It was fun discussing Parallel World with everyone on Hopeful’s post, but it’s grown too long so here’s a new post for everything after episode 20ish.

Since I’m not sure where everyone is, I’m posting comments for #21 on the top post. We can spoil whatever we want in the comments.

@asianromance Oh, Zhao Guan is definitely sus. He has a file labeled Secret Documents and sits on a Gold Toilet with his pants on! 😂
@attiton While I shipped FT and the smoky creature, I love how Ding Liu is matchmaking FT and He. I hope DL also gets her HEA with Gao Shen. Maybe the two roosters as well. Let’s pair off the whole damn team. 😂
@hopefulromantic I see how the story nesting is getting stronger. Interesting how it’ll play out.
@marysadanaga I agree that when one arc ends or when the couple gets together, shows sag, but not here. All these twists and turns! Great plotting.

So much to discuss. But I just want to share a pic of our wonderful OTP. This is how I want to see them at the end. Pretty pls drama lords.
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    OK, that gold mine fight scene was crazy. First, she cut off his whole arm! 😱 DC better watch his leg. Girl has a thing for limbs. But it was so obviously fake—I swear I saw it taped next to his body 😂—that I wasn’t grossed out as I am by more realistic productions. Low-budget for the win!

    Then, Rooster as ammo? Unexpected! That was pure gold.

    And then the flashback. I didn’t guess the, what would you call it, double cross or just double memory wipe at all. I missed all the clues. Who guessed it? And then, #29, I think it’s a more messier triangle than I thought? I need to write it out so my little brain gets it.

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      YEAH THAT WAS CRAZY. I agree, though, that while this episode had a lot more violence, the arm thing was more Monty Python than… I don’t know a realistic comparison, but it wasn’t too much?

      I’m watching 27/28 tonight – that reveal was CRAZY!!! The memory thing upends everything!!! Ack I want all our team to be ok 🥲 Chang Dong was great – supporting Ye Liuxi and fighting even though, as he says, he’s not the best at fighting. And then Ye Liuxi – WOW. Cool, ruthless, and skilled. We would expect no less. The little scrappy princess and her bodyguard had BETTER BE OK.

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        Sounds right. More Monty Python than Moving. And thank god for that. I’m steeling myself for WOE after the early reports.

        Yeah, CD’s parkour classes sure came in handy. LOL But YL was the MVP, natch. I won’t say more as I’m up to #29 now. I would like to however figure out YL’s timeline. I’m a little confused.

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        Did you catch little princess’ line to Gao when they were in the SUV before entering the mine? He was giving her the standard hero talk of “promise me you’ll survive no matter what.” She was having none of it and said they all had to survive. Awwww … 🥺

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        I think even Monty Python had more blood 😂 But I’m fine with lack of arterial spray here. Fight to the death (or so we thought) was conveyed just fine without it.

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      I need to see the rooster scene.

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        It was in the fight at the end of Episode 26. It was Ocean Guardian’s turn, Valley Guardian’s braver counterpart. Characters, even if they be Roosters stay, consistent in the show. 😂 We do have a gif-pert who might oblige if they are asked nicely…

        BTW I had to take a weeklong break btwn Ep 20 and 21. I thought I’d go back and watch Ep. 20 info dump again, but nah, didn’t bother, didn’t need to.

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          Lol. Ocean guardian – braver counterpart. I am already laughing. 😂 Lu Xi approved eh! I will check out Ep 26. Thanks!!

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          I think Ocean Guardian also provided a valuable medical service to Liu after they escaped the mine. (Unless the whole parasitic flower story was a bluff by the Long sorceress — not sure what to call her now!)

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            Yesyesyes, I need help here. I, too, thought that the rooster plucked the parasitic flower out of the Little Princess’s head scar…and it totally DID.

            BUT, then she ended up at the doctor too? Was it that the roots hadn’t been removed? If so, did the rooster actually make things a little worse??

            @hopefulromantic I don’t think you’re on this thread, so please, if you have thoughts…

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            @attiton I’m still catching up – in ep 32 now – so I was avoiding the thread until now! 😅 YEAH Ocean Guardian was totally out there saving lives!! The way I took it was that there were some roots still intact, but the lethal part – the flower bud – he pecked out like the champion he is.

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            But that made me wonder, why the heck didn’t he GS take Princess to the doctors in the first place? Did I miss something?

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            @indyfan I think that sorceress lady had told GS that little princess would die if it was forcibly removed?

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            @hopefulromantic But not from a Rooster? Interesting. And a minor point so I will let it drop. 😀

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    I have been seeing their gifs on tumblr. They are so wonderful together!!! Just look at them 🥰🥰🥰

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    @marysadanaga I thought of your insightful comments about how some themes, esp. the critique of authoritarian regimes, might raise censorship concerns. And unlike xianxia/wuxia, whose worlds are so far from reality, this modern day fantasy brings the parallels closer to home. Let’s see how far they get with the fantasy tag.

    When the show started, I was shocked by the seedy side of life shown in the “border” town. With some exceptions, that’s not the pretty little world c-dramas portray to the outer world. At first, I attributed it to the fantasy tag. But because I’m always chasing my tail, I thought given the way the state justifies its harsh measures against the unrest in the Western provinces, they might not mind the Wild West depiction.

    Anyway, I think all good fantasy is a commentary/reflection of reality so I am not surprised we have it here.

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      Good point about the western setting allowing more leeway here. It’ll be interesting to see how the authority/rebel conflict, motives and ordinary people’s reactions play out.

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        I just looked around a couple of times. Apparently the drama was sent back by the censors several times for modification. And also, the painters were added to make it clear this is just fiction, no one get any ideas…

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          *couple of places.

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          So interesting! Thanks for investigating this. Good to know the show creators were able to appease the censors in a way that hopefully doesn’t alter the plot beats of the source material. I won’t complain about painter scene interruptions if that’s what it takes!

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            You know? This form of “censorship” is so infantalizing. People aren’t morons, ya know. We’re born with the capacity to make meaning from the inferences between facts. We are not literalists by nature. There’s be no such thing as a JOKE otherwise.

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            @attiton By chance, I was reading about the odds for the Nobel this year (yes, yes, I know), which favor Can Xue. Her whole oeuvre demands to be between the lines, and which she’s had to constantly deny. A long history of this kind of censorship.

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          Oooh, that’s really interesting… thank you for researching!

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    I’m still team tiny sparkly hands and so is the Geminus itself on team FT!! When they coaxed it out to help get the horn back, it was with the promise of seeing Fatty Tang again, n’est-ce pas????

    I also have a gif planned of the big-baddie-as-Geminus because that was hilarious. I can’t remember this villain’s name because *cough* the actor sort of looks like my father did 20 years ago if you squint, and then I get distracted *cough*

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      Ok, I need to talk about Fatty Tang! What an awesome character. When he knelt in front of Ye Liuxi after the gold mine gauntlet with absolute hero worship in his eyes! And the way he’s become more concerned about others (especially He) than himself… what excellent character development!

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        It’s rare for a sidekick played for laughs to get such a great character arc. Props to the show. It probably helps we have Rooster, Geminus, Ao and others to play that role as well.

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          I really liked Geminus’ hero turn versus Thiefless. A little kindness to others – even non-humans – can go a long way.

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    Who’s seen #29/30? I’m… Gulp. I can’t.

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      Not yet but now you’ve got me scared 😳

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        Nothing has happened yet that can’t be resolved. They will figure it out. Deep breath. It’s gonna be fine.

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          I’m done 30, @indyfan. How can I best support you as it all falls apart???

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            @indyfan – Oh dear oh dear… The tragedy dominoes have been set up for an emotional last few eps… I’m more prepared for tragic endings in C-dramas (especially with the emphasis on personal sacrifice that’s so common), but I don’t want it ☹️

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            @hopefulromantic Are you at 32? I spoke too soon. Another twist! The stakes grow larger. She’s got her hooks into all of them.

            Seon-ha, come to 32.

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            @indyfan ep 32, min 17:09 – oh my gosh, poor Gao Shen 🤣

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            @hopefulromantic Oh, keep watching. Poor boy.

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            @indyfan I will, soon, doing my DWY job right now. You’re going to bed soon, though…ACK SO MUCH K-DRAMA WORK TODAY!!

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            @indyfan Oh my gosh nooooooo!!! And we have to wait FIVE MORE DAYS??? Aigoo.

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            Welp, I’m caught up. Ready to talk more when everyone else is there too! Now I’m going to watch Mad Dog to calm down.

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            @hopefulromantic I know. 😱 Boom Boom. The hits just keep coming. Definitely no sagging for this show.

            @attiton I am as always so impressed by you. At one point this evening, I had a full page of notifications just from you! Of course, silly DB can notify you thrice for one comment, but still. Anyway, the point being, take your time to catch up. We have a break ahead.

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            I mean you might be impressed, @indyfan, but having a whole page of notifications just from me? I did that? I’m so totally embarrassed. At least you know you have a whole lot of my attention? Is that a good thing?? Jury’s out. I’m gonna go hide.

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            I wish! But no. It’s the site that notifies me thrice for the same comment. One, someone has commented on my post. Second, that comment was a reply. Third, you tagged me.

            So I have a third of the attn the notification page implies. Come out of hiding.

            And DWY work? Does that mean gif geyser is out? Hmm, to sleep or peek into the fanwall?

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      Ok, I’m through 32 and now have five days to process events 😬
      Maybe the darkest hour is just before dawn?
      Long is a formidable adversary … she and Liu Xi are two women of special ability but with opposite moral codes. But it’s cool that they are the bosses in this story.
      I liked how the flashbacks showed Liu Xi was a daring rebel from the beginning.

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        I’m still processing!!😅 All of the reveals landed really well as surprises – but they were also seeded in advance and didn’t come out of nowhere. Yay for logical writing! It is really cool that the showdown seems like it will be between Liuxi and Long… and Liuxi has been strong and cool from the beginning.

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          I liked how the story returned to the “gnats” and the shadow puppets. Am waiting for a reveal about a further connection between Chang Dong and puppets. Did it seem Liuxi was contemplating cutting off her hand to regain her memories? The way the info about that magic linked back to why Jiang Zhan’s memories were at least partially restored when his arm was cut off was well done.

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            Oh I loved that reveal about the “gnats,” too!!! I makes it so much more meaningful. The mythology in this drama is very cool to me. I’m also with you in waiting for more confirmation of a connection between the shadow puppets and the ML. I still think the gnats were drawn to the ML in the desert, not the FL, because of some connection!!

            Yikes I’m hoping not, but I also noticed the same thing when she was thinking about getting her memories back 😖 That reveal about Jiang Zhan was well done.

            Now I’m worried about Gao Shen and about our team/family being separated 😔

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            Also, don’t let your rooster near your gnats!!😂

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          Another contrast between the two sides … our good guys have been more respectful of the creatures they encounter, like how the sorcerer clarified that the “gnats” aren’t really bugs and deserve to be treated with dignity. Or the moment of connection between young Liuxi and the golden snake. Compared to Long, who views magical creatures only as a means of consolidating her power. Maybe there’ll be a payoff somewhere down the line?

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            That’s a great observation!! I really hope so… there’s been a lot of scorpion motifs (and actual scorpions); maybe there’s a magical scorpion creature who will come to their aid to support Ye Liuxi in her battle?

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            Are you all getting the feeling perhaps the only power the Long family has is using these creatures? (Well, other than their wiles.) And if that’a the case, then indeed the differing relations will matter.

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          A showdown between two women might be the climax of the show. How unusual and wonderful is this?

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            💯!!! I can’t think of another example of that happening. Yanxi Palace centered on the conflicts of the harem, but it still took place in a male-dominated hierarchy. Here the women are the ones in charge!

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        “darkest hour is just before dawn” Yes! This is such classic story structure. I’m loving seeing it in action. But I’m afraid all our heroes may not make it out intact.

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    Done. Caught up. Done done. Through to the end of episode 32.

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      Yay! Are you posting your gifs soon?

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        I can. But I think I’ll have a favor to ask of all the active PW watchers in return. I’ll give you a heads-up now:

        @indyfan @hopefulromantic @marysadanaga @asianromance (and also @mayhemf who may wish to join in)—am I forgetting anyone??

        I’ve got maybe 8-10 gifs planned/made for the first 32 episodes of Parallel Worlds, and I’ll make a gif geyser with them today. BUT, I’d also like to make at least one each for all of you, because I can’t possibly have found interesting all of what you found interesting. These images both spark, but also control, the conversation, and I would like to talk about your favorite moments too.

        So, after I post my first geyser (which will be in the next four hours), I’m going to ask for you to please also tell me one or two more that you’d like, and when I’ve collected those, I’ll make a second geyser of just those to talk about.

        Could we do it this way?

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A heart! I guess we all know the real OTP here. 😂

The Worst of Evil Tomorrow!



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    Do you know what time the 1st episode is released on Disney+?

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    @indyfan FYI I’m missing your mentions in my notifications stream (I’ve checked twice and am positive I didn’t get a notification for the “coat-bok” mention on the DWY thread). So ping me twice if I don’t respond and also know that the reverse may be holding true.

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      Oh. Hmm. This is a reply so you’ll probably get this. Let me tag you in an independent post and see if it works.

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Just noting the uptick of gay characters in recent dramas:

My Lovely Liar: A well acted, but jealous and violent character
My Dearest: A beautiful and tender, but jealous and scheming character
A Time Called You: Happy at last! And in a hot minute, dead and buried.

Hmm.

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    😡

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    No. 3 is still lots better than what happened in the original.

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      They really were adorable in ATCY weren’t they?

      But somehow I thought their arcs in both were fitting. Someday was filled with grief and ACTY was much lighter in tone.

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    Let’s go back to 2021 when lesbians ruled dramaland

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      What? Really? I hadn’t boarded the kdrama train in 2021.

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        Kim Seo-hyung played the first-ever lesbian main character in a primetime kdrama in Mine, and it was handled so surprisingly well (especially knowing the writer previously did Strong Woman Do Bong-soon… yikes). It starts sad but it ends hopeful, and she’s just a badass and I loved her.

        The one good thing about Nevertheless was the secondary pairing between two female characters. First actual lesbian relationship I’ve seen on kdrama screen (although there has been at least one other).

        Work Later, Drink Now had a couple of gay characters (one male one female), but sadly one of them was a “bury your gays” moment IIRC and it was really sad.

        Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha had a lesbian character as well! It wasn’t a huge part of the plot but it made perfect sense and I appreciated the small amount of representation.

        There may be more from that year I’m not remembering.

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          Well, well. Thank you. I haven’t caught up to most of those shows. (And I may never catch up to Nevertheless.) I did see Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha but on heavy ffw’d. If it was a blink and miss it kind of role, I might have missed it.

          And what happened after 2021? They decided we’d repped enough, and done?

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    Yep. There is a long long way to go as yet to have a semblance of genuine inclusion and diversity. I remember a few mainstream US shows in the 90s had tragic, neurotic and no sex allowed under any circumstances(!) (largely) gay characters too.

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I have a type I think. My last girl crush was the FL in Happiness. And now I’m in love with Liu Xi in the c-drama Parallel World.

She’s kick-ass. I mean that literally. She kicks every shitty guy around (actually all genders). She’s funny tho, a little self-deprecating, sometimes cheesy. But she remains a straight shooter, in life and in love, no BS, no false modesty. Now she’s in luuuv. And this soft but strong man loves her for who she is, just like in Happiness. So how can I not wish them every Happiness?

Oh, and she doesn’t make friends easily but she’s loyal when she does. And that’s why the 2FL, once her rival, doesn’t suck (as in every second drama) but squees along with the rest on us. “I can neither have the woman, nor the man I have a crush on, but they’re together now, so I’m really happy.” Speaking for all of us sister.
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    How refreshing it would be to have more characters like this? To live with no BS without false modesty. On my prev rewatched of Misaeng, I had a similar experience with Tim Manager Kang. We had too many similarity that I couldn’t help but rooting and beaming at him whenever he’s on the screen.

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      Yes! In my case, I wish I had a bit more of her gumption. I wish the same of many of the women I know.

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    That scene with the SFL was too cute! She’s such a shipper 😂

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      She has grown on me, a lot. I wish we could have more 2FLs like her. Tho we know the main 2FL is coming. And I don’t see her turning sweet at all.

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    NiNi slays in all of her roles 😍😍 Girl crush for sure!

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      Ooh. Are you watching? I can’t tell, if it’s the actress, the character, or both, but I luv her.

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        I’m not currently watching, but I plan to!! I can’t do multiple dramas at one time— it requires too much brain power that I just don’t have, especially with real life stuff— and I am currently moving very slowly with “Sunshine by May Side” 😅

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          I hear you. At least this moves along very zippily with half hour episodes and a fast plot (after the setup).

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            Oh good!! Hopefully the pacing stays this way until the end. We just never know with Cdramas XD

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    Oh, I’m finishing this drama…what do I have to do to get to talk to y’all about it?

    @hopefulromantic @indyfan

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      Wait, you started? And already caught up? So I’m the one behind. Nooo…

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      *JOYFUL SHRIEKING* YAYYY!!! Really??? That’s great!!! Let’s make a post or chat here – I’ll be able to chat more tomorrow! 🎶I’m so EXCITED!!!🎶

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        Oh, yay!! I’m so glad I’m not too late to this party. And, no, @indyfan, you’re not behind. I’m only on episode 5…but I’m in this to win this (it’s only been since noon :)). So good. So good.

        I don’t need like “a plan,” but WHAT’S THE PLAN?

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          AGHHHHHH IT’S SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m literally SO excited that you started it and are enjoying it so far!!! It’s such a classic adventure fantasy setup with a quest and some classic character archetypes, with really really cool characters and a cool desert backdrop and *schjgdhklnfdjl I’m so excited* 😆😆😆😆😆 I’m saving episodes 25/26 to watch when 27/28 are out, because two at a time IS NOT ENOUGH

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          The plan, eh? It does make me grateful for the recaps. Couple of thoughts depending on how deep we want to go:

          We could just do one giant post for the episodes to date. Or we could break them into three parts: 1) present world (till episode 10ish right, Hopeful?) 2) Parallel world (till 20ish) 3) Post-reveal till the end of the week, which I haven’t seen. And then live watch? In batches? Their schedule is tricky.

          Or we could just post on whatever topic struck us as I did with FL, Blue did earlier with OTP, or the rooster, the Chinese Wild West, whatever.

          And Hopeful, your gifs! 😍

          I think Peach and ar arguably romantic are watching. Blue and Dorotka might be interested. It’s a niche show.

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            I like the topic-based idea, Indyfan! And since we’re both further along with episodes, Seon-ha could lead us in comments about plot. Yay!!!!!!! This is honestly the most exciting live watch for me since Numbers, and then earlier this year with Unlock My Boss.

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            I’m game. Whatever you both decide, I’m in. I’m going to gulp down all of this week’s episodes when I get home Thursday, just in time for this week’s to drop.

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            @hopefulromantic If I understand correctly, I’m to follow in the comments for a while, until I have a topic? Is that what you mean?

            Would you mind if, yet again, we follow your initial lead, Hopeful? I know we did that for Mad Dog too, but your enthusiasm will surely never lead us astray!!!

            @indyfan I hope you’re excited to get back home! Does this also mean you’re gonna wait on DWY? I’m asking because it’ll probably affect what I post to my Fan Wall 😊

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            No, no. Don’t change anything for me. We have an active army of DWY watchers waiting for ya. The Weds episode lands at night for me while I travel and I’ll watch on Thurs morning and hop on to DB after. Then watch the Thurs episode as soon as it lands on Netflix.

            I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts as you currently watch or reflect on past PW episodes. I didn’t really have anyone to engage with before. Tho I’ll wait to comment on from episode 20 on till I finish them, which will be very soon. Probably Thurs too.

            Is this TMI? ☺️

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            @attiton I’d be happy to make a fanwall post to collect our conversation later on after work! I’m feeling like gushing about this show, rather than analyzing, so I was thinking you could comment about anything you want (plot, characters, etc), and @indyfan and I (and anyone else) can chime in until we’re all three caught up with the episodes? But whatever sounds good to you sounds good to me!! I’m just excited that there is one more person watching this now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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            @attiton @indyfan Hold on – I just read what I replied, and I fear it is confusing… I think what I’m trying to say is, I’m not sure my memory is good enough to remember specifics of what happened earlier in the plot, so I won’t really be able to post “eps 1-4” or whatever reactions like I’m doing with Mad Dog. Does this help??? Or still confusing??? Lol I really don’t care what we talk about – I’m just excited to talk about Parallel World!!!!!🤩🤩🤩

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    We’re silly. 🤪 Here’s a new thread with more “reply” opportunities. This is what I think the plan is:

    –> Hopeful is going to start us off after work today (Eastern US Time, I do believe) with a “topic-based” post, and we’re all gonna respond how we like.

    It might be that I remember more plot points, because I’m newer to the drama, but, frankly, we shall see. I could see how little details might slip by and come back though…like why did she just paint a scorpion in eyeliner on her left eye? And why did he have such a strong opinion about it???

    @indyfan @hopefulromantic

    PS: It’s very likely I’ll never “catch up” before the show actually ends. I probably ought to devote time to only 2 episodes/day.

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      Ah good. Thanks for the new post. It sounds like a plan. We’ll start with Hopeful’s post and see from there.

      Seon-ha, binge as much as you want, ffw’d too. I did a fair bit here and there without missing a thing. Oh and the scorpion thing will make sense later.

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        I just wrote this comment because I felt called to do so, but I had Beanies like you, @indyfan, and you, @hopefulromantic, in mind when I was talking about my Beanie Internet Friends…so I hope you’ll allow me to link you on in.

        https://www.dramabeans.com/2019/11/k-drama-problems-to-share-or-not-to-share/#comment-4123029

        It’s a special place here! And you are special people.

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          Aww thank you Seon-ha!! 🥰 And you know, I totally get what you mean… I don’t want to have to explain and persuade others why dramas are AWESOME, I just want them to be like, “heck yeah!” you know? And Dramabeans collects those cool people in one place when you don’t have IRL drama fans to talk to 😎

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            Lovely post. You’ve expressed why DramaBeans and Beanies hold a special place in our drama loving hearts. So happy to be counted as one of your BIFs. 😘

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          I just spent the last hour or so trying to download PW before I hop on a flight, and realized Viki doesn’t allow it. 😭 😭😭 I should have commented on our PW thread Instead, but I was taken aback by the pushback DancingEmma received on her comment.

          It made me think Seon-ha of your comment on how to respond to micro aggressions—and this was out and out macro. And then I thought of folks you said just come here for the mic drop and walk away, who this person seems to be. And then I thought about your comment about BIFs so I dedicated the time to supporting Emma. But I’ll catch up on yours and @hopefulromantic PW comments soon enough. Maybe even before you wake up and then this will look silly. 😀

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How does a Rooster feel like a more developed character than many humans in other dramas? We understand his essential character (cowardice), what’s at stake (being cooked), and all we need is a growth arc. Will he conquer his inner chicken demons and ride atop the jeep with his cockscomb held high, or will he be deep fried sixed? Parallel World Ep 17. Waiting.

@marysadanaga @mayhemf @wapz I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. Alas, I can only screenshot. I so wanted a clip of her catching Rooster out when he played dead. Did you see his eye acting then? I swear he looked guilty. 🤣 🤣 🤣
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    😂😂😂
    In its defense, it survived the scorpion 🦂

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      In a very real sense, how does a rooster feel? It’s like a koan.

      How does a rooster feel?

      ….with his heart.

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A Time Called You Timeline. I received this as a forward of uncertain origins. But it looks right. I think. It might help some. I’d watched the original so I wasn’t lost this time around.
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    🫘Beansprout🌱 award for sharing important resources with the community

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    @cayong03

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    I tried to read the chart, still I couldn’t comprehend, particulary the second loop.

    I make peace with it by telling myself, it’s another STM, only this time the otp get better ending.

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    What a lot of work! I looked at the chart on Wiki and still couldn’t follow it. Thank you very much!

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    Thank you for sharing! Do you have a link to the original? I couldn’t find it but the one you shared here is not clear enough to read.

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      Sorry. It was a WhatsApp fwd of unclear origins. But if you double click on it, then you can zoom in to read it. It should be perfectly clearly then.

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Parallel Worlds Blue! What am I watching? A modern Chinese Western? Fantasy Adventure? Tomb Raider meets Raiders of the Lost Ark. Or a Space Western? Why am I getting Firefly vibes. Help! 😂

This is a whole new world of c-dramas for me. It’s wild. But Ep. 1 is also really low-rent. That mask. LOL. How far along are you? Should I continue?

@mayhemf
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    I hope you and @mayhemf continue the commentary! This one sounds absolutely wild, and, pending the ending, like one I’d get a kick out of 😁

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      The trailer will give you a sense: https://www.viki.com/videos/1240348v-trailer

      Blue has been my canary in the coal mine for C-dramas for a bit now. I guess I should chip in. I really don’t know who else might like this. @gikata?

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        So they’re from different worlds, huh… Don’t count on me until I’ll get ending spoilers, one zero hope for HE whatsoever cdrama at the time is more than enough for my poor heart. If finale doesn’t suck very much, I’ll try)))
        P.S. Why didn’t they just keep original title? It sounded much better than current generic one!

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          Totally agree re forgettable title. This doesn’t have tragic vibes but you never know. Let’s see if we all last long enough to report back re ending. 😂

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            I was thinking more of “not a tragedy, but…” case, which is very plausible with a premise like this.

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    I finished Ep 8 and I am still enjoying it. The episodes are short so I don’t feel like it drags at all.
    Lol yeah. The genre is like everything. I even thought of the Mummy movie series with all the sandstorm and other stuff that happened in Ep 7.
    Never seen a cdrama like this before! Usually all their fantasy is in XianXia costumes.
    I plan to continue as I am curious about the mystery. Also the leads chemistry is really good. And the mystery around her existence is interesting. I like them both. I say watch till Ep 6 and decide to continue or drop.

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      That mask killed me. Lol. I thought it’s going to be a low budget fantasy but thankfully the later episodes didn’t have any cringe CGI. it’s probably not a high budget since the FL is wearing only one sweater for most of the 8 episodes 😂
      Also, I love the desert landscapes. So gorgeous.

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      The Mummy! Of course. They really covered their bases. 😂 And I already sense their chemistry. Nice. But you know, I may just crush on the FL. She’s so kickass.

      I’m definitely in hearing you’re liking it. I have been primed by years of low-budget SyFy shows in my misguided youth. I can handle this. And should she really be carrying multiple outfits in the desert? It’s grounding the fantasy in some realism. 😉 Still, I can’t believe you recommended all those high quality shows, and I picked this. LOL.

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      BTW How did they get that depiction of the seedy side of life past the censors? Fantasy tag? I am not used to this in c-dramas. It’s all gloss or soft focus. Maybe I’ve been watching the wrong ones.

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        Yeah, I was surprised too. But yeah, there are things that slip past censors in dramas or its just the fantasy tag. I can’t imagine a bunch of old men watching all episodes of every drama. lol. they probably doze off at some point.
        And its so refreshing to not have filters..The FL looks so dusty and gorgeous, I love it.

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        Just chiming in with a very good seedy/gritty C-drama … “Stealth Walker” (2021), with Zheng Ye Cheng playing a completely different character from his “Love 020” college boy. No gloss whatsoever in this undercover police/drug smuggler tale with a hint of romance. More chemistry than romance, because the leads have to worry about staying alive first.

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          It’s been on my list. I know it’s my kind of drama. I just need to make time. For this and Long Night.

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        I don’t remember the line (was it the alcohol, women one) but I feel there are many genres in cdramaland. Definitely not all soft focus and glossy. Though the dramas that reach the international audience mainly are wuxia, xianxia and modern romcoms. I personally like those but sometimes I also want to watch shows like Parallel World (desert adventure – which I’ve come to know is also a genre), slice of life (Fake it till you make it director’s previous show Remembrance of things past which was widely liked by several beanies, Delicious Romance, Twenty your life on etc, crime dramas which can be pretty gritty and the family dramas which rarely the international audience sees but actually gets the serious tag locally rather than the idol drama tag. That said, with the sheer number of shows they produce, there are still very few good ones but at least for me this year, I saw more cdramas than kdramas.

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          Desert Adventure? That seems very specialized! But also what this very much is. I’m still newish to c-dramas, mostly romance. Happy to have the expert guides since there are so, so very many shows out there. I’ve been meaning to watch Remembrance of Things Past but haven’t got past the title. Lit class trauma. 😂

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      Through episode 5 and I’m in. Love the desert landscape and the grittiness of scenery and characters. FL is such a badass. Doesn’t seem like she lost her attitude or her fighting skills. That’s an amnesia plot I can get behind.

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        Yay! I wasn’t sure who else from the C-crowd might watch. So very different from Fake It.

        I binged quite a bit. But it wasn’t so bad as I ffw’d some as parts were slow. But I liked the buildup and I know what’s coming. I love FL’s character! Tho did you see the ML’s parkour scene? LOL. I won’t spoil it if you haven’t.

        But I wanted to cover her up so bad. You’re not just gonna get sunburn, girl, you’re gonna get sandburn. But action ladies, they gotta be sexy.

        @mayhemf I didn’t mind the sweaters. She packs light. But what was the one with a the belt over her b**bs? 😂

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          Did you get to the chicken yet? Desert Guardian is the best! This show is so chaotic in a good way.

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            Gobble. Gobble. Oops. That’s turkeys, not roosters. 😂 It was totally random and so hilarious. How’re they making it all work so well?

            Also, I just knew it was the chicken spying on them. Part of me was disappointed they got interrupted. But that was absolutely right. It was too soon. But that sympathy hug. 😍 I’m loving the slooooow burn.

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          Thinking about your comment about how the show makes the randomness work … it’s like the events the characters face can be totally wacky and out there, but the characters themselves have depth and sincerity. As opposed to a drama that has a character suddenly behave in a totally mystifying way and that just kills your viewing experience.

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            Right. The character development and relationship arcs are solid no matter what craziness the plot throws.

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Guess who made a cameo in A Time Called You. Yes, I’m mid-binge. 😅
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    Are they the same height???

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      Rowoon is taller by 2cm.

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        His poofy hair adds another 2cm in the scene. 🙂

        I don’t want to spoil anything. After everyone’s watched it, I’d love to hear their take on these two (and ofc the rest)..

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          Well, it won’t be from me, unfortunately. You know how you love your My Dearest pain? Well, this here drama would give me that same pain by 10,000x and, if I watched it, I would actually need to leave Dramabeans to live the rest of my life in the dark, chanting repeated, whispered words in a vain effort to calm the thunderstorm of sadness that would have taken over my mind.

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            Ah, I hear you. The original left me soaked in sadness, but ah…

            Right now my eyes are glazed, my brain fried and my heart full. I look forward to seeing what other crazy Beanies like me think tmrw.

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            @indyfan Are you telling me right now that you are awake after midnight because you binged this drama??

            Can I be your mother for a moment and tell you, “Young lady you should BE IN BED ASLEEP!!!”

            We shall be leaving aside the hypocrisy that I stayed up late last night making gifs. But not THIS late…

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            Yeah. I’m 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫… Yeah. That’s all I got. I do not advise this.

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          It’s funny because both are actors are best friends, it’s why Rowoon did a cameo in this drama. I wonder how they filmed it :p

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OK. It’s official. I have also been Ro-sWooned. DWY. Ep 6. What absolute fun.

(Oh if I could but capture his eyebrow lift.)
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    Thanks to @attiton we are all Ro-swooning.
    Awesome naming skills. Daebak 👍

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      Yes, absolutely. All credit where credit is due. Can we be the Ro-swooned Seon-ha?

      It may have taken me a little longer to Ro-swoon than some (and a whole lot shorter than those who will not be named 😂) but I finally see the light, or rather the stars in the dark sky, cos I’ve swooned and all that.

      Oh, I wish I could giffed those fingers in the kiss scene. Smooth my man. Smooth.

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        You gonna take all the love for my awesome term and then passively-aggressively ask for gifs?? Well, we shall see my friend….

        I’m sure I’ll have time for them tomorrow. I can’t see episode 6 until way closer to when you wake up.

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          Waiting eagerly for the gifs!

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          Oh oops. I have this Pavlovian response to an episode dropping. I won’t spoil anymore. 🤐

          See you on the other side. With gifs. 😇

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            Oof. I can edit the top post on my fan wall but not the replies?

            Anyway, Roswooning was already discussed down thread. I was just joining the chorus, not claiming credit. ☹️

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            You know I’m totally joking about being upset AT ALL about ANYONE “taking credit” for my stupid (although funny) neologism, right?

            Everyone is welcome to use it with reckless abandon!!! In fact, I might come to regret coining it at some point 🙂

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            @attiton Ofc ofc I was being faux humbled. Totally didn’t come across. I am still learning the Interneting. 🤦🏾‍♀️

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    Fuc*ing-A that was good! so many feels so many giiiffffs….do I start now??? I have responsibilities!??! Shouldn’t start now, but so fracking gooood.

    ROSWOON CENTRAL ova here

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      I know which ova you meant, but he tickled my ova too if you know what I mean. 😂

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        I AM MAKING GIFS INSTEAD OF WATCHING MOVING. I HAVE ALSO OTHER THINGS TO DO.

        I AM MAKING GIFS INSTEAD OF ANY OTHER THING I SHOULD BE DOING.

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          👩‍💻
          At last … a pretty someone who knows exactly where her priorities lie !!!
          Hwaiting!

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          And we humbly thank you, can you hear our squees? I’m pretty sure my neighbors heard mine 🤭

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        🤭 🥰

        Thank you for putting it out there on behalf of all of us!
        Kudos!

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Wait, what did I miss? No previews for Ep. 11? I need breadcrumbs at least to sustain myself for 41 days. All right, I’ll take your screen-shotting, gif-ing, tumblr-ing instead. So many feelings
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    Since it’s cut in half, they probably didn’t do a preview on purpose. Sometimes they do that near the end of shows as well?
    Or it might be released on YT later.

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    On the one hand I crave a few breadcrumbs, on the other I am afraid of what I might get to see.

    *setting a 41-day countdown*

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    @attiton Tag. Did you get a notification?

    Also, I don’t think Hacja got that I was entirely joking, or only partially got that. But I haven’t the energy tonight to delve into that.

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      Yeah, I did. I get so frustrated with the “almost-sometimes-never” nature of that stupid notification system. It’s because I’m so needy. It’s cute.

      Hacja. Sigh. I’m gonna put his reaction on the patriarchy. We know you’re happily married, man. It’s OK. We aren’t threatening it.

      Kurama, in her delightful literalness, didn’t get it either 🙂

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        It’s yet another DB mystery. I sometimes get emailed notifications from 2014 when I didn’t even know kdramas existed 🤷🏽‍♀️

        Re H/K: 😀 Thanks for the smile.
        And I’m gonna let it rest at that.

        Btw I didn’t even realize that Kurama posted even tho it was on my notifications. I’m super impressed that you did!

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      OMG, Indy. There WAS drama. I knew something was wrong with him. I don’t want to sound like a drama queen (a k-drama queen), but there’s been something up, and I almost mentioned it in this thread but thought I sounded like crazy person overthinking the internet. He’s not been talking or commenting or at-mentioning, anyone. I didn’t know that I’d had a hand in causing it:

      https://www.dramabeans.com/members/lapislazulii/activity/1461445/#acomment-1461608

      FWIW, I didn’t call him “nothing,” but I was taking a dig. He’s not wrong about that. Sheesus.

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        Oh! You were not doing drama. There WAS drama. You were right.

        I had also noticed he was not active, but I didn’t think too much of it. Life and all that. But also because he tends to do a mic drop with me. But he actually engages with you.

        He can be quite sarcastic. So I imagine you were only responding in kind. But sarcasm has a fine line, and easy to misinterpret online. (And may I say easier to dish than receive.) Still, give him props for speaking up. How many people, esp. men, fess up they were hurt? And online to boot?

        No, I am not going to comment on male trauma. 😀

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          BTW now I wonder if my joke offended him. Should I respond too?
          BBTW I’ve noticed he’s commenting on dramas we don’t. Hm.

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            Gawd. That wasn’t so much “sleep” as “waiting to wake up.”

            You do whatever you feel called to do! I saw your PW post…so exciting!!! More from me soon…

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            Aw. That’s rough. Hoping for an easy day for you. TGIF. As for me, I’m going to let sleeping dogs lie, if there were any to begin with in my case.

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      Hmm. Found it. Wow, did I not say what he heard. Now I’m kinda mad, and unwilling to help moderate his emotions.

      Thanks for listening.

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        What? That’s surprising. It’s written evidence! You’re right to be upset.

        There’s no need to do the work. He also said he didn’t need anything more from you. Take him up on it. And should you choose to, you can respond later.

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          I know, I know. I did respond, but only after I decided to don my “Patriarchy Hat” (always uncomfortable), and saw how what I said was sort of worse. I implied that other Beanies had dismissed him as not worth talking about.

          It’s all a bit much, but who knew that there were emotions back there! And, you were (as always) right that it was impressive for him to say those things to me in writing, online. I never want unnecessary unfinished emotional karmic damage hanging around me–I have enough there that I know about and am powerless to fight.

          How come it is that you’re always right? Do you know the answer to that?

          I think you’re right about DWY ep 12 too. It’s better than I thought. I just made an error in my viewing plan–I watched the last five minutes first, because I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, and then expected the other 55 to lead up to it. But that’s not what it was. The first 55 minutes wrapped up like 10,000 threads and pushed two other secondary threads along (JK’s dad and SY’s mom)…and then it shifted BACK to our OTP’s trauma. You were right. It’s a fine episode.

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            No, no, no. You don’t get to make it about me, not for all the flattery in the world. 😛

            Am I hearing right, you have conversed with him since? And how did that go? Share as much or as little as you like. We all come to DramaBeans to discuss drama, not experience it (too much). Some interactions have been a bit much for me as well. But just like real life, if this relationship matters or your conduct in the exchange (to yourself), I’m glad you reached out.

            And I can’t say DWY #12 is a fine episode, but Jesus after #11, it was an improvement by leaps and bounds. Tho that end, yeah, it was yet another knife to the heart. I would been too shook up as well to enjoy anything after.

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            @indyfan I get to make things about you all I like, especially when I get sick of things being all about me. 😉

            No, he’s not responded, but it’s early-ish in SoCal. I am ready for him not to respond, or to respond. It’s all good. I really do value that I can tell you about how I’m coping–I actually felt quite emotionally side-swiped by all this.

            Oh, BY THE WAY, I now remember that there may have been a time or two when perhaps my sarcasm has confused and or hurt YOU. If that is indeed the case–do know that I am so incredibly sorry, even for the slightest harm to my dearest Internet Friend.

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            I get the emotional cost of this. After any DB conflict, I feel a bit rattled and ask myself, why does this matter, why am I even online? So I try to remember no matter how violent this storm of feelings can be, it’s all still contained within a teacup. (I will not speak of separating feelings from “self” 🙂 Of course, it doesn’t help to have anyone tell you this while you’re being buffeted so I can only say, I hear you, I feel you.

            Also, I don’t remember being hurt by anything you said, anyone’s sarcasm really. And forgive me if I have done so.

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    Good morning!!! Hi hi. I hope you had a marvelous night’s sleep. The fact that the DWY thread has been so sleepy for HOURS has meant that I’m almost caught up on PW (being halfway through episode 28 right now). If I don’t get distracted by the Butt Show (my literal guilty pleasure) I should be done with episode 30 before 31-32 are posted, and I can be a full member of the community!!

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      Good evening to you! How’re you feeling today? Better I hope? I saw Hacja tagged you!

      I had no idea you were watching BYT. But hey, if it gives you pleasure I can only be jealous.

      And why is DWY thread slow? More drop-off. I can’t blame them. Or fan wall fatigue?

      I will be waiting in PW comments. I need someone to hold my hands. You will see.

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        I was very, very tired last night. Today seems OK-ish. I think the sun’s supposed to come out. I also have so much KDRAMA WORK today 😬

        BYT doesn’t give me pleasure. It’s my masochist-completist syndrome at work. No jealousy necessary—but I find it in equal measures touching and amusing that this was your reaction.

        I don’t know why it was so slow, but I see that over-my-night, only all the best people started talking. I’ll go pepper the commentary with more of my thoughts as WWW works itself out over the next few hours. Hmm. “Fan Wall Fatigue” is an interesting theory. Indy, should I not post my gifs?? Seriously, I want to know your thoughts.

        I’ll also come running in a bit to your PW post—offering my totally clean, no-blood-in-sight, hand willingly, I feel sure. I wanna make gifs of a few things too…problem is I can’t remember which episodes I’m remembering which always keeps me from taking real action 🥹

        And, yes, hacja and I did actually “talk.” It was sort of sweet. All is mended. Castration anxiety indeed!!! Lol

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          Comment was deleted

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          Well, let me just say, @indyfan, even though Emma got in the way once (which is cool, but still), it felt good when this happened.

          I retyped this comment because I forgot to at-mention you, which would have put another entry in the list…and then (!) since I did it twice, you probably got five whole mentions for this one comment. 😘

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            Ha ha! Excellent return. Tho I dare say you could produce a screenshot like this with half the active regulars on the site.

            BTW I missed your response above. Sorry. Once again, notifications defeated me. But I’m so glad you sorted it out with Hacja. And I’m glad you didn’t wait for my response to post your DWY gifs. Because look, Beanies are not tired at all. Great post.

            I hope you’re gonna have a wonderful Sunday.

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            The question isn’t “could I produce one,” but “would I?”

            No, I wouldn’t.

            I had over 100 notifications overnight the other night. I don’t mind it one bit, especially when it’s from my nearest and dearest, but it is a lot of duplicative chatter.

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            I’m learning to use these threads so you won’t have two notifications from me when you read this tomorrow, just the one.

            And as I’ve said before, I don’t mind if I’m the queen or concubine #112, as long as I remain in your harem. 😘

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    I’m learning to use these threads so you won’t have two notifications from me when you read this tomorrow, just the one.

    Indy, I think I understand why you’re trying to do this, but this behavior runs a real risk of me then missing a message of yours. I just want to be completely clear with you that I don’t want that outcome, and I don’t mind at all getting any number of notifications from you. Indeed, I look forward to them.

    As for my harem, well, I am not entirely sure I want to lead one of those either, although I can take a joke. 😌

    But the reason is so important to me that I’m going to hear you perhaps a little too seriously: I’d much rather be in relationships with people who retain all of their free will and choose to connect with me because they truly wish to do so.

    For me, that’s the real gift. Freely offered human connection. Even in the silly form of 10 million Internet notifications.

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      I do. I do. I’m thrilled to freely connect with you. We are not destined to/for/with any of this. So thank you for connecting with me as well.

      And if sometimes we miss a notification as I did earlier, that will be fine. Because I hope by now we have earned enough goodwill from each for a measure of grace.

      And have a wonderful start to the work week.

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No, he doesn’t. You’re breaking his heart. He’s breaking all of ours.

This is so beautiful. How will we last the break? #MyDearest
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    Are these your subs? That’s interesting. Mine said “You are so cruel…”

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      Yes, these are the subtitles at Viki.

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      Not knowing Korean, “You are so cruel,” fits the period vibe much better. Tho “I hate you” hits harder.

      Where are you watching?

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        cc: @nefret
        I need someone to corroborate but I think “You are so cruel” is more accurate to what he says too. (For me it also fits the context better haha)

        I’m a Darksider for Lyfe but the subs on darkside are from Kocowa

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          I thought “I hate you” was very appropriate in that scene. They are so good at hurting each other with words. Jang-Hyun is so frustrated, hopeless and hurt that these words burst out of him.

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            For me, “You are so cruel” made more sense, because it was more of an answer to her response to his question.
            “Can you say you will never think of the other?”
            And she visibly hesitates and struggles with it but for her the context is different so she says she cannot promise that.
            Ergo, “You are so cruel… [to say so]” (but with IMPOSSIBLY SOFT EYES UGH) “… what does HE have that I do not…”. It doesn’t lose the emotional impact or outburst, but something about the structure of that runs far better for me.
            There’ll be a language technique word for it but I’ll be darned if I know what it is rn.
            Also need someone who speaks more Korean than I haha.

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            I prefer “I really hate you” because he’s speaking for his feelings about what she does to him. Rather than making a comment on her actions with “you are so cruel”. Although, honestly for me he could have said both together and I’d be good.

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          I think “I really hate you” might be more accurate actually. He says “jeongmal mibkun”. The first word means ‘really’ and the latter word comes from ‘mibda/밉다’ which means ‘to hate’.

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            Thank you. How wonderful it must be to understand the language. You must get so much more out of dramas.

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            Does the actual translation matter more? It feels like it’s too common and straightforward of an expression for this particular conversation and perhaps this era.

            I do not like Maiden; I think “My Lady” is a better fit.
            Same meaning, just a personal preference, I guess.

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            Thanks for this. “You are so cruel” seems more suited to the spirit of the moment. I had no idea Kocowa has different subs from Viki!

            @kiara I always mentally translate ‘maiden’ to ‘mademoiselle’ because that works so much better for my understanding of both the formality of address and denoting her status: unmarried, and a lady. Cultural context is everything and I lack it.

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            Oh this is very interesting!!! Thank you!
            Huh.

            I think I’m with @kiara and @elinor then. I like “You are so cruel” as a *translation* better too, for the above stated reasons.

            (I also like My Lady better as well, and the Kocowa subs say that too.)

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            At the end of episode 4 and the beginning of episode 5, the subtitles are also different. According to Viki, Gil-chae calls out “Dear husband, move”, whereas at Kocowa it is translated as “Watch out, my dear” (no husband).

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            @nefret yeahp haha although it matches the title of the show in the Kocowa subs in that instant I like Husband better because it translates it has husband later and the joke is continued for so long.

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            I can’t reply to anyone’s comments so I’ll just @ everyone here and reply 😅.

            @kiara I agree that a literal translation may actually take away from some of the emotion in this case. But there are cases (like the subs for Moving) where almost too much liberty has been taken with the translation. I prefer ‘My Lady’ too!

            @nefret Yup and there too ‘husband’ is the more accurate translation since she says ‘seobangnim’ and like @sicarius said it helps continue the joke in the following scene. Interestingly, in modern day Korea, ‘seobangnim’ is more often used for sons-in-law. You might have heard someone saying ‘Kim Seobang’ or ‘Lee Seobang’ in dramas.

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            Translation is a tricky thing to get right, for sure. And that’s why it’s not just transliteration.
            Sometimes literal is better, sometimes there is not direct translation, sometimes contextual and spirit of is better for getting the scene across.
            And yes sometimes, too much liberty is taken 🙄 (Netflix and its Ghost Swear Words and Ghost Translations lol…)

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            Thank you everyone!

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          @sicarius

          It’s really bad when Netflix has the English subtitles translated into other languages. The translators are obviously only provided with the English subtitles. It can happen, for example, that the German subtitles jump back and forth between formal (Sie) and informal (du) forms of address from episode to episode. That drives me crazy, so I only watch with English subtitles.

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    💔💔💔

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    Straight up felt like MY heart had been broken omg

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    I could feel his pain when he said this, and I could feel her pain when she watched him go.

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    No idea about how we’ll last the break!

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When did HeartBeat reel me in? It could have been Vampie getting drunk on ramyeon or wearing fuchsia better than I ever will. Or even earlier, In-hae shocking us by biting Vampie first. I’m not sure. But I know it peaked for me at the 80s prom dance.

The makeover dress that divided this corner of the Internet. The wallflower and prom king exchanging lingering looks. The slow dancing and the almost Dirty Dancing lift. And topping it all, the Queen Bee glass-smashing, Dynasty style! It was all so corny, so cut-rate, and purrfect! #HeartBeats
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    I agree that that was when it peaked. I still hold to my claim that if it ended there, it would have been the perfect John Hughes K-drama. *sigh*

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      My favorite was the light-bedecked tree he made for her…that was when the show was at its finest for me. Not to disagree about the excellent dance scene at all, but it was that tree brought tears to my eyes.

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        ❤️The Love Tree❤️🥲

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        Definitely! The tree was quite moving. And their kiss (#12?) was also amazing. But I picked the dance because it was so, so close to being cringe awful, yet pulled it off somehow. That’s some skills.

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      John Hughes! Exactly.

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    Her dress was so pretty, I really fell in love with her look and the whole scene tbh – the peak of the drama for me!

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      He he. We will not open the debate on the dress.

      #TeamAwful. 😝

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        I am shocked!! Nah, but I’ve been in this like, idk what to call it, Victorian era fashion core? Or actually this dress looked more 1950’s I guess, but yes idk I’ve been in this phase where I’ve been big on the like puffy midi dresses, lace and vintage-y floral patterns and dress cuts, so I saw her dress and was literally trying to google a replica the next second 😂

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    I wanted to make a gif of the glass smash since no screen grab does it justice. But I haven’t the skillz. So, in words. Hae-won was frustrating. It could be the actress, or the poorly written second female role, but there were over-the-top moments like that when her villainy was simply delicious.

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    It’s a tough call between the tree and the dance- I can’t pick a peak 😂❤️

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    Agree that this is when I really fell in love, although I’d say it peaked with the kiss

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Girl, you were right to be afraid. If only the show had stayed in its lane, it woulda been a 10 out of 10. #HeartBurned
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    Ohhh BURN!!! Good one Indyfan!!!😂😂😂

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    Nice…on all counts. It was great to be in community with you on this @indyfan! While I really still can’t do My Dearest (I almost can’t even do the gifs anymore because I get upset), we’ve got some other good-to-fine-to-please-don’t-break-my-heart-again-제발 shows to share already!!

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      Yeah. I only try to get you onboard in jest.

      But are most of us watching DWY first episodes? It’s pretty whacky and gif-able for now. Perhaps we’ll all see each other there.

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    HAHAHAHAH this image is perfect, IH is us clinging on for dear life in ep 16 and WH is the scriptwriters, committed to their ending crash

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Meanwhile, over on My Lovely Liar:
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    😂 😂 😂

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      AHEM. Beyond their obvious good looks, the VILLAINS are also often rich, kind and incredibly open-minded. 🥹

      This 2ML in question is just a stupid noble idiot.

      TAKE THAT Y’ALL!! 😂

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        The more days that pass, the more I realise I was wrong to stray from the light you shone on Do-shik 😔 No like for real, weirdly I’m getting more and more sympathetic/like him more post the show finishing ????

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          Tee-hee. He was such a good character, wasn’t he? And he finished strong. Woo-hyeol on the other hand grew more compromised and stopped keeping his promises. I know I still risk banishment for saying bad things about Taec, but hey, I live on the edge.

          Oh, hey, @indyfan had a great idea and come Open Thread this Friday, I’ll be announcing a “HeartBeat Hottest Fest” over on the Fan Wall. The idea is that we can all post a story, gif or still image about our memories (good and/or less good) of the show and our community to say farewell…but also see you next show!!

          I’m posting this here to alert you, Lapis, but then also take the opportunity to call some of the more active members to get their ideas in order, if you ask want to participate!!! I’m thinking the hashtags can be #HeartBeats or #HeartBurned depending on your mood 🙂

          Thoughts also welcome from all of the Hottest, including but not limited to @hopefulromantic @fancypants @minniegupta1 @pikpokpikpok @elinor @moomoomoondog @chokulit191 @coffeprince4eva and @parkchuna…plus any other folks who swing by Indy’s post here!

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            That’s not “if you ask want to participate” that was “if you all want to participate.” No asking is required. Had to correct that typo…for sure.

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            Rich, kind, open-minded, and can SING! Don’t forget about singing – it makes unjustly treated SMLs villains even more appealing.

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            HeartBurned 🤣🤣
            Poor Woo Hyeol was too kind for his own good i guess..but he did look absolutely dashing in the coffin.. sorry @attiton for mentioning the end

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            thanks for the invite Seon-ha, I’m a newbie poster-long-time lurker so I haven’t learned yet how to post media. I saw your tutorial about it in one of your posts, just haven’t gotten around to trying it. #Heartbeats AND #HeartBurned

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            Honestly, I’m looking at HeartBeat as Do-sik’s audition tape to be a ML. Get this man a romantic lead role STAT! And I already have my gif for Friday mentally chosen 😁 Great idea, Seon-ha!!

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            @chokulit191 It doesn’t have to be a gif/meme, words are plenty: a poem or polemic, something ridiculous or a recollection.

            I know the show declined and gave us #HeartBurn at the end, but for most of its life, #HeartBeat was a silly and sweet ride. So I thought its In Memoriam could be like an Irish wake, jazz band included, natch. But of course, what’s a good funeral without some bitter truths told. 😂

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            @indyfan – oops I misread that – great idea for an “in memoriam” HeartBeat fest on Friday!!

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            Yes, I second what @indyfan says, @chokulit191. It can be all in words, no pictures needed!

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            I love that idea!! Thank you for the invite 😊

            Oh dear, and dear Do-shik lol. I’ve never been struck by SLS, but there have been a fair number of SML’s I couldn’t stand and he was definitely not in that camp! He was written better than most, but even so could have still come across as an unlikable and possessive punk, especially against Woo-hyeol/Taec’s charms. But Park Kang-hyun is a 2ML MVP!

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        LOL. I knew I was giving y’all an opening. Truth will not be denied.

        Still, Do-sik may have had the money, the voice, but he dinna have The Eyes, the soft, sad puppy eyes.

        Yes, I am superficial.

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          I think they knew that would’ve been the tipping point for many – can’t have an SML that powerful 😂 Rich, handsome, voice, knows how to respectfully love someone lol, moral compass that works 90% of the time, loner AND puppy eyes -> all of us would’ve been DEAD.

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            *whistles* To each their own…you’ll note that the OP up there describes him pretty exactly, tho *whistles*

            Actually, you know who would also have hit this character out of the park and does have puppy eyes: Jang Seung-jo [https://www.dramabeans.com/cast/jang-seung-jo/]

            I still wouldn’t have traded him out, because then we all wouldn’t have met Park Kang-hyun, but he would have almost certainly have caused greater SLS in the general population—which as a reminder AGAIN, is not what was I was suffering from 🙂

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          Dosik has nothing on Woo Hyeol! I will never have SLS with Taec around 😍

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Is My Lovely Boxer a fantasy drama? Not even 5mins in. Tell me it gets better. I wanna believe. In the meantime, back to the other lovely drama. So many dramas, so little time.



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    What’s going on? I can’t tell you it is going to get better, as I’m not watching…but what are they doing?

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      My reaction was – is this photoshopped 🥲

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      Well, it’s not a particular spoilery spoiler as it’s not even 5 mins in and not an important plot point, but as a trainee she KO’d a male champion boxer several weight classes above her in like 10 seconds flat. I don’t expect verisimilitude in my dramas but it looks like they were going for it—and utterly failed. I just laughed.

      I’m going to have to wait for other opinions on the rest of the drama or the recap to decide if it’s worth it. I’m dying this week and there are so many dramas already.

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        Well, I’ve dropped BYT, believe it or not…so I’m down to three live-watches total (My Lovely Liar, Moving, and soon Destined with You). I’ve got so many “reserve” watches queued up, though.

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          What, what? Butt, butt…

          I haven’t been following recaps. Thought you were having so much pun fun.

          Well my dear
          Have no fears
          Of a few tears
          Come My Dear…est.

          (This is only from concern for your drama-free weekends.)

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            Oh, it’s a whole sad tail ;). Suffice it to say, the actual way that they ended up approaching the subject of the butt-touching was truly quite dark (borderline cruel) and I have become unsure that the writer/PD are actually on women’s side. It actually started to sap me of my desire to be funny at all.

            Your poem is amazing. Your concern for how I’ll fill my weekends is doubly amazing. Right now, it’s Run On for the fourth time. I’ve had two shows fundamentally betray me in two very different, but very painful, ways within seven days, and I need a comfort show.

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            @attiton You can’t blame a girl for trying (again)!

            Run On would be a good rewatch. One of my fave back hugs.

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        I haven’t watched the show, but I did see that clip in the trailer. Talk about a major suspension of disbelief!

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          They didn’t even try! Well, she did glower. Is that a superpower? Or is she an extra from Moving?

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    Oy 🤨 As Simon & Garfunkel would sing…Lie-la-lie

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      Have you seen? I love a good underdog story esp of women in non traditional roles but this… Is it worth the two hours I haven’t got?

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        Me too 😄 I was debating checking this out but think I’ll wait. If there are too many scenes like this, that’s too much of a suspension of disbelief

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    I watched the entire of episode one. It gets better. Kim So-hye’s character of Lee Kwon-sook was in maybe the first 5-10 minutes and the final 5 or so minutes. Everything in between was about learning about Lee Sang-yeob’s character (sob) sport’s agent Kim Tae-young. I thought he was terrific in episode one.

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      Oh phew. I wish they hadn’t opened with that scene. Thank you.

      Now, how to fit this after finishing MLL but before Moving, Destined with You and My Dearest stream. 😅

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Whoa. Heartbeat ratings tanked on DramaBeans to 4.6. One of the lowest? As much as I disliked the last few episodes and loathed the finale, it makes me sad. It was such sweet fun until then.

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    There is a reason why JB did the ratings on her own.

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      😆 this just cracked me up! Oh, lordy.

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      Oh, I didn’t know that. Perhaps recappers should also rate the show. Tho I can see issues might arise with that.

      While I understand, and completely share, the upset with the ending, the *totality* of the show is surely above 4.6. Oh well.

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