The most memorable male lead of 2022 for me is Choi Ung in Our Beloved Summer. On the surface he was easy-going and carefree but as the show progresses, a striking fear of being abandoned is being shown. Choi Woo-shik was perfect as this quiet, contemplative character.
Even so, I think honorary mentions of Kim Young-dae’s portrayal of Gong Tae-sung in Shooting Stars is in place. He has great facial expressions and comedic timing which gave this character so many layers.
2022 Roundup, day 17, 18: Favorite directing and on Kdrama recommendation
My favorite directing this year is the Cdrama Reset. Almost entierly set in a buss and on a police station, this 15 episodes drama was about a bomb onboard a buss and two people living through that same buss journey in a seemingly endless time-loop while they try to figure out the motive and identity of the bomber and prevent the people on the buss from dying. While I’ll remember this show forever for the fear of the Chinese police it installed in me, it was an all-together thrilling ride with very neat and tight writing and acting. And the directing by Son Mo Long and Lui Hong Yuan keeps you hooked every minute, lest you’ll miss something. The rich details and OST makes it a great show for rewatch and also dubs it my non kdrama recommendation of the year.
Reset was great (if you can get past the rather whitewashed portrayal of the cops). Tightly written with a refreshingly composed, smart, empathetic female lead.
I may not have finished the drama but there can be no discussion about Park Eun-bin still being the easily most memorable female lead of the year in Extraordinary Attorney Woo. She brings a heafty dose of energy and brightness to the character who with a light waltz in her steps danced though the front door of her workplace and into the hearts of many of us.
I’m having a hard time deciding on a particular crush this year, mostly I think no one has yet to live up to the crush of last year, the magnificent Wang Duo and his amazing portrayal of prince Gong Zi in Bloody Romance. I’m still not over how awed I am of his performance.
****** Slightly star-struck********
Rebooting…….
But I did crush a lot on both main characters in Cdrama Fall in Love from last year. They were clever, sensical, had amazing chemistry and it was so awesome seeing them manipulate the situation from behind the lines. I’ll be sure to follow these two actors in their coming projects. And just take a look at the clothes! I swoon!
2022 Roundup, 11- Secondary character that stole your heart and the show.
Law Café may have turned out as something of a disappointment for me, but it earned me a bean and the reason I chose to stick with it was the crazy chaebol played by Jo Han-chul. He waltzed through the crazy spectrum with flair.
He is so good as the second son of the chaebol family – the middle child always scheming to get ahead and a spoilt brat no less. When he yells and rolls on the floor like a 5 year old, it’s believable.
1- FL you will never forget.
2- ML you will never forget.
3- Favourite womance / bromance.
4- Greatest disappointment: the drama that could have been but wasn’t.
5- The drama that will always live in your memory.
6- Your favorite OST/BGM.
7- The OTP you didn’t think you would adore.
8- The drama beanies convinced you to watch and you can’t be grateful enough.
9- The oldie (not 2022) you loved the most.
10- Favourite villain.
11- Favourite bestie.
12- Drama beanies loved but you didn’t / Drama you loved but beanies didn’t.
13- Favourite kiss.
14- Most unnecessary subplot.
15- Nam Da Reum Award: which younger version of main character impressed you the most.
16- Your 2022 crush.
17- Favourite directing.
18- Non k-drama recommendation.
19- Your guilty pleasure.
20- Best used trope / Best subverted trope.
21- Most stylish drama.
22-31 – Freestyle
2022 Roundup, Day 9: The oldie (not 2021) you loved the most.
Despite the lack of new beans this year, my elder beans kept a steady flow and among these were several gems. But the one that takes the cake by far is Fight My Way.
This show had so many memorable and likable characters, a well thought out and paced story and a satisfying ending. Go Dong-man and Choi Ae-ra as friends turned lovers was equally satisfying as an OTP. They were honest and brave and had an electrifying sizzle.
Park Seo yoon in a multitude of clever and funny t-shirts which often pointed out his mind was the cherry on top a very scrumptious cake.
2022 Round up: The drama beanies convinced you to watch and you can’t be grateful enough
The Killer is Also Romantic!
The story of these two assassins who actually truly fell in love and tried to make their marriage work despite all the sneaking about and secret missions is one I’ll remember for a long time despite the drama being so short.
2022 Round up: The OTP you didn’t think you would adore
To my surprise, there were a lot of OTP:s that stood out to me this year. But the one that surprised me was Lee Sang-sik and Cha Nae-rae of Gaus Electronics. This couple was on fire.
Is there a YouTube link as well? I use YouTube as the base list, but I so appreciate the Spotify link! I would not have probably found this one otherwise!
There is one style that stood out to me a little bit extra this year. I’ve always admired the way Park Bo-young dresses in her dramas but her style in DOOM AT YOUR SERVICE was just exquisite. Too often, I find actors and actresses of shorter build horribly styled in outfits tailored to height, making them look even shorter.
Park Bo-young in DOOM AT YOUR SERVICE is the shining example on how to make the petite frame both fashionable and comfortable at the same time. Those long skirts, numerous boots and knitted sweaters were truly one of the memorable things this year for me. I know nothing of fashion, but I was really nice seeing something a bit different in drama land. There will be a separate post on the coat-porn, it deserves it own post.
I have two favorite assistants this year. Because first there was Mr Jeong of RUN ON, the sane and pragmatical grown up, balancing the impulses of director Seo. But then came secretary Yeo of DALI AND GAMJATANG and part of time, she was the comic relief as well as the utterly loyal but still able to think for herself goon. And I absolutely loved her. She is in fact one of the characters who are most memorable to me from that show.
Day 21- That cute little drama.
Dali and Gamjatang was the cutest drama for me this year. I was insanely tired of all the greed at the end and the endless critisism Dali had to endure. However, this drama has to be recognized for the cuteness that was Dali and Moo-hak with honorary mentions to secretary Yeo and Moo-hak. Such memorable characters.
How could I choose? I’m utterly charmed by Im Shi-wan in Run On, he looks like a bunny. All big eyes and innocent face. Then there was Wang Duo, who made me watch YinYang: Dream of Eternity all of three times and then gave me the biggest second lead crush in the history of drama in Bloody Romance. Yoo Yeon-seok playing drums while looking perfectly content in Hospital Playlist and speaking to children with that cutesy voice, Jung Kyung-ho from the same show always looking slightly lost and lonesome and puppy-like. Too many oppas this year to choose only one!
Hmm, there were a lot of memorable scenes this year. To name a few I recall the fortune teller scenes from Vincenzo as that was a flirt with Song Joong-ki’s previous drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal. There was the drunken confession of The Day of Becoming You. In Move to Heaven, I bawled my eyes out when Sang-gu found that shoe storage. And in You’re My Glory, when Yu Tu visits the desert movie crew to enhance the internet performance. That was my favorite scene in the novel as well.
Then, there are of course a lot of memorable things I’d rather not remember, as Seo In guk’s hair in Doom At Your Service. It lingers uninvited in my mind. And sadly, that’s about it I remember about that drama. Perhaps a blessing in disguise.
Day 11- Secondary character that stole your heart and the show (SL, villains, kid…).
There were a lot of memorable secondary characters this year.
From Kwak Dong-yeon in Vincenzo whom I spent the first episodes wondering why he accepted such a simple role to marvel at his chameleon skills in the latter half.
Then there was the cray-cray ex-husband of Jun Jiu Ling, played by Du Ya Fei, whose clear eyes filled with utter obsession always entertained me instead of filling me with disgust.
Alice Ke in Railess Love in a Godless Land is another scene stealer. Playing a character who aims to always be in the way of the OTP, she could easily be seen as tiresome but instead she brings a sense of mischeviousness and fun.
And finally, there was the second lead couple that stole the show. Miss the Dragon was such a dud for me, but the secondary characters were something else. They had chemistry, they had a great story and the actors were the best in the show.
Best confession and best couple this year for me is Ki Seon-gyeom and Oh Mi-joo of RUN ON. My favorite thing about Run On was the way communication was handled between the characters, no flowery ways and dancing around issues. It felt real and meningful and it reminded me of real life. Sometimes it’s harsh and sometimes it cuts to the chase, even though it’s awkward. This really appeals to me as I generally try to avoid speaking in sub-text and have a difficulty understanding people trying to give me subtle hints. Mi-joo and Seon-gyeom were always direct with one another and avoided many stupid miss-understandings and the dreaded noble idocy. I felt I could relate and understand where they were coming from with every conversation they had.
Above all other drama, the show who won my heart this year was the 2018 cdrama BLOODY ROMANCE. It was tightly written, bold, dark, artistic and majestic. I usually prefer romantic drama and despite it’s name this is a show in serious lack of it. Instead, it features political intrigue and pure madness. It also holds my favorite male character in any drama, ever. Gong Zi, played to perfection by Wang Duo, is the second lead; a blind prince hidden away in a village of assassins and a master of tactics, big and small. Although there are many well-written characters in this show, his is a character you grow to have many a complex feelings for.
lillamy
December 16, 2022 at 11:52 PM
2022 Roundup, day 2: The ML you’ll never forget.
The most memorable male lead of 2022 for me is Choi Ung in Our Beloved Summer. On the surface he was easy-going and carefree but as the show progresses, a striking fear of being abandoned is being shown. Choi Woo-shik was perfect as this quiet, contemplative character.
Even so, I think honorary mentions of Kim Young-dae’s portrayal of Gong Tae-sung in Shooting Stars is in place. He has great facial expressions and comedic timing which gave this character so many layers.
Ally
December 17, 2022 at 4:46 AM
I enjoyed both these guys in their respective shows as well. More Actors are getting better and better, it’s hard to choose!
lillamy
December 16, 2022 at 11:25 PM
2022 Roundup, day 17, 18: Favorite directing and on Kdrama recommendation
My favorite directing this year is the Cdrama Reset. Almost entierly set in a buss and on a police station, this 15 episodes drama was about a bomb onboard a buss and two people living through that same buss journey in a seemingly endless time-loop while they try to figure out the motive and identity of the bomber and prevent the people on the buss from dying. While I’ll remember this show forever for the fear of the Chinese police it installed in me, it was an all-together thrilling ride with very neat and tight writing and acting. And the directing by Son Mo Long and Lui Hong Yuan keeps you hooked every minute, lest you’ll miss something. The rich details and OST makes it a great show for rewatch and also dubs it my non kdrama recommendation of the year.
Eazal
December 17, 2022 at 1:36 AM
Oh, this sounds so good. Thanks for the recommendation, I have already added it to my very long “to watch” list.
IsaGC
December 17, 2022 at 2:03 AM
It sounds interesting! There was a movie called Speed (with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock) with a similar plot.
lillamy
December 17, 2022 at 12:02 PM
Speed is not too bad of a comparison actually, just imagine that Keanu got blown up a couple of times while he figured things out.
wonhwa
December 17, 2022 at 9:54 AM
Reset was great (if you can get past the rather whitewashed portrayal of the cops). Tightly written with a refreshingly composed, smart, empathetic female lead.
lillamy
December 16, 2022 at 10:34 AM
2022 Roundup, day 1: FL you will never forget.
I may not have finished the drama but there can be no discussion about Park Eun-bin still being the easily most memorable female lead of the year in Extraordinary Attorney Woo. She brings a heafty dose of energy and brightness to the character who with a light waltz in her steps danced though the front door of her workplace and into the hearts of many of us.
lillamy
December 16, 2022 at 9:17 AM
2022 Roundup, day 16 – My 2022 crush
I’m having a hard time deciding on a particular crush this year, mostly I think no one has yet to live up to the crush of last year, the magnificent Wang Duo and his amazing portrayal of prince Gong Zi in Bloody Romance. I’m still not over how awed I am of his performance.
****** Slightly star-struck********
Rebooting…….
But I did crush a lot on both main characters in Cdrama Fall in Love from last year. They were clever, sensical, had amazing chemistry and it was so awesome seeing them manipulate the situation from behind the lines. I’ll be sure to follow these two actors in their coming projects. And just take a look at the clothes! I swoon!
lillamy
December 10, 2022 at 11:49 PM
2022 Roundup, 11- Secondary character that stole your heart and the show.
Law Café may have turned out as something of a disappointment for me, but it earned me a bean and the reason I chose to stick with it was the crazy chaebol played by Jo Han-chul. He waltzed through the crazy spectrum with flair.
PYC
December 10, 2022 at 11:58 PM
He is so good as the second son of the chaebol family – the middle child always scheming to get ahead and a spoilt brat no less. When he yells and rolls on the floor like a 5 year old, it’s believable.
PYC
December 10, 2022 at 11:58 PM
In Reborn Rich.
lillamy
December 11, 2022 at 12:19 AM
I noticed and was very pleased to see him! Jo Han-chul always brings good presence to his characters.
Reply1988
December 11, 2022 at 12:28 AM
I must be working off another version of the list or you have last year’s version as you mention 2021 in your day 9 feedback.
lillamy
December 11, 2022 at 12:45 AM
No, I’m working off last year’s list and forgot to change the year. Was it altered?
Reply1988
December 11, 2022 at 2:03 AM
Yes see below:
2022 roundup
1- FL you will never forget.
2- ML you will never forget.
3- Favourite womance / bromance.
4- Greatest disappointment: the drama that could have been but wasn’t.
5- The drama that will always live in your memory.
6- Your favorite OST/BGM.
7- The OTP you didn’t think you would adore.
8- The drama beanies convinced you to watch and you can’t be grateful enough.
9- The oldie (not 2022) you loved the most.
10- Favourite villain.
11- Favourite bestie.
12- Drama beanies loved but you didn’t / Drama you loved but beanies didn’t.
13- Favourite kiss.
14- Most unnecessary subplot.
15- Nam Da Reum Award: which younger version of main character impressed you the most.
16- Your 2022 crush.
17- Favourite directing.
18- Non k-drama recommendation.
19- Your guilty pleasure.
20- Best used trope / Best subverted trope.
21- Most stylish drama.
22-31 – Freestyle
lillamy
December 14, 2022 at 12:21 PM
Thanks.
Though I have to admit I miss the post about favourite shirtless scene.
Reply1988
December 14, 2022 at 12:25 PM
👆That’s really funny.
Reply1988
December 11, 2022 at 2:04 AM
It was sent round for suggestions over a few weeks so this is the co constructed 2022 list.
Eazal
December 16, 2022 at 9:51 AM
I dropped TLC on episode 9 I think, but he was definitely the best in the drama. When you want a good psycho you know Jo Han Chul will nail it.
lillamy
December 10, 2022 at 11:34 PM
2022 Roundup, Day 9: The oldie (not 2021) you loved the most.
Despite the lack of new beans this year, my elder beans kept a steady flow and among these were several gems. But the one that takes the cake by far is Fight My Way.
This show had so many memorable and likable characters, a well thought out and paced story and a satisfying ending. Go Dong-man and Choi Ae-ra as friends turned lovers was equally satisfying as an OTP. They were honest and brave and had an electrifying sizzle.
Park Seo yoon in a multitude of clever and funny t-shirts which often pointed out his mind was the cherry on top a very scrumptious cake.
dramadillo
December 11, 2022 at 1:30 AM
😁 I love the term “elder beans” 🫘👨🏼🦳👵🏼
Lelly19
December 11, 2022 at 3:10 AM
❤️❤️❤️
parkchuna
December 11, 2022 at 3:30 AM
Heheh the tshirts were a nice touch
tabong envies blueberrys chocolate diet
December 11, 2022 at 11:05 AM
One of my favorite dramas ever💚
lillamy
December 8, 2022 at 1:54 PM
2022 Round up: The drama beanies convinced you to watch and you can’t be grateful enough
The Killer is Also Romantic!
The story of these two assassins who actually truly fell in love and tried to make their marriage work despite all the sneaking about and secret missions is one I’ll remember for a long time despite the drama being so short.
lillamy
December 7, 2022 at 11:34 PM
2022 Round up: The OTP you didn’t think you would adore
To my surprise, there were a lot of OTP:s that stood out to me this year. But the one that surprised me was Lee Sang-sik and Cha Nae-rae of Gaus Electronics. This couple was on fire.
lillamy
December 7, 2022 at 11:15 PM
2022 Round-up Day 6: The OST you are obsessed with.
Our Beloved Summer had a great OST.
lillamy
August 6, 2022 at 1:07 AM
#BVIPP 2
https://open.spotify.com/track/2K4ycFYl0Yp3DIJea9Rxb1?si=b7fcb87143a2462a
This is originally a song by Young Tak, but I find this cover more fun. ^^
Ally
August 6, 2022 at 2:34 AM
Is there a YouTube link as well? I use YouTube as the base list, but I so appreciate the Spotify link! I would not have probably found this one otherwise!
lillamy
August 8, 2022 at 12:36 AM
Unfortunately not for this particular version, but I’ll include the original below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3s_GYdceVg
Ally
August 8, 2022 at 5:19 AM
Thanks!
lillamy
December 25, 2021 at 2:27 AM
#2021RoundUp
Day 25 – Most fabulous style
There is one style that stood out to me a little bit extra this year. I’ve always admired the way Park Bo-young dresses in her dramas but her style in DOOM AT YOUR SERVICE was just exquisite. Too often, I find actors and actresses of shorter build horribly styled in outfits tailored to height, making them look even shorter.
Park Bo-young in DOOM AT YOUR SERVICE is the shining example on how to make the petite frame both fashionable and comfortable at the same time. Those long skirts, numerous boots and knitted sweaters were truly one of the memorable things this year for me. I know nothing of fashion, but I was really nice seeing something a bit different in drama land. There will be a separate post on the coat-porn, it deserves it own post.
Jellybn
December 25, 2021 at 5:46 PM
Oooo, love these outfits! I love the skirts too, the beige is my fave!
lillamy
December 22, 2021 at 12:02 PM
#2021RoundUp
Day 22- Best secretary / assistant.
I have two favorite assistants this year. Because first there was Mr Jeong of RUN ON, the sane and pragmatical grown up, balancing the impulses of director Seo. But then came secretary Yeo of DALI AND GAMJATANG and part of time, she was the comic relief as well as the utterly loyal but still able to think for herself goon. And I absolutely loved her. She is in fact one of the characters who are most memorable to me from that show.
lillamy
December 21, 2021 at 12:09 PM
#2021RoundUp
Day 21- That cute little drama.
Dali and Gamjatang was the cutest drama for me this year. I was insanely tired of all the greed at the end and the endless critisism Dali had to endure. However, this drama has to be recognized for the cuteness that was Dali and Moo-hak with honorary mentions to secretary Yeo and Moo-hak. Such memorable characters.
lillamy
December 20, 2021 at 10:21 AM
#2021RoundUp
Day 19- Your 2021 crush.
How could I choose? I’m utterly charmed by Im Shi-wan in Run On, he looks like a bunny. All big eyes and innocent face. Then there was Wang Duo, who made me watch YinYang: Dream of Eternity all of three times and then gave me the biggest second lead crush in the history of drama in Bloody Romance. Yoo Yeon-seok playing drums while looking perfectly content in Hospital Playlist and speaking to children with that cutesy voice, Jung Kyung-ho from the same show always looking slightly lost and lonesome and puppy-like. Too many oppas this year to choose only one!
lillamy
December 17, 2021 at 11:24 AM
#2021RoundUp
Day 17- Best idol turned actor.
Junho in my heart. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
lillamy
December 14, 2021 at 2:41 AM
#2021RoundUp
Day 14- Most memorable scene.
Hmm, there were a lot of memorable scenes this year. To name a few I recall the fortune teller scenes from Vincenzo as that was a flirt with Song Joong-ki’s previous drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal. There was the drunken confession of The Day of Becoming You. In Move to Heaven, I bawled my eyes out when Sang-gu found that shoe storage. And in You’re My Glory, when Yu Tu visits the desert movie crew to enhance the internet performance. That was my favorite scene in the novel as well.
Then, there are of course a lot of memorable things I’d rather not remember, as Seo In guk’s hair in Doom At Your Service. It lingers uninvited in my mind. And sadly, that’s about it I remember about that drama. Perhaps a blessing in disguise.
lillamy
December 12, 2021 at 4:57 AM
#2021RoundUp
Day 12- Best quote / oneliner.
I think Vincenzo flicking his lighter should count as a oneliner. There was a load of attitude in that lighter.
lillamy
December 11, 2021 at 5:11 AM
#2021RoundUp
Day 11- Secondary character that stole your heart and the show (SL, villains, kid…).
There were a lot of memorable secondary characters this year.
From Kwak Dong-yeon in Vincenzo whom I spent the first episodes wondering why he accepted such a simple role to marvel at his chameleon skills in the latter half.
Then there was the cray-cray ex-husband of Jun Jiu Ling, played by Du Ya Fei, whose clear eyes filled with utter obsession always entertained me instead of filling me with disgust.
Alice Ke in Railess Love in a Godless Land is another scene stealer. Playing a character who aims to always be in the way of the OTP, she could easily be seen as tiresome but instead she brings a sense of mischeviousness and fun.
And finally, there was the second lead couple that stole the show. Miss the Dragon was such a dud for me, but the secondary characters were something else. They had chemistry, they had a great story and the actors were the best in the show.
lillamy
December 10, 2021 at 10:28 AM
#2021RoundUp
Day 10 – Best confession.
Best confession and best couple this year for me is Ki Seon-gyeom and Oh Mi-joo of RUN ON. My favorite thing about Run On was the way communication was handled between the characters, no flowery ways and dancing around issues. It felt real and meningful and it reminded me of real life. Sometimes it’s harsh and sometimes it cuts to the chase, even though it’s awkward. This really appeals to me as I generally try to avoid speaking in sub-text and have a difficulty understanding people trying to give me subtle hints. Mi-joo and Seon-gyeom were always direct with one another and avoided many stupid miss-understandings and the dreaded noble idocy. I felt I could relate and understand where they were coming from with every conversation they had.
lillamy
December 9, 2021 at 12:22 PM
#2021RoundUp
Day 9 – The oldie (not 2021) you loved the most.
Above all other drama, the show who won my heart this year was the 2018 cdrama BLOODY ROMANCE. It was tightly written, bold, dark, artistic and majestic. I usually prefer romantic drama and despite it’s name this is a show in serious lack of it. Instead, it features political intrigue and pure madness. It also holds my favorite male character in any drama, ever. Gong Zi, played to perfection by Wang Duo, is the second lead; a blind prince hidden away in a village of assassins and a master of tactics, big and small. Although there are many well-written characters in this show, his is a character you grow to have many a complex feelings for.
alasecond
December 9, 2021 at 9:07 PM
he he..i remember reading on twitter that the book is originally a p*** .. not even erotic
but i agree.. it was a good adaptation.. and layered characters..