Rooftop House Studio – “갑과 을 (Strong Girl and Weak Boy)” [ Download ]
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Anyone here follows Merchant Gaekju/Master of Trade? I’ve finally caught up to eps 32 and seriously feeling so depressed with how the story goes. I think it’s really fated that Jang Hyuk and sageuk equals to no happy ending.
Thankfully this week we have a new fun light-hearted series in ‘One More Happy Ending’. I’ve always loved Jung Kyung-ho but the other guy (Kwon Yool) is pretty charming too. This series will balance out all the heavy depressing stuff from other shows that I’m watching now. So far so good!
Yes. Kwoon yool was admiral's son I believe (So sad historically, and I am yet to watch RC). He is such a cute pie and can't believe his age (he was in Let's eat 2).
Master of Trade - one of the most disappointed dramas that I have watched. But I think it should only can get better from now on since there are not many episodes left for the hero to reach the top.
I am so eagerly anticipating One More Happy Ending!!! Jung Kyung-ho and Jang Nara will be SO good together, and the girl group MV slash teaser - have you seen that? It's so comical and nostalgic! All my shows right now are pretty light, so I'm not gonna complain to another rom-com, I guess (especially since Reply 1988 is such a fun show, except the times Taek comes on-screen, in which I turn into a maddened witch squealing like a wild chicken)
I really love Jang Nara, she was that idol in my teen. :)))
She looks forever young!!! And her acting is very lovely here, and very dedicated to portrait the character, what with that much shouting and drunk and aeygo expressions... all in just 2 eps...
And her interaction with Jung Kyungho. I root for them to be the OTP!!!! LOL at their childhood grudges towards each other. "First kiss phobia" and "wearing belt all the time"... :))))
Only at ep. 29 on The Merchant, have been waiting on Viki subs, then caught up on other series. I am optimistic that this will have a good ending. Hope, hope!
I'm only on episode 17 (I stopped at episode 10 and then picked it up again recently) but the prospect of an unhappy ending doesn't surprise me, considering the writer. idk. It is pretty over-the-top, but I'm actually really enjoying just how miserable and hopeless this show is, even this far back, and I'm ready to embrace the idea of a sageuk that goes on a downward spiral, rather than follow your typical upward trajectory. I think there should be more sageuk about revenge, betrayal, greed, bloodshed, mutilation, etc lol.
That being said, I get why you're depressed and as I said, I'm only on episode 17! I can imagine it will only get worse from where I am :( Hopefully Jung Kyung-ho + fluff will make you feel better! :)
It's only the first two episodes but the drunk part is so cute i really can't imagine any one play the main lead characters like they do. It can be annoying but they make it look so lovable until you want to cuddle those two drunkards and squeeze them together. LOL
The cast is what make One More Happy Ending so charming.
I was expecting a more in depth writing but so far we only get some cute zanny stuff. I will be sticking for the cast for the meantime. I do feel the first ep is a bit choppy but it's so much fun to watch.
Side note: watching Cheese in Trap and become really obsessed with it. The 3 leads are killing it. Trust TVN to bring some freshness that you can't find so easily in normal drama.
Hi... happy weekend
I watched she was pretty again and still doesn't get the famous Second Lead Syndrome.
Both guys are really charming but as lover, Park Seo Joon character is really something else.
He is so different with many Kdrama lead, he's loving, considerate, straightforward, honest, brave and I died every time he said "kyouwo/cute" to Hwang Jeung Um attitude. On the other side, he still a snarky tongue boss, at least he improve a bit. Still that flaw makes him more believable and doesn't perfect, also he's better with bang.
This reminds me of Oh Ri On clumsiness in ep 5 I think, when do hyun visit Ssang Ri in the 1st time and he tells how he meets Perry (+Segi) on the plane.
Park Seo Joon is worth to wait.
I walso watch King of Mask Singer and Farinelly .... oh my farinelli,
I agree that Cat Girl is amazing but her style is the same this 3 stage, Farinelly is more than deserved the king title, seriously??? at least KCM will have a comeback in February.
I still behind on Nirvana in Fire (T.T)
Somehow I manage to watch Grave of Fireflies , it still brought me to tears, it just beautifully sad,
Then I also watch You're the apple in my eyes , I must said, it's really beautiful. A story to tell that it's all about choice and heartbreak is not just a pity party story, it's one of life spices and you need to grow up. Even if you did everything, heart is not something that stayed in the same place. It need effort and it can't wait forever.
also Cheese in The trap already finished all the filming, so people can just relax, enjoy and don’t create any conspiracy theories ^^
I don't think I have a full ep fave, I make my own playlist based on my favorite song, this week I watch ep 38, 42 a lot cause I like their shock reaction , before I watch ep 10 a lot for the overall show,
So ep 10 for now,
May I ask what make you keep watching Mask Singer?
I watch it because almost every episode give satisfying performance, and they cover a lot of song I love from
There's another show, I see your voice that alao break stereotype
OMGGG I agre with you wholeheartedly!I cried so much watching Grave of the Fireflies and I don't think I will ever watch it again. Extremely depressing and haunting.
You are the apple of my eyes is also my favorite movie! But I can watch it over and over again, because it is so real.
You are the apple of my eyes changes my perspective of heartbreak, keeping the love inside for so long us fair reason to get rejected imo.
The parallel world at the end always amaze me, they could be.....but they missed the chance and it's on their own
She Was Pretty - but in the beginning he was a jerk and stress is no excuse. a good boss doesnt show his stress or pour it out on female employees.
Why people liked Shin Hyuk? He was understanding and supportive towards everyone, not just Hye Jin. He spoke for truth and honesty, and he encouraged people to be themselves. Perhaps as a writer he can see potential in anyone, anybody can become a prototype if they are special enough? He is a crazy goof, but he is very sincere and open-minded. Plus, he loves american panties. Cmon, how can you not love this guy? he is my soulmate. he goofs around half the time, but can get serious and present fast and doable ideas when duty calls.
I think the sungjoon confession about how he understand that he did her wrong clear up his intention. It's one way of him understanding himself than being a pricked just for her. If he didn't talked about that to her, then he did wrong. The way he gradually changes in 3 month is personal growth and he is better than before which mean he is willing to change.
What I don't get about SLS is how people ship Shin hyuk and hye jin. Shin hyuk is lovable and adorable man but he is not the best man for hye jin, he may lots of people choice but I don't see that for Hye jin.
He likes from the start because he thinks he can make fun of her to entertain himself. He is crazy good writer that doesn't help her when she is new in the office. He makes prank to be with her and to get her attention but he doesn't think about her position and how that trouble her. Hye Jin is clearly annoy by him and she is nice enough to play along. He likes what he likes but he doesn't really knew what hye jin likes that's why I don't think they had a mutual understanding as couple, as also prove by hye jin who can't understand his point of view.
Hi
Ever since Reply 1988 ended, I have been thinking back to my own „years“, as in what year would answer ME, but I just can´t decide.
Would it be 1991? The time when we became independent and Russian tanks were here and I was standing in the line in front of Toompea Hill with others to stop them, stupid stuff, that. I was just 10, though... But 1999 when I was 18, is not a very interesting year in itself. Except the madness of final exams and choosing which Uni to go to and what faculty. I had no idea what I wanted to do, I was a confused nutcase that wanted to do textile design AND genetic engineering. Yeah, good luck... Or would it be 1996, the first time on my own on a 4-day music festival? The start of my festival-friendships and fandoms? The first time to come home 4.30 am, and also the first time traveling Europe? Or maybe it is 1993 and surviving my teens, but that would really be too ugly... even though good material for a drama. Uh. I dunno, the 1980-ies were still the most normal ones, I guess. 1987, The Baltic Chain year and start of Singing revolution. But then, there was nothing to eat and nothing to buy. Nope, not going back to Soviet Union. 1990-ies didn´t make sense at all. There were too many short-living trend items that I had no desire to own or be seen with. I mean, Neon leggins? Flubberballs, jojos? Underwear over jeans???? So...maybe 2000? The start of new millennium? (though that would officially be 2001... good year, we won Eurovision. ) So yeah, I have no idea which year would answer me.
People have speculated what year is next for the reply series, saying 1980, but I would like it to be the parents´ perspective now. Dong Il and Il Hwa have won me over... Why don´t they make a series of THEIR youth now? Hm?
Watching:
Tried Cheese in the trap, dropped for now. Not feeling sincerity. Dunno... it is like it doesnt manage to get my interest level over the critical line.
SFD – very ambiguous. but in all its madness, very level-headed somehow. It always stands on very firm feet. this drama has this dilemma that no one is strictly good or strictly bad. especially with all those women - you cannot make any decision about them, place them in right or left corner...you can only stay neutral, if you don´t want to feel insane. or just route for peace and happiness for all... but that´s not possible either, is it?
Started watching the whole Reply 1988 all over again to see what I missed. It is so much less nerve-wrecking to watch knowing Taekies´ life is not in danger because of them damn pills. That was the thing that nearly gave me a nosebleed watching in real time, I almost wanted to skip episodes and only watch when I know he will be alive and ok in the end. I hope they don´t do anything like that in the next series. Also, I feel like PBG still kept some of that mildly autistic spectrum or aspergers´ feel from the beginning episodes in his performance at least up to episode 17... the body language and the way he walks, sensitive to noises, sometimes acting very cold to total strangers or being able to ignore their existence completely, grows strong attachments to a few people, feels more comfortable in a closed circle of people, the physical clumsiness and stiff movements he has occasionally, concentrating on one thing so much he forgets to eat or sleep, or struggling to meet a glance or losing direction. Except when he is with Deok Sun. Like Yumi. said last week on the recap, it can be interpreted as someone who first appeared with some signs of that spectrum, but highly functional, then learning to blend into society and finding a balance in his life through spending time with friends (who are very open and emotionally unrestricted and literally teach him what to say or do). which, if it is like that, is even more satisfying than anything else. I am not sure though, it is just the impression I got. Quoting Yumi: "This would also explained why his differences lessened as he got older and gained social skills. He remained sensitive to noise. If that was what the series was going for I was happy that they showed someone on the spectrum living a satifying and complete life."
I think keeping those traits till the end (like when being scolded by Deok Sun for lending money in ep 20) is a sign of a marvelous insight and methodical acting. if I am not over-interpreting things.
Park Bo-Gum really is a shining star, isn't he? I drew up a video clip of him in I Remember You and another of him in Reply 1988 and played them side-by-side...suffice it to say, this guy blew the wind out of my sails. (In like, a good way. A really good way.) He definitely deserves all the attention, and I hope he'll get into more dramas this 2016 because God knows we all need a fresh, cute, well-acted face around here.
I feel you. I was so worried about Taek and his pills too, was planning to send a death threat to the writer if he ended up dead.
And yes Park Bo-gum is such a brilliant actor. He's definitely in top of my radar now.
It didn't occur to me that Taekkie is autistic, I thought he was just a bit nerdy. He was insecure due to losing his mother at a young age, and also, because he did not attend school, he did not get to interact with teenagers his age other than the gang of friends, so he was more shy and timid. I remember the scene in which DS taught him how to reject others and swear curse words, PBG's facial expression when he made a futile attempt of repeating after her was so cute and funny!
well not autistic, I meant acting close to that spectrum, but it could also just be how a child traumatized from losing hs mom would. Still, the way this manifested felt like an aspie or something
I also wondered if Taek showed some signs of Asperger's in the earlier episodes. Besides the character quirks, his father also seemed very concerned about him having a "normal" life. Though it is hard to distinguish if it was because he showed signs of the spectrum or if it was because of baduk. The fact that he dropped out of school to play baduk may had been the reason he seemed more awkward and sensitive compared to the other kids. It is hard to put a child in such a competitive and mature environment even if it was his choice but it could have also helped him in a sense that he was not exposed to the harsh education system where his differences could be a source of anxiety; instead, he was surrounded by 4 loving friends.
Park Bo Gum's performance in that show truly blew me away. This series did a fantastic job of creating full characters but PBG definitely got the most beautifully layered character of the Ssangmundong gang. I ended up replaying almost all his scenes partly because I loved his role and partly because I just love him! He turned in such a thoughtful portrayal and it's mind blowing this was the same guy playing Min in IRY half a year ago. On a shallower note, he is insanely adorable and handsome and brought out my fangirl feels in full force. I can't help but squee every time I see him smile <3
I love Park BoGum and definitely agree that he is an incredible actor, but I happened to watch the movie The King and the Clown while Answer Me was airing and the similarities in PBG and Lee Jun Ki's performances were downright creepy! They had the same mannerisms and inflections in their voices. While I never questioned PBG's sexuality or saw him as feminine at all, it made me see him and Taek a little differently. But I'd like to think that it was all methodical acting as you said. :)
or it could be cause he has studied ballet for endurance and has a very soft and kind personality, as people say.
it is actually like this idea I had about a year ago, made a sketch for a story about a very tender and feminine guy, who is however not a transgender or transvestite, but became a victim of human trafficking as a child and was forced to perform in a nightclub wearing girl clothes. and a girl who is rough and masculine because her father is a vegetable and she does all of the mans´ jobs.
Hi Jashindo, now that you mentioned about the similarity in LJK and PBG, I came to realise why I took immediate notice of PBG when I first saw him in Cantabile Tomorrow. I am a long-time fan of LJK, so I probably subconsciously fall for actors who either resemble him in appearance or acting, such as Yoon Shi-Yoon.
In my eyes, PBG is more like a baby, the way he cried during his fan meeting melted my heart. He seems to be easily overwhelmed by emotions in a candid manner, also he seems too well-mannered, perfect and all-rounded for his age. He put in lots of efforts to excel in whatever he does, for example, someone who played cello in a real orchestra even commented that the way he played cello in CT was absolutely real, and his conducting was no nonsense, and felt like a real orchestra conductor. He even practiced yoga and pilates, omg! How did a 24 year boy came to develop interest in these areas when the main interest of the majority of his peers is clubbing? All these made me quite curious about his family background background and upbringing. Hmm...
I know right! So little is known about him now, but I'm sure more will come out as he's becoming more popular. I'm guessing his family is affluent from pictures of his vacations overseas and his choice of hobbies as you mentioned. Even his English pronunciation seems pretty good from the few words I've heard!
But have you seen King and the Clown? I was convinced that PBG watched it because their performances were so similar!
Yeah, of course being an ardent fan of LJK, I've watched the King and the Clown, it is the movie that brought him to stardom and he grabbed almost all the best new actor awards for that year. As it was a great box-office success at the time of its release, I could only speculate that PBG would have watched it, but I don't think he is imitating LJK purposely. Probably they just happen to resemble each other in certain aspects of mannerism, way of speaking and intonation?
haha Yes, I assumed as much about you and PBG but I just asked because it really was quite startling to me. Whether or not it was intentional on PBG's part, other actors rarely achieve that level of "embodiment," if you will, when playing a known character or figure.
Park Bo Young, for instance, was spectacular when she was on-point playing Kim Seul Gi, but her performance wasn't consistently "Kim Seul Gi" throughout the drama. You could tell when she started to drift into her own persona. With PBG and LJK, I felt almost as if there was a singular character playing them as actors instead of them being individual actors playing characters.
I fully get what you mean about Park Bo Young's acting in OMG, I've watched that drama too.
I just went to re-watch KATC, and PBG's Taekkie did have some semblance of LJK's mannerisms, acting style and intonation. You must be very observant to have detected it given that Taekkie's character is so vastly different from Gong-gil, and Teakkie was not as effeminate too. Probably go watch one of LJK's modern drama like Two Weeks or Time Between Wolf and Dog or even Arang and the Magistrate, he was so masculine in all of these, a stark contrast to his portrayal of Gong-Gil, and see if you still feel that PBG and LJK are actors played out by a singular character :)
I watched Scholar Who Walks the Night in it's entirety (I don't know why haha), the first few episodes of Joseon Gunman, and the first few episodes of Arang before it was taken off viki, all before KATC; so I knew he wasn't naturally or always effeminate and which was why his performance was all the more amazing to me. But rather than LJK and PBG being exactly alike as actors across the board, or Gong Gil and Taekie being the exact same character, I meant that it felt as if they were played by the same character.
I think the very best actors are like empty vessels that a character can completely take over. Not unlike possession haha In most cases, when you've seen enough of an actor's filmography you can see little glimpses of their natural state, out of character, that carries over in spite of various diverse roles: that one expression, the way he moves his hands when he's upset, etc. But with Gong Gil and Taekie, I felt like what filled and took over LJK and PBG was the same "entity." And that entity/character played through them both as any actor would, playing a different person, but still showing glimpses of his true self. So basically, GongGil/Taekie was an actor who played both LJK and PBG in those particular roles. haha
Sorry for that unnecessarily convoluted and bizarre explanation! But I definitely need to take your recommendations and watch more of LJK's filmography! :)
Wow! Someone else who isn't feeling Cheese in the Trap. I thought I was an aberration. Well, if I am, at least now there are two of us.
What I like about SFD is that.. humanity of everyone involved. The only badly-written character is the old lady with the croaky voice. Would be nice to know why she is so committed to Nameless. Other than that, pretty much everyone feels human. No one really good, no one really bad. Even Lord Lee Saek seems like he's doing stuff for the good of the people.
I was hesitant about Cheese in the Trap for first few episodes, then it got my attention for ep 3 & 4, eps 5 & 6 got me totally onboard.
Dropped Oh, My Venus at ep. 14 as I kept asking myself why I was wasting my time...as exciting as watching grass grow. Couldn't feel chemistry between the leads at all.
Actually enjoyed Sweet Savage Family all the way through including the ending. Sweet, fun little show and totally enjoyed the leads.
I wasn't feeling it, either. Not a fan of most of the performances (maybe Kim Go-eun was so much better than everyone else she made them look bad? lol idk).
The main couple creeped me out in the webtoon even, and I feel like they're not handling it with the kind of ambivalence it requires--just find it very disturbing to see them become a drama ~OTP. On the other hand they're way too ambivalent on Yoo-jung's true nature (or rather, what it signifies in the relationship) to fit my reading of the original text.
Darn, this was my fear about the drama from looking at screenshots and skimming over recaps but I was hoping I was reading too much into too little with all the comments gushing over the show.
I think i'll put the webtoon on hold till the drama is over. I'm really really enjoying it on it's own and would like to enjoy the drama as a separate entity.
@redfox..surprisingly I've also thought a lot these days,which year would have answered me? If we ever would go back,and talk about a year from our life,what year would that be? For me it would be Answer me '97,maybe.It's not about romance or boys,at the end it's about which year helped us to grasp a better look of self,the one which defines us as we are,as a person.Lol sorry for the rant.This is the first time,unlocking personal musings on an open thread.Reply '88 has caught me in the nostalgia mood.I guess.
no rant here, dont worry! yeah, it is interesting to think back, like what did I do back then and what was my goal? What was happening around me, can I recall every detail or is it already slightly blurred?
Hey guys. I'd really appreciate it if someone helped with finding an OST from Oh My Venus. I've tried youtube but I can't find it. It's an instrumental piece that has whistling in it; it almost always plays when Coach-nim is in pain. Really appreciate the help and have a great day!
I'm not sure either, but I've Googled a complete list of Oh My Venus OST, do you see any titles in there that maybe you haven't heard of? That could be the song.
I think they didn't release it,
Kdrama sometimes didn't release the instrumental part or they haven't release the album, all song is release 1st as separate digital song and the album will release after the drama ends.
I sorry I can't find it too
I'm watching Reply 1988 AND I AM ON TAEKKIE'S SHIP. I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER IT WILL DROWN OR NOT BUT EVEN IF IT DOES, EVEN IF I SINK INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE UNSHIPPED OTP OCEAN, I AM STILL GOING TO RIDE OR DIE WITH TAEKKIE. HE'S JUST SO SWEET, AND I FEEL LIKE HE'S A NATIONAL TREASURE TO KEEP AND CHERISH.
Ah, first love. (Mom: You CANNOT have a first love with a fictitious person.) Whatever, Mom, just be grateful Taekkie's a good son-in-law.
tell your mom that a person can have a crush on anything.
I had a crush on a white blood cell in a childrens´ book when I was 6. Then I had a crush on a midget who grew cranberries in his beard and kept an adder. then I had a crush on the adder...
then there were musketeer dogs and animated pirates and a ghost and a medieval knight. and then there were a few manga characters (Byakuya Kuchiki!) and whatnot. I believe I have had a crush on all imaginable characters. real people are not half as fascinating...
I just read the news that RJY, GKP, AJH, and PBG are being kidnapped by Na PD during their vacation in Phuket and now they're heading to Africa filming Youth Before Flower. Am I the only one who's super excited about this? this is a dream come true! :D
It says - Park Bo-geum finished his 'Music bank' and on the way home, he met the YOF production team on 22nd. The other 3 were kidnapped by Na PD in Puket, and are to leave to Africa directly from there tomorrow. None of four knew about this and their supposed coming back date is early February.
It's so real and I CANNOT WAIT. SQUEALING!!! Can someone from DF sub these series, it's really annoying that they have exclusive rights to tVN series and cannot sub the Over Flowers series! But I trust the DB ladies to recap this series, please!
Re. Remember episode 11, the saturi and colorful clothes are back. Yay! Really love Park Dong Ho. Even better in ep 12, I count at least 6 changes of snazzy outfits :)
On a more serious note, found it really strange that we rushed through (mild spoilers: ** the revenge/punishment of the two docs **) in the first 10 minutes of episode 11. I would've thought it'd be fleshed out more - writer could've trimmed some scenes re. the Smile Light Bulbs case to fit it in.
Also now that I've watched episode 12, am worried that there'll be no truly happy ending in this drama :(
Fans of AM1988 couldn’t be blamed for inciting such an aggressive ship war, it all boils down to their subjective preference for the type of guys which push the right buttons.
Those who vehemently ship for JH & DS probably prefer a man who is macho and tough on the outside, but a gentle softie on the inside. Being a fighter pilot is a big bonus, which girl doesn’t go gaga over a handsome guy smartly clad in pilot uniform? JH is considerate of others but is reticent and not used to explicitly explain his intention. To be with such a guy, the girl would have to be a tough cookie with a truckload of confidence. While he was digging in his heels with inaction, the more things shouldn’t be left unsaid all the time! As viewers, we got to see things from JH’s perspective, we know how much he adored DS, so it is very easy for us to sympathize with him. But it was definitely no fun at all for DS who had to agonize over his nonchalant behaviour, which seemed so inconsistent and confusing.
Those who are ardent shippers of Taekkie & DS would most likely enjoy fussing over their man, and prefer guys who are introverted, clingy, and always ready to give love assurance through outward display of affection, teletubbies big hug style, making them feel much needed in a secure relationship. Being a baduk celebrity, there was no lack of fangirls, but Taekkie had tunnel vision, even after countless blind dates, in his mind’s eyes, he could only see DS, this kind of “pabo” loyalty is so endearingly appealing.
What pushed my buttons most is the lifelong bond between Teakkie & DS. I find that unfailing love, whether one-sided or two-sided, which can withstand the test of time is the most irresistible. In many kdramas, though childhood/high school sweethearts losing touch is a recurring trope, their emotionally charged reunion years later always never fail to make me teary eyed. Probably I do yearn for an eternal love, but it is not about hoping for someone from my distant past to turn up at my doorstep, it just does not work this way in reality, which explains why so many people are turning to watching kdrama for doses of hassle-free larger than life legendary romance.
Dear beanies, below are dramas with the type of enduring love which fully captivates me, please help add to the list if you can think of any others.
Type 1 – reunion of separated childhood/high school first love – Autumn In My Heart, Winter Sonata, Spring Waltz, Sad Love Story, Stairway to Heaven, Will It Snow For Christmas, Can You Hear My Heart, Iljimae, Twenty Again, (Wildchives & Soybean Soup? I’ve not watched it)
Type 2 - Oppa/Dongsaeng from the past lingering close by as a protective guardian angel – Piano, More Than Blue, I Can Hear Your Voice, Goddess Of Fire, Pinocchio, I Need Romance 3
Type 3 – Childhood oppa ended up with unrequitted love - Baker King Tae Gu, Marry Stayed Out All Night, Feast Of The Gods
Reply 1988 did not get messed up, the writer has all the freedom to end it however she likes. The ones who felt betrayed had just been clinging to a certain fate too obsessively, so it hurt. but they did it to themselves.
As to others, like me, I had also let JungPal fans´ unwavering belief affect me and had already accepted that Taek would not be the one. So I was very surprised and overjoyed and relieved with the last episodes.
depends on the viewer, whether they get disappointed. not so much the ship, even.
True, JungPal's fan misled themselves more than the writer actually did, it is about taking in what they want to believe than what it really is. The most obvious tell-tale sign was the future husband smokes, but JH was against smoking, he did voice the opinion that smoking was bad. Somehow, I was led to believe JH is the future husband due to him knowing about DS's crush on SW from the postcard DS sent to the radio DJ, it is only in ep 20 that we got to see Teakkie knew about that too from snatching away DS's torn diary page from her. Anyway, I'm happy that Taekkie ended u with DS, he just couldn't live without her. He was even cured of his long time sleeping problem immediately after DS reciprocrated his kiss, omg! With love this deep, how could he be denied of DS's love :)
Because of the writers willingness to fool the viewers, the romantic scene between Ds and TK seems to be cut off a tad short in the end. The writer intentionally blocked much of Ds's internal conflict in men or make her emotion sort of fuzzy so that we were required to do much guessing work of DS Who is dense when it comes to boys. How could I guess her feeling right? i am too old for the task but somehow she chose TK which is my favorite. But this makes me a bit bewildered since I usually do not guess right.
What I like about is not about their romances but the whole families' assembly. They are perfect neibghbours. In reality, if our neighour won a lottery a big time, there would be malice attitudes or jealousy either in Their face or behind their back.However they were tight knitted and they were willing to help each other with sincerity. they are truly perfect neighbours. That is why it broke our hearts to see the neighborhoods without them decaying. Did the Kim family build the house? But I felt that the family abandoned the house in the end,,,, where did they all move to? A nursing home or retired community? They cannot separate themselves,,, they should stick together till end!!
Hi Atz, you're not too old for the husband-hunting task, so long as you feel young at heart! I guess we probably more or less belong to the same generation, I remember the happiness which Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura brought when watching their drama when I was a small little kid. News of their real life marriage had me infected with over-the-top excitement for days!
Yes, the way the close-knit families in AM1988 rooting for each other so genuinely without any ill-will and jealously was so very heart-warming. The scene of the mothers exchanging dishes made me smile gratifyingly as it reminded me of how my mum and my aunties used to do that in the good old days. I was so close to my cousins who live near us, we were always hanging out in the neighbourhood doing all sorts of kiddy stuff, just like the gang of 5 in AM1988. Watching this drama does me feel quite nostalgic, having moved country after both my parents passed away, I lost touch with most people from my past, with only remnants of memory left from the bygone years, nothing stays the same anymore....
reunion of separated childhood/high school first love
you forgot the most appropriate example - Answer Me 1997!
Jung-hwan's confession hurt, but it wasn't even close to as devastating as Yoon-jae in 1997. Well, NOW we know they got back together, but back then we didn't know if 1997 was the story of a failed first love. And the raw pain in Seo In-gook's voice and the look on Jung Eun-ji's face, like she was one heartbeat away from tears.....it still hurts to watch, even now. (and it's even more devastating because even without knowing the ending, we know she's already in love with him, just unwilling to process the change in how she sees her best friend).
Like I keep saying, Jung-hwan felt like he was modelled off Yoon-jae, but the crucial difference was that Yoon-jae, despite his own attempts at concealing his feelings for Shi-won, did at least intend to tell her he liked her, and then actually did. While Jung-hwan never says anything, and unlike Shi-won/Yoon-jae, he and Deok-sun aren't estranged for the intervening years..... I am far less inclined to cut him the slack for not speaking up. (and Taek, on the other hand, was an absolute open book about his feelings for Deok-sun, even when he aborted his confession plan after finding out about Jung-hwan).
in the end, how do i explain... seemed like carrying the feelings in secret was more of a hidden pleasure for Jung Hwan and it is not that much about wanting to be together with Deok Sun but all about himself having those feelings. cause outwordly he was always rather distant and didnt seek her company actively, didnt call her or ask her to the movies...
while Taek and Deok Sun were always together, even after she lied about the kiss, they were just as close. nothing changed. it would have been unnatural for them not to be together.
That's actually a really interesting take on Jung-hwan not speaking up, and probably accurate too - he liked her before finding out about Sun-woo, and after Sun-woo chose Bora instead, there was a decent bit of time before Jung-hwan found out about Taek. Not to mention the 6 year gap..... but yeah, Jung-hwan did wallow in those feelings and ultimately failed at communicating the very basic fact that he had them, even though he gave himself away a few times (the 'don't go on the blind date' scene).
Hi pogo, I did think about AM1997, but I somehow didn't know which category to place it into. Si-won and Yoon-jae were not separated by choice, but due to estrangement like you said, i.e. Yoon-jae harboured bitter feelings about seeing Si-won and his brother together, so he chose to avoid Si-won altogether in the interim. Of course, the fact that he remained unattached to anyone during the whole time indicated that he still loved Si-won, but however, this pale in comparison to those other couples in the kdramas I listed, especially in Type 2, though the girl may have other love interests, the oppa/dongsaeng still lingered protectively around them as a "dark knight" though it hurt so deeply.
Happy Friday! Snow in the forecast- People panic already living in the state where there are almost zero snow plowers.
Not much going on except enjoying most of dramas that I am watching, and I am excited about new casting news- (Neighborhood lawyer) Ryu Soon-young, (My little baby) Oh Ji-ho, (Cinderella) Park So-dam etc.
About dramas and stuff:
Reply 1988: People are still pissed off about Reply 88. Some said the episode started to get messed up this year (ep 17), resulted in reply 1988 being the BEST drama of 2015, and WORST drama of 2016 being ended up with messy(half-baked) husband hunting.
Cheese in the trap: Thank you, thank you Suzie! for turning down Seol's role. Kim Go-eun is perfect, thank you very Gamsa!
btw Yoo Jung bumping his head and Seol's reaction of giggling at him was one of my favorite parts (next to Seol's drunk scene).
in Radio Star, Park so-dam(First time) talked about her eyes. She said some director told her eyes are Joseon's eyes (Korean traditional beauty had small almond eyes, until it changed to big double-lid eyes due to influence of Western culture), and people seem to fear she might do the surgery, but she said she is fine without it (thank you very much).
Talking about eyes, In CITT, I laughed when In-ho asked who left the bag with the Band-Aid and the man said the girl with fuzzy hair and tiny eyes. LOL.
This also reminds me of Bi/Rain. On his interview after the drama 'Sangdoo, Let's go to school', he said he went for a plastic surgery, but the doctor hold him not to touch his eyes because it will break the balance. Should we thank that doctor?
Remember: Nam Gung-min apologized to Yoo Seong-ho in the show 'Have you eaten?' He said he curses himself watching Nam kyu-man tormenting Yoo Seong-ho in 'Remember'. I have read there are actors/actresses who get hurt by comments/feel stressed because of their evil roles in dramas (Cho Soo-hyang in 'school-who are you', for example). I hope they take it as complements on their job well done.
It is fun to see actor/actress's (somewhat) true face through talk shows (radio star, taxi, happy together etc).
(Happy Together) Lee Sung-min(Miseang) said he is closest to Lee Sun-gyun (who acted in Golden time and Miss Korea together) among his juniors. He talks about LSG all the time, which pissed off his wife, who told him to get out and live with Sun-gyun. lol. That reminds me- I love 'Youth over flowers- Iceland'. This group has so much affections and feels genuine (maybe thanks to JoongWoo). I can't wait to see the new ep tonight.
Oh my goodness, that is so cute of Lee Sung-min and LSK. I so wish to see that but I don't speak Korean. Is there a subbed episode anywhere? Or a translated article?
You know, for years Lee Sung-min and Lee Seon-kyun have worked in joint projects (dramas and movies) with LSK taking the male lead roles most the times. Do you guys think that with LSM's rising popularity now we'd ever see these two acting side by side again? I would early love to see that but I am afraid this will never happen again.
re: Cheese, the ones we should be thanking is Korean webtoon fans, for raising that huge stink over Suzy's potential casting in the first place.
If it hadn't been for that, we'd be facing Suzy looking alternately gormless and aegyo-ey as Seol (and a really cringey drama). This is just based on the impression I have of her based on interviews/the way she comes across when talking about her acting work, but I just don't think she has the mental ability to process a character like Seol, who is not your average 2D candy heroine. That's quite a contrast to Kim Go-eun, who seems to have far more of an actress' mentality, and the ability to go with it.
(and THANK GOD the casting went to KGE, and stuck with her despite initial complaints that she didn't look like webtoon Seol. I know Oh Yeon-seo looks like webtoon Seol more, but she's not even close to the same league as Kim Go-eun, acting-wise).
Park So-dam is so fresh and lovely, I love that she and Kim Go-eun have embraced their monolids and aren't out to change them. They're such a breath of fresh air, in so many ways.
Kim Go-eun makes this drama for me! I've read the webtoon, so it's impossible for me not to compare webtoon Seol to drama Seol, but Kim Go-eun does a wonderful job at making Seol more...likable? It's difficult to get subtle emotions across in comic format, so Seol tends to come off as not insensitive, exactly, but a bit distant and caught up in her own world sometimes. All the little quirks Kim Go-eun brings to her character - especially the panicky/anxiety ridden tone that often narrates her internal monologues - help me identify with her a bit more.
Hello! I just watched Misaeng, (yeah I know I'm more than a year late) but can I just gush about how good the drama is even though it's so depressing? Im Si-wan is such a good actor, his acting is absolutely perfect. I could feel every bit of insecurity and fragility from his eyes and it makes you want to root for him. It breaks my heart every time he faces a setback. I can't wait to see Im Si-wan in more dramas!
Because of Misaeng I also fell in love with Byun Yo-han. I hated him initially, but I blame it on his acting being so convincing that I can't help but to detest him for his character's flawed character. But of course, I grew to love Seok-yul and also appreciate Byun Yo-han's great acting. And also, it took me a while but BYUN YO-HAN IS ACTUALLY QUITE GOOD-LOOKING. I'm kind of in love with him, but I feel apprehensive of watching Six Flying Dragons because it's a 50 episode drama. I can't usually commit myself to a drama with more than 30 episodes, so I don't know if SFD is worth trying.
Six Flying Dragons is fabulous so far, and Byun Yo-han is extraordinary in it. You won't believe you're watching the same actor from Misaeng. That being said, you have to like complex, highly political dramas with lots of characters, little romance, and a serious dark streak.
I don't mind political dramas with darker themes as long as they are fast-paced. I loved Punch (KIM RAE-WON WAS ROBBED OF HIS DAESANG) and it had almost zero romance in it (Jung-hwan's 'love line' with his ex-wife felt more like family love rather than, well, romantic love). But then again, Punch was a 20-episode drama, Six Flying Dragons is soooo long. I wonder if the pace suffers because of its length?
The pacing is great so far, but obviously it's not done yet so it's hard to predict whether it can keep building tension all the way to the end. I've been very impressed though with the writers' ability to keep creating compelling, highly dramatic episodes. The storytelling so far is very well done.
Oh my - I couldn't believe it, they had a few episodes of Missing inflight, so I marathoner those. The weird thing was the whole slice of life thing, make it feel fine to watch in the middle of the season and not from the start. I felt like it was everyday life, how you walk into situations not knowing the full story and just have to work it out along the way.
The characters are all fantastic - I love Manager Oh and his loyal Assistant Managers. And their strike team. I'm going back to re-watch the whole thing from the start.
Chief Oh and Assistant Manager Kim's concern for each other was very endearing too. Haha after a while it just felt like I was part of this office family and I didnt want to say good bye to any of them. )':
Misaeng is my favourite kdrama of all time, and it will take something really mighty to even begin to shift it from that #1 place in my heart.
I love that it's about a worker in an ordinary company and not a "cool" profession (the usual kdrama creative types), and that the work is so unglamorous. The underlying message is a beautiful one, it's not often you get a story that tells you that there is meaning even in doing an ordinary job and simply surviving from day to day in an ordinary life. It's really quite uplifting, if you think about it.
And Im Shi-wan really is amazing as Geu-rae. He's proved himself time and again, but he's a much better actor than some far more hyped Hallyu stars in his age range (he, Lee Joon and Yoon Doo-joon could easily take any of them). And I know everyone loves Lee Je-hoon, but the role of Jang Geu-rae is one I honestly CANNOT see being played by anyone else, that role was made for Im Shi-wan.
I wish he could make it his signature look in real life but I know Koreans almost freak out at the hint of long hair and facial hair. It's just cultural differences and it is what it is but it's our eyes' loss :(
I marathoned Kill Me, Heal Me a few days and thought it was good. But after watching the BTS, and weighing the pros and cons of the drama, I started crying. The show has affected me so much, I didn't realize until it was over. It's probably the down side of binge watching. You don't really fully savor the story when you're watching episode after episode until 5 in the morning. Maybe when I start watching Reply 1997, I should limit it to 4 episodes a day?
On to currently airing dramas. Cheese in the Trap is still making me happy. It's nice to see that Seol no longer feels awkward around Jung. She seems happier and enjoying the dating than their first date.
In-ho is still a puppy. Jung is adorable but still a mystery and sometimes creepy. I'm really curious about these two's past friendship and what changed their relationship.
One More Happy Ending was a surprise. I wasn't expecting anything but I really enjoyed it. It's funny, has a nice pacing, and there's a pug (hahaha). The romance is also promising, can't choose between Jung Kyoung-ho and Kwon Yool since both are charming and have great chemistry with Jang Nara. Other than Mi-mo (Nara), I can't wait to see how the other Angels' lives will be explored.
And oh, Seo In-guk in a drama!!! (I can't believe IRY ended last August. It still feels fresh in my heart and mind ❤️)
same with KMHM - watched every BTS and it went straight into my blood circulation. those clips made me see, how Ji Sung poured all his soul into each personality and took none of them lightly
If this was a different actor, KMHM might have been a mess. Ji-sung created and crafted these personalities making them feel like actual human beings, and he didn't falter one bit in his portrayals!
Binge watching can be emotionally draining - when I first started watching kdramas I marathoned everything and pretty much let everything else go. Then I gained an appreciation for watching real time kdramas, 2 eps/week. Not sure which is harder - the emotional drain of marathoning and the aftermath of withdrawal, or the anticipation of waiting for the next week's episodes and counting the minutes. Haha, kdramaland is such a black hole (or should I be crying?)
I think this the first time I appreciated the 2 eps/week scheme of kdramas and actually regretted marathoning the whole series.
But then again, when an episode of any drama ends with a cliff hanger, that's a different story. The anticipation will kill me! Sometimes you need to savor the emotions but sometimes you really just want to know what happens next HAHAHA
One more happy ending was a surprise. I didn't expect so much crazy packed in first two episodes and they have done a good job in integrating the heavy side with the light ones. I hope they can keep it up. Mimo is far, thousand light years far from being perfect but none of the leading ladies are in the drama. All imperfect but completely aware of it which is fun. I love Jang Kyung Ho, my Paksa makes such a great dad, I loved his part with his son. I think its pretty obvious Mimo and Him are endgame but it will be a long crazy road for them especially with the second lead who appears to be very calm, sane and gorgeous in the mix. And Jang Nara did a great Hepburn imitation, it was hilarious and they did it pretty nicely.
Oh yes! I definitely see Nara and Kyoung-ho as endgame. It will be a hilarious and crazy road for these two. Can't wait to see how Mi-mo's confession will affect the relationship of our leads. Episode 3 please!
KMHM is really powerful as a story anyway, though I'm sure sleep deprivation can make it all seem even more intense. By the time I got to the "name reveal" and her gift - I was crying buckets. It was not only cleverly done as a device, but it really showed how the love she received helped "cure" her and now she was passing it on to him.
Also, her moments with Yo Sub were just quietly, sadly, heartbreaking. I wept tons again when he left.
Yoo Sub's scenes always hit me. Seriously . . . when he first appeared, that was just heart wrenching. I think he's my favorite personality. I mean Se-gi is a puppy and Yoo Na is hilarious but Yoo Sub was the first to change, even though he wanted to die, he saw hope in Ri-jin and wanted to live . . . gahh. . . this is making me cry again. . .
Dropped Cheese in the Trap after ep 2 because I decided I would rather finish reading the whole webtoon first. I know that means I'll have to wait years, but there's something I love about the webtoon that, although I liked the drama adaptation so far, isn't in the drama. So I want to enjoy the webtoon in full first.
Tried One More Happy Ending. Not really my kind of humour. [SPOILERS] Watchable, but by the end of ep 2 I'm finding myself disliking Jang Nara's character, who seems increasingly stupid and appears to have gone through 4 guys in two episodes? Her confronting her ex was really, really annoying. Girl, you parted ways FIVE years ago. You dated another guy for two years and almost got married, and you are mad at your ex for having a fiancée? Get a life & be happy with yourself because you are not ready to be in a relationship. [END SPOILERS]
I confess, I'm also not very fond of the fact that a lot of the plot so far has been driven by excessive drinking. Is there any K-drama (that's not in the high school genre) that doesn't involve a drinking scene? And doesn't have a plot twist that majorly rely on drunkenness?
Still watching Moorim School but it's all over the place and I'm skipping half of each episode. Likely to drop by next week.
Tried Designer Baby but didn't hook me. Tried Fragile but Takei Emi scared me away pretty instantly.
Waiting for subs for Kora Kengo's new drama Itsuka Kono Koi wo Omoidashite Kitto Naite Shimau. Will be watching that for him, because he's a wonderful actor, but also because of the writer – he of Mondai no Aru Restaurant; Woman; Saikou no Rikon and, most importantly, Soredemo, Ikite Yuku. So I can have high expectations.
I liked that. And everyone's relationships/personalities seemed more complex. Not so straightforwardly OTP + love rival (In-ho never seemed like a love rival in the webtoon to me. Not sure if he's one in the drama now since I haven't continued watching but it seemed to be going that way.).
Yes, this. The drama failed at recreating the universe in my mind. The characters in the webtoon have surface level, socially acceptable identities, and simmering below the surface are frustrations, fears, and anxieties they can never openly admit to. In the drama, it feels like the characters' public lives and secret lives have been collapsed--so characters with complicated perspectives like Nam Joo-yeon have been flattened into drama stereotypes--she goes from a girl having a nervous breakdown over the collapse of her perceived social world to your typical delulu second female lead clinging to the male lead. The adaptation is still better than a lot of trendies out there, but so far it's pretty much forgettable.
<so characters with complicated perspectives like Nam Joo-yeon have been flattened into drama stereotypes–she goes from a girl having a nervous breakdown over the collapse of her perceived social world to your typical delulu second female lead clinging to the male lead.
bingo.
<The adaptation is still better than a lot of trendies out there, but so far it’s pretty much forgettable.
not sure I would say forgettable as it is still different from most dramas (in a good way), but I do think some of its simplifications were not necessary.
Yes, I can see it's meant to be hilarious, it's just not my type of humour. I'm not sure why the girl always need to be the one that's desperate and pea-brained when it comes to love?
I liked her in IRY, that was the main reason I tried this (I've think I've bailed on all the other dramas she's in except for School 2013).
I'm sure plenty of people will enjoy this, but I'm probably going to check out after next week.
Tbh, I find the serious bits distracting from the over-the-top comedy. The jokes would work better for me if they didn't throw in these parts that seem to suggest that she's really still in pain... I couldn't help but agree with everything the ex-husband said.
Hmm, I can only think of Japanese ones on top of my head. Fuben na Benriya most recently. And dramas like Date; Nodame Cantabile, Hard Nut, Hanakimi, 11 Nin mo Iru!.
Oh. I did find the pretty solid Korean adaptation of Man Who Can't Marry good fun, but it stuck very close to the Japanese original in terms of the humour. I liked the humour through the "mockumentary" in Producers too (which was mostly present in the first four episodes).
I think with Nodame the whole setting/character set up made the difference. Because every character was manga-esque. And because it was immediately clear that Chiaki was as much as a disaster as she was – not just a swoonworthy, pretty, genius musician & rich boy. And that Nodame, if she had never ended up with him, would have been perfectly fine – she never "needed" his love to be happy.
Nanba was inept in love but a genius. And the moment that genius kicked in, she didn't care about love but dropped everything. Hard Nut was not a rom-com in any case, but a detective drama. She never "got" the guy, nor did it matter whether she did or not – she didn't need him to be happy.
It doesn't negate the fact that Nodame was (a couple of times literally) clingy and her whole motivation revolved around him (at least before she found her calling).
Then you have HanaKimi where a girl decides to risk her future and do something that would turn-around an all-boys school just for that one guy she saw at track meets.
Han Mi Mo is a broken character, that's for sure, but that's what character growth is for.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing your taste, as I like most of the shows you listed (The 2007 HanaKimi was my favorite of that time, and I loved Nodame), but I find it odd that you would be averse to the humor in One Happy Ending while being okay with the rest.
Well, I suppose I could sit down and think long and hard why I found one drama funny, and another not and then give you a detailed report... but sometimes a drama cracks you up, and sometimes it doesn't. It's just personal taste.
To be honest, I couldn't even tell you who the girl was in Hanakimi. The premise was cliché as hell but all I remember is the different guys with their hilarious little quirks. It was never a drama about romance for me, but very much an ensemble piece. (Which is also what I feel about Nodame. I don't agree her whole motivation revolved around him btw but that's another discussion.)
You needed until end of episode 2 to dislike Mi-mo? Whence such patience? I thought she was clearly designed to be ridiculed from the get-go.
I actually liked the concept of a comedy with a female lead who is not your stock perfect human being (in terms of morals, character and so on) but instead really invites malicious glee from the audience. By episode 2, I'm no longer convinced that this is deliberate, but the Schadenfreude I get from Mi-mo's self-imposed miseries cannot be ignored.
Well, it's not that I loved her in episode 1, just I found episode 2 more trying than episode 1. And at least in episode 1 she briefly impressed with telling her fiancé that since the relationship was over, she wasn't going to hold on to him (though I think she should have explicitly told her ex-bandmate that she could "have him", no regrets).
I do like that we've got divorced characters in dramas now. Hopefully she won't be made into a chaste maiden that the first time she sees the guy semi-dressed gets weak in the knees.
And at least in episode 1 she briefly impressed with telling her fiancé that since the relationship was over, she wasn’t going to hold on to him
Well, it was quite clear that she saw this guy merely as her "trophy husband" anyway without any actual emotions invested in him as a person. And that's the reason it's easy for her to get over him, but very difficult to let another woman (especially _this_ woman) "have" him.
Dropped Cheese in the Trap after ep 2 because I decided I would rather finish reading the whole webtoon first.
Ah, that's too bad. I was really looking forward to read your thoughts on the show. Then again, I made the same decision many times with book-to-different-medium adaptions ...
Still watching Moorim School but it’s all over the place and I’m skipping half of each episode. Likely to drop by next week.
The webtoon version of Cheese in the Trap is a bundle of complex stuff though, which is why i stop for a bit because i don't think i can handle the webtoon version with my busy schedule.
One More Happy Ending is fun and the kind of drama you can turn off your brain with. I like it.. but despite it all, Han Mi Moo is definitely frustrating. I'm not blaming JNR at all, she makes the character likable but... something is off. I'm just not fond of how volatile her relationship is. You would expect she to learn something each time but even the lessons learned comes across as childish. It's hard to explain. But i'm not liking the character build up. I hope the character will show some development soon or else i might drop it.
Haha. I tried Designer Baby and dropped it too. I was about to try Fragile out. Then you give me the 'Takai Emi' scares me off thing. LOL
I'd get Mimo a bit more if she were 22, not 34. I feel I will struggle with any development, because how did she get like this to 34 despite having 11 relationships (how can I buy into a happy-ever-after with her? Maybe only if Soo-kyung turns out to be equally a disaster but he seems – other than the drunken escapade – pretty normal/stable?)? If they had at least played her ex-husband as a nutcase (like the guy who dumped her)...
I didn't realised Takei Emi was in Fragile, but then I watched and immediately recognised her voice. I decided I should give her a chance, but it lasted half an episode... the drama wasn't that interesting in any case (nothing original) and every time Takei came on screen I could just see her thinking her acting ("now I have to open my eyes wide to look verrrry surprised" etc etc). I always feel like she plays exactly the same character – and I see her, not the character. *sigh* I had to skip Subete ga F ni Naru, despite that fact that she was paired with Ayano Gou, who's a total chameleon as an actor.
not your fault..
I watched Subete ga F ni naru with anticipation for both Ayano Go and Takei Emi (since I love her in Kyo Koi wo Hajimemasu, Asuko March and Otomen) buttttt
she is very very annoying in Subete and I can't stand her scenes urgh
Wow! It's the weekend already. Am seriously glad we won't be hit by the upcoming supposed "monster storm."
Dramas:
Six Flying Dragons: So good. Am awaiting the relationship between Moo Hyul and Sa Gwang. I'm suspecting an upcoming heartbreak when Moo Hyul has to kill her.
Moorim School: I love most everything about this drama except for the love story (Am shipping chaebol so that doesn't help) because it's such easy storytelling. And I dislike the principal. I'm just kinda burnt out on the cold all-knowing inscrutable pride-destroying teacher trope.
Cheese in the Trap: Not feeling this. Just not. It's good. But for some reason...eh.
Remember: Dear me! Is this drama going to end sadly? The Punch vibe is making me worry. I'll have to prepare myself I guess.
Glamorous Temptation: I think I might be ready to jump back onto this one and actually watch it instead of reading recaps. Now that all the secrets are out.
Same for All Will Be Well. I might join it now that we're at the 89 episode mark. Apparently, I hate wandering about in the actual plots of makjangs and I just wait til the last few episodes when everything is coming together.
One More Happy Ending: Surprisingly fun and relatively realistic. Am thinking I'll like this one.
Jdrama: Ants and Umbrellas -- fun. Only four episodes. Two more to go.
I've left All About Mom in my rearview mirror. No sorrow, no grief. I'm free of it and guiltfree about tossing it away.
Drama excitement: Yay! Signal and Madame Antoine are out. Hoping they get subbed by later today.
CITT: Almost half way and still a lot of mystery. Like the cast.
One More Happy Ending: Watched 1st ep. OK so far.
C dramas:
Legend of Qin : Didn't see the anime (probably a good thing), enjoying the show.
Cuo Dian Yuan Yang: Zhao Li Ying = squee
J drama:
Garasu no Ashi :
Dark subject matter (child /spousal /sexual abuse). Setsuko ( Saki Aibu ), abused as a child, helps free a mother and child from the same fate. 4 episodes. Not for the squeamish.
Remember - it is difficult to guess how this drama will end - eps 11 and 12 this week were the best, I thought, even with additional sadness (which I hard to imagine).
It is interesting how to me how differently we feel about the characters - I love the principal in Moorim! Go figure ~
I've been overloaded on mysterious sensei who aim to destroy students' pride and self-reliance for some mysterious greater good. It's too patriarchal society Daddy-knows-all and you must learn from ME. I'm glad this principal doesn't have the "obey me without question" characteristic trait but still when is one of these teacher types going to teach their student to simply trust students' own intuition, desires, hopes, fears? Writer better balances out this stuff pretty soon or my patience will go.
With "Remember" I'm hoping this will be one of those dramas with a happy deus ex machine ending. Sometimes the kid in me just wants a happy ending for all. I'm actually hoping for an operable tumor instead of Alzheimers.
There just can't be a bottomless sadness pit to Remember. Not for Seung Ho, noooo! I see The Magician is up raw - I am looking forward to the subbed movie. Seung Ho is back from the Military in full force!
-Cheese in the trap: I fall completely for this show. Oh, how I wish there were more quirky romcom like this out there. I know they make the drama a bit lighter, but as long as they don't stray too far from the webtoon, I'm on board.
-One more happy ending: What a cute and feel-good drama. I adore Jung Kyungho and Jang Nara here. They are sooo adorable and hilarious. Ha, this drama definitely take contract marriage trope to a whole different level and stake. And, is that a cameo by one of WGM couple? Hahaha.. MBC sure know how to take advantage of its actor couple.
-Reply 1988: I know I said I was tired with all this who-is-the-husband game, but if this wonderful team write another reply series in the future, I'll still watch the heck out of it, pain and heartbreak and all that. It's time to say goodbye, show. You'll be remembered fondly.
(btw, is 'Junghwaned' trumps 'Chilbongied' now??)
Idk what exactly junghwanied is but chilbongied goes for someone who confess over and over, told her it was't friendship but still doesn't get the girl,
Junghwanied is kinda like heartbroken , but I feel it closer to friendzoned if we count DS feeling
Or maybe Junghwanied is a term for someone who self-friendzoned him/herself and then wallowing in misery afterward. Okay, I'm just being bitter, but he is so frustrating sometimes.
He had more than one chance. Also the scene where he gets into bed with her, forgetting that the downstairs family is sleeping over. Their faces are inches away from each other when she asks him to go to the concert with her.
I love Han Mi Mo and Song Soo Hyuk together too. I don't even mind if they don't get together, as long as they have a lot of scenes together I'll be happy. But It'll be better if they get together.
It seems there's a lot of cameos in that drama that entirely fly over my head. I wish there's an explanation of the inside jokes somewhere. I know the leading lady of Falling for Innocence, I get Sandara Park, and that's pretty much it.
I think there's an inside joke about Mi Mo's ex's fiancee and about that sexy woman who choked on chicken.
The leading lady of falling for innocence and her husband at the very first minutes of ep 1. Watching them go through such an ugly divorce in the drama while they are still all lovey dovey in WGM. Yoo Dain's couple in Plus Nine Boys also made a cameo appearance as one of her very demanding client.
Oh my goodness I totally never plan on commenting, but the OT is so fun to read, and I made a resolution to be more social this year (which means starting with comments online, Haha), so Happy Friday, I guess!
Dramas I'm currently watching (I don't watch tons of currently airing ones, because I don't like having to wait a week for new episodes):
Nine Time Travels: Oh my dear gracious heavens, that show has killed me and sent me to a glorious heaven. The acting, the writing, the plot--and it has that magical pull that just draws you in. :) :) :)
Secret Garden: the body swap episodes are hilarious so far, but it doesn't have that magic draw for me, for some reason. I'll finish it, but I hope it can pull me in more than it has so far.
Taiwanese Drama: Murphy's Law of Love: I have put all other shows on temporary hold to finish this one. There's not much conflict (it's like they build it up for angst and then yank the rug out from beneath you like 'haha gotcha! No misunderstandings today!') It's just a slice of life story with lots, and lots, and lots and lots of cute. So much cute. It makes me so happy, I could watch them be cute for forever.
Dramas Currently Airing that I plan to watch:
Remember--Son's War
Madame Antoine
Signal
:)
Hi Cozybooks (I like your name), welcome to OT as your first social venture or 2016! Remember-War of Son keeps getting better. I am also looking forward to Madame Antoine and Signal. I started rewatching Secret Garden and 49 Days as a return to that first-time kdama experience and feeling. Glad you've joined in the fun and discussion of kdramas here on db. Fighting!
Hi Owl! I'm looking forward to MA too! Premise sounds fun. I like HYS and adore SJ so my fingers are crossed. Might we actually be watching the same drama at the same time soon!?
This is why I should not try to participate it OT from my cell phone. I tried to reply to your comment but it ended up as its own comment. As of now, it's under number 22--that may change depending on if any comments are in moderation.
But I was attempting to comment on the two great dramas you're watching. See below.
Hello!! Welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying Murphy's Law of Love. I watched most of that with my mom and found it adorable. The plot is a little thin but there were so many cute moments and the leads had such adorable chemistry. Sometimes it's so nice to have something low-conflict and frothy to watch :)
^^if this comment ended up at the bottom, it is meant for the Reply 1988 cast kidnapped by Na PD. Holy hell, I read it too and I'm hoping it's true! I'm hoping the ladies here can pick up the recap for this installment, since I cannot find subs for the show! I can't believe DF - who has rights to tVN shows cannot pick this up. I can't wait to see their adventures, as I'm having strong withdrawals from the show!
I'm still not in an intensive drama watching place, I think it's been at least 6 months now, but I'm still slowly and very happily watching Cheese in the Trap and Moorim School. Oh right I'm also re-watching History of a Salaryman with mom at the moment, I'd forgotten how much I love it.
That being said I still fully intend to give One More Happy Ending, Madam Antoine, Signal, and possibly Neighborhood Hero a chance this weekend. Signal and One More Happy Ending if it's good are the two I'm most likely to add to my viewing schedule at this point. Han Ye-seul's voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me so I doubt I'll continue past episode one of Madam Antoine, but like I said I'll give it a chance.
Cheese in the trap compelled me to watch Coffee Prince. So far so good but Now all the main conflicts have ended in ep 12. So now I'm wondering if i should check the other episodes or not?
That is my problem with rom-coms. As long as the main conflicts are over, the show loses interest for me atleast. Same goes for She was pretty and many other rom coms.
Moorim School – Love triangles and bromance are mutually exclusive, so we have a problem here. Stick with this kdrama through episode 4 and I think you’ll be hooked. The cast was on Hello Counselor this week - Hyun Woo and Hongbin were adorable as guests.
Reply 1988 – Episode 20 was a gem of a finale. I cried buckets just because. There was such heartfelt nostalgia in not necessarily wanting to return to your younger self, but mourning the place that marked two generations’ youth. I’m over the moon in love with Taek.
Remember War of a Son - *spoiler spoiler* Could the drama get any sadder than last week? The answer to that is, “Yes.” Ep 11 and 12 are the best so far. Ep 12 was subbed 92% so I went ahead and watched it. When Jin Woo asked the doctor how much time he had, the doctor replied… (it was the 8% that wasn’t subbed.) AAuugghh! I would give my eye teeth for the calf-length pale ice blue coat that In Ah was wearing in ep 11. It was out of this world beautiful and classy.
Shaolin Clenched Fists – 6 eps are subbed, I’m learning about life as a Shaolin Monk and the intense martial arts associated with it. The guys were completely into Drunken Fists Jackie Chan style.
Fragile (jdrama) – I see ep 2 is up – about a temperamental, unconventional pathologist who’s better at diagnosing patients than their own physicians – I recognize Shuhei Nomura the most from several jdramas I’ve seen (All About My Siblings, Koinaka, and The Hours of My Life).
The two wolves paced around the glass sliding door to the pension. I was nervous; the baby was asleep in the crib in my room. I wasn’t sure who it belonged to. I called out quietly at first then yelled louder, “Julian!” I could see him in the hallway, but he couldn’t hear me. I ran upstairs. Xuimin and D.O. were in the living room talking with a young man who recognized me immediately and gave me a big hug. I was his 2nd grade teacher, he reminded me. Oh! He had grown up so handsome – Neil, of Teen Top! He was selling peanut brittle and the school cookbook for a fundraiser – I bought both. No one else seemed bothered by the wolves. I drew the curtains so at least they couldn’t look in with those gleaming eyes. Julian was dressed in his tux and asked why I wasn’t ready, yet. He even had a lovely bouquet for me, but I was still in my pajamas and didn’t have a dress to wear. A wolf nudged the door open with its nose. The baby stirred, the wolf turned in that direction. I was frantic but the distance between me and the crib was growing, growing and the wolves were now inside fidgeting. When our eyes met, they growled and bared their teeth. I woke up this morning not rested at all after a dream combination of Moorim Scool and The 25th Seoul Music Awards that I had watched last night. Sheesh! 24 hour kdrama brain. My head is spinning this morning!
Re: REPLY 1988--OMG. I can't even begin to tell you how much I cried watching the finale. I started to wonder if I might need counseling or something, lol. Why was I that emotionally invested in a drama? I do tend to get teary-eyed a bit and cry sometimes when watching dramas, but it felt like I was crying every other scene. Those darn writers and producers really did a number on us viewers that's for sure.
Oh shaolin fist is one of ny fave show..
I love the setting, the master and their journey, i wait it every week
I like how they interact with the other disciple..
the master also funny, and I like how that one master that punish them because they laugh but the punishment actually will help them to master the technique
YAY! I'm liking Moorim a lot as well. Even with my aforementioned caveats and dislikes. Wondering how he wears that necklace even now. As a kid, did someone not try to steal such a precious thing from him? Even in the orphanage? (Was he in an orphanage? I forgot.)
Questions:
So he has kept this jewel close. Are there any other jewels? And why did the wolf react to it in such a way? Is that the one jewel of power? Does it have power? Are there other jewels with lesser or different degrees of power? Is this about monetary cost or something greater? What is the ultimate goal in the show? What do the teachers want? What does Moorim school want? Is something wrong in the world that needs to be set right? Are we awaiting the savior? Does chaebol's dad owe runaway idol something? And is there some dormant Big Bad in the background, waiting to strike?
Hi Carole,
There are other jewels, as the man who is now in the coma told his wife that he hid the jewels in the mountain hideout (the backstory). I think the jewel has power and the wolf reacted to the gleaming jewel as if he recognized it or it challenged its powers. Chaebol's dad has that charm in the safe, and he is definitely connected to Moorim/man in a coma who is Shi Woo's father (I'm pretty sure)/ - I also think those two men plus blind father and Dean Kwang all know each other from earlier Moorim days. There is a BIG Bad somewhere because the man in a coma fought off someone in the burning mountain hideaway. I wonder if Shi Woo has a latent memory of that person?
Love triangles and bromance are mutually exclusive
Not if Sassy Go Go has anything to say about it ;)
and I hear you on mourning the end of Answer Me 1988, and the end of Ssangmundong with it. The sequence of the families moving out, and finally Deok-sun standing alone in the alley as her family prepared to leave, had me crying more tears than I'd cried in the entire show before that - and then some more at the shot of the empty alley covered in junk and yellow tape. Perhaps it wasn't the place we mourn, but the end of that community.
(the biggest flaw in 1988 is those damned interview segments, seriously they're pointless and boring and inserted purely for husband hunt trolling. We'd have had a perfectly fine show, and even an A+ husband hunt, without them!)
Definitely mourning the end of that community and way of life. Modernizing has drawbacks, too. I remember my great-grandmother dividing married life by before and after "modernizing" which was recovering the sofa with a brown material that had a sparkly thread running through it and the Duncan Phyffe dining room chairs with Scotch-guard material for easier sipe-up. The pie crust edge coffee table remained, as did the huge TV console. Actually, her living room could have been a set for any one of the Reply dramas.
Memories like that in books or dramas always make me cry.
yeah, there's a bittersweetness to the end of 1988 that's really informed by the fact that we all know most average urban people don't live like that any more, and that's increasingly true no matter where in the world we are.
1988 actually reminded me a lot of my own early childhood and the block of flats my grandparents lived in until they retired - like Jin-joo, I was born in that neighbourhood and spent almost as much time in the neighbours' houses as my grandparents'. That sense of recognition, even from a long time ago, just adds to it.
For me, it's just the opposite. We moved around a lot and I rarely interacted with neighbors until I was a teen, although our family was close-knit and included living with an aunt, uncle, and cousin along with my parents and siblings during my early years. So, a more permanent childhood is something I look on with curiosity and can only imagine log-standing ties to people and places. Reply 1988 did a memorable job of that for me.
really, the neighbourhood experience was one I only had till the age of about 8, so it's a rather distant recognition. After that, like you, my parents moved around a lot and never formed close ties to neighbours the way my grandparents had.. but that was still enough to remember what it used to be like. And I missed it a lot, especially at first - but then I got used to it.
But my grandparents and their neighbours remained friends even after moving, one of our 'block uncles' (as we used to call them) actually came to my grandfather's funeral last year despite his own ill health.
for me, it was the small town Viljandi, where my granny lived, and I spent half a year at her house or more, cause both my parents were working and my dad was abroad most of the time with his choir, so basically just mom, and she tossed me there so she wouldnt have to worry about feeding me. I would find food in the garden. Granny didnt like me, she liked my cousin, I ate lunch and dinner outside on the stairs. but it didnt bother me. the street was sort of a loop, a dead end street and the Circle kids were playing together. we had a lot of fun. but I also liked being on my own and play with flowers and leaves in the garden or talk to frogs or trees. I guess I was the weird kid on the block.
I picture you with a little red felt hat and a worn pinafore on as you foraged in the garden and talked with frogs. Like a sad fairy tale. But then the present day museum stories, art, and travels seem much perkier and at least there's food, right?
but you know, it didnt even bother me as a child. I didnt know I am supposed to want more. I mostly ate scallions and strawberries anyway. I have always had a very vivid imagination and get carried away in my fantasy world so often, I did not hear or see anything
and I liked sleeping in a swing hung from the apple tree.
one of the kids I played with is now a baker and always leaves for work before even I get up in summer. something like 3 am...I get up 4.30 for snail termination.
the other one is a criminologist in the police department in that same town. he once caught a pyromaniac who burned down a house of a family with 8 kids. he also helped the family find temporary lodgings and raise money for them
Hi Cozy. You're watching two great dramas! Nine & Secret Garden. Loved both of them.
Re: Nine--it is soooo mind bending trying to keep track of all the tweaks to the past & present. I keep saying I'm going to rewatch it b/c I'm sure I missed stuff and there is probably a lot to explore. But it's so daunting to contemplate a rewatch. I feel like I have to be in the right frame of mind.
Started watching Six Flying Dragons and really enjoyed the first episode! I'm looking forward to marathoning the rest.
Cheese in the Trap remains my favorite at the moment - so.much.GOODNESS. I can't even...I'm so glad I'm watching this while it's airing!
Checked out High End Crush- it's the new webdrama with Jung Il Woo and dropped it half way. He's good but Jin Se Yeon is the female lead and she's TERRIBLE. Again, how does this girl land roles amongst some great actors!?!?! *cough*sponsors*cough*
I tried the first episode of Reply 1988 and it was a bit slow for my taste...does it pick up with the rest of the episodes?
Is anybody here watching I Have A Lover? :D . Just teasing. Waiting the next episodes to release my inner anger from RL: Bast***, Liars, Excuse me that's your EX-wife, not wife, *slapbi***, that fake innocent lady*. ~~ excuse my language. The joy of watching makjang drama. Hah.
I'm actually thinking of starting it this weekend. I hate 50 ep dramas, but if compelled to, then I will wait until the reach at least 40 eps to start watching . Then power watch my way through.
Your reactions are quite funny. You sound like me when I'm watching My Daughter, Geum Sa Wol.
Actually I'm rarely angry in real life (because I'm succes rational everything or I guess it is just kind of repression :p ) or even if I get angry I still can't bring my self cursing anybody, so when I watch makjang sometime I feel like I find my way of channeling my anger. Lol. I've kind of image in my head, I'm cursing the character through my computer screen along with other ajhummas, hjumonnis, halmonies around the k dramaverse. I feel kind of okay doing it cause I found my allies. Muahaha.
Anyway, I Have A Lover came from the same writer who wrote Twinkle-Twinkle (2011), ans I Love that drama, I may watch Scandal: A Shocking and Wrongful Incident. Bring all the makjang! Oy
It does not pick up. The drama is slice-of-life and sometimes meanders. More romance crisscrossing adds spice later on, but the pace stays the same. I like it for the little moments rather than the sum.
Happy friday and long time no see. Things have been hectic in the new job and finding a flat of my own. But i will be moving into a tiny and expencive place sll of my own next week. So yay.
Currently in york for graduation ceremony, but i have new kfdrama toddlers stories for nex weeks OT.
Dramaland:
Reply 1988: I enjoyed taek being the husband. And while i did originally tnk it would be junghwan the guy did "ruin" it for himself. Over sll i think this might be my favorite of the series. Loved how the friendships had the biggest room, though i did miss seeing them actually evolve as a couple, since we kinda missed all thst.
Wild Heroes: cute drama about former delinquents all grown up. Really enjoyed this drama.
Moorim school is on my ever growing list of things to watch.
I'm another one who was rooting for Taek despite assuming that Jung-hwan would be the husband, simply because JH ticked off so many kdrama lead boxes. I found Deok-su/Taek more believable and organically written, though I do agree we should have got more of them as an actual couple.
re: Moorim School - keep your expectations VERY low. It's basically a modern version of Night Watchman's Journal, even pre-production can't cut the cheese.
heyyy. congrats! and usually all you will remember from hectic times is that it was a good point in your life.
lets hear from toddlers next time, then! I might have some dramatic stories from the museum, as well (hey, I have one now. there is a viewing platform on top of Maritime museums´ Fat Margaret tower. it is just a medieval tower, but some tourist came down and said: "I found a secret door, but it wont open!" I was like,. what the hell, where? "On the roof! In the middle! cmon, there is just a stone wall... "No, there was a secret passage! Open it!" Why? "I want to see it!" There is nothing there. There is no door. "Yes there is!" wtf he went on forever, convinced that there is a door somewhere on the roof. I don´t know what the heck he saw. )
Hi Beanies! I hope everybody has a great weekend. I recently moved into a new place and now i have internet so i have a whole big list of things to watch. I swear I was going through Dramabeans and Abnormal Summit withdrawls!
You must be happy to have internet - all the more kdrama opportunities!
Abnormal Summit withdrawals for sure. I catch a raw episode of Where Is My Friend's House once in a while, and even Problematic Men where Tyler is a permanent panel member. It is fun to see Daniel and Sam as Moorim School staff. But I really, really miss the subs for the Abnormal Summit panel, wish so much someone would take on the project of subbing. :) Wouldn't that be amazing!
Looking forward to watching the dramas airing this weekend, praying that Signal and MA will be good!!
One More Happy Ending - Loved the fact that Da-in's co-star in Plus Nine Boys had a cameo in the first episode and the SeeSaw couple in WGM. Didn't like the merchant selling fake jewellery on the streets, thought they could have come up with something much more imaginative and interesting. Hopefully the next episode focuses more on the friendship between the former angels.
All about my Mom -
Now it's been extended to 54 episodes, eight episodes to go, I think my sister and I will play bingo. Hye-joo whimpering again - Check. Hyung-gyu with no sense yet again - Check. How did he become a lawyer, isn't that a profession where you have to be intuitive?
Glad to see that Doo-shim got recognition for her acting with the daesang award. CR, HJ are the only characters left who I don't feel like killing at the moment.
Variety
WGM - it is jarring to see Oh Min-suk being so nice in the show, given he plays a total jerk in WGM. Suprised that Ye-won hasn't made a cameo and happy to see that she opened her own gallery.
Running Man-I watched Turbo's comeback song~ Again, great to see that Yoo Jae Suk was singing and Kwang-soo, tae-hyun dancing in the music video.
Also went to see The Danish girl and Room at the cinema, very difficult and moving films, I can see why they have been so acclaimed.
Have you listened to his new single -''I'm going to the Military'. At least we can look forward to his comeback, I wonder what role he will choose to do next.
On the bright side Yoon-Shi Yoon is back, can't wait to see what his next project is.
Reply 1998: Marathoned it after 16eps were released. Believe I weeped in every ep for its heartwarming story. Like many others, watched with my heart for Taek but brains hinting JH. Finally so happy to be Taeken. Park Bo Geum first wowed me in Nodame Cantabile and then I Remember You. Hence I very quickly shipped him in 1998.
Cheese In The Trap: Lucky to have this replace my 1998 blues. Reading the webtoon but can't feel much. Way prefer the live action characterization. Kim Go Eun is simply fantastic in her quirky nerdy self doubting role. She reminds me of another new gem discovery Park Bo Young from Oh My Ghostess.
Moorim School: Saw the banner at dramacool and thought it starred Park Bo Geum. So half way into ep 1, I started doubting the not on par acting from PBG. Half way into ep 2, I frustratingly googled and found out it's Lee Hyun Woo instead. Anyone else think they look alike? Was going to give up for it's super cheesiness, but glad ep 3 & 4 started picking up.
One More Happy Ending: She looks like 17 in that embarrassing MV! Jang Nara and Jang Hyuk brought me to a new world of kdramas with Bright Girl Success Story in 2002. Always thought the pair as good performers but it wasn't until Fated To Love You that they both blew me away with their skills. I enjoyed the cutesy Tdrama leads but the Kdrama leads were superb in such a cheesy drama.
How is this drama consistently getting +30% ratings each weekend???
I started watching it this week. Power watched my way through, once I became familiar with the character, plot lines, etc.
I'm quite late to comment about it.
But how is Geum Sa Wol so very 'not bright' by now. When she presented all the evidence at the Chairman's banquet, how the hell is SHE the one arrested (or kicked out)???
Why does she keep telling all the wrong people what her next move will be and they always beat her to it???
Why the hell would you NOT tell Junkyard Ahjussi or your housemate Seon Hoon (sp) about that evil b*tch Hye Sang by now???
What is with all these men abusing women - slapping them, choking them, pushing them ... and no one says anything about it (I wish some mutheff*** would lay a hand on me).
This is why I often skip the long makjang dramas. I mean, there's only but so much evil my heart can take b4 I start getting furious for no reason. It's not good the heart ;-)
So I finally finished Answer Me 1988..... never mind the Deok-sun love line, I'd consider myself a very, very lucky woman if at 50 I had friends like the three Ssangmundong ajummas, they felt so real. And the final shot of the empty alley just ruins me. And that initial tag line proved to be more accurate than we even realise - the true and last love in this show really was family. In all the noise about Jung-hwan, it's easy to ignore that, but it's the truth. (though there are imperfections, and some things - even elements I love - could have been executed better). And I SO look forward to Park Bo-gum's next project!
dropped Moorim School, since it is a show of which I must, as the saying goes, expect little and forgive much. Too much for me, though.
Cheese in the Trap - There's an odd balance to this one that keeps me hooked, and hooked hard. I've only read season 1 of the webtoon so I'm treating this as a drama on its own merits, and it seriously is fantastic. Before the drama I was wondering how Park Hae-jin and Kim Go-eun would feel together onscreen, but their chemistry really shines despite the relative lack of skinship (and even Seol's greater ease around In-ho). They couldn't have been more perfectly cast, and Kim Go-eun makes such a fantastic Seol, I'm wondering which drunk monkey on the casting team thought of offering this role to Suzy first. Thank god for good sense prevailing and the production holding out for Kim Go-eun.
I'm glad I gave you a laugh, lol. But yeah, there's a yawning chasm between the skill levels of Suzy and Kim Go-eun, and imo the only way someone could possibly offer a role like Seol to someone who's known for mainly looking vacant onscreen, is impaired judgement. Like maybe alcohol, or drugs, or being hit really hard on the head. We really do owe the Korean webtoon fans one for preventing that.
Check out my website for articles about Korean bridal robes and Korean knots.
Haven't seen a Kdrama since I turned off my internet in November, so going into withdrawal. I am still plugging away at Memrise flashcards so I don't forget the 400 or so Korean words I have learned using my phone.
I also just finished learning the 215 Chinese radicals. Chinese characters seem so much easier. I think all dsylexics should learn Chinese. I am faster recalling the chinese characters than reading the english answers now.
Anyone know of coloring books related to Korean dramas/actors?
I got a beautiful coloring book "Secret Tokyo" for Christmas. Whiling away my free time coloring, water coloring, and zen tangling.
oh you are patient! I'm not great with colouring as I can't seem to stop from going over the edges, unless I move really slowly, and I'm too impatient!
Good luck with the Chinese words - they're a bugger. Once you forget them, you just do - it's not like words where you can play with alphabets and sort of get it by guessing!
Sticking it out with 32 degree heat - very hot and humid, except when it poured down today. When it rains in the tropics, it doesn't piddle away like in Europe, but really lets it all down.
Am doing a bit of a mad runaround in real life with art week - lots of conferences, exhibitions, art fairs. The brain is overloaded with stimuli - so only have done these so far:
Moire School - watched the next two episodes.
The fight between the boys, imagined as very cool, and turned out to be pretty much like two girls slapping and pulling at each other was brilliant. It's definitely meant not for one to take it too seriously. It's still somewhat slapped together - the whole section with the wolf just didn't work for me, but it's sort of fun and silly enough. The last chicken backhug scooter ride was pretty sweet.
Managed to catch Six Flying Dragons. it's still really good. Kinda sad to see Bang Won start to move over.
Oh, and will be stocking up on Korean beauty care stuff while I'm here - it seems to be all the rage over here, and friends say the quality is good and it's much much cheaper than European brands.
yes, Korean beauty stuff is fantastic - I have my own non-Korean beauty routine (you will tear my Ayurvedic oils from my cold dead hands) but Korean and Japanese brands do the best face washes and sunscreens. Especially the latter, they go on lighter than most Western brands and are so much easier to wear.
Yes!! The sunscreens, and also the emulsions - which is basically a very light fluid version of moisturiser, are fantastic. Not that heavy cream that clogs the pores, but keeps the skin fresh.
Also love those funny sheet masks things - nothing like wearing one while watching a drama, and scaring the boy when he walks in the door.
I happened upon a grocery outlet in town that sells those masks for 69 cents each - a real bargain. I noticed the supply dwindling (although I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who grabs a handful every couple of weeks) and bought a box of 24. There are only a few boxes left on the shelf. Unfortunately, when they're gone, there's no telling if they will ever get them again. I also bought up the supply of facial mist and it's never returned. Last time I found BB cream made in Korea for $1.99. It's very nice, grabbed 3. The emulsions you describe sound lovely.
I know what you mean about tropical rain - I love it when we have torrents of it, when I was younger we used to run to the windows every time the season's first rain came. That smell of rain hitting dust is still one of my favourite smells ever.
Moorim School is, as I said above, the kind of drama of which one has to expect little and forgive a lot. But if it's smart and self-aware enough to know how dumb and cheesy it is, it might actually make something work in a camp way. But for now..... I'm out. I have rather limited patience for budget special effects and "wolves" that look so obviously like dogs.
Yes, that kind of rain is just more...satisfying. Like let it ALL out... Then suddenly, it's cool and everything smells fresher.
There was a really cool umbrella sold in one of the museums today - had these calligraphy strokes all over a transparent almost mushroom shaped brolly - so cute. But soooo expensive. So I let myself be rained in and stayed in the museum for another hour. Not bad, got to go round the whole collection.
Oh yes, also downloading the last two subbed episodes of Reply 1988. I need some special time just with that whole show when I get back.
pogo, the "rain hitting dust" smell is presumably made by bacteria living in the soil that gets active when it senses growing humidity in the air before the rain, and works full gear after the rain. hence the smell - it is not just wet soil. I love it, too, as a garden-keeper, it means the soil is ready to help my veggies grow. if the soil doesnt have that smell, it is bad - then the fertility of it has gone down and it should rest and heal a couple of years.
it is because she soil needs bacteria to dissolve and create nutrients. they disappear with too much fertilizer and, in general, chemicals, pesticides and stuff. in the soil. thats the reason why megafields are so poisoned. most of the worlds´ food is actually growing on "dead soil" where nothing would ever grow at all without tons of chemicals.
not even sure if that soil can ever be restored to health without growing a forest on it for the next 100 years or so.
So, i still haven't even started my new year's resolution which is watching Reply 1988. The whole Junghwaned fiasco (especially the twitter rampant) kinda scarred me for good that i am so reluctant to pick it up now, no matter how much i love Park Bo Gum.
Finished binge-watching:
Wonderful Mama
48 ep sounds terrifying so i end up fast-forwarding half of it. The first half is a bit draggy, makjang-y plot and enough dose of noble idiocy but what to expect from weekend drama anyway. But the second gets sooo much better that i find it entertaining. Jung Yoomi is so different here compared to SFD's Yeonhee but so is Park Bo Gum (such a bundle of cuteness, he is). The main lead romance kinda meh though and i find Kim Ji Seok - Lee Chung Ah romance more interesting.
My life is kinda messy now that i find it even stressful to watch any serious drama, hence i decided to stop watching Six Flying Dragons. Feeling so guilty for this tbh so i fast-forwarding the last two episodes and it's already draining me emotionally. It has been intense 30 ep and i kinda find it tiring, anyone feeling the same?
Dear Lee Bangji, i am sorry T_T
On the other hand i pick up Cheese in the Trap!! Crossing finger for i always wary watching airing drama, though the fact that it's pre-produced is so assuring. Am i the only one who expect Park Hae Jin to have deep, dark secret here or doing bad things? Guess even after 2 years Bad Guys still leaves me deep impression.
Don't be afraid of 1988 - it is actually a really good show, and despite some flaws, it's about way more than just the husband hunt. It's just that the husband hunt is what shippers chose to fixate on. You'd be missing out on a really lovely cast of parents (not to mention, Park Bo-gum!) if you let Twitter scare you off this one!
I would have to agree with you even though I was totally junghwaned. The whole neighbourhood is amazing and personally I loved the elder generation more.
also, there are so many different type of relationships to follow, that choosing the husband game is just a choice some people made and drove themselves into obsession, while they could route for:
Jin Joo and Taek appa
Bo Ra and Dad
Sun Woo and Taek Appa
Sun Woo and Taek brothermance
Deok-Sun and Mom ( which is ALWAYS the most difficult of all relationships, many tears can fall, lots of frustration, but in the end, the strongest bond)
Jung Hwan and Taeks´ friendship. I cant even express it. it is that golden friendship, where it is impossible that a thought even crosses their minds it CAN be shaken.
Jin Joo and Taek- nagging. LOL so funny. like a miniature Deok Sun
the ajummas
plus also what is great about this drama: there are no villains, no grudges, no revenge plots, no aggressive jealousy, no slapping (well, almost), instead it is full of all the positive things you can think of. sharing and caring.
Thanks for the encouragement, guys! i guess i really need hard push for R88 this time ahahaha.
Yep the fixation over husband-hunting is annoyingly frustrating and the fans doesn't make it easier but i'll squeeze this on my watch list.
Guys, can we talk about Lee Seunggi going to the army on 1 Feb? ;;; he just released a song called "I'm going to the army"...go listen to it, and tell me if your heart doesn't just break in the chorus when he sing 기다리다 ~~just wait~~~
I don't get the love for Answer Me 1988, I really don't. I liked it ok at first, although I never loved it like 97 and 94, but as the weeks went on it became more and more of a struggle for me to watch to the point that I didn't even watch the last 2 to 3 weeks.
While I did defend Hyeri at first as not ruining the show, I think ultimately she and or the writer is the one that ruined it for me. See what I loved most about 97 and 94 was the strong female lead in the form of Sung Shi-won and Sung Na-jung played by Jung Eun-ji and Go Ara respectively and just the awesomeness of both the characters and actresses. So I don't know if the writer ruined the character by deciding to focus on a community, although I doubt that as most of the other characters were fantastic, or the more likely conclusion that Hyeri just couldn't give her what she needed. That would be evidenced by the fact I never thought Hyeri had more chemistry with either male lead.
I saw an interview recently I think on Soompi where the staff said they'd keep going with the Answer Me franchise as long as it's popular. So I'm guessing there will be a fourth series, I'm crossing my fingers for a setting of 2000 and a return of the heroine type of 97 and 04.
she might not have been strong on her own, but she was strong in combination with other characters. and I really didnt miss one single main heroine at all. I really liked the community set-up cause it is closer to life that way. focusing on just two or three is pretty unrealistic
Hello all. This is my first time posting on the open thread. I have a totally random query, which I hope isn't violating any rules. I recently finished Liar Game (love, love, love) and was hoping to follow up with with an equally edgy, thrilling show. I settled on Bad Guys after reading the first recap. But I can't figure out how/where to watch it. I'm in the US. Dark Smurf has English subs, but only when the screen is minimized. Can anyone direct me to a version with English subs that is available to stream in the US? I would be forever grateful. Thanks!
Watching CITT has made me want to go back and read the webtoon, and I love it just as much the second time. I still have no clue what direction the author is planning on taking it, but at this point I like where the characters are and I can appreciate how much they've all changed from the beginning.
Drama-wise, I think casting was spot-on. Jung was a character that didn't really appeal to me (though I understand what Seol sees in him) but Park Hae-jin makes him kind of swoony, and I was actually a little surprised to find myself liking him and his awkward approach with Seol. He still crosses the line a bit too much for my liking, and his behavior hints at an inability to empathize, but for now I'm just going to enjoy the ride.
And In-ho! I loved him in the webtoon, and I love him even more now. I honestly didn't expect much from Seo Kang joon, but boy did he surprise me. He plays In-ho exactly as I'd imagined, albeit with a softer edge. His friendship with Seol is one of his only redeeming aspects - because, honestly, without that he's just a brash, loud-mouthed, violent kid with a sad past - and is one of my favorite relationships in the drama/webtoon. I hope they keep it up, and fingers crossed for no live triangle!
One More Happy Ending is unexpectedly so gooooddd. I havent watched any of Jung Kyung Ho previous works but he's charming in this drama and Kwon Yul is just adorable. Why are you the second lead again?? sigh.
Anyway, I'm just all giddy waiting for Monday and Tuesday bcs of CITT. I am totally addicted to it. Also, can anyone suggests me any websites that talks about kdrama fashion wardrobe? Especially for CITT bcs I need to check out what Hong Seol is wearing because her outfits are so amazing, simple coordinates but so flattering. Thank you in advance!
Late to the OT, as always. Even on the Fridays that I wake up early, I'm just too much of a bear, not the teddy kind, to post anything before 2 cups of coffee. By then, I've been busy at work for hours. The last 12 days I've had only one day off, but managed to finish AM88 and keep up with CITT.
I'm going to miss the whole neighborhood of AM88. I never cared who DS was going to end up with, just wanted to see a satisfying ending for everyone, and that we got. I appreciated the focus on character development and family, as I felt the other shows in the series started slipping when the focus fed the shipping wars. I was annoyed that I couldn't watch it until Monday night, but as a result I avoided the recaps and comments, and that allowed me a little more freedom to enjoy sans shipper frenzy.
CITT is surprising me. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I do. I like Kim Go-eun's look, and think the writer and actors are doing a good job of maintaining the mystery and resulting tension in the relationships. I haven't yet found a site where the entire webtoon is available (in English), so may hold off anyway until I finish watching the show.
And finally, YAY! A new podcast!!!
Thanks jb and gf for all you do!
It's my first time joining an Open Thread.
But I've been watching Kdramas since 2012.
Secret Garden is one of my firsts and one of the best for me.
I've been into habit of drama late night binges.
Then since I'm already working, i'm into airing dramas during 2015.
I'm currently watching
Remember - adoring the great acting skills of Seung-ho. And it's great to see a manly role for him.
CITT - its a fresh feeling for me to be watching dramas in college setting. I got hooked up coz of the mysterious character of Yoo Jung sunbae. and i kinda relate to Hong Hong. :)
One More Happy Ending - honestly i'm excited for this coz of the unique role/appearance of Yoo In Na. Though i only watched Jang Nara in School 2013, i think this drama is gonna be great. Been laughing and clapping (a habit) while watching the first two episodes.
I just wanna ask you all beanies here, why i should watch AM1988? I'm still considering if I'll do a marathon of this drama. Need some of your thoughts! :)
BTW. It breaks my heart that most of my favorite actors will be enlisted this year. Huhu. Seung gi, Ji Chang wook, Joo Won.
you should watch Reply 1988 because there are a lot of heartwarming moments, and every character has their own conflicts and dilemmas. You should get to know them, because all of these people are special in their own way. To learn about friendship, sharing, compassion... of course you should get to know Taek, the genius baduk played, who cannot tie his shoelaces or plug a kettle.
Thanks for the response redfox. :)
I only watched the episode 1 but find it too slow and boring sometime. But I was also touched with the scene when duk seon appeared on TV as picket girl. Well, i guess it's a heartwarming drama about families. Will try to watch the next episode. Thanks again. :)
Sad news with the passing of Mic Gillette, founding member of soul-R&B powerhouse Tower of Power. Mic played trumpet and trombone in TOP's legendary horn section.
I just have to comment twice to praise Kdrama Gods that now this year of 2016 I'm truly enjoying new series of dramas. It's like endless! Cable TV dramas especially give high expectations and guess what? they actually meet them.
Okay so now, the real reason why Ive got to comment twice is because SIGNAL! Is this even worth to be called as produced in drama quality? First episode got me hooked! Hopefully it's not too early to say this, but please let this drama be awesome. So guys please watch SIGNAL. YOU HAVE TO GIVE IT A TRY (hehe sorry not sorry for the capslock)
I'm so excited to watch AM 88 with my mom. I wanted to wait till it had finished airing so I wouldn't get caught up in the husband guessing game TOO much (I know I will still be up in my feelings about it when the time comes haha).
The reason I'm so excited is because, it's another drama I get to watch with her since it's centered on family and relationships and I feel like it will be a sweet reminder of an area we lived in around the same era as the drama. We used to live in a building that was occupied mostly by families with kids and my mother was close with quite a few of the moms and us kids would play together all the time. I am too young to remember details but she reminisces about it from time to time.
I'm also really curious as to who she will ship with the female lead because she tends to be VERY vocal about characters and who the female lead ends up with!
![[Drama Chat] The rise of Byun Woo-seok](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/VS-LovelyRunner-Episode8RakutenViki-2603-scaled.jpg)
![[Why you should watch] Just Between Lovers](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/JBL_1.jpg)
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1 little-muffin
January 22, 2016 at 6:04 AM
Anyone here follows Merchant Gaekju/Master of Trade? I’ve finally caught up to eps 32 and seriously feeling so depressed with how the story goes. I think it’s really fated that Jang Hyuk and sageuk equals to no happy ending.
Thankfully this week we have a new fun light-hearted series in ‘One More Happy Ending’. I’ve always loved Jung Kyung-ho but the other guy (Kwon Yool) is pretty charming too. This series will balance out all the heavy depressing stuff from other shows that I’m watching now. So far so good!
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Sancheezy
January 22, 2016 at 6:11 AM
One more happy ending seems promising, might check it later ^^
is kwoon yool also starred in the Roaring Currents?
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sunnyl
January 22, 2016 at 6:21 AM
Yes. Kwoon yool was admiral's son I believe (So sad historically, and I am yet to watch RC). He is such a cute pie and can't believe his age (he was in Let's eat 2).
Master of Trade - one of the most disappointed dramas that I have watched. But I think it should only can get better from now on since there are not many episodes left for the hero to reach the top.
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acciobooks
January 22, 2016 at 6:16 AM
I am so eagerly anticipating One More Happy Ending!!! Jung Kyung-ho and Jang Nara will be SO good together, and the girl group MV slash teaser - have you seen that? It's so comical and nostalgic! All my shows right now are pretty light, so I'm not gonna complain to another rom-com, I guess (especially since Reply 1988 is such a fun show, except the times Taek comes on-screen, in which I turn into a maddened witch squealing like a wild chicken)
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here 4 cheese in the trap
January 22, 2016 at 10:41 AM
Totally agree with you!
Bring back old times!
I really love Jang Nara, she was that idol in my teen. :)))
She looks forever young!!! And her acting is very lovely here, and very dedicated to portrait the character, what with that much shouting and drunk and aeygo expressions... all in just 2 eps...
And her interaction with Jung Kyungho. I root for them to be the OTP!!!! LOL at their childhood grudges towards each other. "First kiss phobia" and "wearing belt all the time"... :))))
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Islander north
January 22, 2016 at 8:41 AM
Only at ep. 29 on The Merchant, have been waiting on Viki subs, then caught up on other series. I am optimistic that this will have a good ending. Hope, hope!
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juniper
January 22, 2016 at 8:53 AM
I'm only on episode 17 (I stopped at episode 10 and then picked it up again recently) but the prospect of an unhappy ending doesn't surprise me, considering the writer. idk. It is pretty over-the-top, but I'm actually really enjoying just how miserable and hopeless this show is, even this far back, and I'm ready to embrace the idea of a sageuk that goes on a downward spiral, rather than follow your typical upward trajectory. I think there should be more sageuk about revenge, betrayal, greed, bloodshed, mutilation, etc lol.
That being said, I get why you're depressed and as I said, I'm only on episode 17! I can imagine it will only get worse from where I am :( Hopefully Jung Kyung-ho + fluff will make you feel better! :)
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Waiting
January 22, 2016 at 9:27 AM
I absolutely love One More Happy Ending so far! :)
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 10:34 AM
I'm looking forward to watching Jang Nara again. She's great.
I dipped into Merchant for two episodes and then stopped - not sure why, it just didn't grab me.
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prettysup
January 22, 2016 at 5:29 PM
Yeah I am following Master of Trade/Gaekju. I think Jang Hyuk will end up with another gal in the end.
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Hungry
January 22, 2016 at 6:35 PM
It's only the first two episodes but the drunk part is so cute i really can't imagine any one play the main lead characters like they do. It can be annoying but they make it look so lovable until you want to cuddle those two drunkards and squeeze them together. LOL
The cast is what make One More Happy Ending so charming.
I was expecting a more in depth writing but so far we only get some cute zanny stuff. I will be sticking for the cast for the meantime. I do feel the first ep is a bit choppy but it's so much fun to watch.
Side note: watching Cheese in Trap and become really obsessed with it. The 3 leads are killing it. Trust TVN to bring some freshness that you can't find so easily in normal drama.
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2 Sancheezy
January 22, 2016 at 6:06 AM
Hi... happy weekend
I watched she was pretty again and still doesn't get the famous Second Lead Syndrome.
Both guys are really charming but as lover, Park Seo Joon character is really something else.
He is so different with many Kdrama lead, he's loving, considerate, straightforward, honest, brave and I died every time he said "kyouwo/cute" to Hwang Jeung Um attitude. On the other side, he still a snarky tongue boss, at least he improve a bit. Still that flaw makes him more believable and doesn't perfect, also he's better with bang.
This reminds me of Oh Ri On clumsiness in ep 5 I think, when do hyun visit Ssang Ri in the 1st time and he tells how he meets Perry (+Segi) on the plane.
Park Seo Joon is worth to wait.
I walso watch King of Mask Singer and Farinelly .... oh my farinelli,
I agree that Cat Girl is amazing but her style is the same this 3 stage, Farinelly is more than deserved the king title, seriously??? at least KCM will have a comeback in February.
I still behind on Nirvana in Fire (T.T)
Somehow I manage to watch Grave of Fireflies , it still brought me to tears, it just beautifully sad,
Then I also watch You're the apple in my eyes , I must said, it's really beautiful. A story to tell that it's all about choice and heartbreak is not just a pity party story, it's one of life spices and you need to grow up. Even if you did everything, heart is not something that stayed in the same place. It need effort and it can't wait forever.
also Cheese in The trap already finished all the filming, so people can just relax, enjoy and don’t create any conspiracy theories ^^
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sunnyl
January 22, 2016 at 6:24 AM
I am just curious. What was your favorite episode in King of Mask Singer? Mine was episode 24 (because of song selections).
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Sancheezy
January 22, 2016 at 7:39 AM
I don't think I have a full ep fave, I make my own playlist based on my favorite song, this week I watch ep 38, 42 a lot cause I like their shock reaction , before I watch ep 10 a lot for the overall show,
So ep 10 for now,
May I ask what make you keep watching Mask Singer?
I watch it because almost every episode give satisfying performance, and they cover a lot of song I love from
There's another show, I see your voice that alao break stereotype
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nhisayshi
January 22, 2016 at 7:20 AM
OMGGG I agre with you wholeheartedly!I cried so much watching Grave of the Fireflies and I don't think I will ever watch it again. Extremely depressing and haunting.
You are the apple of my eyes is also my favorite movie! But I can watch it over and over again, because it is so real.
And yes, totally agree with you about SWP!
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Sancheezy
January 22, 2016 at 7:44 AM
You are the apple of my eyes changes my perspective of heartbreak, keeping the love inside for so long us fair reason to get rejected imo.
The parallel world at the end always amaze me, they could be.....but they missed the chance and it's on their own
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 11:25 AM
She Was Pretty - but in the beginning he was a jerk and stress is no excuse. a good boss doesnt show his stress or pour it out on female employees.
Why people liked Shin Hyuk? He was understanding and supportive towards everyone, not just Hye Jin. He spoke for truth and honesty, and he encouraged people to be themselves. Perhaps as a writer he can see potential in anyone, anybody can become a prototype if they are special enough? He is a crazy goof, but he is very sincere and open-minded. Plus, he loves american panties. Cmon, how can you not love this guy? he is my soulmate. he goofs around half the time, but can get serious and present fast and doable ideas when duty calls.
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Sancheezy
January 23, 2016 at 3:37 AM
I think the sungjoon confession about how he understand that he did her wrong clear up his intention. It's one way of him understanding himself than being a pricked just for her. If he didn't talked about that to her, then he did wrong. The way he gradually changes in 3 month is personal growth and he is better than before which mean he is willing to change.
What I don't get about SLS is how people ship Shin hyuk and hye jin. Shin hyuk is lovable and adorable man but he is not the best man for hye jin, he may lots of people choice but I don't see that for Hye jin.
He likes from the start because he thinks he can make fun of her to entertain himself. He is crazy good writer that doesn't help her when she is new in the office. He makes prank to be with her and to get her attention but he doesn't think about her position and how that trouble her. Hye Jin is clearly annoy by him and she is nice enough to play along. He likes what he likes but he doesn't really knew what hye jin likes that's why I don't think they had a mutual understanding as couple, as also prove by hye jin who can't understand his point of view.
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3 redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:08 AM
Hi
Ever since Reply 1988 ended, I have been thinking back to my own „years“, as in what year would answer ME, but I just can´t decide.
Would it be 1991? The time when we became independent and Russian tanks were here and I was standing in the line in front of Toompea Hill with others to stop them, stupid stuff, that. I was just 10, though... But 1999 when I was 18, is not a very interesting year in itself. Except the madness of final exams and choosing which Uni to go to and what faculty. I had no idea what I wanted to do, I was a confused nutcase that wanted to do textile design AND genetic engineering. Yeah, good luck... Or would it be 1996, the first time on my own on a 4-day music festival? The start of my festival-friendships and fandoms? The first time to come home 4.30 am, and also the first time traveling Europe? Or maybe it is 1993 and surviving my teens, but that would really be too ugly... even though good material for a drama. Uh. I dunno, the 1980-ies were still the most normal ones, I guess. 1987, The Baltic Chain year and start of Singing revolution. But then, there was nothing to eat and nothing to buy. Nope, not going back to Soviet Union. 1990-ies didn´t make sense at all. There were too many short-living trend items that I had no desire to own or be seen with. I mean, Neon leggins? Flubberballs, jojos? Underwear over jeans???? So...maybe 2000? The start of new millennium? (though that would officially be 2001... good year, we won Eurovision. ) So yeah, I have no idea which year would answer me.
People have speculated what year is next for the reply series, saying 1980, but I would like it to be the parents´ perspective now. Dong Il and Il Hwa have won me over... Why don´t they make a series of THEIR youth now? Hm?
Watching:
Tried Cheese in the trap, dropped for now. Not feeling sincerity. Dunno... it is like it doesnt manage to get my interest level over the critical line.
SFD – very ambiguous. but in all its madness, very level-headed somehow. It always stands on very firm feet. this drama has this dilemma that no one is strictly good or strictly bad. especially with all those women - you cannot make any decision about them, place them in right or left corner...you can only stay neutral, if you don´t want to feel insane. or just route for peace and happiness for all... but that´s not possible either, is it?
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:08 AM
Started watching the whole Reply 1988 all over again to see what I missed. It is so much less nerve-wrecking to watch knowing Taekies´ life is not in danger because of them damn pills. That was the thing that nearly gave me a nosebleed watching in real time, I almost wanted to skip episodes and only watch when I know he will be alive and ok in the end. I hope they don´t do anything like that in the next series. Also, I feel like PBG still kept some of that mildly autistic spectrum or aspergers´ feel from the beginning episodes in his performance at least up to episode 17... the body language and the way he walks, sensitive to noises, sometimes acting very cold to total strangers or being able to ignore their existence completely, grows strong attachments to a few people, feels more comfortable in a closed circle of people, the physical clumsiness and stiff movements he has occasionally, concentrating on one thing so much he forgets to eat or sleep, or struggling to meet a glance or losing direction. Except when he is with Deok Sun. Like Yumi. said last week on the recap, it can be interpreted as someone who first appeared with some signs of that spectrum, but highly functional, then learning to blend into society and finding a balance in his life through spending time with friends (who are very open and emotionally unrestricted and literally teach him what to say or do). which, if it is like that, is even more satisfying than anything else. I am not sure though, it is just the impression I got. Quoting Yumi: "This would also explained why his differences lessened as he got older and gained social skills. He remained sensitive to noise. If that was what the series was going for I was happy that they showed someone on the spectrum living a satifying and complete life."
I think keeping those traits till the end (like when being scolded by Deok Sun for lending money in ep 20) is a sign of a marvelous insight and methodical acting. if I am not over-interpreting things.
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acciobooks
January 22, 2016 at 6:19 AM
Park Bo-Gum really is a shining star, isn't he? I drew up a video clip of him in I Remember You and another of him in Reply 1988 and played them side-by-side...suffice it to say, this guy blew the wind out of my sails. (In like, a good way. A really good way.) He definitely deserves all the attention, and I hope he'll get into more dramas this 2016 because God knows we all need a fresh, cute, well-acted face around here.
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little-muffin
January 22, 2016 at 6:37 AM
I feel you. I was so worried about Taek and his pills too, was planning to send a death threat to the writer if he ended up dead.
And yes Park Bo-gum is such a brilliant actor. He's definitely in top of my radar now.
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pebble
January 22, 2016 at 6:49 AM
It didn't occur to me that Taekkie is autistic, I thought he was just a bit nerdy. He was insecure due to losing his mother at a young age, and also, because he did not attend school, he did not get to interact with teenagers his age other than the gang of friends, so he was more shy and timid. I remember the scene in which DS taught him how to reject others and swear curse words, PBG's facial expression when he made a futile attempt of repeating after her was so cute and funny!
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:53 AM
well not autistic, I meant acting close to that spectrum, but it could also just be how a child traumatized from losing hs mom would. Still, the way this manifested felt like an aspie or something
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 7:24 AM
I kinda thought he was on the Asperger's spectrum
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 7:33 AM
or savant
Jyuu
January 22, 2016 at 10:01 AM
I also wondered if Taek showed some signs of Asperger's in the earlier episodes. Besides the character quirks, his father also seemed very concerned about him having a "normal" life. Though it is hard to distinguish if it was because he showed signs of the spectrum or if it was because of baduk. The fact that he dropped out of school to play baduk may had been the reason he seemed more awkward and sensitive compared to the other kids. It is hard to put a child in such a competitive and mature environment even if it was his choice but it could have also helped him in a sense that he was not exposed to the harsh education system where his differences could be a source of anxiety; instead, he was surrounded by 4 loving friends.
Park Bo Gum's performance in that show truly blew me away. This series did a fantastic job of creating full characters but PBG definitely got the most beautifully layered character of the Ssangmundong gang. I ended up replaying almost all his scenes partly because I loved his role and partly because I just love him! He turned in such a thoughtful portrayal and it's mind blowing this was the same guy playing Min in IRY half a year ago. On a shallower note, he is insanely adorable and handsome and brought out my fangirl feels in full force. I can't help but squee every time I see him smile <3
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Jasindo
January 22, 2016 at 12:58 PM
I love Park BoGum and definitely agree that he is an incredible actor, but I happened to watch the movie The King and the Clown while Answer Me was airing and the similarities in PBG and Lee Jun Ki's performances were downright creepy! They had the same mannerisms and inflections in their voices. While I never questioned PBG's sexuality or saw him as feminine at all, it made me see him and Taek a little differently. But I'd like to think that it was all methodical acting as you said. :)
Also, add me to the not-a-Cheese-fan party!
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 1:03 PM
or it could be cause he has studied ballet for endurance and has a very soft and kind personality, as people say.
it is actually like this idea I had about a year ago, made a sketch for a story about a very tender and feminine guy, who is however not a transgender or transvestite, but became a victim of human trafficking as a child and was forced to perform in a nightclub wearing girl clothes. and a girl who is rough and masculine because her father is a vegetable and she does all of the mans´ jobs.
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Jasindo
January 22, 2016 at 4:09 PM
I didn't know that he studied ballet! Also pilates and yoga apparently..
Your story sounds very interesting! I'm always fascinated by the way the world's brokenness shifts gender roles.
pebble
January 22, 2016 at 7:33 PM
Hi Jashindo, now that you mentioned about the similarity in LJK and PBG, I came to realise why I took immediate notice of PBG when I first saw him in Cantabile Tomorrow. I am a long-time fan of LJK, so I probably subconsciously fall for actors who either resemble him in appearance or acting, such as Yoon Shi-Yoon.
In my eyes, PBG is more like a baby, the way he cried during his fan meeting melted my heart. He seems to be easily overwhelmed by emotions in a candid manner, also he seems too well-mannered, perfect and all-rounded for his age. He put in lots of efforts to excel in whatever he does, for example, someone who played cello in a real orchestra even commented that the way he played cello in CT was absolutely real, and his conducting was no nonsense, and felt like a real orchestra conductor. He even practiced yoga and pilates, omg! How did a 24 year boy came to develop interest in these areas when the main interest of the majority of his peers is clubbing? All these made me quite curious about his family background background and upbringing. Hmm...
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Jasindo
January 22, 2016 at 7:47 PM
I know right! So little is known about him now, but I'm sure more will come out as he's becoming more popular. I'm guessing his family is affluent from pictures of his vacations overseas and his choice of hobbies as you mentioned. Even his English pronunciation seems pretty good from the few words I've heard!
But have you seen King and the Clown? I was convinced that PBG watched it because their performances were so similar!
pebble
January 22, 2016 at 8:15 PM
Yeah, of course being an ardent fan of LJK, I've watched the King and the Clown, it is the movie that brought him to stardom and he grabbed almost all the best new actor awards for that year. As it was a great box-office success at the time of its release, I could only speculate that PBG would have watched it, but I don't think he is imitating LJK purposely. Probably they just happen to resemble each other in certain aspects of mannerism, way of speaking and intonation?
Jasindo
January 22, 2016 at 9:58 PM
haha Yes, I assumed as much about you and PBG but I just asked because it really was quite startling to me. Whether or not it was intentional on PBG's part, other actors rarely achieve that level of "embodiment," if you will, when playing a known character or figure.
Park Bo Young, for instance, was spectacular when she was on-point playing Kim Seul Gi, but her performance wasn't consistently "Kim Seul Gi" throughout the drama. You could tell when she started to drift into her own persona. With PBG and LJK, I felt almost as if there was a singular character playing them as actors instead of them being individual actors playing characters.
Jasindo
January 22, 2016 at 9:59 PM
^referring to Ghostess obviously haha
pebble
January 22, 2016 at 11:31 PM
I fully get what you mean about Park Bo Young's acting in OMG, I've watched that drama too.
I just went to re-watch KATC, and PBG's Taekkie did have some semblance of LJK's mannerisms, acting style and intonation. You must be very observant to have detected it given that Taekkie's character is so vastly different from Gong-gil, and Teakkie was not as effeminate too. Probably go watch one of LJK's modern drama like Two Weeks or Time Between Wolf and Dog or even Arang and the Magistrate, he was so masculine in all of these, a stark contrast to his portrayal of Gong-Gil, and see if you still feel that PBG and LJK are actors played out by a singular character :)
Jasindo
January 23, 2016 at 12:32 AM
I watched Scholar Who Walks the Night in it's entirety (I don't know why haha), the first few episodes of Joseon Gunman, and the first few episodes of Arang before it was taken off viki, all before KATC; so I knew he wasn't naturally or always effeminate and which was why his performance was all the more amazing to me. But rather than LJK and PBG being exactly alike as actors across the board, or Gong Gil and Taekie being the exact same character, I meant that it felt as if they were played by the same character.
I think the very best actors are like empty vessels that a character can completely take over. Not unlike possession haha In most cases, when you've seen enough of an actor's filmography you can see little glimpses of their natural state, out of character, that carries over in spite of various diverse roles: that one expression, the way he moves his hands when he's upset, etc. But with Gong Gil and Taekie, I felt like what filled and took over LJK and PBG was the same "entity." And that entity/character played through them both as any actor would, playing a different person, but still showing glimpses of his true self. So basically, GongGil/Taekie was an actor who played both LJK and PBG in those particular roles. haha
Sorry for that unnecessarily convoluted and bizarre explanation! But I definitely need to take your recommendations and watch more of LJK's filmography! :)
CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 6:51 AM
Wow! Someone else who isn't feeling Cheese in the Trap. I thought I was an aberration. Well, if I am, at least now there are two of us.
What I like about SFD is that.. humanity of everyone involved. The only badly-written character is the old lady with the croaky voice. Would be nice to know why she is so committed to Nameless. Other than that, pretty much everyone feels human. No one really good, no one really bad. Even Lord Lee Saek seems like he's doing stuff for the good of the people.
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Islander north
January 22, 2016 at 8:46 AM
I was hesitant about Cheese in the Trap for first few episodes, then it got my attention for ep 3 & 4, eps 5 & 6 got me totally onboard.
Dropped Oh, My Venus at ep. 14 as I kept asking myself why I was wasting my time...as exciting as watching grass grow. Couldn't feel chemistry between the leads at all.
Actually enjoyed Sweet Savage Family all the way through including the ending. Sweet, fun little show and totally enjoyed the leads.
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 9:05 AM
Sweet Savage was fun but the easy forgiveness really bothered me. The Chairman's family was a bit too much.
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juniper
January 22, 2016 at 9:02 AM
I wasn't feeling it, either. Not a fan of most of the performances (maybe Kim Go-eun was so much better than everyone else she made them look bad? lol idk).
The main couple creeped me out in the webtoon even, and I feel like they're not handling it with the kind of ambivalence it requires--just find it very disturbing to see them become a drama ~OTP. On the other hand they're way too ambivalent on Yoo-jung's true nature (or rather, what it signifies in the relationship) to fit my reading of the original text.
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juniper
January 22, 2016 at 9:03 AM
*Yoo Jung, sorry
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Kiara
January 22, 2016 at 10:47 AM
Are you still watching Jang Yeong-sil?
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iamdeb
January 22, 2016 at 5:16 PM
Darn, this was my fear about the drama from looking at screenshots and skimming over recaps but I was hoping I was reading too much into too little with all the comments gushing over the show.
I think i'll put the webtoon on hold till the drama is over. I'm really really enjoying it on it's own and would like to enjoy the drama as a separate entity.
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fay17
January 22, 2016 at 11:18 AM
@redfox..surprisingly I've also thought a lot these days,which year would have answered me? If we ever would go back,and talk about a year from our life,what year would that be? For me it would be Answer me '97,maybe.It's not about romance or boys,at the end it's about which year helped us to grasp a better look of self,the one which defines us as we are,as a person.Lol sorry for the rant.This is the first time,unlocking personal musings on an open thread.Reply '88 has caught me in the nostalgia mood.I guess.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 11:29 AM
no rant here, dont worry! yeah, it is interesting to think back, like what did I do back then and what was my goal? What was happening around me, can I recall every detail or is it already slightly blurred?
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4 thesandwitch04
January 22, 2016 at 6:10 AM
Hey guys. I'd really appreciate it if someone helped with finding an OST from Oh My Venus. I've tried youtube but I can't find it. It's an instrumental piece that has whistling in it; it almost always plays when Coach-nim is in pain. Really appreciate the help and have a great day!
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acciobooks
January 22, 2016 at 6:25 AM
I'm not sure either, but I've Googled a complete list of Oh My Venus OST, do you see any titles in there that maybe you haven't heard of? That could be the song.
http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Oh_My_Venus_OST
If you do find it, let me know! I can't seem to find it on YouTube either. :)
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wapz
January 22, 2016 at 7:51 AM
I tried to find it too and I think it is not released. Thats pretty surprising because many people liked that ost and were searching for it.
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Sancheezy
January 22, 2016 at 7:54 AM
I think they didn't release it,
Kdrama sometimes didn't release the instrumental part or they haven't release the album, all song is release 1st as separate digital song and the album will release after the drama ends.
I sorry I can't find it too
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thesandwitch04
January 22, 2016 at 11:48 AM
Drat! I was hoping it would have been released. Thanks for the help, guys.
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5 ahungryburrito
January 22, 2016 at 6:12 AM
I'm watching Reply 1988 AND I AM ON TAEKKIE'S SHIP. I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER IT WILL DROWN OR NOT BUT EVEN IF IT DOES, EVEN IF I SINK INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE UNSHIPPED OTP OCEAN, I AM STILL GOING TO RIDE OR DIE WITH TAEKKIE. HE'S JUST SO SWEET, AND I FEEL LIKE HE'S A NATIONAL TREASURE TO KEEP AND CHERISH.
Ah, first love. (Mom: You CANNOT have a first love with a fictitious person.) Whatever, Mom, just be grateful Taekkie's a good son-in-law.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:18 AM
you still have to survive the Sleeping Pill Coma Scares.
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redfox
January 23, 2016 at 10:43 AM
tell your mom that a person can have a crush on anything.
I had a crush on a white blood cell in a childrens´ book when I was 6. Then I had a crush on a midget who grew cranberries in his beard and kept an adder. then I had a crush on the adder...
then there were musketeer dogs and animated pirates and a ghost and a medieval knight. and then there were a few manga characters (Byakuya Kuchiki!) and whatnot. I believe I have had a crush on all imaginable characters. real people are not half as fascinating...
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6 fatraspberry
January 22, 2016 at 6:12 AM
I just read the news that RJY, GKP, AJH, and PBG are being kidnapped by Na PD during their vacation in Phuket and now they're heading to Africa filming Youth Before Flower. Am I the only one who's super excited about this? this is a dream come true! :D
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iluvJIS
January 22, 2016 at 6:16 AM
WoW!
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:32 AM
WHAAAT
but what about vaccines... shouldnt they get some shots first?
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fatraspberry
January 22, 2016 at 7:46 AM
Na PD must've already planned everything no worry :D that guy is crazy I can't believe he actually kidnapped them in Phuket.
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little-muffin
January 22, 2016 at 6:40 AM
OMG is this real??? I have to watch this!
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sunnyl
January 22, 2016 at 6:43 AM
It says - Park Bo-geum finished his 'Music bank' and on the way home, he met the YOF production team on 22nd. The other 3 were kidnapped by Na PD in Puket, and are to leave to Africa directly from there tomorrow. None of four knew about this and their supposed coming back date is early February.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:45 AM
holy shit. well, Bogummy did say in an interview, that he wanted to travel?
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 8:27 AM
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jyuu
January 22, 2016 at 10:04 AM
IS THIS FOR REAL?!??! I was wondering if they would do one after the AM1994 cast went but REALLY?!?!? OMG!!! Squee!!!!
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 10:57 AM
That's brilliant! Hope they got their mozzie meds too... I still need to find out where to watch subbed Youth over whatevs episodes..
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mashimomo
January 22, 2016 at 11:23 AM
It's so real and I CANNOT WAIT. SQUEALING!!! Can someone from DF sub these series, it's really annoying that they have exclusive rights to tVN series and cannot sub the Over Flowers series! But I trust the DB ladies to recap this series, please!
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Jasindo
January 22, 2016 at 4:10 PM
Oh thank God I'm not the only one freaking out about this!!! AHHHHH!!! Can't they just air it live? :p
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7 iluvJIS
January 22, 2016 at 6:14 AM
Re. Remember episode 11, the saturi and colorful clothes are back. Yay! Really love Park Dong Ho. Even better in ep 12, I count at least 6 changes of snazzy outfits :)
On a more serious note, found it really strange that we rushed through (mild spoilers: ** the revenge/punishment of the two docs **) in the first 10 minutes of episode 11. I would've thought it'd be fleshed out more - writer could've trimmed some scenes re. the Smile Light Bulbs case to fit it in.
Also now that I've watched episode 12, am worried that there'll be no truly happy ending in this drama :(
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8 pebble
January 22, 2016 at 6:16 AM
Fans of AM1988 couldn’t be blamed for inciting such an aggressive ship war, it all boils down to their subjective preference for the type of guys which push the right buttons.
Those who vehemently ship for JH & DS probably prefer a man who is macho and tough on the outside, but a gentle softie on the inside. Being a fighter pilot is a big bonus, which girl doesn’t go gaga over a handsome guy smartly clad in pilot uniform? JH is considerate of others but is reticent and not used to explicitly explain his intention. To be with such a guy, the girl would have to be a tough cookie with a truckload of confidence. While he was digging in his heels with inaction, the more things shouldn’t be left unsaid all the time! As viewers, we got to see things from JH’s perspective, we know how much he adored DS, so it is very easy for us to sympathize with him. But it was definitely no fun at all for DS who had to agonize over his nonchalant behaviour, which seemed so inconsistent and confusing.
Those who are ardent shippers of Taekkie & DS would most likely enjoy fussing over their man, and prefer guys who are introverted, clingy, and always ready to give love assurance through outward display of affection, teletubbies big hug style, making them feel much needed in a secure relationship. Being a baduk celebrity, there was no lack of fangirls, but Taekkie had tunnel vision, even after countless blind dates, in his mind’s eyes, he could only see DS, this kind of “pabo” loyalty is so endearingly appealing.
What pushed my buttons most is the lifelong bond between Teakkie & DS. I find that unfailing love, whether one-sided or two-sided, which can withstand the test of time is the most irresistible. In many kdramas, though childhood/high school sweethearts losing touch is a recurring trope, their emotionally charged reunion years later always never fail to make me teary eyed. Probably I do yearn for an eternal love, but it is not about hoping for someone from my distant past to turn up at my doorstep, it just does not work this way in reality, which explains why so many people are turning to watching kdrama for doses of hassle-free larger than life legendary romance.
Dear beanies, below are dramas with the type of enduring love which fully captivates me, please help add to the list if you can think of any others.
Type 1 – reunion of separated childhood/high school first love – Autumn In My Heart, Winter Sonata, Spring Waltz, Sad Love Story, Stairway to Heaven, Will It Snow For Christmas, Can You Hear My Heart, Iljimae, Twenty Again, (Wildchives & Soybean Soup? I’ve not watched it)
Type 2 - Oppa/Dongsaeng from the past lingering close by as a protective guardian angel – Piano, More Than Blue, I Can Hear Your Voice, Goddess Of Fire, Pinocchio, I Need Romance 3
Type 3 – Childhood oppa ended up with unrequitted love - Baker King Tae Gu, Marry Stayed Out All Night, Feast Of The Gods
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:29 AM
Reply 1988 did not get messed up, the writer has all the freedom to end it however she likes. The ones who felt betrayed had just been clinging to a certain fate too obsessively, so it hurt. but they did it to themselves.
As to others, like me, I had also let JungPal fans´ unwavering belief affect me and had already accepted that Taek would not be the one. So I was very surprised and overjoyed and relieved with the last episodes.
depends on the viewer, whether they get disappointed. not so much the ship, even.
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pebble
January 22, 2016 at 1:25 PM
True, JungPal's fan misled themselves more than the writer actually did, it is about taking in what they want to believe than what it really is. The most obvious tell-tale sign was the future husband smokes, but JH was against smoking, he did voice the opinion that smoking was bad. Somehow, I was led to believe JH is the future husband due to him knowing about DS's crush on SW from the postcard DS sent to the radio DJ, it is only in ep 20 that we got to see Teakkie knew about that too from snatching away DS's torn diary page from her. Anyway, I'm happy that Taekkie ended u with DS, he just couldn't live without her. He was even cured of his long time sleeping problem immediately after DS reciprocrated his kiss, omg! With love this deep, how could he be denied of DS's love :)
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atz
January 22, 2016 at 7:00 AM
Regarding reply1988
Because of the writers willingness to fool the viewers, the romantic scene between Ds and TK seems to be cut off a tad short in the end. The writer intentionally blocked much of Ds's internal conflict in men or make her emotion sort of fuzzy so that we were required to do much guessing work of DS Who is dense when it comes to boys. How could I guess her feeling right? i am too old for the task but somehow she chose TK which is my favorite. But this makes me a bit bewildered since I usually do not guess right.
What I like about is not about their romances but the whole families' assembly. They are perfect neibghbours. In reality, if our neighour won a lottery a big time, there would be malice attitudes or jealousy either in Their face or behind their back.However they were tight knitted and they were willing to help each other with sincerity. they are truly perfect neighbours. That is why it broke our hearts to see the neighborhoods without them decaying. Did the Kim family build the house? But I felt that the family abandoned the house in the end,,,, where did they all move to? A nursing home or retired community? They cannot separate themselves,,, they should stick together till end!!
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pebble
January 22, 2016 at 2:18 PM
Hi Atz, you're not too old for the husband-hunting task, so long as you feel young at heart! I guess we probably more or less belong to the same generation, I remember the happiness which Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura brought when watching their drama when I was a small little kid. News of their real life marriage had me infected with over-the-top excitement for days!
Yes, the way the close-knit families in AM1988 rooting for each other so genuinely without any ill-will and jealously was so very heart-warming. The scene of the mothers exchanging dishes made me smile gratifyingly as it reminded me of how my mum and my aunties used to do that in the good old days. I was so close to my cousins who live near us, we were always hanging out in the neighbourhood doing all sorts of kiddy stuff, just like the gang of 5 in AM1988. Watching this drama does me feel quite nostalgic, having moved country after both my parents passed away, I lost touch with most people from my past, with only remnants of memory left from the bygone years, nothing stays the same anymore....
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 10:37 AM
reunion of separated childhood/high school first love
you forgot the most appropriate example - Answer Me 1997!
Jung-hwan's confession hurt, but it wasn't even close to as devastating as Yoon-jae in 1997. Well, NOW we know they got back together, but back then we didn't know if 1997 was the story of a failed first love. And the raw pain in Seo In-gook's voice and the look on Jung Eun-ji's face, like she was one heartbeat away from tears.....it still hurts to watch, even now. (and it's even more devastating because even without knowing the ending, we know she's already in love with him, just unwilling to process the change in how she sees her best friend).
Like I keep saying, Jung-hwan felt like he was modelled off Yoon-jae, but the crucial difference was that Yoon-jae, despite his own attempts at concealing his feelings for Shi-won, did at least intend to tell her he liked her, and then actually did. While Jung-hwan never says anything, and unlike Shi-won/Yoon-jae, he and Deok-sun aren't estranged for the intervening years..... I am far less inclined to cut him the slack for not speaking up. (and Taek, on the other hand, was an absolute open book about his feelings for Deok-sun, even when he aborted his confession plan after finding out about Jung-hwan).
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 11:40 AM
in the end, how do i explain... seemed like carrying the feelings in secret was more of a hidden pleasure for Jung Hwan and it is not that much about wanting to be together with Deok Sun but all about himself having those feelings. cause outwordly he was always rather distant and didnt seek her company actively, didnt call her or ask her to the movies...
while Taek and Deok Sun were always together, even after she lied about the kiss, they were just as close. nothing changed. it would have been unnatural for them not to be together.
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 11:47 AM
That's actually a really interesting take on Jung-hwan not speaking up, and probably accurate too - he liked her before finding out about Sun-woo, and after Sun-woo chose Bora instead, there was a decent bit of time before Jung-hwan found out about Taek. Not to mention the 6 year gap..... but yeah, Jung-hwan did wallow in those feelings and ultimately failed at communicating the very basic fact that he had them, even though he gave himself away a few times (the 'don't go on the blind date' scene).
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pebble
January 22, 2016 at 2:47 PM
Hi pogo, I did think about AM1997, but I somehow didn't know which category to place it into. Si-won and Yoon-jae were not separated by choice, but due to estrangement like you said, i.e. Yoon-jae harboured bitter feelings about seeing Si-won and his brother together, so he chose to avoid Si-won altogether in the interim. Of course, the fact that he remained unattached to anyone during the whole time indicated that he still loved Si-won, but however, this pale in comparison to those other couples in the kdramas I listed, especially in Type 2, though the girl may have other love interests, the oppa/dongsaeng still lingered protectively around them as a "dark knight" though it hurt so deeply.
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9 sunnyl
January 22, 2016 at 6:17 AM
Happy Friday! Snow in the forecast- People panic already living in the state where there are almost zero snow plowers.
Not much going on except enjoying most of dramas that I am watching, and I am excited about new casting news- (Neighborhood lawyer) Ryu Soon-young, (My little baby) Oh Ji-ho, (Cinderella) Park So-dam etc.
About dramas and stuff:
Reply 1988: People are still pissed off about Reply 88. Some said the episode started to get messed up this year (ep 17), resulted in reply 1988 being the BEST drama of 2015, and WORST drama of 2016 being ended up with messy(half-baked) husband hunting.
Cheese in the trap: Thank you, thank you Suzie! for turning down Seol's role. Kim Go-eun is perfect, thank you very Gamsa!
btw Yoo Jung bumping his head and Seol's reaction of giggling at him was one of my favorite parts (next to Seol's drunk scene).
in Radio Star, Park so-dam(First time) talked about her eyes. She said some director told her eyes are Joseon's eyes (Korean traditional beauty had small almond eyes, until it changed to big double-lid eyes due to influence of Western culture), and people seem to fear she might do the surgery, but she said she is fine without it (thank you very much).
Talking about eyes, In CITT, I laughed when In-ho asked who left the bag with the Band-Aid and the man said the girl with fuzzy hair and tiny eyes. LOL.
This also reminds me of Bi/Rain. On his interview after the drama 'Sangdoo, Let's go to school', he said he went for a plastic surgery, but the doctor hold him not to touch his eyes because it will break the balance. Should we thank that doctor?
Remember: Nam Gung-min apologized to Yoo Seong-ho in the show 'Have you eaten?' He said he curses himself watching Nam kyu-man tormenting Yoo Seong-ho in 'Remember'. I have read there are actors/actresses who get hurt by comments/feel stressed because of their evil roles in dramas (Cho Soo-hyang in 'school-who are you', for example). I hope they take it as complements on their job well done.
It is fun to see actor/actress's (somewhat) true face through talk shows (radio star, taxi, happy together etc).
(Happy Together) Lee Sung-min(Miseang) said he is closest to Lee Sun-gyun (who acted in Golden time and Miss Korea together) among his juniors. He talks about LSG all the time, which pissed off his wife, who told him to get out and live with Sun-gyun. lol. That reminds me- I love 'Youth over flowers- Iceland'. This group has so much affections and feels genuine (maybe thanks to JoongWoo). I can't wait to see the new ep tonight.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:31 AM
76 cm of snow here, and I couldn´t be happier!
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MapleSilver
January 22, 2016 at 9:20 AM
Oh my goodness, that is so cute of Lee Sung-min and LSK. I so wish to see that but I don't speak Korean. Is there a subbed episode anywhere? Or a translated article?
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sunnyl
January 24, 2016 at 5:31 PM
dramacool.cc has Happy together episodes (subbed) and many others. This one was latest episode(432), and LSM talked about this at the end of this ep.
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MapleSilver
January 22, 2016 at 9:26 AM
You know, for years Lee Sung-min and Lee Seon-kyun have worked in joint projects (dramas and movies) with LSK taking the male lead roles most the times. Do you guys think that with LSM's rising popularity now we'd ever see these two acting side by side again? I would early love to see that but I am afraid this will never happen again.
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 11:23 AM
re: Cheese, the ones we should be thanking is Korean webtoon fans, for raising that huge stink over Suzy's potential casting in the first place.
If it hadn't been for that, we'd be facing Suzy looking alternately gormless and aegyo-ey as Seol (and a really cringey drama). This is just based on the impression I have of her based on interviews/the way she comes across when talking about her acting work, but I just don't think she has the mental ability to process a character like Seol, who is not your average 2D candy heroine. That's quite a contrast to Kim Go-eun, who seems to have far more of an actress' mentality, and the ability to go with it.
(and THANK GOD the casting went to KGE, and stuck with her despite initial complaints that she didn't look like webtoon Seol. I know Oh Yeon-seo looks like webtoon Seol more, but she's not even close to the same league as Kim Go-eun, acting-wise).
Park So-dam is so fresh and lovely, I love that she and Kim Go-eun have embraced their monolids and aren't out to change them. They're such a breath of fresh air, in so many ways.
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Nads
January 22, 2016 at 5:29 PM
Kim Go-eun makes this drama for me! I've read the webtoon, so it's impossible for me not to compare webtoon Seol to drama Seol, but Kim Go-eun does a wonderful job at making Seol more...likable? It's difficult to get subtle emotions across in comic format, so Seol tends to come off as not insensitive, exactly, but a bit distant and caught up in her own world sometimes. All the little quirks Kim Go-eun brings to her character - especially the panicky/anxiety ridden tone that often narrates her internal monologues - help me identify with her a bit more.
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10 Kaylie
January 22, 2016 at 6:19 AM
Hello! I just watched Misaeng, (yeah I know I'm more than a year late) but can I just gush about how good the drama is even though it's so depressing? Im Si-wan is such a good actor, his acting is absolutely perfect. I could feel every bit of insecurity and fragility from his eyes and it makes you want to root for him. It breaks my heart every time he faces a setback. I can't wait to see Im Si-wan in more dramas!
Because of Misaeng I also fell in love with Byun Yo-han. I hated him initially, but I blame it on his acting being so convincing that I can't help but to detest him for his character's flawed character. But of course, I grew to love Seok-yul and also appreciate Byun Yo-han's great acting. And also, it took me a while but BYUN YO-HAN IS ACTUALLY QUITE GOOD-LOOKING. I'm kind of in love with him, but I feel apprehensive of watching Six Flying Dragons because it's a 50 episode drama. I can't usually commit myself to a drama with more than 30 episodes, so I don't know if SFD is worth trying.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 6:24 AM
Misaeng. Keep gushing. It's a wonderful, wonderful drama.
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wonhwa
January 22, 2016 at 7:34 AM
Six Flying Dragons is fabulous so far, and Byun Yo-han is extraordinary in it. You won't believe you're watching the same actor from Misaeng. That being said, you have to like complex, highly political dramas with lots of characters, little romance, and a serious dark streak.
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Kaylie
January 22, 2016 at 7:48 AM
I don't mind political dramas with darker themes as long as they are fast-paced. I loved Punch (KIM RAE-WON WAS ROBBED OF HIS DAESANG) and it had almost zero romance in it (Jung-hwan's 'love line' with his ex-wife felt more like family love rather than, well, romantic love). But then again, Punch was a 20-episode drama, Six Flying Dragons is soooo long. I wonder if the pace suffers because of its length?
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liina
January 22, 2016 at 8:00 AM
Now it is episode 32 and there hasn't been a single episode with drawn out scenes.
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wonhwa
January 22, 2016 at 9:09 AM
The pacing is great so far, but obviously it's not done yet so it's hard to predict whether it can keep building tension all the way to the end. I've been very impressed though with the writers' ability to keep creating compelling, highly dramatic episodes. The storytelling so far is very well done.
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 11:05 AM
Oh my - I couldn't believe it, they had a few episodes of Missing inflight, so I marathoner those. The weird thing was the whole slice of life thing, make it feel fine to watch in the middle of the season and not from the start. I felt like it was everyday life, how you walk into situations not knowing the full story and just have to work it out along the way.
The characters are all fantastic - I love Manager Oh and his loyal Assistant Managers. And their strike team. I'm going back to re-watch the whole thing from the start.
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Kaylie
January 22, 2016 at 7:08 PM
Chief Oh and Assistant Manager Kim's concern for each other was very endearing too. Haha after a while it just felt like I was part of this office family and I didnt want to say good bye to any of them. )':
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 11:30 AM
Misaeng is my favourite kdrama of all time, and it will take something really mighty to even begin to shift it from that #1 place in my heart.
I love that it's about a worker in an ordinary company and not a "cool" profession (the usual kdrama creative types), and that the work is so unglamorous. The underlying message is a beautiful one, it's not often you get a story that tells you that there is meaning even in doing an ordinary job and simply surviving from day to day in an ordinary life. It's really quite uplifting, if you think about it.
And Im Shi-wan really is amazing as Geu-rae. He's proved himself time and again, but he's a much better actor than some far more hyped Hallyu stars in his age range (he, Lee Joon and Yoon Doo-joon could easily take any of them). And I know everyone loves Lee Je-hoon, but the role of Jang Geu-rae is one I honestly CANNOT see being played by anyone else, that role was made for Im Shi-wan.
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spazmo
January 22, 2016 at 3:01 PM
byun yo han is SMOULDERINGLY HOT in SFD, you must watch him with his messy mane of glory!
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iamdeb
January 22, 2016 at 5:19 PM
I wish he could make it his signature look in real life but I know Koreans almost freak out at the hint of long hair and facial hair. It's just cultural differences and it is what it is but it's our eyes' loss :(
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Kaylie
January 22, 2016 at 7:07 PM
Heh I thought I was blinded by my infatuation for him when I saw his stills from SFD and thought, this guy is SO HOT even with facial hair.
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11 elric
January 22, 2016 at 6:34 AM
Happy OT guys!!
I marathoned Kill Me, Heal Me a few days and thought it was good. But after watching the BTS, and weighing the pros and cons of the drama, I started crying. The show has affected me so much, I didn't realize until it was over. It's probably the down side of binge watching. You don't really fully savor the story when you're watching episode after episode until 5 in the morning. Maybe when I start watching Reply 1997, I should limit it to 4 episodes a day?
On to currently airing dramas. Cheese in the Trap is still making me happy. It's nice to see that Seol no longer feels awkward around Jung. She seems happier and enjoying the dating than their first date.
In-ho is still a puppy. Jung is adorable but still a mystery and sometimes creepy. I'm really curious about these two's past friendship and what changed their relationship.
One More Happy Ending was a surprise. I wasn't expecting anything but I really enjoyed it. It's funny, has a nice pacing, and there's a pug (hahaha). The romance is also promising, can't choose between Jung Kyoung-ho and Kwon Yool since both are charming and have great chemistry with Jang Nara. Other than Mi-mo (Nara), I can't wait to see how the other Angels' lives will be explored.
And oh, Seo In-guk in a drama!!! (I can't believe IRY ended last August. It still feels fresh in my heart and mind ❤️)
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:38 AM
same with KMHM - watched every BTS and it went straight into my blood circulation. those clips made me see, how Ji Sung poured all his soul into each personality and took none of them lightly
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elric
January 23, 2016 at 9:22 AM
If this was a different actor, KMHM might have been a mess. Ji-sung created and crafted these personalities making them feel like actual human beings, and he didn't falter one bit in his portrayals!
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 8:15 AM
Binge watching can be emotionally draining - when I first started watching kdramas I marathoned everything and pretty much let everything else go. Then I gained an appreciation for watching real time kdramas, 2 eps/week. Not sure which is harder - the emotional drain of marathoning and the aftermath of withdrawal, or the anticipation of waiting for the next week's episodes and counting the minutes. Haha, kdramaland is such a black hole (or should I be crying?)
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elric
January 23, 2016 at 8:58 AM
I think this the first time I appreciated the 2 eps/week scheme of kdramas and actually regretted marathoning the whole series.
But then again, when an episode of any drama ends with a cliff hanger, that's a different story. The anticipation will kill me! Sometimes you need to savor the emotions but sometimes you really just want to know what happens next HAHAHA
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gem28
January 22, 2016 at 9:19 AM
One more happy ending was a surprise. I didn't expect so much crazy packed in first two episodes and they have done a good job in integrating the heavy side with the light ones. I hope they can keep it up. Mimo is far, thousand light years far from being perfect but none of the leading ladies are in the drama. All imperfect but completely aware of it which is fun. I love Jang Kyung Ho, my Paksa makes such a great dad, I loved his part with his son. I think its pretty obvious Mimo and Him are endgame but it will be a long crazy road for them especially with the second lead who appears to be very calm, sane and gorgeous in the mix. And Jang Nara did a great Hepburn imitation, it was hilarious and they did it pretty nicely.
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elric
January 23, 2016 at 9:09 AM
Oh yes! I definitely see Nara and Kyoung-ho as endgame. It will be a hilarious and crazy road for these two. Can't wait to see how Mi-mo's confession will affect the relationship of our leads. Episode 3 please!
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rhienz
January 22, 2016 at 10:42 AM
What drama that Seo In-guk is in???
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 2:20 PM
High School King of Savvy, Reply 1994, Hello Monster, The King's Face are some of his movies
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elric
January 23, 2016 at 8:37 AM
He will also be in Police Unit 38, a new drama that will premiere in May. http://www.dramabeans.com/2016/01/seo-in-gook-sooyoung-for-new-ocn-comic-crime-drama/
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 11:03 AM
SPOILER
KMHM is really powerful as a story anyway, though I'm sure sleep deprivation can make it all seem even more intense. By the time I got to the "name reveal" and her gift - I was crying buckets. It was not only cleverly done as a device, but it really showed how the love she received helped "cure" her and now she was passing it on to him.
Also, her moments with Yo Sub were just quietly, sadly, heartbreaking. I wept tons again when he left.
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elric
January 23, 2016 at 9:17 AM
Yoo Sub's scenes always hit me. Seriously . . . when he first appeared, that was just heart wrenching. I think he's my favorite personality. I mean Se-gi is a puppy and Yoo Na is hilarious but Yoo Sub was the first to change, even though he wanted to die, he saw hope in Ri-jin and wanted to live . . . gahh. . . this is making me cry again. . .
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Sancheezy
January 23, 2016 at 3:41 AM
I hope this helps,
Kill us Heal us
https://otayamin.wordpress.com/2015/03/10/kill-us-heal-us/
an ode to yona
https://otayamin.wordpress.com/2015/02/21/ode-to-yona/
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12 redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:40 AM
we have puppy in the museum!!! a white one! her name is Neighbor and she is now driving HongKong travel agents wild!
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sunnyl
January 24, 2016 at 5:36 PM
:)
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13 alua
January 22, 2016 at 6:40 AM
Not really committedly watching any k-drama atm.
Dropped Cheese in the Trap after ep 2 because I decided I would rather finish reading the whole webtoon first. I know that means I'll have to wait years, but there's something I love about the webtoon that, although I liked the drama adaptation so far, isn't in the drama. So I want to enjoy the webtoon in full first.
Tried One More Happy Ending. Not really my kind of humour. [SPOILERS] Watchable, but by the end of ep 2 I'm finding myself disliking Jang Nara's character, who seems increasingly stupid and appears to have gone through 4 guys in two episodes? Her confronting her ex was really, really annoying. Girl, you parted ways FIVE years ago. You dated another guy for two years and almost got married, and you are mad at your ex for having a fiancée? Get a life & be happy with yourself because you are not ready to be in a relationship. [END SPOILERS]
I confess, I'm also not very fond of the fact that a lot of the plot so far has been driven by excessive drinking. Is there any K-drama (that's not in the high school genre) that doesn't involve a drinking scene? And doesn't have a plot twist that majorly rely on drunkenness?
Still watching Moorim School but it's all over the place and I'm skipping half of each episode. Likely to drop by next week.
Tried Designer Baby but didn't hook me. Tried Fragile but Takei Emi scared me away pretty instantly.
Waiting for subs for Kora Kengo's new drama Itsuka Kono Koi wo Omoidashite Kitto Naite Shimau. Will be watching that for him, because he's a wonderful actor, but also because of the writer – he of Mondai no Aru Restaurant; Woman; Saikou no Rikon and, most importantly, Soredemo, Ikite Yuku. So I can have high expectations.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:43 AM
CITT webtoon seems a lot more paranoid.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 7:16 AM
I liked that. And everyone's relationships/personalities seemed more complex. Not so straightforwardly OTP + love rival (In-ho never seemed like a love rival in the webtoon to me. Not sure if he's one in the drama now since I haven't continued watching but it seemed to be going that way.).
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 7:22 AM
yeah In Ho seems more like a hypractive sleach.
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juniper
January 22, 2016 at 9:14 AM
Yes, this. The drama failed at recreating the universe in my mind. The characters in the webtoon have surface level, socially acceptable identities, and simmering below the surface are frustrations, fears, and anxieties they can never openly admit to. In the drama, it feels like the characters' public lives and secret lives have been collapsed--so characters with complicated perspectives like Nam Joo-yeon have been flattened into drama stereotypes--she goes from a girl having a nervous breakdown over the collapse of her perceived social world to your typical delulu second female lead clinging to the male lead. The adaptation is still better than a lot of trendies out there, but so far it's pretty much forgettable.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 1:27 PM
<so characters with complicated perspectives like Nam Joo-yeon have been flattened into drama stereotypes–she goes from a girl having a nervous breakdown over the collapse of her perceived social world to your typical delulu second female lead clinging to the male lead.
bingo.
<The adaptation is still better than a lot of trendies out there, but so far it’s pretty much forgettable.
not sure I would say forgettable as it is still different from most dramas (in a good way), but I do think some of its simplifications were not necessary.
paroles
January 22, 2016 at 7:06 AM
I personally think that OMHE is hilarious though. And Jang Nara is awesome in the role. Much better than her portrayal in IRY anyway.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 7:14 AM
Yes, I can see it's meant to be hilarious, it's just not my type of humour. I'm not sure why the girl always need to be the one that's desperate and pea-brained when it comes to love?
I liked her in IRY, that was the main reason I tried this (I've think I've bailed on all the other dramas she's in except for School 2013).
I'm sure plenty of people will enjoy this, but I'm probably going to check out after next week.
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 7:26 AM
Oh my! That second episode of Another Happy Ending seems like it'll be a hurdle. Let me see if I can get through it. Thanks for the heads-up.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 7:37 AM
I think it depends on whether you find this kind of humour funny. I'm probably taking it too seriously so it doesn't work for me.
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 9:09 AM
Just watched epi 2. I liked it. It's very bittersweet the dramas. I like that they're writing about emotional chaos and lingering hidden pain.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 2:18 PM
Tbh, I find the serious bits distracting from the over-the-top comedy. The jokes would work better for me if they didn't throw in these parts that seem to suggest that she's really still in pain... I couldn't help but agree with everything the ex-husband said.
wapz
January 22, 2016 at 7:48 AM
Would really like to know the shows that you found humorous because I didn't find One More Happy Ending that funny too.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 8:25 AM
Hmm, I can only think of Japanese ones on top of my head. Fuben na Benriya most recently. And dramas like Date; Nodame Cantabile, Hard Nut, Hanakimi, 11 Nin mo Iru!.
Oh. I did find the pretty solid Korean adaptation of Man Who Can't Marry good fun, but it stuck very close to the Japanese original in terms of the humour. I liked the humour through the "mockumentary" in Producers too (which was mostly present in the first four episodes).
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kuromitsu
January 22, 2016 at 8:47 AM
Ummm.. Cantabile and Hard Nut both had females who were utterly clueless about being in love.
I don't see how you can say Nodame's OTT hopelessness over Chiaki is any much better than Han Mi Mo's.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 9:45 AM
I think with Nodame the whole setting/character set up made the difference. Because every character was manga-esque. And because it was immediately clear that Chiaki was as much as a disaster as she was – not just a swoonworthy, pretty, genius musician & rich boy. And that Nodame, if she had never ended up with him, would have been perfectly fine – she never "needed" his love to be happy.
Nanba was inept in love but a genius. And the moment that genius kicked in, she didn't care about love but dropped everything. Hard Nut was not a rom-com in any case, but a detective drama. She never "got" the guy, nor did it matter whether she did or not – she didn't need him to be happy.
kuromitsu
January 22, 2016 at 11:17 AM
It doesn't negate the fact that Nodame was (a couple of times literally) clingy and her whole motivation revolved around him (at least before she found her calling).
Then you have HanaKimi where a girl decides to risk her future and do something that would turn-around an all-boys school just for that one guy she saw at track meets.
Han Mi Mo is a broken character, that's for sure, but that's what character growth is for.
kuromitsu
January 22, 2016 at 11:19 AM
Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing your taste, as I like most of the shows you listed (The 2007 HanaKimi was my favorite of that time, and I loved Nodame), but I find it odd that you would be averse to the humor in One Happy Ending while being okay with the rest.
alua
January 22, 2016 at 1:09 PM
Well, I suppose I could sit down and think long and hard why I found one drama funny, and another not and then give you a detailed report... but sometimes a drama cracks you up, and sometimes it doesn't. It's just personal taste.
To be honest, I couldn't even tell you who the girl was in Hanakimi. The premise was cliché as hell but all I remember is the different guys with their hilarious little quirks. It was never a drama about romance for me, but very much an ensemble piece. (Which is also what I feel about Nodame. I don't agree her whole motivation revolved around him btw but that's another discussion.)
Jon G.
January 22, 2016 at 11:54 AM
One More Happy Ending
You needed until end of episode 2 to dislike Mi-mo? Whence such patience? I thought she was clearly designed to be ridiculed from the get-go.
I actually liked the concept of a comedy with a female lead who is not your stock perfect human being (in terms of morals, character and so on) but instead really invites malicious glee from the audience. By episode 2, I'm no longer convinced that this is deliberate, but the Schadenfreude I get from Mi-mo's self-imposed miseries cannot be ignored.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 1:17 PM
Well, it's not that I loved her in episode 1, just I found episode 2 more trying than episode 1. And at least in episode 1 she briefly impressed with telling her fiancé that since the relationship was over, she wasn't going to hold on to him (though I think she should have explicitly told her ex-bandmate that she could "have him", no regrets).
I do like that we've got divorced characters in dramas now. Hopefully she won't be made into a chaste maiden that the first time she sees the guy semi-dressed gets weak in the knees.
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Jon G.
January 22, 2016 at 1:37 PM
Well, it was quite clear that she saw this guy merely as her "trophy husband" anyway without any actual emotions invested in him as a person. And that's the reason it's easy for her to get over him, but very difficult to let another woman (especially _this_ woman) "have" him.
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Jon G.
January 22, 2016 at 12:03 PM
Ah, that's too bad. I was really looking forward to read your thoughts on the show. Then again, I made the same decision many times with book-to-different-medium adaptions ...
Wow, I'm impressed. Only half of each episode.
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alua
January 22, 2016 at 1:29 PM
Sorry about that. Though I'm not sure I would have much interesting stuff to say about CITT.
As for Moorim, that's an estimate. It may well be more (and soon be 100%)...
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Hungry
January 22, 2016 at 6:48 PM
The webtoon version of Cheese in the Trap is a bundle of complex stuff though, which is why i stop for a bit because i don't think i can handle the webtoon version with my busy schedule.
One More Happy Ending is fun and the kind of drama you can turn off your brain with. I like it.. but despite it all, Han Mi Moo is definitely frustrating. I'm not blaming JNR at all, she makes the character likable but... something is off. I'm just not fond of how volatile her relationship is. You would expect she to learn something each time but even the lessons learned comes across as childish. It's hard to explain. But i'm not liking the character build up. I hope the character will show some development soon or else i might drop it.
Haha. I tried Designer Baby and dropped it too. I was about to try Fragile out. Then you give me the 'Takai Emi' scares me off thing. LOL
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alua
January 23, 2016 at 1:23 AM
I'd get Mimo a bit more if she were 22, not 34. I feel I will struggle with any development, because how did she get like this to 34 despite having 11 relationships (how can I buy into a happy-ever-after with her? Maybe only if Soo-kyung turns out to be equally a disaster but he seems – other than the drunken escapade – pretty normal/stable?)? If they had at least played her ex-husband as a nutcase (like the guy who dumped her)...
I didn't realised Takei Emi was in Fragile, but then I watched and immediately recognised her voice. I decided I should give her a chance, but it lasted half an episode... the drama wasn't that interesting in any case (nothing original) and every time Takei came on screen I could just see her thinking her acting ("now I have to open my eyes wide to look verrrry surprised" etc etc). I always feel like she plays exactly the same character – and I see her, not the character. *sigh* I had to skip Subete ga F ni Naru, despite that fact that she was paired with Ayano Gou, who's a total chameleon as an actor.
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bluelysia
July 13, 2016 at 11:43 PM
not your fault..
I watched Subete ga F ni naru with anticipation for both Ayano Go and Takei Emi (since I love her in Kyo Koi wo Hajimemasu, Asuko March and Otomen) buttttt
she is very very annoying in Subete and I can't stand her scenes urgh
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14 CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 6:47 AM
Hello all:
Wow! It's the weekend already. Am seriously glad we won't be hit by the upcoming supposed "monster storm."
Dramas:
Six Flying Dragons: So good. Am awaiting the relationship between Moo Hyul and Sa Gwang. I'm suspecting an upcoming heartbreak when Moo Hyul has to kill her.
Moorim School: I love most everything about this drama except for the love story (Am shipping chaebol so that doesn't help) because it's such easy storytelling. And I dislike the principal. I'm just kinda burnt out on the cold all-knowing inscrutable pride-destroying teacher trope.
Cheese in the Trap: Not feeling this. Just not. It's good. But for some reason...eh.
Remember: Dear me! Is this drama going to end sadly? The Punch vibe is making me worry. I'll have to prepare myself I guess.
Glamorous Temptation: I think I might be ready to jump back onto this one and actually watch it instead of reading recaps. Now that all the secrets are out.
Same for All Will Be Well. I might join it now that we're at the 89 episode mark. Apparently, I hate wandering about in the actual plots of makjangs and I just wait til the last few episodes when everything is coming together.
One More Happy Ending: Surprisingly fun and relatively realistic. Am thinking I'll like this one.
Jdrama: Ants and Umbrellas -- fun. Only four episodes. Two more to go.
I've left All About Mom in my rearview mirror. No sorrow, no grief. I'm free of it and guiltfree about tossing it away.
Drama excitement: Yay! Signal and Madame Antoine are out. Hoping they get subbed by later today.
Have a great weekend, all.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:50 AM
Signal is the one that has a pull for me. not very hyped about the rest.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 6:55 AM
of new dramas, I mean.
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john
January 22, 2016 at 7:08 AM
Carole ~
Glamorous is still crazy. All I have to say is satellite photo !
Looking forward to Signal, hope it's good.
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 7:27 AM
I'll be joining you in watching it from now on. We can jump into the cray together.
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john
January 22, 2016 at 7:44 AM
K dramas :
Dazzling Temptation: Crazy
CITT: Almost half way and still a lot of mystery. Like the cast.
One More Happy Ending: Watched 1st ep. OK so far.
C dramas:
Legend of Qin : Didn't see the anime (probably a good thing), enjoying the show.
Cuo Dian Yuan Yang: Zhao Li Ying = squee
J drama:
Garasu no Ashi :
Dark subject matter (child /spousal /sexual abuse). Setsuko ( Saki Aibu ), abused as a child, helps free a mother and child from the same fate. 4 episodes. Not for the squeamish.
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john
January 22, 2016 at 7:47 AM
Should have been a separate post, oops.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 8:09 AM
Remember - it is difficult to guess how this drama will end - eps 11 and 12 this week were the best, I thought, even with additional sadness (which I hard to imagine).
It is interesting how to me how differently we feel about the characters - I love the principal in Moorim! Go figure ~
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 9:14 AM
I've been overloaded on mysterious sensei who aim to destroy students' pride and self-reliance for some mysterious greater good. It's too patriarchal society Daddy-knows-all and you must learn from ME. I'm glad this principal doesn't have the "obey me without question" characteristic trait but still when is one of these teacher types going to teach their student to simply trust students' own intuition, desires, hopes, fears? Writer better balances out this stuff pretty soon or my patience will go.
With "Remember" I'm hoping this will be one of those dramas with a happy deus ex machine ending. Sometimes the kid in me just wants a happy ending for all. I'm actually hoping for an operable tumor instead of Alzheimers.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 10:42 AM
There just can't be a bottomless sadness pit to Remember. Not for Seung Ho, noooo! I see The Magician is up raw - I am looking forward to the subbed movie. Seung Ho is back from the Military in full force!
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 11:38 AM
Am waiting for Magician as well. Also waiting for Priests. So many movies, so little subs.
15 kdramafan
January 22, 2016 at 6:54 AM
Happy Weekend Beaners!
Jang Nara's latest has got my thumbs up for now. Nice she's playing a 30-something.
Cheese in the Trap has me cautious but I'm still watching it.
Going to revisit Nine in the next week as it's on the telly here and Ive only caught a couple of episodes and it's curious how it went.
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16 gadis
January 22, 2016 at 7:04 AM
Hello beanies.. :-D
-Cheese in the trap: I fall completely for this show. Oh, how I wish there were more quirky romcom like this out there. I know they make the drama a bit lighter, but as long as they don't stray too far from the webtoon, I'm on board.
-One more happy ending: What a cute and feel-good drama. I adore Jung Kyungho and Jang Nara here. They are sooo adorable and hilarious. Ha, this drama definitely take contract marriage trope to a whole different level and stake. And, is that a cameo by one of WGM couple? Hahaha.. MBC sure know how to take advantage of its actor couple.
-Reply 1988: I know I said I was tired with all this who-is-the-husband game, but if this wonderful team write another reply series in the future, I'll still watch the heck out of it, pain and heartbreak and all that. It's time to say goodbye, show. You'll be remembered fondly.
(btw, is 'Junghwaned' trumps 'Chilbongied' now??)
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 7:11 AM
the new word is Taeken.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 8:05 AM
I am.
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Sancheezy
January 22, 2016 at 7:29 AM
Idk what exactly junghwanied is but chilbongied goes for someone who confess over and over, told her it was't friendship but still doesn't get the girl,
Junghwanied is kinda like heartbroken , but I feel it closer to friendzoned if we count DS feeling
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gadis
January 22, 2016 at 7:47 AM
Or maybe Junghwanied is a term for someone who self-friendzoned him/herself and then wallowing in misery afterward. Okay, I'm just being bitter, but he is so frustrating sometimes.
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john
January 22, 2016 at 8:01 AM
gadis ~
Jung hwan should have kissed Duk Seon way back in Ep. 10, when they sitting together on his bed and she asked him if she should go on the blind date.
All about the timing indeed. He missed that golden opportunity.
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kbaswithneko
January 22, 2016 at 10:20 AM
He had more than one chance. Also the scene where he gets into bed with her, forgetting that the downstairs family is sleeping over. Their faces are inches away from each other when she asks him to go to the concert with her.
elric
January 23, 2016 at 9:26 AM
This. Oh yes, this.
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kuromitsu
January 22, 2016 at 8:56 AM
I love Han Mi Mo and Song Soo Hyuk together too. I don't even mind if they don't get together, as long as they have a lot of scenes together I'll be happy. But It'll be better if they get together.
It seems there's a lot of cameos in that drama that entirely fly over my head. I wish there's an explanation of the inside jokes somewhere. I know the leading lady of Falling for Innocence, I get Sandara Park, and that's pretty much it.
I think there's an inside joke about Mi Mo's ex's fiancee and about that sexy woman who choked on chicken.
Who's the WGM couple?
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gadis
January 22, 2016 at 3:36 PM
The leading lady of falling for innocence and her husband at the very first minutes of ep 1. Watching them go through such an ugly divorce in the drama while they are still all lovey dovey in WGM. Yoo Dain's couple in Plus Nine Boys also made a cameo appearance as one of her very demanding client.
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Teletabz
January 22, 2016 at 4:22 PM
The female lead of FFI (KSY) and Kwak Shi yang of Perserverance Gu Hae-ra/Oh my Ghostess..
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kiroum
January 25, 2016 at 8:15 AM
Does anyone know why Ra Mi Ran ' s nickname is "Cheetah" ? Thanks a lot in advance :)
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17 cozybooks
January 22, 2016 at 7:20 AM
Oh my goodness I totally never plan on commenting, but the OT is so fun to read, and I made a resolution to be more social this year (which means starting with comments online, Haha), so Happy Friday, I guess!
Dramas I'm currently watching (I don't watch tons of currently airing ones, because I don't like having to wait a week for new episodes):
Nine Time Travels: Oh my dear gracious heavens, that show has killed me and sent me to a glorious heaven. The acting, the writing, the plot--and it has that magical pull that just draws you in. :) :) :)
Secret Garden: the body swap episodes are hilarious so far, but it doesn't have that magic draw for me, for some reason. I'll finish it, but I hope it can pull me in more than it has so far.
Taiwanese Drama: Murphy's Law of Love: I have put all other shows on temporary hold to finish this one. There's not much conflict (it's like they build it up for angst and then yank the rug out from beneath you like 'haha gotcha! No misunderstandings today!') It's just a slice of life story with lots, and lots, and lots and lots of cute. So much cute. It makes me so happy, I could watch them be cute for forever.
Dramas Currently Airing that I plan to watch:
Remember--Son's War
Madame Antoine
Signal
:)
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 8:04 AM
Hi Cozybooks (I like your name), welcome to OT as your first social venture or 2016! Remember-War of Son keeps getting better. I am also looking forward to Madame Antoine and Signal. I started rewatching Secret Garden and 49 Days as a return to that first-time kdama experience and feeling. Glad you've joined in the fun and discussion of kdramas here on db. Fighting!
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Elle
January 22, 2016 at 8:30 AM
Hi Owl! I'm looking forward to MA too! Premise sounds fun. I like HYS and adore SJ so my fingers are crossed. Might we actually be watching the same drama at the same time soon!?
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 8:33 AM
Hi Elle,
I know, we're always watching different kdramas at the same time :) Maybe MA will get us on the same kdrama schedule, right?
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Elle
January 22, 2016 at 8:28 AM
This is why I should not try to participate it OT from my cell phone. I tried to reply to your comment but it ended up as its own comment. As of now, it's under number 22--that may change depending on if any comments are in moderation.
But I was attempting to comment on the two great dramas you're watching. See below.
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 9:15 AM
Welcome!
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azkaa
January 22, 2016 at 10:24 AM
Hi to you and happy Friday!!
Nine is crazy good, isn't it? I remember being awed so much for the plot and the time-travel mystery while having a huuuuge crush on Lee Jin Wok.
Like what Elle said down there, i also plan to rewatch Nine but gosh how to find time in the sea of watch list and interesting upcoming drama u.u
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Jyuu
January 22, 2016 at 11:02 AM
Hello!! Welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying Murphy's Law of Love. I watched most of that with my mom and found it adorable. The plot is a little thin but there were so many cute moments and the leads had such adorable chemistry. Sometimes it's so nice to have something low-conflict and frothy to watch :)
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18 mashimomo
January 22, 2016 at 7:29 AM
^^if this comment ended up at the bottom, it is meant for the Reply 1988 cast kidnapped by Na PD. Holy hell, I read it too and I'm hoping it's true! I'm hoping the ladies here can pick up the recap for this installment, since I cannot find subs for the show! I can't believe DF - who has rights to tVN shows cannot pick this up. I can't wait to see their adventures, as I'm having strong withdrawals from the show!
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19 Sajen
January 22, 2016 at 7:32 AM
I'm still not in an intensive drama watching place, I think it's been at least 6 months now, but I'm still slowly and very happily watching Cheese in the Trap and Moorim School. Oh right I'm also re-watching History of a Salaryman with mom at the moment, I'd forgotten how much I love it.
That being said I still fully intend to give One More Happy Ending, Madam Antoine, Signal, and possibly Neighborhood Hero a chance this weekend. Signal and One More Happy Ending if it's good are the two I'm most likely to add to my viewing schedule at this point. Han Ye-seul's voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me so I doubt I'll continue past episode one of Madam Antoine, but like I said I'll give it a chance.
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20 wapz
January 22, 2016 at 7:45 AM
Cheese in the trap compelled me to watch Coffee Prince. So far so good but Now all the main conflicts have ended in ep 12. So now I'm wondering if i should check the other episodes or not?
That is my problem with rom-coms. As long as the main conflicts are over, the show loses interest for me atleast. Same goes for She was pretty and many other rom coms.
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kimchikay
January 22, 2016 at 8:11 AM
Oh no!! Keep watching...it's good all the way till the end!
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21 owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 7:56 AM
Moorim School – Love triangles and bromance are mutually exclusive, so we have a problem here. Stick with this kdrama through episode 4 and I think you’ll be hooked. The cast was on Hello Counselor this week - Hyun Woo and Hongbin were adorable as guests.
Reply 1988 – Episode 20 was a gem of a finale. I cried buckets just because. There was such heartfelt nostalgia in not necessarily wanting to return to your younger self, but mourning the place that marked two generations’ youth. I’m over the moon in love with Taek.
Remember War of a Son - *spoiler spoiler* Could the drama get any sadder than last week? The answer to that is, “Yes.” Ep 11 and 12 are the best so far. Ep 12 was subbed 92% so I went ahead and watched it. When Jin Woo asked the doctor how much time he had, the doctor replied… (it was the 8% that wasn’t subbed.) AAuugghh! I would give my eye teeth for the calf-length pale ice blue coat that In Ah was wearing in ep 11. It was out of this world beautiful and classy.
Shaolin Clenched Fists – 6 eps are subbed, I’m learning about life as a Shaolin Monk and the intense martial arts associated with it. The guys were completely into Drunken Fists Jackie Chan style.
Fragile (jdrama) – I see ep 2 is up – about a temperamental, unconventional pathologist who’s better at diagnosing patients than their own physicians – I recognize Shuhei Nomura the most from several jdramas I’ve seen (All About My Siblings, Koinaka, and The Hours of My Life).
The two wolves paced around the glass sliding door to the pension. I was nervous; the baby was asleep in the crib in my room. I wasn’t sure who it belonged to. I called out quietly at first then yelled louder, “Julian!” I could see him in the hallway, but he couldn’t hear me. I ran upstairs. Xuimin and D.O. were in the living room talking with a young man who recognized me immediately and gave me a big hug. I was his 2nd grade teacher, he reminded me. Oh! He had grown up so handsome – Neil, of Teen Top! He was selling peanut brittle and the school cookbook for a fundraiser – I bought both. No one else seemed bothered by the wolves. I drew the curtains so at least they couldn’t look in with those gleaming eyes. Julian was dressed in his tux and asked why I wasn’t ready, yet. He even had a lovely bouquet for me, but I was still in my pajamas and didn’t have a dress to wear. A wolf nudged the door open with its nose. The baby stirred, the wolf turned in that direction. I was frantic but the distance between me and the crib was growing, growing and the wolves were now inside fidgeting. When our eyes met, they growled and bared their teeth. I woke up this morning not rested at all after a dream combination of Moorim Scool and The 25th Seoul Music Awards that I had watched last night. Sheesh! 24 hour kdrama brain. My head is spinning this morning!
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Elle
January 22, 2016 at 8:36 AM
Re: REPLY 1988--OMG. I can't even begin to tell you how much I cried watching the finale. I started to wonder if I might need counseling or something, lol. Why was I that emotionally invested in a drama? I do tend to get teary-eyed a bit and cry sometimes when watching dramas, but it felt like I was crying every other scene. Those darn writers and producers really did a number on us viewers that's for sure.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 11:02 AM
I know, I didn't want anyone else in the household to see me crying so hard. They would have thought I'd lost it, even more than they already do.
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Sancheezy
January 22, 2016 at 8:47 AM
Oh shaolin fist is one of ny fave show..
I love the setting, the master and their journey, i wait it every week
I like how they interact with the other disciple..
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 11:01 AM
Aren't the challenges amazing, and I'm impressed with the cast's ability to keep up. The disciples are cool, so calm but powerful.
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Sancheezy
January 23, 2016 at 3:44 AM
the master also funny, and I like how that one master that punish them because they laugh but the punishment actually will help them to master the technique
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 9:21 AM
YAY! I'm liking Moorim a lot as well. Even with my aforementioned caveats and dislikes. Wondering how he wears that necklace even now. As a kid, did someone not try to steal such a precious thing from him? Even in the orphanage? (Was he in an orphanage? I forgot.)
Questions:
So he has kept this jewel close. Are there any other jewels? And why did the wolf react to it in such a way? Is that the one jewel of power? Does it have power? Are there other jewels with lesser or different degrees of power? Is this about monetary cost or something greater? What is the ultimate goal in the show? What do the teachers want? What does Moorim school want? Is something wrong in the world that needs to be set right? Are we awaiting the savior? Does chaebol's dad owe runaway idol something? And is there some dormant Big Bad in the background, waiting to strike?
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 10:59 AM
Hi Carole,
There are other jewels, as the man who is now in the coma told his wife that he hid the jewels in the mountain hideout (the backstory). I think the jewel has power and the wolf reacted to the gleaming jewel as if he recognized it or it challenged its powers. Chaebol's dad has that charm in the safe, and he is definitely connected to Moorim/man in a coma who is Shi Woo's father (I'm pretty sure)/ - I also think those two men plus blind father and Dean Kwang all know each other from earlier Moorim days. There is a BIG Bad somewhere because the man in a coma fought off someone in the burning mountain hideaway. I wonder if Shi Woo has a latent memory of that person?
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 11:40 AM
Thanks! Loving the mystery! Waiting for the coma victim to get healed and make his son all happy to have found family.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 12:40 PM
I wonder, do you think it's chaebol's father's brother - the guy in the coma - making Shi Woo and Chi Ang cousins??
redfox
January 22, 2016 at 9:37 AM
the finale of R1988 is especially heartbreaking cause they are not keeping the set as a tourist attraction even though they also regret it
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 11:01 AM
True. One of the set places I'd go see if it was preserved if I visited Korea.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 11:43 AM
who doesn´t want to hang out at Taeks´ room? short-sighted.
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julia the berkshire beanie
January 22, 2016 at 10:26 AM
Hi Owl!
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM
Hi JBB - good to see you on OT, it's been a while!
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 10:27 AM
Love triangles and bromance are mutually exclusive
Not if Sassy Go Go has anything to say about it ;)
and I hear you on mourning the end of Answer Me 1988, and the end of Ssangmundong with it. The sequence of the families moving out, and finally Deok-sun standing alone in the alley as her family prepared to leave, had me crying more tears than I'd cried in the entire show before that - and then some more at the shot of the empty alley covered in junk and yellow tape. Perhaps it wasn't the place we mourn, but the end of that community.
(the biggest flaw in 1988 is those damned interview segments, seriously they're pointless and boring and inserted purely for husband hunt trolling. We'd have had a perfectly fine show, and even an A+ husband hunt, without them!)
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 10:50 AM
Definitely mourning the end of that community and way of life. Modernizing has drawbacks, too. I remember my great-grandmother dividing married life by before and after "modernizing" which was recovering the sofa with a brown material that had a sparkly thread running through it and the Duncan Phyffe dining room chairs with Scotch-guard material for easier sipe-up. The pie crust edge coffee table remained, as did the huge TV console. Actually, her living room could have been a set for any one of the Reply dramas.
Memories like that in books or dramas always make me cry.
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 11:08 AM
yeah, there's a bittersweetness to the end of 1988 that's really informed by the fact that we all know most average urban people don't live like that any more, and that's increasingly true no matter where in the world we are.
1988 actually reminded me a lot of my own early childhood and the block of flats my grandparents lived in until they retired - like Jin-joo, I was born in that neighbourhood and spent almost as much time in the neighbours' houses as my grandparents'. That sense of recognition, even from a long time ago, just adds to it.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 11:29 AM
For me, it's just the opposite. We moved around a lot and I rarely interacted with neighbors until I was a teen, although our family was close-knit and included living with an aunt, uncle, and cousin along with my parents and siblings during my early years. So, a more permanent childhood is something I look on with curiosity and can only imagine log-standing ties to people and places. Reply 1988 did a memorable job of that for me.
pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 11:41 AM
really, the neighbourhood experience was one I only had till the age of about 8, so it's a rather distant recognition. After that, like you, my parents moved around a lot and never formed close ties to neighbours the way my grandparents had.. but that was still enough to remember what it used to be like. And I missed it a lot, especially at first - but then I got used to it.
But my grandparents and their neighbours remained friends even after moving, one of our 'block uncles' (as we used to call them) actually came to my grandfather's funeral last year despite his own ill health.
redfox
January 22, 2016 at 11:50 AM
for me, it was the small town Viljandi, where my granny lived, and I spent half a year at her house or more, cause both my parents were working and my dad was abroad most of the time with his choir, so basically just mom, and she tossed me there so she wouldnt have to worry about feeding me. I would find food in the garden. Granny didnt like me, she liked my cousin, I ate lunch and dinner outside on the stairs. but it didnt bother me. the street was sort of a loop, a dead end street and the Circle kids were playing together. we had a lot of fun. but I also liked being on my own and play with flowers and leaves in the garden or talk to frogs or trees. I guess I was the weird kid on the block.
owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 12:12 PM
hi superfox,
I picture you with a little red felt hat and a worn pinafore on as you foraged in the garden and talked with frogs. Like a sad fairy tale. But then the present day museum stories, art, and travels seem much perkier and at least there's food, right?
redfox
January 22, 2016 at 12:29 PM
but you know, it didnt even bother me as a child. I didnt know I am supposed to want more. I mostly ate scallions and strawberries anyway. I have always had a very vivid imagination and get carried away in my fantasy world so often, I did not hear or see anything
and I liked sleeping in a swing hung from the apple tree.
one of the kids I played with is now a baker and always leaves for work before even I get up in summer. something like 3 am...I get up 4.30 for snail termination.
the other one is a criminologist in the police department in that same town. he once caught a pyromaniac who burned down a house of a family with 8 kids. he also helped the family find temporary lodgings and raise money for them
owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 12:44 PM
all fodder for an Estonian drama
22 Elle
January 22, 2016 at 8:00 AM
Hi Cozy. You're watching two great dramas! Nine & Secret Garden. Loved both of them.
Re: Nine--it is soooo mind bending trying to keep track of all the tweaks to the past & present. I keep saying I'm going to rewatch it b/c I'm sure I missed stuff and there is probably a lot to explore. But it's so daunting to contemplate a rewatch. I feel like I have to be in the right frame of mind.
Re: Secret Garden--it's just fun!
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23 kimchikay
January 22, 2016 at 8:15 AM
Started watching Six Flying Dragons and really enjoyed the first episode! I'm looking forward to marathoning the rest.
Cheese in the Trap remains my favorite at the moment - so.much.GOODNESS. I can't even...I'm so glad I'm watching this while it's airing!
Checked out High End Crush- it's the new webdrama with Jung Il Woo and dropped it half way. He's good but Jin Se Yeon is the female lead and she's TERRIBLE. Again, how does this girl land roles amongst some great actors!?!?! *cough*sponsors*cough*
I tried the first episode of Reply 1988 and it was a bit slow for my taste...does it pick up with the rest of the episodes?
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24 pohonphee
January 22, 2016 at 8:48 AM
Is anybody here watching I Have A Lover? :D . Just teasing. Waiting the next episodes to release my inner anger from RL: Bast***, Liars, Excuse me that's your EX-wife, not wife, *slapbi***, that fake innocent lady*. ~~ excuse my language. The joy of watching makjang drama. Hah.
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whatsthescenario
January 22, 2016 at 10:05 AM
I'm actually thinking of starting it this weekend. I hate 50 ep dramas, but if compelled to, then I will wait until the reach at least 40 eps to start watching . Then power watch my way through.
Your reactions are quite funny. You sound like me when I'm watching My Daughter, Geum Sa Wol.
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pohonphee
January 22, 2016 at 2:55 PM
Actually I'm rarely angry in real life (because I'm succes rational everything or I guess it is just kind of repression :p ) or even if I get angry I still can't bring my self cursing anybody, so when I watch makjang sometime I feel like I find my way of channeling my anger. Lol. I've kind of image in my head, I'm cursing the character through my computer screen along with other ajhummas, hjumonnis, halmonies around the k dramaverse. I feel kind of okay doing it cause I found my allies. Muahaha.
Anyway, I Have A Lover came from the same writer who wrote Twinkle-Twinkle (2011), ans I Love that drama, I may watch Scandal: A Shocking and Wrongful Incident. Bring all the makjang! Oy
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25 casserole
January 22, 2016 at 8:51 AM
There was a video of the filming with Na PD on PBG's Twitter account. So cute!
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rhienz
January 22, 2016 at 10:52 AM
what is the account?
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26 HnH
January 22, 2016 at 8:56 AM
It does not pick up. The drama is slice-of-life and sometimes meanders. More romance crisscrossing adds spice later on, but the pace stays the same. I like it for the little moments rather than the sum.
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27 Manin
January 22, 2016 at 9:04 AM
Hi beanies!
Happy friday and long time no see. Things have been hectic in the new job and finding a flat of my own. But i will be moving into a tiny and expencive place sll of my own next week. So yay.
Currently in york for graduation ceremony, but i have new kfdrama toddlers stories for nex weeks OT.
Dramaland:
Reply 1988: I enjoyed taek being the husband. And while i did originally tnk it would be junghwan the guy did "ruin" it for himself. Over sll i think this might be my favorite of the series. Loved how the friendships had the biggest room, though i did miss seeing them actually evolve as a couple, since we kinda missed all thst.
Wild Heroes: cute drama about former delinquents all grown up. Really enjoyed this drama.
Moorim school is on my ever growing list of things to watch.
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CaroleMcDonnell
January 22, 2016 at 10:16 AM
Oh my gosh! Graduation!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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julia the berkshire beanie
January 22, 2016 at 10:24 AM
Hi Carole!
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 10:21 AM
Congratulations Manin!
I'm another one who was rooting for Taek despite assuming that Jung-hwan would be the husband, simply because JH ticked off so many kdrama lead boxes. I found Deok-su/Taek more believable and organically written, though I do agree we should have got more of them as an actual couple.
re: Moorim School - keep your expectations VERY low. It's basically a modern version of Night Watchman's Journal, even pre-production can't cut the cheese.
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 10:58 AM
Congratulations on graduating!
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 12:00 PM
heyyy. congrats! and usually all you will remember from hectic times is that it was a good point in your life.
lets hear from toddlers next time, then! I might have some dramatic stories from the museum, as well (hey, I have one now. there is a viewing platform on top of Maritime museums´ Fat Margaret tower. it is just a medieval tower, but some tourist came down and said: "I found a secret door, but it wont open!" I was like,. what the hell, where? "On the roof! In the middle! cmon, there is just a stone wall... "No, there was a secret passage! Open it!" Why? "I want to see it!" There is nothing there. There is no door. "Yes there is!" wtf he went on forever, convinced that there is a door somewhere on the roof. I don´t know what the heck he saw. )
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28 kmw3
January 22, 2016 at 9:19 AM
Hi Beanies! I hope everybody has a great weekend. I recently moved into a new place and now i have internet so i have a whole big list of things to watch. I swear I was going through Dramabeans and Abnormal Summit withdrawls!
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 11:32 AM
Hi kmw3,
You must be happy to have internet - all the more kdrama opportunities!
Abnormal Summit withdrawals for sure. I catch a raw episode of Where Is My Friend's House once in a while, and even Problematic Men where Tyler is a permanent panel member. It is fun to see Daniel and Sam as Moorim School staff. But I really, really miss the subs for the Abnormal Summit panel, wish so much someone would take on the project of subbing. :) Wouldn't that be amazing!
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29 Ayan
January 22, 2016 at 9:30 AM
Happy OT,
Looking forward to watching the dramas airing this weekend, praying that Signal and MA will be good!!
One More Happy Ending - Loved the fact that Da-in's co-star in Plus Nine Boys had a cameo in the first episode and the SeeSaw couple in WGM. Didn't like the merchant selling fake jewellery on the streets, thought they could have come up with something much more imaginative and interesting. Hopefully the next episode focuses more on the friendship between the former angels.
All about my Mom -
Now it's been extended to 54 episodes, eight episodes to go, I think my sister and I will play bingo. Hye-joo whimpering again - Check. Hyung-gyu with no sense yet again - Check. How did he become a lawyer, isn't that a profession where you have to be intuitive?
Glad to see that Doo-shim got recognition for her acting with the daesang award. CR, HJ are the only characters left who I don't feel like killing at the moment.
Variety
WGM - it is jarring to see Oh Min-suk being so nice in the show, given he plays a total jerk in WGM. Suprised that Ye-won hasn't made a cameo and happy to see that she opened her own gallery.
Running Man-I watched Turbo's comeback song~ Again, great to see that Yoo Jae Suk was singing and Kwang-soo, tae-hyun dancing in the music video.
Also went to see The Danish girl and Room at the cinema, very difficult and moving films, I can see why they have been so acclaimed.
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30 teesui
January 22, 2016 at 9:30 AM
Seung Gi's enlisting on Feb 5.
=[
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Ayan
January 22, 2016 at 9:43 AM
I know :(
Have you listened to his new single -''I'm going to the Military'. At least we can look forward to his comeback, I wonder what role he will choose to do next.
On the bright side Yoon-Shi Yoon is back, can't wait to see what his next project is.
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teesui
January 22, 2016 at 11:28 AM
At least we got Yoo Seung Ho back, and Yoon So Yoon is coming back in a few days.
when the rest of the '86 and '87s go, it'll be sad. Joo Won, Ji Chang Wook, Yoo Ah In.........
Sighzzzzz
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 11:34 AM
Welcome back, Seung Ho and Yoon Shi Yoon (love them)! Take care Seunggi, we won't forget you until you return!
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31 joykim
January 22, 2016 at 9:40 AM
Reply 1998: Marathoned it after 16eps were released. Believe I weeped in every ep for its heartwarming story. Like many others, watched with my heart for Taek but brains hinting JH. Finally so happy to be Taeken. Park Bo Geum first wowed me in Nodame Cantabile and then I Remember You. Hence I very quickly shipped him in 1998.
Cheese In The Trap: Lucky to have this replace my 1998 blues. Reading the webtoon but can't feel much. Way prefer the live action characterization. Kim Go Eun is simply fantastic in her quirky nerdy self doubting role. She reminds me of another new gem discovery Park Bo Young from Oh My Ghostess.
Moorim School: Saw the banner at dramacool and thought it starred Park Bo Geum. So half way into ep 1, I started doubting the not on par acting from PBG. Half way into ep 2, I frustratingly googled and found out it's Lee Hyun Woo instead. Anyone else think they look alike? Was going to give up for it's super cheesiness, but glad ep 3 & 4 started picking up.
One More Happy Ending: She looks like 17 in that embarrassing MV! Jang Nara and Jang Hyuk brought me to a new world of kdramas with Bright Girl Success Story in 2002. Always thought the pair as good performers but it wasn't until Fated To Love You that they both blew me away with their skills. I enjoyed the cutesy Tdrama leads but the Kdrama leads were superb in such a cheesy drama.
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32 whatsthescenario
January 22, 2016 at 10:13 AM
My Daughter, Geum Sa Wol
How is this drama consistently getting +30% ratings each weekend???
I started watching it this week. Power watched my way through, once I became familiar with the character, plot lines, etc.
I'm quite late to comment about it.
But how is Geum Sa Wol so very 'not bright' by now. When she presented all the evidence at the Chairman's banquet, how the hell is SHE the one arrested (or kicked out)???
Why does she keep telling all the wrong people what her next move will be and they always beat her to it???
Why the hell would you NOT tell Junkyard Ahjussi or your housemate Seon Hoon (sp) about that evil b*tch Hye Sang by now???
What is with all these men abusing women - slapping them, choking them, pushing them ... and no one says anything about it (I wish some mutheff*** would lay a hand on me).
This is why I often skip the long makjang dramas. I mean, there's only but so much evil my heart can take b4 I start getting furious for no reason. It's not good the heart ;-)
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33 pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 10:18 AM
So I finally finished Answer Me 1988..... never mind the Deok-sun love line, I'd consider myself a very, very lucky woman if at 50 I had friends like the three Ssangmundong ajummas, they felt so real. And the final shot of the empty alley just ruins me. And that initial tag line proved to be more accurate than we even realise - the true and last love in this show really was family. In all the noise about Jung-hwan, it's easy to ignore that, but it's the truth. (though there are imperfections, and some things - even elements I love - could have been executed better). And I SO look forward to Park Bo-gum's next project!
dropped Moorim School, since it is a show of which I must, as the saying goes, expect little and forgive much. Too much for me, though.
Cheese in the Trap - There's an odd balance to this one that keeps me hooked, and hooked hard. I've only read season 1 of the webtoon so I'm treating this as a drama on its own merits, and it seriously is fantastic. Before the drama I was wondering how Park Hae-jin and Kim Go-eun would feel together onscreen, but their chemistry really shines despite the relative lack of skinship (and even Seol's greater ease around In-ho). They couldn't have been more perfectly cast, and Kim Go-eun makes such a fantastic Seol, I'm wondering which drunk monkey on the casting team thought of offering this role to Suzy first. Thank god for good sense prevailing and the production holding out for Kim Go-eun.
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azkaa
January 22, 2016 at 10:28 AM
"drunk monkey" :p
I don't think i suppose to laugh but this gets me LOL
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 10:44 AM
I'm glad I gave you a laugh, lol. But yeah, there's a yawning chasm between the skill levels of Suzy and Kim Go-eun, and imo the only way someone could possibly offer a role like Seol to someone who's known for mainly looking vacant onscreen, is impaired judgement. Like maybe alcohol, or drugs, or being hit really hard on the head. We really do owe the Korean webtoon fans one for preventing that.
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 10:45 AM
Let's use that from now - if someone's badly cast, it was definitely "alcohol, drugs, or being hit really hard on the head." LOL
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34 julia the berkshire beanie
January 22, 2016 at 10:23 AM
Hi Beanies!
How are you today?
Check out my website for articles about Korean bridal robes and Korean knots.
Haven't seen a Kdrama since I turned off my internet in November, so going into withdrawal. I am still plugging away at Memrise flashcards so I don't forget the 400 or so Korean words I have learned using my phone.
I also just finished learning the 215 Chinese radicals. Chinese characters seem so much easier. I think all dsylexics should learn Chinese. I am faster recalling the chinese characters than reading the english answers now.
Anyone know of coloring books related to Korean dramas/actors?
I got a beautiful coloring book "Secret Tokyo" for Christmas. Whiling away my free time coloring, water coloring, and zen tangling.
Be well everyone. Just wanted to say hi!
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 10:55 AM
oh you are patient! I'm not great with colouring as I can't seem to stop from going over the edges, unless I move really slowly, and I'm too impatient!
Good luck with the Chinese words - they're a bugger. Once you forget them, you just do - it's not like words where you can play with alphabets and sort of get it by guessing!
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 12:02 PM
thank you, always game for some cultural education! gonna check it out right now!
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35 Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 10:43 AM
Sticking it out with 32 degree heat - very hot and humid, except when it poured down today. When it rains in the tropics, it doesn't piddle away like in Europe, but really lets it all down.
Am doing a bit of a mad runaround in real life with art week - lots of conferences, exhibitions, art fairs. The brain is overloaded with stimuli - so only have done these so far:
Moire School - watched the next two episodes.
The fight between the boys, imagined as very cool, and turned out to be pretty much like two girls slapping and pulling at each other was brilliant. It's definitely meant not for one to take it too seriously. It's still somewhat slapped together - the whole section with the wolf just didn't work for me, but it's sort of fun and silly enough. The last chicken backhug scooter ride was pretty sweet.
Managed to catch Six Flying Dragons. it's still really good. Kinda sad to see Bang Won start to move over.
Am downloading CITT for watching on the plane.
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 10:44 AM
Oh, and will be stocking up on Korean beauty care stuff while I'm here - it seems to be all the rage over here, and friends say the quality is good and it's much much cheaper than European brands.
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 10:51 AM
yes, Korean beauty stuff is fantastic - I have my own non-Korean beauty routine (you will tear my Ayurvedic oils from my cold dead hands) but Korean and Japanese brands do the best face washes and sunscreens. Especially the latter, they go on lighter than most Western brands and are so much easier to wear.
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 10:54 AM
Yes!! The sunscreens, and also the emulsions - which is basically a very light fluid version of moisturiser, are fantastic. Not that heavy cream that clogs the pores, but keeps the skin fresh.
Also love those funny sheet masks things - nothing like wearing one while watching a drama, and scaring the boy when he walks in the door.
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 11:43 AM
Hi dramapanda,
I happened upon a grocery outlet in town that sells those masks for 69 cents each - a real bargain. I noticed the supply dwindling (although I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who grabs a handful every couple of weeks) and bought a box of 24. There are only a few boxes left on the shelf. Unfortunately, when they're gone, there's no telling if they will ever get them again. I also bought up the supply of facial mist and it's never returned. Last time I found BB cream made in Korea for $1.99. It's very nice, grabbed 3. The emulsions you describe sound lovely.
pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 10:48 AM
I know what you mean about tropical rain - I love it when we have torrents of it, when I was younger we used to run to the windows every time the season's first rain came. That smell of rain hitting dust is still one of my favourite smells ever.
Moorim School is, as I said above, the kind of drama of which one has to expect little and forgive a lot. But if it's smart and self-aware enough to know how dumb and cheesy it is, it might actually make something work in a camp way. But for now..... I'm out. I have rather limited patience for budget special effects and "wolves" that look so obviously like dogs.
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Kween Ramyeon
January 22, 2016 at 10:52 AM
Yes, that kind of rain is just more...satisfying. Like let it ALL out... Then suddenly, it's cool and everything smells fresher.
There was a really cool umbrella sold in one of the museums today - had these calligraphy strokes all over a transparent almost mushroom shaped brolly - so cute. But soooo expensive. So I let myself be rained in and stayed in the museum for another hour. Not bad, got to go round the whole collection.
Oh yes, also downloading the last two subbed episodes of Reply 1988. I need some special time just with that whole show when I get back.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 12:19 PM
pogo, the "rain hitting dust" smell is presumably made by bacteria living in the soil that gets active when it senses growing humidity in the air before the rain, and works full gear after the rain. hence the smell - it is not just wet soil. I love it, too, as a garden-keeper, it means the soil is ready to help my veggies grow. if the soil doesnt have that smell, it is bad - then the fertility of it has gone down and it should rest and heal a couple of years.
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 12:29 PM
yes, I know it has a chemical name - petrichor. I didn't know it was an actual sign of soil fertility though, I learned something new today!
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 1:09 PM
it is because she soil needs bacteria to dissolve and create nutrients. they disappear with too much fertilizer and, in general, chemicals, pesticides and stuff. in the soil. thats the reason why megafields are so poisoned. most of the worlds´ food is actually growing on "dead soil" where nothing would ever grow at all without tons of chemicals.
not even sure if that soil can ever be restored to health without growing a forest on it for the next 100 years or so.
36 azkaa
January 22, 2016 at 10:52 AM
So, i still haven't even started my new year's resolution which is watching Reply 1988. The whole Junghwaned fiasco (especially the twitter rampant) kinda scarred me for good that i am so reluctant to pick it up now, no matter how much i love Park Bo Gum.
Finished binge-watching:
Wonderful Mama
48 ep sounds terrifying so i end up fast-forwarding half of it. The first half is a bit draggy, makjang-y plot and enough dose of noble idiocy but what to expect from weekend drama anyway. But the second gets sooo much better that i find it entertaining. Jung Yoomi is so different here compared to SFD's Yeonhee but so is Park Bo Gum (such a bundle of cuteness, he is). The main lead romance kinda meh though and i find Kim Ji Seok - Lee Chung Ah romance more interesting.
My life is kinda messy now that i find it even stressful to watch any serious drama, hence i decided to stop watching Six Flying Dragons. Feeling so guilty for this tbh so i fast-forwarding the last two episodes and it's already draining me emotionally. It has been intense 30 ep and i kinda find it tiring, anyone feeling the same?
Dear Lee Bangji, i am sorry T_T
On the other hand i pick up Cheese in the Trap!! Crossing finger for i always wary watching airing drama, though the fact that it's pre-produced is so assuring. Am i the only one who expect Park Hae Jin to have deep, dark secret here or doing bad things? Guess even after 2 years Bad Guys still leaves me deep impression.
Anyway have a good weekend everyone!
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 22, 2016 at 11:14 AM
Don't be afraid of 1988 - it is actually a really good show, and despite some flaws, it's about way more than just the husband hunt. It's just that the husband hunt is what shippers chose to fixate on. You'd be missing out on a really lovely cast of parents (not to mention, Park Bo-gum!) if you let Twitter scare you off this one!
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Mev
January 22, 2016 at 11:28 AM
I would have to agree with you even though I was totally junghwaned. The whole neighbourhood is amazing and personally I loved the elder generation more.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 12:15 PM
also, there are so many different type of relationships to follow, that choosing the husband game is just a choice some people made and drove themselves into obsession, while they could route for:
Jin Joo and Taek appa
Bo Ra and Dad
Sun Woo and Taek Appa
Sun Woo and Taek brothermance
Deok-Sun and Mom ( which is ALWAYS the most difficult of all relationships, many tears can fall, lots of frustration, but in the end, the strongest bond)
Jung Hwan and Taeks´ friendship. I cant even express it. it is that golden friendship, where it is impossible that a thought even crosses their minds it CAN be shaken.
Jin Joo and Taek- nagging. LOL so funny. like a miniature Deok Sun
the ajummas
plus also what is great about this drama: there are no villains, no grudges, no revenge plots, no aggressive jealousy, no slapping (well, almost), instead it is full of all the positive things you can think of. sharing and caring.
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rhienz
January 22, 2016 at 12:33 PM
no slapping, but lot of hitting and kicking. LOL.
cant get enough of R88. *tears*
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azkaa
January 23, 2016 at 11:08 PM
Thanks for the encouragement, guys! i guess i really need hard push for R88 this time ahahaha.
Yep the fixation over husband-hunting is annoyingly frustrating and the fans doesn't make it easier but i'll squeeze this on my watch list.
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37 Alice
January 22, 2016 at 11:02 AM
Guys, can we talk about Lee Seunggi going to the army on 1 Feb? ;;; he just released a song called "I'm going to the army"...go listen to it, and tell me if your heart doesn't just break in the chorus when he sing 기다리다 ~~just wait~~~
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38 Sajen
January 22, 2016 at 1:53 PM
I don't get the love for Answer Me 1988, I really don't. I liked it ok at first, although I never loved it like 97 and 94, but as the weeks went on it became more and more of a struggle for me to watch to the point that I didn't even watch the last 2 to 3 weeks.
While I did defend Hyeri at first as not ruining the show, I think ultimately she and or the writer is the one that ruined it for me. See what I loved most about 97 and 94 was the strong female lead in the form of Sung Shi-won and Sung Na-jung played by Jung Eun-ji and Go Ara respectively and just the awesomeness of both the characters and actresses. So I don't know if the writer ruined the character by deciding to focus on a community, although I doubt that as most of the other characters were fantastic, or the more likely conclusion that Hyeri just couldn't give her what she needed. That would be evidenced by the fact I never thought Hyeri had more chemistry with either male lead.
I saw an interview recently I think on Soompi where the staff said they'd keep going with the Answer Me franchise as long as it's popular. So I'm guessing there will be a fourth series, I'm crossing my fingers for a setting of 2000 and a return of the heroine type of 97 and 04.
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redfox
January 22, 2016 at 2:02 PM
she might not have been strong on her own, but she was strong in combination with other characters. and I really didnt miss one single main heroine at all. I really liked the community set-up cause it is closer to life that way. focusing on just two or three is pretty unrealistic
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39 Fuujin
January 22, 2016 at 1:57 PM
Hello all. This is my first time posting on the open thread. I have a totally random query, which I hope isn't violating any rules. I recently finished Liar Game (love, love, love) and was hoping to follow up with with an equally edgy, thrilling show. I settled on Bad Guys after reading the first recap. But I can't figure out how/where to watch it. I'm in the US. Dark Smurf has English subs, but only when the screen is minimized. Can anyone direct me to a version with English subs that is available to stream in the US? I would be forever grateful. Thanks!
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40 owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 2:22 PM
http://dramacool.cc/drama-detail/bad-guys
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Fuujin
January 22, 2016 at 3:17 PM
Thank you, Owl! You're the best. I'm much obliged, especially as I'm about to be snowed in for the foreseeable future!
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owl 🦉 🫰
January 22, 2016 at 4:44 PM
Another good drama is Cruel City Heartless City).
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Fuujin
January 22, 2016 at 8:38 PM
Great! Thank you for the tip. I'll definitely check it out.
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41 Nads
January 22, 2016 at 5:54 PM
Watching CITT has made me want to go back and read the webtoon, and I love it just as much the second time. I still have no clue what direction the author is planning on taking it, but at this point I like where the characters are and I can appreciate how much they've all changed from the beginning.
Drama-wise, I think casting was spot-on. Jung was a character that didn't really appeal to me (though I understand what Seol sees in him) but Park Hae-jin makes him kind of swoony, and I was actually a little surprised to find myself liking him and his awkward approach with Seol. He still crosses the line a bit too much for my liking, and his behavior hints at an inability to empathize, but for now I'm just going to enjoy the ride.
And In-ho! I loved him in the webtoon, and I love him even more now. I honestly didn't expect much from Seo Kang joon, but boy did he surprise me. He plays In-ho exactly as I'd imagined, albeit with a softer edge. His friendship with Seol is one of his only redeeming aspects - because, honestly, without that he's just a brash, loud-mouthed, violent kid with a sad past - and is one of my favorite relationships in the drama/webtoon. I hope they keep it up, and fingers crossed for no live triangle!
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Nads
January 22, 2016 at 5:57 PM
*love triangle
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42 twocents
January 22, 2016 at 6:36 PM
One More Happy Ending is unexpectedly so gooooddd. I havent watched any of Jung Kyung Ho previous works but he's charming in this drama and Kwon Yul is just adorable. Why are you the second lead again?? sigh.
Anyway, I'm just all giddy waiting for Monday and Tuesday bcs of CITT. I am totally addicted to it. Also, can anyone suggests me any websites that talks about kdrama fashion wardrobe? Especially for CITT bcs I need to check out what Hong Seol is wearing because her outfits are so amazing, simple coordinates but so flattering. Thank you in advance!
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43 noromancepls
January 22, 2016 at 10:11 PM
Coming out just because of Cheese in The Trap.
OH my god.
I only ever watch the crack dramas and this one is SLAYING ME.
It's made me wonder what is better...
The anticipation and excitement waiting for new episodes to come out? Discussing the cliffhangers and cute moments right after watching the episodes?
OR...
Just making note of a potential crack drama and waiting until it's fully aired. Then watching it all at once. Netflix style.
I never thought I'd say this but Monday can't come soon enough.
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44 newgirl
January 22, 2016 at 10:46 PM
Late to the OT, as always. Even on the Fridays that I wake up early, I'm just too much of a bear, not the teddy kind, to post anything before 2 cups of coffee. By then, I've been busy at work for hours. The last 12 days I've had only one day off, but managed to finish AM88 and keep up with CITT.
I'm going to miss the whole neighborhood of AM88. I never cared who DS was going to end up with, just wanted to see a satisfying ending for everyone, and that we got. I appreciated the focus on character development and family, as I felt the other shows in the series started slipping when the focus fed the shipping wars. I was annoyed that I couldn't watch it until Monday night, but as a result I avoided the recaps and comments, and that allowed me a little more freedom to enjoy sans shipper frenzy.
CITT is surprising me. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I do. I like Kim Go-eun's look, and think the writer and actors are doing a good job of maintaining the mystery and resulting tension in the relationships. I haven't yet found a site where the entire webtoon is available (in English), so may hold off anyway until I finish watching the show.
And finally, YAY! A new podcast!!!
Thanks jb and gf for all you do!
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45 curly
January 23, 2016 at 12:45 AM
Hello to all beanies.
It's my first time joining an Open Thread.
But I've been watching Kdramas since 2012.
Secret Garden is one of my firsts and one of the best for me.
I've been into habit of drama late night binges.
Then since I'm already working, i'm into airing dramas during 2015.
I'm currently watching
Remember - adoring the great acting skills of Seung-ho. And it's great to see a manly role for him.
CITT - its a fresh feeling for me to be watching dramas in college setting. I got hooked up coz of the mysterious character of Yoo Jung sunbae. and i kinda relate to Hong Hong. :)
One More Happy Ending - honestly i'm excited for this coz of the unique role/appearance of Yoo In Na. Though i only watched Jang Nara in School 2013, i think this drama is gonna be great. Been laughing and clapping (a habit) while watching the first two episodes.
I just wanna ask you all beanies here, why i should watch AM1988? I'm still considering if I'll do a marathon of this drama. Need some of your thoughts! :)
BTW. It breaks my heart that most of my favorite actors will be enlisted this year. Huhu. Seung gi, Ji Chang wook, Joo Won.
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redfox
January 23, 2016 at 2:36 AM
you should watch Reply 1988 because there are a lot of heartwarming moments, and every character has their own conflicts and dilemmas. You should get to know them, because all of these people are special in their own way. To learn about friendship, sharing, compassion... of course you should get to know Taek, the genius baduk played, who cannot tie his shoelaces or plug a kettle.
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curly
January 23, 2016 at 2:41 AM
Thanks for the response redfox. :)
I only watched the episode 1 but find it too slow and boring sometime. But I was also touched with the scene when duk seon appeared on TV as picket girl. Well, i guess it's a heartwarming drama about families. Will try to watch the next episode. Thanks again. :)
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46 john
January 23, 2016 at 2:00 AM
Sad news with the passing of Mic Gillette, founding member of soul-R&B powerhouse Tower of Power. Mic played trumpet and trombone in TOP's legendary horn section.
Thanks for the memorable music.
What Is Hip?
You're Still A Young Man
So Very Hard To Go
Down To The Nightclub
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47 twocents
January 23, 2016 at 3:13 AM
I just have to comment twice to praise Kdrama Gods that now this year of 2016 I'm truly enjoying new series of dramas. It's like endless! Cable TV dramas especially give high expectations and guess what? they actually meet them.
Okay so now, the real reason why Ive got to comment twice is because SIGNAL! Is this even worth to be called as produced in drama quality? First episode got me hooked! Hopefully it's not too early to say this, but please let this drama be awesome. So guys please watch SIGNAL. YOU HAVE TO GIVE IT A TRY (hehe sorry not sorry for the capslock)
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Kiara
January 23, 2016 at 9:17 AM
Hoping someone would recap it.
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Kiara
January 23, 2016 at 9:31 AM
Love the 1st eps already. This is going to be another hit for tvN. Rating is already at 6.3%.
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iamdeb
January 23, 2016 at 10:23 AM
I wonder if Signal will be Korea's True Detective!
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48 Anna
January 23, 2016 at 12:19 PM
Anyone else having trouble accessing recaps? All I get is a header and a blank screen, no matter which drama I choose.
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Kiara
January 23, 2016 at 1:05 PM
I do too. I'm not sure why.
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elric
January 23, 2016 at 4:23 PM
I can access new drama recaps but the old ones, like Level 7 Civil Servant, I'm only seeing the header.
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49 iamdeb
January 23, 2016 at 8:51 PM
I'm so excited to watch AM 88 with my mom. I wanted to wait till it had finished airing so I wouldn't get caught up in the husband guessing game TOO much (I know I will still be up in my feelings about it when the time comes haha).
The reason I'm so excited is because, it's another drama I get to watch with her since it's centered on family and relationships and I feel like it will be a sweet reminder of an area we lived in around the same era as the drama. We used to live in a building that was occupied mostly by families with kids and my mother was close with quite a few of the moms and us kids would play together all the time. I am too young to remember details but she reminisces about it from time to time.
I'm also really curious as to who she will ship with the female lead because she tends to be VERY vocal about characters and who the female lead ends up with!
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50 alasecond
January 28, 2016 at 11:15 PM
Just started r88.. my first of reply series.. n cant believe show is indeed amazing..
ah ! interpersonal dynamics of all forms are same across time spans/generations/decades
so is r94 n r97 worth trying? or is r88 the best n others will be dissapointing?.. which one should i try after i complete 88?
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