Uncle Samsik - gripping and fascinating!!

Finished the first 5 episodes in one go and can’t wait to see the politicking unfold now that the set up is done. Like @miso2019, it sent me into a history reading spiral as knowing nothing about The Second Republic. I feel watching an extended movie with the high production value. It is not only the first ever drama of Song Kang-ho but also the writer-director’s first foray into drama. With so many characters, I find it not easy to remember who’s who and their political party alliance but the writer-director - and the actors (in big or small roles) - succeeded in making each character stand out.

In fact, watching the acting alone is what makes it worth the while. Song Kang-ho is that person who represents every one but also no one: fascinating performance! (And I just came off watching his another fascinating take in Cobweb and LOL so much that annoyed those sitting next to me on a flight). Byun Yo-han is now like a fine wine certainly up there to act opposite SKH with ease and charisma. Lee Kyu-hung gave me the chill down the spine as the villain. The surprise to me is Jin Ki-joo who gave a restrained but impressive performance.

This drama so far has more than made up my disappointment in The Kingmaker (2022 movie with Sol Kyung-gu and the late
Lee Sun-kyun) on similar plot premise. For those beanies who love politics and recent Korean history, this is a must watch.

I haven't watched Long Ballad (although I've heard good things), but I have loved Liu Yu Ning and Zhao Lu Si in the shows I've seen them in. Keep me posted about what you think about this one!

Netflix up to no good again. It's an easy pass.

After having to give up swimming it would be sad if Sun-Jae had to give up music too.

That would be so good if Sun Sol can be together throughout. I would root for that. 😊❤

Looking ahead to the remaining probable releases for 2024, I'm finding my list of dramas I'm interested in getting smaller and smaller. This year has been really disappointing on the k-drama front. Since my c-drama journey is still relatively new, I'm filling in with them for now, but I may be heading for an "all country" drama slump pretty soon. 😢

Finished watching 'Chief Detective 1958'. This really improved as it went on, and as the actors settled into their roles. Great finale. I wish we could have had a few more episodes though...

Loved the first two episodes of 'Crash', but then I am a sucker for cop comedies. And I love Lee Min-ki's socially awkward character, and the hints of a tragic back story.

Dropped 'The Midnight Romance in Hagwon' halfway through episode one. Nothing wrong with a slow-burning serious romance: but I'm in the mood for fluffy right now, and I found the setting of this quite stressful.

Dropped 'Frankly Speaking' midway through episode 5. Became bored when it moved to the reality show setting, and the writing became less tightly focused on the male lead.

Dropped 'Dare to Love Me' after twenty minutes and ran away screaming.

Currently rewatching the first season of 'Joy of Life'. I had forgotten how good the first series was: the way the characters develop and weave in and out of the plot is just a masterclass in how to structure a drama. And I've still got the Poetry God episode to look forward to! Hopefully, by the time I finish, there will be enough episodes of season two loaded for me to binge...

I feel the same way about Thirty-Nine, it was so emotional for me and that’s what I remember (fondly).

Fingers crossed for season 2!

Oh heavens, don't fret...there's no spoiler in my comments...just forgetfulness. I remember now him saying he has a girlfriend, but we never meet her, I don't think??? Let's have it!! 😘