[Dramas sequels] I’m ready for Round 2, and that’s no lie
by Guest Beanie
By Milagros
I’ve never written a post for a Theme of the Month on here because I always felt my drama knowledge to be a little lacking compared to other fans. I started watching dramas about two and a half years ago when my college roommate saw You’re Beautiful was on Netflix and decided to take a trip down memory lane with one of her oldest, fondest dramas. I was confused at first, but by Episode 9 I was hooked. And I just kept going.
I’ve seen maybe forty to fifty dramas since then… and the one thing I love about Korean dramas is the set beginning and set end. A lot of American shows do their best to stay on air as long as possible — often at the expense of quality. A show can run for ten seasons but rarely does it finish as strong as it starts. But K-dramas are written with a specific beginning, middle, and ending. I love, love, love it. So it’s rare that I finish a drama and clamor for a Season 2. I may be unsatisfied with an ending, but I never think the solution would be to extend the story another 16 episodes — usually it’s just poor writing (and no amount of extra episodes can salvage that).
BUT, there is one drama that I watched pretty early on in my drama-watching career and even two years later I find myself wishing and hoping praying to hear news about a Season 2. Anybody relate?
So when I saw this month’s theme and Liar Game popped into my head not a second later, I knew I had to write something. To this day, Liar Game remains one of my personal favorite dramas because it was so cleverly crafted and held my interest completely from beginning to end. It’s the only drama I’ve re-watched from start to finish — and even the second time around I remember being shocked by some twists that I had forgotten! Everyone was cast perfectly, especially our main trio: naive Da-jung, cold and brilliant Woo-jin, and of course Kang Do-young, whose backstory was so utterly tragic that for a second I almost forgot about all the heinous things he did. I even hold a strong fondness for those secondary characters that I never thought I’d feel. (Here’s to you, Jamie!)
I think a Season 2 could definitely hold its own in terms of story (and I’m not just saying that because I know the J-drama went on for two seasons). How can we ignore the perfect setup that finale left us with? Kang Do-young broke out of prison, looking even crazier in this one screencap than he did in all twelve episodes, and has declared that the “real” Liar Game starts now. Who wouldn’t be screaming at their TV for more???
There’s so much potential for more character development and more games with higher stakes and all our main characters still dealing with the revelation of their interconnected backstory — maybe even more moments outside the game to see them as people. Or not. Because the games are really fun. They could do anything and I would literally be glued to my TV watching. As long as this writing team continues to do what they did in Season 1, I don’t see how I wouldn’t like anything Season 2 could throw at us.
Also. I know I may be in the minority, considering that a lot of people were happy with the fact that there was no loveline between Da-jung and Woo-jin. I know it was refreshing since romance takes the front seat in so many dramas… and I do agree! (To an extent.) The first season was packed to the brim with conflict and action, I think any romance that developed would probably have felt forced and out of place (though I won’t deny some moments I was kind of hoping would turn into more).
But hear me out! Clearly our leads have developed a strong trust in each other and another season would definitely allow them time to further that relationship if they wanted. And if they did want that, I would be totally okay with it. If not, that’s cool too. But I’m just saying… wouldn’t you want to kiss Lee Sang-yoon if you had the chance? Especially when he shows up to save you like this? *swoon*
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Tags: Theme of the Month
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1 ObsessedMuch
July 3, 2018 at 12:09 PM
Oooooh I just knew it that Liar Game would be the first entry!! And I completely agree! We deserve a Liar Game 2 (and maybe 3, 4 and so on but we will discuss that after we get 2)
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russe
July 3, 2018 at 2:17 PM
Liar Game was literally the first drama that popped into my head once I saw the theme of the month! I saw it as it was airing years ago, but it's one of those shows that stays with you (and at the top of your favorites list). We definitely need a sequel!
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2 Ghost of Tim (eccentric observations from a male perspective)
July 3, 2018 at 12:19 PM
I have not seen Liar Game, but your article makes me want to see it. I hope to get a chance before they do make a part 2!
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Ally
July 3, 2018 at 12:23 PM
I have yet to see this too, but it’s been on my watch list for months! I’m glad that she wrote this pretty much spoiler free so that do who haven’t seen it can get the full impact of watching it for the first time. Bravo!
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LookieLooWho
July 7, 2018 at 9:14 AM
If you have a lazy weekend then stop whatever you're doing and GO WATCH THIS SHOW. It's amazing and a perfect way to spend a weekend while folding clothes or something. (Though, Liar Games does require some amount of attention because it can be very detail-oriented at times.)
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3 fencejumper
July 3, 2018 at 12:38 PM
Liar Game has officially been bumped up on my to watch list.
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4 gulsan
July 3, 2018 at 12:56 PM
Jamie!
That picture made me remember how awesome she was!
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Flightey Gazelles
July 5, 2018 at 4:59 PM
I've had it saved on my phone for over two years. Jamie made me love Lee El forever
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5 Delurker
July 3, 2018 at 1:01 PM
Liar Game is one of the rare shows that I keep in my "watched-but-can't-let-go" folder; for a minute there I was hoping that this post was the news that the long rumoured but apparently abandoned season 2 was finally happening, sniff, sob. I am jealous of everyone who hasn't seen it yet...
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6 suk
July 3, 2018 at 1:12 PM
I love the title of this post, it's genius. I watched Liar Game a few months after it came out, and I agree 100% that we intensely NEED a second season on this amazing show.
Also, I can't believe you've watched 50 dramas in two and a half years! I'm at around the same number, but I've been watching for five more years. Mad props to your dedication.
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ChoHyeri
July 4, 2018 at 5:41 AM
I've been watching dramas for four and a half years, and I'm currently at number 89. ^^ I'll hit 100 in January.
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7 Beverly
July 3, 2018 at 1:25 PM
I'm really going to have to watch this.
I do like shows with out a romance, but usually prefer one.
However, I do like a kid of different relationship arcs, the made family, friendships, even interesting antagonists like in Justified.
So, even if not romance if a bond is being formed I'd probably like it.
Though that ending does seem like sequel bait.
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8 LT is Irresistibly Indifferent, Dame Judi
July 3, 2018 at 6:49 PM
Both the Japanese and Korean versions of this are on my list. I was wondering if you'd seen both or just the Korean?
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Jat
July 3, 2018 at 9:27 PM
I watched the Japanese version, I love it too, but I think people need to be prepare with the comical characters.
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9 astromantic
July 3, 2018 at 7:29 PM
Woo-jin calling himself Nam Da-jung's dog is better than any "I love you" lol #iconic
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pipette
July 4, 2018 at 9:55 AM
I was just thinking about this! When I watched that scene, I may have screeched with happiness.
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Flightey Gazelles
July 5, 2018 at 5:01 PM
OMG, I know!!
I'll never forget that scene! I was squealing and screeching like a mad woman in my bedroom
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10 Jat
July 3, 2018 at 7:57 PM
You know what, I remember there were talks about season 2 of Liar Game. I was anticipating it. I remember I learnt the word smexy by watching this drama and read recap, comments.
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11 panshel
July 3, 2018 at 9:47 PM
Whenever I see people raving about Liar Game, I always have to wonder if they've watched the Japanese version. Because the original is superior in every way. The reality game show premise completely removed the stakes from the games. The games felt really confusing in the remake. While I did not ship Woo Jin and Da Jung, I did ship Akiyama and Nao, so I understand you rooting for a loveline.
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mindy
July 3, 2018 at 9:56 PM
I watched the Japanese version first (both seasons and movies) before watching the Korean version, and while I love both, I actually slightly prefer the Korean. 😊 And this was back when I watched almost only J-dramas.
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Lux
July 4, 2018 at 7:59 AM
I've watched both Japanese and Korean versions, and I prefer the former. I even loved Liar Game 2 much more than the first season. I guess I was more mindblown with the Japanese version because it was more comical, so the characters really did surprise me whenever they reveal another lie. The second season was even better because Nao had character development, the new contestants were smarter (Katsuragi!), and there were more twists (revival!) to the story.
I didn't ship Woo Jin and Da Jung either, but I shipped Akiyama and Nao so hard. I remember screaming when he fell under Nao's "personal belonging" in the game, lol.
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panshel
July 4, 2018 at 1:56 PM
Akiyama is one of my favorite characters of all time (I'm a sucker for genius, emotionless, nonchalant heroes), but Lee Sang Yoon was not able to capture the essence of his character. Shota has ruined me for all Akiyama portrayals.
The games are the bread and butter of Liar Game, but the remake didn't do the games justice. We were more mindblown with the Japanese version because the Korean version didn't explain Woo Jin and Do Young's strategies clearly. My favorite game Angels and Demons was in Season 2. There were too many unnecessary characters in the Korean version like the loan shark with a heart of gold who later even joins the game (wut?) and the PD and director.
I asdkfjalskdhfkajsdj at "personal belonging" and Akiyama awkwardly explaining "SM" to naive Nao. Akiyama and Nao had chemistry out the wazoo. It's honestly even better they never got together because their Unresolved Sexual Tension was hot.
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12 alert
July 3, 2018 at 10:42 PM
I was a hardcore Liar Game fan, watched all of the J versions (dramas, movie) long before they do the Korean version. I remembered having doubts whether Lee Sang Yoon can actually pull off the Akiyama character, but oh boy, his version of Woo Jin is beyond awesome. And a recent scene in Master of the House variety show feat LSY playing a game involving some nuts and numbers reminded me so much of Liar Game and how much I missed it. LSY was so channeling the Woo Jin vibe there (and I think someone mentioned it too in the Beanies section)
... and remember the loan shark with a heart of gold? Well now is probably a good time for some reruns..
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Jat
July 3, 2018 at 11:14 PM
I think I am gonna do some reruns too
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Jrr 🌈
July 4, 2018 at 5:04 AM
👋 *waves vigorously* It's me who mentioned that game in Master in the House, kekeke.
& yes, he's totally channeling Woojin in that segment. 😎
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13 annflln
July 4, 2018 at 4:53 AM
Yassss.... this is the first drama popped up in my head and thanks God it is first entry for this month theme. I completely and utterly agree with you. This drama deserve its 2nd season, and we'll see afterwards.
The finale left so much to explore....
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14 ChoHyeri
July 4, 2018 at 5:38 AM
When I saw the theme of this month, I only thought of "Age of Youth 3"; I completely forgot I want a sequel for "Liar Game"!!
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15 Wag-a-muffin
July 4, 2018 at 7:59 AM
What made Liar's Game so good (and I didn't watch the J-Drama first) was not knowing what was going to happen or who would be faithful/betray who. So a sequel would be difficult to write. I too, loved this show and would watch it--but I can't imagine anything that could top the original--or if we're being honest, the original remake.)
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Flightey Gazelles
July 5, 2018 at 5:07 PM
I'm worried about that as well, that's why I've refrained from jumping on the sequel bandwagon, from the beginning
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16 pipette
July 4, 2018 at 9:52 AM
A post after my own heart! I absolutely loved this OP and I completely agree. Liar Game was a crazy good drama. One of the few that I binge watched because I just needed to know what was happening next! And the way they ended was even more electrifying. I feel like this is one of the few dramas that really deserves a sequel!
And I could not agree more with your last para. Even though nothing romantic was suggested between our two leads, I definitely sensed some UST that could be further explored in a sequel! 😉😉
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17 Shek
July 4, 2018 at 11:15 AM
This show NEEDS a season 2. There is the worry that it wouldn't be as a good as the first season, but I have faith. Everytime I see Lee Sang-yoon, Shin Sung-rok, and Kim So-eun cast in another drama that is not Liar Game 2, I get a little salty about it even though I am glad they are working and am fans of them. But really, Liar Game 2 would be so much better than About Time and That Man Oh Soo.
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18 Katz
July 5, 2018 at 6:58 AM
haha Liar game 2 would be awesome, also Vampire Prosecutor 3???
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19 Zanna
July 6, 2018 at 6:47 AM
Avengers Social Club deserves season 2 as well!!!
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20 cassie23
July 24, 2018 at 10:55 PM
oh i haven't finished watching it yet,,but i agree that the plot is amazing and i do want both of them develop some romance 😅😅
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