Watched The Glory for its majority female led cast, came out with a crush on Lee Do-Hyun. How are they doing this in South Korea? I don’t develop these types of crushes on American or Indian actors?!
I like Son Ye-jin as an actress, but I hate the focus on her character in this show.
There is no way these 3 women are equal friends – everything is about Son Ye-jin\’s character, Cha Mi-jo. She ALWAYS sits/walks in the middle of the trio; and when they\’re at a restaurant, the other two sit together and she\’s on another side by herself. ALWAYS in focus. It\’s hard to set aside the knowledge that this is a TV show and truly believe the world, with this omnipresent focus.
And now, Ep 3 made one of the other\’s terminal illness all about Kim Mi-jo. Mi-jo grappled with the loss, Mi-jo spent days without sharing what she knew with the person actually affected and their families, and then when she\’s finally forced to reveal the truth, she does not share the whole of what she knows. Instead she says, \”This cannot happen to US. WE are still in our thirties.\” No, you\’re not the one dying — it is most certainly a loss for you, a dear and beloved friend, nothing less than family, but there is no \”WE\”.
It\’s not a bad show, but the incessant focus on one character — played by a top billed actress — is very off-putting. I prefer my shows where all characters are clearly true individuals in their own right, despite the clear focus on the protagonists. Here, it is obviously not the case.
Ep 4 is WORSE? She goes on to COMPLETELY DENY Chan-young the same time to process her own illness that Cha Mi-jo – WHO ISN’T SICK – took. Instead, Mi-jo COMPLETELY DISRESPECTS what Chan-young wants and takes it upon herself to tell Jo-hee & Seon-u.
Minor improvement in that they at least allow Chan-young to sit in the center of ONE discussion.
Do like Chan-young a lot. The reveal with Jin-seok was beautifully done. I’ll probably only watch this part of the story.
Plus her love story seems very forceful. I can’t believe after all that and their fun clubbing scene, they still ended ep 4 with Mi Jo and Seon Wu. It’s just not working. The show is much more serious for me to feel anything for these two. Kim Jin Seok and Jung Chan Young’s scene was the best this episode. I honestly only like when all three ladies are bickering and having fun like girls do without any mention of guys.
@greenfields: Completely agree. Also, ethically, a doctor should have first told Chanyoung about her diagnosis before telling Mijo. And, what was that hideous outfit that Mijo bought Chanyoung? It was just horrific. I was speechless at how ugly it was! What she bought for herself was comparatively much less hideous!
That doctor was being completely unethical. If i were Chan-young, I would feel deeply upset and violated. Best friend or not, you don’t just share critical medical information like that. It’s completely against doctor-patient confidentiality. Also no true best friend would buy that outfit for someone they profess to care for, just sayin’.
Exactly what I’m feeling. Chan-young and especially Joo-hee are getting shafted by the story. That, on top of the fact that I’m actually more interested in their stories and not Mi-jo’s, makes this a bit irritating to watch.
And yes that conversation between Jin-seok and Chan-young was beautifully done. Jeon Mi-do and Lee Mu-saeng were ACTING there. I almost shed a tear myself.
This!! Exactly what kept bothering me in Ep 3. We spent so much time dealing with her emotions that with the actual person who is going to die. It got worse in Ep 4 when she made the decision for them to spend the rest of the life being happy. no no no.. It’s not your choice to make.
Unfortunately, I am dropping this. The tone of the show isn’t working for me. Plus, not ready to watch dying people now. But its not a bad drama either. May be I will change my mind next week!
All the comments are so on point, from the cancer reveal right down to the dress. I was in disbelief when they bumped into YWJ outside the bar..Seoul is really a small city right 🙄 I feel scammed again, this isn’t a story about a trio of women, it’s all Mijo. Mijo gets to tell her family first, she looks more depressed that the patient herself, she decides to move on and make the best of the time left not Chan Young who’s just going along with her.
It\’s been ages since I\’ve been on DB – about 2 years since I was last a regular – and so much has changed in my life since then. I\’ve moved to a new country, met so many new people, learnt new things about myself, and now look forward to (hopefully) a new career in another new city in yet another few months. So much more hasn\’t changed either – for the good and for the bad.
And so, for today, my post is dedicated simply to the idea of change – the one inevitable (along with death and k-dramas?) in our lives.
Greenie! I missed you. Granted, it’s not like I’ve been around here much lately either, so I’m one to talk. How are you? I hope everything is going well with the career change and studies. It feels like both a lifetime ago and also like just yesterday that we were talking about it here. I hope all the changes have been good to you, and that you are happy and healthy wherever you are these days.
I’m so glad to hear that! I really hoped everything was working out for you.
I’ve had a rough year for a thousand different reasons, but I think things are looking up now. There are changes on the horizon, so there’s something to look forward to at least.
As someone who hates changes, I came to realization that changes are inevitable and necessary for human growth. I inevitably learn that there are many things, indeed, that are out of control, but that doesn’t mean that they would always lead to bad outcomes. There is a one liner I love from Crash Landing on You – A wrong train might take you to the right destination. I hope that all the changes will lead you to the right destination in the end.
Thank you mmmmm! That’s a wonderful quote, and I think, one that has been quite applicable at different points in my life. I hope the same for you! <33
Awww 😊 I just hope I get to see all seven of my boys together this year. Bambam spoiled that he knows the date of their comeback so I’m guessing that means they’re coming back this year 🎉🎉🎉 It’s been about a year since all seven of them were together but at least they all had lots of solo activities.
Bulgasal is crazy – and yet, I love it. So much fun.
While I feel for the characters and all the pain they’ve suffered for the past 1000+ years, I gotta say I think they need to let the past go. Can’t believe they’ve been holding on to 1000 yr old grudges through so many lives. Let the dead rest, and move on. Have the two bulgasal kill each other and have two less monsters in this world.
Prediction: The end of the show will be exactly along these lines – to let go of past lives and past grudges. Move on – especially if you’ve died.
The one thing I don\’t get about Mouse is this constant reference to a blossoming love between Ba-reum, a policeman in his 20s/30s, and Bong-yi, a high schooler. I don\’t think the show actually plans to go there, but errr…what? Why is this even a thing that is a thing in the show?
Update: After all that whining on this post (https://www.dramabeans.com/activity/p/1214277/), I have been offered an internship with the employer in question! 🎉 This is by no means an easy success story. I\’ve been recruiting for 6 months, interviews began 3 months ago. I\’ve submitted 30+ applications, only had 3 interview invitations and one actual offer.
The pros are that this is exactly the kind of work experience I wanted from the internship, it\’s an employer I\’m genuinely interested in and may want to return to if I am given an offer to stay on (I submitted a lot of applications because I had to, not because I wanted to), and my interactions with the folks at the company have been great! Cons: They\’ll pay a little over half of what the other companies I interviewed with, would have paid. Pros: It means I\’ll actually have a life, be able to write and watch dramas.
Yay, Greenie!!! I’m so glad, and so happy for you!! And thanks for sharing your experience with rejection, too. It gives hope to people like me who are also applying for things!
What I told you girl! Congratulations.
Also maybe when i said things work out for you it usually refers to things you share here(because I’m unaware of your struggles otherwise) . I do believe that positivity begets positivity. And all the encouragement and positive vibes help. Believe in yourself, you’re already one of the most daring people I’ve come across.
This comes from a fairly pessimistic person lol. But things at least work out for me when I shun every negative thought or attach excessive hopes to what I want. That is why I didn’t want to add a “but if it doesn’t work out” to my comment on your post. I’m glad it did work out. Fighting!
Congrats! This is good!
It’s tough to find balance between work and life, so sometimes earning less, even if it’s an inconvenient (we all work for a salary, at least me!) you can have some other rewards.
I hope this is the first step you need!
I rarely have time to be here, so your story slipped under my radar, but yay! Congratulations!🎉
I remember your encouragement when I was jobhunting and figuring things out years ago, so I hope I can return the favor now! Go Greenfields Go! 🥳
Thank you for the update! Im so glad that things are turning oit! Experience and being where you want to be is worth so much more than money. Congratulations! Congratulations!
This! Money may pay the rent but it’s worthless when you are constantly challenged by not being where you want to be and are not enjoying the experience.
Agreed. This is very true. I think that finding a balance is hard – I’ve for some reason, found it very hard to earn money? Because I was previously in a profession where it was acceptable to not pay juniors (they were to acquire their own clients while ‘learning’ from a senior aka slaving for them), I value the opportunity to earn more a little disproportionately. But I fully get what you mean.
#Navillera is so good. The depiction of Chae-rok\’s possible depression, the limitations of old age, the potential for friendship, family and healing regardless of one\’s age, and the universal message of allowing one another to just be who we are, and so much more. The first two eps definitely moved me. I\’m fully invested in these characters and their lives. Storytelling at its finest.
Also, as a Song Kang-focused aside, he is – I think – maybe overdoing some of his acting. From expressionless most of the time, to outraged when he learns he has to teach Deok-chul – the difference between the two states is too vast. But he\’s totally won my heart here as well! Could perhaps be my new favorite actor? (among the younger ones)
My only complaint: I hope they don’t introduce a romantic plotline involving Chae-rok and Deok-chul’s granddaughter. I just want Chae-rok and Deok-chul to be friends/surrogate family, without any of the complications coming from a relationship between Chae-rok and Deok-chul. (Also, does every drama need a romantic subplot?)
Just bombed an interview with an employer I was super excited about. My heart is broken – as is my pride. Definitely currently in the big fall phase of the saying, “after a big high, comes a big fall” (or however it goes). Must be the first person with a full tuition scholarship at a top tier uni/school (& I do mean pretty well known) who can’t even get an *internship* LOL
Note here, LOL = Life Over, Loser! The worst part is I keep thinking maybe it will still work out. It’s not like it was a bad interview. It just wasn’t a great one either. This is the final round, I’m so close.
SO I’m going to try and borrow positive vibes from the universe and think positively. Which next involves me drowning my sorrows in the visuals of a sweaty and muscular Song Kang who is releasing his forehead in the beautiful Navillera. (And I do not mean that in a creepy way, more like, at least my eyes are happy even if the rest of me is sad)
Hopefully one of those times when we think we bombed, but the other person is thinking how well we did.
Enjoy your visuals (watching later tonight) and good luck.
Thanks Beverly 🙂 I really appreciate the words of encouragement.
My interviewer (essentially the manager for the team I’d have worked with) ended it with, “Good luck! I hope it works out. If it doesn’t, then I’m sure you’ll do well at anything you touch.” – since she’s the one deciding whether or not I make the cut, I’m guessing that ending means its a no. BUT positive thoughts. Positive thoughts.
Sounds like a pretty great compliment nonetheless. It sounds like she sees your talent and worth and that if not with her company, then someone else will snatch you up! Sometimes the best place for you is not exactly where you would pick first. Do you mind telling us what kind of internship it is?
Thanks Ally. On reviewing the interview questions, I’m fairly certain I did a poor job in my responses. XD But I do appreciate it. It’s a commercial strategy internship at a Fortune 100.
Hey @greenfields, it’s going to be alright. I’m really sorry that you had a bad interview. You are in a really good university so I’m sure more opportunities will come your way.
As little as I know you, I think even if things are going left they work out for you because you were brave enough to take that step. I must be totally wrong but that’s what I have observed. So don’t lose hope.
Sending you lots of good vibes! I’m sure it’ll work out, and if this isn’t the one that is meant to be, I’m sure the universe has something bigger and better waiting in the wings for you.
I really like Mouse? Its proving to be quite a bit of fun? Also I think they\’re misdirecting us with the focus on the young doc – hoping to see Lee Seunggi finally play a villain.
I like it too (I haven’t had a chance to see episode 4 yet so I am avoiding social media). I’m sure it’s misdirection because it seems way too early otherwise – but then maybe they want us to think it’s misdirection 😅 I’m overly suspicious of everything.
Perhaps only @smaltwalt and I will be interested, but this cover of EXO’s “Growl” is good! I feel like Golden Child expressed the song so well – it’s well suited to their vocals and rap.
So err…something unthinkable has happened. Until about a year ago, I refused to even remotely consider idols past ~94 liners as bias material. Like, that’s just weird! Too much younger than me (I’m clearly a few years over the ~94 line). But lately, I’ve been getting into Golden Child, and the utter unthinkable has happened: A younger than ~94 line bias has found me. ’99 line to be exact: Hong Joochan. Just look at him, this is clearly a kid!
Anyway, apart from rudely standing out to this ahjumma noona, he also plays the piano, violin and guitar, composes a little, forms 1/2 of the main vocal duo of the group; and is one of the two most confident, hilarious on variety guys of an already hilarious 10 member team. I would say I do bias all the members of the group, but one just particularly stands out, so he’s a bias among biases? Weird.
That apart, Golcha have delicious melodies and gorgeous vocals. I’m not otherwise a fan of songs such as this one below (‘Don’t Run Away’). They usually seem too generic to me. But here’s Golcha taking something I don’t usually love and turning it into something I can’t put away.
I’ve decided not to care about my age and biases anymore. I’m so much older than all the idols unless I want to dive into Sechs Kies.
I’m not crushing on them anyway, which I think is what made me feel weird about it when I first got into kpop. I had some idea that was a big part of it. 🤦♀️
But Taemin is my bias cause I find him so freaking talented, love his music, and he makes me laugh. 🤷♀️
I think what you say makes sense. There’s no way I’m crushing on a ’99 liner, but..I guess..I’m so conscious of that age gap that it feels weird. But now that I write it out here, it seems like an absurd to thing to waste my time on. Like you, I’m just enjoying the guy’s talent, loving his voice and laughing at his antics in variety – pretty much just being entertained. So he’s doing a good job. That’s pretty harmless. Okay I feel better now hahaha
Also, Taemin is all of those things and more, for sure!
I think after nearly 3.25 years, it’s time for Suga to let me go! T_T T_T
But honestly that’s not happening. It’s Suga at #1, then everyone else. But Joochan is a definite bias too!
I’m a huge fan of BTS. Love their music, lyrics, performances, variety, camera personalities and so much more. Love Suga, especially Suga. Their music and message pushed me to be honest to myself, helped me find my way out of a seemingly endless phase of depression, stick through a tough job and eventually, to use that experience to begin forging a path towards the kind of career I really want. It’s been incredibly hard and I’m nowhere near where I want to be just yet, I also know I’m quite privileged and lucky – but BTS have very much been part of the journey.
However, I’ve also spent the past 2 years not really liking their musical direction. Because the music itself doesn’t appeal to me anymore, I don’t follow their other promotions either. But then, because I don’t follow their promotions or activities, I begin to forget what I love about them. There’s so much good music and funny variety content out there, it’s easy to get distracted. In the time that’s passed, I’ve found many groups I like, such as BAP, Oneus, Day6, Onewe, Mamamoo and particularly, lately, Golden Child.
And yet, despite all this, the love lingers quietly under the surface – and occasionally, it explodes in a burst of emotion. When a song like Black Swan, or Blue & Grey, comes out, when a cover like this one, Coldplay’s “Fix You” comes out, I remember why I love them so much; and of just how much I love them. Honestly speaking, I may never love another artist as much as I love this septet.
Because I’ve been struggling a bit with job hunting/applications/interviews lately (hey, drastic career pivots were never meant to be easy!), I’ve been thinking more and more about how I found myself in this (fortunate) situation; and among other things BTS come to mind. They released this cover of Fix You last night, which is why you get this long, ramble-y post about my feelings.
I have not been following them from the beginning but I have read up on them now.
If people don’t see what their plan is, I just don’t know what to say.
They are explicit in wanting to grow and expand, to literally everyone.
They want a Grammy. They have never made that a secret. They know Dynamite is a test to see if they can get one. They only got 2 nominations. They are not happy. They are regrouping to make their dream happen.
I just do not understand some people who seem to get a group is only going to make to commit to a niche group and not want to welcome others.
They are definitely ambitious. I think it is partly why their music has evolved over time and moved closer to the Western mainstream.
I don’t know that the musical choices were completely theirs, though. I think, lurking behind them, is their even more ambitious CEO, who is a super savvy businessman and who has milked BTS as BigHit’s cash cow (at this point, I’ve lost track of how many smaller outfits BigHit has acquired). I think Bang realizes that he hit on something ineffably special with BTS, something that really speaks to a lot people, and he’s leveraging them to full effect. Thus, TXT, a decent but not particularly remarkable group IMO, has been steadily riding on BTS’s coattails and has managed to build a strong foundation in their own right.
I also think BTS probably feels some pressure from the expectations others have for them. They are now seen as exponents of Korean music, and the path they are paving is important for junior artists and probably has some importance even from a wider cultural perspective.
But…Bang is not saavy, he got really lucky. He and his partner were bankrupt before scouting and putting these seven together and then when they did, the group went over like a lead balloon, especially with the cultural appropriation and they were rightly called on it. It wasn’t until they got to LA where the real culture shock came in and if they wanted any longevity, something needed the change and those kids were to ones to speak up first about it. I will say this for them, when they are told something ain’t clicking and is offensive (RM was notorious for his ‘blacent’ in the beginning), they go listen and regroup which is why they work now on a global scale, they want any and everyone to know who they are. BTS is the blueprint and if other groups don’t changes their ways, they would be nowhere near where this group is now. If Bang had his way, every group now will be a cultural appropriation mess and would have no mass appeal. This is a business. They are a commodity. There is a shelf life. Full stop.
Yes. That shelf life. BigHit and BTS are fully aware of that shelf life. They have been preparing for it for couple of years now. With all the acquisitions, mergers and collaborations of products, BigHit is getting ready for the loss of BTS. The members are aware of that as well. They know their time in the limelight is not forever. I can sense they want to do their own thing now. (SM made a big mistake not preparing EXO for the inevitable. They got caught off guard, they stopped. Their fans never got the proper closure. The members as well.)
That’s why I mostly agree with the route they are taking music wise. Yes, many of their recent songs are geared toward the West, but it has to since they are catering to the West. Dynamite is definitely a business decision. And it worked out for them so well. They adapted to the pandemic, and made BE and also did their own concerts. I thought Love Yourself series was amazing, and to me, that was their last album that didn’t cater to the West as much.
They still remain Koreans as ever though. They still promote Korean culture and products. They still do concerts on their own turf. They do promotion while remaining in their country. They don’t let executives in LA dictate who they want to be. And that’s something to be proud of. They are still in control of their own destiny.
Not sure to what extent this comment is directed at me vs @larelle79, but, for what it’s worth, I agree a lot with what you’ve said.
SM never prepares their groups for the inevitable. With EXO, the problem is that they never really gave most of them an opportunity to branch out. I don’t know if this is because they wanted to play up how mysterious they were or if it was an internal decision by members of the group (I’ve heard Minseok say he has a hard time with varieties; on the other hand, lots of members have expressed a desire to do more diverse work in the past, including the usually reticent Kyungsoo), but either way it was a bad move. The result is that, with SM no longer pushing them like mad, they’ve now sort of been left on their own to figure out a path for themselves. Kyungsoo will be fine because he has a solid foothold as an actor. Lay is also well-established in China now, although I’m not really sure if he sees himself as a member of EXO now that years have passed since he last promoted together with them. Baekhyun’s solo music has consistently done alright and he sings a lot of OSTs, so he might be okay as well. But even Baekhyun probably is a bit unsure about where he’s going to go next, and things will be particularly tough since his military service is still pending.
I don’t get what you’re saying because possible typo here: “I just do not understand some people who seem to get a group is only going to make to commit to a niche group and not want to welcome others.”
As for the rest, yup, they want a grammy – they’re so close, why should they not? Yup, the price they’ve paid is some of their artistic uniqueness and charm. To appeal to masses, you can’t be niche. It’s a trade-off. In any case, groups and their music change with time.
Gatekeepers seems to not want groups to evolve and appeal to a wider audience. Your first statement veered towards that.
This group ain’t surprising anyone with their plans and goals yet some people out here seem to think they know better and want to tell everyone else that.
I’m not a fan, either now or before. However, I think their music up to “Blood, Sweat and Tears” was very distinctive and good. However, afterwards, as they became bigger and bigger, their music just started to sound like generic Western pop (at least to me). That’s not necessarily a bad thing; even among mainstream pop music, their music is still probably solid stuff. But it’s not really what brought me to K-pop to begin with. IMO k-pop is really interesting because it is often more musically adventurous and that results in unique songs.
agreed, that’s what I don’t like about their recent direction either. But by the time it got to it, they’d already made such a strong impression that I love them regardless 😀 After all, as I mentioned, they got me through something very difficult.
I still have a soft spot for them and hope they’re enjoying their lives since it seems like they must work non-stop. Like you, their recent music hasn’t been to my taste except for a few songs. The performances of ON have amazed me and I’ve listened to their Tiny Desk concert on repeat.
I go back to Tiny Desk performance at least once a month. It’s so good. So intimate, and raw to some extent. I hope Someday or One Day, I will get to see them perform in an intimate setting like that. Live.
I’m also helping their performance tobe the most viewed video in that channel. 🙂
Back on DB after ages and I have to say I\’m glad I picked 15th February. Thank you for the beautiful posts for Love February, beanies. I\’ve been having a bit of a rough time at school (in a foreign land amidst a pandemic) and with job hunting (since I\’m making a drastic career pivot) – and reading your posts for the last hour reminds me that the world isn\’t all dark. 💕
I’m doing great. The GOT7 situation is wonderful. We’re getting vlogs and solo music from Mark, vlives from Youngjae, solo music from Jackson, an upcoming drama for Jinyoung, and I’m sure JB, Yugyeom, and Bam will release stuff soon too.
Ooh! That’s amazing. I’m glad to see so much activity. Personally most investeddun Youngjae, I am. Waiting for more music – he has such an amazing voice.
Welcome back! I’ve been wondering how you were doing these last few months. Wishing you good luck with school and the job hunting – I know you’ll find something. You already did the hard part when you took this leap of faith, and I admire you so much for that.
Welcome back @greenfields hope you’re doing well. I do notice you drop by Dramas over Flowers sometimes but I also wondered how you’re doing. You’ll get through it 💪🏼
I don’t think it’s really appropriate to put it in just one restrictive category (especially “BL”, which… As an umbrella category I am not a fan of for a number of reasons). I think that’s reductive.
It’s a show that’s fluid about both gender and sexuality and I think that’s fantastic.
That makes sense. I’m interested in how the show will handle this given Kdramas’ more conservative standards. So far the idea seems to be towards a moving to “feminize” the male.
June Photo Challenge
Since this is an open theme, I’m doing “Current Favorites” i.e. favorites from whatever I’m watching/ listening to at the moment.
Day 5: In Red
As much as I enjoy watching this character on screen, I’m still going to pretend eps 17 & 18 never happened. Please let me know when we’re over the noble idiocy and related pain.
June Photo Challenge
Since this is an open theme, I’ve decided to go with “Current Favorites” i.e. favorites from whatever I’m watching/listening to at the moment.
Day 4: With Food
Of my current watches, my favorite moments with food have to be those around Nuannuan‘s love of hotpot in My Love, Enlighten Me. First of all, Nuannuan (played by Elenor Lee) is one of my favorite heroines ever. She’s a complex character – well written & well acted – and doesn’t take the male lead, Han Che‘s bullshit lying down. Her desires and feelings, especially what she wants from both her career and Han Che, are consistent and explored at depth. I’m not on his side at all, but if she likes him, then I’m 100% in support.
One of her “traits” is her love for hotpot. She even names her cat “hotpot”. The image below is a screenshot from ep 5, part of which revolves around a hotpot dinner at home with all of the show’s young characters. Han Che can be seen sitting away & having a bland meal. As he falls in love with her, Han Che starts to join her in her hotpot meals. It’s a nice, understated touch that shows how much Han Che likes her. Because he now likes Nuannuan, he likes the things she likes, including hotpot.
greenfields
November 1, 2023 at 4:45 PM
Watched The Glory for its majority female led cast, came out with a crush on Lee Do-Hyun. How are they doing this in South Korea? I don’t develop these types of crushes on American or Indian actors?!
Mani-chan
November 1, 2023 at 9:57 PM
I love LDH. His acting is extremely organic. I feel like he never overdoes a scene and his emotions hit just the right pitch
Cera (@Seeker) is attending Contract Marriages
November 1, 2023 at 10:08 PM
Welcome to the club. 🤣
greenfields
April 15, 2022 at 10:25 PM
Kang Seung-yoon\’s voice in Tomorrow, Ep 5 👀
greenfields
February 24, 2022 at 10:08 PM
Thirty-Nine, Ep 3
I like Son Ye-jin as an actress, but I hate the focus on her character in this show.
There is no way these 3 women are equal friends – everything is about Son Ye-jin\’s character, Cha Mi-jo. She ALWAYS sits/walks in the middle of the trio; and when they\’re at a restaurant, the other two sit together and she\’s on another side by herself. ALWAYS in focus. It\’s hard to set aside the knowledge that this is a TV show and truly believe the world, with this omnipresent focus.
And now, Ep 3 made one of the other\’s terminal illness all about Kim Mi-jo. Mi-jo grappled with the loss, Mi-jo spent days without sharing what she knew with the person actually affected and their families, and then when she\’s finally forced to reveal the truth, she does not share the whole of what she knows. Instead she says, \”This cannot happen to US. WE are still in our thirties.\” No, you\’re not the one dying — it is most certainly a loss for you, a dear and beloved friend, nothing less than family, but there is no \”WE\”.
It\’s not a bad show, but the incessant focus on one character — played by a top billed actress — is very off-putting. I prefer my shows where all characters are clearly true individuals in their own right, despite the clear focus on the protagonists. Here, it is obviously not the case.
greenfields
February 24, 2022 at 10:38 PM
FURTHER SPOILERS—-
Ep 4 is WORSE? She goes on to COMPLETELY DENY Chan-young the same time to process her own illness that Cha Mi-jo – WHO ISN’T SICK – took. Instead, Mi-jo COMPLETELY DISRESPECTS what Chan-young wants and takes it upon herself to tell Jo-hee & Seon-u.
Minor improvement in that they at least allow Chan-young to sit in the center of ONE discussion.
Do like Chan-young a lot. The reveal with Jin-seok was beautifully done. I’ll probably only watch this part of the story.
wapz
February 24, 2022 at 10:51 PM
Plus her love story seems very forceful. I can’t believe after all that and their fun clubbing scene, they still ended ep 4 with Mi Jo and Seon Wu. It’s just not working. The show is much more serious for me to feel anything for these two. Kim Jin Seok and Jung Chan Young’s scene was the best this episode. I honestly only like when all three ladies are bickering and having fun like girls do without any mention of guys.
DancingEmma
February 24, 2022 at 11:09 PM
@greenfields: Completely agree. Also, ethically, a doctor should have first told Chanyoung about her diagnosis before telling Mijo. And, what was that hideous outfit that Mijo bought Chanyoung? It was just horrific. I was speechless at how ugly it was! What she bought for herself was comparatively much less hideous!
ladynightshade wants to be gazed at by namgoong min
February 25, 2022 at 12:49 AM
That doctor was being completely unethical. If i were Chan-young, I would feel deeply upset and violated. Best friend or not, you don’t just share critical medical information like that. It’s completely against doctor-patient confidentiality. Also no true best friend would buy that outfit for someone they profess to care for, just sayin’.
Blue (@mayhemf)
February 25, 2022 at 6:08 AM
Comment was deleted
Blue (@mayhemf)
February 25, 2022 at 6:10 AM
lol! this made me laugh. True.. those separates will kill friendships..
ladynightshade wants to be gazed at by namgoong min
February 25, 2022 at 12:46 AM
Exactly what I’m feeling. Chan-young and especially Joo-hee are getting shafted by the story. That, on top of the fact that I’m actually more interested in their stories and not Mi-jo’s, makes this a bit irritating to watch.
And yes that conversation between Jin-seok and Chan-young was beautifully done. Jeon Mi-do and Lee Mu-saeng were ACTING there. I almost shed a tear myself.
Blue (@mayhemf)
February 25, 2022 at 6:02 AM
This!! Exactly what kept bothering me in Ep 3. We spent so much time dealing with her emotions that with the actual person who is going to die. It got worse in Ep 4 when she made the decision for them to spend the rest of the life being happy. no no no.. It’s not your choice to make.
Unfortunately, I am dropping this. The tone of the show isn’t working for me. Plus, not ready to watch dying people now. But its not a bad drama either. May be I will change my mind next week!
parkchuna
February 25, 2022 at 7:41 PM
All the comments are so on point, from the cancer reveal right down to the dress. I was in disbelief when they bumped into YWJ outside the bar..Seoul is really a small city right 🙄 I feel scammed again, this isn’t a story about a trio of women, it’s all Mijo. Mijo gets to tell her family first, she looks more depressed that the patient herself, she decides to move on and make the best of the time left not Chan Young who’s just going along with her.
greenfields
February 23, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Hi Beanies! I\’ve long lost the id and password to my discord account and the email associated with it. Could someone please send me a link to join?
Ally
February 23, 2022 at 10:41 AM
https://discord.gg/w3nvgzfE
greenfields
February 24, 2022 at 10:58 AM
Thank you Ally!<3
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 8:07 PM
February 2, 2022
A short post dedicated to everyone who has covid and is in quarantine right now.
1) I hope you\’re not too sick and recover soon.
2) This sucks.
Love,
February
greenfields
February 1, 2022 at 5:29 PM
February 1, 2022
It\’s been ages since I\’ve been on DB – about 2 years since I was last a regular – and so much has changed in my life since then. I\’ve moved to a new country, met so many new people, learnt new things about myself, and now look forward to (hopefully) a new career in another new city in yet another few months. So much more hasn\’t changed either – for the good and for the bad.
And so, for today, my post is dedicated simply to the idea of change – the one inevitable (along with death and k-dramas?) in our lives.
Love,
February
greenfields
February 1, 2022 at 5:31 PM
@katakwasabi
@leetennant
@ally-le
@snarkyjellyfish
@bebeswtz
@msrabbit
@kat23
@hebang
@ndlessjoie
@yuyuu
@lugirl131415
@tspmasala
@willow
@moomoomoondog
@carmen
@mindy
@gadis
@coffeeprince4eva
@suriyana-shah
@pinklolipop
@egads
@rukia
@pineapplegongzhu
@thetinyl
@sensationalfantasy
@eazal
@rueffie
@raonah
@hotcocoagirl
@bammsie
@neener
@fatcat
@bcampbell1662
@beffels
@mmmmm
@purplesheesh
@laeonni
purplesheesh
February 1, 2022 at 5:37 PM
As someone who always tried to avoid change, I commend you! Also, welcome back! <33
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 7:50 PM
Thank you! <3<3
SnarkyJellyfish
February 1, 2022 at 6:53 PM
Greenie! I missed you. Granted, it’s not like I’ve been around here much lately either, so I’m one to talk. How are you? I hope everything is going well with the career change and studies. It feels like both a lifetime ago and also like just yesterday that we were talking about it here. I hope all the changes have been good to you, and that you are happy and healthy wherever you are these days.
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 7:51 PM
Snarky! 🙂 Things are indeed going well (for now). I miss our conversations! I hope all has been well with you?
SnarkyJellyfish
February 2, 2022 at 8:33 PM
I’m so glad to hear that! I really hoped everything was working out for you.
I’ve had a rough year for a thousand different reasons, but I think things are looking up now. There are changes on the horizon, so there’s something to look forward to at least.
parkchuna
February 1, 2022 at 7:42 PM
I’ve missed seeing you around! All the best for your new adventures!
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 7:53 PM
Sending hugs! Many thank yous ~~
mmmmm
February 2, 2022 at 12:51 AM
Hello Greenfields!
As someone who hates changes, I came to realization that changes are inevitable and necessary for human growth. I inevitably learn that there are many things, indeed, that are out of control, but that doesn’t mean that they would always lead to bad outcomes. There is a one liner I love from Crash Landing on You – A wrong train might take you to the right destination. I hope that all the changes will lead you to the right destination in the end.
Love.
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 7:52 PM
Thank you mmmmm! That’s a wonderful quote, and I think, one that has been quite applicable at different points in my life. I hope the same for you! <33
korfan
February 2, 2022 at 1:43 AM
Good to see you @greenfields! Hope you are doing well. 🙂
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 7:53 PM
Thank you korfan! Hope you are doing well too!
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
February 2, 2022 at 8:23 AM
I relate to a lot of this ~ so many life changes, but still much stays the same. I hope most of it has been for the good.
It’s nice to see your words again, even though I’m hardly here anymore as well.
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 7:53 PM
Congratulations once again, and thank you for keeping love february going
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
February 2, 2022 at 9:42 AM
Green! It’s so good to see you on here again!
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 7:54 PM
RaOnAh! <3 I love seeing the "loves GOT7 *green heart*" over there. True love, that is
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
February 2, 2022 at 8:03 PM
Yup! I still love my boys 💚 Are you and BTS still going strong? 💜
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 8:08 PM
Yes – possibly not as strong as you and your boys? 🙂 But in the end, I do still love my Bangtan boys a lot.
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
February 2, 2022 at 8:18 PM
Awww 😊 I just hope I get to see all seven of my boys together this year. Bambam spoiled that he knows the date of their comeback so I’m guessing that means they’re coming back this year 🎉🎉🎉 It’s been about a year since all seven of them were together but at least they all had lots of solo activities.
Ally
February 2, 2022 at 11:58 AM
Welcome back!!! Missing you around here. Glad you’re doing well, though.
greenfields
February 2, 2022 at 7:54 PM
Thank you Ally! Hope you’re doing well too <3
greenfields
January 23, 2022 at 8:14 PM
Bulgasal is crazy – and yet, I love it. So much fun.
While I feel for the characters and all the pain they’ve suffered for the past 1000+ years, I gotta say I think they need to let the past go. Can’t believe they’ve been holding on to 1000 yr old grudges through so many lives. Let the dead rest, and move on. Have the two bulgasal kill each other and have two less monsters in this world.
Prediction: The end of the show will be exactly along these lines – to let go of past lives and past grudges. Move on – especially if you’ve died.
Ally
January 23, 2022 at 8:18 PM
My husband was watching this until she thought the Fl’s smile was scarier than a monster.
bbstl 🧹
January 24, 2022 at 4:54 PM
Jeez, and I think it’s too much that Ji Woong (Summer) is still moping about a high school crush 🤦🏼♀️
greenfields
March 27, 2021 at 7:33 AM
The one thing I don\’t get about Mouse is this constant reference to a blossoming love between Ba-reum, a policeman in his 20s/30s, and Bong-yi, a high schooler. I don\’t think the show actually plans to go there, but errr…what? Why is this even a thing that is a thing in the show?
greenfields
March 25, 2021 at 5:05 PM
Update: After all that whining on this post (https://www.dramabeans.com/activity/p/1214277/), I have been offered an internship with the employer in question! 🎉 This is by no means an easy success story. I\’ve been recruiting for 6 months, interviews began 3 months ago. I\’ve submitted 30+ applications, only had 3 interview invitations and one actual offer.
The pros are that this is exactly the kind of work experience I wanted from the internship, it\’s an employer I\’m genuinely interested in and may want to return to if I am given an offer to stay on (I submitted a lot of applications because I had to, not because I wanted to), and my interactions with the folks at the company have been great! Cons: They\’ll pay a little over half of what the other companies I interviewed with, would have paid. Pros: It means I\’ll actually have a life, be able to write and watch dramas.
Thanks for all the encouragement folks. <3
mindy
March 25, 2021 at 5:07 PM
Yay, Greenie!!! I’m so glad, and so happy for you!! And thanks for sharing your experience with rejection, too. It gives hope to people like me who are also applying for things!
greenfields
March 25, 2021 at 6:17 PM
If I may ask, what are you applying to? (No pressure to share)
All the very best! Ugh – tell me about it, rejections are hard.
blnmom
March 25, 2021 at 5:08 PM
I knew that would happen! Congratulations!
SnarkyJellyfish
March 25, 2021 at 5:10 PM
Yay! Congratulations Greenie!
Beverly
March 25, 2021 at 6:01 PM
Congratulations!!
Edgar Pordwed
March 25, 2021 at 8:04 PM
Congratulations Greenfields! 😀
korfan
March 25, 2021 at 9:27 PM
Congratulations!
Carolina
March 25, 2021 at 10:03 PM
Congrats!
Mani-chan
March 25, 2021 at 11:07 PM
Congratulations @greenfield. I knew it would be okay for you in the end
wapz
March 25, 2021 at 11:45 PM
What I told you girl! Congratulations.
Also maybe when i said things work out for you it usually refers to things you share here(because I’m unaware of your struggles otherwise) . I do believe that positivity begets positivity. And all the encouragement and positive vibes help. Believe in yourself, you’re already one of the most daring people I’ve come across.
greenfields
March 27, 2021 at 5:53 AM
Thank you! <3 ^^
"I do believe that positivity begets positivity." – Agreed!
wapz
March 27, 2021 at 6:53 AM
This comes from a fairly pessimistic person lol. But things at least work out for me when I shun every negative thought or attach excessive hopes to what I want. That is why I didn’t want to add a “but if it doesn’t work out” to my comment on your post. I’m glad it did work out. Fighting!
greenfields
March 27, 2021 at 7:11 AM
Hahaha I’m right with you in being fairly pessimistic! As my post-interview post here shows 😀
neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
March 26, 2021 at 12:04 AM
OH G! This such a great news!
purplesheesh
March 26, 2021 at 4:47 AM
YAAAAAAY!!! Congratulations!!!
Eazal
March 26, 2021 at 6:50 AM
Congrats! This is good!
It’s tough to find balance between work and life, so sometimes earning less, even if it’s an inconvenient (we all work for a salary, at least me!) you can have some other rewards.
I hope this is the first step you need!
greenfields
March 27, 2021 at 5:54 AM
Very true! And salary wise, this is in any case a monumental leap for me hahaha, so I really can’t complain
Peridot
March 26, 2021 at 7:33 AM
Great news!
sirena
March 26, 2021 at 7:51 AM
@greenfields Congratulations!!!!!!!!
TurtuallySarcastic
March 26, 2021 at 10:54 AM
I rarely have time to be here, so your story slipped under my radar, but yay! Congratulations!🎉
I remember your encouragement when I was jobhunting and figuring things out years ago, so I hope I can return the favor now! Go Greenfields Go! 🥳
greenfields
March 27, 2021 at 5:56 AM
<3 <3 Thanks Turtle! Hope things are going well for you!!
mmmmm
March 26, 2021 at 11:16 AM
Congrats to you. Have fun at work!
isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
March 26, 2021 at 4:27 PM
Thank you for the update! Im so glad that things are turning oit! Experience and being where you want to be is worth so much more than money. Congratulations! Congratulations!
wapz
March 27, 2021 at 6:54 AM
This! Money may pay the rent but it’s worthless when you are constantly challenged by not being where you want to be and are not enjoying the experience.
greenfields
March 27, 2021 at 7:10 AM
Agreed. This is very true. I think that finding a balance is hard – I’ve for some reason, found it very hard to earn money? Because I was previously in a profession where it was acceptable to not pay juniors (they were to acquire their own clients while ‘learning’ from a senior aka slaving for them), I value the opportunity to earn more a little disproportionately. But I fully get what you mean.
greenfields
March 24, 2021 at 11:59 AM
#Navillera is so good. The depiction of Chae-rok\’s possible depression, the limitations of old age, the potential for friendship, family and healing regardless of one\’s age, and the universal message of allowing one another to just be who we are, and so much more. The first two eps definitely moved me. I\’m fully invested in these characters and their lives. Storytelling at its finest.
Also, as a Song Kang-focused aside, he is – I think – maybe overdoing some of his acting. From expressionless most of the time, to outraged when he learns he has to teach Deok-chul – the difference between the two states is too vast. But he\’s totally won my heart here as well! Could perhaps be my new favorite actor? (among the younger ones)
Maq
March 24, 2021 at 12:26 PM
I really like this drama, too! So far, anyway.
Maq
March 24, 2021 at 12:34 PM
My only complaint: I hope they don’t introduce a romantic plotline involving Chae-rok and Deok-chul’s granddaughter. I just want Chae-rok and Deok-chul to be friends/surrogate family, without any of the complications coming from a relationship between Chae-rok and Deok-chul. (Also, does every drama need a romantic subplot?)
Maq
March 24, 2021 at 12:34 PM
coming from a relationship between Chae-rok and Deok-chul’s granddaughter***
miss h
March 24, 2021 at 3:37 PM
I can tell this one is going to be a gem.
greenfields
March 22, 2021 at 5:11 PM
Just bombed an interview with an employer I was super excited about. My heart is broken – as is my pride. Definitely currently in the big fall phase of the saying, “after a big high, comes a big fall” (or however it goes). Must be the first person with a full tuition scholarship at a top tier uni/school (& I do mean pretty well known) who can’t even get an *internship* LOL
Note here, LOL = Life Over, Loser! The worst part is I keep thinking maybe it will still work out. It’s not like it was a bad interview. It just wasn’t a great one either. This is the final round, I’m so close.
SO I’m going to try and borrow positive vibes from the universe and think positively. Which next involves me drowning my sorrows in the visuals of a sweaty and muscular Song Kang who is releasing his forehead in the beautiful Navillera. (And I do not mean that in a creepy way, more like, at least my eyes are happy even if the rest of me is sad)
Beverly
March 22, 2021 at 5:39 PM
Hopefully one of those times when we think we bombed, but the other person is thinking how well we did.
Enjoy your visuals (watching later tonight) and good luck.
greenfields
March 22, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Thanks Beverly 🙂 I really appreciate the words of encouragement.
My interviewer (essentially the manager for the team I’d have worked with) ended it with, “Good luck! I hope it works out. If it doesn’t, then I’m sure you’ll do well at anything you touch.” – since she’s the one deciding whether or not I make the cut, I’m guessing that ending means its a no. BUT positive thoughts. Positive thoughts.
Hope everything has been well with you?
Ally
March 23, 2021 at 5:56 AM
greenfields
March 23, 2021 at 9:20 AM
Thanks Ally. On reviewing the interview questions, I’m fairly certain I did a poor job in my responses. XD But I do appreciate it. It’s a commercial strategy internship at a Fortune 100.
Ally
March 23, 2021 at 2:27 PM
Sounds amazing. FIGHTING!
FlyingTool
March 23, 2021 at 3:41 PM
Fighting!
Mani-chan
March 23, 2021 at 12:49 AM
Hey @greenfields, it’s going to be alright. I’m really sorry that you had a bad interview. You are in a really good university so I’m sure more opportunities will come your way.
greenfields
March 23, 2021 at 2:46 PM
T_T – at this point, I’m no longer sure.
wapz
March 23, 2021 at 3:04 AM
As little as I know you, I think even if things are going left they work out for you because you were brave enough to take that step. I must be totally wrong but that’s what I have observed. So don’t lose hope.
greenfields
March 23, 2021 at 9:21 AM
Thanks wapz – I really appreciate it. 🙂
Peridot
March 23, 2021 at 5:51 AM
Best of luck! If this doesn’t work out, you will find the right place and opportunity. In the meantime, enjoy the forehead and the muscles.
greenfields
March 23, 2021 at 12:21 PM
At least I have the forehead and the muscles!
Peridot
March 24, 2021 at 8:24 AM
And that is no insignificant gift. 😉
sirena
March 23, 2021 at 6:05 AM
@greenfields I believe that it will work out and that you have landed your dream job 🙂
greenfields
March 23, 2021 at 12:30 PM
I’m going to borrow this belief sirena! As I go in for the final interview with them later today. Thanks!
sirena
March 24, 2021 at 6:50 AM
My pleasure! You will ace this interview! Fighting!!!!!!
Peridot
March 24, 2021 at 8:24 AM
I hope the last interview was a better experience.
SnarkyJellyfish
March 23, 2021 at 8:38 AM
Sending you lots of good vibes! I’m sure it’ll work out, and if this isn’t the one that is meant to be, I’m sure the universe has something bigger and better waiting in the wings for you.
greenfields
March 23, 2021 at 2:46 PM
Thank you Snarky! <3 <3 <3
korfan
March 23, 2021 at 9:36 PM
Sending positive thoughts your way. 🙂
greenfields
March 24, 2021 at 1:37 AM
😊😊
greenfields
March 12, 2021 at 4:25 AM
I really like Mouse? Its proving to be quite a bit of fun? Also I think they\’re misdirecting us with the focus on the young doc – hoping to see Lee Seunggi finally play a villain.
miss h
March 12, 2021 at 8:16 AM
I like it too. Things seem too straightforward right now, so I think there will be lots of twists, hopefully one being villainous Lee Seung-gi.
beffels
March 12, 2021 at 10:54 AM
I like it too (I haven’t had a chance to see episode 4 yet so I am avoiding social media). I’m sure it’s misdirection because it seems way too early otherwise – but then maybe they want us to think it’s misdirection 😅 I’m overly suspicious of everything.
Kairoskat 💐
March 12, 2021 at 9:53 PM
I hope they dont backtrack and make LSG a hero once again.
greenfields
March 6, 2021 at 3:17 PM
Perhaps only @smaltwalt and I will be interested, but this cover of EXO’s “Growl” is good! I feel like Golden Child expressed the song so well – it’s well suited to their vocals and rap.
Maq
March 6, 2021 at 6:07 PM
A really good performance overall! The most surprising thing is the number of lines Bomin got. LOL.
Still gotta say that, as a diehard EXO-L, I prefer the original. But that doesn’t minimize the fact that this, too, is good.
greenfields
March 2, 2021 at 7:49 PM
Er..this Ji Soo situation is mind-numbing. The allegations are insane and terrible. So heartbroken.
velvetstuff
March 2, 2021 at 7:58 PM
I couldn’t bear to read everything
Eazal
March 3, 2021 at 11:17 AM
Same here, I couldn’t finish the article. It was too detailed and too hurtful.
Mani-chan
March 2, 2021 at 8:53 PM
Me too. The situation is horrible
mmmmm
March 2, 2021 at 9:43 PM
What happened?
mmmmm
March 2, 2021 at 9:46 PM
Let me Google this…
astromantic
March 3, 2021 at 6:03 PM
Very disappointing. I feel so much for the victims, and I hope they find peace.
greenfields
February 24, 2021 at 11:04 AM
#FanStatus Updated 2/2
So err…something unthinkable has happened. Until about a year ago, I refused to even remotely consider idols past ~94 liners as bias material. Like, that’s just weird! Too much younger than me (I’m clearly a few years over the ~94 line). But lately, I’ve been getting into Golden Child, and the utter unthinkable has happened: A younger than ~94 line bias has found me. ’99 line to be exact: Hong Joochan. Just look at him, this is clearly a kid!
Anyway, apart from rudely standing out to this
ahjummanoona, he also plays the piano, violin and guitar, composes a little, forms 1/2 of the main vocal duo of the group; and is one of the two most confident, hilarious on variety guys of an already hilarious 10 member team. I would say I do bias all the members of the group, but one just particularly stands out, so he’s a bias among biases? Weird.That apart, Golcha have delicious melodies and gorgeous vocals. I’m not otherwise a fan of songs such as this one below (‘Don’t Run Away’). They usually seem too generic to me. But here’s Golcha taking something I don’t usually love and turning it into something I can’t put away.
Beverly
February 24, 2021 at 1:47 PM
I’ve decided not to care about my age and biases anymore. I’m so much older than all the idols unless I want to dive into Sechs Kies.
I’m not crushing on them anyway, which I think is what made me feel weird about it when I first got into kpop. I had some idea that was a big part of it. 🤦♀️
But Taemin is my bias cause I find him so freaking talented, love his music, and he makes me laugh. 🤷♀️
greenfields
February 24, 2021 at 8:10 PM
I think what you say makes sense. There’s no way I’m crushing on a ’99 liner, but..I guess..I’m so conscious of that age gap that it feels weird. But now that I write it out here, it seems like an absurd to thing to waste my time on. Like you, I’m just enjoying the guy’s talent, loving his voice and laughing at his antics in variety – pretty much just being entertained. So he’s doing a good job. That’s pretty harmless. Okay I feel better now hahaha
Also, Taemin is all of those things and more, for sure!
mugyuljoie is preciousss
February 24, 2021 at 2:23 PM
Poor Suga.
greenfields
February 24, 2021 at 8:11 PM
I think after nearly 3.25 years, it’s time for Suga to let me go! T_T T_T
But honestly that’s not happening. It’s Suga at #1, then everyone else. But Joochan is a definite bias too!
greenfields
February 24, 2021 at 10:37 AM
#FanStatus Update 1/2
I’m a huge fan of BTS. Love their music, lyrics, performances, variety, camera personalities and so much more. Love Suga, especially Suga. Their music and message pushed me to be honest to myself, helped me find my way out of a seemingly endless phase of depression, stick through a tough job and eventually, to use that experience to begin forging a path towards the kind of career I really want. It’s been incredibly hard and I’m nowhere near where I want to be just yet, I also know I’m quite privileged and lucky – but BTS have very much been part of the journey.
However, I’ve also spent the past 2 years not really liking their musical direction. Because the music itself doesn’t appeal to me anymore, I don’t follow their other promotions either. But then, because I don’t follow their promotions or activities, I begin to forget what I love about them. There’s so much good music and funny variety content out there, it’s easy to get distracted. In the time that’s passed, I’ve found many groups I like, such as BAP, Oneus, Day6, Onewe, Mamamoo and particularly, lately, Golden Child.
And yet, despite all this, the love lingers quietly under the surface – and occasionally, it explodes in a burst of emotion. When a song like Black Swan, or Blue & Grey, comes out, when a cover like this one, Coldplay’s “Fix You” comes out, I remember why I love them so much; and of just how much I love them. Honestly speaking, I may never love another artist as much as I love this septet.
Because I’ve been struggling a bit with job hunting/applications/interviews lately (hey, drastic career pivots were never meant to be easy!), I’ve been thinking more and more about how I found myself in this (fortunate) situation; and among other things BTS come to mind. They released this cover of Fix You last night, which is why you get this long, ramble-y post about my feelings.
larelle79
February 24, 2021 at 11:20 AM
I have not been following them from the beginning but I have read up on them now.
If people don’t see what their plan is, I just don’t know what to say.
They are explicit in wanting to grow and expand, to literally everyone.
They want a Grammy. They have never made that a secret. They know Dynamite is a test to see if they can get one. They only got 2 nominations. They are not happy. They are regrouping to make their dream happen.
I just do not understand some people who seem to get a group is only going to make to commit to a niche group and not want to welcome others.
Make it make sense.
Maq
February 24, 2021 at 1:03 PM
They are definitely ambitious. I think it is partly why their music has evolved over time and moved closer to the Western mainstream.
I don’t know that the musical choices were completely theirs, though. I think, lurking behind them, is their even more ambitious CEO, who is a super savvy businessman and who has milked BTS as BigHit’s cash cow (at this point, I’ve lost track of how many smaller outfits BigHit has acquired). I think Bang realizes that he hit on something ineffably special with BTS, something that really speaks to a lot people, and he’s leveraging them to full effect. Thus, TXT, a decent but not particularly remarkable group IMO, has been steadily riding on BTS’s coattails and has managed to build a strong foundation in their own right.
I also think BTS probably feels some pressure from the expectations others have for them. They are now seen as exponents of Korean music, and the path they are paving is important for junior artists and probably has some importance even from a wider cultural perspective.
larelle79
February 24, 2021 at 1:30 PM
But…Bang is not saavy, he got really lucky. He and his partner were bankrupt before scouting and putting these seven together and then when they did, the group went over like a lead balloon, especially with the cultural appropriation and they were rightly called on it. It wasn’t until they got to LA where the real culture shock came in and if they wanted any longevity, something needed the change and those kids were to ones to speak up first about it. I will say this for them, when they are told something ain’t clicking and is offensive (RM was notorious for his ‘blacent’ in the beginning), they go listen and regroup which is why they work now on a global scale, they want any and everyone to know who they are. BTS is the blueprint and if other groups don’t changes their ways, they would be nowhere near where this group is now. If Bang had his way, every group now will be a cultural appropriation mess and would have no mass appeal. This is a business. They are a commodity. There is a shelf life. Full stop.
thatstp
February 24, 2021 at 4:04 PM
I still cringe when I see Namjoon with that “afro” or would that be considered a high-top fade? Either way, I’m so happy they let all that go.
drawde2000
February 24, 2021 at 6:03 PM
Yes. That shelf life. BigHit and BTS are fully aware of that shelf life. They have been preparing for it for couple of years now. With all the acquisitions, mergers and collaborations of products, BigHit is getting ready for the loss of BTS. The members are aware of that as well. They know their time in the limelight is not forever. I can sense they want to do their own thing now. (SM made a big mistake not preparing EXO for the inevitable. They got caught off guard, they stopped. Their fans never got the proper closure. The members as well.)
That’s why I mostly agree with the route they are taking music wise. Yes, many of their recent songs are geared toward the West, but it has to since they are catering to the West. Dynamite is definitely a business decision. And it worked out for them so well. They adapted to the pandemic, and made BE and also did their own concerts. I thought Love Yourself series was amazing, and to me, that was their last album that didn’t cater to the West as much.
They still remain Koreans as ever though. They still promote Korean culture and products. They still do concerts on their own turf. They do promotion while remaining in their country. They don’t let executives in LA dictate who they want to be. And that’s something to be proud of. They are still in control of their own destiny.
Maq
February 24, 2021 at 9:40 PM
Not sure to what extent this comment is directed at me vs @larelle79, but, for what it’s worth, I agree a lot with what you’ve said.
SM never prepares their groups for the inevitable. With EXO, the problem is that they never really gave most of them an opportunity to branch out. I don’t know if this is because they wanted to play up how mysterious they were or if it was an internal decision by members of the group (I’ve heard Minseok say he has a hard time with varieties; on the other hand, lots of members have expressed a desire to do more diverse work in the past, including the usually reticent Kyungsoo), but either way it was a bad move. The result is that, with SM no longer pushing them like mad, they’ve now sort of been left on their own to figure out a path for themselves. Kyungsoo will be fine because he has a solid foothold as an actor. Lay is also well-established in China now, although I’m not really sure if he sees himself as a member of EXO now that years have passed since he last promoted together with them. Baekhyun’s solo music has consistently done alright and he sings a lot of OSTs, so he might be okay as well. But even Baekhyun probably is a bit unsure about where he’s going to go next, and things will be particularly tough since his military service is still pending.
greenfields
February 24, 2021 at 8:01 PM
I don’t get what you’re saying because possible typo here: “I just do not understand some people who seem to get a group is only going to make to commit to a niche group and not want to welcome others.”
As for the rest, yup, they want a grammy – they’re so close, why should they not? Yup, the price they’ve paid is some of their artistic uniqueness and charm. To appeal to masses, you can’t be niche. It’s a trade-off. In any case, groups and their music change with time.
Fatcat007 (Kitty 💜)
February 24, 2021 at 10:05 PM
I didn’t get that part either.
But I’m starting to understand/feel Cypher 4, Mic Drop, Ddaeng & Ugh on a different level now 😌
Also some of Namjoon’s specific lines from Persona.
larelle79
February 25, 2021 at 5:19 AM
Gatekeepers seems to not want groups to evolve and appeal to a wider audience. Your first statement veered towards that.
This group ain’t surprising anyone with their plans and goals yet some people out here seem to think they know better and want to tell everyone else that.
Maq
February 24, 2021 at 12:56 PM
I’m not a fan, either now or before. However, I think their music up to “Blood, Sweat and Tears” was very distinctive and good. However, afterwards, as they became bigger and bigger, their music just started to sound like generic Western pop (at least to me). That’s not necessarily a bad thing; even among mainstream pop music, their music is still probably solid stuff. But it’s not really what brought me to K-pop to begin with. IMO k-pop is really interesting because it is often more musically adventurous and that results in unique songs.
greenfields
February 24, 2021 at 8:03 PM
agreed, that’s what I don’t like about their recent direction either. But by the time it got to it, they’d already made such a strong impression that I love them regardless 😀 After all, as I mentioned, they got me through something very difficult.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
February 24, 2021 at 2:36 PM
I still have a soft spot for them and hope they’re enjoying their lives since it seems like they must work non-stop. Like you, their recent music hasn’t been to my taste except for a few songs. The performances of ON have amazed me and I’ve listened to their Tiny Desk concert on repeat.
greenfields
February 24, 2021 at 8:03 PM
<3 <3 agreed!
drawde2000
February 25, 2021 at 4:33 AM
I go back to Tiny Desk performance at least once a month. It’s so good. So intimate, and raw to some extent. I hope Someday or One Day, I will get to see them perform in an intimate setting like that. Live.
I’m also helping their performance tobe the most viewed video in that channel. 🙂
greenfields
February 25, 2021 at 5:17 AM
Yes to watching them perform in an intimate setting like that one day! That’d be a dream come true.
thatstp
February 24, 2021 at 4:00 PM
I haven’t liked their music since the 3rd (I think) album. I like them more so than anything else now. I feel your pain.
greenfields
February 24, 2021 at 8:04 PM
yes! ahahaha, thanks thatstp!
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 4:48 AM
Back on DB after ages and I have to say I\’m glad I picked 15th February. Thank you for the beautiful posts for Love February, beanies. I\’ve been having a bit of a rough time at school (in a foreign land amidst a pandemic) and with job hunting (since I\’m making a drastic career pivot) – and reading your posts for the last hour reminds me that the world isn\’t all dark. 💕
korfan
February 15, 2021 at 5:56 AM
Welcome back! Good to see you!
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 1:13 PM
Thank you! <3
egads aka Dame Maggie
February 15, 2021 at 6:48 AM
Welcome back greenfields. I’ve thought of you often and wondered how you were doing during all of this chaos and messiness.
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 1:14 PM
Hey egads! 🙂 Long time no talk, indeed. I’ve been hanging in there. Hope all has been well!
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
February 15, 2021 at 7:19 AM
Welcome back!
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 1:31 PM
Thank you Ra! Hope you’re doing well? Given the Got7 situation.
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
February 15, 2021 at 2:29 PM
I’m doing great. The GOT7 situation is wonderful. We’re getting vlogs and solo music from Mark, vlives from Youngjae, solo music from Jackson, an upcoming drama for Jinyoung, and I’m sure JB, Yugyeom, and Bam will release stuff soon too.
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 3:13 PM
Ooh! That’s amazing. I’m glad to see so much activity. Personally most investeddun Youngjae, I am. Waiting for more music – he has such an amazing voice.
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
February 15, 2021 at 6:18 PM
I’ll definitely tag you when he comes out with new music!
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 8:30 PM
That would be amazing! Please do.
sirena
February 15, 2021 at 7:59 AM
Welcome back!
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 1:32 PM
Thanks ^^
Ally
February 15, 2021 at 8:54 AM
We’ve missed you! I hope to see a gif story soon with what you’ve been up to!
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 1:15 PM
for sure! I already have a theme lol. Hope your family is good?
Ally
February 15, 2021 at 2:39 PM
Yes, great! Staying well which is all I ever hope for nowadays!
mugyuljoie is preciousss
February 16, 2021 at 5:09 PM
Ooooh. Tag me please when you post it (I don’t have time to scroll much anymore).
greenfields
February 16, 2021 at 7:12 PM
Will do!
SnarkyJellyfish
February 15, 2021 at 9:01 AM
Welcome back! I’ve been wondering how you were doing these last few months. Wishing you good luck with school and the job hunting – I know you’ll find something. You already did the hard part when you took this leap of faith, and I admire you so much for that.
Eazal
February 15, 2021 at 9:35 AM
Welcome back! I’m glad our posts have helped a little bit!
wapz
February 15, 2021 at 12:08 PM
Welcome back @greenfields hope you’re doing well. I do notice you drop by Dramas over Flowers sometimes but I also wondered how you’re doing. You’ll get through it 💪🏼
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 1:15 PM
Thanks wapz! <3 Hope all has been well?
Cori
February 15, 2021 at 1:23 PM
Welcome back! That sound like quite a lot going on. Wishing you the best (:
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 1:32 PM
Thank you Cori! Long time!
FlyingTool
February 15, 2021 at 2:19 PM
Welcome back!
greenfields
February 15, 2021 at 3:14 PM
Thank you! ^^
purplesheesh
February 16, 2021 at 6:06 AM
Welcome back! ❤️
greenfields
February 16, 2021 at 7:13 PM
Thank you! <3
mugyuljoie is preciousss
February 16, 2021 at 5:07 PM
Welcome back! Good luck with the job hunt (is Suga looking for a publicist 😉).
greenfields
February 16, 2021 at 7:14 PM
HA! I did check out job openings with Big Hit Entertainment just for fun to be very honest with you 😀 Thanks mugyul! It’s great to see you again.
greenfields
January 11, 2021 at 7:29 PM
Is Mr Queen possible a BL? Because despite his obviously female body, Jang Bong-hwan is clearly male. And Cheoljong is falling in love with this male.
mindy
January 11, 2021 at 7:34 PM
I don’t think it’s really appropriate to put it in just one restrictive category (especially “BL”, which… As an umbrella category I am not a fan of for a number of reasons). I think that’s reductive.
It’s a show that’s fluid about both gender and sexuality and I think that’s fantastic.
greenfields
January 11, 2021 at 7:40 PM
That makes sense. I’m interested in how the show will handle this given Kdramas’ more conservative standards. So far the idea seems to be towards a moving to “feminize” the male.
mindy
January 11, 2021 at 7:51 PM
Yeah it’s definitely not going as hard with the gender and sexuality stuff as I would like but hey, for a super mainstream kdrama I’m fairly impressed
FlyingTool
January 12, 2021 at 7:44 AM
Welcome back. Hope you stayed healthy, wealthy, and wise?
greenfields
January 12, 2021 at 8:16 PM
Thanks 🙂 I hope all has been well with you?
As for me, I can’t quite claim to have stayed healthy, wealthy and wise. xd But I’m certainly trying.
greenfields
June 5, 2020 at 12:09 AM
June Photo Challenge
Since this is an open theme, I’m doing “Current Favorites” i.e. favorites from whatever I’m watching/ listening to at the moment.
Day 5: In Red
As much as I enjoy watching this character on screen, I’m still going to pretend eps 17 & 18 never happened. Please let me know when we’re over the noble idiocy and related pain.
strawberry
June 5, 2020 at 10:45 AM
I’d skip to eps 21-23 where we get a few cute couple moments!
greenfields
June 9, 2020 at 3:47 AM
Omg where are you watching it? I’m on WeTV with subscription, but eps 21-22 air today! 😀
strawberry
June 9, 2020 at 7:10 AM
I watched it with Vietnamese subtitles! 🙂 They came out quick with those subs.
greenfields
June 9, 2020 at 12:34 PM
Nice. Thanks 😀
greenfields
June 4, 2020 at 3:03 AM
June Photo Challenge
Since this is an open theme, I’ve decided to go with “Current Favorites” i.e. favorites from whatever I’m watching/listening to at the moment.
Day 4: With Food
Of my current watches, my favorite moments with food have to be those around Nuannuan‘s love of hotpot in My Love, Enlighten Me. First of all, Nuannuan (played by Elenor Lee) is one of my favorite heroines ever. She’s a complex character – well written & well acted – and doesn’t take the male lead, Han Che‘s bullshit lying down. Her desires and feelings, especially what she wants from both her career and Han Che, are consistent and explored at depth. I’m not on his side at all, but if she likes him, then I’m 100% in support.
One of her “traits” is her love for hotpot. She even names her cat “hotpot”. The image below is a screenshot from ep 5, part of which revolves around a hotpot dinner at home with all of the show’s young characters. Han Che can be seen sitting away & having a bland meal. As he falls in love with her, Han Che starts to join her in her hotpot meals. It’s a nice, understated touch that shows how much Han Che likes her. Because he now likes Nuannuan, he likes the things she likes, including hotpot.
10/10 want to be a little more like Nuannuan.