You're Beautiful's passionate cult following » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

262 November 1, 2009November 1, 2009

You’re Beautiful’s passionate cult following

by javabeans

At this point, I feel like I’m just your crack dealer. Enjoy your next fix:

Why You’re Beautiful isn’t crumbling against IRIS

SBS’s You’re Beautiful is putting up a good fight against the blockbuster in the same time period, IRIS.

You’re Beautiful got off to a start on October 7 with a 9.2% rating (ABG Nielsen Media). However, when KBS’s IRIS premiered on the 14th, its numbers dropped to 7.5%. Considering IRIS‘s hype and that its first episode rating was over 20%, this could have been predicted. As IRIS looks toward the 30% ratings mark, one suspected that You’re Beautiful would face falling ratings.

But a strange phenomenon occurred. Even with IRIS‘s swift onslaught, You’re Beautiful‘s ratings steadily grew. Its episode on October 29 rose to a 9% as it faced off against IRIS, which had received a top rating of 27.7%. Where did You’re Beautiful‘s latent force come from?

Maintaining popularity with mania viewers (i.e., a cult following)

You’re Beautiful‘s secret for maintaining a safe level of popularity can be found in its solid mania viewership. As befits a drama about the growth of an idol group, the drama has plenty of appeal through casting young stars like Jang Geun-seok and Lee Hong-ki, as well as fresh faces like Jung Yong-hwa. From the makeup of the cast, mania status was understandable.

Park Shin-hye also attracted notice for her crossdressing role. As members of the fictional band A.N.JELL who sing the songs themselves, they are creating their own fandom phenomenon that resembles a real idol group. As such, it created a passionate viewer fanbase that was heavily populated by teenagers and young twentysomething women.

Also helping is the way that even with the drama’s strong sensibilities, it also has a solid structure. Writers Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran of Fantasy Couple, My Girl and other dramas have captured the new generation with their characteristic lighthearted style. On top of that, PD Hong Sung-chang directs with a witty touch. They were able to charm the young generation with trendy-drama features that haven’t been seen much in Korean dramas for a while.

In the early part of the broadcast, these parts were also detriments. Viewers weren’t able to easily adapt to the artistic style and editing, which recalled Japanese dramas. At the time, one rep from the production of You’re Beautiful said, “Until Episode 2 aired, there were a lot of viewers who felt that the drama’s style was awkward. However, after Episode 3 when the story settled in, those concerns were alleviated.”

Fandom phenomenon on the online forums

One can easily see the fandom phenomenon for the drama when looking online at the forums. From the afternoon of the drama’s first broadcast, viewers posted messages in anticipation. Comments like “Today is a happy Wednesday, I can meet Jeremy [Lee Hong-ki]” and “Finally I can see Shin-woo [Jung Yong-hwa]” flooded the board. One poster who watched IRIS but transferred her interest to You’re Beautiful was met with a rash of welcome messages.

Discussion arose online regarding what fans could do to raise the ratings. After every episode airs, there’s a clear comparison between the online forum’s debate about the story development and IRIS‘s forums. Seeing them in action, they seem less like earnest drama fans and more like the fan club of a real idol group. Ultimately, the fandom of You’re Beautiful doesn’t convey the feeling of merely “watching” the show, but can be understood better with the word “enthusing.”

The recent rise in the ratings corresponds to the drama’s melodramatic storyline coming into full swing. Chief producer Jo Nam-kook expressed his confidence: “Our drama has fierce support among female teenage students. Thanks to them, we’re better off than I’d feared and continuing to fight. If I could get my wish, I’d like to raise the ratings to about 13%, but in order to achieve that, we’ll need the support of thirtysomething women viewers, too. With the recent introduction of the melodramatic line, I don’t think that’s an unreasonable wish.”

A couple things: The article gives too much credence to the whole demographics issue, in my opinion, because I resist the whole rationale that you can market something to an entire category of people on the sole basis of a few criteria like “idols” and “young actors.” I understand the need to classify viewership into definable groups for the purpose of articles like this, in analyzing drama trends, and I’m sure the overall tendency of youngsters to prefer one type of drama over another is true. I just draw the line at overly simplistic arguments about why something appeals to a person purely based on age or gender.

Frankly, I think that You’re Beautiful‘s main appeal is NOT actually its youthful subject matter or hot young stars, but the fact that it’s just well-written, period. If anything, I think that the subject of idols and pop stars may actually be turning people off the drama before giving the writing a chance. Those who recognize the drama’s strengths may skew young because those are the people who would give an idol drama a chance in the first place, but I seriously doubt that the cast or idol setting are the main reasons fans are so passionate. (I’ve read lots of comments (here and elsewhere) about why this drama is similar to stuff like Boys Before Flowers or My Fair Lady, but personally, I think this drama is nothing like those two — not in tone or humor or story. Those two had appeal despite bad writing; You’re Beautiful‘s charm is enhanced by solid writing.)

Via Joins

262

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151 Fan

November 2, 2009 at 3:03 AM

JB, you're an amazing dope dealer... we know we can count on only the highest quality stuff from you!

How much is as preview for episode 9... how about my first born child??

AND my soul?!

;)

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152 Eleven11

November 2, 2009 at 3:07 AM

@147 jae

OMG I'm from NZ too! wow what part are you? I'm down in Christchurch. Never thought I'd see another NZ post on here! ^ ^

Representing NZ in the International You're Beautiful Mania Club (haha)

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153 karened

November 2, 2009 at 3:31 AM

With such a flood of comments, I doubt tis will get read but I still wish to leave me few cents here.

I agree with the part about the presentation style being refreshing and different from the typical Korean fare, and yeah, I guess it does resembles some jdoramas, which I totally dig, and perhaps this is why I started watching YB in the first place. It's a light-hearted drama, and supported by solid humour, witty punchlines and plot twists that catch your breathe.

I can't wait for Wednesday to come! And despite the modest ratings, it is still doing well given its big name competitors and storylines.

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154 Fauvish

November 2, 2009 at 3:48 AM

Hello crack dealer..

another addict here. I absolutely adore YB (every character and every scene), and if anyone in my neighborhood would actually watch kdrama i'd talk about it non-stop I'm sure. I agree with the article that it has a Japanese feel to it. Especially when i see Hong-ki I get reminded of Nakatsu in Hana Kimi. On the other hand they manage to mix it well with a Korean sense of humor. JB is right I think that it's not about the concept of idols that this show is so addicting. The acting is mostly awesome (especially PSH and JGS), it's hilarious and emotional at the right times. The only sad thing is: we're already half way through the eps :( Our crack is going to leave us in about 4 weeks.

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155 Ana

November 2, 2009 at 5:41 AM

Off topic but I had to share this.Old interview of JGS with eng subs.His frankness is so refreshing and hilarious:-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B3mBlBgCnw

And wow didn't realise that a lot of guys also do watch YB:-)I'm enlightened:-)Thought it might be too froofy for u guys:-) Maybe its time I started bugging my guy pals to watch YB:-D

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156 lein

November 2, 2009 at 5:46 AM

enhanced by SOLID WRITING --- yah. absolutely true. love it. :)

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157 mell

November 2, 2009 at 5:52 AM

I think YB's appeal is in it's unique storyline. Sure, the usual elements are there (love triangle, guy suspecting he has homo tendencies, evil scheming 2nd lead), but the basic premise of the drama is one that hasn't been used up until now, which sets the show apart.

Also, many kpop fans (myself included) are probably drawn to the drama because it gives us a look (albeit, a rather self-mocking one) at what goes on behind the scenes in the korean music industry. The scenes showing TK running from the creepy paparazzi guy and the staff dealing with dating rumours were especially humourous perhaps because they so closely resembled the 'real life' of kpop stars.

Actually I feel that YB is better off not trying to be a manga-ish drama like Hanakimi (whether they are actually trying to achieve that style or not), because that kind of exaggerated style is quite hard to pull off. During the first few episodes I found the acting a wee bit over the top, but now that YB has settled into its own style I really like it! Or maybe I just had to stop comparing it to Hanakimi in my head haha

Thank you JB and please keep the crack coming! :D

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158 comet

November 2, 2009 at 6:49 AM

i agree with you. This is drama isn't as dragful as BOF. I'm now watching ep 7 and still hoping the series would be longer .Not like others..this drama is plotted nicely with no crappy scenes...The humors are fresh and unpredictable.HAHAHa. Don't you love the 'Pig chasing's part ' ?

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159 estlxlan

November 2, 2009 at 7:02 AM

i am another 30 something here... and they got my vote too. =) too bad i am not living in korea if not i will be rally my entire chain gang to tune in to jack up the viewership rate!

<3 how the story is unfolding.

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160 threedott

November 2, 2009 at 7:02 AM

thanks for the crack..I ...just love this show very much...

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161 enjai

November 2, 2009 at 7:03 AM

i totally agree with you JB that YB's charm is its story being well written-- also, the cast seems to be enjoying themselves that it does not show awkwardness in each episode....i loved how they can make you cry and then make you laugh...the timing is just right...

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162 enjai

November 2, 2009 at 7:07 AM

btw...its not only the 20 something that loves this show...I am 40..did they get my vote for watching this show...hehehe..

JGS--has improved a lot...his acting here is the best....i just hope he gets an award after this show--he deserves to be recognized...

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163 Chrysalidding

November 2, 2009 at 7:11 AM

I'm so glad to have a crack dealer like you! Please keep the goodies coming ^^

I never liked idol dramas, cos like what many of you have said (e.g. @128), they're insubstantial fluff featuring supposedly young good-lookers (read: inexperienced), with crap acting and lame scripts. I only started watching cos of the unusual lightning speed at which JB posted all the recaps - usually the drama starts disappointing her as it loses steam. I pretty much trust her taste in drama, and so far I haven't been disappointed. ^^

YB isn't an idol drama in my opinion. The actors' looks are secondary: TK has a permanent scowl etched on his face, Jeremy is monkey boy, SW is Mr Poker Face and MN is at best non-descript. The secondary characters are no more gifted in terms of looks. But the thing is, they have each crafted a character that is well-rounded and which people empathise with and relate to. So seriously, it's an amazing team effort that has produced this - a strong script, a director with vision, good art direction, competent acting, on-the-ball editing... - every element is in place! I really can't pick out any one flaw here.

I think this drama will draw lots of women in their 20s - 40s even as it appeals to teens - the more mature viewers can appreciate the nuances and relive our bygone youth, while the younger people can relate to the immediacy of the feelings and situations. I haven't wept so much for a while. Very cathartic.

My only fear is that it will sink into melodrama-land and become infested with (in my opinion) the 3 cardinal sins of Kdrama -
1. siblings separated at birth (or thereabouts - possible o_O)
2. fatal illness (usually cancer)
3. memory loss due to accident
Keeping my fingers crossed...

That said, kudos to YAB, the best drama of 2009!

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164 cy

November 2, 2009 at 7:26 AM

@165 cartesiancircle
can i add to the list of kdrama cardinal sins? 4. parents / grandparents who object to a couple's romance ALA My Fair Lady, My Girl (though I loved this one) and all the other ones where the rich chaebol family objects to the rich, handsome boy (usually) falling in love with a common, cute and spunky girl

i am sad that we are going to be hitting ep 9 + 10 this week --> getting closer to the end... i know they mentioned this was going to be either a 16 or 20 ep drama, was hoping it would be 20 ep but since the ratings aren't great (though they have officially started a cult, mania, obssession, addiction etc among all of us) - i doubt they are going to extend? sigh sigh sigh... i need more YB fix please!

PS: i was one of those who saw the poster and idol theme and totally wrote it off... then i read JB's 1st ep recap, got convinced that this is worth a try, started watching and have been obsessed since!!!

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165 naeus

November 2, 2009 at 7:37 AM

i soooooo love Your'e Beautiful...its not the typical kdrama that you got...it has all the elements of a drama... from making you crack up with laughter to make you cry like a baby....it is strong and light...

one thing i can suggest to anyone who is curious...just watch the first 3 episodes and let's see if you can get enough :)

my sis is already hooked after telling her about it :)

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166 djeedjes

November 2, 2009 at 7:44 AM

"Dear God, please do not let Dramabeans.com crash because of these You're Beautiful's passionate cult. Thank you. Amen"

Yay! There are many older fans here! I feel young now...thank you! :P

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167 IrishCreme

November 2, 2009 at 7:52 AM

it's certainly an addiction to me. My laptop had been on hibernate since I started watching YB 2 weekends ago. and I never close this webpage - so that everyday I can chk for any new update on YB. and speaking of age, I'm in my mid 30's. what demographics!? hah!

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168 Arivle

November 2, 2009 at 7:54 AM

JB you sure are a crak dealear cause just by posting this article u already got 167 comments and counting...LOL>>>>>

I'm 28 and I love this drama to pieces...is just perfect everything is so well balance....the HONG sister are doing an incredible job with this drama kudos to the whole cast and crew.....

I"M crossing my fingers that with the disaster going on over MBS? YAB could get the recognition and ratings it deserve....and good for YAB they are putting a hell of a fight against an overated IRIS.......can't wait for the next episode......this drama brings out your inner teenager.....yeah!!!!! this drama is a 10.....

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169 slim

November 2, 2009 at 8:07 AM

javabeans..i think i came here over at least 50 times the last few days..im officially hooked on your updates..! i found your site during the coffee prince days and been busy so haven't been here for awhile..and "you are beautiful " has brought me back..thanks for all your insightful updates!

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170 Pinki

November 2, 2009 at 8:13 AM

Thanks JB, for today's YB fix. :D

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171 samsooki

November 2, 2009 at 9:05 AM

JB, hehe.

Just counting the above, do you know how many YB addicts you have?

"please continue to be our crack dealer"
"please continue to be our crack dealer."
"hehe, a nice fix it is. but not enough...need more please!"
"That’s why we love our crack dealer! Thanks JB!"
"I’m really glad you’re our k-drama crack dealer."
"Thanks for the YB crack!!"
"OMG! I think im fix until wednesday!"
"Bring on the crack… T-3 days until the next fix! Thanks, Javabeans!"
"dear JB, you ARE my crack dealer."
"You really are my crack dealer lol"
"JB, I’m glad you’re a crack dealer"
"thanks for being our crack dealer JB!"
"JB: you are our crack dealer, but remember, you’re our FAVOURITE crack dealer."
"“Thanks for the fix of crack!”
"This, indeed, is a great fix"
"JB, you are the best crack dealer I know"
"And thanks for being our crack dealer, Javabeans"
"Thank you to our crack dealer! "
"Thanks for the crack"
"Crack dealer? maybe. But for me I like to think of you as my pleasure pimp."
"yes, please continue to be our crack dealer JB..."
"So thanks JB for another dose of YAB!"
"more crack please, JB."
"JB. need more crack"
"JB is my first and ONLY drug dealer!"
"Ha!Ha! You are right about being my crack dealer! "
"I’m seriously high on YAB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, you’re my dealer!!"
"Oh Javabeans, I agree, I’m addicted to this like crack"
"And thank you for being our crack dealer! We need a fix before Wednesday/Thursday "
"javabeans, thanks for being our “dealer” and giving us our “fix” of You’re Beautiful"
"Thanks for being the “crack” dealer who always keeps us in check…"
"THANK YOU FOR THE CRACK "
"yes!!! i am a member of a cult!!!"
"Thank you so much JB…for being my KDrama-Crack-Dealer!!!"
"I’m in my 30’s and I love it. Make feel young and now I know what’s it like to be on crack. hahaha. Thank You Dealer"
"You’re a sadly underpaid crack dealer, then"
"this really IS like my new crack! ……….. err….. not that i ever had OLD crack… *coo coo* LOL thanks, crack dealer! ..—i mean, JB!"
"JB, your are the bst crack dealer. You know when to give us that dose we need it. "
"Thanks for the fix, JB!"
"Thanks to be our crank dealer…lolz"
"Thank you, JB for crack. The longer/bigger the better "
"thank you for being our crack dealer lol "
"JB please keep on dealing! Longer and more frequent deliveries would be more than welcome."
"My day feels empty if I dont’ read an entry or two. You make me laugh, cry, contemplate. This is probably a first: mary me.Yep, I’m definitely high. Ahhhhhhhh You’re beautiful"
"aww.. JB you are deffinitly my FAVOURITE crack dealer! You’re stuff is the BEST quality, I can’t even imagine to stop taking it!"
"oh but your my favorite crackdealer… i cant seem to get enough… spoken like a tru addict."
"Speaking as crackaddicted cultmember, I LOVE Wednesdays &Thursdays"
"Javabeans, I don’t think I’ve ever spent my money in a better way than buying your crack "
"And yes, thanks for the dose..more please!"
"Crack! Crack! Crack! Javabeans’ business is doing good Lol! "
"omg if You’re Beautiful is the the good stuff call me a Crack-Whore! Hehe"
"YouR crack busineSs seems to do extremly well with over 147 comments in 24hrs Thank you my beloved crack dealer!
"muaaa to this crack dealer… this is one drug we aint going to rehab for
fighting…"
"JB, you’re an amazing dope dealer… we know we can count on only the highest quality stuff from you!"
"Hello crack dealer..another addict here. "
"Thank you JB and please keep the crack coming! "
"thanks for the crack..I …just love this show very much…"
"JB you sure are a crak dealear "
"Thanks JB, for today’s YB fix"

***

my fav comment:

"Crack dealer? maybe. But for me I like to think of you as my pleasure pimp."

LOL.

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172 mskmouse

November 2, 2009 at 9:15 AM

Great article! Absolutely agree with the last sentence - You’re Beautiful’s charm is enhanced by solid writing. The cast is indeed appealing, but I tend to see the success factor lies in the excellent writing and creative directing that holds everything together. Perfect.

Not the typical idol drama one would have expected. I still remember telling myself "Nah, I'm not going to watch a idol drama!" Checked out the drama out of curiosity after reading the reviews here. And hey, glad I gave the drama a chance!

I simply got hooked after watching the first few minutes of Episode 1! And I find myself pleasantly surprised by the twists in the plot, the wit and humour in each episode. For once, I love Wednesdays and Thursdays. Haha!!

You're Beautiful is THE DRAMA of 2009! *Thumbs Up*

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173 skelly

November 2, 2009 at 9:23 AM

Count me in as another ahjumma-for-YB; in fact, at 48 I may just out-noona everyone, LOL. I adore this show, and what attracted me from the very start was not only the young cast and the storyline, but the Hong sisters' rep. I totally agree that you need the right combination of good acting and a good storyline for a drama to really work.

That being said, those marketers out there need some sort of solid numbers to hang their predictions, forcasts, and strategies on, and demographics and ratings are places where you can get solid numbers. Good writing/acting is ineffable - you know it when you see it, but it doesn't always translate into ratings, and it floats beyond demographics, it can't be codified and formulated and nailed down. It's also hard to give good writing and acting its proper due when there are horribly written dramas that still manage to pull in huge ratings (cough BBF cough).

I couldn't even get through the first 12 episodes of BBF, and I think I managed exactly one viikii segment of MFL, but then, from a Korean marketer's standpoint, I am an Ancient Crone living in a cave somewhere. It's so nice when, by some sort of magic, something comes along that is well written, well acted, sensibly produced and directed - it doesn't matter where it falls in terms of style or demographics (I adore YB and City Hall and Story of a Man, all VERY different shows), I will like it.

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174 Marco

November 2, 2009 at 9:41 AM

Right on! You couldn't have said it better! This drama is VERY VERY well written indeed! Its style captured me right from the very start! and btw, I love Park Shin Hye. and I MEAN I REALLY LOVE HER! LOL.. Is there anyway to let her know? hehe

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175 reluctantbutaddicted

November 2, 2009 at 10:38 AM

@ Samsookie 173 :

That is one hell of a cut and paste job! Can't believe you even attempted that. It's an impressive list though, isn't it?
... but don't you have some nappies to change? or is this the procrastination equivalent of the very clean house that appears every time I have a deadline? In fact, I have something due tomorrow, which is probably why I am here right now. Signing off...

but first...
@ skelly 175 : I had wondered if (was afraid that?) I was the senior ajummah here but I see you are my unnie (just). Seems like there's quite a crowd of ajummas here. Must be JB's recaps and commentaries that bring us in... refreshingly analytical crack.

Now back to work.

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176 Antonia

November 2, 2009 at 10:54 AM

Hello, I absolutely agree with your article.
I am 27 years old and I liked this gem from the very first episode, so way before the melodramatic chords were touched; cute faces and trendy clothes are a plus, but the solidity of the structure and the good writing are its bewitching points that captured me and make me stay loyal to this drama. :)

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177 'cille

November 2, 2009 at 10:58 AM

wow, this drama is amazing!!!

EXCITING writers + PLEASURABLE story lines + INSPIRING director + CUTE casts = EPIC drama

i watched from 1st episode to see what the hype was about, but the dialogues and expressions hooked me in.

tnx JB - you can be my "crack" dealer of YB anytime. (^_~)

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178 amore

November 2, 2009 at 11:19 AM

I think you are absolutely right 'Javabeans'. Its strength is in its storytelling and script. The acting is good too but not so much on it being a 'pop' idols drama. That in fact I believe has a reverse effect for me. It puts me off at first.
I do want the drama to do well. It deserves so much more!! All the best!!

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179 dramalover

November 2, 2009 at 12:29 PM

More crack please!!!

I was reading through the comments and I agree with all of them You're Beautiful is a very unique drama with an awesome plot...

You can't compare BOF and My Fair Lady to this because You're Beautiful is something much much better...

Well I guess since I'm finished reading this I should go rewatch the 8 episodes now....

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180 kahoX

November 2, 2009 at 12:30 PM

Oh you make me addict to you^^
I really love this drama! and I love it when you write about it!

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181 mm

November 2, 2009 at 12:31 PM

@ 137 yhamih

I think the news was related to JGS or his fan club bought the lunch to the YAB crew and cast members. (Credit: AnimeCrazy Forums)

I also attached the link where I read this news and there are soooooooo many pics related to YAB drama. I am so HOOKED ON THIS YAB!!!!!!!

http://www.animecrazy.net/forums/korean-drama/45696-youre-beautiful-16.html

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182 Fan

November 2, 2009 at 12:36 PM

Ahjumma #181 steps out of her closet here :)

Seriously I think part of the crack-affect is how it involves multiple parts of us, our minds as well as our hearts as well as our funny bones and maybe even causing curling of upper lips in attempts to look as cool as JGS....

But okay, seriously for real: It's that half ironic, half earnest feel to the script that I love. It definitely is moving and angsty and involving, but at the same time invites your brain to participate and make fun of itself.

It goes from pathos to parody, moving melodrama to full-on-broadway-Spamalot- musical in a twinkle.

Heaven forbid you blink during the series, you might miss a key hint or a wildly funny line, or a sly pop-culture reference!

No! I'm NOT frothing in the mouth... that would be beneathe my thirty-something odd years of dignity and grace...

(Though lately I've had disturbing visions of myself going to the airport to be a crazy fan girl who throws flowers, gifts, underwear,... or whatever it is that fangirls these days throw, at a band that looks suspiciously like the AN Jells.... hmm....)

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183 Namispop

November 2, 2009 at 2:00 PM

As a 50+ yr old father of two college aged daughters(one of whom got me hooked on this stuff), I seriously doubt that I fit into any of the target demographics of asian dramas...and, yet, here I am! *lol*

When I first heard of YB, I actually cringed a bit at the idea of an idol drama. I am sooo glad that I gave YB a try(thanks to Dramabeans!)...I am completely captivated by it. As so many others, including JB, have said, the writing and the rock solid storyline, the superb acting, the ingeniously imaginative twists, the amazing soundtrack, the perfect balance of heart wrenching angst and roflmao humor, and the heart and spirit that is evident in every single scene...these qualities have set YB apart as one of the finest(imho) romance comedy dramas to come out in a very long time. The drama that comes closest to my mind in comparison would be Coffee Prince, which was my absolute favorite...up til now. Imho, BOF was verrry enjoyable, but flawed, and over-rated. I honestly feel that BOF is completely outclassed by YB.

When all is said and done, JGS will be the recipient of the lion's share of accolades...and he is deserving of high praise, given his phenomenal and powerful portrayal of Tae Kyung, a character of great emotional complexity.
~But...I hope that Park Shin Hye's wonderful and touching portrayal of Mi Nam/Mi Nyu will also be given full and due acknowledgement. Her Mi Nam/Mi Nyu character is the perfect counterbalance to JGS' Tae Kyung...and I think their tag team has much to do with what makes Your Beautiful so very special.

Thanks, JB, for all the excellent articles and recaps!

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184 findland

November 2, 2009 at 3:35 PM

Oh my .... my ... YAH addiction
At the beginning I did not expect this drama would be so good like this.
I just like Hong sisters and JGS , so I'm in .
I thought because of my crazy school works, I'll just skim through each episode for 10 min only , then wait for the winter break to watch the whole drama.
And now, I watch each episode twice , no skipping, no fast-forward .
I think I'm crazy because I'm already over 30+ , hahaha
This drama remind me so much of my younger times.
But I have to get back to study now .
I'm on high crack and thanks to JB . I now check your thread 2, 3 times daily hehe.

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185 Can'tWait!!!!

November 2, 2009 at 3:52 PM

Thank you so much for this. I'm so in love with this drama. I always check here for updates ^_^ please continue to be our dealer Lol.

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186 kristabelle

November 2, 2009 at 4:02 PM

Yes , YB is my crack and I need my fix ,coming from a 50 yr. old ahjumma. JB thank you for your wonderful recaps and comments. Be our crack dealer everyday.

@langdon813, I love reading your comments. I also wanna join your club.lol

YB is the best drama for me in 2009. Kudos to the crew from the director, stylist,camera men, cinematographer,actors and esp. the Hong sisters.

Spread the love of YB. Fighting!

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187 whatsupalisa

November 2, 2009 at 4:04 PM

this drama is so great!
it's funny and light and not so complicated like queen seonduk (i gave up by episode 16)

i love the men! jung yong hwa is gorgeous and honggi is adorable!
park shin hye is also sooo good at acting! i think she brings the innocent girl very well!

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188 kerochan

November 2, 2009 at 4:31 PM

You are the best crack dealer ever, JB! ^o^
Thanks for this nice fix, but I must say that, from my pov, it was only due... If I hadn't read your recaps of the first two eps, I swear I would have NEVER watched YAB. So, since you are responsible for my addiction (and not only mine, I see), it seems only fair that now you keep providing us the crack ^o^

So, for the sake of demographics, here is another ahjumma coming out...
The summary, cast info and the first pictures released for this drama left me completelly indifferent. Being 37 y.o., I thought I was well past the age I could enjoy something like YAB. Sooooooo wrong! I decided to give this drama a try because you seemed impressed by it, and it was love at first episode. I am not ashamed (oh well, maybe just a little bit;-)) to say that I am totally addicted to it. Even though I've watched my share of j- and kdramas, I've never been so hooked before.
I think YAB is really something special, a little gem. You, JB, and all the people who have commented here have already expressed what are the elements (writing, execution, awsome acting, well rounded characters, etc) that make YAB stand out. ITA.

I just wanted to add that, even before reading the article, I was thinking how the YAB phenomenon makes it painfully clear what a poor measurement ratings are.
Although I can perfectly understand why they are so important in the entertainment business, they cannot gauge the real popularity and viewers' satisfaction with a show. Contrary to many other TV programs, in Korea or anywhere, YAB has a "passionate cult following" indeed and this is not something you can achieve by chance, or just thanks to smart scheduling to avoid competition.
I can only speak for myself, but never before I have found myself dying of curiosity to know what happens next, watching raw videos just because I cannot wait for the subs to be released, reading every single post related to a drama in the forums, every comment here, etc. And, I must say, no matter how much I've loved other dramas before this and enjoyed reading about them, I've always been a lurker... No other drama has made me feel compelled to write comments myself, and yet I am doing this now for YAB.
This is something ratings will never be able to measure.

Awww... YAB (and JGS's fabulous portrayal of HTK) have totally converted this ahjumma in a fangirl, completely addicted - and enjoying every single second of this addiction ^o^

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189

November 2, 2009 at 4:38 PM

ewww why is that one guy blond?

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190 maewee

November 2, 2009 at 5:15 PM

Cannot wait to Wednesday.

This is truly my crack and you are my crack dealer !!

Thanks for this.

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191 langdon813

November 2, 2009 at 5:39 PM

@191, Anonymous

Unfortunately, not everyone who was MEANT to be blonde was actually BORN blonde; Marilyn Monroe, Gwen Stefani...Lee Hong-ki.

It was just meant to be. :-D

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192 arivle

November 2, 2009 at 7:04 PM

HELLO ADDICTS JUST WANT TO STOP BY HERE MY FAVORITE WEBSITE TO ANNOUNCE THAT VIIKII YAB CHANNEL HAS REACH 1 MILLION VIEWS

1 MILLION VIEWS AND COUNTING!!!! WITH JUST 8 EPISODES THIS DRAMA HAS EVERYONE SO HIGH AND ADDICTED IS BECOMING DANGEROUS!!!!!

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193 Chelsea

November 2, 2009 at 7:06 PM

"Those two had appeal despite bad writing; You’re Beautiful’s charm is enhanced by solid writing."

Can't agree more. I hate it too how they always compare Shinwoo to Jihoo. Well, I see why but... Ugh. Hehe. Anyway, can't wait for the next scene. JGS and PSH are really great! YB have a huge following here in the Philippines. I wish they can count online viewers as well. KEKE^^,

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194 byj_angel

November 2, 2009 at 7:54 PM

I agree with you with what you have written at the last paragraph--... the story itself is well-written--that itself enhances the appeal to the viewers. Plus it has an ensemble of casts that doesn't try to outshine the other but rather each of them has their shining moments and a great support to each of the character. The chemistry is very apparent, could be well felt, overflowing. They are neither confused with the characters they're portraying. In fact, they have internalized it so well that they have 'owned' it. But among the characters that has really created a deep impression on me, that one character that was able to put me in such an awe is the actor who portrayed Han Tae Kyung. His outfits up until this point make me cringe alright and the eye liner made me say to myself "ohmigosh,isn't that way over?!" and the smirk with those piercing eyes make me say he does have an attitude (add to that the hair style that is oh so PUNK). But that boy's personality when you see him is the story itself. It's not THE JANG GEUN-SEOK, the star, that I see but it's Han Tae Kyung. JGS was not afraid to do a 180 degree turn in order to portray the character. I watch drama shows not based on the popularity of the actors starring on it but I read the synopsis,watch first few episodes, check out the actors' acting then decide if it's worth my time watching til the end. I have not had this kind of reaction & impression to an actor (regardless of gender) for a very long time now. He has really internalized the character that he was able to give life to Tae Kyung--that obsessive-compulsive, neat freak, self-absorbed, cold personality, full of angst hidden inside him -- but in the end endearing as he starts to unfold his story. Among the main characters, he really stood out. He nailed it. Period.

I watched Boys Over Flowers but have to stop right in the middle of it. It made me feel so tired watching it. It's adaptation alright but the chemistry among the main characters was somehow 'forced'. I believe it was overrated. My Fair Lady fell flat in its story what with matching confusing portrayal of characters and disappointing acting of the main characters. I believe the flat acting was due to the fact that the story line seems to be heading nowhere, characters not well-defined (that in itself would be too confusing no matter how good you are as an actor) and they just have to have an ending.

An actor can be popular and can be cute alright but isn't it a delight to watch a drama with a good storyline & believable acting as well? :-)

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195 momosan

November 2, 2009 at 8:07 PM

Since I just finished watching QSD for today, I thought I'd stop by and see what was new over here on DB. Almost 200 comments on this post! What a riot!

Actually, I was trying to recall a few more subtle references to another movie or series. The scene where they are walking away from GNM's highschool friend, left me snickering about JGS channeling Kang Mae from Beethovens Virus. But the one that has me stumped is Shin Woo's legend. I swear this is from another series, where the guy rides up on a motorcycle and rescues 2 girls from the gang. It's not like I've seen that many k-dramas, so it must be something obvious that is just slipping my mind.

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196 goldlilys

November 2, 2009 at 9:01 PM

@ 147 jae:

I'm like you, I still need to convert more people to this addiction. Haha. I showed my younger bro the first 3 episodes, but he said he wanted more comedy (I usually show him Japanese dramas with all its wacky sense of humor and fast pace). I guess the first 3 episodes wasn't enough for him. But I did get him addicted to Story of a Man though. He hardly watches Korean dramas let alone romantic ones.

Since it just came out, I haven't shown it to other family members yet, but when during the holidays, I'll be sure to show it to my cousins. Same people who got addicted to BOF, will FOR SURE love YB more because it is much better.

YB has the whole package like Story of a Man does: exceptional acting, storyline, and directing.

THANK YOU JB for feeding us our weekly crack of YB and other Korean Entertainment news.

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197 lovesdrama

November 2, 2009 at 9:01 PM

Wow - I was I really quite out of the age group here, feeling quite old for an idol like series - being almost 30 (at 29) - and I'm a mom as well and while working full time, I hardly have time to anything for myself much less watching a series. I have to pick and choose and often fall behind. But I'm hooked, after everyone else is asleep (which is perfect for asian dramas) - i can watch one episode. =) It's awesome to see other moms and dads and everyone else in between, people of all age categories here and commenting too. It's quite amazing.

JGS really has made me feel for his character HTG. And gosh - PSH often looks more like a guy than any of the other guys in the photos LOL. Although in the scenes, she is definitely more girly. I love the chemistry btw PSH and JGS. I do feel bad for SW but I am pulling for TG and MN because they do have some undeniable chemistry. Also - jealousy works quite well in idol related dramas... not in real life, but boy do I love watching a lead get jealous enough to knock some sense into him and realize that he really likes the female lead =) Don't know why, but it almost always works in a drama.

JB - your recaps are so WIDE reaching. Great job.

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198 goldlilys

November 2, 2009 at 9:13 PM

Oops almost forgot. I don't know if most of you guys visit the soompi thread too so I'll just post it up here as well.

I've been gathering videos that has anything to do with You're Beautiful. Do check it out and feed your addiction while waiting for the next episodes >> http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3ABD389D223A4EB7

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199 belleza

November 2, 2009 at 9:19 PM

Whoa. Apparently Jung Yonghwa's usual travelling van crashed or something, but JY wasn't in the vehicle. Eeps. BBF comparisons aside, please no injuries!!

"I swear this is from another series, where the guy rides up on a motorcycle and rescues 2 girls from the gang. "

That was definitely a parody of something. (Like the pig scenes vaguely parodying BV, or the spy bits giving a go at Iris.) For some reason, I thought of My Tutor Friend, but I don't actually recall a motorcycle in that movie.

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200 ghie

November 2, 2009 at 9:45 PM

we think I think we love them all...hahahaha to all the cast of YB keep fighting and just do ur job and don't think that all of you not doing well to portrait ur character in YB.....Just remember this WE LOVE 2 WATCH "You're Beautiful"....Ur #1...fighthingggggg........keep up d good workzzz guyzzzzz....

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