Team Dramabeans: What we're watching » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

294 August 20, 2016April 6, 2017

Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

by DB Staff

Another week, another Team Dramabeans check-in!

I’m feeling the lull now that this crop of shows has started to wind down, and even shows I’d enjoyed thoroughly are staring to lose their luster. Or maybe it’s just that I’m sick of being stuck in bed with nothing to do other than watch dramas. That probably doesn’t sound like much of a problem, but drama fatigue is real! On the upside, this makes me look forward to the upcoming crop of shows even more. The premieres can’t come soon enough! –javabeans

javabeans

Age of Youth: The show has really picked up, and has now found a nice balance between its light and dark sides. This is a case where the characters are better together than they are individually, and the maknae couple in particular is a highlight — they’re so cute and awkward and silly in their romance.

Cinderella and the Four Knights: It’s a cute, light show, and just the type of easy rom-com that usually flies by for me. But either I’m not quite in the mood or it’s not quite as sharp as I’d wanted; it’s just a titch more immature than I’d expected. Though in a surprise twist, I actually like Ahn Jae-hyun in this — more than (gasp!) Jung Il-woo, which is something I never thought I’d say. But it’s early and there’s plenty of time for twists and reversals…

After the Show Ends: Ah! Is So-hee going to give up on Suk-jin? I don’t blame her, because he’s so frustratingly opaque and never gives her much to go on, and while I don’t think he’s doing it to jerk her around intentionally, that’s the effect. I want him to watch the broadcasts and kick himself in retrospect. (And maybe feel spurred to actually put himself out there.) I did enjoy how Bo-hyun sort of pressed Yura for some sort of a straight answer, and more than any declaration or denial, her stammering and flustered reaction seemed pretty telling.

Doctors: I’m so close to the end, but I feel like I just… can’t… get there. I’ve never made it to the last week of a drama and given up without seeing the ending… but somehow I don’t feel like this is a drama whose ending will change much.

W–Two Worlds: The show initially blew me over with its inventive story and what seemed like airtight mythology. Now we’re well into the show and have been thrown twist after twist, and I’m starting to see glimmers of cracks and I’m questioning the plot more — but even so, my liking for the show hasn’t diminished, because the characters have me invested. I’m just rooting for this couple to break through time and space to be able to exist in the same dimension together. Surely this can’t be an impossible request, no? (Don’t answer that.)

Uncontrollably Fond: The writer rewarded terrible Haru by making Jik like her back — this show is dead to me now. Worse yet, I don’t understand the main character’s angst. I could understand the first time he struggled with his feelings and had to push away the girl he loved, and even the second time. Now, though? It’s like he has amnesia and is reliving the same conflict over and over. Slowly. Painfully. He’s just going to suffer and then die, isn’t he?

Wanted: This drama has single-handedly justified all those jokes we’ve made over the years about the killer humidifiers running rampant in dramaland. It’s too bad the show couldn’t capitalize on its interesting premise, and the more we learned of the mystery and the villain, the less compelling it got. It didn’t help that Kim Ah-joong’s acting was so frustrating that it blocked me from caring.

girlfriday

Currently recapping: W–Two Worlds

Doctors: Still watching. Still bored.

Bring It On, Ghost: This show was an easy watch when things were light and fun, but I definitely felt the slowdown when the angst kicked up. I’m kind of sad that the drama isn’t as irreverent as the webtoon, but I’m hoping for a strong finish.

The Good Wife: I let myself get really behind on this one and finally had some time to marathon a bunch of episodes this week, and let me tell you—I picked a REALLY good week to get caught up. That was some payoff right there.

Age of Youth: Things got really fun when when the maknae roommate finally got a loveline with that adorable sunbae of hers. They’re so dorky and bumbling and bad at romance in the most endearing way; their love story makes my day.

Cinderella and the Four Knights: Why does this drama feel so dated? It’s an easy, frothy watch with a classic setup—plucky Candy meets haughty F3—but it feels like a drama that should’ve been (or already was) made ten years ago. Is it retro, or is it just old?

gummimochi

After the Show Ends: This series is an unexpected addition to my current overflowing watchlist, but I’m hooked (thanks for the rec, javabeans!). I hone in on the fleeting moments of probable genuine emotions mixed in the one-sided crushes, like how Min-hyuk just wants So-hee to look at him when she’s busy flirting with Suk-jin. And really, who could blame her when Oppa is courteous but also teases her about the smallest things? Not only that, Suk-jin claims that he doesn’t know a thing about fashion, and yet he wears a simple cashmere sweater with effortless ease and confidence. Man maketh hotness.

Wanted: I keep wondering to myself whether this show could’ve been better if the writing had held on to the big reveal for two more episodes rather than show its hand earlier than they were prepared for. What could’ve been a wonderfully complex conspiracy fizzles out by the finale with an oversimplified case that cost the lives of characters no one ever should’ve risked.

The Good Wife: I’ve barely scratched the surface with Episode 1, but I do like what I’ve seen so far. I’ll check back in at a future time to report (or rave) about Yoon Kye-sang.

W–Two Worlds: This show makes me question everything I know about my own reality — or rather, what I don’t yet know. Just like every other previous week, this week’s episodes were crazier than the last. I would say more, but I’m not sure if saying something will alter everything I’ve believed to be real. Oh, and stay strong, Su-bong — we love you.

tineybeanie

Five Kids: Meh. It’s gotten draggy. Why do family and makjang dramas run longer than they have to? I’d be perfectly content with a tighter and shorter run if the main plotline’s conflict were sufficiently resolved. It seems like after the lead characters’ story arc is over, these types of dramas just go into rehashing not-so-important tangents just to fill up the remainder of their episodes.

W–Two Worlds: Hmmm… I’m really confused. I don’t think I’m smart enough for this show. So which universe controls which? How do the portals work? So if everything was a dream, does Han Hyo-joo go back in time as well in her world? Why aren’t there people looking for her when she’s missing in her world because she’s with Kang Chul in the manhwaverse? Rawr. I’m just so confuzzled. Someone help me — preferably Kang Chul’s real-world alter ego, Lee Jong-seok.

The Producers: With IU and Gong Hyo-jin both coming back to dramaland soon (Fighting Scarlet Heart! Fighting Jealousy Incarnate!), I thought that I would marathon this again. I loved it the first time, and it gave me even more feels the second time. Dear drama gods, please make more mockumentary style shows! At some point, they’re bound to catch on with the Korean audience.

mary

Age of Youth: There’s something beautiful about a cucumber-worshiping perverted single lady teaching me to not judge people without knowing their circumstances in life.

Pinocchio: I started it to fill the Lee Jong-suk-shaped hole in my heart (thanks, Olympics). The fact that it’s such a great show is a pleasant bonus. Then again, it’s from the writer of Dream High, I Hear Your Voice, and Page Turner so I shouldn’t have been surprised that it’s populated with flawed but lovable heroines, and villains you understand, and “fake” families that are more family-ish than biological k-drama families. (I’m only on Episode 6 so please avoid spoilers in comments. Thanks!)

W–Two Worlds: I feel one with Crazy Dog when he celebrated the return of the thriller part of the manhwa. Even if I like romance in my shows and flailed at the cute in Episodes 7-8, it’s hard to concentrate on being happy when there’s a killer lurking out there. (Besides, I am tired of being teased that Chul likes #4 when he doesn’t deliver anyway. *pouts*)

chocolatte

Currently recapping: Age of Youth

The Good Wife: I was making sounds that only dogs could hear by the end of Episode 12. Everything about that final sequence was masterfully done, from the decidedly undramatic way Hye-kyung found out about Joong-won’s second voicemail, to the elevator scene (a nice callback, by the way, to elevator stalling scenes earlier in the series.) It’s so satisfying to see Hye-kyung stand up for herself and grab what she wants. Team Joong-won, forever and ever!

W–Two Worlds: I can’t get over how horrifying this no-name no-face villain is. Just when I thought he can’t get any scarier, he’s in Yeon-joo’s world with the ability to freaking teleport wherever he wants in search of his target? I’m so confused about the rules of the game, but the story’s still gripping and like nothing else I’ve seen.

SailorJumun

Currently recapping: Age of Youth

W–Two Worlds: With this show, I see no flaws, I hear no flaws — I’m too immersed in sheer k-drama bliss. I actually have to restrain myself from spilling all my love for it into a 50-page essay. And I know very well that 90 percent of that essay would consist of Lee Jong-seok and his goddamn forehead kisses.

Five Kids: I can’t believe this show is already coming to an end. It feels like it was only yesterday when Mi-jung was manically cackling over Sang-tae holding her hand for the first time. Maybe we could get just a few more episodes of them and their adorable family? No? Okay…

Doctors: I think I can live with this one ending. Sorry, Doctor Hye-jung, but I’m ready to escape this hospital.

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51 ET

August 20, 2016 at 9:20 PM

I feel like a slob watching W. It's so out of this world, pun intended, that I give up theorizing about it. I gave up reading the comment sections of the recaps too although I am sure I will have some of my questions answered or maybe get flummoxed by even more questions thrown up. Still, I am enjoying the show even though I sense there are logic gaps and flaws if I think harder.

Age of Youth! There, I was, thinking that ep 9 was quite slow despite an interesting/worrying revelation about Eun Jae's story. Then Han Ye Ri blew me away. Gaahhh....I seldom cry but I did.

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saranga

August 21, 2016 at 3:05 AM

same here. i'm not thinking too hard about W, though i've read comments regarding supposed plot holes...

normally i love picking apart the really good shows like W (certainly lots of meat to pick at!), but i've been oddly content to just sit back and watch this one. probably the heat is zapping all my energy. and also, time travel stuff has always been beyond me. i stopped watching nine because it got too complicated after awhile.

i'll probably analyze it once the series is completely finished. for right now, it's just too hot and too complicated, and i'm more than well entertained by what i'm seeing.

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ET

August 21, 2016 at 7:35 AM

I just love shows like W and Nine where there's a lot of meat in them although I don't always understand everything. Give me these any time over shows that have no plot or don't make sense. I always read that people just like to unwind at the end of the day and so it doesn't matter if the show is just fluff. Doesn't work for me. A show doesn't need to be always mind boggling but at least it must have a reasonable story line. I can also go to the extreme and watch some inane slapstick. I just can't do in between - shows which have nothing much going on but pretending to be some moralistic or profound stuff.

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52 yayabean

August 20, 2016 at 9:49 PM

After reading about what the Dramabeans team is watching, i now know for sure that i did well in not watching Doctors and Uncontrollably Fond.

Thank you DB team for your guidance.

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53 Flightey Gazelles

August 20, 2016 at 11:05 PM

Lmao!! I shall invest in said project and when you're feelind dizzy from all the slow mo and falling into pretty boys arms, I offer you the CITT reaction to the slow mo and falling in pretty boy arms after been saved from the Vehicle Of Doom. It was hilarious and a classic! Ah that drama,fond memories.*constricts chest*

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Flightey Gazelles

August 21, 2016 at 1:31 PM

Yeee! This was @Curious.

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54 anna96

August 20, 2016 at 11:09 PM

I think to understand W you really need to step back and think because in earlier episode Yeon Joo said alot of times that the TIME between her world and W world is different again in recent episodes she stayed in W world for a looooong time but it was just one night in her own world. The reason why noone noticed it, thats because she's a surgeon her mother would have thought she was in hospital, and other people would have thought that she was somewhere else.
In the latest episode (9) they were telling how the story would end but the killer when he saw his face on TV he teleported to the real world to get that face before the artists could even draw him with his face.
For TELETRANSPORTATION i think that yeon joo is like Alice and when the W world needs her she gets teleported to that world, its not about Kang chul but about W world itself, she's like saviour or artist of that world (maybe?). The killer can teleport when he wants because he learned it when the portal was opened for the first time, and also like kang chul said that killer has no contest he was just a set-up and thats why he can move freely also because he cant just disappear from the story because he still has his motivation.
I keep on thinking about Alice in Wonderland while watching this show, and how this all just might be a dream or hallucination of Yeon Joo since she loved Kang chul and W so much. Also i predict a similar ending, aka happy-not-happy ending. Its pretty obvious that the 2 leads wont end up together :( even thought i hope that'll happen.

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55 Elle

August 20, 2016 at 11:24 PM

W is one of the best dramas I've seen, and I'm extremely picky about dramas. I'm voracious consumer of fantasy novels and I'm obssessive over world-building, but I'm surprised by the comments about plotholes because so far everything that happened had been developed organically from previous events. Of course, this is a drama where the unwritten rules of creative writing are deconstructed, inverted, or gleefully stomped on so perhaps that's the cause of the confusion.

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56 enkeys

August 20, 2016 at 11:26 PM

The Good Wife - While everyone is raving over Yoon Kye-sang, I just can't stop the praises coming out from my mouth for Yoo Ji-tae. He embodies Lee Tae-joon oh so perfectly he gives me shivers.

Five Children - I have a soft spot for this show, it's like having an iced coffee at the end of a marathon (a breezy show in the midst of complicated shows like The Good Wife) so I don't get why some people think it's draggy heh.

Misaeng - Second time watching, still as good as ever.

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hyades

August 21, 2016 at 2:50 PM

Try Cheese in trap. For me, it is as good as Misaeng. If you like drama shows people with different personalities, cheese in trap is one of these dramas

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57 saranga

August 21, 2016 at 2:59 AM

w two worlds, the good wife, and age of youth are my favorites currently. and i just realized that park bo-gum's drama is starting this week! *squeals* (despite not always loving all sageuks). i haven't liked a male actor this much in this platonic noona-ish way since kim soo-hyun.

i'm watching a bunch of other shows, but only because i started them and got too far in. made it this far, might as well see it out. aka wanted and doctors. both shows sucked.

wanted- i guess they had more of a plot than doctors, but it was so poorly executed. so laggy, draggy feeling. and i just couldn't stand so many of the actors. i love uhm tae-woong, but he was really wasted. he had nothing to do, no character depth. and so many of the side actors were annoying. the nasally-voiced actress who played the writer/PD working with uhm tae-woong, the girl who got kidnapped and kept refusing to talk, and the young rookie writer (played by an idol, i forget her name). and kim ah-joong was the worst. i'd had a fairly positive-ish impression of her prior to this drama, but no longer. she absolutely sucked—sucked the energy right out of the show, when she should been the source of it.

doctors- thin plot and no decent story whatsoever, but very likable cast. i really liked park shin-hye's acting, and i kept watching for her. but am i only the one who feels like she and kim rae-won keep having the same argument about the same thing? over her needing to get over her grandma's death, etc. honestly, it feels like kim rae-won's character could be a more supportive boyfriend regarding that issue.

bring it on ghost is exactly what i suspected—nothing groundbreaking. i just kind of want it to end, and hope that kim so-hyun gets something much better next time.

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58 john

August 21, 2016 at 4:13 AM

Re 2016 shows, where are the "good" makjang dramas at?

Since Glamorous Temptation ended I have yet to find a replacement. What other shows conjur up satellite photos in an effort to derail evil plots only to find out that the satellite photos were faked?

Fake? The photos were fake ? Damn that prime minister !

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Flightey Gazelles

August 21, 2016 at 1:37 PM

I don't know why I find it amusing and kinda love the fact that you and Carole McDonell(hope i spelt it right) keep faithfuly watching all this makjang but actively seeking it? Its wonderful. I also love the snarky reviews.

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john

August 22, 2016 at 8:52 AM

Flighty Gazelles ~

It's a special sort of drama that is full of wtf-ery, yet somehow the characters keep you wondering what is going to happen next . I Summon You Gold was another guilty pleasure . The shows are usually over all cringe worthy but have a gold nugget or two that lures you in.

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Sancheezy

August 21, 2016 at 11:09 PM

I didn't watch Glammorous temptation
but Happy Home is pretty angstyand makjang
the main female lead have a broken marriage after their son passed away in an accident and meet a surgeon with secret . . .

her family run a restaurant called happy home and all the children is problematic,

Idk how to describe it, but it's pretty makjang with evil mother in law

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john

August 22, 2016 at 9:12 AM

Sancheezy ~

It's a fine line on the evil mil types. The grandmother in You're The Best, Lee Soon Shin drove me nuts enough to drop the show .

I was able to ignore the pain in the drama ass father in Marriage Contract, which made for a good show, though the show wasn't makjang .

One of the things about Glamorous Temptation was that there were so many double crosses , practically every character was conspired against at least once , back stabbing , lol makes for drama.

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59 Iona

August 21, 2016 at 5:09 AM

I added Cinderella and four knights to my kdrama dose this week, all for the bickering moments and potential hate-turned-love trope. Just realized this is the first Jung Il Woo's drama for me. Any recommendations on his other works that should be on my list?

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mary

August 21, 2016 at 12:37 PM

49 Days then Flower Boy Ramyun Shop?

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wonhwa

August 21, 2016 at 5:16 PM

I loved him in Return of Iljimae.

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coolbeans

August 21, 2016 at 11:31 PM

49 days and Moon Embracing the Sun.

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60 Nanda

August 21, 2016 at 5:51 AM

Doctors - next medical drama should exclude politics please and Kang soo is amazing. Kim Minseok should get awards on both KBS and SBS award..which I remember is on the same day. Argh.

W - blergh. Han Hyo Joo character is kinda creepy. She likes a fictional character..emmm yeah so romantic. I've read comics and manga..but I never felt in love quite like her.

UF : I stayed for Jik. Because he feels like a younger brother I could have because he reminds me of my older brother in terms of caring and loving..not his face lol. BUTTT..no I don't approve his relationship. Nothing good will come out from that!

Cinderella : it is sooo bad. Perhaps the worst I've seen from tvN? Then I remember this isn't exactly tvN because the drama was looking for broadcasting channel earlier on. I'm staying because it is easy to watch and I'm rooting for secretary. Hehe.

Age of Youth - Great stuff. Give me moreee.

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61 youcallitwinter

August 21, 2016 at 7:02 AM

I was totally baffled by the premise of After The Show Ends because I thought it was a drama about the behind-the-scenes of a drama, and they're also making the actual drama, but apparently the behind-the-scenes is variety. Now I think I've got a better idea of the premise and I've always been curious to know more about this, because if fans can get so heavily invested in their ships, then wouldn't it be even more natural for actors to get invested in their characters and to feel at least a fraction of what their characters are supposed to be feeling. Even viewers find it difficult to divorce themselves from the reality/fiction divide, so it does seem like the probability is that it's harder for actors. Or maybe it's easier because they can see the strings. Who knows.

Since the show isn't being subbed anywhere that I can tell, I'll probably have to just read snippets to figure it out. It reminds me a little of The Romantic and the Idol, which is one of the more unscripted idol varieties where they took a number of idols to a vacation spot for the weekend and initially made games to get them more familiar with each other and paired up, but more often lines would get crossed and feelings were constantly shifting. Because it was rather unscripted and managers weren't allowed to travel with the idols and it has no fairytale finish, it ruined the image of quite a few idols. Incidentally, Minhyuk was also one of the idols of the second season and one of the most desired ones, and he came across as rather indecisive, I remember, so it's amusing that he's the one who's trying harder here.

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Flightey Gazelles

August 21, 2016 at 1:42 PM

Wow,that sounds very interesting. As someone who LIVES for Behind The Scenes,this is my kind of jam. Wish I could find it somewhere.

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62 bunny

August 21, 2016 at 8:04 AM

I watch W, Cinderella and Bring it on ghost to kill time.

Watching spoilers does dampen the blow. I dont regret it. Though it managed to soften the shock caused by the killing spree twist, or the body swap between dad and his contextless creation, it somehow still hurts when LJS -Oops, I mean KC- decided to throw away OYJ to save her life and the entire manhworld. It hurts me knowing how hurt it must have been to be the only one who remembers (damnit, Show!), eventhough there is a sweetness whenever KC recalls OYJ back to manhworld, however short it might be.

This week's W tasted like orange cheesecake. I hate sour, but I eat it anyway because there is this tinge of sweetness and freshness that lingers, even after the whole cheesecake is gone.

Cinderella....I agree that it feels old. But I will keep watching because I am looking for new twist amidst old idea. Either that, or another peek at Ahn Jae Hyun's transluscent skin. Haha.

I envy him a lot. How can a male have that kind of skin??? It's not fairrrr!!!

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63 Meiyih

August 21, 2016 at 12:07 PM

I really like W but the the editing is just too bad sometimes, i really hate all the flashbacks...i mean how many times do i have to see Chul jumping off that bridge. The dreams and imaginations is too confusing i have to pause a couple of times questioning myself whether did dat really happen. In short, just give me #4 and I'll forgive all your mistakes, show u hear me?

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64 pickledplumtree

August 21, 2016 at 1:06 PM

I see what ya'll're saying about Cinderella and the Four Nights being dated...some moments certainly remind me of a very over-the-top reverse harem anime. And yet, I find it absurd, silly fun, and I quite like Ha Won's spunk.

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pickledplumtree

August 21, 2016 at 1:06 PM

Knights**** WHOOPSIES!

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65 ohlalaland

August 21, 2016 at 2:05 PM

I am loving W - two worlds, Age of Youths and Cinderella & four knights.

Age of Youths: I started watching for Han Ye ri and wow, she hasn't disappointed me. The other girls are just as interesting. Besides Ryu Hwa Young and Han Ye-ri, I had never seen any of others act and love all their characters. I commend the writer actually showing growth in the characters with each episode.The last two episodes broke my heart into a million pieces and I cried a river at the end of episode 10 despite knowing everything would be okay. HYR did such an amazing job esp when she got on the bus to go to the hospital. Outstanding display of acting chops. I really want to get cheok sa gwang (SFD) to finish off that restaurant manager. Thankfully, I quickly moved on Cinderella and Four Knights for some fluff and laughter.

W=WOW. What can I say except Wow again. Keeps getting better. I agree with crazy dog, the thriller is even better than the romance and the romance is pretty awesome.

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66 celine

August 21, 2016 at 9:02 PM

Awww Pinocchio is one of my favorite dramas because of the characters. And I just love Dalpo (mop hair included) and Inha! Probably my favorite kdrama couple because they talk things through. I've been re-watching it too.

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67 flatbear

August 22, 2016 at 2:40 PM

where to watch After the Show Ends? with eng subs?

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68 Super Foxy!

August 24, 2016 at 5:06 AM

1. Tried watching W, but Seo Inguk face popped up on top of Lee Jong Suk face, and I don't have the energy to continue watching afterwards. Mianhae.
2. Tried watching UF, but again Seo Inguk face popped up on top of Kim Woobin face! Again mianhae.
3. Tried watching Doctors, yet again Seo Inguk(sigh) face popped up on top of Kim Raewon face! By the way isn't it would be way too hot to watch Seo Inguk in doctors attire? Awww please do some medical dramas Seo Inguk ssi! Even if the drama sucks, I would love it a lot because the doctor in you! Ehemm again mianhae for my being crazy over Seo Inguk here on this thread.
4. Currently rewatched Reply 1997, Hello Monster, High School King of Savvy, The Kings Face( I skipped Ga Hee part most of it because she really didn't blend so well with Gwanghae aka Seo Inguk), and The Masters Sun( to be honest I was skipping most of the scenes, except Kang Woo scenes).
5. Now waiting for King Louie which will again make me forever in love with Seo Inguk. Mianhae chingus, but Seo Inguk is all the man that I will ever need from Korean dramas!

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69 Barbrey

August 24, 2016 at 12:58 PM

Thought I'd give a plug for Legend of Chusen, a Chinese romance wuxia, on here, because I'm really enjoying it. I didn't think I would, these are often so cheesy, but got through the first few episodes and now I'm hooked! Great characters - all of them, not just the leads. Episode 16 of 50 just aired (but these episodes are shorter - only 45 mins compared to Korea's one hour). If you run out of kdramas, then I recommend this one (along with Prince of Lan Ling and Perfect Couple) from the Chinese pantheon of C drama romance wuxias. Lots of fun!

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