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[2019 Year in Review] The One Where…

Another year, another batch of dramas I fear I’ll never get to. What happened to the days when I would tune into every airing show? When my Watched list was longer than my To-Watch list? As I’m getting older and, subsequently, busier, I’m finding myself spending more hours re-watching sitcom Friends than exploring new dramas. With Friends, it’s something that’s in the background and easy to multi-task with.

Whereas, now, my favorite past times, such as YA novels, K-dramas, and *cough* serial killer documentaries, feel like procrastinating when I should be working. So you know the following dramas I’m about to discuss are special if I was able to squeeze them into my schedule. Maybe not “special” in the traditional sense, but they were certainly bright spots in my year. Even if they were God-awful.

My Strange Hero – The One Where Yoo Seung-ho Kicked Ass


Even in my twenties, I love a good underdog high school drama. While I also watched and liked A Beautiful World, a similar albeit darker drama, My Strange Hero was the one that stuck with me. It had all the elements I love — a sweet romance, a complex bromance, and, well, Yoo Seung-ho.

On top of all that, the drama’s strange and oftentimes random humor was just my style. The running gags of Jo Boa cursing and Yoo Seung-ho kidnapping his classmates made it that much easier to get through the dirty corruption and Eeeeevil Chairwoman/Mom. The ending left a lot to be desired, at least with Kwak Dong-yeon’s villain character. If they’d spent just a little more time on him, this could’ve been a near-perfect drama for me.

Kingdom – The One I Forced Other People to Watch


Oh yeah, this was that one drama I had everyone watching. My mom, my drama-watching friends, my non-drama-watching friends. I was pleasantly surprised to see the non-drama-watching folks genuinely interested not only in the zombie scenes, but the political ones as well. And I would smirk every time they reached the end of the last episode and demanded, “Where’s the next one?!” I’ve been asking Google that same question for almost a year now.

Korea just nails the zombie genre. I still remember watching Train to Busan in an independent movie theater and getting chills from the zombie extras’ performances. And to get something like that in drama form? Hell freaking yes. Kingdom’s zombies were so terrifying, especially in the open and vulnerable environment their victims were in. I’ve probably re-watched that one chase scene (you know what I’m talking about) more than a dozen times, and it never gets old. I’ll probably watch it a dozen more times before we get the next season.

Romance is a Bonus Book – The One With My Dream Job (and Dream Boyfriend)


The title for this one pretty much says it all. I was living through Lee Na-young’s character Dan-yi vicariously, for sure. She was in a very bad place in the beginning, and she had her hardships at work, but she made it through with her sunny disposition and affinity for the publishing industry. Then, of course, she had some colorful friends to cheer her up when she was too exhausted to cheer herself up. (Power pose!)

I already loved books, but after discovering alongside Dan-yi all the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the publishing process, I developed a whole new level of appreciation. Being a writer myself, editors and publishers can seem incredibly intimidating, unapproachable even. And being in grad school, the literary world starts to feel more and more like cold, hard business. The Korean literary world is surely different from ours, but I really needed this drama and the warm way it portrayed Gyeoroo Publishing.

And yeah, I really needed Lee Jong-seok. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching his characters win over their noonas.

The Light in Your Eyes – The One With All the Tears


Oh man, this drama just tore me to pieces. I knew about the twist, and how sad it was supposed to be, beforehand, so I was nervous going in. And I was caught off guard by how funny the first episode was. I was thinking, “Wait, did I click on the right drama?” But then I started to pick up on things, make sense of things, and then boom: sobfest. It was a unique experience piecing everything together, one I’ve never had with a drama, or TV show in general.

If you haven’t seen The Light in Your Eyes, I’d say that it’s an important one to watch. It’s such a smart and beautiful take on life and the way we process it. I still think about Han Ji-min and Kim Hye-ja’s character and her wise words to this day. There were still a few things that left me confused, but I appreciated the writer for just laying it all out there for us to decipher. I’d go back to try to pick up even more hints, but I don’t think my poor heart could handle a re-watch. Even so, I’m grateful to have watched it at all.

Abyss – The One Where the Killer Couldn’t Kill


Okay, so I knew that this drama was a mess from the very first episode. Unfortunately, whenever I start a drama with a killer in it (which is, what, 75% of dramas these days?), I have to watch until all the mysteries are solved. At a certain point, with Abyss, I just didn’t care. I didn’t care about the characters, their romance, or hell, their fate with death. But I was too far in to quit, so I stuck it out and changed my mindset for sanity’s sake.

Once I changed the genre from thriller to comedy in my mind, the drama was ten times more enjoyable. I was laughing at all the ridiculous plot points, especially when the oh-so-terrifying killer was involved. He was just… oy. Still, I can’t help feeling sorry for the cast and crew — because this was one of the most disappointing dramas I’ve seen in recent years. I hope this talented group of people move on to better projects.

My Absolute Boyfriend – The One that Made My Inner Otaku Cringe


I’m a huge fan of the original 2004 Absolute Boyfriend manga. So, naturally, I was critical of every drama adaptation to follow, including the Japanese version, the Taiwanese version with Gu Hye-sun, and finally, the Korean version with Minah and Yeo Jin-goo. I was also critical of adaptations for manga Hana-Kimi (Korean version being To the Beautiful You), so… yeah. Maybe this is a sign that I should stop watching remakes.

I can understand when an adaptation wants to be its own thing rather than copy its source material, but when the end result comes out flat and lifeless, what’s their excuse? Perhaps these remakes can’t find the right balance of old and new, because I can see My Absolute Boyfriend being blah (for lack of a better word) to original manga fans and newcomers. I’m sure it didn’t help the drama to be stuck in development hell for so many years. Now, I kind of wish the drama had stayed in development until it was legitimately ready to be made.

Angel’s Last Mission: Love – The One that Should’ve Been Shorter


The first four to five episodes of this were crazy addicting. Shin Hye-sun was AMAZING as the cold, broken ballerina and L was… actually kinda good as the bumbling angel-out-of-heaven. Together, they had a hilarious rapport, which turned into a very sweet friendship and romance. In fact, their forbidden supernatural relationship carried many similarities with some of my favorite dramas, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho and You From Another Star.

Seeing hints of those tropes, I was excited to fall down that rabbit hole of emotions — to feel that heartbreaking angst of Dae-woong and Mi-ho or Min-joon and Song-yi. Unfortunately, the confusing theology and two-dimensional villains really bogged down the story. By the end, this felt like a charming five-episode drama that was needlessly stretched out to reach mini-series length. If I block out the last two-thirds of the drama, maybe someday I’ll be able to look back on the love story fondly. For now, I’ll just appreciate the superb acting.

One Spring Night – The One With the Horribly Catchy Music


What I remember most from this drama? The songs “No Direction,” “Spring Rain,” “Is It You,” and “We Could Still Be Happy.” I didn’t even have to look those titles up — they’re still locked away in the back of my mind, constantly playing like distant elevator music. Once I get past that, I remember one of the most real and heartwarming romances I’ve seen, maybe ever.

The pace was achingly slow, with a lot of brooding and confrontations, but there was never one moment where I wasn’t fully engaged in our characters’ story. More than a drama, it felt like a documentary on modern-day love. And when actors make you feel that you’re watching something real, you know they’ve done their job. With this and The Light in Your Eyes, 2019 was definitely Han Ji-min’s year.

Be Melodramatic – The One Where I Fell in Love with Chun Woo-hee


I’d only ever seen actress Chun Woo-hee in the movie The Wailing. And if you know her role in that movie, you’ll understand my surprise when I saw her as the hilarious and quirky drama writer Jin-joo. There were definitely times where she was over-the-top, hence the drama title, but for some reason, instead of annoying, I found it really cute and endearing. There’s just something about that girl’s smile — I can’t get mad at it.

I compared Be Melodramatic to the Age of Youth series quite a lot, and I still believe it’s the highest compliment I could give. I think these two drama series would be fun to watch back-to-back, as they go together so well. The characters in Be Melodramatic are obviously older, but their friendship rings the same, despite their busy personal and work lives. Some of the storylines played out differently than I expected, but hey, it is a slice-of-life drama. And life ain’t always predictable.

When the Camellia Blooms – The One Where My Heart Died Happy


FINALLY, KANG HA-NEUL OPPA GOT A FIRST LEAD ROLE. Hallelujah, amen. I’d been waiting for him to get a lead role since Angel Eyes. (Anyone else remember that drama?) And to be paired with Gong Hyo-jin and the rest of this amazing cast — I’m telling you, the stars were aligned. Though I would say that Romance is a Bonus Book was my favorite drama of 2019, Camellia was a very, very close second. I loved everything about this small neighborhood romance.

With the first episode, my heart was already full. Police officer Yong-shik and single mom Dong-baek were such lovable characters, and they eventually made up an adorable, funny, and supportive couple. But if that weren’t enough, the secondary characters and side characters had to go ahead and make me love them too! The overall sense of community was what made this drama the delight that it was. Whether it was the parent figures coming to eight-year-old Pil-gu’s rescue or the neighborhood ajummas coming to Dong-baek’s, the characters had each other’s backs. Just goes to show that a little love and hard work always tramples bad luck.

~

The Ones I Couldn’t Get To:

Arthdal Chronicles, Hotel del Luna, Rookie Historian Gu Hae-ryung, A Moment at Eighteen, Tale of Nokdu, Extraordinary You

May you find your way out of my To-Watch list in 2020.

~

Of course, thanks to the Dramabeans team, the drama community, and Beanies for keeping my love for dramas alive. I’ve been a recapping minion for three and a half years now (holy crow), writing about many hidden gems and colossal disappointments, and it’s been such a fun ride. I may abandon dramaland for Friends sometimes, but I always come back. I love y’all as much as Yong-shik loves Dong-baek. *finger hearts*

 
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Totally agree about RIABB; signed my first book contract this year, with another in the works (both with small publishers, on stateside, one in the ROK), and now have much more appreciation for the ecstasy and agony that goes into the process. And, of course, a good looking nam- dongsaeng makes life easier... would that I had such!

My favorite drama this year, however, was The Fiery Priest. Kim Nam Gil (of whom I wasn’t even a fan) really did a great job, and the supporting characters all had a chance to shine. Whereas I did truly love Camellia (the leads were perfect, and the kid who played Pil-gu one of, if not THE best child actor I’ve seen in years), the side characters grated in some ways that they didn’t in Priest, which was good fun without the death rate.

Anyway, do watch Rookie Historian if you get a chance—as a former graduate student historian, that was another to love (in some entertaining places) on a “been there” level...

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Congratulations on your first book contract :D As a literary translator student I have courses on theorical aspects of the book industry. RIABB made me interested in watching it with my own eyes, so good point show!

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Congratulations on your first book contract

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Congratulations on getting your book published!!!

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Congrats on the book deal! Thats amazing!

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It only took FIFTEEN YEARS. I wish I were exaggerating. For the good wishes and congratulations, thank you all!

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you know reading this whole blog, I could hear Monica scream in the back of my head, "I KNOW!!!" XD

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Chun Woo Hee in character is indeed different in Be Melo compared to The Wailing. She nailed both characters! The women friendship was refreshing and the Age of Youth could totally be like them a few years later.

Shin Hye Sun gave one hell of a performance but the plot wasn't good enough to keep me. She needs to come back in a good drama soon.

I remember Angel Eyes! Kang Ha Neul and Nam Ji Hyun were adorable 😆 Camellia gave us the full version of the sweet KHN. Thank you show.

Rookie Historian was good. Even for a sageuk, it wasn't that politics oriented and the cast was great. The humour got me multiple times. Let's not forget Lee Ji Hoon, Park Ki Woong and Shin Se Kyung!

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There must be something wrong with me because while I did see what everyone saw in RIABB at first, I couldn't finish it or like it completely. I felt like Dan-Yi was a bit too ditzy (?) and not serious enough for her counterpart in Lee Jong Suk. Which was good but also not? they painted her as having a hard time and being sad but did she ever really take care of her daughter in the drama? She was playful with the second lead without taking him seriously. Idk something was off.

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I agree with you. Their chemistry always felt off; the publishing storyline (rather than the relationships) is what drew me into the drama.

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I was surprised at all the beans for RIABB; I had completely forgotten about the drama, honestly. I had expected to love it as a book lover, but I agree, something was off.

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You might like
If you haven't already seen it, you might enjoy "Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou" (Antiquarian Bookshop Biblia's Case Files) the 2013 drama version . A couple of slow episodes in the middle but such a nice way to see stories in books.

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I dropped it, I thought it was really badly written.
Mileage varies I guess.

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@leetennant
You have hit on the issue for the year in general.

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I tried so hard to stay for the publishing storyline, but I couldn't get myself to appreciate Dan-yi. Everything about her just annoyed me and so I hated seeing her with Jong-suk (his character in that drama was flawless btw!!!!!).

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What bothered me more was her wardrobe did not match her income. Waaayyyy too much designer stuff for a woman who was virtually homeless.

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He bought her that wardrobe. They had a whole episode where he bought her stuff. Before that her wardrobe was normal - shabby.

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Knowing that he has enough money as an editor of a publishing company to buy so much designer stuff makes him 10x more attractive. He was already impossibly attractive in this drama. That was also something that got on my nerves. Do they think that just because Lee Jong-suk's actor status is A-level means his character pretty much has to be perfect?

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I couldn't get behind this show either for a variety of reasons.

I really hope I never run into a Danyi whos trying to outdo me at my own job.

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People doing the job they were hired for? Discrimination!

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I feel the same way. Although the writing was good, I didn’t like the pairing. No chemistry. I almost dropped it on the 2nd ep but I’m glad I finished it.

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They really dropped the ball with writing her character. I thought most of the supporting cast was more interesting and charming than Danyi. There was no chemistry between her and Lee Jongsuk's either, so I had no interest in their romance.
Not to mention, the way the show handled Haerin's feelings for Lee Jongsuk's character rubbed me the wrong way. It felt like she was trying to her feelings on him at times when it was obvious even to her that he was not interested.

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Let me join you, it's difficult for me to understand all the praise RIABB is getting. Although I'm a book lover I found it hard to connect to any storyline. Dan-yi was a problematic MC but Jong-suk's made my eyes roll so hard: he was so handsome AND young And rich AND a best-selling author AND co-owner of a successfull publisher where he is a stellar chief editor AND was also college teacher because he had too much spare time, I guess.

I could go on and on but it's not my intention to refute everybody who loved RIABB. Guess we'll agree to disagree and praise the subjectness of art.

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I wouldn’t recommend ARTHDAL. Or at least wait to see if they do launch a Season 2. Spare yourself the pain of slogging through 18 episodes of darkness and misery to get to nothing much. *cough* *chokes*

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Amen! Forget Arthdal!

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Haha noted. I did check out the first episode -- only to exit out. Good to know my instincts were right.

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Item was phenomenal. Phenomenally bad. I may never recover from the trauma.

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I'm still waiting for Kang Ha Neul and Nam Ji Hyun to be reunited in a drama! I just remember the childhood part of this drama. The rest was meh... It was the same with Will It Snow For Christmas.

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I'm waiting for their reunion too! Their smiles are contagious.

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That would be amazinggg. They were so cute together. ^_^

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This is fun. I couldn't get into RIABB at all. I didn't feel the chemistry at all. I was sad because I'm a bibliophile, I love books and library porn. I am also really glad of the Be Melodramatic shoutout, one of the standout dramas.

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Kang Dan-Yi from RIABB wore some of the worst outfits ever. They have forever entered my nightmares and to this day and I cannot escape from their oversized wooly grasp. People have nightmares about going to school or work naked. I have nightmares about going to work or school in the outfits Dan-Yi wore. Be gone evil outfits! Release me from your frumpy grasp!

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Lol. Also his Valentino overcoat :)) the beanies had a field day.

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Yes! I think they cut corners with the budget by getting their children to dress the actors 🤮👚

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Actually, these were all high end designer brands. It was baffling! I vaguely remember one of her really bad clothes was Alexander McQueen!!!

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The Alexander McQueen one wasn't bad itself, but she wore a very ugly sweater over it. A very ugly dress was Louis Vuitton.

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Sarah Burton all but destroyed the McQueen house after Lee passed.

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THE PINK CAMO COAT OF NIGHTMARES

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LOL- I almost spit my food out laughing at this.
That pink coat was just......... wtf?

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The Pink Camo Coat of Nightmares is the name of my new band, DIBS !!!!

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LOL y'all crack me up. I can't exactly disagree, either. 🤣🤣🤣

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I’m glad they kept this coat till the end, I might not have finished the drama if it had appeared earlier.

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Her fashion was one of the biggest reasons her character got on my nerves. Whenever she showed up wearing another absurd piece of clothing that didn't flatter her at all but then Jong-suk swooned I was so mad.

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Her horrible outfits were only made worse because LJS looked fine foine (if you will) in every single outfit he put on. I still remember that first date monstrosity. He came out looking like he was strolling off a freaking run way. And she looked like she knocked over a bunch of old ladies and stole their worst outfits. And put them all on at once.

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Pink camo coat, isa.

Pink camo coat.

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I said what I said, Mindy. I said what I said.

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hmmm this calls for a quick rewatch to see the outfits mentioned - i remember she wore a lot of oversized weird stuff, and thought how can someone be homeless and still afford different coats for everyday.

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Perfect description of Angel's Last Mission. Sigh.

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When The Camellia Blooms is the one where.........it reminded me that Kang Ha Nuel should be a bigger damn deal.

Hella talented with looks to spare. It is amazing how certain actors are just risen to the top of the ecosystem just on looks not much else.

When he has been saving dramas or just being one of the best character actors working, he should just be everywhere and in everything.

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Agreed with everything you said about KHN. Has he been the lead in any other drama before Camellia?

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He has been in the leading cast but not the main lead in dramas. However, he shines in movies.

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Yes, loved him in Midnight Runners and For Likes.

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you will absolutely love hotel del luna, moment at 18, and tale of nokdu

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The light in your eyes is my favourite show of the year. I didn't know about the twist (I watched it weekly) , so when it arrived I was shocked (and partly relieved because things were getting too crazy for me!) and then I started crying like a baby: it was so overwhelming, so sweet, so hard to accept, so beautiful, so sad, so full of hope...
And my other favourite show was Be Melodramatic. I cried when it finished, I wanted more. In my case although I did love Cho Woo Hee, it was Jeon Yee Bee the one who truly stole my heart.

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@sailorjumun As much as I enjoyed reading your takes on your stand-out 2019 shows, I think what I loved most was the Friendsesque subheadings! Nicey-nice!

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I actually dropped One Spring Night because I couldn't handle how painfully slow it was, but Spring Rain was so addicting it's actually my second most listened to song of 2019 on Spotify. I always came back to it when I wanted to be comforted or if I was in a sentimental mood. It reminded me of Jung Hae-in's softness. To this day though, I still can't figure out who the artist is.

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Oscar Dunbar sings it! It's my favourite too, that soundtrack was brilliant.

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Do you know anything about Oscar Dunbar other than that he sang Spring Rain? I've been trying to find his other music.

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editors and publishers can seem incredibly intimidating, unapproachable even.

But... surely not the Dramabeans editors & publishers? :)

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Oh no, they're the exception, of course! 😉

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I just came here to thank you for mentioning F.R.I.E.N.D.S, my the one n only love, the shelter that I run to when there’s no kdrama to save me from everyday life and boredom!

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Same! That and Boy Meets World. What would we do without sitcoms?

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Thank you for sharing, @sailorjumun <3

"Kingdom" season 2 is coming January 2020 :)
Though "The Light In Your Eyes" will sit in my "To Watch" list a while longer (Kdrama slump feels are STRONG in 2019, yo!), I definitely agree that 2019 is Han Ji Min unni's year, ESPECIALLY with "One Spring Night". Though not a perfect drama, it still brings butterflies to my tummy any time it's mentioned. The part where there was actually a story and a follow through in addressing social issues (especially that of single parents & the stigma)-- HALLELUJAH!!!! Yes.... I'm giving the side-eye to "Pretty Noona...."

"...Camellia..." is another one that will be sitting in my "To Watch" list (and personal Netflix List) for a little while longer, but I promise (promise, promise!!!) I WILL get to it one day-- ONE DAY!!!-- because, as you say, KANG HA NEUL OPPA IN A MAIN LEAD ROLE, FINALLY!!!

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The only thing I'll add is: Tale of Nokdu and Radiant were by far my favorite dramas of the year, and the only ones in my opinion (of course) that were worth finishing.
I didn't like anything else (or I just wasn't in the mood to watch that type of drama) that were favorites with others, for example Hotel del Luna(tic).

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I totally agree with you on RIABB. You know a show is special (well, at least to you) when its name came up when you needed to pick your favorite ones of the year to distribute your beans to. For me, RIABB is my favorite. Everything about the show was wonderfully carried out. I love all characters, the color palette they used, the costume and the plot itself. Moreover, it made me begin reading again in oh-so-many years. (The number of books I finished reading this year is more than what I have read in let’s say the past 7 years.)

I love RIABB in so many levels. I still listen to its soundtracks sometimes. The opening scene of Dan-I in a bride gown really resembled Audrey Hepburn. Love that ❤️❤️❤️.

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BOKSOO BOKSOO BOKSOO!!!

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Never heard of it.

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Kang bok soo!!!
The only problem I have with this drama is only how Kwak dong yeon’s character ended, I don’t think they ever gave us or him a closure.
I hope and pray you never get into Arthdal chronicles. No one should go through that pain unless there is a second season out and ready!

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On a non-K-drama entertainment site I posted to their 'top series of 2019' list my pick of 'Radiant/The Light In Your Eyes' with the caveat that you don't realize that the show is great until the 12 episode series is almost over. Then BLAM it hits you like a freight train and the series *retroactively* becomes a masterpiece

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'Be Melodramatic/Melo is My Nature' got respect, if not stellar ratings, this year. Everyone who watched it thought it was smart and sly and snarky and original, without being nakedly ambitious. Plus the clever finale didn't let us down. This year it seemed a lot of the 'ambitious' series fell on their faces before reaching the finale.

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my recommendation on the starting order of missed dramas: Tale of Nokdu (start now), HDL, Rookie Historian, EY (only the first half), Moment at 18. Not worth starting Arthdal (there is no ending).

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also Watch Search WWW and The Crowned Clown :-)))

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omg kingdomm. can someone let me know when season 2 comes out as well~

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@canadianroyalty
I am scared for a KINGDOM 2nd season.

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Yay, I love best of lists....🤷‍♀️

One of the things that I loved about Romance is a Bonus Book was the unique work place setting. Also, seeing the characters be competent at their jobs. I wouldn't mind more late 30s and 40s heroines who are excited about the next phase of their lives.

One Spring Night I loved the pace. It was slow moving but didnt feel dragged out to me. It was just lovely.

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With a write up like this how am I ever going to drop OSN now? Im trying to drop as I honestly do not get the hype. I don't understand the ML's insta-love, or see a single solitary quality that would push insta-love into enduring feelings. I think the magic of that actor is how expressive and sincere his expressions/acting feels and watching an insta-love with no foundation denies the viewer of all of that. I just finished an ep where the FL spent her every interaction with ML telling him that she doesnt care about him or what happens to him or his heart. Shes only concerned with herself, thanks. And he looks at her and tells her that he falls more in love with her every day. She's awful. But I read write-ups like this that just scream TRY HARDER, ISA. Someone can't write something like that about a drama thats awful. I must be watching wrong?

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It does get better, but I can understand why people wouldn't want to finish it. I think this is the kind of drama that would've been easier to watch week-by-week rather than binging (which I did). Don't kick yourself if you don't like it!

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I feel the same way about Be Melo and When the Camellia Blooms! I just love Bum Soo and Yong Shik's characters, and they're so different from each other. Thanks, writers and PD-nims!

I'm looking for the right time to start The Light in Your Eyes, on a day when I don't have to worry showing up with swollen eyes the next day, most probably.

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Love the Friends titles! I also turn to Friends whenever I’m in a drama slump or need a laugh. No matter how many times I’ve watched it, it still makes me laugh.

Based on Beanies comments, I might watch RIABB based on the fashion 😅

TLIYE and Melo Me are my top dramas for this year. TLIYE broke my heart to pieces when the twist was revealed. The mother and son scene was heartbreakingly good. Writing about Melo Me makes me miss the friendship. It’s my first time watch Chun Woon-hee, she’s a delight but Jeon Yeo-bin stole the show for me. Eun-jung’s story arc made me cry buckets just on the first episode. I was rooting for her to get back on her feet after all she went through.

Thanks for this Friends esque write up @sailorjumun!

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Same here!

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Sailorjumin, I partially agree with you about ANGEL'S LAST MISSION- but the problem was not the length of the drama- there could have been more than enough material for 16 episodes. Instead you nailed it with the confusing 'theology' or more realistically, with the attempt to meld together two incompatible religious world views. This included a total misrepresentation of the nature and function of angels- who are not observers but rather agents of God in the Judeo-Christian world view: they are doers, whether as messengers or for some other purpose, including violence- remember that the very first angel who appears in the bible is literally armed with a flaming sword (to prevent Adam and Eve from returning to the Garden of Eden). While we eventually got the 'right' ending the nonsense between the beginning and the end made that ending seem contrived. But this was still one of my favorite shows for exactly the reason you said: The great acting by Shin Hye-sun and even L (I was as astonished as everyone else by that) was what made this show so watchable. Mt theory is that Shin Hye-sun is not only incredibly talented but so very good and skilled at her profession that her co-stars actually gain a great deal of knowledge and, perhaps even more important, absorb from her the attitudes of a good actor during the time that they spend in her presence.

ROMANCE IS A BONUS BOOK was simply special- There is simply no denying this. And in a different way, so was CAMELLIA.

As for the ones you did not get to: Skip ARTHDAL CHRONICLES. But do watch HOTEL DEL LUNA.

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Awww 🥰
And I love DB and its awesome community as much as Yong Shik loves Dong Baek too.
Reading this, I think I have to watch Be Melodramatic as well. If it’s up to par with Age Of Youth, then it’s definitely my kind of dramas.
Oh time, where are you? 😌

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Be Melodramatic is definitely at par with Age of Youth(it's one of my fave dramas ever!), the friendship between the girls is love!

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I am marathoning VIP. It is so good. I stopped at episode 1, and I'm so glad I continued. Omg. Episode 2 onwards is so deliciously compelling and rivetting. I felt dirty watching it. Jang Nara is so, so good. Seriously, her portrayal of the wife, the numbness, the denial, the anger, the mistrust, the suspicion, is just phenomenal. And I am only at episode 5. I want to punch, and kick that no-good, lying, cheating scumbag of a husband of hers, and I love that he is portrayed as a quiet, reserved man, not a charming player at all, just a nice, kind, good guy, the sort of guy who one would never, ever cheat on his wife. Can somebody come up with the recaps soon on the latest episodes? I want to rant so, so much. I think I know who the other woman is, and I want to punch her teeth out, and pull out all her hair. Sorry about the violent language, but if you watch it, you would be right here, ranting with me.

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*who one would think*

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At eighteen, Be Melodramatic, Search WWW and Secret Boutique were the top dramas for me this year!!! They were favess❤❤

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Heyy i like your review, I just started working one year ago, and wasnt keeping up with the kdrama land, but i wish i was ! (Also i like to watch friends snippets too) And i got to watch only 1 drama this year, and that is Romance is a bonus book, and I'l terribly happy it's picked as your number 1, yeyey and it's cheesy and romantic and adorableeee. Where do I get myself a Jong Seok

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