Oh, MBC. I can always count on you for some awards-time whatthefuckery. Three years ago it was split Daesangs (daesang = Grand Prize), giving the same award to Kim Myung-min and Song Seung-heon and doubling awards in every category. Two years ago, there were more split awards, and last year we had the bizarre “Character Daesangs” (“Crude Language Award,” “Hot Temper Award,” and so forth).

This year, no actors were forced to share the Daesang…because it basically went to a drama instead. What the what? (Last year, Drama of the Year was a viewers’ pick award. This year it took the place of the Daesang, even if it wasn’t officially called one.)

Part of what makes MBC such a weird award in my opinion is that they never seem to know what they’re doing. If you’re going to make weird categories a thing, then stick with it — but if you’ll compare past years with each other, you’ll see that they keep changing things around. It makes them seem desperate, scrambling to appease everyone. Add to that the fact that in recent years, MBC has typically had the weakest drama performances of the three broadcast stations (remember when MBC was the Drama Kingdom?). So with weak competition, you get awards being doled out to some middling dramas, while others are overlooked entirely.

It must be noted that these awards are hardly ever based strictly on merit. They’re given out by the broadcaster, so they’re more a measure of which dramas and stars they want to thank/bribe/flatter. It’s partially a popularity contest, and partially politicking; it’s a given that the big ratings hits will rake in a lion’s share of awards. I still reserve the right to gripe about their choices.

You’ll see that this year, the broadcaster has once again introduced new categories and done away with others. They’ve gotten a lot of flak in past years for splitting awards, so this year they haven’t split many… because instead, they split award categories, which essentially achieves the same thing. Oh, MBC, always trying to please everyone and therefore pleasing no one. Maybe you’ll get a decent hit in 2012.

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Read the rest of 2011 MBC Drama Awards (1,593 words)

© javabeans for Dramabeans, 2011. | Permalink | 119 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: awards, Cha Seung-won, Gong Hyo-jin, Honey Lee, Hwang Jung-eum, Ji Hyun-woo, Jo Yoon-hee, Jung Bo-seok, Kim Hyun-joo, Kim Jae-won, Kim Jung-tae, Lee Bo-young, Micky Yoochun, Nam Goong-min, Park Yoo-hwan, Shin Aera, Yoon Tae-young

Ji Jin-hee (Dong Yi, The Man Who Can’t Marry) is returning to SBS with a drama titled Take Care of Us, Captain, in which he plays a skilled and perfectionist pilot opposite Gu Hye-sun (The Musical), his co-pilot and love interest.

The drama was formerly called Fly Again, which was a smoother-sounding title but also perhaps more generic-sounding. I think I’m okay with the new title, though it translates somewhat awkwardly into English.

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Read the rest of Ji Jin-hee joins Gu Hye-sun in aviation drama (452 words)

© javabeans for Dramabeans, 2011. | Permalink | 151 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Gu Hye-sun, Honey Lee, Ji Jin-hee, Yoo Sun

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Read the rest of Pasta: Episode 11 (2,292 words)

© skimmy for Dramabeans, 2010. | Permalink | 30 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex, Gong Hyo-jin, Honey Lee, Lee Seon-kyun, Pasta

Squee!

SONG OF THE DAY

Clazziquai – “Part Time Lover” [ Download ]

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Read the rest of Pasta: Episode 10 (2,732 words)

© skimmy for Dramabeans, 2010. | Permalink | 29 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex, Gong Hyo-jin, Honey Lee, Lee Seon-kyun, Pasta

Pasta OST – “운명” (Fate) [ Download ]

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Read the rest of Pasta: Episode 9 (3,575 words)

© skimmy for Dramabeans, 2010. | Permalink | 30 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex, Gong Hyo-jin, Honey Lee, Lee Seon-kyun, Pasta

In my personal opinion, this show certainly has the eye candy factor going on, and I feel a need to share.

Ladies and gentleman, may I present: Team Italy! *cheers and applauds*

Lest anyone forget, Hyun Woo = MINE! *lol* I’m a very possessive fan girl.

SONG OF THE DAY

Clazziquai – “Chocolate Truffle” [ Download ]

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Read the rest of Pasta: Episode 8 (4,362 words)

© Andromytta for Dramabeans, 2010. | Permalink | 38 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex, Gong Hyo-jin, Honey Lee, Lee Seon-kyun, Pasta

Ah, to be Gong Hyo-jin’s head.

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Read the rest of Pasta: Episode 7 (3,440 words)

© skimmy for Dramabeans, 2010. | Permalink | 41 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex, Gong Hyo-jin, Honey Lee, Lee Seon-kyun, Pasta

*Clears throat* Now that that’s out of the way….

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Read the rest of Pasta: Episode 6 (3,154 words)

© Andromytta for Dramabeans, 2010. | Permalink | 76 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex, Gong Hyo-jin, Honey Lee, Lee Seon-kyun, Pasta

Lee Seon-kyun is really just too cute.

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Read the rest of Pasta: Episode 5 (3,412 words)

© skimmy for Dramabeans, 2010. | Permalink | 79 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex, Gong Hyo-jin, Honey Lee, Lee Seon-kyun, Pasta

This was a cute episode, if a little low-key, which I suppose is Pasta‘s appeal — the light vibe and its realistic, amusing depiction of relationships.

Gong Hyo-jin is really what makes this drama work for me. Lee Seon-kyun is, of course, very entertaining as the boss from hell, and it wouldn’t work so well without him. But it’s Gong’s natural, empathetic reading of her character that has me tuning in for more.

SONG OF THE DAY

Peppertones – “Victory” [ Download ]

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Read the rest of Pasta: Episode 3 (3,605 words)

© javabeans for Dramabeans, 2010. | Permalink | 72 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex, Gong Hyo-jin, Honey Lee, Lee Seon-kyun, Pasta