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

200 September 30, 2017September 30, 2017

Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

by DB Staff

So, what are we all watching this week?

What kept you reaching for more (or agonizing when there was no more), and what made you want to throw your remote through the screen? Time to weigh in…

While You Were Sleeping: I feel like I should be really into this show, but I’m just not there yet. It’s me, though, not the show, so we’ll see if my mood shifts in time to hop onboard what will probably be the next hit out of dramaland.

Age of Youth 2: I’m relieved the big mystery is (partially) solved, so we can make some progress on the relationship(s) front. Can we just give Ji-won the kick in the pants needed to realize that what she wants has been at her side all along?

Temperature of Love: The actors are charming and I enjoy the show when I’m watching it… but it feels sort of meandering in a way that makes it a bit of a struggle to keep up with. Also, I like the chemistry of the main pair, but I’m not sure I buy into the actual romance narrative, which felt like wham-bam-love!

Rescue Me: The show was so heart-pounding through its whole run that the ending was almost anti-climactic for me, although I can’t say I minded not feeling tied up in knots for once, since all I wanted was to see that cult to go down in flames and to save the people I cared about. I appreciated that I got closure in the ways I wanted, even though the story didn’t tie up everything neatly and deliver a bow-wrapped ending for everyone, like the fragments of the cult left behind. I wished for a tiny bit more closure between Sang-mi and her saviors, but the ending felt realistic and true to the characters. And now we’ll all look up Woo Do-hwan to see what he’s doing next, yes? (Hint: It’s Mad Dog.)

My Golden Life: I don’t know why this show is as popular as it is (ratings-wise). It’s nowhere near as good as the other 30 percent dramas we’ve had in the past year, though admittedly I find it easy to watch. It’s just that the plot is weirdly fantastical, and I don’t really care about who’s a chaebol, and who’s not a chaebol, and who thinks she’s a chaebol but isn’t and who is a chaebol but thinks she isn’t… On the plus side, it seems like every week the plot gets a shake-up, so it does move along.

Criminal Minds: On the upside, it’s over!

girlfriday

Currently recapping: While You Were Sleeping

Age of Youth 2: Kang Unni~! It was such a breath of fresh air when she returned to sass the pity party out of Ye-eun. I’m really enjoying all of her scenes in the second season, because once all six girls were together in the house, it felt whole again. I miss her crazy energy, and the way she just blurts things out with no filter. Visit more often! And bring more ice cream!

Temperature of Love: I like this reunited-lovers setup, which feels like a second beginning to the show and imbues the relationship with more emotion. Time and distance makes the misunderstandings and regret between them seem very natural. Mostly, Seo Hyun-jin is just great at this sort of prickly, difficult heroine, which is why I’m invested.

Rescue Me: I’m a little disappointed in the ending, just because the entire season was a tense, amazing buildup to this one climactic rescue, and I wanted more by the time it was done. Maybe no finale can live up to that kind of buildup? I just thought that if they had taken this long to plan their rescue, the moves would be more complex and twisty, and less smash-grab-run! But I’m satisfied with where our characters end up, and in my mind Sang-mi bakes Dong-chul a cake, because that’s the least you can do for a guy who joins a cult to save you, and then he asks her out to jajangmyun and the rest is history.

chickachunga

Currently recapping: Manhole

Rescue Me: I started Rescue Me (my first OCN show!) to see who this rising talent Woo Do-hwan is, and I am so, so, so smitten! I can’t wait to see him in Mad Dog alongside Yoo Ji-tae whom I’ve missed since his steamy turn in The Good Wife. I binged Rescue Me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. It was steadily paced with very little fat, and the story felt complete. Sang-mi is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve seen in a K-drama, and it was so refreshing to see not a damsel in distress, but a total badass of ironclad will and determination. The Muji bumpkin boys may have been instrumental in her escape, but she was the one who made it happen. Looks like I’ll be paying more attention to OCN’s shows from now on!

mary

Unknown Woman: This show started as a laugh-watch for me, but when I found myself messaging a friend during her job interview just to say, “OMG Son Yeo-ri is Hong Ji-won’s daughter!!!” I couldn’t deny it anymore. I was in crackjang territory. The “final” 20 episodes were just as crazy as the first 80, but somehow they felt shorter when I became invested in everyone’s outrageous schemes. Only time and Song Chang-eui’s new show will tell if this is a one-off thing or I’ve really become a makjang-enthusiast.

Lovers in Bloom: The grandma doesn’t deserve a grandson like Tae-jin. The chairman doesn’t deserve his wife. The wife doesn’t deserve her riches. Hee-jin doesn’t deserve her husband. Chaebol guy doesn’t deserve Moo Gung-hwa. And Jae-hee doesn’t deserve that coif. Everyone else is okay.

Age of Youth 2: Writer-nim, I love you, but didn’t you make Season 2 to finish Ji-won’s story? So where is it? Because these 5-minute clips of her and Sung-min per episode don’t count as a full story. You’ve been distracting me with Eun-Hoon cuteness the past few episodes but I’m watching you closely with only a few episodes left. If Ji-won dies a virgin and Sung-min dies of heartbreak (also a virgin) I’m never gonna watch Season 3! So there!

Rescue Me: I believe this show made us suffer for a reason. I believe we have seen hell so we can meet Sang-mi and Dong-chul and the rest of the gang who will show us the light and the way to paradise. I believe that this show is a gift from the Drama Gods! I believe that this team will make more shows of this quality in the future! Samalamalamala shalallellolelelalalalalalala~

SailorJumun

While You Were Sleeping: What is it about Park Hye-ryun’s dramas? What is it?? They feel ethereal and magical, and not just because of the obvious fantasy elements. And once again, her characters are flawed but in the most likable way. They don’t have to try to get me to root for them because I’m already there. I especially love how Jae-chan shines like a ray of hope for Hong-joo after she spent years in a dark dream world. I almost rolled my eyes when it was revealed that they crossed paths as kids, but I can’t really complain; this writer always manages to make the OTP’s pasts rich and meaningful. If Hong-joo’s dream with her dad was her first “psychic” dream, I wonder if something happened to trigger it. And perhaps the same thing happened to Jae-chan. Perhaps he’s had the same ability all this time without realizing it. I’m excited to see where this will go (it’s been a hot minute since I’ve felt this strongly about a premiere), but it’ll be tough to watch live… Can someone wake me up when it’s Wednesday?

Age of Youth 2: The words “Mom’s here!” have never felt so rewarding. It was the perfect time to bring Yi-na back into the show—she got Ye-eun back on her feet AND she finally met the sixth Belle Epoque housemate. I can’t help but wish for all six girls to live under the same roof. Imagine the hijinks that would ensue! Although, there is enough craziness going around as is. I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger.

200

Required fields are marked *

51 Cooler

September 30, 2017 at 1:38 PM

What happened with the Rescue Me recaps? I feel like an ass complaining, but come on. Show ended a week ago, and Episode 15... *sigh*

Required fields are marked *

52 klmeri

September 30, 2017 at 2:20 PM

I'm trying to catch up on some old dramas. I started Last, as I just finished the first season of Age of Youth in preparation to watch the second season. I tried watching Romantic Teacher Doctor Kim, but while the characters were amazing, the medical scenes made me cringe. Ended up fast-forwarding to the end about halfway through.

Required fields are marked *

53 vera

September 30, 2017 at 6:58 PM

Watching WYWS. I love this show! I love to see how my mind works, because I do not know if the events belong to reality or is part of a dream. I look at every detail carefully.
I love the characters and family relationships.
In conclusion: I already love WYWS

Required fields are marked *

izzy

October 1, 2017 at 7:46 PM

Yes, watching it carefully and later connecting the dots , you can get the storyline. For me differentiating dream/reality /flashback came easily as the story progressed.

Required fields are marked *

54 Mayaa

September 30, 2017 at 7:04 PM

Strongest Deliveryman had a good ending while living up to your name continues to do well. I am obsessed with the new drama while you were sleeping and hope it does not disappoint me like bride of water god.

Required fields are marked *

55 Jam

September 30, 2017 at 7:16 PM

The only drama I'm currently watching is Live Up To Your Name ♥ ♥ ♥ It's a lot more underrated than I thought :'( Please give it a try peeps, you shall not regret ♥ My heart will forever be w this dramaaaaa....so sad it ends tmrw wahhhh... But srsly, KNG deserves an award for his stellar performance here. KAJ is great too!! But I really feel like KNG did such justice to his character.

Required fields are marked *

Mayaa

September 30, 2017 at 7:27 PM

I love this show. It so sad when it ends. I feel like the ending will be heartbreaking.

Required fields are marked *

salt N pepper

October 1, 2017 at 5:47 PM

I love this show to pieces as well and I'm sad that it's not getting as much love here. This show is truly a gem! I love everything about it. It's mature and engaging without being over the top. And there's nothing more you could ask for with regards to the OTP's chemistry. The last few episodes have been slower than the first half but it's where all the poignant moments shine through. I guess people are just used to fast moving, elaborate plots. Many of the dramas I've liked in the past are similarly slow-burning, as well, and I find it more rewarding when the gears start shifting later. Just finished watching the last episode raw last night. I really enjoyed the ride waiting for new episodes to come out week after week. I'm going to miss this show!

Required fields are marked *

56 ar_arguably romantic

September 30, 2017 at 7:19 PM

Age of Youth (up to episode 10, but saw clips/spoilers of ep 11-12): I loved Kang Unni's visit. Every group needs a tough unni-type person. I wish we could have had all 6 girls together for longer. So many great scenes. Though I'm really sad that these girls are yet again exposed to violence.

Criminal Minds (up to ep 19): can't bring myself to watch the last episode since I never liked the Reaper case. I feel like the bad guys and the guest actors haven't been as compelling lately. And so upset with MCW being sidelined.

While You Were Sleeping: Such a beautiful, dreamy, and intrigung drama. Not in love with it, but I'm interested. I wasn't expecting Hong Joo to be the first one to decide to change the future and for Jae-chan to be the reluctant one.

Required fields are marked *

57 Carolina

September 30, 2017 at 7:31 PM

Loving Lingerie Girls Generation! I wish it was a longer drama. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Required fields are marked *

58 jewel

September 30, 2017 at 8:05 PM

Temperature of Love and While You Were Sleeping. these two took me out of my drama slump, thank you! also, yang sejong. im going crazy about this guy omo..

Required fields are marked *

59 bunny

September 30, 2017 at 9:02 PM

If only I can sleep through the week until air time of subbed While You Were Sleeping (which is painfully Thursday here)!

Hong Joo is so endearing, and Jae Chan is not that cool all-perfect Kang Chul. I love it!

Btw, does anyone saw that green hoodie sweater Seung Won was wearing during breakfast on ep.3/4 with large "W" on it?

Required fields are marked *

60 shahera5

September 30, 2017 at 9:07 PM

I've been watching three dramas recently -- Manhole, which finished this week, Hospital Ship, and sporadically when I have time - Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

I think I must be easily pleased with dramas because I stuck with and enjoyed Manhole even if I wanted to scream at the writers at times. Episode 16 was particularly enjoyable and cute with the two leads tied together every midnight so the manhole wouldn't whisk one of them away.

The scenery in Hospital Ship is gorgeous and I have added another place I want to visit if I ever get to Korea. Ha Jin Won's character doesn't seem much older than her doctor colleagues so I'm not noticing an age difference. We currently have a love triangle going on. It will be interesting to see how that works out.

Work is busy and I don't have much time to watch which is why I've only watched 2 episodes of Strong Woman. I do need something to escape into at times, so I'm watching series that have been well thought of in the past.

Required fields are marked *

61 kayedrama

September 30, 2017 at 9:42 PM

I am finally watching something. Yay for While You Were Sleeping ♥

Required fields are marked *

62 ihavelittlelegs

September 30, 2017 at 11:15 PM

Is circle worth watching? I know a totally irrelevant question but please help me out.

Required fields are marked *

mary

October 1, 2017 at 3:35 AM

YES. VERY.

(I also just marathoned it last month.)

Required fields are marked *

63 brian

September 30, 2017 at 11:28 PM

Really enjoying while you were sleeping -- it keeps me on the edge of my seat and like Sailor Jumun said, it has a dreamy quality and feel to it that is so enticing!

Required fields are marked *

64 junah

October 1, 2017 at 3:09 AM

while you were sleeping : watched it because all the hype of the leading actor/actress. the female lead sometime looks like park shin hye, sometime jung so min...it's just confusing. the story seems ok but not great, there is some plot hole here and there. don't particularly favour how they have made the prosecutor got the same "vision" and why ? kind of boring seeing lee jong suk in the similar role like his previous works, wish he played more diverse character. while i still think this is an ok drama, but not enough live up to its hype, i think i will give it 2 or 3 more episode before decided or not to drop it.

dropped
manhole : didn't like the OTP, didn't like the character development, didn't like the plot. didn't know why kept watching it for 14 episodes. just dropped it last week. didn't even care how it's gonna end.

patiently waiting
Because this is my first life : just seeing extended first episode trailer in you tube and it seems so damn good. the plot already catch my attention, but surely it was the "if you have a time, do you want to marry me" line that got me.

Required fields are marked *

65 inna

October 1, 2017 at 3:44 AM

Age of Youth 2: I'm ready for season 3 XD

While You Were Sleeping: Is Bae Suzy really this good or Lee Jong-Suk is really know how to pull out his female lead charms? However both are the perfect combination. I like the cast and the plot..

Required fields are marked *

66 mintful

October 1, 2017 at 4:58 AM

This week, I'm not ready of the ending of Live Up to Your Name! D:
I need more cute couple dates D:
It's one of those shows that, when it ends, felt like "Oh, already?"

And for an opposite case, I got "Manhole", which finally, thank God, ends. (even tho I have dropped it two weeks ago, anyway).

Kahogo no Kahoko will also end soon with 1 more episode waiting to be subbed :( Ahhh... feels. So sad...

Thinking of dropping My Golden Life because I kind of lose interest especially with all the chaebols... hmmm

Lingerie girl's generation has been awesome! Though I haven't catch up to its latest episode yet. That's it so far xD

Required fields are marked *

67 Firefly

October 1, 2017 at 8:26 AM

Temperature of love: I enjoy a lot of things about the show. First the feel, the directorial touch is excellent, so is the camera work. The main pair chemistry is fantastic, and I do get that when you like someone it takes time to realize it. That kind of love is not easy to come by though, but what I really like about this show is the male lead's characterization. A confident, straightforward, guy who doesn't take crap. I like characters who don't martyr themselves for the greater good of the others. This one is shaped up to be a stand up for yourself, no nonsense kind. I think this is another spot on one where director, cameraman, editor, writer, and cast come together to paint a pretty picture.

Age of Youth: Yes can use more of sung min and ji won. But this is an interest grabber, I hope we have season 3 in the works with same cast ofcourse.

Girls Generation: Always loved the 70's look. But this one unlike the answer me series has an underlying tension. Can do without the yelling mom and brother.

Three meals a day: I love the comfort this show brings although all the do is cook quietly.

While you where sleeping: I wish this drama would settle down and lay the ground work, it is a little back and forth for me, with all the dreaming.

Required fields are marked *

68 WishfulToki

October 1, 2017 at 10:51 AM

What I'm watching: nothing.
Hospital Ship drifted away from my interest...
Maybe I'll wait for the next sageuk.
Maybe I'll rewatch The King Loves.

Required fields are marked *

WishfulToki

October 1, 2017 at 1:21 PM

Ok, I'm catching up on the last 10 episodes of Hospital Ship now. Is it just me, or this is like Ha Ji Won taking on Hyun Bin's tsundere role from Secret Garden? Example: the shopping trip.

Maybe it's this role reversal that people like? = strong, capable, incapable-of-expressing-emotions female lead, and soulful, empathetic, sociable, beta male lead? I buy it. He tells her his struggles and she pours soju.

Required fields are marked *

69 javinne

October 1, 2017 at 12:04 PM

Can someone wake me up when it’s Wednesday? YES! Thanks, @sailorjumun, for at least one is watching this show and feeling the same I do. I am totally on board with LJS and Suzy, trying to rescue people they do care about. I hope this show will be good. It is now the only show I am watching. Please, Dramagods, let it be awesome! LOL 😂😂😂😂