ONGOING
Payback - I'm very curious what Yong managed to plan overnight against the Chairman.

Crash Course in Romance - I'm liking the pace of the romance and the humour.

Poong S2 - Laughed at the finale preview. They can't possibly be planning a S3, right? Right?

Can We Be Strangers? - I'm really struggling to pay attention to this show. CEO Hong's story was the most interesting for me.

STARTED
Kokdu: Season of Deity - This was very mediocre in Ep. 1 but became marginally better when Kokdu appeared. Giving it another week.

Had also started Bait till I realised this is another broken-in-the-middle drama and it now joins Island and The Glory on my refuse-to-watch-till-all-episodes-are-out list.

C-DRAMAS
Completed Meet Yourself, which was like a warm hug in drama form. I'll miss these people and this village. Be it writing, characters or performances, this was a near-perfect show.

Also binged Love in Time, the remake of Meet Me @ 1006. It was nice but felt less high-stakes than the original.

Started A League of Nobleman, which I'd been waiting for forever. So far so good.

Crash Course - I still don't like the killer subplot... and as a mom of a young adult on the spectrum I'm not fond of the way they present Uncle, nor do I like how Haengsun treats him (and that stalking part was ridiculous)... but... the moment the main couple appears on my screen I have this happy smile plastered on my face. Not because of any romance (it's not there yet anyway), I just enjoy their interactions, being it the belt chase 😂 or the pond scenery. And I love Chiyeol as a teacher.

Kokdu - I think my sense of humour and the sense of humour of the director/writer don't converge.

Strangers, on the other hand, have humour I appreciate (that Rebecca type of seat! 😄)... and I love all those little moments like Hara and Eunboem sharing a mandarin.

6-Byoukan no Kiseki: Hanabishi Mochizuki Seitaro no Yuutsu - I'm using my limited Japanese and google-translate to get the subs, because I'm curious about this drama about a family firework company. And Takahashi Issei, of course. I liked episode 1 enough to continue with the hard work. 💪

Movie:

HUNT (2022)

Fictional spy and corruption story set in early 1980s political turmoil in South Korea. The main story lines were convoluted and the main characters motivations not well developed to fit into their actions. The script tried to play out many twisty story arcs but more clarity and focus would have been better. It is one of those movies that tries to do too much. The reason is that this was the directorial debut of actor Lee Jung-Jae, who was also a co-writer and executive producer of the film. It ranked fourth in the 2022 Korean Box Office with 4.35 million tickets sold.

WOULD YOU LIKE A CUP OF COFFE? — Why did I wait to watch this? Why? It is a soothing, warm character piece that relaxes me to my bones. Also, this is why I watch Korean dramas: Character can be plot and the journey can be the payoff. It’s an amble where you happily walk to experience the walk, rather than a run to hike the heart rate.

SOMEDAY OR ONE DAY (TW) — This drama elicits squeals and gasps and many, many exclamations of “what?!”. The story is a twisty as I want it and balances the heartache and happy sublimely. And the chemistry! It is such that the looks are enough for me to want to look away (but not really) because these actors create an intimacy that is almost too painful.
I hear there is a Korean adaptation coming, which I am curious about. I do think everyone needs to see this original (first or after).

HIKARU NO GO (CH) —can you fall for a drama all over again? Yes, you can. I think I will every time I watch this. It is now available on YT and I scarfed the 36 episodes down.
The best sports, friendship, mentorship drama hands down that I can think of. Acting, writing, directing, editing—everyone is in top form and the synergy of all these pieces creates a coming-of-age tale that won’t let my heart go.

I WILL BE YOUR BLOOM (JP) —awkward English title notwithstanding, this is a sweet heart-warming drama from the first episode. And thankfully, it leaves the uncomfortable place of teacher-student relationship as quickly as possible. It is only to set up the main relationship and to propel the story. Huge sigh of relief.
Also, for a drama that follows an idol group making their way from a fall to disgrace, the music is believably good so far. Fascinating to see the Japanese idol system in a drama.

INTO THE RING (MEMORIALS) — This re-watch is a treat. I am not one who loves spirited FL for the sake of being spirited, but NANA plays this role with such delight and commitment that you wonder how anyone couldn’t fall for Gu Se Ra. Plus, when all characters are quirky in one way or another and the actors playing them are enjoying their work, I am in drama heaven. Finally, speaking of easy to love: Park Sung Hoon as Seo Gong Myung.

PSYCHOPATH’S DIARY—Listen, I fell for Yoon Shi Yoon in BIG HiT and never looked back. The ironic humor is to my taste, but the subject matter is a bit tough for me to handle. Despite that, I am struggling to write it off completely because I need to see Dong Shik victorious. It’s a dilemma.
P.S. I absolutely did not recognize Park Sung Hoon. I had to pick up my jaw when I found out this is the same actor in INTO THE RING. I really hope he has many, many good projects come his way (hopefully not one where he is a psychopath).

Crash Course in Romance: Excited for more of this. There hasn’t really been any romance so far, so I’m ready for the first hints of that. But honestly, I’d love to see more of Chi-yeol and Hae-i bonding. She seems like she could use a father figure and I bet they’d be so sweet if they relaxed their tutor/student relationship slightly and had more of a mentor/mentee one.

Strangers Again: I liked both of our main characters this week! This is kind of a big deal. Were there still shady lawyering things happening? Obviously, but somehow it was easier to take when it was not the female lead and when the guy being threatened was such a waste of oxygen.

Payback: I’m not sure how I feel about our team splitting up, although I’m glad that Yong was at least out of prison when they did. I get the way the prosecutors feel, and I think just being a good prosecutor is the right goal for Tae-chun, but I loved them all working together. We’ll have to see what the new dynamics look like.

Goblin: I am finally watching this in an effort to be a better-educated Beanie and I already understand both the appeal and some of the objections. My perspective so far: Shin is like 1000 years old so there was always going to be an age gap. I’m going with it. This thing is highly addictive!

Strangers again
I am enjoying it now the anger and bitterness has been removed and the leads are on friendly terms.

Crash course in love
I have not gone back to the episodes I could not watch last week and will see what happens this week but it’s highly likely this is going to be on hold until it finishes airing.

Three bold siblings
I continue to watch this drama and hope they tone down the over the top elements once the truth behind the secret baby is revealed and the ex fiance shoots himself in the foot and is finally removed for good. Then we only have to watch the immature male lead’s sister grow up and the two ridiculously dramatic mother in laws can calm themselves down and become friends again as they enjoy the twins when they are born. Then the who is best grandmother wars can begin.

Meet yourself - Chinese slice of life romance
Last episodes will be watched today. This has been my main drama for the past week, I will miss the characters. The leads have a solid relationship. Lovely drama, the shots of the countryside have been full on PPL for Chinese village life.

The Lord of drama (2012)
Just started this one with it’s girl fights in front of the CEO and the usual power struggles it will be interesting to see which tropes from this era are still going strong. Good to see so many of the actors are still familiar faces in the current crop of dramas.

Looking for my replacement J drama so may have to go to Netflix for a month so I can watch Quartet as it came highly recommended.

is there any dear diary kinda stories. where a character is journaling and reflecting their experience

Trolley: SIGH, we were hoping for a solid married couple. Alas we have a political animal and the wife he manipulated.

Strangers Again: This week was so tame compared to last week's bombshells. Ha Ra's father is really gutter.

The interest of love: YESSSSSSS. If this was the end of the drama, I would be really happy. Soo Young, just going and living for herself. Going back to basics and lots of self care. I want only good things for her. If she comes back, I hope there is like a 2 year time jump.

Agency: I love the little team she has put together. I wonder what En Jung will tell her family.

Kokdu: Kokdu is hilarious.

Payback: I am a bit behind, but I can't wait to watch the trial.

Crash Course in Romance: Like a lot of beanies I don't see the romance. She gives real mom energy, so it is hard to see it yet. But excited to see what happend.

Someone let me know when in Korea they'll go back to producing romantic comedies without serial killers. 2023 looks as bad as 2022. I'm not asking for masterpieces like My Mister, but at least something funny and fluffy like My Roommate is a Gumhio or A Business Proposal!

Meanwhile I continue my idyll with Cdramaland watching Hi Venus, Delicious Romance, Mr Bad, Master of My Own and Midsummer is full of Love. Zero murders, lots of romance and lovable characters!

Brain Works I didn't watch the 7th episode... I think I dropped it.

Missing: The Other Side 2 I would have prefered they ended season 2 like season 1 with a real end to the story and not an open one like this >_<

Strangers Again It's kinda disapointing. I was hoping so much more with these actors.

The Interest of Love It's my favourite airing one. So painful to watch but really well produced.

Crash Course in Romance JKH's comedic timing is perfect!

Decoy The story is interesting but they pushed a little bit too much the filter cursor blue for the present and yellow for the past.

In the midst of all the confrontations and reveals in Red Balloon, one thing stood out - Cho Dae Goon and Guem Ah finally cross paths. Why was he crying alongside her? I know he could read the situation judging from seeing Nam-chul chase after her but to cry with her...?
Cho Eun-kang all glammed up is absolute answer to her douchebag in ep 1-4. Not that he was worthy of getting the answer anyway.
With the way their families have intertwined into each other, it's only a matter of time before every link gets revealed.

Dae Mul Ep 19 - Dang! Dang!! So the resignation threw a wrench in Kang Tae-san's plans. Her stint while serving as Governor Dao was impressive. At last, she is getting her hands dirty to play the game and that became the very leverage she uses against KTS.
One thing - Ha Do Ya is a pain in the ass. Before his grief, he was a pain. After his grief, as a normal reaction he is still a pain. I don't like it though. It's rash and hot-headed - in the wrong way.

Trolley - I'm not a party to Hye-joo's self-sacrifice to her detriment, and I was glad Yeon-seo help her accept Joong-do's POV. But what Joong-do turned to in ep 12 is something I don't understand. There better has to be more to the conversation that went down between Joong-do and Ji-hoon.
And whether or not the assault happened, I don't trust Soo-bin one bit.

Strangers Again - I like the bickering out leads bring to the table. CEO Hong is one good lawyer. Si-wook and Bi-chwi are providing some nice statements about modern and flexible.

Kokdu - I.don't.know.why.I'm.still.here. I feel like dropping this after the 3rd episode but I just want to hang on - KJH, Cha Chung-hwa and Kim In-kwon are doing great jobs that I can't look away.

Crash Course in Romance - Will this moms ever rest. I just want them on an all time adrenaline high that sends them on an all time low - one that stays for a very long time.
I didn't know Dan-ji was a bright kid. The good feelings about Hwang Bo-ra's character won't be in vain.

Thanks to the late subs, I couldn't watch Agency.

Crash Course in Love: I love this one. Yes, I have quibbles but I spend my week looking forward to it.

Strangers Again: My feelings are more mixed about this one. While I'm not always clear on our leads motivation or even how much I like them I find I do really enjoy the actors.
I like the second lead, but his confession of love left me a little uneasy. It felt too soon and pushy? But at the same time he does have a right to be clear in what he wants in a relationship, so I don't know.

Avengers Social Club: this one surprised me. I thought it would be all caper like with a well thought out plan. Sort of Ocean's 11, but with revenge instead of robbery. But no. They have no clue how to do revenge, lol. If they hadn't allowed the step son to join I think they'd just be a social club.

I really want to try Meet Yourself. And thinking of watching Splish Splash Love soon.

Kokdu: Season of Deity: 7.0 Interesting contrast between this show about finally finding the one you are fated to be with vs that divorce lawyer show I'm also watching.

Crash Course In Romance: 7.5 Enjoying it so far, but it seems to want to trend in the wrong direction. I try to do the math to calculate the trajectory of various obsessed mothers, rumor-mongers, murderers, etc, and they want to add up to a downward spiral coming soon. Also, how many times per episode do they have to change those clean white pants that the ML is always wearing when he falls?

Payback: 7.0

Strangers Again: 7.5 Show is starting to remind me too much of things that have happened to people I used to know, and making me feel smart for staying safely single.

Bait (part 1): 5.0 Let There Be Light! Writer-nim rates about a 7.5, PD about 4.0 and the lighting guys 0.0 -- or should I say 💡.💡

I finished PSYCHOPATH DIARY, and liked it very much. The last few episodes were rather messy and simplistic, but it wasn't bad. Yoon Shi Yoon is truly an exceptional actor, and I also liked how they portrayed the villain's character and motives. I also ignored the massive plothole of the son of the biggest company in the country being killed and nobody noticing.

I watched movie CRAZY ROMANCE, which was nothing special. Too much alcohol, mediocre story.

I am now watching BLIND and immensely enjoying Taecyon not being cool. Also, Ha Suk Jin is a very good actor but for me he has never had enough spark for a romantic lead. But I'm loving him in this role.

Strangers Again and Kokdu are shaping up to be rather forgettable dramas, my viewing being driven largely by my nostalgic good will toward the two female leads. After all, Kang Sora was in Misaeng (called 'Incomplete Life' on Viki for some reason).

C-drama "The Knockout." The making of a crime godfather -- a walk on the low-life side. Impressive but not quite a knockout. I'd call it a TKO.

TROLLEY: I appreciate the way that even as thy revealed Joong-do's imperfections he is still a complex, rounded character. Nevertheless, there's no real justification for the lies he's telling his wife. I'm convinced he loves her and truly believes his choices will benefit the greater good, but this is a hollow rationale and one that the show will surely expose as such. The only problem is that I am now so firmly rooting for Hye-joo that I can't bear the thought of how much pain this deception from the person she loves the most will cause her. As Unit, said, Hye-joo is stronger and more resilient than she believes, and I'm ready for her to unleash on those who blamed her for her rape or dismissed it as her fault anyway, and then make it clear to her husband that she's ready to go live her life without him if he doesn't make things right.

INTEREST OF LOVE: This show is back to frustrating the crap out of me. It's so well acted, shot, and directed that I've dismissed some of weaknesses for a while, but this week I finally had enough of the messy, ambiguous, and downright nonsensical characterizations. As dramatic and intense as it was to watch unfold, Soo-young and Gyung-pil's plan made absolutely no sense at all. Soo-young's father tells Sang-su that Soo-young's fault is that she puts others before herself, and Sang-su seems to believe every action she takes is to destroy every sandcastle of happiness that might appear in her life because she doesn't want to lose it (?). But neither one of those explanations fits the decision to set both Jeong-hyun and Sang-su loose by pretending she slept with Gang-pil, especially since she was so cruel and unapologetic to both. And then she has the gall to get sick and sad over how much pain she's causing? Please. This woman is toxic. She doesn't deserve Sang-su's love, mostly because she never treats him or his feelings with respect. If she were a man, and Sang-su a woman, I think we'd all be shouting "Girl, RUN!"

Her ghosting Sang-su at the end was entirely predictable but, once again, maddening. He is so devoted to her and YYS so compelling in this role that I want Sang-su to get what he wants, and that's clearly Soo-young. Yet the way the writers have portrayed her character makes me want him to want and have more for himself than someone who's constantly pushing him away, lying to him, or treating him with carefully cultivated indifferent silence.

As great as the actress playing her is, Mi-jeong is also ridiculous at this point. Yes, breakups hurt but my god, this woman is acting like she's the only person in the history of the world who ever dated a guy who didn't like her as much as she liked him. He was straight with her from the start about not being ready, but she bulldozed over and ignored his feelings, pushed him to take steps he wasn't ready for, and now says she will let him know if she can accept the breakup or not. Come on now. That's not how these things...

I just can't keep up with the live watching! So, I went back and watched some older dramas:
Prison Playbook: I enjoyed this. I loved the quirky characters. I did watch on fast speed for many of the scenes outside the prison. I think these were just very long episodes for me.
High Kick (2006): One episode left! I have been watching this on and off for a few years. It is a sitcom, so the episodes are short and kinda dumb funny. I liked that it was a send up of traditional societal roles especially gender roles. There are many actors that get their start on this show as well as some veterans which makes it fun to watch. It is uneven for sure with the early episodes not nearly as funny as the middle. This was an early show for the writer who has since had some other really interesting shows. (Yumi's Cells, W, etc). This show is definitely not for everyone. You have to like sitcom style humor. I'm glad I watched.
Train To Busan: Enjoyed it
Some recent watches outside k-dramas have been the French drama, Call My Agent. With only a few episodes left, I'm really enjoying this drama. I also just watched the movie "Minority Report" (2002). I was surprised at how much I liked this movie. I think dystopian movies are really hard to made well, and this one just worked for me.

I am actually enjoying STRANGERS AGAIN now that I have gotten used to the idea that the show’s conception of law, legal process, ethics and the actual practice of law is pure fantasy. I have decided, for future comfort in viewing “legal” shows, that there exists a special genre that is named Legal Fantasy- set in a world which only exists in the minds of Kdrama writers. While this show is not the promised romcom in any way it actually is a good drama in its exploration of marriage and marital relationships. There is a lot of truth in it.

My wife has continued to enjoy the second season of POONG: THE JOSEON PSYCHIATRIST and she enjoys BRAIN WORKS as well. She finished the Chinese Costume Drama RISE OF PHOENIXES (on Netflix) and thought that it was very well done. She also has enjoyed an English language costume drama in the form of the second (and final) season of THE SPANISH PRINCESS.

My wife and I also continue to watch the C-drama SHE AND HER PERFECT HUSBAND, which has been a very nice show. We have just a few episodes left to go.

Meanwhile my son, soon to leave for his new job, has taken advantage of my iQIYI subscription to watch the Chinese Costume Drama STRANGE TALES OF THE TANG DYNASTY. He loves it.

THREE BOLD SIBLINGS has not been as big a success as it could have been but there are moments when the talent of the writer does shine through and this last week’s episodes were quite fun Now that Soorim and Mooyoung are officially dating it is time for the next test: Mooyoung’s Ex (who is Shin Ji-hye’s mother) is coming to Korea to try to get Mooyoung back, despite what she did in the past- this is part of Soorim’s evil Ex’s plan. But when Ji-hye tries to recruit our ML’s pregnant aunt into helping with this what she hears back is not only no but that Ji-hye needs to be way more grateful to her father. This is what is known as a Big Hint- and I think that we have another Birth Secret on the way. Well, if YOUNG LADY AND GENTLEMAN could give us two amnesias then why not a weekender with two Birth Secrets? Poor Ji-hye- she is beginning to get a clue regarding Soorim’s evil Ex and now she is about to be hit with this. Frankly I prefer a second Birth Secret to an extra amnesia. Meanwhile we got a close call with a truck bus of doom at the end of episode 36, with the result that our pregnant will be moving in with her man after all. And evil Birth Secret Woman ended the 37th episode by revealing to our ML that he does not have a secret child after all- but only did so as revenge- because she thought that the ML’s nasty cousin had tipped off the cops who were raiding the gambling den where she was. Isn’t it lovely when the bad guys trip over each other? But not to worry, Soorim’s Evil Ex is still scheming so there is plenty of plot left, particularly with Ji-hye’s Baby Mama on her way back to Korea (cue the ‘Empire Theme’ from STAR WARS here).

PSA: For those who need some campiness in their viewing life I am pleased to...

CRASH COURSE IN ROMANCE (Ep 5&6)
Perfection, I’m covering my ears like a toddler to any criticisms of the show apart from the silly murder/stalker plot.
On a somewhat unrelated note: just went to see the Lunar New Year fireworks and this poor little sweet child covered their ears because the fireworks were too noisy 🥺

INTEREST OF LOVE (Ep 7&8)
How the hell did beanies wait a whole week after that cliffhanger from episode 8?!!
I had to quickly fast forward through episode 9 to get the context. I’m taking my time and savouring this drama. I don’t think I’ll see another one like is in a long time. Hands down my favourite show at the moment and probably for the year.

TROLLEY (Ep 11&12):
I’ve got nothing to say apart from I’m seriously addicted! So what was the final conversation between Joong-do and his son? Did Ji-hoon commit suicide or was he murdered? I actually want a whole episode dedicated to a flashback of Ji-hoon, he has been such a pivotal character to the plot but we barely know much about him. I want to see how things went down from his perspective

BAIT (Ep 1):
I’m actually glad this drama is being split in two parts, I’m still not ready for a thriller/ grim dark show yet. This is nothing against the series I actually think it’s quite good and seeing Jang Geun-seok again makes me super happy. But yeah I can only stomach one episode per week.

HIGHLY ANTICIPATING: OUR BLOOMING YOUTH
I know I shouldn’t have such high expectations but I can’t deny how expected I am!

Back yet again to post more Drama ideas for the Asian scriptwriters that follow this blog. Thanks for the last round requests.

What's worse than being the villaness or protagonist in a show? Being the Best friend that is required to agree with everything the protagonist does.

- The best friend gets minimum agency
- They have to agree with everything that their friend says even if the friend is making rotten decisions such as chasing a cold-hearted abusive guy that bullies them and there is a sweet Second Lead right there.
- They have to be an expert at relationships
Even though they are their best friend, they have to listen to "I have a friend" stories.

Chinese shows
- They are often stuck with overly lazy, overly destructive bumbling types for love interests, that they must put up with who are, if not a goofy character, straight up abusive that the MFL "rescues" (white the MFL's reltionship is marginally better I think it might be fun to have an actual relationship expert with real relationship advice go up against a plot where she has to give bad relationship advice such as "Get back with him." "But you like him."

- In Japanese shows, the character isn't allowed to change. They just nod, say yes, and blindly tell them words such as, "But you like him" and give measures of, "How do you know you like him?" But there are always thin expertise in those shows about relationships.

- Korean shows the best friend doesn't have a life outside of their best friend unless they are a love interest. No character arc. Forgettable a lot of the time. And often a "sex expert" compared to the female lead. Flip it.

If the Best friend isn't supportive, they are left to "take the guy from the Main female Lead" and thus become the "betrayer Best friend." If the Best friend gives good advice, they are destined to be forgotten. If they give bad advice, then the audience is meant to mock them and hate them.

Given the trend of Isekai, can the Best friend character who is FORCED to be supportive through the protag's often terrible and more terrible decisions to bossy love interest/fluffy-brain woman be turned around? Can that character say no to the chain of bad decisions and bail the protag and themselves out of the worst fate imaginable? Can you subvert the tropes around the Best Friend character? Is the Best Friend destined to be forgotten after the show is over with no life of their own?

And please pass the basic feminism tests: Mako Mori (has a goal other than romance), Bechdel (2 named women talk about something other than men) and Sexy Lamp (The character has agency and isn't there to be sexy). Be a good way to highlight feminism and question the genre.

I finished up WINTER SONATA. Though I found the first half rough sledding, it then turned epic, like something out of a Greek tragedy. I can see now why this is a classic. The happy ending comes at considerable cost and the final scene will stay with me for a long long time.

DO YOU LIKE BRAHMS? (2020) Really like and respect this drama. The young performance artists are just at that point in their careers when they have to make agonizing personal and professional decisions and ask "Is it worth it?" I like how they are portrayed as normal people rather than histrionic weirdos like in another drama I saw. They struggle head-on with self-doubt, jealousy, and failure.There's the manipulation by people who feed off them. Some of the tension arises from the fact that classical musicians tend to form relationships with others who are at their level of talent and not outside it, which makes for a problematic romance between a top-tier pianist and a struggling violinist. The drama doesn't shy away from these realities.

Crash Course in Romance 👨‍🏫🍲(6/16): My teenage love triangle predictions seem to be more complicated than what the script is showing.😅 Hae-E and Sun-Jae are probably endgame, and Geon-Hu is a prop to bring them together. Ah well, they are not our protagonists, of course it is going to be simple.🤷‍♀️The waffle incident was a rough scene to watch, because as a person on the spectrum I identify with Jae-Woo. Some of his behavior was not acceptable because it crossed boundaries and I understand the barista being afraid as a result. However, an accused has a right to defend himself, so Jae-Woo should have received the communication and agency to try and set things right himself, with some help from his sister. It was upsetting to see him handcuffed, scared and confused in that cell while his sister was prostrating on his behalf in another room. She was trying to protect him, but the writing turned him into a prop and her into a martyr to draw sympathy from our ML and the viewers instead. Then again, I cannot expect miracles from South-Korea when even my own environment does not always understand me.🤷‍♀️

Fruits Basket (2019) Season 1🍙🐈(13/25): “I do not remember this from the older version.” “Oh, you will in a minute.” Me and my friend while watching this show. She always ends up being right, because it usually means a new zodiac member is about to show up. I must admit that I am feeling a bit smug, because the show is adding new stuff to the storyline of the older version, which means my friend cannot predict what is going to happen for much longer.😁

The Golden Girls Season 1👵👵👵👵(10/25):🎵Thank you for being a friend🎵I am continuing this one at a slower pace now, because my mind is occupied with real life and my other shows.😅

Since this is the third week in a row I’ve been watching revenge dramas, one might think I’m obsessed with vengeance. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve been extraordinarily lucky in that all the wrongs and criminal committed against me have been small scale, and while some have been temporarily enraging, I don’t think I’d find much satisfaction even in punching the perpetrator in the nose. Plus it would make my hand hurt.

So why did I start watching the Taxi Driver? I blame Dramabeans highlighting of the promo for Taxi Driver Part II (not really, I'm joking) But after all, if there is a part II the original show must have been good, right? Unfortunately, I’m about 3/4s of the way through Part I, and it makes me think that Poong the Joseon Psychiatrist is more worthy of a Part II. In fact, couldn’t we have Poong the Joseon Taxi Driver instead of Part II of Taxi Driverr? There’s something a little tedious about watching Lee Je-hoon enacting vengeance 24/7, with only a small pause to do a few pullups and drink a protein supplement PPL.

One thing the movie has taught me is how to move through the queue in my local Starbucks, when the barista calls out “quintuple shot latte for Hacja.” For some reason the businesspeople in the morning all carry lead pipes, and when they swing them at me one after another as I make my way to the counter, I’ve learned how to dodge and weave, dispensing a few stunning blows. So Taxi Driver hasn’t all been about the empty vengeance. In fact, even though I can’t say I’m looking forward to Taxi Driver Part II, I do think it will be an educational experience. I’ve read that the pipe wielding thugs are going to attack Lee Je-Hoon in a ring rather than queuing up in a straight line. I hoping to learn how to fight my way out of the circular reasoning that I often encounter in student papers!

Crash Course in Romance : Our OTP just sparkle along with the kids (minus the mean ones). I'm getting giddy at Chi-yeol slowly catching romantic feelings and Haeng-seon friend-zoning/teacher-zoning him. I actually don't need them to get together. I just love watching them interact. I'm not feeling the jealous student, bad moms, and murder subplots though.

Poong, Joseon Psychiatrist (ep 5).: Was pretty good. The case was solved in one episode. Lots of time with our Gye Soo clinic coming together to help. The OTP giving me the squees with how cute they are when they're together! They look at each other with such affection that it makes me want to fall in love. Then it ended with the annoying royal clinic guy. Ugh.

Love in Time 2022 (done): I really enjoyed it! It wasn't quite love territory, but it's definitely one of the better cdramas I've watched with likable leads and good pacing. I think they resolved the time travel and the conservation of mass issue satisfactorily. The actors did well too. I think when the writing was getting unwieldy in a few places, there was a sincerity to their acting that helped ground the story and their actions.

Making the most of my iQiyi subscription this month.

My Lethal Man (up to ep 7, unlikely to continue): A series that makes me shout "WTF!", "WHAT!", "Come on!", and LOLing at how cheesy and soap-opera-y it is. I think this needs to be watched with a buddy. And omg, the excessive strangling and fearful trembling! And the weird rom-com moments! The face-smooth filters and lens flare! The ML's actor (who is 23) actually pulled off the domineering ML character (which a lot of young cdrama actors can't)

Hello There (up to ep 12): Half hour episodes. OTP on a journey to cure their respective troubles. Likeable and cute and fitting for my inner teen. Also LOL they added a hilarious masochist female side character. Good watch for decompressing before bedtime.

Your Sensibility My Destiny (up to ep 5, probably won't continue): Fraudster heroine meets prince who can't feel anything, except her! I like the characters, especially the quirky feel of the ML's servants, but story is sort of boring.

My Uncanny Destiny (up to ep 7, probably won't continue): Interesting setup with the princess being raised as a prince/king and then her getting amnesia at an enemy kingdom. But can't connect with the characters and acting (and i have a big tolerance for cheesy acting). I like the little sister and assassin couple.

Current/recent:
Crash Course in Romance: Still watching, still like the ML and the kids, but rapidly losing patience with the FL and with how the show is making the autism-spectrum character a stereotypical plot device instead of a person. The belt scene was a gem, though.

Strangers Again: Eps. 5/6 took a big leap forward in interest and character development. I liked how the in-law cases shed light on our leads’ relationships - and the brutal fallout of traditional Korean male privilege and exploitation.

Kokdu: What IS this drama anyway? Ep. 3 was a little less manic and tone-shifty but the underlying mythology didn’t make any more sense. I’m watching for Kim Jung-hyun and the petty gods.

Older stuff (Kdrama continuing education program):
I’m Not a Robot: Finished. Awwww. So cute! I wish Yoo Seung-ho were in more dramas that interest me.
Next up: I'm ready for some not-fluff, so I think I’ll try Through the Darkness.

After I finished Lovers I learned its part of a trilogy. I was already partway through Lovers in Prague, so I started Lovers in Paris. So much wrist grabbing, I feel someone's going to dislocate a shoulder.

I'm watching 'What's Wrong With Secretary Kim'. After 8 episodes of finding Young-joon funny but also aggravating in his jealousy and behaviour I am finally coming around to him as a romantic partner to Kim Mi-so.

Just started Yonder after dropping rewatches of a couple other dramas I've already seen. So far I've not been impressed, but it did relieve my insomnia so 5 stars for that. Will see if it stays as watching material or relegated to background noise.

I don't know why I'm having so much trouble finding a show to really get into, but in the meantime, drama hopping for now.

Crash Course in Romance: I love this show, but the moms ganging up against Hae-Yi and Haeng-Sun is actually stressing me out.

Can We Be Strangers: This show is a fun, breezy watch, and I'm enjoying reading everyone's perspectives on the recaps.

Excited for Our Blooming Youth to premiere in a few days!!!

Missing: The Other Side 2 (Episode 13-14) - Mood progression: C+ / C / C- / C+ / C / C- / C
Ok, that was a lot to take in for a finale: 1) Captain Kang’s inability to ascend left unexplained (and possible implications for Thomas?), 2) Pan Seok entering a village without any obvious connection to it, 3) Wook’s death(?) and welcome into one of the missing villages, 4) Jong Ah’s sudden ability to see the dead, 5) Organ harvester from Episode 1 ends up missing-dead: possible setup for next season, 6) Mine zone tease with this season’s villain (I rolled my eyes at the the cliche escape arc!), like what in the open ending of open endings was that?! I don’t mind another season but there isn’t even one confirmed yet!
And I seriously doubt they’ve managed to secure Im Si Wan for an entire season when the guy is booked and busy.

Crash Course in Romance (Episode 5-6) - Mood: C-
So what’s the difference between the stalker from the premiere and the boy who got killed last week? Why does one have a police investigation and not the other? Plot hole? I also don’t really like what I’m seeing so far of Jae Woo’s arc, which does feel more like tokenism rather than any sort of social commentary on disability awareness. I pray the writer has some plans for Dan Ji’s family: both actresses have been relegated as extras so far. I’ve already commented on Geon Hu in my fan wall (link below) and it seems like my worst fears are coming true: he’s literally there as a tool to trigger Sun Jae’s feelings, sigh.

Link -> https://www.dramabeans.com/members/radily/activity/1378605/

Strangers Again (Episode 5-6) - Mood: D+
After this show imploded last week with the makjang court reveal, I couldn’t believe the show would go any lower. And yet it did with some actual cheating and now we’re well into noble idiocy part 2. I do hope it’s a fake out and Ha Ra isn’t handling her step-sibling’s child support but the preview seems to have all but confirmed it? 2nd lead, supporting couple: don’t care.

Kokdu: Season of Deity (Episode 1-2) - Mood: D
The premiere really threw the kitchen sink at utilising all kinds of dated characterisations and groan-inducing tropes, didn’t it? Certainly, for a fantasy show to work out, you need to avoid copy-pasting tragic historical backstories from other shows, tone down the slapstick and come up with solid motivations for the leads. As for the villains, it’s already hopeless in week 1.

The Interest of Love (Episode 13-14) - Mood: D-
There’s still one more week of this train wreck? I guess I should be thankful that Su Yeong didn’t actually sleep with Gyeong Pil or that Mi Gyeong isn’t pregnant with Sang Su’s child: even this writer knows that’s an unrecoverable blow to the OTP. In the finale, I guess I should be going for a record for the fastest time to finish a week’s episodes. For once it could be useful?

Hwangi: rewatching it while I read the new translation of Journey to the West by Julia Lovell. Did the book help me understand the series better? I'm not sure but it was fun to try.
Crash Course in Romance: just getting ready to watch it now! I love shows where food plays a large role in the plot.
Strangers Again: The plot is becoming satisfyingly complicated, with lots of secrets, and I'm enjoying that. The ex-husband's motivations are still not very clear.
The New Employee: Surprisingly good BL drama. Yes, OK, it's a guy falling in love with his boss, which could be uncomfortable, but they made it work. Also, Ye Ji-Won was in it.
The Temperature of Language: I hadn't even heard of this school drama, but Youtube offered me a fan vid in which Nam Yoon Su was cute. I watched six episodes while doing something else before I even realized I was doing it. Will I finish it? Maybe.
I'm also thinking of watching The Three-Body Problem, the Chinese series based on the massive international hit science fiction novel. I'm about three episodes into that. It's grim and thrilling, so far. I only got through the first volume of the trilogy.

FIERY PRIEST: Though I really liked this show, I don't see the need for a second season. Corruption and greediness doesn't really tend to reinvent itself.

NEW LIFE BEGINS: The final seven episodes were really good and sweet. All the romance that I was missing was lavishly presented. But all in all, I found this drama too long and the Dan princess' violent behaviour towards her husband inexcusable. I can't believe no one called her out on it.

LIVE UP TO YOUR NAME: My new breakfast-watch.

RINKO-SAN WANTS TO TRY: I enjoyed this show. I wish they would have made it about 2 episodes longer to explore their growing feelings and how this would affect their interactions and the concept of communication, which was exceedingly poor for two characters in their late twenties sleeping together.

DETECTIVE HUSBAND I'VE NEVER MET: This is a web drama and I actually fell asleep the final 30 minutes and haven't bothered rewatching it. But the costumes! Exquisite work!🤩

THE LITTLE WIFE OF THE GENERAL: This web drama centered around a modern day chef transmigrating to historical times and charming people with food. Good for a webdrama, hoping for a second season. I kinda fell in love with the male lead in his role in Lighter and Princess despite being a multitude of shadyness.

I had a couple of wonderful drama-watching evenings last week: since Brain Works and Trolley didn’t air then, I rewatched the last episode of Alchemy of Souls S1 and then the first couple of episodes of S2 that are out on Netflix. What a wonderful drama, I enjoyed it immensely.
After that, I started another urgent recommendation by my friend: Wok of Love, and it was as good as she said. If you’re looking for an uncomplicated and funny romance WITHOUT a serial murder, thriller elements, too much violence or sadness, but instead good writing, a lovely couple, great bromance and a really interesting topic (food and cooking!) this is for you! It also has a talking horse (why?) and a super cute kitten 😊
Bonus: I remember BOTH MLs as anguished kings in love… (Lee Junho and Jang Hyuk)
Finished Forbidden Marriage
I quite liked how the final episodes were used, with a quick solution to politics and crime and then lots of time for all of our couples. All in all, I had fun with this drama.
Brain Works
Over the top, funny, interesting information about brain science: a good watch for me!
Crash Course In Romance
I don’t really feel the OTP’s chemistry, but that’s okay: I do enjoy the comedy and watch mainly for the school romance. Still waiting for more food close ups and recipes!
Trolley
The world is crumbling down for our heroine… Are our worst presumptions about her husband coming true? This is so well constructed and executed and I really don’t know where we are heading.
Payback
More setbacks, more new plans. Now our heroes are working separately towards the same goal. What I don’t like about it: the drab colors and the music, it all sounds the same as in any thriller drama.
Strangers Again
In episode 4, I began to like this drama and it’s OTP. The explanation behind their divorce was so relatable to me, and that obviously none of them is without fault, and FL started to realize this. The divorce cases are still rather ridiculous, but watching for the couples is good enough for me.
KDrama friend project:
Started Seasons of Kokdu and love watching it together! Love the leading couple, love their bickering and chemistry, love Kokdu’s powers and the other gods’ comedy. The sets, especially outside, and the colorways are so beautiful, too! Our only problem with it: they talk so much and so fast that we have problems reading the subtitles…
Also, watched the BTS Busan concert movie in the cinema twice 😊

Have you ever watched a drama that made you laugh out loud because of sheer joy? Alchemy of Souls is such a drama. Only regret is that I didn’t start watching sooner.

Currently not watching any kdrama.

Waiting for the following:
1. Shin Sung Rok drama news (top priority) 🧐
2. The Glory part 2 👠

-the end-

We finished Prison playbook and hopped back on Train.
I enjoyed both more than my friend.
Her need for romance means that we will start Miss Hammurabi this week. But I'm quite happy that Crash course in romance has both caught her eyes and is available in Netflix Germany, meaning we will also start this drama this week.
I'm just savouring on the side New life begins. The choral costume food cdrama is cute and funny. 6th prince is bit too perfect (and too skinny) but I'm eager to discover the others regions and their food.

K drama: Big Bet I like it. Good cast . I did not like how they doled out the episodes, 3 Eps opening week, then a once a week trickle. Part 2 next week.

C drama: The Knockout Enjoying it. One of the better cop shows I’ve seen.

Another C drama, A League of Noblemen I like it. Think I’m going to come back to this on after I finish the other one.

YouTube: Sherlock Holmes movies, Basil Rathbone series primarily, sometimes other versions.

Also on YT, Japanese Samurai serials Undercover Geisha, Zankuro, samurai for hire genre , decent, several seasons to choose from.

J drama in progress, Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san Two bffs head off to train to hopefully become Maikos. One is a rising star, the other flunks out, but her cooking skills allow her to stay . Ai Hashimoto as the current top girl who the newbies aspire to become.

More YT, film noire, B movies primarily, some good. Some bad but all fun.

_ It's Beautiful Now (watched 12 out of 50). I enjoy watching the three cute siblings, but there is too much padding (unnecesary filling) un this drama.

_ Alchemy of Souls 2 (6 out of 10). I didn't enjoy the first season as much as almost everybody did, but I like this second season. So many beautiful scenes...

_ Angel Last Mission: Love (2 out of 16). Nice for now.

_ Six Flying Dragons (12 out of 50). Very very good.

_ Hospital Playlist Season 1 (10 out of 12). Quite good. Lovely main characters. I still prefer Prison Playbook, which has become my favorite k-drama ever.