
Required fields are marked *
26 💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
February 3, 2019 at 6:57 PM
Lookout...
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
February 3, 2019 at 6:58 PM
Does that count? Lol
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
February 3, 2019 at 7:00 PM
Oh it has to be a love line?!?! NEVERMIND THEN
look I'm talking to myself again
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
February 3, 2019 at 7:02 PM
This is why I should READ the post PROPERLY before commenting. I just went "oh sad endings - oh lookout- oh wasn't really happy with the ending even if I was expecting it- that's happily never after in my book..." asdfghjkl
Required fields are marked *
greenfields
February 4, 2019 at 5:07 AM
This soliloquy you've been having in a corner over here is priceless. hahaha!
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
February 4, 2019 at 12:09 PM
@greenfields
\O_O/
thatstp
February 6, 2019 at 11:33 AM
It counts for me!! I wish they were able to be together but it just wasn't meant to be.
Required fields are marked *
27 Kwan
February 3, 2019 at 8:15 PM
One of the first Kdramas I watched that had every kind of heartbreak imaginable for one single character, was "Piano." Poor Han Jae Soo just couldn't convince anyone in his family that it was alright for him to love Lee Su Ah. About the time he convinced her it was alright, her brother would show up and convince her it wasn't alright. Han Jae Soo was alone in the end and so sad. This drama was the first time I saw Zo In Sung in a drama, and his acting absolutely knocked me out. I've watched everything I can find since then that he's been in and he never disappoints. I'd really love to watch this one again if I can find it somewhere.
Required fields are marked *
28 transient
February 3, 2019 at 9:45 PM
I accidentally read the title as "Happily ever after" and thought what the heck Moon Lovers screencap doing there.
Re-read the title again, correctly this time, so now I understand. And agree. Wholeheartedly #stillbitter
Required fields are marked *
29 transient
February 3, 2019 at 9:59 PM
Sammaekjong in Hwarang. He does not necessarily have to end up with the teary Go Ara character, but just someone, anyone. That poor, sweet, lonely boy deserves his happiness
Required fields are marked *
30 siesta
February 4, 2019 at 5:30 AM
does Hwayugi counts as a happily never after?
Required fields are marked *
31 Yashashree Jadhav
February 4, 2019 at 11:33 AM
Spoiler alert:
You know who needed the Happily Ever after but didn't get it, a particular beloved character in Memories of Alhambra.
Required fields are marked *
32 mochi fluffs
February 4, 2019 at 12:56 PM
Big!! You would think a drama that had the two rom-leaders Gong Yoo and Lee Jong Seok in it would be satisfying, but nope! You never know if the leads were successful in getting themselves sorted out and who the lead lady actually ended up with. This was one of the very few dramas that I literally shook my fist at and almost chucked the computer monitor across the room. First time the Hong sisters did the viewers dirty and I am still bitter after all these years. *pout*
Required fields are marked *
33 Mel
February 4, 2019 at 7:05 PM
ohh i've got some to nominate:
Mr. Sunshine- all 3 couples
Angry mom- ji-soo deserved a happy ending!
Rescue me
Definitely 7DQ as mentioned by all the other beanies above
49 days!!!
Life-- well, they kind of did show a little happiness but wishing it've been more
what else is there 🤔
Required fields are marked *
34 Moons
February 5, 2019 at 5:02 PM
49 Days's still breaking my heart. I cried a lot when i watched this drama. This drama is still in the list of my favorite korean drama all the time. Sad endings: Shin Ji Hyun and Han Kang, Song Yi Kyung and Scheduler. Omg 😭
Required fields are marked *
Mel
February 6, 2019 at 12:19 PM
Without the last episode, it would have been perfect!! I have no idea WHY they did what they did! It was sooooo unnecessary!!!
Required fields are marked *
Moons
February 10, 2019 at 6:24 PM
Yeah i know, just blame it on the writer-nim.
But because of the ending this drama becomes unforgettable, right?? If the ending is happy maybe we'll forget it soon.
Required fields are marked *
Mel
February 10, 2019 at 7:25 PM
That is kind of true... but I guess this kind of remembering is kind of a torture to the audiences... or at least it was to me, hahaha
Required fields are marked *
Moons
February 20, 2019 at 4:28 AM
😁